Yamaha FZ6R
Yamaha FZ6R Video Walkaround
Scroll down for our comprehensive review of the Yahama FZ6R.
Fast Tube by Casper
Summary:
A detuned R6 motor from the last generation R6 provides plenty of power and torque throughout the rev range, and a solid suspension setup keeps this bike stable when it counts. New riders may find the FZ6R a little intimidating, but those who take the time to master it will find it to be a rewarding and enjoyable ride.
Engine Size: 600cc
Price (new): $8,799 CDN/$6,990 USD
Comparable bikes: Suzuki SV650S, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Kawasaki Ninja 500R, Suzuki GS500
Our Yamaha FZ6R Review:
Most of the competition of theYamaha FZ6R pack their mid-range sport bikes with v-twin or parallel-twin engines (the Kawasaki Ninja 650R and Suzuki SV650 come to mind), so it’s a somewhat odd choice for Yamaha to give it’s new-for-2009 FZ6R an inline 4 that has been taken from the last generation R6 (Yamaha’s 600cc super-sport model).
Not that it’s a bad thing, as the 600cc former-R6 motor is excellent and has all of the latest features, including digital fuel injection. Some may note that Yamaha has had the FZ6 on the market for some time, and that’s true, but the all-new faired version of the bike (aptly named the FZ6R) is brand new for 2009 and a serious contender for this segment. The Suzuki SV650 had enjoyed being the de-facto standard for a while (despite intense competition from the Kawasaki Ninja 650R), but the FZ6R promises to take a substantial chunk from Suzuki’s bottom line.
This bike could be the perfect bike for someone looking for something sporty, easy to ride, and capable on the highway. Moreover, the suspension has been designed to remain as responsive on a mountain road as it is in big city traffic. It certainly feels taut, though it is also quite comfortable. Every time we get on one we find ourselves blending right in with the bike- a very good trait to have.
Yamaha has been very hush-hush about engine specifications, though we suspect that this bike has roughly 75-80 horsepower and around 45-50 ft-lbs of torque. Yamaha claims that maximum power delivery is at 10,000 rpm and we agree- this bike feels at its best in the middle-upper end of its power band. Riders used to torquey v-twins may need to take some time getting used to the FZ6R’s power band, but once you are comfortable with it you suddenly find that the power is very easy to take advantage of.
We prefer the SV650’s motor to the one in the FZ6R as we find that it is less peaky, and hence more suited to city riding. Of course, we also share a bit of a bias having plenty of experience with the SV650. The Ninja 650R also rallies right on in with the FZ6R, though we prefer the looks of the Ninja. With that in mind, the FZ6R does have a more aggressive appearance, and it has a larger selection of color schemes than the Ninja.
Once you’re on the bike and comfortable with it the bike becomes very predictable. It’s a very solid bike to ride and one that new or even experienced riders will enjoy. Riders that are looking at the Ninja 650R or SV650S would be doing themselves no justice in overlooking Yamaha’s sporty and exciting FZ6R.
The Bottom Line:
The FZ6R is a great addition to the middleweight section by Yamaha, and one that new riders looking for a middleweight bike should definitely consider. A powerful inline-4 and sporting suspension combine to make a solid platform that anyone can appreciate.
Yamaha FZ6R Update – July 30, 2009
It was by chance that the yellow-decaled 2009 Yamaha FZ6R sat before me, propped ever-so-gingerly on its kick-stand. I’ve always been partial for the “twins” when it comes to a good all around motorcycle that a beginner could feasibly hop on and ride without too much fuss. The Yamaha FZ6R, with its inline-four cylinder engine and relatively peaky power band (compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 650R or Suzuki SV650) didn’t seem like the kind of bike that we’d be gung-ho over.
However, as you could tell from our review, we quite liked the FZ6R. When we reviewed it back in late-January we found it to be a responsive, peppy machine that any rider, regardless of experience, would enjoy. This, of course, brings us back to today.
At a local meet and greet I happened to come across a rider who, ironically, had read a review of the Yamaha FZ6R on this website (I didn’t think beginner motorcycle reviews was that popular yet). As you can imagine, after a bit of conversation and some analysis into what a beginner motorcycle truly is, I quickly found myself sitting on a Yamaha FZ6R. The fellow I had met took the reins of my Suzuki SV650.
Not only that, but a friend of mine who owns a Kawasaki Ninja 650R happend to be there as well (read our 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R review). It didn’t take long before the three of us were out on the highway.
I’d like to officially change my opinion on the FZ6R, having found it to be an exceptional motorcycle that any new rider that feels confident, or any experienced rider looking for some inexpensive fun, will have have a blast riding. Through the corners the FZ6R feels taught and refined, with suspension that’s quite stiff – if almost too stiff – and incredibly responsive. I was able to throw this bike around and, like clockwork, know exactly how it was going to respond.
Acceleration is slightly behind the Ninja 650R or SV650S in the lower portion of the rev band, but once you hit around 8,000rpm it takes right off. Though it didn’t leave the Kawi or Suzuki in the dust, it did pull on both bikes through most of third and fourth gear. Very, very cool.
At the end of the evening, when I was forced to return the Yamaha FZ6R to its rightful owner, I found myself wishing for its smooth power delivery and excellent riding dynamics during my ride home. It’s official: The SV650 has been replaced by the FZ6R as my favorite all-around motorcycle.
Hell has apparently frozen over.
Related posts:
Category: 500cc-650cc, Featured, Yamaha
For a person your size, something under 600cc would be an ideal choice if you’re going for a sport bike. You can go a little larger with a cruiser. Check out our picks for the Top 10 Motorcycles for New Riders. The list relates to 2010 and we’re working on an update for 2011!
Joe, I am looking to buy the FZ6r in about a week or two. I ride a Ninja 250r, like ur daughter-in-law did and I, too, am 5 foot tall. I sat on an FZ6r at the dealership and could touch my tip-toes to the ground on both sides, I was just curious if she had bought a lowering kit for hers. I know that there are kits available that lower it about 1.75″ and I was hoping that it’d be enough.
Like many others in this forum, I’m worried about my size in comparison to the bike. I’m 5′ tall and really want to upgrade from a Ninja 250r to a bike like the FZ6r. It’s been tough finding a bike to fit my height, but I know lowering kits are available. I’ve seen as much as 1.75″ lowering kits available for the FZ6r, but wasn’t positive if this’d be sufficient for my height or not. I sat on one a couple weeks ago at it’s normal height, and my tip-toes could touch the ground on both sides. I always rode dirtbikes much larger than myself so I’m use to big bikes, but I’d really like to make my bike as comfortable as possible. Anybody have any input as to whether the lowering kit would make a huge difference or not, or would I be better off looking into getting a different bike?
I am a beginning ride who is looking for a good first motorcycle. I have some experience on dirt bikes and I own a scooter but I havent rode a motorcycle yet. I am taking my beginner rider course in may but I was looking for some advice on a good first bike. I have sat on a cbr250 at a dealership and it felt very small to me. I also sat on a fz6 which was much bigger. I am 6’5″ so it is hard to try and find a beginner sport or sport tour bike that I will feel comfortable on.
I can understand your pain being a taller guy, trying to get onto a small bike. I’m 6 feet even so you’re quite a bit taller and I found the sizing of most 600cc sport bikes to be just right. Have you looked at a used Katana or something similar? That would give you the size you need while not being overly powerful.