considering the FZ6R - need advice

peanuts017 · Jul 17, 2013

Hi,
I have been riding for a little more than a year now. I bought a 2010 Honda Shadow RS last summer and I don't really like it. There isn't much suspension on that bike, no windjammer, a little top heavy and a bit tall (the RS is 29.5" with a large seat so I'm not totally flat footed).
I started looking for another bike and realized I didn't want a custom/cruiser.
Since I am height challenged (5'2" and 28" inseam) I first narrowed my choices to a bike below 800mm (31.5") so that by lowering by 2 inch shouldn't effect to much the bike.
Here are my thoughts on each
BMW G650GS : didn't see one in real life, but really like the look!
Honda CB500F : didn't see one in real life, but a windshield is definitely missing...
Honda CBR500R : sat on one, a little bit too much forward sitting position...
Honda NC700SA : sat on one, I liked it, loved the place to put stuff, seems like the weight is low, but would have to change the windshield
Kawasaki ER6N 2010 and 2011 for the seat height : no windshield at all
Suzuki GSX650F : felt heavy and the seat is wider than the others so even though its shorter (770mm-30.3") I was not comfortable.
Suzuki SFV650 Gladius : no windshield at all and when standing the pegs were in the way.
Yamaha FZ6R : I didn't like the look, but I felt good sitting on it. Were is the weight on that bike? is it easy to drive at slow pace? I NEED SOME PROS AND CONS TO MAKE MY DECISION EASIER

Since most of the dealership I went to didn't have the models I liked in demo (with the battery and gas) I didn't have the chance to try any of these

anticsd · Jul 17, 2013

To me the downfall of the fz6r is the suspension. Overall the bike is pretty solid.

I'm 5'8 at 163lbs and the bike is great in terms of balance speed and wind protection (I ride tucked in if over 60mph). I would suggest try looking at the 650 ninja too.

Anyways good luck!

Anthony · Jul 17, 2013

peanuts017 said:
Hi,
I have been riding for a little more than a year now. I bought a 2010 Honda Shadow RS last summer and I don't really like it. There isn't much suspension on that bike, no windjammer, a little top heavy and a bit tall (the RS is 29.5" with a large seat so I'm not totally flat footed).
I started looking for another bike and realized I didn't want a custom/cruiser.
Since I am height challenged (5'2" and 28" inseam) I first narrowed my choices to a bike below 800mm (31.5") so that by lowering by 2 inch shouldn't effect to much the bike.
Here are my thoughts on each
BMW G650GS : didn't see one in real life, but really like the look!
Honda CB500F : didn't see one in real life, but a windshield is definitely missing...
Honda CBR500R : sat on one, a little bit too much forward sitting position...
Honda NC700SA : sat on one, I liked it, loved the place to put stuff, seems like the weight is low, but would have to change the windshield
Kawasaki ER6N 2010 and 2011 for the seat height : no windshield at all
Suzuki GSX650F : felt heavy and the seat is wider than the others so even though its shorter (770mm-30.3") I was not comfortable.
Suzuki SFV650 Gladius : no windshield at all and when standing the pegs were in the way.
Yamaha FZ6R : I didn't like the look, but I felt good sitting on it. Were is the weight on that bike? is it easy to drive at slow pace? I NEED SOME PROS AND CONS TO MAKE MY DECISION EASIER

Since most of the dealership I went to didn't have the models I liked in demo (with the battery and gas) I didn't have the chance to try any of these

Peanut, I tried to follow all that you said & will make it somewhat simple.

As you said the FZ6R is comfortable. That is what is important is that you are comfortable sitting on the bike first & foremost. As far as the weight it's proportioned well so you don't feel it like you would think.

The Pro:s
Good gas milage, good power band, looks sporty, inline 4 is way smoother than any twin, adjustable seat height, affordable, on & on & on..

The Con's:
Stock exhaust & it's not as fast as my Hayabusa

Welcome to the forum

Marthy · Jul 17, 2013

Get the 6R and add a lower link. At 5'2" you will be perfect. Weight is not really an issue to me. Perfect compromise between price, comfort, sportiness, fuel economy... and aftermarket parts as come a long way since 2009.

