written by FaithNorth on 11/01/2016
Great experience with my new FZ6. Powerful engine and easy controlling.Yamaha is the best.
written by zekepliskin on 22/02/2015
In an unfortunate series of events that involved a road with black ice that didn't have the best grip in the first place, swerving to avoid a transit and the ever-so-enjoyable sight of your bike spinning down the road knocking mud from the sides as you bump on your behind after it my XJ-6 is currently in the shop pending repairs paid by my insurance company. Looks like fully comp + roadside was worth the money after all... IF it's approved. If not I guess I can work something out with GAP insurance from the finance company for something of similar value to when I bought it. Anyway that's not the point, in the meantime I was lent a 2007 Yamaha Fazer S2 as a courtesy bike. From the reading I've done this was arguably the best model year before the power got knocked from 98BHP and some other changes detrimental to the fun factor were made. Classic Yammy racing blue colour scheme as well. I must say, I quite like it. It's not quite as well-tuned for low end torque as the XJ-6 and the handling requires a little more finesse, plus the suspension is set too stiff but these things aside I'm thoroughly enjoying this bike. I'd take the gearbox on this over the XJ-6, it's easier to handle for slow control stuff and the engine sounds less busy. The more I ride it the closer it comes to making me like it more than the other bike, certainly makes me feel like I'm learning more as a rider and respecting the road too - the fact it's been wet and greasy a lot again recently probably helps. The extra power really becomes apparent when pushing over 8K and it really does seem to handle better when it's working hard, better engine note than the Divvy as well. Tank range from first full load I put in there was 171 miles before it hit the reserve, although a lot of that was motorway riding for work rather than the usual back road stuff that made me lose the Divvy so I guess that factors in. So yeah. Genuinely impressed, and can see why there's already 28K on the clock before I got my grubby mitts on it. Any experiences from those who own or have ridden these? I understand they have quite a loyal following and I'm beginning to see why, slightly twitchy back end and typically clunky change from 2nd down to 1st common to all the Yamaha bikes I've ridden aside.
written by stevecbr on 25/06/2013
Now had my FZ6N for just over 2 years. Fancied a change after years of sports bikes, went straight from a 2002 Yamaha R1 (5PW model) to the FZ. The handling is excellent, really easy to chuck about, the forks are basic and soft with no adjustments, but I no problems on twisty roads keeping up with mates who still own sports bikes. Currently running Bridgestones BT23's, they heat up quick and grip great, good in wet and dry. Better than the Pirelli Rosso 2 I had earlier, the Pirelli's turn in quicker, making it not as stable at high speed. The Pirellis managed 5000 miles, the Bridgestones have been on 1800 miles so far, hopefully will last 6-7000 miles. Reliability wise I have had no problems. Battery lasted 6 years. Insurance is cheap, £64 fully comp for me. During winter, commuting to work, I was only getting 120 miles to a tank (around 38mpg). During summer, even when riding hard with friends, I can get 165-170 a tank (over 52mpg)
written by on 21/04/2013
I have owned my '08 naked S2 for just two days, and i love it. Im not into superbike speed, i want an all rounder, and i really beleive i have bought the right bike. Gear shifting seems to happen too quickly. Though im sure i will be used to it soon. Love the looks, love the nippy engine, love the cost and cheap insurance. Im a happy biker :-)
written by on 09/09/2012
passed my test only 2 years ago and this is my third bike, owned 2 thundercats previously. this bike much more refined and predictable than the thundercat and has a much more comfortable riding position. As well as being comfortable this bike goes like a rocket and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Looks great too. Do thrash the bike now and then but always returns mid 40's mpg. Only gripe is that headlight isnt that effective on an unlit road. Awesome bike-definitely a keeper, more than enough poke for me.
written by on 12/02/2011
Bought one of the last 6oo fazer's and i must say was disapointed with the performance.Don't get me wrong it is fast but you have to ring it's neck,no low down grunt at all.Took it to the lakes one day and meeting a hill you would perhaps just need to drop a cog with say my last bike a bonneville,with this you need to go down three or four cogs to keep that engine racing and if you have a pillion it can be dangerous if you are caught out.This got really tiresome for me,but perhaps it would be better on flat terrain.
Good build quality,nice finnish as this is what attracted me,the only niggle,s was the notchey gearbox and a tingle through the pegs at 70mph
written by on 12/02/2011
Bought one of the last 6oo fazer's and i must say was disapointed with the performance.Don't get me wrong it is fast but you have to ring it's neck,no low down grunt at all.Took it to the lakes one day and meeting a hill you would perhaps just need to drop a cog with say my last bike a bonneville,with this you need to go down three or four cogs to keep that engine racing and if you have a pillion it can be dangerous if you are caught out.This got really tiresome for me,but perhaps it would be better on flat terrain.
Good build quality,nice finnish as this is what attracted me,the only niggle,s was the notchey gearbox and a tingle through the pegs at 70mph
written by on 17/04/2010
This bike is the perfect balance of performence, tecnology and value. My first long ride on this bike was 650 kms. Of twisty roads, at speeds of 130-150 kph. Stunning performance, super smooth ride, a rocket from 6000-11000rpm and a perfect, comfortable and athletic seating position. As a 52 year old with a bad back, I still partied that evening! Yet riding in the city, the bike performs so well, you'd think that's what it was designed for. But at a hundred kmh. Plus, is where this bike really dances.
I put a Puig wind shield on it, which helped get rid of the higher speed wind buffering. And with some practice, the gear shifting can be very smooth.
After 2 years, I still get a big smile on my face when I'm 50 meters from my driveway.
