Sell this relative newbie on the FZ6R

[chiefike]

Ok, here’s my story. Last year, I took the MSF course and got my license. I was a total noob…never before ridden a motorcycle. After getting my license, I plunked down some cash on my starter bike, a ’02 Ninja 250. I didn’t get to ride it as much as I thought, over 300 miles on twisty country roads near my house. I’d call my riding style relatively sedate. I’ve had the Ninja up to about 70 MPH once, but mostly lower speeds of 50-60 MPH. Not looking to break any land speed records. Size wise, I’m a relatively stocky guy…5’ 11”, 250.

Anyway, I’m selling the Ninja now and looking to upgrade, primarily because it probably needs a carb rebuild and I don’t want to sink anymore money into since I knew I’d be upgrading soon anyway. I’ve researched a bunch of bikes, from sports to cruisers to standards. My ideal bike would have been a light sport tourer like the Honda NT700V, but unfortunately that bike was discontinued here in the states. Basically I’m looking for a bike for the weekend ride with the occasional commute to work or longer trip.

I’ve narrowed my choices down to two: The FZ6R, and a Triumph Bonneville. I know those are two very different bikes, but I’m trying to decide between keeping a sports bike or going with a more classic look and feel.

I can get a 2012 FZ6R (raven) on sale for retail price of $6699, and the Bonnie retails for $1K more. My thinking is that the $1K in savings could eventually go to some touring mods, cases, etc. Anyway, my concerns are listed below:

1. How much of an adjustment will it be going from the Ninjette to a FZ6R, particularly with my not so aggressive riding style?
2. How comfortable is the FZ6R, particularly on the freeway? I’ve never taken the Ninjette on the freeway, but I will want to take my next bike out there for the occasional 25 mile trip to work. But overall comfort for a guy my size is an issue.
3. One of the things I’m looking at is to keep this bike a long time (over 5+ years). The Bonnie seems to have a following that indicates that it is a classic bike you will keep for a long time. What about FZ6R owners? Similar feelings?
4. Maintenance and reliability are key. How do these rate on the FZ6R?

Any other thoughts you might have are appreciated. I’ll be asking similar questions of Bonnie owners.

 

[LS6TT]

1. How much of an adjustment will it be going from the Ninjette to a FZ6R, particularly with my not so aggressive riding style? Not much if any, I assume you already have your throttle control down to anticipate the more HP
2. How comfortable is the FZ6R, particularly on the freeway? I’ve never taken the Ninjette on the freeway, but I will want to take my next bike out there for the occasional 25 mile trip to work. But overall comfort for a guy my size is an issue.I think it is extremely comfortable, there are some complaints about the seat, but ive personally gone on fairly long rides (100 miles) and no issues. Every weekend I ride on the hwy at least 75 miles and no issues
3. One of the things I’m looking at is to keep this bike a long time (over 5+ years). The Bonnie seems to have a following that indicates that it is a classic bike you will keep for a long time. What about FZ6R owners? Similar feelings? everyone will say different, some guys bought their bike for various reasons, I dont see me getting rid of my bike for a different bike anytime soon because it fits my needs, others want more power, different look, want to be cool, etc
4. Maintenance and reliability are key. How do these rate on the FZ6R?im less than 4k in and so far not a single issue, there are guys on here with 30k+ miles that havent posted about any issues from what ive seen either, just maintain the bike and you should be good

my answers above

 

[BKP]

Ninja 250 to the FZ6R is a pretty natural progression. Riding style and ergos are *very* similar (sport/standard as opposed to supersport or cruising).

You can check this site out to compare the ergonomics side by side: Motorcycle Ergonomics

From a power standpoint, you'll find you're not revving as high on the FZ6R as you need to on the Ninja -- much more linear power band, and much more power in general (which is obvious going up to an I-4).

It's fuel injected compared to your Ninjette, so you won't need to sit and choke it at all (although, I do let mine warm up just a bit, as a best practice). I've found maintenance (and reliability, so far) to be a breeze, and do most of what I can myself.

The instrument panel is light years beyond that ridiculous Ninjette arrangement.

On the highway, you'll find you're not blown around like a fart in the wind, since it has 100 lbs. on the Ninja, and is *much* more stable. Less buffeting as well.

Bottom line, I don't know of *any* downside moving up to the FZ6R, with the exception of losing a couple of mpg's.... but once you ride it, you won't really care...

