Which FZ6??

[centralNC]

Greetings everyone. This is a great forum. I am in the market for a motorcycle and I have been reading the historical threads for the past 3-4 days for guidance. I thought I would post a question for the community.

Question:
Are there any significant differences in the used FZ6 models (2004-2008) that might make one year more desirable or perform better than other years? I understand that the colors have changed, but is that the only differences? There also seems to be that on-going debate on the faster-blue vs. faster-red vs. faster-black (etc.)...but that is a different discussion.

Background:
I have had several bikes over the years. I owned a SV650 when they first came out in '99, plus other sport bikes (CBR, ZZR600, etc.). I would like a good semi-sport bike for 2-5 hour rides and some easy weekend rides on Sunday morning. I don't want the clip-ons of a sport bike and I am just not ready for a V-Strom yet.

Thoughts or suggestions on different model years of the FZ6? It is a great looking bike, isn't it?

 

[davidsa1]

From 06 to 07 they changed the fairing and guages, they also changed the swing arm and the passenger pegs are removable. If I were in the market for one I would go with a 07+.

 

[SovietRobot]

The front brakes are better on the 07+ also.
It's just a bunch of little differences. The core of the motorcycle is the same.

 

[Rob2222]

Yeah and you need a blue one, cause the blue ones are faster.

 

[bradms38]

I just joined the forum a few weeks ago. I bought a left over 07 in 2008. I would go with a left over 2007 dealers can still find them and today at the dealer I go to had one in blue for $5,700. Not much has changed on the bike between 2007 and 2009. The appearance of the plastic was changed and I believe for 2009 the only thing that changed was the addition of some more padding in the seat. I would not go with the new FZ6R. This bike is detuned from the standard FZ6. When you pick one up I would have the dealer install frame sliders (approx $75) before you take it off the showroom floor. Mine have saved my plastic on the bike several times. I'd also pickup an adhesive tank pad that protects the pait on your gas tank from belt buckles, jean snaps, etc. A more expensive item I bought to make riding funnier and easier was a digital gear indication. I had the dealer mount it up by my windshield and I always now what gear I'm in by just a glance.

 

[linky0283]

I have a 2009 and my seat is the same as my buddy's 05.

 

[Jedi]

Yeah and you need a blue one, cause the blue ones are faster.

What he said :cheer::welcome::thumbup::Flash:

 

[cv_rider]

The tach is digital masquerading as analog up to 06, but is a real dial on the 07+. No doubt you get used to it on the 06-, but I strongly prefer analog displays, so I'd go with 07+.

 

[stryken]

Yeah... the gauges and swing arm alone on the 07+ are enough to justify spending a little more IMHO. Love having the best of both worlds with large LCD display of speed but the easy to read analog tach. When I was looking to purchase a new bike earlier this year one of my choices was the ER-6N, the gauge package alone stopped me from considering it any further.... talk about Bass Ackwards.

Sorry, not trying to hijack your thread... just had to get it out, I will go now.

Ohh... by the way :welcome: I am relatively new myself and I love my new FZ6 and the Forums.

 

[kinderwood]

Fuel injection was improved in the 07+ models. Also I believe with some earlier years there was a serious issue with the TPS sensor. There was a recall by Yamaha with a free fix from the dealer. Not sure which years that was off the top of my head.

 

[dankatz]

TPS was mostly an issue around 2004. I think with all the improvements of '07+, given the choise, I would go with an '07+. Consider also the GSX650F as a sporty tourer in this price range. If you are looking for something that has adequate power and not very fast, the FZ6R is plenty if it fits you. It is aimed at shorter/smaller riders

 

[Cali rider]

I have an 04, but I would agree with the posts above this one: Get an 07+. Better brakes, better instrumentation, but the same base motor.

 

[Doorag]

From 06 to 07 they changed the fairing and guages, they also changed the swing arm and the passenger pegs are removable. If I were in the market for one I would go with a 07+.

+1 I agree.

 

[staticghost]

Well since you have been riding couple different bikes and you know how to ride and you know what you want. I would highly recommend getting the 2009 FZ6. Why not get the latest and the greatest. I would, if I was in your shoes. Only reason I got my used was because its my first bike ever and I wanted the best of both worlds, sport and touring all in one plus much more.
:rockon:

 

[centralNC]

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I will see if I can find a low mileage "07 or a leftover '08 at a dealership. I hope to have one soon. Thanks again!!!