How hard can the fz6 countersteer?

[jmerch44]

I know that the fz's tires and suspension are nowhere near race quality, but I am completely unsure about how much input can be placed in bars before you lose the front tire. I know theres no fix all answer for this question, but has anyone who has ridden a sportbike as well as the fz comment on the limitations of highspeed steering when it comes to the FZ6?

The reason I am asking is because my buddy who rides a gixxer 600 has become alot faster, and I am at the point where I am just scared to push it harder ( no, I cant afford a track day right now). I havent got a knee down yet, so I'm thinking the bike has more potential, and the only thing I can think of that will make me faster is working on my entry speed (which I'm starting to believe is incredibly slow). so, you see how countersteering is my concern. I already know how to countersteer, and how it works, its the capability of the fz that is in question?

Note: can we please stay on topic and keep the "do a track day" and the "take the riding coures" and the "attend a racing school" stuff for the people who have the money? :rockon:

 

[fz6nick]

Well first off you have to trust your bike. The more confidence you have the better/faster you can ride. Tires is the first step. Get a good seta tires and youll feel planted and confident. Push left lean left....Push right lean right

Now for how hard can it be pushed. The answer is..... harder than anyone on this forum can push it. I know theres some super fast riders, but this bike can be pushed wayyy harder than one might think. Look at the good ol days in the 80s into the early 90s. Those guys rode wayyy fast on bikes like gsxr 1100 with a 16'' wobbly front rim. with crappy tires. guys would ride the snot outa Katana 600 or 750s. Imagine pushing those hard as you can.


So all in all. I wouldnt worry if you have good roads, and good rubber. Yes there can be a mishap on some dirt or rider error, but for the most part youll be fine.

Imagine Ben Spies riding the fiz around a track....... Thats how fast it will go

 

[DMP84]

The only thing I can say and not even 100% sure is watch out for the center stand, not sure if you push it too far if it would clip the road. Any comments on this?

 

[jmerch44]

Well first off you have to trust your bike. The more confidence you have the better/faster you can ride. Tires is the first step. Get a good seta tires and youll feel planted and confident. Push left lean left....Push right lean right

Now for how hard can it be pushed. The answer is..... harder than anyone on this forum can push it. I know theres some super fast riders, but this bike can be pushed wayyy harder than one might think. Look at the good ol days in the 80s into the early 90s. Those guys rode wayyy fast on bikes like gsxr 1100 with a 16'' wobbly front rim. with crappy tires. guys would ride the snot outa Katana 600 or 750s. Imagine pushing those hard as you can.


So all in all. I wouldnt worry if you have good roads, and good rubber. Yes there can be a mishap on some dirt or rider error, but for the most part youll be fine.

Imagine Ben Spies riding the fiz around a track....... Thats how fast it will go

Thanks! you know how sometimes you need some confidence inspiring words from experienced riders to nudge you towards getting better? today it was you. ( Not gay! ) LOL. :thumbup:

 

[fz6nick]

The only thing I can say and not even 100% sure is watch out for the center stand, not sure if you push it too far if it would clip the road. Any comments on this?

It sure will. Its easy to take off/ put on. Your sidestand will hit also.

 

[jmerch44]

The only thing I can say and not even 100% sure is watch out for the center stand, not sure if you push it too far if it would clip the road. Any comments on this?

I'm pretty sure the pegs would touch down before the centerstand, but it is something to keep in mind though.:rockon:

 

[fz6nick]

Thanks! you know how sometimes you need some confidence inspiring words from experienced riders to nudge you towards getting better? today it was you. ( Not gay! ) LOL. :thumbup:

Haha. im not to experienced. 3 years about 25k miles. Ive got tons to learn. Wont ever stop learning in fact, and a lot faster to be able go.

If I was you. Id work on these things separately. One each ride.

Throttle control
Entrance speed
Line
Throttle control
Looking through the turn
Body positioning
And another important one throttle control

 

[jmerch44]

Haha. im not to experienced. 3 years about 25k miles. Ive got tons to learn. Wont ever stop learning in fact, and a lot faster to be able go.

If I was you. Id work on these things separately. One each ride.

Throttle control
Entrance speed
Line
Throttle control
Looking through the turn
Body positioning
And another important one throttle control

COPY! throttle control. LOL. thanks for the advice

 

[fz6nick]

COPY! throttle control. LOL. thanks for the advice

yup imo its one of the most important things. You ever read twist of the wrist or any books like that?

 

[jmerch44]

yup imo its one of the most important things. You ever read twist of the wrist or any books like that?

Yeah, I have one and two. I got a good understanding of the concept, but trusting the suspension and tires on the FZ kind of negates all that knowledge. know what I mean?

 

[Motogiro]

Okay no track days or special courses.
The most important thing to ask yourself is why. Did you answer that? Cool!

The FZ6 has great capabilities but no matter how or what you do to improve those capabilities the greatest deciding factor on performance is you. You've kind of already answered the question yourself.

