New FZ6 2009 Raven Value and Some ?'s From New Rider

[swatguy]

So I am getting back into riding again after a 10yr vacation. I have narrowed down my choice to FZ6 or FZ6R. I am 6ft 180lbs and have a ton of dirt time. Though my street time was a long time ago. I am looking for a comfortable ride with a bit of supersport performance. Hence how I arrived at the FZ6 and 6R. Just trying to decide which one of those is best. I know the test drive will sell me one way or another.

I have done the research from the forum for the differences of each. Great site, but I still have a couple more specific questions about the bikes. I am Primarily going to be on the highway at speeds of around 70-75mph for 60miles one way 4-5days a week. My dealership is nowhere near an expressway to get the bike up to those speeds to compare the 2 bikes equally on the highway at the 70-75mph speeds so looking ofr some input. Was curious if the faring package on the 6r will give you a bit more wind protection as will the riding position. I understand the engines are similar, but will the FZ6 win out on the highway due to the way it is designed, or are both bikes pretty comparable at that speed/rpm range on the highway. I am heading to test drive both as the dealer still has a New Black 2009 FZ6 on the showroom floor. They are asking 6200 plus tax n fees. Seems kind high for a 2 yr old bike. I can get a 2010 FZ6R out the door for 7000. What do you all think that FZ^ is worth. My mindset is that it is a 2009 and the model has been discontinued so the should be much lower.

Any other info you all could provide would be great. Thanks

 

[Fishwiz4]

Are your referring to the R6? I would think that if you are driving highway speeds and straight, you will be much better suited on the FZ6. there is plenty of power there, and the handling is great. the R6 I definitely not a commuter bike but that is pretty much what the FZ6 was designed for.

fishwiz

 

[Motogiro]

:welcome:to the forum!
The best bet would be to search the specs on both bikes. You can expect bias towards the FZ6 here but it is well warranted bias. The FZ6r has less horse power but that really shouldn't be a deciding factor because it'll probably better MPG. Don't know for sure that would be the case.
Being taller you might like the FZ6 ergos better. The FZ6 has undertail exhaust,
aluminum frame. If I had to by another I would buy the FZ6....

 

[Erci]

I can't comment on FZ6R, as I've never ridden it.. just sat on it.
On paper, FZ6 has a lot more HP.. more top end. Based on that I'd say at 75 it should have more go than FZ6R.

As for fairing, There will be lots of turbulence with stock FZ6 setup, but there are aftermarket screens for touring.. you'd probably want to look into one of those. FZ6R felt more comfortable to me just sitting on it because of the handlebar, but that can also be easily and cheeply swapped out on FZ6.

6.2k + tax is way way too high. I'd pay 6k OTD max.. otherwise I'd shop for a very lightly used one and save a bunch of money.

 

[The Dude]

Not sure why you're cross-shopping the FZ6 and FZ6R. The only thing they have in common is a similar name. Personally, I would never consider paying more for the FZ6R. It's an inferior product, regardless of age. You'll hear some people say "different," but it's inferior if you look at the components and overall package. Neither bike is going to run out of power at the speeds you mentioned. I'd be more concerned about vibes and MPG for a commute of that length. I wouldn't buy either without being able to test them on the highway.

I don't like riding the FZ6 on the highway. I am 6'3" and the buffeting is annoying (even with an aftermarket screen). The speed is not a problem. I exceed highway speeds on the back roads for hours at a time, but the dirty airflow on a highway makes it a nuisance for me. I can't comment on whether the FZ6R's full fairing improves highway dynamics. I used to ride a naked bike and I preferred that on the highways. There was more pressure from the wind, but no buffeting.

