FZ6 vs XJ650RJ

[todd]

I've been liking the FZ6 ever since they became available (here) in 2004. I like the '04-'05 models on looks alone - don't address this issue, please.

Now that they are finally coming closer to me being able to afford one, I figure I can sell a few bikes and finally have the FZ6 I always wanted.

Among other bikes, I currently ride a '82 Yamaha XJ650RJ Seca. Everything I've been reading about the FZ sounds pretty similar to the Seca. The FZ is lower geared, has a taller rev ceiling, is chain drive as apposed to the Seca's shaft. It likes to rev to get really good power out of it but that's how I ride anyway. What I'm up against, the Seca was free, as in 0$. It had 12,000 miles on it and needed the general freshening up. Other than a small intake leak I've been able to put another 6k miles on it in the last 6 months. I'm on my second rear tire now (about 5,000 on the first Dunlop 404) and now I fit a $50 Shinko (Yokohama, excellent tire by the way). I'm able to consume all my chicken strips in one meal but I did fit some taller Koni rear shocks to keep from scraping the center stand in corners.

Will it be worth buying a $4000 ('05) FZ6 only to have it do everything the Seca does already while giving up the cheap tires, all-day comfy seat, cheap insurance, 50mpg, zero vibration, and maintenance free shaft drive? I don't have much money so I'd have to give up two BMW R75/5's (and the Seca) for an FZ6.

Is it worth it? Thanks for reading all the way through.

-todd

 

[champion221elite]

If you're happy with your Seca, I really don't see any reason to purchase an FZ6. A paid-for bike, cheap tires, cheap insurance and 50 mpg makes your current bike pretty attractive... unless of course you don't like it as much as you think you do.

What you could do is begin saving for an FZ6 in the event your Seca ever suffers a catastrophic failure or is damaged/ stolen. That way, you'll have a nice little nest-egg saved up when your ready to switch bikes.

BTW, welcome to the forum and feel free to post photos of your Seca. We like photos here!

 

[Ridgeback]

If you're happy with all the things the XJ does,then I'd say no.

The FZ is going to be better in every department,but it would be up to you to decide if it's going to be $4,000 better.

It would be like me taking an FZ8 out and trying to decide if that is really 6K better than my FZ6,but we all know the answer to that...........

 

[todd]

that's what I'm trying to find; how is the FZ6 better than the XJ "in every way"? Usually everything I read about them (I've never been able to test ride one) doesn't have much good to say. Things like, uncomfortable seat, narrow clutch engagement, harsh drive line snatch, annoying buzziness, "gaping" flat spots with "spotty" fueling, must rev at least 6k for ANY power, soft suspension pitching, hard to read digital tach, stiff throttle springs, sportbike insurance rates...

Is it really this bad? My XJ doesn't have any of those problems (just a slight high idle sometimes due to the leaking intake boot). Looking at dyno charts they make pretty much the same power up to the Seca's 71hp (without the torque dips), 9,500rpm redline (maybe more, I have pods and a jet kit)- whereas the FZ continues to power on to 13,500. I see the gearing is a bit lower on the FZ but the weight is the same. Highway riding is 5,000 rpm on the Seca and 6,000 on the FZ so the FZ will accelerate harder on the highway but then it's supposedly uncomfortably buzzy at that RPM.

What I can tell the FZ has over the Seca is in the looks department, hands down. The Seca is OK looking but I feel like a cheap dork riding it sometimes and I often have to push the canyons hard to "prove" the Seca as a choice. Not everyone knows it was free.

I'm hoping someone has some direct XJ-FZ experience here. It seems a logical step.

-todd

 

[Hoshiko]

I personally think that the FZ6 has more power than anyone can use on USA cities and highways, now everything depends how do you ride, where, how far.........
I absolute love my 2008 FZ6 and couldn’t agree more with you on the looks.
Sometimes I wish it was little lighter if I am riding on NYC and on the weekends long rides I wish it was more comfortable but I guess that is why they call it a do it all bike.
I agree with ridgeback, I would keep the Seca for my daily use and the Beemers just because I really like those.
Put some money aside, money that you are saving on insurance and chain maintenance plus some little savings here and there and if anything ever happens to the seca, then get an FZ6 or whatever bike you may like at the time.
Whatever you do, ride safe and ATGATT.

 

[Andle]

Keep the Seca, save for a fz6. Im not sure what the pricing is like in SF but in Oregon you can get a nice 05 fz6 for 3-3.5k. If you dont mind some damage one can easily be had for the mid to low 2s. As for the buzz at highway speeds, I have never had an issue with that. As for an uncomfortable seat I am a big guy at 250lb and have no issues riding for 350+ miles per day with the usual stops. The power of an fz6 is nice but I crave more, I have always been a fan of more power.

 

[Ridgeback]

that's what I'm trying to find; how is the FZ6 better than the XJ "in every way"? Usually everything I read about them (I've never been able to test ride one) doesn't have much good to say. Things like, uncomfortable seat, narrow clutch engagement, harsh drive line snatch, annoying buzziness, "gaping" flat spots with "spotty" fueling, must rev at least 6k for ANY power, soft suspension pitching, hard to read digital tach, stiff throttle springs, sportbike insurance rates...

I don't know which road tests you've been reading fella

But If you believe that BS,then you shouldn't even consider one.
Seems like the only difference between the XJ and the FZ6, 22 years later,is the FZ is a bit better looking.....

Maybe you should consider a 600 Bandit.Everyone raves about them

 

[spock]

he cannot get a bandit 650, they aren't sold in the states

 

[todd]

I've seen used '04 and '05s in the same price range. I can pick up some with less than 10k miles for around $4000. I figure I can get at least $4000 for my two BMWs. I'm not a major fan of the old Air Heads, I don't quite like the vibration, the flexy frame, the major fork dive, never working instruments, and slow revving, weak motor with clunky 4-speed transmission. They do look really good and hold their value even though there seems to be thousands of them around here.

Never really liked the Bandits except the amazingly beautiful Bandit 400 - which I do believe inspired the Ducati Monster line...

Maybe someone would want to trade a clean '04 or '05 FZ6 for them?

Todd Sorel's Photos | Facebook

Todd Sorel's Photos | Facebook

 

[JustinID]

Will it be worth buying a $4000 ('05) FZ6 ... giving up ... cheap insurance, 50mpg, ...

A few quick points from my (limited) experience. You can get an '05 for less than 4k, just look around. You won't be giving up 50 mpg, depending on how you drive it. I've finally got things worked out and I'm getting 54 MPG (I also don't beat on my bike like a lot of other folks enjoy doing ). My insurance is dirt cheap. I'm paying just over $200 per year for full coverage with $250 deductibles.

I hope you enjoy whichever you end up on!