Thinking about 07 FZ6, but..

[Erci]

Got few questions before I pull the trigger.
1. Can this bike be happy at relatively low RPMs (like 4-5k) or does it need to be at 7 or above to have any kind of torque?
2. How bad is vibration? Is there a given RPM range where it's at its worst? Anybody try heavier bar ends to smooth things out?
3. Is it sprung stiff enough for 2-up riding (300 pound combined weight)?
4. Do the seat and grab handle get hot from the undertail exhaust?
5. Anything else worth mentioning that might turn me off?

I currently ride a Ninja 250. I've ridden a ZX6r and hated its aggressive riding position. I've also ridden Bandit 1250 and loved its low end torque, but it's a big heavy bike and since most of my riding is on twisty back roads, I'm thinking it's not the best choice.
250 is fantastic, but it's less than great for 2-up riding.. #1 reason I'm looking to move up.

Thanks!

 

[mastakilla]

Got few questions before I pull the trigger.
1. Can this bike be happy at relatively low RPMs (like 4-5k) or does it need to be at 7 or above to have any kind of torque?

Depends on what you expect. I found it happy enough around 4-5k to cruise around.

2. How bad is vibration? Is there a given RPM range where it's at its worst? Anybody try heavier bar ends to smooth things out?

My '07 didn't suffer from any kind of vibrations.

3. Is it sprung stiff enough for 2-up riding (300 pound combined weight)?

It sure is!

4. Do the seat and grab handle get hot from the undertail exhaust?

No.

5. Anything else worth mentioning that might turn me off?

No. Buy one now!!! :cheer:

 

[MRGM]

-There is enough power in the 5k range, if you want more just don't shift up. When I'm running at a quick pace, I'll usually be up in the 6-8k range. If you want to race it, there is way more up top.

- I don't find it buzzy even with my hard mounted pegs. After 4 hours of riding, the buzz isn't what makes me get off.

- You'll have to crank the preload all the way up in the back.

- Seat does get warm, but not hot IMO.

 

[Manx]

1. Can this bike be happy at relatively low RPMs (like 4-5k) or does it need to be at 7 or above to have any kind of torque?
2. How bad is vibration? Is there a given RPM range where it's at its worst? Anybody try heavier bar ends to smooth things out?
3. Is it sprung stiff enough for 2-up riding (300 pound combined weight)?
4. Do the seat and grab handle get hot from the undertail exhaust?
5. Anything else worth mentioning that might turn me off?

A1. Yes. I ride in this range when commuting. The bike pulls smoothly from tickover.
A2. Its a pretty smooth engine, a little tingly perhaps, some vibes around 5k. I fitted thunderace barends and grip puppies, now, no problem.
A3. I ride with it on 2, 1 down on standard, suits my weight and road conditions. It goes up to 7, so should be no problem.
A4. No.
A5. Great bike, i really like it. The levers are poor, I replaced with pazzo's. I have small hands. And the seat was replaced with one from Top Saddlery, which is very good.

 

[Erci]

I'm liking what I'm hearing so far

 

[necrotimus]

Got few questions before I pull the trigger.
1. Can this bike be happy at relatively low RPMs (like 4-5k) or does it need to be at 7 or above to have any kind of torque?
2. How bad is vibration? Is there a given RPM range where it's at its worst? Anybody try heavier bar ends to smooth things out?
3. Is it sprung stiff enough for 2-up riding (300 pound combined weight)?
4. Do the seat and grab handle get hot from the undertail exhaust?
5. Anything else worth mentioning that might turn me off?

1) This will depend on what you define as "any kind of torque". I have had the bike at it's weight capacity and it is still plenty quick off the line and is very happy to move along around 5k. As others have mention I commute around town at near this.

2) grip puppies is what most people recommend. At $10 you can go wrong unless you have very small hands. Some people have also complained about peg vibration but a decent pair of boots can often solve this.

3) Yes, I had a lot more than 300lbs on mine just ratchet up the shock.

4) Maybe warm after a long while but some people have added some extra heat shielding and they say that helps. Again very cheap.

5) The sewing machine quiet stock exhaust. Not necessarily a negative but because of the design the aftermarkets can be more expensive than other bikes. Some people lower or raise the bars depending on what position they like. A lot of people replace the stock windshield but this depends a lot on height and wind sheer preferences.

Overall for $100 - $200 bucks you can make quiet a few modifications to get the ergonomics exactly what you want, if you need any at all.

