Will I like the FZ?

[CrazyCanuck]

Hi, new to the forum but not new to riding. Been riding since I was 16, now approaching 50...so long time rider.

I am looking for a small comutter bike (short 10 minute commute) to the train and back. I currently have a R1200RT as my 2up touring bike and don't want to park that bike outside all day.

There is a 2012 FZ6R with 7,000 KMs (4,300 miles) in white for $3,800 CDN and I thought this might be a good bike for the commute.

Will I find it too small....I'm looking for light, don't care too much on power, as long as it is decent and don't care what the true sport bike riders think. Was looking at twins (versys) because of the better tourque... But like the look of the Yamaha and the price seems right....reviews are generally positively.

Thoughts?

Gord

 

[alaskanflyboy]

I bought mine primarily for commuting and after 5 years it has yet disappoint. When I was in Spokane, I rode it rain or shine with no problems even on the stock Roadsmarts (don't know about the Battleaxes that some had stock). I'd still ride it in the rain here in Milwaukee if it didn't throw lightning 90% of the time.

Torque is pretty linear on the bike and it has plenty of excess power for freeways (you can easily get to 100 mph if you really need to get someone off your butt). As for lightness, it'll likely feel light compared to the R1200RT, but it's a little heavy for the class with its steel frame.

I did a bit of research before even finding this forum and this is the main article that sold me on the FZ6R. http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/2009AugShootout.pdf

 

[CrazyCanuck]

Thanks, that is a great (seemingly unbiased) article and comparison...sounds like a good fit!

 

[CrazyCanuck]

BTW, what are the value adjustment intervals on the FZ?

 

[Fraze]

Curious; Are you planning on doing any other riding with this or is it JUST a ~10min commuter Mon-Fri? I commute ~100k (to and from) work a day and the 6R is comfy as hell and an all around great commuter. You mentioned "I'm looking for light" and at about 460 pounds, the 6R is a tad on the heavy side, but that helps overall sometimes on the hwy, wind etc. I was just thinking, if you are just zipping around Toronto (I live near Oakville btw) and using it JUST to commute that distance, you could also consider something like an R3. I rode a friends a few times and that thing was fun as hell..light, zippy, handled well and pretty cheap and good mileage (a used one is about the same as the used 6R you mention) Just a thought, but either way I don't think you could go wrong with a 6R for a commuter, that's literally what it was designed for.

 

[nismos14]

It's definitely not light weight by any means.

 

[CrazyCanuck]

It's definitely not light weight by any means.

My idea of light is anything under 500 lbs....so, I think the FZ is 460ish with fluids, that sounds great to me!

 

[CrazyCanuck]

Curious; Are you planning on doing any other riding with this or is it JUST a ~10min commuter Mon-Fri? I commute ~100k (to and from) work a day and the 6R is comfy as hell and an all around great commuter. You mentioned "I'm looking for light" and at about 460 pounds, the 6R is a tad on the heavy side, but that helps overall sometimes on the hwy, wind etc. I was just thinking, if you are just zipping around Toronto (I live near Oakville btw) and using it JUST to commute that distance, you could also consider something like an R3. I rode a friends a few times and that thing was fun as hell..light, zippy, handled well and pretty cheap and good mileage (a used one is about the same as the used 6R you mention) Just a thought, but either way I don't think you could go wrong with a 6R for a commuter, that's literally what it was designed for.

Yes, mainly commuting, I am sure I'll "get out" on it a few times a year, but love my RT for weekend riding.

 

[blkbrd]

BTW, what are the value adjustment intervals on the FZ?

I think it's 24000 kms.

Sent from Samsung Galaxy S4

 

[BluePill]

I am currently riding my second bought-new FZ6R, so you can call me a fan. In strong cross winds and buffeting from tractor trailers the weight is a plus. The bike feels much lighter than it is. It is very agile. The wind protection is another plus, compared to naked bikes. Maintenance is simple, bike is super reliable because they have had over a decade to tweak the engine.

"The Yamaha FZ6, also known as the FZ6 FAZER is a 600 cc (37 cu in) motorcycle that was introduced by Yamaha in 2004 as a middleweight sport bike built around the 2003 YZF-R6 engine. The engine is retuned for more usable midrange power. As a multi-purpose motorcycle it can handle sport riding, touring, and commuting. In 2010, the FZ6 was replaced by the fully faired FZ6R in North America"

I am 6' 2" and put on 3/4" handlebar risers for a more upright riding position. Otherwise, bone stock.

 

[CrazyCanuck]

Thanks for all your feedback, I'm picking the bike up tomorrow!

Gord

 

[MistahT]

I have been very satisfied with my FZ6R for the last 4+ years since I bought it brand new. I'm a grass-is-always-greener type person, and I think we will always want something faster, newer, nicer, lighter, whatever... but the FZ6R is an amazing all around bike.

Commuting is boring, but it's comfortable, super easy to control, and very well mannered. I taught my wife to ride on it and she thankfully didn't have any trouble controlling it. I've yet to get a knee down (not that I'm trying) but I've come dangerously close a couple times without drama. My favorite thing is playing around on the backroads and I've sometimes carved mountain roads behind some "real" sport bikes. I've done 15 hours of riding in a 2 day period with bags on it (although you already have something much better for that).

You will find bikes better at specific things, but nothing quite as well rounded and well mannered as the FZ6R. Some riders knock "comfortable" bikes, but I also think ours excels at this task. Pick up the bike, you'll love it.

 

[alaskanflyboy]

I think it's 24000 kms.

Sent from Samsung Galaxy S4

26600mi/42000km on the valves.

 

[blkbrd]

26600mi/42000km on the valves.

Thanks for the correction. I don't have my 6R anymore, therefore no manual.

Sent from Samsung Galaxy S4

 

[CrazyCanuck]

Wow, I guess I'll never have to adjust the valves, that is nice to know!!

 

[alaskanflyboy]

Wow, I guess I'll never have to adjust the valves, that is nice to know!!

If you search for the FZ6R owners manual, it's freely available on Yamaha's site and has all the maintenance intervals as well as how to perform basic maintenance.

 

[CrazyCanuck]

OK....first ride...WOW, very nice bike, the engine, suspension, ergonomics.....how did they do it at such a competitive price!

I've had a lot of bikes, but this little bike is awesome!

Gord