Why are you buying a new bike? The FZ6 isn't even in production anymore, and there are plenty of choices for about half what the dealer wants for a holdover model. There may not be as many used FZ6R's to choose from, but I'm sure you could get a much better deal that way. This is a buyer's market. Unless you're getting some amazing deal on a particularly great new model, I think you're making a mistake. If you do want to go for the '09 FZ6, I'd offer them $5K and plan on walking out without a bike. Don't accept any counter-offer. Make sure they have a way to contact you. If you don't hear from them after a few days, swing back into the showroom and see what kind of numbers they're throwing around then. I wouldn't consider anything over $5500. And check out the Kawasaki Versys too. I love my FZ6, but the Versys is my road not taken and I often wonder about what could have been.

 

[FIZZER6]

definitely test ride both. Personally I find the FZ6 to be very comfortable on the highway compared to most other sporty standard bikes. The sportiness it is capable off in the twisties, near 100 bhp and maintaining comfort ergos for long trips and 50 mpg fuel economy on the highway make it the perfect bike IMHO. I've had mine for over 4 years and have never even thought of replacing it with something else.

 

[Evitzee]

Not sure why you're cross-shopping the FZ6 and FZ6R. The only thing they have in common is a similar name. Personally, I would never consider paying more for the FZ6R. It's an inferior product, regardless of age. You'll hear some people say "different," but it's inferior if you look at the components and overall package.

Why are you buying a new bike? The FZ6 isn't even in production anymore, and there are plenty of choices for about half what the dealer wants for a holdover model. There may not be as many used FZ6R's to choose from, but I'm sure you could get a much better deal that way. This is a buyer's market. Unless you're getting some amazing deal on a particularly great new model, I think you're making a mistake. If you do want to go for the '09 FZ6, I'd offer them $5K and plan on walking out without a bike. Don't accept any counter-offer. Make sure they have a way to contact you. If you don't hear from them after a few days, swing back into the showroom and see what kind of numbers they're throwing around then. I wouldn't consider anything over $5500.

H'mm....inferior product (FZ6R), that's your opinion, but the FZ6R should certainly be considered for what the OP wants out of a bike. In many ways it is a better than the FZ6 (power delivery and overall driveability).

Many people don't like to buy other peoples problem bikes (I'm one of them) which are often abused or modded in a way that I don't want. It's a personal decision but I wouldn't call buying a new leftover FZ6 a mistake. As far as price, some dealers deal more than others. The last MSRP on the FZ6 was $7,290 + TTL, but I doubt you'll get one for $5k OTD. You have to be realistic. OP is lucky he has a dealer who will let him test ride a new bike, many won't allow that. The test ride will reveal a lot between the FZ6 and FZ6R.

 

[FIZZER6]

H'mm....inferior product (FZ6R), that's your opinion, but the FZ6R should certainly be considered for what the OP wants out of a bike. In many ways it is a better than the FZ6 (power delivery and overall driveability).

Many people don't like to buy other peoples problem bikes (I'm one of them) which are often abused or modded in a way that I don't want. It's a personal decision but I wouldn't call buying a new leftover FZ6 a mistake. As far as price, some dealers deal more than others. The last MSRP on the FZ6 was $7,290 + TTL, but I doubt you'll get one for $5k OTD. You have to be realistic. OP is lucky he has a dealer who will let him test ride a new bike, many won't allow that. The test ride will reveal a lot between the FZ6 and FZ6R.

Dealers that allow test rides have to inflate their prices to cover the insurance!

I bought my 2006 in January 2007 for $5,799 ($6,200 OTD). It had 1 mile on the odometer.

 

[The Dude]

H'mm....inferior product (FZ6R), that's your opinion, but the FZ6R should certainly be considered for what the OP wants out of a bike. In many ways it is a better than the FZ6 (power delivery and overall driveability).

Many people don't like to buy other peoples problem bikes (I'm one of them) which are often abused or modded in a way that I don't want. It's a personal decision but I wouldn't call buying a new leftover FZ6 a mistake. As far as price, some dealers deal more than others. The last MSRP on the FZ6 was $7,290 + TTL, but I doubt you'll get one for $5k OTD. You have to be realistic. OP is lucky he has a dealer who will let him test ride a new bike, many won't allow that. The test ride will reveal a lot between the FZ6 and FZ6R.

