FZ6 or FZ1

[jrbritt]

I am getting ready to purchase either an FZ1 or FZ6. The main reason I am looking to upgrade from my Ninja 500 is more power for two up riding. I am just wondering if the FZ6 will be large enough for my wife and I to take short drives around the wonderful Texas Hill Country. We usually limit our rides to an hour or two at the max. Can anyone comment on the two up question I have?

 

[Kazza]

Many people two up on the FZ6 - shouldn't be a problem.

 

[dankatz]

I had a Ninja 500 as well and upgraded two years ago to an FZ6. My wife and I ride a bunch two up and it easily handles us. I have a Givi trunk and she uses the grab handles, so I barely know she is behind. It helps that she only weighs 120lbs... Remember to increase your preload. I ride mostly in the city, so by myself am on 3. With wife on I put it on 5. I thnk the FZ6's seatis more comfortable than the FZ1 (second generation).

 

[Bikebiz]

FZ6 is great for 2-up, you'll just need to ride in higher revs to keep the torque levels up there. Good thing about the 6 is that you should be able to nab a bargain (if buying new) from a dealer right about now.

 

[AngelFZ]

For the types of rides you mention, the FZ6 should not be a problem at all.

I've done that (limiting the revs to 6,000) on my new bike and I have no complains. It was a relaxed trip lasting some 3 riding hours total

 

[dankatz]

As for the higher revs, I cruise at 500 RPM higher, that's all. Nothing major, just 4k rpm and above. Don't want to scare the wife off.

 

[ozzieboy]

Have to agree with the others. My FZ6 seat was definitely better than the seat on my FZ1 for a pillion. The grab rails on the FZ6 are awesome, and it'll haul two people around no probs at all. The FZ1 is more 'sport' oriented, and while it'll barely notice the second person's weight, it's not going to be as comfortable for your Wife. I reckon the FZ6 will make both you and her happy, but if you can score a test ride somehow or even just sit on one of each in the showroom, with your wife of course, you'll see what we mean.

Hope this helps. Best of luck with the decision:thumbup:.

Cheers
Mike

 

[Doorag]

I'm around 225lbs and my wife is around 140lbs and my Fazer doesn't have any trouble at all with both of us on.

 

[skooter65]

Majority of my riding is with the "old-lady" old lady on the back. With our 350 lb +/- combined weight, the bike has plenty of power to tote us around. I will say that the suspension could be a little more rigid with the extra weight; dipping in corners and such.

My 2 cents.

 

[FZ1inNH]

Two up riding... but, what is the total weight of your two with gear? I won't be quick to recommend an FZ6 if the two of you with gear are pushing the limits of the bike. Are you planing two-up AND luggage? Touring type of riding? If all of this is leaning toward the lighter side, the FZ6 will do the job. If on the heavy side, you may want the extra torque and HP of the FZ1.

Given that you're in Texas, electrical output for heated gear/mods aren't likely, thus the FZ6 will do the job once again. If you plan on heading to colder areas and will be installing even a handful of electrical attachments and/or heated gear, perhaps the much larger charging system on the FZ1 is a swaying factor.

Either way, you're getting a great bike!

 

[Hellgate]

What kind of question is this from a Texan??? Bigger is better!!! Gee whizzz... j/k

Like several people on this thread I've owned both bikes, and I've toured on both with a pillion and saddlebags.

With the FZ6 it was good but I had to stir the gearbox more, not a big thing but you'll need to shift more. Another consideration is the suspension, the FZ1 wins hands down. The FZ6 suspension is about 1980 at best, the FZ1 is very good for touring and day-to-day riding. Yeah you can mod the FZ6 suspension to get to the FZ1 level, or just buy the FZ1 and be done with it.

If you are buying used, the FZ1 and the FZ6 are about the same price.

That and we need more members on the FZ1 side of the house.

 

[Dan]

... I am looking to upgrade from my Ninja 500 is more power for two up riding.

There is no big difference between Ninja 500 and FZ6. I believe, the engine of FZ6 is too weak for two person. And if you are looking for a powerful bike for two person, you choice is FZ1 for sure.

I rode with a passenger on my FZ6, it was terrible. You should keep high revs to speed up quickly at any moment. And this is absolutely uncomfortable. I think, you know that if you can't speed up quickly, you increase possibility of a close call. So, you won't get such problems, if you'll get FZ1.

Anyway, it is only your choice. Good luck.:thumbup:

FZ6 is a very cool bike, but only for a rider.

 

[mastakilla]

I strongly disagree with the above post. The FZ6 is perfect for 2-up riding. My girlfriend and I did plenty of long rides. Not only is the bike more than strong enough, she was very comfortable on the back as well.

The FZ6 will offer you plenty of thrills coming off of a 500. The FZ1 is a beast, I tell ya. You can not compare it with the FZ6 at all. I have ridden one on several occassions, and somehow I could never get comfortable on it. I mean this literally, because at 6'3 the knee angle & seat is better on the FZ6, but also figuratively, because the FZ1 pulls so freaking hard, it's not a relaxing ride anymore.

I have upgraded to a FJR1300 from my FZ6 and couldn't be happier. I just adore it.