Yamaha FZ6 Review

Overall Rating

Handling, acceleration, brakes, looks.

None I can think of.

I love this bike and not just because it's my first "big" bike. I've ridden a few others in the same class, ER-5, GS-500 etc. Albeit not for the same period of time and this outstrips everything I have ridden.
Mine is the fared version which adds to the looks with the "fox eyes" headlamps borrowed from the R1. The faring doesn't keep all the wind off but it is noticeable compared to "naked" bikes I've ridden. Ride comfort is great, giving good road vision and no back-ache. I've seen others say the seat is hard but I've been riding this for 4 months (1800 miles on a 14 mile avg journey) and I'm yet to notice that. Compared to the FZS this had the advantage of tucking the exhaust under the saddle which adds to the look no-end and also keep the pipe away from the road salt etc. That said in cold weather I do become aware that exhaust steam is pumping out at a higher height than if the exhaust was lower down. Not that big an issue but you do get a bit enclosed in clouds if the wind changes while at the lights! Digital speedo is clear and well lit and has two trips with an additional automatic one if you stray into the fuel reserve.
The brakes are outstanding - again borrowed from the R1 and will bring this bike to standstill quickly and safely. I've stopped on all sorts of surfaces and not a single wobble - although that could be to do with the excellent training I got when taking my test.
Handling and acceleration are again excellent. The bike is completely stable with two-up at low speeds and takes corners like they weren't there! The gears are well spaced and you can get into sixth at fairly low speeds (30-35). It will then take you all the way round to 70. Of course I would never drive above the legal limit on British roads but I reckon it could handle much faster - the book says 140 and I have reason to doubt it could do that. Pull-aways are wonderful and very responsive and I'm yet to find a speed where it won't accelerate smoothly and responsively.
Fuel economy is not bad at all. I get around 45 mpg from it on a 28 mile daily commute. Not the most silent of bikes but not noisy either. I think the noise is just right - enough so others hear you coming without making a nuisance of you.
All in all a great bike. I had intended to keep this for a few years and then try something else. Having ridden this for four months I am now going to stay with the bike that has put a smile back on my daily commute. I love this bike!