FZ6N - Opinions

[mnkyboy]

Not that I'm in a huge hurry...however I am looking at the FZ6N as my next bike.

I require an everyday/commuter ride with long distance capabilities. Only this and the BMW F650GS has appealed to me. I am not looking for a 'rip the tarmac up' sort of bike...I ride like a nana. I'd probably stay with my 250 but theres just not enough torque to sit at 110(ish) all day.

Anyone who has one can you give real time feedback on reliability etc on either bike.

[skelstar]

Haven't seen many about, haven't really been posted about around here...except this thread maybe.

[skelstar]

I think FZ6N is very much the R6 engine...so quite revvy and probably far more sporty than the BMW. Have you considered a ER-FN instead? They seem to be 'the go' for the non-tarmac shredders.

[James Deuce]

The FZ6 is horrible (IMO). YOu expect great things from the R6 derived engine, and it just never happens. It handles oddly too and the brakes are nasty.

[mnkyboy]

I went to Mt Eden Motorcycles and sat on the er-6n...not to my liking. The seat was too narrow...didn't feel right. I unfortunatly have 'big bones' I don't need the 'sporty' side....although it'd be a bit more fun than my cruiser.

[James Deuce]

If you like the VN250, I'd seriously consider having a look at a VN900 CLassic. Lovely bike that.

[Pwalo]

Come on fella, there's only one thing to do. Go out and ride as many different bikes as you can. I reckon you should try the Bandit 650 as well. Comfortable, easy to commute on, and will easily handle a bit of touring.

[skelstar]

Would have thought you'd champion your own bike P?

SV650 Nekid is a good looking bike in the right frame-colour

[Cajun]

I went to Mt Eden Motorcycles and sat on the er-6n...not to my liking. The seat was too narrow...didn't feel right. I unfortunatly have 'big bones' I don't need the 'sporty' side....although it'd be a bit more fun than my cruiser.

i know someone who has a er6n he is 120kg+ 6'3+.

Also due to fact its a twin it would be narrow feeling compared to a 4(fz6)

[RantyDave]

I am looking at the FZ6N as my next bike.

Legend has it that they have kinda glitchy fuel injection - not that I've ever actually ridden one. Likewise they're supposed to be a bit dead at the bottom and a bit lively at the top - perhaps a little too much left over sportsbike DNA?

Give one a go is all I can suggest. Also try the Bandit 650, Hornet 900 and if buying from new consider sitting on your hands until the naked version of the Triumph 675 is available.

Dave

[James Deuce]

Legend has it that they have kinda glitchy fuel injection - not that I've ever actually ridden one. Likewise they're supposed to be a bit dead at the bottom and a bit lively at the top - perhaps a little too much left over sportsbike DNA?

Dave

NOT, argh!

Rev, nothing, rev more, nothing, rev more, nothing, spurt, it's over. Really frustrating to ride. If you stay under 6000rpm, the fuel injection is like an on/off switch going from open to closed to open.

R6 derived, but none of the R6's headbanger character.

[Hitcher]

There's always the GSF650S Bandit, if one is looking for a highly competent and just straight-out good fun middleweight...

[pritch]

The Brit bike mags panned the Yamaha. From memory, they said they had thought nobody made really bad bikes anymore but the Yamaha proved them wrong. It is very peaky which would be OK if it had a slick gear box and a light clutch but it has neither.
None of the testers wanted to ride it, they said it just wasn't worth the trouble.

[Devil]

While the FZ6n is not for me, I didn't feel that it was anywhere near as bad as Jim2's experience. Found it buzzy and fairly peaky yes, but no moreso than a GSR600. Thought the FZ had better suspension and mirrors than the GSR as well.

My opinion, just buy a hornet 900. Reliable, enough torque and much smoother than the FZ. Better day to day bike.

[FkNAmerican]

In my experience people over here in the States have a love-hate relationship with the Fz6. Some people love 'em and others hate 'em. More peeps hate them however

At a bike meet last Sunday I saw two MV Agusta Brutale's.......now those were nice. Also saw a guy on the new KTM 990 "Super Duke". That looked unique and cool as hell.

If your looking for a motorcycle on the sporty side that you can put some serious miles on then you cant go wrong with:

Suzuki SV 650
Suzuki Bandit
Kawasaki Ninja 650 (my personal pick of the bunch if you cant afford the MV Agusta Brutale or KTM)
and I think over there in NZ you guys call it a Honda "Hornet".
Also, you might wanna try an FZ-1. Those are alot less controversial....as in lots of peeps like them.