Depending on modifications, type of tires, suspension setup etc. the FZ6 has varying degrees of performance. It may not match a lot of sport bikes right out of the box but it is certainly nimble.

Over coming obstacles within myself has been the greatest part of growing in my skills. Be patient with yourself. Ride your own ride, not someone else's. Gain your experience at your pace because we all learn at different rates. Learn at your rate and gain a more solid foundation of skills.

Here is a great book: Twist of the Wrist by Kieth Code. There's I believe a book l and book ll. You'll discover a lot of good knowledge about what's happening with you and your bike as related to performance riding.

There is a lot of great input and collective experience on this forum. Also you may want to search the forum on different topics related to the performance of the FZ6.

The main thing is have fun!

 

[oldfast007]

I would agree with most of the comments so far, however remember if you don't feel confident, don't push it!! The street is not the place to push too hard.

Counter steering is more of a beginning means not an end, body position is critical. Once the bike is set in a corner (even one with our limited suspension) it will track just fine( maintain it's course) provided you chose the correct entry point/speed. Also remember a bike with adjustable suspension not set up properly will make very little difference.

Last if you must "push it" on the street, stay on familiar roads you know extremely well. Have you walked the corner to see it from every angle? You would be amazed what clues you will find from that perspective.

Just my 2, good luck:thumbup:

 

[jmerch44]

I would agree with most of the comments so far, however remember if you don't feel confident, don't push it!! The street is not the place to push too hard.

Counter steering is more of a beginning means not an end, body position is critical. Once the bike is set in a corner (even one with our limited suspension) it will track just fine( maintain it's course) provided you chose the correct entry point/speed. Also remember a bike with adjustable suspension not set up properly will make very little difference.

Last if you must "push it" on the street, stay on familiar roads you know extremely well. Have you walked the corner to see it from every angle? You would be amazed what clues you will find from that perspective.

Just my 2, good luck:thumbup:

And it was a great 2! I think I will take a look at the road from that perspective.:rockon:

 

[jmerch44]

Okay no track days or special courses.
The most important thing to ask yourself is why. Did you answer that? Cool!

The FZ6 has great capabilities but no matter how or what you do to improve those capabilities the greatest deciding factor on performance is you. You've kind of already answered the question yourself.

Depending on modifications, type of tires, suspension setup etc. the FZ6 has varying degrees of performance. It may not match a lot of sport bikes right out of the box but it is certainly nimble.

Over coming obstacles within myself has been the greatest part of growing in my skills. Be patient with yourself. Ride your own ride, not someone else's. Gain your experience at your pace because we all learn at different rates. Learn at your rate and gain a more solid foundation of skills.

Here is a great book: Twist of the Wrist by Kieth Code. There's I believe a book l and book ll. You'll discover a lot of good knowledge about what's happening with you and your bike as related to performance riding.

There is a lot of great input and collective experience on this forum. Also you may want to search the forum on different topics related to the performance of the FZ6.

The main thing is have fun!

already read both, thanks for the advice!

 

[wrightme43]

Racers have bent bars from steering input.

 

[jmerch44]

Racers have bent bars from steering input.

The federal government is sending each of us a $600 rebate. If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, the money goes to China. If we spend it on gasoline it goes to the Arabs. If we buy a computer/Software it will go to India. If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. If we purchase a good car it will go to Germany. If we purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan and none of it will help the American economy. The only way to keep that money here at home is to spend it on prostitutes and beer, since these are the only products still produced in US. I've been doing my part . -Mark Faber 06/08


This is without a doubt, the best quote on this damn site! I ****ing love it!:rockon:

 

[WeWonItThreeTimes]

Haha. im not to experienced. 3 years about 25k miles. Ive got tons to learn. Wont ever stop learning in fact, and a lot faster to be able go.

If I was you. Id work on these things separately. One each ride.

Throttle control
Entrance speed
Line
Throttle control
Looking through the turn
Body positioning
And another important one throttle control

sorry, cannot agree. body positioning is the key in my opinion

 

[Doorag]

The only thing I can say and not even 100% sure is watch out for the center stand, not sure if you push it too far if it would clip the road. Any comments on this?

Take it off. It's about a 15 minute job and the bike looks WAY better. You'll need a paddock stand tho...

 

[Raid The Revenge]

The federal government is sending each of us a $600 rebate. If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, the money goes to China. If we spend it on gasoline it goes to the Arabs. If we buy a computer/Software it will go to India. If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. If we purchase a good car it will go to Germany. If we purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan and none of it will help the American economy. The only way to keep that money here at home is to spend it on prostitutes and beer, since these are the only products still produced in US. I've been doing my part . -Mark Faber 06/08


This is without a doubt, the best quote on this damn site! I ****ing love it!:rockon:

You could buy an XBOX360 and Microsoft (American) will make most of the money...

 

[mcteague]

Take it off. It's about a 15 minute job and the bike looks WAY better. You'll need a paddock stand tho...

Just hope you don't have to fix a flat out on the road.

Tim