Super Fast, Super Strong Cool Bikes

The Yamaha FZ6 is a 600 cc motorcycle that was introduced in 2004 as a budget middleweight sport bike built around the 2003 YZF R6 engine. The engine is retuned for more usable midrange power. It comes with a somewhat soft suspension that makes it easy on beginners and very well suited for sport-touring, commuting, or just having fun on curvy mountain roads.

This bike is a popular choice for its half-fairing, upright seating position, and underseat exhaust. These features position it between a full supersport and a naked streetfighter (although in Europe and Australia, there is an available naked FZ-6N option).

This motorcycle is considered a “Swiss Army Knife” type of motorcycle since it can easily handle sport riding, touring, and commuting. Many owners of these motorcycles modify them more to their specific style of riding. Some owners just leave them stock and enjoy the “all-rounder” capabilities. There is a large following of motorcycle owners and many are fanatical about making their FZ6 unique or one of a kind. Because of this, there are many aftermarket parts available.

2009 revision

The 2009 model (introduced on September 08, 2008) is technically unchanged from 2008/2007. The only difference is the “Comfort seat” that is now standard. Previously was on the accessories list. The available colors for 2009 are Raven and Deep Blue (Metallic Black and Metallic Purplish Blue in Canada / Midnight Black, Ocean depth and Silver Metallic in Europe). European model ‘FZ6 Fazer S2 ABS’ has ABS and electronic immobilizer as standard. It is also 5 kg heavier (Dry Weight 191 kg).

MSRP for the 2009 model is $7,290 in US ($9,299 in Canada, EUR7,650 in Europe for ABS Version, 5,299 £ in UK and 5,599 £ for ABS version).

Key Features:

* Multipurpose, go-anywhere do-anything middleweight; the FZ6 is just as happy taking you to work, for a brisk sport ride or on a weekend tour.
* Style and performance: Controlled-Fill die-cast aluminum frame, a high-tech half fairing and an undertail exhaust are just a few of the FZ6’s upscale components.
* Super-light and compact fuel-injected YZF-R6S engine is tuned for enhanced mid-range performance as well as strong revvability.
* The FZ6 achieves fuel economy up to an estimated 40 mpg** with a fuel tank that holds 5.1 gallons of gas.

Engine:

* 600cc liquid-cooled 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine with special cams and intake tracts is tuned to produce maximum torque and horsepower at more accessible rpm levels.
* Group fuel injection (powerful 32-bit processor and 4-jet bidirectional injectors) combines simplicity with excellent response and performance.
* Six-speed gearbox with triangulated input and output shafts, heavy-duty clutch and through-the-frame shifter for years of precise, positive shifting.
* Stainless-steel underseat exhaust system with heat shield looks cool and doesn’t interfere with passengers or luggage.
* Acoustic analysis of the downdraft intake tract and exhaust produce a bike that sounds as cool as it looks.
* Large radiator with ring-type fan for excellent cooling capacity.
* Yamaha Air Induction System, along with a metal honeycomb-type catalytic converter, let the FZ6 pass strict EU2 and CARB emissions standards.

Chassis/Suspension:

* Strong-and-very-light Controlled-Fill die-cast aluminum frame is made from only two pieces, which bolt together at the steering head and in the swingarm pivot area.
* A stylish swingarm complements the bike’s Controlled-Fill frame and adds to its light, precise feel.
* Four-piston monoblock brake calipers up front provide excellent braking power and feel.
* Five-point stressed-member engine mounting design consists of two crankcase mounts per side and one mount on the left side of the cylinder head for excellent strength and light weight.
* Placing the engine’s crankshaft axis close to the FZ6’s roll axis aids quick handling and light, positive steering.
* 25 degrees of rake, 3.8-inch trail and 56.7-inch wheelbase for quick handling and excellent tracking.
* Single-shock linkageless rear suspension is simple and light, with sport-biased damping tuned for a controlled, progressive feel; extruded aluminum swingarm is 23.2 inches long for reduced chain-pull effect, further bolstering the FZ6’s outstanding handling.
* Placing the battery under the fuel tank and behind the steering head helps achieve 51 percent front-wheel weight distribution and excellent handling.
* Single-piece upper triple clamp/handlebar mount with tubular handlebar for excellent front-end feel, feedback and light steering; 35-degree steering lock means excellent maneuverability in traffic.
* 43mm, wide-set fork tubes for excellent rigidity and confident braking performance.
* Extremely light YZF-R6-type five-spoke wheels keep unsprung weight low for improved suspension action and handling, acceleration and deceleration.
* Thick dual seat offers exceptional solo or two-up comfort; passenger grab rails and bungee attachment points.

Additional Features:

* Upright, comfortable riding position with great weather protection. Light, effortless handling for urban use, comfortable long-distance cruising, and serious sport riding too.
* LCD two-color instrument display with integrated bar-type tachometer on the left, and numerical speedometer in the center—also two tripmeters, clock, fuel, intake air temperature and water temperature gauges, and usual indicator lights.
* 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 radial tires complement the FZ6’s modern look, and its increased torque and great handling fully exploit the superb grip they provide.
* Large windscreen provides good protection and minimal noise; anti-reversion panels on each side of the fairing reduce turbulence.
* Dual 12V 60/55-watt multireflector headlight gives a sleek, R1-type profile for superb aerodynamics and visibility.
* Completely unique, CAD-drawn fuel tank meets the needs of style, handlebar clearance and tactile feel in one beautiful package crafted from high-stretch alloy.
* Sporty, taillight design reduces both weight and size while providing excellent visibility.
* Passenger pegs are low and made of aluminum for comfort and appearance.
* Front fender and alumite-finished outer fork tubes add to the style.
* Seat bottom and cover material feel soft but solid and make it easier for shorter legs to reach the ground.
* Centerstand for easier maintenance.
* Standard toolkit and U-lock storage under the seat.

MSRP*    $7,290 (Deep Blue) Available from December 2008
$7,290 (Raven) Available from December 2008
Engine
Type    600cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves
Bore x Stroke    65.5 x 44.5mm
Compression Ratio    12.2:1
Carburetion    Group Fuel Injection, 36mm throttle bodies
Ignition    TCI
Transmission    6-speed w/multi-plate clutch
Final Drive    O-ring chain
Chassis
Suspension/Front    43mm telescopic fork, 5.1-in travel
Suspension/Rear    Single shock; adjustable preload, 5.1-in travel
Brakes/Front    Dual 298mm floating disc; 4-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear    245mm disc; single-piston caliper
Tires/Front    120/70-ZR17
Tires/Rear    180/55-ZR17
Dimensions
Length    82.5 in
Width    29.5 in
Height    47.6 in
Seat Height    31.3 in
Wheelbase    56.7 in
Rake (Caster Angle)    25.0°
Trail    3.8 in
Fuel Capacity    5.1 gal
Fuel Economy**    40 mpg
Wet Weight    459 lb
Other
Warranty    1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)