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:
SICK BIKE DUDE
i love this thing… I traded in my old Honda 599 to the dealer for some cash and when I saw this yamaha sitting there i just had to buy it.
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FZ1Ryder now FZ6Ryder Reply:
April 10th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
FZ1Ryder now FZ6Ryder.
Just bought the bike today 4/10/10
Traded in my 2008 FZ1, Best bike ever owned. The Need for Speed.
But, I do not want to ride so aggressively anymore, so,
It is Yamaha Racing Blue 2009 FZ6R Time.
Great bike, smooth, shifting is effortless. Great torgue and speed.
Did the highway, twists, and full throttle. Great experience and cannot believe this bike is that much fun.
Test drove the 2009 Kawi 650R, Suz. GS650F, and Versys and other 600cc to 650cc bikes. The FZ6R is a awesome do it all bike with enough power to do anything you want it too. Any more then that, like me, your asking for certain bad outcomes on something faster.
Even though it just has maybe 120 miles I put on today, Now tested, It is time to lighten up a bit to let the bike break in.
Also owned the 2008 FZ6 naked version, this FZ6R is a much better ride!
Bought it just to enjoy riding and sight seeing, on the FZ1, I missed everything when launching this rocket at mach speeds.
Hope this helps,
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This bike is faster than any 600cc I have ever ridden. I don’t know why exactly… But I’m not complaining! Great bike, great ride.
It was a little pricy for my needs, but I decided to trade in an old quad that I hadn’t ridden in ages in order to treat myself to this FZ6R. I love this bike a lot.
I own a yellow one… Pretty much the exact same as in the picture here. It looks sweet, and rides even better. I actually wanted a light blue one but there was none at the dealer… LAME!
As I said, the only real downside was the price. $7k for a bike was way out of my price range, but oh well!
Highly recommended, although it could be a little too much to handle for a novice. Give it a shot; I am sure you won’t be disappointed!
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This bike is good and fun to ride, but it is too expensive. I would be willing to pay around 6,000 for this for a new one, but no more. I don’t own one but my good friend does and I have ridden it 5 or 6 times.
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Pretty nice bike. I like how it looks, and I think it actually runs better than bikes similar to it. It doesn’t get the best gas mileage ever, but it isn’t too bad.
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The Ninja 650 doesn’t have a V-Twin, it has a Parallel Twin. Please fact check your articles for God’s sake.
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I am a new rider and this is my first bike. I was nervous to death to get on a 600cc bike for the first time since the BRC. But once I got on this bike and figured out the friction zone it was just as easy to ride as a Nina 250R. I recommened this bike to all beginner riders looking for a good bike you can live with for a few years before you decide to upgrade.
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This is my first motorcycle and I too was a little scared to start off on a 600cc. My friends reassured me that I would get tired of anything smaller, and they were right. I took my MSF course one weekend, the next weekend, I bought FZ6R. 2 hours into riding it, I was on the highways feeling like I have been riding for years. 60 miles driven in one day, and I cant wait to log more. If you were shaky during the MSF course, get something smaller. If you felt really confident on the 250s, dont waste time and get this bike. You wont be dissappointed!
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I have the black one, and im pretty happy with it. the price was good, i dont know what all of you are complaining about. You wont find another 600cc bike for this price. i have ridden more powerful bikes and this is all the power one needs. it handles great too. the only downside i found was the handle bars. i am a taller guy so i need to lean forward more but i can deal with it.
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mike Reply:
April 16th, 2010 at 5:06 am
Turn the handlebars downward a bit. I turned mine from the upright to more slanted down. The cornering response is much easier. It’s much more comfortable to ride (doesnt put a twist in your wrist). The upright position is too much for taller riders and I would guess it would be for shorter riders as well.
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Just wondering if there are any short women out there ( around 5’2) that have tried this bike out. I rode my husbands honda cbr600 around a couple times, but find I am reaching to much for the ground and the handlebars. I want to stick around the 600cc, so any smaller is kind of out of the question. The only way to lower it would be to “tie” it down at the back, which would leave the front end up( Or so the dealer tells me). Thought about maybe giving this bike a try?