Recommandation:

+1 front sprocket
Puig touring screen

Thats it! Unless you want an exhaust.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Invader Jim · Jul 18, 2013

This one is new to me -http://powersports.honda.com/2014/ctx700/specifications.aspx

It has a seat at 28.3" stock.

Pointman1776 · Jul 18, 2013

Invader Jim said:
This one is new to me -http://powersports.honda.com/2014/ctx700/specifications.aspx

It has a seat at 28.3" stock.

Neat bike, but the ergos for the CTX700 are cruiser-style, which the OP seemed to indicate was no longer desired.

It's also a twin.

peanuts017 · Jul 18, 2013

Anthony said:
Peanut, I tried to follow all that you said & will make it somewhat simple.

As you said the FZ6R is comfortable. That is what is important is that you are comfortable sitting on the bike first & foremost. As far as the weight it's proportioned well so you don't feel it like you would think.

The Pro:s
Good gas milage, good power band, looks sporty, inline 4 is way smoother than any twin, adjustable seat height, affordable, on & on & on..

The Con's:
Stock exhaust & it's not as fast as my Hayabusa

Welcome to the forum

Thanks!

By the way, your cons wouldn't make me want the bike less ... I don't like speed nor noise

peanuts017 · Jul 18, 2013

Invader Jim said:
This one is new to me -http://powersports.honda.com/2014/ctx700/specifications.aspx

It has a seat at 28.3" stock.

The dealership called me yesterday (they just got it in). Didn't go see it yet, but it looks too long and too cruiser... weird look

Pointman1776 · Jul 18, 2013

peanuts017 - welcome!

I went through the EXACT same list of questions a few months ago and ended up with the FZ6R as my first bike.

I'm 40, 5'8, but 31" inseam, and am not comfortable on tall bikes (such as adv/enduro or dual-sport bikes).

I wanted wind protection as this is my daily driver (naked bikes were out for me - TOO MUCH WORK fighting the wind all the time).

I also wanted a smooth inline-4 or a triple, rather than a twin, unless it was a 250/300cc engine (I was afraid of anything more powerful).

That said, the FZ6R was "just right" for me:

Windscreen + fairing (I actually replaced the front windscreen for a slightly larger ZeroGravity Sport Touring windscreen (about $80) which smooths out the airflow and dramatically reduces buffeting above 60 mph / 100 kph).
Upright / comfortable ergonomics & controls (more of a "standard" position vs. race/RR or cruiser position), and ability to place feet on ground (vs. just tippy toes)
Not too heavy (470 lbs)
Not too LIGHT either! (TOO light makes it too jittery and less solid/stable for longer cruises, and more easily pushed around side-to-side by wind on the freeway/highway)
Enough power to cruise comfortably at 65-75 mph (600cc, 69 hp, 44 ft-lbs torque) (a 250/300cc starts to get really "buzzy" at those speeds)
Not TOO much power that I hurt myself (detuned 600 cc engine that is more gas-friendly and more torque-friendly)
Not too expensive (budget-friendly, especially if I drop it, which I knew would just break my heart, which I've done 4 times in the garage and parking lot - thank goodness for Shogun no-cut frame sliders!)
Not too wide (otherwise wouldn't be able to fit between cars when splitting lanes or coming up to stop lights)
Reliable (it's a Yamaha)
Easy to service (it's a Yamaha)
Strong rider community and after-market community
Fun performance when I want to ride in the mountains/canyons
Forgiving manners for a newbie (clutch is among the easiest I've ever operated, as are the shift lever and other controls)
"cool" look

Invader Jim · Jul 18, 2013

peanuts017 said:
The dealership called me yesterday (they just got it in). Didn't go see it yet, but it looks too long and too cruiser... weird look

I does look long but it is definitely not a cruiser. It looks like a standard or a touring bike to me.

peanuts017 · Jul 18, 2013

Pointman1776 said:
peanuts017 - welcome!

I went through the EXACT same list of questions a few months ago and ended up with the FZ6R as my first bike.

I'm 40, 5'8, but 31" inseam, and am not comfortable on tall bikes (such as adv/enduro or dual-sport bikes).

I wanted wind protection as this is my daily driver (naked bikes were out for me - TOO MUCH WORK fighting the wind all the time).

