Is the FZ6 a good upgrade?

[CCROSS]

After 3 or so years with my first and only motorcycle, my KLR650, I figure its time for me to upgrade. I wanted to upgrade to an FZ1 but the 6's are a lot cheaper, seem to be more available, and seem to be a good intermediate level bike to progress to. My question is, I weight 260 pounds and am 6'2. Will this be an alright bike for the job or should I move straight to a FZ1?

 

[ctbandit]

The thing you'll notice with either bike is that the suspension isn't really all that great for bigger riders. As far as the fz6 being alright for the job, sure, u might have to shift a bit more, but it'll get the job done. Just keep the bike above 5k and have fun.

 

[CCROSS]

Shouldnt be to hard, I keep my klr in the 5 to 6 when shifting. IK theirs a big difference in the bike though.

 

[Hellgate]

Having owned an FZ6 and an FZ1, buy the FZ1. Better motor, chassis, brakes, suspension, did I mention power?

 

[mave2911]

I've got an '05 and weigh a bit more than 260lb - and I'm more than happy with the FZ6.

Easily enough power.

Cheers,
Rick

 

[red_rock_beetle]

285 here 6'4, the 6 is good for me, suspension sucks for big guys, but i believe it'll be like that for every bike

 

[David Thompson]

what do you not like about the KLR? i am considering one

 

[fmf]

I'd say buy the fz1 at your size.
I'm about 220 with gear and the fz6 pulls nice and strong up top with the suspension set up stiff, but I have aftermarket stiffer springs. If I set it up a little coosh and throw a 65 pound rider on back it feels pretty gutless to me even in the upper revs.

 

[Smersh]

My first bike was KLR until it was stolen :spank:
I went with FZ6 and I don't regret it for a second (i do want to buy a klr 650 though as a second bike as i loved it).
I have not ridden FZ1, but coming from KLR650, i had to get used to the amount of power of FZ6. There is a little of working the throttle there, but nowhere near what was needed on KLR. I'm 6'3, 230 and i didnt have any problem with posture/ergonomics - FZ6 is still very upright. I didn't even get bar raisers, only upgraded the seat (Spencer's seat mod)

The reason why I want to have both FZ6 and KLR650 is that they are different bikes. I miss the ADV look, the height (sometimes, but again, it's not as big of an issue), fork travel and laughing at the potholes - FZ6 definitely takes it harder. FZ6 is definitely just as customizable.

If know it's easier to say than to do, but I'd recommend (if your finances allow) getting FZ6 AND keeping klr ;-)