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mike Reply:
April 16th, 2010 at 5:08 am
Definately. I met a girl about your height who has no problems with it. Also you can pick up a lowering link and kickstand from Roaring Toys for fairing cheap.
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@ rebecca:
What you could do is purchase handlebar extensions, which increase how tall the handlebars are. You can usually get another inch or two out of them.
As far as the ride height goes you may be able to purchase lowering kits down the road, but I would be very doubtful for a kit exists for the Yamaha FZ6R already.
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mike Reply:
April 16th, 2010 at 5:09 am
Roaring Toys . com – they have the lowering link and kickstand. I think it’s for under $100
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“Mike said:
The Ninja 650 doesn’t have a V-Twin, it has a Parallel Twin. Please fact check your articles for God’s sake.”
You’ll note if you read the article that they say “mid-range sport bikes with v-twin or parallel-twin engines.” Seems to me you should fact check your posts.
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My daughter-in-law just purchased one of these bikes. She is 5′ tall. She loves it. She has owned a 125 Yamaha dirt bike, a Kawasaki 250 Ninja, a Kawasaki Mean Streak, and this bike. This is her all time favorite. I love to ride it myself. I have been riding for 51 years and have owned around 50 to 60 bikes, usually 3-5 at a time. I currently ride an ST1300 Honda and a 1984 700 V4 Honda Sabre. I am impressed with the torque at all engine speeds and the handling. The brakes do a very good job too. All controls work easily and are well placed. The reason I still have the old Honda Sabre is that it does everything well. This bike reminds me of the Sabre because it seems to do everything well and never has to strain to get the job done. My daughter-in-law would recommend it for persons with short legs, but it is comfortable for me too, and I am 5’10″. The handlebars can be moved farther forward by reversing the clamps, and the seat can be raised a little more than 3/4″. The engine is very smooth at all speeds, with no buzzing in the handlebars or footpegs. This bike is a keeper. My only gripe is that I don’t get to ride it very often. The reason I rated economy at 4 stars is that when we ride together, my ST1300 seems to get better fuel mileage. I expected the FZ6R to get better gas mileage, but I suspect that having a catalytic converter is part of the problem since it needs a richer mixture to work. (Both of these bikes have catalytic converters.) It does seem to get about the same mileage as the 700 Sabre. I guess this makes sense, because I would estimate they make about the same horsepower and weigh about the same.
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I’ve had my fz6r for roughly 1month now and I love it! Its SO comfortable to ride. Its not a rocket but certainly has more than enough power/acceleration for me.It had been a few years since I had a bike so after doing alot of research I went with the fz6r. It looks great,its very comfortable,fast and affordable. I’m so glad I bought it.
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whoops-I forgot to rate my fz6r!!
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Just purchased this bike 3 days ago. First bike ever!! Took a training course at a nearby college and loved the feel of riding a bike. The college used 2008 CBR 125 for training and to my great surprise me FZ6 is actually easier to handle. Had a 100mi trip home from the dealer (in the pouring rain) and this bike handled like a dream even on the slick roads. It was also very comfortable (even though i’m 6’1 200lbs) Can’t wait to put a couple of thousand miles on this bike.
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I live in Wisconsin where good riding weather is hard to come by and I graduate this year and plan on buying my first bike. I’ve looked and researched both the ninja 250r and the fz6r and am growing more and more on the yamaha. Idk if this is a good idea tho because of it being 600cc and it being my first bike. The yamaha is a little intimidating especially sitting on it at the dealership I just need to know if bigger is better with the fz6r? I’m about 6’1 190 and feel like I could handle the 600cc
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mike Reply:
April 16th, 2010 at 5:13 am
You can definately handle it. I’m 6′, this is my first bike as well. I took the MSF course and rode the 250′s. The bike is reasonable to handle, but you can quickly learn to ride it like a rocket. A lot of fun. A 250 would kill you faster than this because after a month riding it you’ll want to drive it over a cliff and leave it for dead.
