2009 Yamaha FZ6 Review

Exterior

2009 Yamaha FZ6

Despite introducing the fully-faired 2009 FZ6R, Yamaha carries on the production of the half-faired FZ6 as the market surely hasn’t had enough of it. No wonder as the versatile 600cc bike features an aggressive bodywork even though designers didn’t had much to work with given the bike’s nature.

With FZ1-like headlights, fairing and windscreen, this bike not only walks on the footsteps of its bigger siblings when it comes to performance, but stylistically too. The 5.1 gallons tank features that aggressive hump too as there isn’t much need for the rider to squat under the windscreen because of the upright riding position and the windscreen positioning angle.

Ever since 2004, the bike features the four-into-two under seat exhaust which enhances the sporty look. And so do the black painted 17-inch five-spoke wheels and all other mechanical and chassis units.

Riders buying the 2009 Yamaha FZ6 will benefit of a new Comfort seat which was previously available only in the accessory list. Also, the 2009 colors are Deep Blue and Raven.

Test Ride

2009 Yamaha FZ6

Onboard the Yamaha FZ6 you get a great view of the road and traffic ahead you thanks to the great ergonomics which allow for an upright riding position. The seat is spacious for a sport bike and very comfortable while the handlebars are brought close to the rider for less back stress. But despite of the standard bike-like accommodations, wind protection is very good at all riding speeds mostly due to the windscreen which directs the air flow well above the average sized rider’s head. Also, the fairly wide fairing is designed to send the air just over your shoulders as you get lower and lower concomitant with increasing speed. The knees will experience a little bit of harsh wind as there is no lower body fairing, but nothing spectacular.

Even though the bike looks tall in the pictures, it has a 31.3 inches high seat so it will put no problems when it comes to flat footing the ground to any average sized rider again.

The engine performs as well as it looks. There is plenty of low-end torque and first gear isn’t short at all so you’ll be always the first to take off from traffic lights. Smooth accelerating and consequent in delivering impressive midrange power in all gears, the fuel injected previous generation R6 engine only requires a powerful twist of the throttle in order to get that front wheel airborn.

Precise and easy to work with, the six-speed gearbox will have newbies get accustomed with it very fast although at first the second gear seems the most appropriate especially during city riding. That is possible thanks to a wide rpm range. Note that the four-cylinder engine meets its sweet spot at 12,000 where all 98 horses are put down so playing with the throttle is THE way to learn how to ride these things.

2009 Yamaha FZ6

Handling the FZ6 feels light and reassuring. The bike plants itself well in tight corners and although you won’t be scrapping the pavement, you’ll manage to scare the passenger each and every time you lean close to the limits. Also, due to the riding position, the FZ6 practically invites you to move on the seat very much as you turn left and right and so on during winding roads where you’ll also be playing with the throttle very much. So reaching speeds of up to 50 mph in these conditions justifies the passenger’s terrified face from when the ride is over.

The suspension (nonadjustable 43 mm fork and preload adjustable rear monoshock) though is undersprung and on bumpier roads can feel overwhelmed. The fact that Yamaha designed this bike strictly for street riding doesn’t justify that as even at speed bumps you get that effect. Still, the bike is stable and handles spotless at speeds in excess of 120 mph.

Thank goodness this thing can break. With a pair of 298 mm front rotors on which four-piston calipers are acting and a 245 mm rear one with a single-piston caliper, the Yamaha FZ6 benefits of confidence inspiring braking power. That’s good to hear considering the powerful engine which practically begs to be revved even when the conditions aren’t the most appropriate.

Riding the FZ6 is always an enjoyable experience mostly because the bike can keep the pace with sportier models or even it’s bigger sibling, the FZ1.

Price

Regardless of color, the 2009 model year comes with a base MSRP of $7,290. This alone isn’t an argument to buy this model without mentioning the infinite other good reasons, but it sure helps when presenting a brochure to your wife (just make sure you mention it now has a more comfortable seat even for the passenger).

Conclusion

2009 Yamaha FZ6

Although not seriously revised, the latest Yamaha FZ6 is definitely to be taken in consideration even if you are an experienced rider or a beginner in search of a powerful, easy to handle and very comfortable motorcycle. This bike is all that and adds a plus of fun in the weekends when taking it on your favorite winding roads.

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