Yamaha FZ6R: the UJM is dead, long live the UJM
Well, new caliper seals and fork seals meant my ride was out of order for about a week. Firstly I will say bloody good service from TSS M/cycles. I was given a new/demo FZ6R as a loaner for a week.
So to matters of the FZ6R, well it's got a very good riding position, upright, and a good feel to the bars and the footpegs (I am about 1.75mtrs tall). Riding position is so reminiscent of the standard bikes of the 80's/90's. It gave excellent forward vision, and the mirrors gave reasonable rear view, although my elbows filled about 1/3 to 50% of them. This seems typical of most bikes nowadays.I thought the seat would be hard to live with, being used to my big Zed's plush accomodation. but in fact although firm the seating was pretty good. The gear lever felt a little 'notchy' on rapid downshifts at times, but I think this would soon improve as the gearbox settles in.
By the time I rode her home first night I felt quite comfortable on it. Brakes are pretty damn good, had very good bite, in fact grabbing a handful of lever would be overkill at town speeds. Handling was darn good, light and flickable in bends; seemed stable with direction changes, even up and down the Wainui' hill which is a good test of handling for a bike. The engine is a willing worker, it was still very new with only just over 700km's on the clock, so high revving was not entered into during my time with it. By the time I had done 400k's I did wind it up to 7-8k a few times. The motor is a willing revver in fact I think it's heritage shows in it felt like it wanted to become schizo, but the tuning prevents that. It has good low down power for a 600. It pulled happily up the 'Nui hill in top at 80kph. It would pull from 40kph in top gear comfortably. I would estimate top speed to be around 220kph, and the little FZ was very comfortable at 110-120kph cruising. It has good low to mid range power and I had an inkling that over 7000rpm she will become a little screamer for a few thousand RPM. Acceleration is quite rapid and 6000rpm through the gears will leave the tin tops way behind in the mirrors. The more I rode the FZ6R the more it reminded me of the old XJ650 I owned almost 30yrs ago. It certainly is not going to be a master of any one thing, but it will perfom all that is required of it in a good manner; be it touring, commuting, weekend blast or a ride with SHMBO in co-pilot position.
I would see this bike really suiting someone wanting a commuter or a weekend bike, but idealy I think it is an excellent choice for a returning biker who maybe rode the 600-750cc bikes of 20years ago, or a rider going up from a modern 250. It offers reasonable performance/handling/ergonomics and will deliver just enough excitement without being scary.
It is a return to the UJM of yore, and it takes that concept into the modern age and does it in an extremely competent manner. I can honestly say I enjoyed riding the bike every time I got on it.
If the road to hell is paved with good intentions; and a man is judged by his deeds and his actions, why say it's the thought that counts? -GrayWolf
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Originally Posted by Edbear
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