Any seasoned rider will tell you that diving into a hardcore bike isn't the proper way to get acclimated to motorcycles. You need to get your feet wet first. You need a bike that will show you the ropes while also provide the kind of excitement and thrills that only a true sports bike can provide.

The innovative Yamaha FZ6R->ke2045 is one of those bikes and it offers features that make it easy for beginning riders to get started. There are no boastful expectations with the FZ6R; it's simply a bike that will give you everything you need to get started.

While other bikes will promise torque-twisting performance, the FZ6R doesn't make such claims. It's a ride that does complete justice to the term 'sports bike', inspiring the kind of rider confidence that has made it one of the most popular sports bikes on the market today.

No frills. No flair. No flash. Just the way the Yamaha->ke301 FZ6R likes it.

Find out more about the Yamaha FZ6R after the jump.

2011 Yamaha FZ6R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Yamaha FZ6R
  • Engine/Motor: FZ6-derived liquid-cooled 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

Looking sexy as hell and a true sight to behold, the Yamaha FZ6R boasts of an exciting and sporty design that separates itself from the rest of its competitors. There’s no mistaking that Yamaha really burned the midnight oil tinkering up the bike's design language. The seat has separate front and rear sections with the front portion featuring an innovative height adjustment mechanism that can be set 20mm higher

for taller riders, a change that can make a big difference on an

all-day ride. Likewise, the handlebar position can be adjusted 20mm forward by rotating the handlebar clamps to fine-tune rider comfort. On display in the front is a meter panel that provides the rider plenty of important feedback, including a digital display speedometer, an analog tachometer, an odometer/tripmeter, a fuel gauge, and a water coolant gauge.

Performance

The Yamaha FZ6R is powered by an FZ6-derived 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine that delivers the kind of smooth power that riders of today have come to enjoy. The bike carries brisk acceleration while also offering plenty of torque, making it the ideal two-wheeled commute. The bike is ready to respond with its smooth, linear performance with maximum output capable of reaching 10,000 rpm and a maximum torque that can hit 9,000 rpm. In addition, there's also a 32-bit ECU that controls the four-hole, two-direction, high-dynamic-range type fuel injectors for superior injection control. By delivering the precise fuel-air mixture needed for conditions, the engine can deliver great power and fuel economy. Finally, the bike has a 4-into-2-into-1 midship exhaust. Not only does it provide a throaty, yet comfortably quiet exhaust note, the system also includes 3-way catalytic converter technology to reduce exhaust emissions.

Chassis and Suspension

The bike's overall chassis rigidity has been designed to provide both excellent handling and all-day comfort. In order to further enhance the smoothness and comfort of the ride, the front-end dimensions have been optimized, including a caster angle of 26 degrees and trail of 103mm. These measurements contribute to a bike that has great steering, making it even more of a pleasure to ride.

The front suspension of the FZ6R features sturdy 41mm inner tubes, matched to a die-cast aluminum upper triple clamp and forged-steel under bracket, providing superior cushioning performance and good front-end feel. At the back, the lightweight rear suspension significantly helps the bike's overall mass centralization and, together with the mono-cross suspension, carries excellent wheel travel. Damping force valves and oil channels likewise contribute in the bike's superior road-hugging performance capabilities.

The bike also carries hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear, measuring 298mm and 245mm in diameter, respectively. The front discs are lightweight, allowing for reduced unsprung weight whereas the single rear disc and brakes feature semi-metallic pads.

Pricing

Here in the US, the Yamaha FZ6R has been priced depending on the color variant a customer chooses. For the Reddish Copper/Raven model, the price is $7,590. For the Raven model, the price hits at $7,490.

Specifications

Model

FZ6RAO; FZ6RAB

Engine Type

600cc liquid-cooled 4-cylinder, DOHC

16 valves

Bore x Stroke

65.5 x 44.5mm

Compression Ratio

12.2:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Injection

Ignition

Digital TCI

Transmission

6-speed; multiplate wet clutch

Final Drive

O-ring chain

Suspension/Front

Telescopic fork, 5.1-in.travel

Suspension/Rear

Single shock, 5.1-in travel

Brakes/Front

Hydraulic disc, 298mm

Brake/Rear

Hydraulic disc, 245mm

Tire/Front

120/70 ZR17

Tire/Rear

160/60 ZR17

L x W x H

83.5 x 30.3 x 46.7 in

Seat Height

30.9 in

Ground Clearance

5.5 in

Wheelbase

56.7 in

Rake (Caster Angle)

26.0°

Trail

4.1 in

Fuel Capacity

4.6 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

43 mpg

Wet Weight

470

Color

Reddish Copper/Raven; Raven


Quotes

Motorcycle.com ---- "This Good Super Sport"The FZ6R offers features that make it easy for beginning riders to get started: low seat height, grips that reach back, and a torquey, 600 cc engine you wont outgrow anytime soon. Add a diamond-steel frame, a sleek fairing, R6-style exhaust and a price that makes it way more affordable than it looks.

Bikez ---- "The FZ6R is ready to put a grin on your face! The diamond-shaped frame, made of high-tensile steel pipes using the engine as a structural member of the chassis, becomes the foundation for handling performance."

Ultimatemotorcycling ---- "The 2011 Yamaha FZ6R is a combination of performance, easier handling, and sportbike style, with a low seat height and handlebar position both adjustable to fit a wider variety of motorcycle riders."