Bottom line: This is a bike that does everything very well. Its easy riding, and very predictable, suited for beginner and expert alike. I can't see myself ever tiring of this bike.
written by on 27/03/2010
I've owned over a dozen bikes over the years but I'll be keeping this one for a while.
Why??
Because it's FUN!
I've had faster bikes, I've had more comfortable bikes, but I haven't had so much fun on 2 wheels since I got my first 250, twenty odd years ago.
Bad points? Well, the gear change is horribly clunky, the seat's a bit hard, the tacho takes some getting used to and the ignition key is a pain to get in. But none of that matters when you are blasting round the twisties on a sunny day.
The handling is nice & predictable, but the engine is a real Jekyl and Hyde affair. Keep the revs below 6 grand and the Fz is as docile as any commuter. Wind the throttle open, grit your teeth and let the revs get close to the red line and it takes off like a scalded cat. As a naked bike I've never felt it was short of power in any way.
You can get lots of stuff to tart up your Fz if you like, but I've never bothered because I love the way it looks as standard.
Conclusion? Fast when you want it to be, docile when you don't, great handling and a silly grin whenever you ride it.
written by on 04/12/2009
Great bike to own and run.
Mines got quite a few extras,belly pan,bikini fairing,Scorpion pipes etc
After riding bigger bikes,this strangely reminds me of the LC's I used to ride (which isn't a bad thing!)
written by rubbersidedown on 29/04/2009
The peaky engine of the Yamaha FZ6 has to be the worst thing about it! having to get the revs beyond 8k to find any power is completely wrong for this type of bike it really should have more torque so you end up using the gearbox way to often and thats not too slick either!
Build quailty very marginal
Clutch heavy for town work
Japanese reliability must be a myth! had lots of visits to the dealer until they finally changed the TPS!
Completely wrong engine for the type of bike put me of Jap in line fours for good!
Written on: 31/01/2010
If you thought it was so bad,why did you keep it for three years?
Written on: 31/07/2011
8k revs is a big deal for u? thats how u ride this bike! 10k and above and thats where the fun starts!
written by aidan brierley on 24/04/2009
I have had my Yamaha FZ6 (04) for 2 years and I absolutely love it. I commute on it every day, all year round, and it still looks as good as new. It does everything you want it too and it's a comfortable ride.
written by chopper3210 on 08/01/2009
I have a 2004 FZ6 and can honestly say is is the best bike I have ever ridden. I have added Akrapovich SP exhaust to it and the sound and power increase is amazing. Never fails to turn heads and it pops and gurgles just like a GP bike when the throttle is closed off. Highly addictive and a great looking bike. Pulls cleanly through the gears but above 6-7000 really starts to motor. Stops well too and is just as happy on the motorway or filtering through the London rush hour traffic. All in all a lot of bike for the money and destined to become a classic.
written by qazquz on 28/11/2008
Very responsive and obedient. Good at lower speeds, very fast when you want it. Comfortable riding position (v important) although not pure touring. Relative lightweight but glued to ground on bends at speed. Great emergency braking. Crazy speed at high revs. Great shape, attention-grabber everywhere.
FZ6 S2 naked in white 2007 version. I got this bike after owning smaller bikes. I am very satisfied with it and although I am not experienced in a great deal of bikes, I DOUBT very much if there are bikes of the same class and standards. It gives me GREAT confidence to ride it. I LOVE the naked look. Finally, this is a 'revvier' engine which shows its true potential when pushed.
written by on 25/11/2008
Best in size class hands down. No need to look further.
Handling, power, and balance is superb for it's size class. Center stand for easy maintenance. Excellent fuel capacity. More comfortable seating position due to handle bar positioning. Reasonable pricing. Great for experienced or beginners.
Seat height ok for 5'7" or taller. Shorter riders - not the best choice.
written by The Wolfman on 31/08/2008
Great engine, quite mild mannered around the city (under 8000rpm) from about 600rpm, real power lies between 8000rpm - 12000rpm, where the bike performs a lot like it's r6 donor engine. Fantastic budget bike. High quality build, very well suited to modification.
written by on 25/07/2008
Mine is an 08 model in silver. Looks very sharp. When opened up the exhausts growl and the engine just sounds better the faster you go. Must do the headlight modification and have the two on at the same time.
written by Pally on 17/07/2008
After logging 49K on my '04 FZ6, in May of '07 I traded it in on an '07 FZ6 which had addressed all shortcomings of the '04 (e.g. absence of helmet lock, improved instrument pod, all black vs aluminum underbody, better seat locking, cleaner front fairing/windscreen, better tweaked for enhanced midrange get up and go. 14 months into my '07 ownership I have 32K on it including 10K for a cross country camping trip using large Ortlieb (sp?) waterproof soft luggage. I am 75 years old. 75 years old! I have ridden many different bikes from cruisers to sport tourers to tourers all over the country for over 40 years. This is the bike I'll go out on, except that it makes me younger and younger as I grimace while smoking almost all other bikes -adult or kid ridden. An absolute blast! Though I occasionally look at other comparable bikes (e.g. Suzuki V Strom, BMW ST800, etc.), in my judgment, no other machine has it so all together in such an economical and versatile package. Congrats and thanks to Yamaha for designing and manufacturing a machine that will carry baby boomers (and their parents) well into the 21st century.. I've stopped looking at others. "This is the last time I will fall in love with a bike."
written by on 28/06/2008
Might want to spread out the gear ratios....on the six speed a lil bit.
written by ivica stanic on 11/06/2008
Great bike. The only bad point is loud and hard gearbox, especcialy when shifting in 1 st and second gear.
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 31/07/2011
get a moped