metallicat
Junior Member
Always wanted to compare apples to oranges, and had about 40 minutes to play with an R6 (don't know what year - but conventional forks, so not too new).
Before I forget, here are some quick notes in case I ever think about getting one in the future (spoiler: I probably won't).
-Seating isn't horrible actually (OK, fine, its pretty nasty) - rearsets felt natural, and my damaged back didn't mind being stretched out - BUT (BUT BUT) my wrist were killing me after 10 mins... props to those who ride these animals all the time in the city - ya'll crazy. At the same time, maybe 2 hours would have killed my back as well - can't tell.
-Engine feels kinda like ours on the low end, but MUCH louder (nonOEM exhaust), but revs MUCH faster (8k with a flick), and one you get into midrange+ it pulls like a mother. Clearly smoother than FZ6.
-Clutch is much better - period. 1st-2nd on R6 feels smoother than 3rd-4th, etc on the fz6. No clunk whatsoever. Friction zone is very predictable - very smooth.
-Brakes were a little soft, but I am guessing because the pads weren't new/serviced. Not horrible, but I def. had to grab more than the FZ (which has newish fluid/pads).
-Handling - this is where the train goes off the tracks. Its nothing like the fz6. Its the physical geometry of the rider + geometry of clip ons - but the bike FALLS into a turn... you look at the clipon, and its on its side. Warming up the tires/swerving like the fz6 will result in a quick 45% angle (my math blows, but you get the point). This part of the bike kind of scared me the most and would need the most to get used to - BUT I could clearly see if you know what you're doing, you'll LOVE any turn.
In summary - its clearly more refined, smoother, faster, BUT not something I'd ever ride every day - and they'd be a large learning curve to get comfortable.
P.S. FZ6 felt like a cruiser w/ ape hangers after the R6
.
Toodles!
Before I forget, here are some quick notes in case I ever think about getting one in the future (spoiler: I probably won't).
-Seating isn't horrible actually (OK, fine, its pretty nasty) - rearsets felt natural, and my damaged back didn't mind being stretched out - BUT (BUT BUT) my wrist were killing me after 10 mins... props to those who ride these animals all the time in the city - ya'll crazy. At the same time, maybe 2 hours would have killed my back as well - can't tell.
-Engine feels kinda like ours on the low end, but MUCH louder (nonOEM exhaust), but revs MUCH faster (8k with a flick), and one you get into midrange+ it pulls like a mother. Clearly smoother than FZ6.
-Clutch is much better - period. 1st-2nd on R6 feels smoother than 3rd-4th, etc on the fz6. No clunk whatsoever. Friction zone is very predictable - very smooth.
-Brakes were a little soft, but I am guessing because the pads weren't new/serviced. Not horrible, but I def. had to grab more than the FZ (which has newish fluid/pads).
-Handling - this is where the train goes off the tracks. Its nothing like the fz6. Its the physical geometry of the rider + geometry of clip ons - but the bike FALLS into a turn... you look at the clipon, and its on its side. Warming up the tires/swerving like the fz6 will result in a quick 45% angle (my math blows, but you get the point). This part of the bike kind of scared me the most and would need the most to get used to - BUT I could clearly see if you know what you're doing, you'll LOVE any turn.
In summary - its clearly more refined, smoother, faster, BUT not something I'd ever ride every day - and they'd be a large learning curve to get comfortable.
P.S. FZ6 felt like a cruiser w/ ape hangers after the R6
.Toodles!