I also wanted a smooth inline-4 or a triple, rather than a twin, unless it was a 250/300cc engine (I was afraid of anything more powerful).

That said, the FZ6R was "just right" for me:

Windscreen + fairing (I actually replaced the front windscreen for a slightly larger ZeroGravity Sport Touring windscreen (about $80) which smooths out the airflow and dramatically reduces buffeting above 60 mph / 100 kph).

Upright / comfortable ergonomics & controls (more of a "standard" position vs. race/RR or cruiser position), and ability to place feet on ground (vs. just tippy toes)

Not too heavy (470 lbs)

Not too LIGHT either! (TOO light makes it too jittery and less solid/stable for longer cruises, and more easily pushed around side-to-side by wind on the freeway/highway)

Enough power to cruise comfortably at 65-75 mph (600cc, 69 hp, 44 ft-lbs torque) (a 250/300cc starts to get really "buzzy" at those speeds)

Not TOO much power that I hurt myself (detuned 600 cc engine that is more gas-friendly and more torque-friendly)

Not too expensive (budget-friendly, especially if I drop it, which I knew would just break my heart, which I've done 4 times in the garage and parking lot - thank goodness for Shogun no-cut frame sliders!)

Not too wide (otherwise wouldn't be able to fit between cars when splitting lanes or coming up to stop lights)

Reliable (it's a Yamaha)

Easy to service (it's a Yamaha)

Strong rider community and after-market community

Fun performance when I want to ride in the mountains/canyons

Forgiving manners for a newbie (clutch is among the easiest I've ever operated, as are the shift lever and other controls)

"cool" look

The last 3.5 months have been some of the most enjoyable of my life.

Good luck in making a decision that makes YOU happy!

There are several excellent bikes in that list, but only one full-fairing in-line 4 600cc comfortable/upright standard-but-sporty bike in the world right now.

(Besides... this forum is easily one of the coolest group of motoheads in the internet!)

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f87/maiden-voyage-stormtrooper-speeder-n00b-pilot-28708/

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f87/so-i-have-few-questions-28713/

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f87/i-hate-bugs-28743/

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f87/wasp-28988/

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f6/smokin-out-commute-29013/

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f6/banks-liquor-stores-really-dont-like-29164/

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f87/stuck-riding-behind-diesel-garbage-truck-single-lane-road-29199/

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f87/chewing-gum-while-wearing-full-face-helmet-29562/

Cheers!

Thanks, that's a lot of information.

But it seems like the more I read the more I'm confused.

I know that we all have our opinions, but I read on many posts here that people had an issue with the clutch ... and then, people say it's so easy to handle ... I'm starting to wonder if the difference isn't due to the difference in years (say 2009 vs 2013). Also, many people say it's heavy top but then other people say otherwise.
As a beginner and a 40 year old woman, I want a comfortable bike that will be fun to drive on sundays while cruising. I don't want noise, nor a fast bike. I just want to be able to go on the highway and still be at ease.

Pointman1776 · Jul 18, 2013

Invader Jim said:
I does look long but it is definitely not a cruiser. It looks like a standard or a touring bike to me.

I didn't think so either at first, but after sitting on it on the showroom floor, it is definitely aligned with the cruiser-oriented family, vs. standard or sportbike families.

Honda thinks so, too:
2014 CTX700 Overview - Honda Powersports

"...as well as a laid-back riding position with more forward-set hand controls and footpegs."
"...stretch out more, too. The up-front pegs and low seat..."

Hope this helps!

Pointman1776 · Jul 18, 2013

peanuts017 - sorry to confuse you!

But please allow me to confuse you EVEN MORE!!! LOL! (It's what I'm best at!)

peanuts017 said:
Thanks, that's a lot of information.
...As a beginner and a 40 year old woman, I want a comfortable bike that will be fun to drive on sundays while cruising. I don't want noise, nor a fast bike. I just want to be able to go on the highway and still be at ease....

According to sales stats, about 1 in 10 purchasers of the FZ6R is a woman.