 

[Brock Kickass]

I owned my FZ6R for 2 years, 20 000km, and didn't have a single issue. I rode it to work, I rode it 4-500km in a day, I rode it on the freeway and in town. I never had any trouble with it, mechanically or with the ride. It's easy to ride, stable, comfortable, reliable, barely uses any fuel, and has some jam when you want it to. I have no experience with the Bonneville, but I would recommend an FZ6R in a heartbeat. The only reason I don't have one anymore is because, unlike you, I do like to tear it up a bit from time to time, and plan on hitting the track. The 6R is more than enough for the street, but on a track you'd get embarassed pretty quickly. A testament to my satisfaction with my 6R, though, when I bought a new bike I bought the "bigger brother", the FZ1. It's basically an FZ6R, but more, and sucks on fuel.

 

[Nastybutler]

These are two very different bikes indeed. In addition to what LS6TT said, the Bonnie is a bigger bike, and without fairing so freeway riding will be a challenge over any significant distance. It's really hard to compare the two because they are so different. If you're looking to do long distance touring, I'd definitly go with the FZ6R. If you just want a bike that sounds and looks great for short trips around town, go with the Bonnie. You'll get lots of street cred and comliments on the Bonnie from other riders, especially the older riders since it's a very nice retro bike.

As far as long term goes, the new Bonnies are pretty well built, but the only manufacturers who can match Yamaha for long term durability are BMW and Honda, IMHO. Since you're not looking for the fastest bike in the world, as long as you don't plan on touring with a passenger, the FZ6R should fit your needs for a loooooong time. Talk to Superzoom or Marthy who have turned the 6R into a light touring bike with a few mods.

 

[Marthy]

+1 on the front sprocket, taller windscreen and seat upgrade and you're all set. +30K on mine and no problem. I ride mine 12 months a year almost everyday (no cage) If all you do is short ride the stock version of the bike is already very solid. If you use it for longer ride few little update won't hurt. I did 500's, 1000's and 1500's miles days on mine. Bullet proof bike and cheap on maintenance.

 

[BKP]

+1 on the front sprocket, taller windscreen and seat upgrade and you're all set. +30K on mine and no problem. I ride mine 12 months a year almost everyday (no cage) If all you do is short ride the stock version of the bike is already very solid. If you use it for longer ride few little update won't hurt. I did 500's, 1000's and 1500's miles days on mine. Bullet proof bike and cheap on maintenance.

Sorry for the hijack -- quick question... Marthy, does the +1 front sprocket change the shift point at all? (I understand it fixes the speedo -- my speedo seems +4 mph compared to my GPS, on average).

 

[MistahT]

I was actually very impressed with the bike bone stock and would not mind daily driving a stock FZ6R (which sounds like what you want). When I stepped up from my GS500 I noticed a few things. First was that this bike was very capable on the highway. Second was the differences between parallel twins and I4s. I could ride my GS at 2k all day long and it was perfectly happy. I feel like my FZ6R prefers to ride between 4 and 5k and shifts much smoother at or above 5.

But also someone coming from dual carbs, fuel injection is AWESOME!

 

[chiefike]

I was actually very impressed with the bike bone stock and would not mind daily driving a stock FZ6R (which sounds like what you want). When I stepped up from my GS500 I noticed a few things. First was that this bike was very capable on the highway. Second was the differences between parallel twins and I4s. I could ride my GS at 2k all day long and it was perfectly happy. I feel like my FZ6R prefers to ride between 4 and 5k and shifts much smoother at or above 5.

But also someone coming from dual carbs, fuel injection is AWESOME!

With all the trouble I've had on the carbs on my Ninja, the first requirement of the new bike is that it be fuel injected.

I saw on the other thread that you paid $7400 OTD in Maryland. Already replied in that thread, but mind if I ask where in MD (since that is where I am)?

 

[chiefike]

Ninja 250 to the FZ6R is a pretty natural progression. Riding style and ergos are *very* similar (sport/standard as opposed to supersport or cruising).

You can check this site out to compare the ergonomics side by side: Motorcycle Ergonomics

From a power standpoint, you'll find you're not revving as high on the FZ6R as you need to on the Ninja -- much more linear power band, and much more power in general (which is obvious going up to an I-4).

