Torque improvements

[Bikebiz]

Hi guys,

I'm in the throws of a new bike for myself. My last 3 bikes being v-twins, I've been spoilt with torque. The two bikes I've narrowed my choice down to are the XJ6n and the FZ6.

The ONLY hesitation on the FZ is the lack of torque down low for commuting. I'm about 80% commuter in heavy traffic, and 20% weekend roosting.

The XJ6 is just superbly torquey for the commute, but I think it's going to run out of legs for any kind of highway or mountain roads work. And I hesitate about the budget suspension components as well....

Would doing a -1fr/+1rr sprocket change get the FZ much closer to the XJ in terms of torque? Or would I end up just throwing more and more $ into the FZ chasing the unachievable?

Of the bikes I'm considering, the cost will basically be the same for me if that's any help to your advice. Cheers.

 

[Stumbles06]

Welcome to the site Bikebiz (hmm, familiar name, see it quite a bit on the Motogp broadcasts).

Quite a few people have done the sprocket conversions, and Wolfman (for one) is very happy with the extra "zip" off the line.
Have a look through the Aussie forum, he's done quite a lot of work to his bike, would be the best shot for any info on torque upgrades.

:rockon:

 

[afpreppie04]

Everyone says the XJ6/FZ6R is made for torque lower down, but if you look at the specs the peak torque on it is only 300 RPM lower, and it actually makes less torque than the FZ6.

XJ6: 2009 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion specifications and pictures

FZ6: 2009 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2 specifications and pictures

This coupled with the fact that the XJ6 is heavier, I don't think it will be much different. I commute every day on my FZ6 and there is plenty of torque. You can always do a sprocket swap if you want. If I were you I'd see if I could get a test ride on both of them and see what fits your needs best personally.

 

[Kazza]

:welcome: to the forum BikeBiz (+1 on the familiar name - good shop)

You'll find heaps of great info on the forum and we're all very friendly - especially the Aussie members!

I'm biased, so I'll say FZ6 - they look a little cleaner than the XJ6 - I did nearly buy one though, but am very glad with the Fizzer.

Enjoy and keep safe

 

[Wolfman]

Having ridden a Stock FZ6 with 16/46 sprockets...

A heavily modded, and dyno'd FZ6 with both 14/47 sprocket set up, then the same bike again with 14/46 sprocket set up, albeit 520, rather than the 530 OEM set up.

And a stock XJ6N in the last 3 weeks, i can tell you this, the XJ6N does not have noticeably more torque than the FZ6 down low, in fact, i would say it is less torquey, very docile! and up top, it is just aneamic....the top end rush starts at about 8000rpm on the XJ6, but unlike the FZ6, it aint as strong as the stock FZ6, and dies in the butt at about 11500rpm...

On the modified FZ6, with aftermarket pipes, BMC Air filter, PCIII, custom dyno, with 98.4hp at the rear wheel, with -2, +1, well it pulls like a cut snake from about 5500rpm, and pulls hard, in a very linear fashion, till about 13000rpm...-2/stock, is a bit more forgiving, but still a lot better of the line, than any stock FZ6, with 16/46 set up.

I have also ridden one of my FZ6's with a -2 front 530 set up, and this also brings the top end grunt further down the rev range to about 6500-7000rpm, rather than 8000rpm with stock gearing...

note, that with the -2/+1 520 set up, 6th gear is no longer an overdrive, top speed is reduced significantly, and the bike is never really relaxed...

:thumbup:

by the way, welcome.....

 

[Bikebiz]

Hey thanks guys. Got to say though that I've done about 700kms on an XJ6 and maybe 500kms on an FZ6. For those who haven't ridden the XJ, you realy have to to experience the power difference. On paper is one thing. For me the XJ6 rockets off the lights. The FZ has me yawning until it revs up. I'm talking significant difference.

But yeah on the way home tonight on the XJ, she's not too happy being pushed in corners either - where the FZ seems to love it. I think I'm going to start with the more capable bike and try some sublte tweaks to see what it can really do.

Stumbles - yep I'm at a dealership in Sydney, so lucky enough to be able to ride a whole range of bikes. I reckon the FZ6 is one of the most comfy rides, great value, and looks good. I'll fill you in on my progress!

Wolfman, I'll have to have a closer look at your setup, it looks amazing. Nice work. Are you in Sydney?

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

 

[Wavex]

Have you considered the new FZ8? Sounds like it would fit you perfectly!

 

[Stevenator]

I dropped 1 tooth on the front sprocket and stayed with the 530 stock chain... I LOVE the difference that it has made to my torque.

 

[sublime0713]

Have you considered the new FZ8? Sounds like it would fit you perfectly!