Check out these EXCELLENT comparison tests, especially the video reviews of each bike:

2012 Women's cruiser comparison: 2012 Women's Cruiser Shootout - Motorcycle USA

2012 Women's street bike comparison: 2012 Women's Street Bike Shootout - Motorcycle USA

2012 Women's review of FZ6R: 2012 Yamaha FZ6R Comparison - Motorcycle USA

My sweetheart is also in her 40's, about to take her motorcycle endorsement test (we completed the safety course a few months ago), and is currently looking at the following sport-bike type of motorcyles:

FZ6R
Ninja 300 (twin, right size, not too heavy, but a bit underpowered for highway travel)
CBR250 (single (noisy), right size, not too heavy, but underpowered for highway travel)
CBR500 (twin, nice size, strong contender)
Ducati 696 (twin, a bit loud (she loves exhaust sound of Ducati's), naked bike - a totally different option to the above, apples vs. oranges, but she likes oranges as well as apples and isn't sure what flavor she wants yet)

(She's also looking at standard motorcycles, like the Shadow, Boulevard, etc., but you mentioned in your original post that you'd prefer to have something different from a cruiser-type bike.)

Cheers!

anson650 · Jul 18, 2013

Peanuts,
I suggest you narrow your search to bikes that do not need to be lowered. Giving up 2 inches of the FZ6R's travel brings it down to "cruiser territory" of only 3 inches of travel.
Anson

peanuts017 · Jul 18, 2013

anson650 said:
Peanuts,
I suggest you narrow your search to bikes that do not need to be lowered. Giving up 2 inches of the FZ6R's travel brings it down to "cruiser territory" of only 3 inches of travel.
Anson

I understand your advice but I don't think I will be the first short people to lower the FZ6R. Since it's already 30.9 and I need 29.5, it will only be 1 1/2".

I looked at all the bikes on the market ... and I mean ALL. None of the non-cruiser fit me stock. And I just don't want to stick with a cruiser.

peanuts017 · Jul 18, 2013

Pointman1776 said:
peanuts017 - sorry to confuse you!

But please allow me to confuse you EVEN MORE!!! LOL! (It's what I'm best at!)

According to sales stats, about 1 in 10 purchasers of the FZ6R is a woman.

Check out these EXCELLENT comparison tests, especially the video reviews of each bike:

2012 Women's cruiser comparison: 2012 Women's Cruiser Shootout - Motorcycle USA

2012 Women's street bike comparison: 2012 Women's Street Bike Shootout - Motorcycle USA

2012 Women's review of FZ6R: 2012 Yamaha FZ6R Comparison - Motorcycle USA

My sweetheart is also in her 40's, about to take her motorcycle endorsement test (we completed the safety course a few months ago), and is currently looking at the following sport-bike type of motorcyles:

FZ6R

Ninja 300 (twin, right size, not too heavy, but a bit underpowered for highway travel)

CBR250 (single (noisy), right size, not too heavy, but underpowered for highway travel)

CBR500 (twin, nice size, strong contender)

Ducati 696 (twin, a bit loud (she loves exhaust sound of Ducati's), naked bike - a totally different option to the above, apples vs. oranges, but she likes oranges as well as apples and isn't sure what flavor she wants yet)

(She's also looking at standard motorcycles, like the Shadow, Boulevard, etc., but you mentioned in your original post that you'd prefer to have something different from a cruiser-type bike.)

Cheers!

In my obsessive research I had come across those reviews, thanks!

I just wish I could walk into a dealership and try all the models that I like and compare them on site.

Invader Jim · Jul 18, 2013

peanuts017 said:
In my obsessive research I had come across those reviews, thanks!

I just wish I could walk into a dealership and try all the models that I like and compare them on site.

Sit and/or test drive as many as you can. It might be frustrating to have to wait a week or two more but getting one that you like/fits you well is going to be worth the wait.

Bert-Aus · Jul 18, 2013

Peanuts,

I too spent 6 months researching my options, test rode ER650N, ER650F (ninja variant), R6, FZ6, SV650.

Had thought I was going to go with the ER650N until riding it.

Hadn't even looked at the FZ6R or XJ6S (my mid fairing equivilent) until one day said to myself if I dont buy a moto today I going to go nuts

Wallked into the Yammie dealer, old friend happened to be working there, so I hung out for a while, my wife spotted the XJ6S, it ticked all boxes for me and said F@#$ it, handed over the cash. Done, rode her home that evening after delivery checks.

Haven't regretted that since,
we have been together now 2 1/2 years and we don't argue,
the feels get better every time I ride her and there are always more mods that can be done
...and she don't complain when I tell her how much better she looks now to when we first met

Pointman1776 · Jul 22, 2013

peanuts017 - my sweetheart surprised me on Friday; she took and passed her motorcycle endorsement test during her lunch break.

So to celebrate, on Saturday we went to a huge motorcycle mega-mall in Los Angeles area (hundreds of bikes from Ducati, Triumph, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Victory, HD, KTM, Husqvarna, Hyosung - basically all majors except BMW, Aprilia, Bimota, MV Agusta, and Moto Guzzi).

Spent all day there, tried on dozens of bikes, narrowed it down to five, then two: Star 650 cruiser shaft drive, and Suzuki S40 thumper belt drive. She also really liked the Ninja 300 and the sport-bike looks, but felt it would grow uncomfortable on long rides. The CBR500R rounded out the top 4 (again, liked the sport-bike looks, but was concerned about long ride comfort). She also liked the idea of a Can-Am, but not the price. She loves Ducati, but the Monster 696 was a bit too aggressive in the seating/handlebar position, and ditto the Triumph Street Triple (which is a LOT of power for ANY first time rider). Someday she'd like to get a Diavel or 848.

And then off to the corner, she saw a tech roll out a candy red and black bike from a back corridor. CTX700N. Literally just inspected & certified for sale 2 minutes earlier.
0.1 mile on the odometer.

Definitely caught her eye.

Then she sat on it - love at first seating.

Just to be sure, she tried all the other bikes again, but the CTX700N fit her like a glove. Super comfy seat (almost as comfy as the Star 650), fuel injected (no choke or other items to hassle with), digital gauge with RPM tachometer and fuel gauge and other indicators, low seat height, upright seating position, not intimidating, quiet, mirrors that were "just right", modern looks...and that candy red color. She also tried a NC700X (US equivalent of NC700SA), but felt the seat was too high and the bike was too top-heavy, even more than FZ6R or CBR500R.

She also thought the CTX700N *felt* lighter and more manageable than the NC700X, FZ6R or CBR500R, even though in fact the CTX700N is actually heavier (especially the fairing model versions), which is due mostly to the lower center of gravity and lower seat height.

Salesman took it outside and started it for her so she could hear the sound. Loved it even more. (She prefers deeper twins vs. high-revving in-line 4's, and her favorite is the Ducati L-twin).

Done deal.

It was delivered the next day.

She took it for her maiden voyage on Sunday around the neighborhood and absolutely loved it. Didn't go past 2nd gear, but felt very comfortable, stable, and controllable at low speeds, tight u-turns, etc.

She then found out there is a CTX700 with a high wind screen available and thought she might have liked that even more, but wasn't sure if the big fairing would make it appear to be that much more massive and intimidating (optical illusion) when trying to learn to ride.

So in a few months we're going back and if she likes the CTX700 more, we'll either trade, or I'll get the fairing with the high wind screen and install it myself or have the dealer install it.
Or... she may wish to get the Ducati 696 or a sportbike.

I know you said you would like something different from a cruiser, and would like to have a design to help with wind management, so based on my sweetheart's feedback, perhaps you may wish to consider:

Sportbike style:
- CBR500R
- Ninja 300 (may be underpowered for your experience level now)
- FZ6R

Naked style:
- NC700SA - same basic bike as CTX700 but adventure/enduro geometry, style, and ergos
- Ducati 696 / 796
- Triumph Street Triple (LOTS of power)
- CB500F

She did try the Gladius, but had the same experience with the footpegs, and she didn't like the way the gas tank and seat came together - uncomfortable.

If you wish to have a windshield added to a naked bike, perhaps a Spitfire windshield may be an option.

Cheers!

Pointman1776 · Jul 23, 2013

By the way, my next door neighbor's daughter is 22 and has been riding a lowered (1.5 inches) GSX-R750 for 3 years - loves it.

considering the FZ6R - need advice

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