Which Yammie 600? Or a Kawak 650?

[Samboss260]

Hi,

I'm currently on a Kawak GPX50, and seeing the last few months of my license restrictions.

Therefore I'm researching my next bike. The current list looks like;
- Kawak Ninja 650
- Yamaha FZ6s
- Yamaha XJ6s (half faired Diversion)

So in Australia, the model lineup is slightly different with the FZ6R (which I love the look of) being only available in the restricted model. So it leaves the FZ6s or XJ6s. I much prefer the fully faired or half faired look like the Diversion and don't really love the look of the FZ6s.

The other model in the list is the Kawak 650 Ninja. I'm aware that one is a parallel twin and one an inline four, and the XJ6s and 650 Ninja making similar torque and power.

So the million dollar question my FZ6 forum members, if one was on the fence, what would sway me to this side? Also would love to hear from anyone who has also looked at these two bikes.

I have read almost every review that the media has put out but would like to hear some first hand experiences.

Also, I'm not able to ride them yet as I don't have the appropriate licence but will do in 2 months.

 

[greg]

XJ6 is a step below the FZ6, less power and a more uncomfortable seat

The 650 is a twin so will make up for the lack of power with a bit more torque, by all accounts it a decent bit, with plenty of power for the road

This is an FZ6 forum so obviously we like them. They can be a little lumpy at low revs, they are good all-round bikes.

 

[lonesoldier84]

FZ6 has a much more fun motor. No the torque doesn't really make up for it. High revving yamamotors FTW!

So FZ6 wins because...

...going fast is fun!

 

[Marthy]

The restriction on the FZ6R is easy to remove. It's only the throttle cable that you need to change for a USA version. The bike is faster than the Kawi 650. Once you do the exhaust and PCV the bike is nice to drive. Not as fast as the FZ6 but it's fast enough to put you in trouble... and get you out of trouble. 37K miles on mine and still enjoy it.

If you can spin wrenches... the FZ6 cams are direct replacement on the FZ6R. That's good for 10-12 HP gain!

 

[Humperdinkel]

G'day mate , obviously we are all going to say the FZ6 but it all comes down to comfort & your own personal taste :thumbup:

I say forget the XJ6 completely , it's dull & lifeless but I will suggest that if the 'big' FZ6 is a litte to much then I HIGHLY recommend the FZ6R , a lot dont like it either but I really really enjoyed the one I had to play with for a couple of days :thumbup:

I think the main reason people bag the FZ6R is because it's not a "real" FZ6 :don'tknow:

 

[PhotoAl]

Go for the FZ6, lot more fun. The Kawa is not a bad bike but it comes down to the low and midrange torque vs the explosive high end power of the Yamaha. Even though I commute every day, don't like a twin as it's missing that high RPM power. The FZ6 is a great multipurpose bike that does everything well. It can be a sport bike and ride with corners with the supersports, add a top case and it can be a sport touring bike, etc. The 650 is somewhat similar but doesn't have the long legs of the FZ6. At higher speeds the difference will become significant. See if you can ride both and get the one most comfortable. If you want a more aggressive riding position on the FZ6 changing to FZ1 bars makes a big difference.

 

[Daniel_Aus]

My personal experience with motorcycling is as follows: Yamaha Virago 250, Suzuki Bandit 600, Suzuki GSX750F, Suzuki SV650S, Yamaha FZ6N.

The FZ6N is by far the best bike I've owned. It's smooth on the road and very confident through the corners. I did like the torque and fun factor of the V-Twin SV650, but it does run out of puff just as the FZ6 gets going and had no where near the quality of brakes and suspension.

I can also get off the FZ6 at the end of a long ride and not feel pain in every muscle, which is a massive plus.

Don't know about the Kwaka 650, but I don't think I'd ever buy a parralel twin as a sports bike (unless it was a TRX850).

I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever one you get coming off a GPX250 anyway!

 

[Ssky0078]

The restriction on the FZ6R is easy to remove. It's only the throttle cable that you need to change for a USA version. The bike is faster than the Kawi 650. Once you do the exhaust and PCV the bike is nice to drive. Not as fast as the FZ6 but it's fast enough to put you in trouble... and get you out of trouble. 37K miles on mine and still enjoy it.

If you can spin wrenches... the FZ6 cams are direct replacement on the FZ6R. That's good for 10-12 HP gain!

:thumbup: +10 on all that.

G'day mate , obviously we are all going to say the FZ6 but it all comes down to comfort & your own personal taste :thumbup:

I say forget the XJ6 completely , it's dull & lifeless but I will suggest that if the 'big' FZ6 is a litte to much then I HIGHLY recommend the FZ6R , a lot dont like it either but I really really enjoyed the one I had to play with for a couple of days :thumbup:

I think the main reason people bag the FZ6R is because it's not a "real" FZ6 :don'tknow:

:thumbup: +10 on all that.

I would go with the Fz6r if you love the look. You can start out with the restrictions in place, get familiar with motorcycling and be safe. THEN after you are starting to feel the itch to go faster and feel you are ready, then begin to do the mods to remove the restriction on the Fz6r and you'll have a full blown Fz6 with plastics all around.

I would actually go and sit on the bikes. If they have a center stand I would ask the shop to put it on the center stand and sit for 5-10 minutes. Looks and engine performance are all part of the equation but if you actually get the bike and the ergonomics end up being painful you won't want to ride because it's simple human nature to prefer minimal pain to maximum pleasure. I purchased the Fz6 for my first bike which was a blast but was in the process of working on dealing with a hand numbing issue and shoulder/neck pain that all went away when I got my Fz1.