We've had the FZ6R on long-term loan from Yamaha, enabling us to give it a true and comprehensive test. We enlisted the help of both novice and experienced riders, taken it on more than one or two camping trips and changed it up from a sweet, gentle ride into a loud and obnoxious fire-breathing streetfighter. Here's what our test riders had to say.
Test PilotsDanika Stevens – Beginner "Having passed my motorcycle test awhile ago, I've been looking to upgrade from my Ninja 250. I just seem to be thrashing it everywhere, and on the highway it's just full gas. I didn't want anything too sporty but at the same time I didn't want to look like I was riding a lesser machine. The FZ6R sounded like it might be a good option. It looked much bigger than my 250, but when onboard, the controls didn't seem huge and the riding position was just a gentle increase in size. It gave me the confidence that I was in control. Out on the road, I just loved being on a bigger, more powerful motorcycle. The power from the 600 engine felt smooth and didn't give me any surprises. Everything was bigger and better than my smaller machine and I even felt cooler when pulling up at a Coffee Bean and watching others admire the sleek FZ. It impressed me so much that I'm putting my order in. At last, I can now go play with the big boys."
Corey Scribner – Intermediate Some friends and I were planning a 400-mile motorcycle trip up the California coast from Orange County to San Jose. I had a couple of options: I could take my old Honda Nighthawk, or I could hop on a brand-new Yamaha FZ6R. I jumped at the chance of riding a modern motorcycle instead of the old commuter bike I'm on every day.
When I first saw the FZ6R, I was a bit put off by its graphics and bulky yellow plastics. Heck, I've been on a tiny, standard-style Nighthawk for the past year, so anything other than that looks bulky to me. I had recently ridden a customized GSXR belonging to 2Wheel Tuner's Nick Hill, and honestly, that's the only experience I've had on a sportbike until I hopped on the FZ6R. The fit and comfort reminded me of my previous V-Star cruiser, but it handled way better. I enjoyed the 400 miles of twisty coastline even with my tent, saddle bags and sleeping bag strapped to the roomy bag seat.
The next time I picked up the bike to for a test ride, it had a new exhaust, suspension and a completely new look. Jamie had turned the big yellow bugger into a lean, mean streetfighter. I knifed through rush hour traffic on Los Angeles freeways with ease and got plenty of looks and questions at stoplights. I enjoyed the new look and performance. Jamie Robinson – Advanced "Even though the FZ6R is an entry-level 600, it does come with a whole host of sporty features – most importantly, the engine. It's really just an old R6 motor with a few de-tuned changes, definitely capable of some excitement. The ride is gentle, the suspension soft and forgiving and the motor in its de-tuned state is powerfully smooth and super-quiet thanks to a weighty and rather ugly exhaust system. The FZ6R steered well, but I soon felt it was too soft when I started to push it. No adjustment meant no options to improve the settings. Overall, the FZ6R is a great motorcycle for learners or for those wanting a middleweight without the aggressive edge of the full-blown R6. We pushed it hard in many conditions and it stood up to the tests well."
A fun, easy-to-ride motorcycle, the FZ6R comes in at $3,200 under the R6 – not bad. Just how much would it cost to transform this silent and gentle 600 into a motorcycle with attitude? 2WT called in the boys and the transformation began. Here's what we did, and how we did it. – J.R. 1 LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES The first thing that we changed was the exhaust system. It was too quiet and I felt like I was vulnerable on the road because drivers never heard me coming. I prefer to be heard – I don't want to become a statistic by a driver who didn't see me. If they can hear you, you've got a better chance of living. Two Brothers Racing instantly turned this wimpy and delicate sounding 600 into a motorcycle from "Mad Max." Glorious.
Two BrotherS full system: $999.98. www.twobros.com 2 MORE POWER PLEASE I know good power is possible from this motor, as many of the parts come from the old R6 sport engine. To keep costs down and get an instant increase, we fitted a Two Brothers Juice Box and dialed it in to suit the new more powerful exhaust system. An immediate 15+ HP. Too easy.
Two Brothers Racing Juice Box: $299.98. www.twobros.com
3 I WANT ADJUSTMENT The standard suspension was soft and forgiving. I wanted something that would give me the confidence to dive in and out of corners. A quick and easy upgrade to the suspension came from the hands of the trusted guys at Race Tech, who added stiffness and some adjustment to both ends of the FZ6R. Corners can now be pushed and canyons ridden and not rode.
Race Tech front forks: A stiffened front end and added emulator for improved feel and response. Total cost with labor and fork removal charge: $498.91. G3S Rear shock: $1,099.99. www.racetech.com 4 REVEAL ALL I love the look of the old FZ750 – half fairing with the engine on show. So I pulled off the big yellow fairing from the standard bike to see what was underneath. To my delight, there was a great-looking engine that shows off pipes nicely. The bike looks tougher now.
D.I.Y.: $0
5 STICK IT TO ME If you have no budget for paint and want a near-instant change to any motorcycle, graphics kits are just what you need. Track Wraps has loads of sticky designs for you to cover your machine with. Skill and patience are required, but the efforts are well worth it. Since the exhaust was breathing fire, we thought the bodywork might as well, too.
Track Wraps Burn graphics: $198 for a 2-panel wrap. www.trackwraps.com The new FZ6R started life at 2WT as the perfect introduction to the 600cc-or-bigger bike class. It gave less-experienced riders confidence and enjoyment in a quiet form. It also comes in way under budget for a sporty 600. It ends with the FZ6R being used, abused and changed forever, spitting flames as it roars. It may have appeared to be an entry-level machine but with a few simple tweaks, the FZ6R soon changed into a punchier machine at little cost. Rating: 4.5 / 5
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