rideslikean00b
Member
...cos I came off my XJ-6 recently on some black ice. The problem is now after a week with the bike I think I like it more than my XJ-6. A lot more. It requires a bit more finesse with the handling but it's so much more satisfying to ride, and the extra power is nice. I also post over at BCF, I'm going to repost some bits here.
2007 Yamaha FAZER FZ-6 S2
From the reading I've done this was arguably the best model year before the power got knocked from 98BHP and some other changes detrimental to the fun factor were made. Classic Yammy racing blue colour scheme as well.
I must say, I quite like it. It's not quite as well-tuned for low end torque as the XJ-6 and the handling requires a little more finesse, plus the suspension is set too stiff but these things aside I'm thoroughly enjoying this bike.
I'd take the gearbox on this over the XJ-6, it's easier to handle for slow control stuff and the engine sounds less busy. The more I ride it the closer it comes to making me like it more than the other bike, certainly makes me feel like I'm learning more as a rider and respecting the road too - the fact it's been wet and greasy a lot again recently probably helps. The extra power really becomes apparent when pushing over 8K and it really does seem to handle better when it's working hard, better engine note than the Divvy as well. Tank range from first full load I put in there was 171 miles before it hit the reserve, although a lot of that was motorway riding for work rather than the usual back road stuff that made me lose the Divvy so I guess that factors in.
So yeah. Genuinely impressed, and can see why there's already 28K on the clock before I got my grubby mitts on it. Any experiences from those who own or have ridden these? I understand they have quite a loyal following and I'm beginning to see why, slightly twitchy back end and typically clunky change from 2nd down to 1st common to all the Yamaha bikes I've ridden aside.
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It almost seems like the XJ-6 is the toned down version of the Fazer now I've had some time with both, a good bike but not quite as wild when you're over 7K RPM. The low end torque is better and the handling is much more forgiving but the longer I'm on the Fazer it feels like a step up. It gets to triple figures and feels like there's easily some more where the XJ-6 starts getting breathless and creeping slowly towards the redline. The big bike review sites say the XJ-6 has an improved gearbox but I think the Fazer's one is better especially for two up, slow speed stuff reveals a better turning circle and the weight is more manageable.
I'm really taken with it actually, even with the high mileage. Far as I know the bike is a trade-in that hasn't been serviced and made forecourt ready, had basic checks etc but would need some work to get the dealership seal of approval. If my XJ-6 is declared a write off I'd happily consider this one or the same model year but a little less on the clock...
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So yeah, even if/when my XJ-6 is repaired via my insurance company, I'd kinda prefer to keep this one. I really really like it, it's much more fitting to me as a rider.
2007 Yamaha FAZER FZ-6 S2
From the reading I've done this was arguably the best model year before the power got knocked from 98BHP and some other changes detrimental to the fun factor were made. Classic Yammy racing blue colour scheme as well.
I must say, I quite like it. It's not quite as well-tuned for low end torque as the XJ-6 and the handling requires a little more finesse, plus the suspension is set too stiff but these things aside I'm thoroughly enjoying this bike.
I'd take the gearbox on this over the XJ-6, it's easier to handle for slow control stuff and the engine sounds less busy. The more I ride it the closer it comes to making me like it more than the other bike, certainly makes me feel like I'm learning more as a rider and respecting the road too - the fact it's been wet and greasy a lot again recently probably helps. The extra power really becomes apparent when pushing over 8K and it really does seem to handle better when it's working hard, better engine note than the Divvy as well. Tank range from first full load I put in there was 171 miles before it hit the reserve, although a lot of that was motorway riding for work rather than the usual back road stuff that made me lose the Divvy so I guess that factors in.
So yeah. Genuinely impressed, and can see why there's already 28K on the clock before I got my grubby mitts on it. Any experiences from those who own or have ridden these? I understand they have quite a loyal following and I'm beginning to see why, slightly twitchy back end and typically clunky change from 2nd down to 1st common to all the Yamaha bikes I've ridden aside.
---
It almost seems like the XJ-6 is the toned down version of the Fazer now I've had some time with both, a good bike but not quite as wild when you're over 7K RPM. The low end torque is better and the handling is much more forgiving but the longer I'm on the Fazer it feels like a step up. It gets to triple figures and feels like there's easily some more where the XJ-6 starts getting breathless and creeping slowly towards the redline. The big bike review sites say the XJ-6 has an improved gearbox but I think the Fazer's one is better especially for two up, slow speed stuff reveals a better turning circle and the weight is more manageable.
I'm really taken with it actually, even with the high mileage. Far as I know the bike is a trade-in that hasn't been serviced and made forecourt ready, had basic checks etc but would need some work to get the dealership seal of approval. If my XJ-6 is declared a write off I'd happily consider this one or the same model year but a little less on the clock...
---
So yeah, even if/when my XJ-6 is repaired via my insurance company, I'd kinda prefer to keep this one. I really really like it, it's much more fitting to me as a rider.
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