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@ Cory:
The Ninja 250R and the FZ6R are two very different motorcycles. The Ninja is lighter and easier to handle, but with your height and weight you will likely find it underpowered. Conversely, the FZ6R packs 75 horsepowerish (about 50 more than the 250R) and a whole lot more motorcycle.
I learned on a Ninja 500R, and while admittedly I did get bored of it after a few months, it was the ideal bike for me to get my first few rides in. If I could do it again I wouldn’t think twice about picking up a 500R, but that doesn’t mean that the FZ6R will be too much bike for you. Just take it easy until you’re comfortable riding and comfortable with the bike.
Have fun and ride safe!
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I bought the FZ6R about a week ago. I have never rode a motorcycle b4 (accept passenger) and the day I got it my husband gave me a few simple instructions and round and round I went. Now I can ride anywhere with him. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!
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hi, i’ve got a question. I’m 5.6ft and weitht 136lbs and have never ridden a bike. But i really like them and was looking foward to this bike, do you think its too much for a person my size?
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mike Reply:
April 16th, 2010 at 5:15 am
Definately not too much for you. You’ll love it and will be handle it just fine.
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@ johnm:
Ride carefully and you should be okay. Personally, I’d start off on something smaller (Ninja 500 or something) and go from there, but the FZ6R won’t *kill* you right off the bat so long as you respect its capabilities.
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After about 6 months of extensive research on the FZ6R, I decided to buy…yellow was my only desire, though the graphic is a bit perhaps overdone. I am nearly 60 and short, so the lower riding height was of interest to me. Previously I had a string of cruisers and my only previous “sport” bike was a Katana. Because of the low handlebars, I could only ride about 30 min. before I felt carpal tunnel in the wrists coming on. Before my son went back to Iraq last year, I rode his R6 several times and decided I was not yet too old for a sport if I could satisfy the height/wrist concerns. This bike seems to have all my concerns covered. I have ridden up to 150 miles in a day with no wrist discomfort…seat became weary first! (gel palm gloves really help me) I like hills and curves away from the city and it seems to handle for what I desire as well as the R6 did, but without the need to rev so high to start. My only concerns are the position of the footpegs (directly in the way of putting feet down at stops) and the fact that they have already dumped yellow for the 2010. I love the yellow and now have a collector! They must have wanted another white w/red accents to match the new Yahama racing colors.
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loves the jooks and pricing. but is the two brothers exhaust really cost over 800??? sheesh. anyway big thumbs up for begginners
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11/09
47 YRS OLD AND JUST SOLD MY DRZ400 REALLY FUN OFF ROAD AND TRACKS BUT TOO MUCH VIBRATION ON BY SEAT AREA ANYWAY I WANT TO BUY THE FJ6R IN BLUE AND HAVE A GREAT DEAL OFFERED $6700.00 OUT THE DOOR. BECOUSE OF A TOUGH ECONOMY MY WIFE HAS GIVEN ME A HARD TIME ABOUT BUYING IT SAYS I DONT RIDE THAT MUCH (I DO HAVE A NICE BLUE CONV MUSTANG)AND MAYBE I DONT BUT WHEN I DO RIDE I LOVE IT BRINGS BACK OLD TIMES AND NOW MAYBE I CAN RIDE TO WORK MORE WITHOUT THE VIBRATION OF MY OLD DRZ400S. ANY WAY I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS.I HAVE RIDDEN ALOT OF BIKES AND AM AFRAID THAT I SHOULD BUY THE FZ1 INSTEAD BUT NO BLUE. I AM ABOUT 220 LBS AND 6′TALL. I TRY AND RIDE BACK ROADS FOR SAFETY AND TRAVEL ABOUT 10 MILES TO WORK IN FLORIDA. WILL THIS ENGINE BE QUICK ENOUGH FOR ME FROM 0-60? EVERYONE KEEPS SAYING BEGINNER BIKE THIS SCARES ME. BY THE WAY I CAN GET A 2008 FZ1 FOR $7900.00 +++ @$ 9000.00 I GUESS, A LITTLE MORE THAN I THINK I SHOULD SPPEND. PLEASE HELP SHOULD I BUY IT OR NOT IT SEEMS LIKE A GREAT DEAL AND I LOVE THE BLUE EVEN IF IT IS JUST TO LOOK AT ALOT. MY WIFE WILL GET OVER IT. I SAID I WILL GIVE HER $6700.00 FOR WHAT EVER.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