It's fuel injected compared to your Ninjette, so you won't need to sit and choke it at all (although, I do let mine warm up just a bit, as a best practice). I've found maintenance (and reliability, so far) to be a breeze, and do most of what I can myself.

The instrument panel is light years beyond that ridiculous Ninjette arrangement.

On the highway, you'll find you're not blown around like a fart in the wind, since it has 100 lbs. on the Ninja, and is *much* more stable. Less buffeting as well.

Bottom line, I don't know of *any* downside moving up to the FZ6R, with the exception of losing a couple of mpg's.... but once you ride it, you won't really care...

The sport/standard position is a huge plus for me. I like the upright seating position on my Ninja, more so than when I have sat on a cruiser or supersport.

I'm not even sure I could do a cruiser. Not fond of the forward controls. My father-in-law is a Harley guy, and I took him with me this weekend to look at bikes...he was trying to convince to get a Honda Stateline for $8K, which is a great deal. It's also 700 lbs. Too much bike for me at this point.

 

[JT]

I agree with all the comments stated above.... and as marthy said for touring get a seat upgrade.... only comlaint ive had about the stock seat what when i drove 808 miles this past weekend.... daily commute or ocasianl long ride not an issue...

Great bike overall....

 

[Marthy]

Sorry for the hijack -- quick question... Marthy, does the +1 front sprocket change the shift point at all? (I understand it fixes the speedo -- my speedo seems +4 mph compared to my GPS, on average).

It takes you a hair longer to get into the power band in first gear but once you're there I don't think you will see a big difference. The first gear on the 6R is so short anyway... I can take off in second gear 2up with the stock 16/46.

 

[BKP]

I agree with all the comments stated above.... and as marthy said for touring get a seat upgrade.... only comlaint ive had about the stock seat what when i drove 808 miles this past weekend.... daily commute or ocasianl long ride not an issue...

Great bike overall....

Alaska Leather Sheepskin butt pad... :thumbup:

 

[JT]

looks pretty good.

 

[MiltonDorkenhoff]

These are two very different bikes indeed. In addition to what LS6TT said, the Bonnie is a bigger bike, and without fairing so freeway riding will be a challenge over any significant distance. It's really hard to compare the two because they are so different. If you're looking to do long distance touring, I'd definitly go with the FZ6R. If you just want a bike that sounds and looks great for short trips around town, go with the Bonnie. You'll get lots of street cred and comliments on the Bonnie from other riders, especially the older riders since it's a very nice retro bike.

As far as long term goes, the new Bonnies are pretty well built, but the only manufacturers who can match Yamaha for long term durability are BMW and Honda, IMHO.

Completely agree about the street cred and the freeway riding. My wife has a 2010 Bonneville SE. It's an awesome bike to ride, everywhere we go people marvel at her bike, but sucks on the freeway because it has no wind protection (a flyscreen is available).

The "well built part" though.. Her bike was less than a month old when the lower half of the engine started leaking oil. And about a month ago, the valve covers started pissing oil. If you look around online, everyone will tell you "that's normal, it's a Triumph, they do that"

 

[Nastybutler]

The "well built part" though.. Her bike was less than a month old when the lower half of the engine started leaking oil. And about a month ago, the valve covers started pissing oil. If you look around online, everyone will tell you "that's normal, it's a Triumph, they do that"

Yeesh. I thought they had that sorted out at this point. I guess not.

 

[redprodigy35]

I personally love the Triumph's but have been told by many people, that they are a bit finicky.

That still doesn't make me like them any less.

 

[Nastybutler]

Depends on the make I guess. As long as the dealership does their job and properly tightens all the bolts, the 675 engines are very reliable. Some of the associated third party electrical parts are still iffy though.

 

[Brock Kickass]

I ride a naked bike on the highway all the time. I've done 500km at 140km/h on the freeway, 700km of mixed roads in a day, 1600km in a single weekend, and the lack of wind protection doesn't really bug me. The only time I notice it is when I'm doing things I shouldn't (very high speeds) and then it can be a factor for sure. Up to 100mph, though, not a real problem. But hey, everyone's different, it might not work for you.

 

[Chevyfazer]

+1 on the naked thing!!! I wouldn't have it any other way. People who have never rode one just don't know, it's a completely different experience, and a different kind of wind that hits you. It's not that annoying wind buffeting, it's more like a nice cool breeze.