FZ6 torque and performance

[centerall49]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and I don't own a bike yet. I'm considering an FZ6 but I have some questions/concerns. Several reviews I have read comparing the FZ6 with the Honda 599 and Suzuki SV650 talk about the engine being "peaky" and/or say the engine doesn't have the low end torque and smooth operation that would make it better in town and for first timers.

I'm not a first timer to motorcycles but I am when it comes to bikes of this nature. So what can you all tell me about the way the bike performs at lower speeds when riding in town, etc?

Thanks for your help.

 

[champion221elite]

The FZ6 performs just fine at lower/ in-town speeds. See if you can arrange a test ride and decide for yourself.

 

[jtarkany]

:welcome: See if your local dealer will let you test ride the bikes mentioned.

I have had my FZ since 06 when I bought it new. I read similar articles at the time, but when I actually rode the bike, the articles seemed to me, to be much ado about nothing. I have had no regrets in purchasing and buying the FZ6.

Basically anytime a comparison is written, small things seem to get magnified.

Best of luck with whatever you decide :thumbup:

 

[AlanB]

the engine doesn't have the low end torque and smooth operation that would make it better in town and for first timers.

OK, that's just wierd. I AM a first timer and I tell people the really cool thing about the FZ6 is that it is docile and smooth under about 6K around town, but out in the canyons or open road it can go all crazy in the 8-14K range. Who wants a jumpy, torquey bike to ride to work on?

 

[centerall49]

Thanks for the feedback! I do have a used 05 to go and visit for a ride. Pretty low miles on it (under 4k) so I think it's worth a look. The owner has had it for a year and not ridden it much. He got it from the original owner.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Zealadin]

Just got mine, and its VERY smooth down low, infact you could do most city riding sticking in second gear. Theres a tiny bit of takeup between gears, but I'm still running mine in so probably not revving hard enough when changing up.
Smooth operation comes with being a good rider and knowing a bike, to me its a bit stupid that people complain about this 9 times out of 10 its because your riding it wrong!
Its got plenty of power though, and is pretty forgiving.

Its not going to rock in bumper to bumper riding, but seriously your never going to find a bike suited to that.

 

[bledubd]

I do most of my town (London) congested riding in gear 2. The ride feels smooth. And I was a first time big bike rider when I got it. It records 10/10 in my books

 

[cobalt10]

Just purchased an 09 FZ6. Previously rode heavy Harleys. The bike is a "gentleman's commuter" according to the dealer. Is smooth in town traffic with plenty of git if you want. Have noticed a flat spot in the 5k-6k range; once past that hang on. Rates a 10 with me

:thumbup:

 

[ranieri]

Am recently back on one after having other bikes.
Glad to be back!
The thing about the Fazer is its not10/10 at anything but is 8/10 at everything and I dont think there is another bike that can do that.
Also I find the S2 a vast improvement.
You need to have other bikes to see how good this bike is.:thumbup:

 

[Mexi-can't]

I've seen that question asked a lot about the torque. The FZ6 makes about 40 ft lb's just like almost every other 600 does but at a slightly lower RPM.

 

[tuningfork]

I am starting to think we should all lobby the bike mags for a re-test!

 

[Manx]

I agree! I read the reports and it put me off the FZ6 until I rode it. The CBF600 is heavier and less powerful, (and ugly) but got great reviews! The '03 R6 got very good reviews. Yet here we have a bike more comfortable and practical than an '03 R6, just losing a few hp at the top end and it got slated! I don't get it.

I doubt I'd be any quicker or much more comfortable on anything else. And it does 200+ miles to a tank!

Take a test ride. :thumbup:

 

[jtarkany]

Here is my summary on the FZ6: http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-general-discussion/16980-buy-fz6.html

 

[Zealadin]

All the reveiws I read gave it shining reveiws as the best all round naked bike in the bracket, and generally rated it as the best/second best for everything individually.

That being said alot of reviewers don't like to take into consideration the market the bike is developed for and seem to expect R1 performance, or let their brand bias show in their comments.
Just gotta pick which mags to read. Some are most worthwhile as toilet paper.