I'm not knocking the FZ6R, but it IS an inferior product. And I also made it clear that either of the bikes could meet his needs. And as I said, I "personally" would never pay more for the FZ6R because it's an inferior product comprised of inferior components. If you're willing to pay more for a heavier, less powerful bike with a less sophisticated frame design, smaller tank, cheaper front calipers, smaller forks, and a smaller (less common) rear tire size... more power to ya! Actually, it will be less power to ya, but you get what I'm saying. Both the FZ6 and FZ6R are inferior to any number of bikes, so who cares. It's all about value in my book. And "power delivery" has never been a problem on any bikes I've ridden, so you can see how that would not factor into my value proposition.

And I never said he could get the FZ6 for $5K, let alone out the door. The motorcycle business right now is like your local bar at last call on Saturday night. You don't need to be the most attractive customer in the pub, because the dealers are drunk and lonely... and everyone's going home. The lights are about to come on and they need to move some inventory (especially the '09 bikes). At this point, they are so desperate, you wouldn't believe what they'd take. Forget about MSRP (S stands for Suggested or Sucker, depending on who you ask). Dealers would love to make a profit, but right now they're more concerned with making payments on time (i.e. cash flow to stay in business).

 

[swatguy]

Are your referring to the R6? I would think that if you are driving highway speeds and straight, you will be much better suited on the FZ6. there is plenty of power there, and the handling is great. the R6 I definitely not a commuter bike but that is pretty much what the FZ6 was designed for.

fishwiz

Fish Its the FZ6R not the R6 Sorry for the shorthand.



Thanks for the replies so far guys. I have searched the specs and the differences between the 2 bikes...... So I am familiar with the paper specs on both. Paper spec are paper specs though. More curious about the "on the road" feeling. I understand there is going to be some bias here, but that is exactly why I came here..... to ask and get some FZ6 rider's opinions as to how these two bikes to compare. I understand the extra hp on the FZ6 but extra hp isn't always better. It depends on where that hp shows up on the actual bike while "riding along".

As far as a new vs used. I am anal about my "toys" Take pride in the things I own. I much prefer to buy a new one and know it has been taken care of. Not to say that a used one is out of the question it just has to be the right used bike. However around here they are few and far between. I also believe is supporting local dealers. Call me crazy, but that is where I spend most of my time buying gear and toys for my dirt habit. The dealer actually has a used 2009 Team Blue FZ6R on the lot with only 600miles. Basically meaning brand new. So that is the FZ6R that is Rivaling the New Black FZ6 on the showroom floor. Trying to figure out where to start on the numbers between each so I can make good decisions and wheel and deal.

 

[Krazyjohnny]

As a guage consider this: I just bought an 09' FZ6 with 1950 miles on it and paid $5300 for it plus TTL. Now it had some items on it that made it a sweet deal for me. It came with a Corbin seat, Flush mount LED turns up front, Clear Alternantives LED integrated rear signal, Rear Fender Eliminator, Carbon frame sliders, some Anodized pieces (valve stems and oil fill), and a factory cover with the FZ6 logo on it.

I am very pleased with it.

 

[joe1971]

Once you ride the bikes you will go with the one that feels right for you. The 6r is a fine bike and intended for a different target market than the fz6 was, so as others have said the only thing they share in comon is the name.

I think you have already gotten your best advice as far as dealing though, make a lowball offer, leave your contact info, and then just leave and return in a few days and see what they say. I wouldn't give a dime over $5500 for a new one though, 2 years old is 2 years old, tires, seals and what have you degrade with time alone.

At any rate good luck

 

[iSteve]

I think it all depends on where you live. My local dealer is selling 09's for $6800 out the door. And your not going to talk them down this time of the year. But as soon as the snowmobiles hit the showroom floor... name your price.

I don't think people living in warm climates realize how many motorcycles are sold in april and may in places where snow covers the ground part of the year.

Also the cost of living is much higher near northern cities.