GLENN
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I,too, am interested in this bike (the last motorcycle I owned was a Yamaha RD350A[!]).Anyway, I have read no mention of the Suzuki GSX650F.For those who are 6’0″ or taller this bike would probably be a better choice since it does not appear to be as compact as this FZ6R. That’s my 2 cents .Ride safely and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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12/03/2009 OK I FINALLY GOT THE OK FROM MY WIFE TO BUY A BIKE. NOW WHAT DO I BUY. YAMA FZ6R, KAWA EN6R, LOVE THE LOOKS OF BOTH IN BLUE.DO YOU HAVE TO REV ENGINE HIGHER ON THE FZ6R TO GET POWER. MORE THAN THE 2 CYL KAW? IF I TAKE OFF QUICK AND SLAM 2ND GEAR CAN I DO A WHEELIE ON FZ6R? I REALLY LIKE THE IN LINE 4, ANY VIBRATION EVEN AT 80MPH? WILL I GET ALOT OF POWER FROM BIKE FROM 1000 TO 6000 RPMS OR DO YOU HAVE TO REV THESE ENGINES TO GET POWER? THANKS GLENN
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To Rebecca:
As suggested, you can get bar riser kits to get the bars within a comfortable reach, and without having to get longer cables.
Now, a blunt statement about your dealer’s comment – HE’S AN IDIOT that doesn’t know much about bikes! While you can get lowering kits (shorter dog bones) for the rear, you CAN lower the front of any sport bike by having the mechanic ‘raise’ the forks in the triple trees, thus LOWERING the front end of the bike. Usually, you can lower the front almost an inch, but have the mechanic lower it so that it has the same front to rear balance as it’s original stance. In other words make sure the front weight ratio remains the same. If the rear drope 3/4″, then so should the front.
I didn’t rate this bike, because I do not own one. But I have owned an FZ-1 and found that bike superior in build quality than the Kaws or Suzukis of the same ilk. The brakes on the Yamaha are superior to those found on the Kaw and Suzuki. So’s the suspension.
Not a noob here. I am 48 y/o and have been riding ever since I was 14. I have owned all makes and models and would say that the only better build quality would be found at Honda, along with an increase in respective price. But Honda really doesn’t have anything for direct comparison in this class.
I currently own a Honda Interceptor, but would not lump it into a comparison with the 600-650cc class. Having previously owned a 2006 Kaw 650R, I would opt for the Yamaha (having ridden one at Daytona Bike Week).
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hey guys!! im 16 and im wondering, as a very beginner, being 5’3, would i be able to ride on this bike??? can you give me some tips and pointers or what ever you got ? thanks!
- Natasha
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Cameron Martel Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
It will be a bit of a stretch, but should be okay. I’d look into a 500cc for something a bit lower to the ground, like the Ninja 500R or Suzuki GS500F.
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JUST MADE A DOWN PAYMENT!!
Went in looking to upgrade from my 2006 Ninja 650R for a new Ninja. trying to catch a deal on a 2009; No Luck. “Leo” says sit on this, and I grin, damn, he got me now.
Well very scared, I’ve ridden a Ninja since hitting the streets at 18. 250, 500, 650, 1100. Don’t know why I’m nervous, I guess because I didn’t test ride. Guess they don’t offer that here in Va.
Well, I’ll let you know!!
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Cameron Martel Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 8:01 am
How’d it work out? Do you love the FZ6R?
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Need For Speed is the best game that i have ever played..::
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