Yamaha FZ-6 S2 Fazer

You don't do the same thing every day of your life, so why would you want a motorcycle that's only designed to do one thing? You need a motorcycle with a design brief as varied as your lifestyle. That's the FZ6 Fazer S2 - do your usual stuff Monday to Friday, then when you need to get away, just strap on a kitbag and away you go, loving the high-revving horsepower, supersport-quality handling and weather-beating upper fairing.

* Sensational performance
* High-revving horsepower
* R6-based engine
* CF-Die cast aluminium frame
* Extra-sporty upper fairing

2007 Review

For 2007 Yamaha have decided to enhance further the specification of the FZ 600 models with the launch of two new S2 models featuring a range of technical, functional and design changes.

These higher-specification FZ6 Fazer S2 and FZ6 S2 machines have been designed for those customers who are looking for even more style, technology and performance from their 600. Features that are exclusive to the S2 variants include a new alloy swingarm, as well as monobloc front brake calipers and class-leading instrumentation – all of which are sure to deliver a sportier and more exhilarating riding experience.

This comprehensive range of modifications elevates their performance to another level, making the impressive new FZ6 Fazer S2 and FZ6 S2 the most complete all-round packages in the important middleweight class.

New swingarm
The new S2 models are equipped with a high-specification lightweight swingarm that has been developed in association with the lightweight CF-die cast aluminium frame.

The new swingarm features a hexagonal cross-section, and is manufactured from cast and extruded aluminium in order to achieve an idealised rigidity balance. The combination of reduced unsprung weight and a revised rigidity balance – as well as new high-rigidity rear axle mounts – makes for a lighter handling feeling which enhances the sports nature of the S2 models.

High-specification one-piece monobloc front brake calipers
The FZ 600 S2 variants run with the dual 298mm front discs, but are equipped with exclusive new monobloc front brake calipers which feature a compact, light and rigid one-piece body.

This advanced system offers excellent feel, accurate control and highly effective stopping power, making the S2 models some of the best-equipped middleweights in the sports and street categories.

Aluminium repositioned passenger footrests
The new S2 models feature a slightly lower passenger footrest position for a more relaxed seating position, and they also benefit from aluminium footrests to match their higher overall specification.

And for added comfort, the S2 versions are equipped with a rubber covering on the passenger footrest step.

New style front cowl
The FZ6 Fazer S2 gets a new look for 2007 with the introduction of an R-series inspired front cowl which is designed to accentuate the bike’s higher specification and sportier character.

The new cut-down dual-headlight cowl has been totally redesigned, and features a 30mm lower headlight position – as well as a shorter lower section – which gives a much more sporty and aggressive appearance, and also opens up the air intake area. Also new is the screen, which reduces wind swirl and the associated noise to a minimum for improved higher-speed comfort and reduced fatigue.

With its new look and lower mounting position, the compact new front cowl and screen create a more predatory nose-down, tail-up stance, giving this class-leading middleweight so much more attitude on the street.

Alumite fork tubes and new front fender
The S2 models run with 130mm travel front forks that offer a firm and comfortable ride.

In keeping with their higher overall specification, the new S2 variants feature a new Alumite finish on the fork outer tubes. These attractive new front forks complement the other exclusive features such as the hexagonal aluminium swingarm, aluminium passenger footrests and monobloc front brake calipers.

The S2 models are also fitted with a new front fender which is designed to curve around the new Alumite-treated forks for improved aerodynamics and – on the FZ6 Fazer S2 – to complement the compact new sports cowl.

FZ1-style instrumentation
As well as a whole range of chassis upgrades, S2 riders are also treated to an all-new FZ1-type instrument panel for 2007. On the left is a digital speedometer, and on the right there’s a stylish analogue needle-type tachometer that keeps the rider fully informed with clearly-displayed information.

This high-specification instrumentation also features an adjustable backlighting function so that riders can choose the level of brilliance to suit the conditions.

For example, in urban situations with plenty of streetlights a brighter setting would be appropriate, while on unlit highways a dimmer backlight setting may be the best option. And another function that adds to the overall enjoyment of owning and riding the S2 is the gradual fade-in of the instrument lighting once the ignition key is turned on.

Remapped fuel injection system
Powered by a retuned version of the enormously successful second-generation R6 engine, the FZ 600 models are widely regarded as being the strongest performers in the middleweight street category.

The 4-valve DOHC engine is fed by a 4-hole 2-direction injector controlled by a 32-bit ECU for excellent throttle response, remarkable acceleration and smooth power delivery.

For 2007, the S2 models benefit from a remapped fuel injection system which has been designed to enhance performance characteristics in the most commonly-used rpm range. These changes also deliver even better response in the high rpm range in order to maintain this best-selling middleweight’s position as the most exciting street/sports 600.

New exhaust system
Although externally similar to the previous design, the internals of the 2007 exhaust system are completely new, and feature three honeycomb catalysers.

In order to reduce exhaust resistance and maintain idealised intake and exhaust efficiency, these EU-3 compliant catalyser units are larger than previously. The S2 models are also fitted with an oxygen sensor, and this feeds information to the 32-bit ECU which instantly adjusts the fuel supply via the 4-hole 2-direction injectors to ensure optimal performance with minimal emissions.

The highly-efficient 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system is similar to the free-flowing designs used on Yamaha’s R-series supersport machines, and features a connecting pipe joining the 2nd and 3rd cylinders’ exhaust pipes to ensure a good pulse effect.

And for added protection the dual underseat mufflers feature a 2-part sandwich-type heat shield.

Newly designed seat
Not immediately obvious but will nevertheless be appreciated by riders is the new seat. A new type of foam has been used in the lower part of its structure – while a new seat cover is also fitted – and detail changes have also been made to the seat shape.

These improvements give a soft but firm ride, and although the seat height remains at 795mm, the new shape makes it easier for riders to reach the ground during low-speed manoeuvring or when coming to a halt.