+1. The FZ8 is turning out to be a damn fine looking (and probably performing) machine.

I dropped 1 tooth on the front sprocket and stayed with the 530 stock chain... I LOVE the difference that it has made to my torque.

+1 too. As almost everybody has done it states, MAJOR improvement on the butt dyno for minimal scratch.

 

[Cochiez]

One of Yamaha's biggest challenges over the last few years has been tweaking their FI maps. The FZ6 is victim of this problem, as are their show-stoppers like the R1. Sketchy mapping has resulted in somewhat twitchy performance down low. Dead spots and lack of torque (comparatively) are the result.

I'm going to get flack for this, as many guys on this forum argue against it's value, but a piggyback fuel controller should help improve low-end performance. They're relatively cheap too - $300 or so. That said, I haven't installed one (yet) and still love my FZ6. I commute, carve canyons, and do a bit of light touring on mine. It's got plenty of power for all that, as long as you don't mind working the gears a bit. And IMHO, there's nothing like the sound of a 600 working its way past 10k-rpm.

That said, there are a couple of newer bikes out now that have the broad power range you're looking. Don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to dissuade you from buying an FZ - but it may be worth your while to shop around. Take a look at the Triumph Street Triple and the 600-something Ducati monster.

 

[Bikebiz]

Funny you mention the Street, it's one of my favourite bikes but I seem to always ride like a damn fool on one it's far too rewarding to wheelie, and the induction sound makes you want to run to redline in the first two gears off every set of lights!

FZ8 is probably ideal but just sold my last bike and need a replacement next week.

Plenty of great suggestions here and in the mod section. I'm taking note of all the suggestions.

 

[nimzotech]

Would (-1T) on the rear sprocket change gearing on the FZ6; more torque and less top end speed?

 

[Wavex]

No. -1 rear would do the opposite. You want -1 front for that (or +2 rear which does about the same thing, but that would probably force you to get a longer chain).

 

[adiorio]

why can i find no info about the fz8/fazzer8 on Yamaha website? Is it not out yet? Is it going to be available in U.S.?

 

[afpreppie04]

Since somebody already stepped out of the Yamaha family and I don't like where the FZ8 seems to be going, if I were in your shoes I'd look into the new Z1000. Great looks, good power, handling, and doesn't weigh much more than some 600s. Supposedly pretty comfortable too.

 

[Kazza]

why can i find no info about the fz8/fazzer8 on Yamaha website? Is it not out yet? Is it going to be available in U.S.?

Um, use the search thread.

It's all we've been talking about lately

 

[Bikebiz]

I've ridden the Z1000 and I have to tell you, the thing is unbelievably grunty. It's sublime, and would certainly be on the list. But an FZ6 can be had (in Oz) for under $11k and the Z1000 is $18,100. A bit of a difference I'd sooner go for a runout '09 FZ1.

I'm still thinking of taking the punt on the FZ6 and hoping the changed gearing addresses my concerns - since the rest of the package such as comfort, handling, looks are all right up there for me.

 

[Wolfman]

I've ridden the Z1000 and I have to tell you, the thing is unbelievably grunty. It's sublime, and would certainly be on the list. But an FZ6 can be had (in Oz) for under $11k and the Z1000 is $18,100. A bit of a difference I'd sooner go for a runout '09 FZ1.

I'm still thinking of taking the punt on the FZ6 and hoping the changed gearing addresses my concerns - since the rest of the package such as comfort, handling, looks are all right up there for me.

I reckon a quick sprocket change, a decent set of pipes, and a PCIII, and you will love the FZ6! The more you ride them, the more you realise just how capable they are....and very reliable! bulletproof almost!

:thumbup:

 

[sublime0713]

Since somebody already stepped out of the Yamaha family and I don't like where the FZ8 seems to be going, if I were in your shoes I'd look into the new Z1000. Great looks, good power, handling, and doesn't weigh much more than some 600s. Supposedly pretty comfortable too.

Oooh thanks for the reminder. Great looking bike. Sat on one at the bike show last November and felt good too.:thumbup:

 

[KingY]

I reckon a quick sprocket change, a decent set of pipes, and a PCIII, and you will love the FZ6! The more you ride them, the more you realise just how capable they are....and very reliable! bulletproof almost!

:thumbup:

could not agree more! and also agree on wolfwans other comment about the comparison between the XJ6 and FZ6 i have also rode both and i found the same conclusion.

The XJ6 feels alot let powerful to me top and bottom end. To me it actualy felt restricted compared to the FZ6. also with a sprocket change you should be a very very happy man with the FZ6. It does everything and more. i have put mine through hell and back and it just keeps running and running. never failed me once!

They are awesome machines. Hard to find a comparison IMHO :thumbup: