Long Term Review FZ6R

[bjs045]

The issues are of the following:
"Touring"
The 1st reviewer claims it under powered to be considered a good long distance touring bike. Which in my thoughts, is true, not specific to our bike but 600cc's compared to liter bikes or greater. The 1st review says the bike has trouble over taking cars. Which I totally disagreed with, cause I fly by cars all the time =P. But then again, I'm on flat highways. On inclined roads I can definitely see his point. If I'm not mistaken good touring bikes need comfort and torque. Which again, is not specific to our bike but to 600's. Now take in mind long distance touring can be done with the FZ6R or any other 600cc bike, but what is preferred. Ask yourself this: If you had to take a cross country trip would you take the sports car, 4x4 truck, or the luxury sedan. I would assume most people would take the luxury sedan.

"Sport"
By now you already know what I'm going to say about track days or twisties. We all know the limitations the bike has in this area. Again I'm not saying that the bike can't do it, but sub par in "race terms". You can spend $$$ to upgrade the bike to perform better....but why wouldn't you just spend the $$$ for a 600 super sport?

Meh didn't mean for this to be a wall of text so here's a summary:
"Commuter"
In Tony's words "It's GRRREAT!!"

So with all that being said, the FZ6R is more than a capable bike. It's a "Jake of all trades, but master of none". Which is true. Our bike capable of doing touring and twisties to an extent.

So if you have any experiences with this bike please share your opinions. I started this thread to spark a discussion about the limitations and ways to improve those limitations, considering the design of the FZ6R and as a 600cc in general.

[KenS]

People purchasing this bike with the expectations of a super sport will be let down. However, I find this bike very satisfying in riding the twisties and canyons here in the Texas Hill Country. I routinely hit over 110mph on several of the straightaways, and hit it fairly agressively through a lot of the regular twisties (75/80 in 50mph curves). These roads have it all and the bike handles well. Would I like more power, sure, but for the price point and what this bike is designed for it does it very well.

Folks spending thousands to make this into an R6, or even something more, in my opinion should have just bought an R6. I researched before I bought and kept reasonable expectations. Yet, my expectations were still exceeded with this purchase and I'm happy with the bike. I will get another, more powerful bike later, just because I want more bikes But man, this FZ6R for the price everyone pays for it is a great deal.

Summary, great bike at the price. Shortcomings? Absolutely and you can find lots of fault. Those faults are easily overcome by purchasing another bike (you don't buy an Accord to drive like a Porsche). So, as long as expectations are kept in check, you can have loads of fun with this bike. 100mph plus stretches, easily cruises on highway at over 75, handles twisties well for us non-professionals (pre-load set at 6 for me made a huge improvement).

[bjs045]

Originally Posted by KenS

People purchasing this bike with the expectations of a super sport will be let down. However, I find this bike very satisfying in riding the twisties and canyons here in the Texas Hill Country. I routinely hit over 110mph on several of the straightaways, and hit it fairly agressively through a lot of the regular twisties (75/80 in 50mph curves). These roads have it all and the bike handles well. Would I like more power, sure, but for the price point and what this bike is designed for it does it very well.

Folks spending thousands to make this into an R6, or even something more, in my opinion should have just bought an R6. I researched before I bought and kept reasonable expectations. Yet, my expectations were still exceeded with this purchase and I'm happy with the bike. I will get another, more powerful bike later, just because I want more bikes But man, this FZ6R for the price everyone pays for it is a great deal.

Summary, great bike at the price. Shortcomings? Absolutely and you can find lots of fault. Those faults are easily overcome by purchasing another bike (you don't buy an Accord to drive like a Porsche). So, as long as expectations are kept in check, you can have loads of fun with this bike. 100mph plus stretches, easily cruises on highway at over 75, handles twisties well for us non-professionals (pre-load set at 6 for me made a huge improvement).

In regards to your pre-load. If you don't mind me asking, but how much do you weight? I'm pre-loaded a at 5 - 180 pounds w/o gear. Going to try out 6.

[KenS]

Originally Posted by bjs045

In regards to your pre-load. If you don't mind me asking, but how much do you weight? I'm pre-loaded a at 5 - 180 pounds w/o gear. Going to try out 6.

I don't mind, I'm 195. I just kept bumping it up and 5 actually felt real good, but for the more aggressive riding in the hills and twisties I bumped it to 6 and really liking it, feels more stable. So far I've rode the same roads from the stock (3) setting up to 6 and it's like a totally different bike.

[KenS]

Oh, forgot to mention bjs, check your tire pressure too. I know you're under the spec to move to 42psi, but you are at the far end of the 36psi weight limit so, just a suggestion is go from 36psi to 42 psi (rear). I'm not a tire expert, so this is just a suggestion, but it makes a difference for me. Maybe some of the more-informed tire experts can help out here.

[Roaddawg]

Originally Posted by KenS

Oh, forgot to mention bjs, check your tire pressure too. I know you're under the spec to move to 42psi, but you are at the far end of the 36psi weight limit so, just a suggestion is go from 36psi to 42 psi (rear). I'm not a tire expert, so this is just a suggestion, but it makes a difference for me. Maybe some of the more-informed tire experts can help out here.

I'm about 235 lbs. I have mine set at 5 for normal riding but will bump it up to 6 when taking the backroads. I also have my tire pressure at 36 front/42 rear. I can tell when the pressure is down a few PSI, so it does make a difference.

[WANDERER]

He said it's not a good bike for long distance touring? 'shooooottttt, I was looking at this bike & the Kawasaki Ninja 650 R for that purpose. Any other suggestions......

[KenS]

Originally Posted by WANDERER

He said it's not a good bike for long distance touring? 'shooooottttt, I was looking at this bike & the Kawasaki Ninja 650 R for that purpose. Any other suggestions......

That's subjective in my opinion depending on your "long distance" definition. In the purest sense, like all-day or multi-state riding, maybe not. I typically ride around 4+ hours each time on the weekends and it does just fine. So, decide on what kind of touring you will do, and then look at the tool (bike).

[WANDERER]

So, I can still ride this bike from the Bay Area, SF to Oklahoma & back? I wonder ......

[WANDERER]

If I was going to do my dream trip on this bike or the 650R, I would think, I'll be riding for about 7 to 10 hrs. with of course stops for gas, food and breaks....I don't want to purchase the bike & later on realize that I got the wrong bike for my intended use or purpose.