 

[Bates121]

I would post an answer for each question but i would just be repeating what everyone else said. It's a great bike can easily take almost 400 lbs in weight I'm 185 lb and my buddy is about 180 lb and we were able to mandem on the 6 and 7 preload no problem. All around fantastic bike again repeating what other people said, I commute on the freeways at around 5-6k rpms and when I want more power I just shift later and get up into the 8-10k rpm range. I can't praise this bike enough. It is a great piece of machinery I say pull the trigger:rockon::rockon:

 

[keira]

i will post fromt he perspective of a passenger. i have ridden pillion on my husband's FZ at 8 months pregnant and was perfectly comfortable. not far, mind you, but it is certainly doable. as for the seat getting hot, it does warm the buns a bit after a while, so not ideal for hot days. but, i would imagine heat shielding or aftermarket exhausts would help combat this (they don't get as hot as stockies)

 

[Norm]

Everyone has provided great answers to your questions so I'll just add that this is a great bike and there is no better bargain for the money out there, other than your 250.

 

[Hellgate]

Don't think, BUY!!! All that stuff is crap, pure unadulterated crap. :thumbup:

Seriously, wives tales, the FZ is a great bike.

 

[jtarkany]

Great all around bike, quit thinking and just do it :thumbup:

 

[Dr.Landau]

I would steer you towards getting one. Recently bought an 07 and am very pleased. Ive been riding for many years, many different bikes and so far this has turned out to be exactally what I wanted. An economical upright wheelie capable machine.
There are a few improvments I'd make i.e. "loud pipes save lives", the stockers are near silent. The fairing is near useless IMO unless your stretched on the tank. And the swingarm just dosent fit the scheme of the bike, its the only straight angled piece on the bike.

In short its a late model r6 for the upright inclined.

 

[jdough7]

I was aksing the same questions. Here's what everyone said. More of the same. Be forewarned, these guys are really persuasive :thumbup:!

http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-...6-fz-no-low-end-performance-confirm-deny.html

 

[jody.adams]

The seat is my only complaint. Other than that it's a great bike. Inexpensive and plentiful in the used arena. The warm buns thing does suck on a hot day but for cool days it's the shizz! Budget for the after market seat (everyone raves about Top Saddlery) and do it.

 

[Ryan T]

Ditto, it's a great bike. You will not be disappointed. Sure, there will be things that you'll feel should be better, those are the things that you will mod. It won't be many, unless of course you really want to "personlize" it.

Get the bike, there won't be a regretful day in your FZ6 future.

 

[peterfz6]

I'm liking what I'm hearing so far

Maybe I ask what price range you are finding the 07s in?
Mileage? < 2.5k, < 5k, etc?

 

[Red Wazp]

If you are going to do a lot of two up I would look real long and hard at the Bandit with ABS. Personally I think the 6 is missing the torque needed for comfortable 2up riding. I'm not saying it can't be done but when it comes to passing etc with a passenger those extra 650cc make a huge difference.
Sure it weighs a bit more so be carefull in the parking lot. Once your moving it's no big deal.

 

[AlanB]

I've had my '07 FZ6 for two years, so I was starting to look around. Tried a sport bike and the riding position a harsh suspension would kill me on my 250 mile days. Test rode a Triumph Sprint ST, and yes, it's a great bike, but when I got back on my FZ6 I actually felt the FZ was smoother than the Triumph! Torque? Not much down low, which im my book makes for a perfect commuter. 5-6 k gets interesting, and 7-12K is the fun zone. It's almost like owning two bikes. The docile one around town (but still plenty of accelleration) and the sport bike in the canyons. Add the fact that the inline 4 is smooth as silk on the freeway and it can't be beat! Buzz? What buzz? In two years I've noticed no buzz so I paid attention to it today. A little buzz when held at 4K maybe. Still smoother overall than that Triumph. I won't be trading up anytime soon. It's just not possible to have more fun on a bike than a FZ6 withuot spending at least double the money!

 

[abacall]

My friend, I came from the Ninjette as well. Go ride the bike, and I promise you that it'll go home with you.
One thing I noticed coming from the 250 was how much smoother the higher speeds were. I was just tooling around trying the bike out, and looked down to see I was going 80. It felt like 50.
I ride it 2-up about once a week, and it has NO problems. You just have to wind it a bit more.
This is a great bike to get better on. It grows with you, you have huge afermarket support, and one of the best forums in the world.

 

[Erci]

Thanks, everyone!

peterfz6 - I've found several 07s with 2 - 5k miles... they go for about 4600-4800.