Yamaha FZ-6R

The Yamaha FZ6R has a special ambience that makes you feel comfortable the minute you swing a leg over the seat. It is a sports bike that does not make any earth shattering claims; just a bike that will leave you smiling after each and every ride. Perhaps you are just getting started in motorcycling or have been around long enough to recognize that fun is not always determined by engine size or horsepower.

Somewhere between cruisers and supersport bikes exists a genre simply known as "sports" bikes.

The FZ6R fits perfectly into the less intense sport bike world with its easy to control power, light weight and low seat height. A slim compact chassis complements the fuel injected engine and its very linear throttle control. No lap records here, just a bike that inspires rider confidence and is a blast to ride.

Innovative FZ6R features like adjustable seat height make it easy for beginning riders to get started.

The Yamaha FZ6R offer features that make it easy for beginning riders to get started: a low seat height, grips that reach back to you, and a torquey, 600cc engine you won't outgrow anytime soon. Add a beautiful diamond-steel frame, a sleek fairing, a Yamaha R6 style exhaust and a price that makes it way more affordable than it looks, and it all adds up to the ultimate first sportsbike.

Yamaha FZ6R Highlights and Key Features:

Fuel Consumption ± 18.1kpl/51.5mpg(Imp)

Fuel injected, 600cc, DOHC, 4-valve, in-line 4 tuned for fun and ease of use

Sporty styling and low seat height

Key Features:

•A rider in the market for an entry level or commuter 600cc bike doesn’t have to compromise performance or style to get value. The FZ6R is a great combination of performance, handling, and exciting sport bike style, but also with a low seat height that’s both adjustable to fit a wider variety of riders and also narrower where it counts to make it even easier to put both feet on the ground.

•The engine delivers smooth power just the way today’s rider needs it, brisk acceleration with plenty of torque that makes it a pleasure to get around town, with lots in reserve for when you want more. This is certainly not a “no frills” motor. It’s derived from the FZ6 motor, fuel injected and tuned for outstanding low to mid engine performance.

•Even if your primary goal is commuting to school or work, you want to be able to get out and have fun riding some twisty back roads. 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. It’s designed to provide the right rigidity balance to contribute to smooth cornering performance.

•When it comes to putting power to the pavement, the new FZ6R uses nothing less than quality radial tires, 120/70R 17-inch front and 160/60R 17-inch rear. And this bike’s excellent stopping performance is due to dual 298mm front discs and a 245mm rear disc, both with comfortable to use controls. 

Yamaha FZ6R Features and Benefits

ENGINE

Ultra-compact, 600cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, slant block in-line four powerplant. This engine has been specially tuned for ease of riding with very linear power characteristics.

Compact, 4-valve cylinder head features 25mmm intake valves and 22mm exhaust valves. Special narrow intake port shape increases air velocity resulting in a more linear throttle response.

Lightweight hollow camshafts provide excellent torque in the low and mid rpm range and also help to achieve linear throttle control. Fuel economy is also optimized.

Automatic hydraulic-type cam chain tensioner reduces mechanical engine noise and maintenance.

One-piece cylinder and upper crankcase assembly provides superior engine and chassis rigidity as well as reducing weight.

Ceramic composite plated sleeveless cylinder bores provide greater heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced frictional power losses. Sleeveless design also reduces weight.

Lightweight forged pistons connected to carburized connecting rods provide superior strength and reduced reciprocating mass for crisp throttle response and reduced vibration.

"Group-Type" Mikuni 32mm throttle body fuel injection provides outstanding throttle response and excellent fuel economy. Group fuel injection divides the four cylinders into two groups (1 & 4 and 2 & 3) with two injections of fuel for every 720 degrees of crank rotation.

Compact "high dynamic range" injectors use 4-hole / 2-direction spray type injectors for excellent throttle control, reduced emissions and great fuel economy.

A high powered, compact 32 bit ECU controls the ignition and fuel injection processes.

Compact slant-block engine uses a "Tri-Axis" stacked 6-speed transmission design to create a shorter engine (front to back) which allows for optimum engine placement in the frame for a balanced weight distribution and great handling.

"Inner push" type clutch release mechanism provides very light and smooth clutch lever action.

Shifter layout and design provides smooth, positive shifting.

Compact 4 into 2 into 1 "midship" style exhaust system features a 3-way catalytic converter which reduces harmful exhaust emissions (CO, HC, CO2 and NOx). The result is very clean running engine that easily surpasses strict EPA and EU European emission standards.

This "midship" style exhaust system concentrates mass in the centre of the bike and keeps the centre of gravity low for light agile handling at any speed.

High capacity radiator with ring-type cooling fan insures maximum cooling efficiency.

Liquid cooled oil cooler maintains consistent oil temperatures for extended engine and lubricant life.

Convenient spin-on type oil filter.

Maintenance-free transistor controlled ignition ensures fast starts and optimum engine performance.

Air Induction System (AIS) reduces harmful hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide (HC & CO) exhaust emissions.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

"Diamond-type", high tensile tube steel frame is used. The main frame tubes are 31.5mm in diameter and feature a minimum of welds and bends. Rigidity around the steering head and swingarm pivot has been optimized for excellent handling and stability.

