Motorcycle Review 2013

The Yamaha FZ6R - First Impressions When picking up a motorcycle made by the Yamaha Motor Corp. you can always be sure of one thing -- you will not be forced to cruise the streets on an ugly duckling for the next two weeks.

The styling will always be appealing and you will not be left saying . . "Oh I cant believe they sent me off with a bike in this color!".

Once again, Yamaha did not disappoint and the Team Yamaha Blue/White FZ6R I was taking command of had sharp lines and aggressive curves to match the racy paint work -- a quite stylish package for a bike at this price point.

But would the all-new FZ6R with it full fairing be all show and no go? Well not exactly -- but I did feel the styling somewhat outweighed the performance in the engine department at least.

The FZ6R motor gets its DNA from an earlier generation R6. It shares bore and stroke dimensions and compression ratio with the standard FZ6 but the cylinder head, crankcase, intake and exhaust system, clutch and shifter have been completely redesigned.

Lightweight forged aluminum pistons are used in the FZ6R, creating a very smooth motor. And a 32-bit ECU controls the four-hole, two-direction, high-dynamic-range type fuel injectors.

The fuel injected, 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine engine seems to have quite a mild state of tune. The fuel injection is crisp and the FZ6R picks up the revs cleanly and quickly from the bottom, but there is a noticeable lack of kick from the Yamaha power plant.

It will make a fine motor for commuting and zinging through town but it is not the most inspiring 600cc motor on the market, even when compared to its bargain priced competition. However, I had been riding a nearly 200HP V-Max for the previous two weeks, I might need to cut the FZ6R motor some slack.

What the FZ6R motor lacks in beastly character it more than makes up for in the handling department.

The Yamaha frame is made from high-tensile steel-tube and uses the engine as a stressed member for increased rigidity. The forks are non-adjustable 41mm Soqi units and the rear features a Soqi monoshock unit with preload adjustment.

While these previous specs might not make your hair stand up, the simple combination of parts actually works well. The Yamaha feels thin, has a low seat height and its 470 pound wet weight is extremely nimble.

While having sharp steering and easy-to-maneuver in town around tight corners, the FZ6R was also at home holding its line in faster sweepers and had no problem while adjusting that line at speed. There was a slightly springy feel in town but as speeds increased the suspension seemed to be well suited and overall I felt very confident in the way the FZ6R handled.

Taller riders will appreciate the additional near inch provided by the adjustable saddle.
Upon my initial seating, I noticed how easily I could flat-foot with the saddle in its low position. I kept it in its low position and didn’t experience any knee pain after 150 miles.
Comparing the FZ6R to the FZ6 (last ridden in 2006), one will notice the lack of punch at the whack of the throttle. The 6R has a milder state of tune, and this pays off with power being available at revs that are more easily accessible - no need to zing it to redline. The engine gains speed slowly but deliberately, accompanied by a slight buzz after 7000 rpm.

Comfy ergonomics and ample wind protection are two of the rider-friendly attributes of the FZ6R.
When it’s time to slow down, the front and rear Brembo master cylinders pipe that stopping power through a 5-way adjustable lever to a pair of dual-piston pin-slide Akebono calipers up front gripping two 298mm rotors. Providing adequate power for the bikes intended audience, they’re not up to the standards of power and feel as racier sportbikes. The rear single-piston pin slide Nissin caliper chomps on a 245mm rotor, the same as found on the FZ6 model.
The FZ6R is a worthy option for someone who wants a practical and easy-to-ride bike yet wants some sporty styling and responses. It’s at your local dealer now.
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