This frame design helps to maintain one of the lowest seat heights (785mm / 30.1") in the 600 sports class.

The engine is mounted to the frame in 4 locations making it a stressed chassis member and enhancing handling qualities.

A box section steel swingarm compliments the frame and aids in providing a light handling feel.

Detachable steel rear sub frame reduces costs in the event of a "loop-out".

Conventional 41mm cartridge style fork provide great handling and excellent ride comfort. Plastic protectors help prevent tube damage due to stone chips. Wheel travel is 130mm (5.1").

"Link less" rear suspension means the rear shock mounts directly to the frame and swingarm without the use of linkages. The rear suspension system has been designed to provide a rising rate feeling without the additional weight of linkage arms and pivots. The shock features 7-way spring pre-load adjustability. Wheel travel is 130mm (5.1")

Dual 298mm floating front disc brakes are squeezed by a twin piston calipers. Braking performance is progressive and lever feel is excellent.

245mm rear disc brake with single piston caliper provides excellent stopping power.

Full fairing offers great wind and weather protection. An inner panel around the instrument area provides a clean, quality image for the "cockpit".

Stylish 17 litre (3.7 Imp. gal.) fuel tank provides an excellent riding range between fill ups.

Lightweight 5-spoke mag wheels are fitted with Z rated radial tires which reduce unsprung weight for light, agile handling.

Stylish two piece rider and passenger seat design offers excellent comfort. The rider portion of the seat is adjustable. The standard position is the lowest (785mm / 30.9") position with an ability to increase the rider seat height by 20mm or approximately ¾ of an inch.

Adjustable handlebar design. The traditional 7/8" steel handlebar not only offers a comfortable, more upright riding position but can also be adjusted 20mm (approximately ¾ of an inch) forward by rotating the handlebar mounting brackets 180 degrees. The traditional handlebar design also allows easy replacement to a different "bend" if so desired.

FZ1 inspired multi-function instrument assembly. Features include an analog tach, digital speedo, dual tripmeters, clock, fuel gauge and fuel reserve tripmeter plus a full range of warning lights.

Bright, single 60/55 watt halogen headlight

ADDITIONAL DETAILS / FEATURES

5-position adjustable front brake lever

Convenient passenger grab rails

520 size "O" ring chain reduces weight

Low maintenance, sealed battery

Helmet holder cable

Bike Review

The sluggish economy and wild gasoline prices have had a positive effect on at least one thing: entry-level sport motorcycle sales. Lower MSRPs, excellent fuel economy, less expensive insurance all mixed with good looks, seem to be the recipe for success.

Yamaha's new 2009 FZ6R has arrived at precisely the right time; packed with a more torque-filled 600cc inline cylinder engine, the latest SOQI suspension, sleek full fairing, tuned under belly exhaust and all for a lower price, this particular motorcycle seems set for sales success.

The styling cues may come from the more advanced R6 sibling, but less-experienced non track-oriented riders will appreciate the low seat height, upright handlebars, easy handling, ample brakes, smooth engine and manageable power, for daily commuting or just plain getting out and having fun. What this motorcycle lacks in gut wrenching acceleration, it makes up for with smooth, usable power. For sure, this bike appeals to the more entry-level riders but we found this motorcycle to be more than capable in the corners and in a straight line.

Upon mounting the new FZ6R on a brisk February morning, you quickly settle-in to the comfortably upright riding position. The all-in-one gauge package, with analog tachometer and digital speedometer, are in clear sight and add to the quality feel of the bike. The seat and handlebar placement puts you in an at-ease, yet ready-for-action position. Both items are adjustable to accommodate different rider sizes and preferences; this feature may be helpful for taller or shorter riders trying to find the right fit.

Riding the FZ6R was pleasant as the engine runs smoothly and is relatively quiet. Entry-level through advanced intermediates will find the acceleration anywhere from intimidating to 'about right'. The engine delivers more low-end torque but less top-end than the FZ6, which makes for a more enjoyable ride. As with most 600s, learning to utilize the full rev-range, up to nearly 12,000 rpms, will ensure you get the most that this package has to offer.

The steel frame, solid mount engine and in-house Yamaha SOQI suspension provide excellent stability over bumps and through sweeping corners. The switch from the 180 to the narrower 160-rear tire imparts easier steering, cornering and overall maneuverability. The two-piston front calipers don't necessarily look impressive on paper, but they worked well under full stopping power and while trail-braking into corners. The individual items of this well thought out package were all extremely able-bodied and combined to work seamlessly together.

The FZ6R is a motorcycle that sports an aggressive look, ample wind protection, responsive handling and 43 mpg (nearly rivaling the Toyota Prius) making for an affordable yet very enjoyable ride--perfect for back and forth to the college campus, commuting to the office, or a two-up ride to the mountains. The new 2009 FZ6R is now available in dealerships nationwide with a starting MSRP of $6,990. The motorcycle is available in Team Yamaha Blue/White, Pearl White, Cadmium Yellow and Raven.