INCOMPLETE - WIP
First off, the order of this review patterned after
superman89's review from a year ago. I also recommend reading his review. I kinda formalized a few things but I felt he generally approached things in an order that was useful to me as an FZ6 rider. I currently have 8600 miles on the FZ6 (which is going up for sale soon) and 345.5 on the R6S.
Current Trim
See the spreadsheet here for the current differences in performance trim.
For now, the only mod I have on the R6S are a set of Lockhart Phillips swingarm sliders/spools, Lockhart Phillips frame sliders, Harris case saver, and a full body protector kit from TheTankSlapper.biz that I need to put on.
The FZ6 has its air intake filter, oil filter, exhaust, plugs, tires all upgraded, plus, a FAZR6 Fender Eliminator Kit, I removed the rear hugger and chain guard, and FJR's retroreflective decal kit. Most of these have had a significant improvement on performance.
What made me buy the...
FZ6?
Just before my 25th birthday, I had decided to take my ATV motorsport addiction to the street. I could also read the writing on the wall and could see that CA would be seeing $3.00+/gallon prices in the near future. I knew motorcycles and ATVs got far better mileage than my (then) 2003 Toyota Tacoma. So in October of 2004, I went and did the MSF course, and got my license a couple weeks later.
Two weeks before my birthday in November, I was at Pasadena Yamaha trying to decide whether I wanted a 2004 Silver FZ6 or a 2005 Blue FZ6. My original intent was to get either a TW200 or an XT225. I figured a dual-sport might help me build my street riding confidence. However, everyone I spoke to (dealer or rider) told me dual-sports typically do neither street nor dirt well. However, that upright seating position was confidence inspiring, even in the showroom as the Ninjas, R6s, R1s, CBRs, GSXRs scared me away with their race graphics and shiny chrome exhausts.
So I settled back on the FZ6. Pasadena Yamaha was willing to give me both at the same price so that it basically boiled down to which color I wanted. I chose blue and my out-the-door price was $7700 include a YES extended warranty. I loved the underseat exhaust, I loved the unique look, I loved comfortable dirt bike like seating position, and through my research, I loved that it had an engine based on the R6. To me it meant that I could have fun like the more experienced riders once I got there.
R6S?
Two years have passed since I bought my FZ6. I made a few changes to the bike, things that make it feel sportier to me. But it just doesn't seem like the sport bikes I'm reading about in SportRider, Motorcyclist, or CycleWorld. The front end is spongy on my 5'9", 225 lbs. frame. I finally figured out that the reason why backend felt less than composed in the canyons; I adjust the preload on the rear from it's soft factory setting to full stiff. Now that shores up the rear but now I notice the front end is a little bouncy over sharp bumps, hard stops, or in the middle of the corner...and there's no way to adjust the front suspension!
I also start to realize that I have a desire to do some serious track days and really build up my road racing skills. I want a bike that I can adjust to suit me as a rider, just like my Honda TRX-450R ATV improved my dirt riding by way of its adjustable suspension, wide stance, and race ready engine.
And ever since I bought my FZ6, I lusted after the R6. Sure the other Japanese makers have some great bikes, but there's something sleek about the front end, the profile, and the way bike looks leaned over in a turn. When Yamaha decided to continue producing the 03-05 body style in the wake of the new 2006 R6, I knew I would eventually have to own one or the new R6S.
What it's like to start up the...
R6S
See the video here
The key hole is very stiff. Turn it, and the analog tach spins up, and the lights blink. Hit the starter button, and the bike almost sputters to a start (seems kind of normal for the R6/R6S as my buddy's 04 does the same thing). The bike warms up to a purr and the digital engine temp reading changes from "Lo" to something over 100 degrees.
FZ6
See the video here
The key hole is well broken in and the key turns easily. Digital tach rises up, lights blink, and the fuel injector pressurization is noticeably louder than the R6S's. Hit the starter and the bike sputters and then pants as it begins to warm up. The K&N Air filter and the Scorpion exhaust gives the bike a grunty, brute-ish sound and feel.
Compare & Contrast
In current trim the R6S seems like the tamer of the two.
What it's like to sit on the...
R6S
Sitting on the R6S, you immediately notice four things, the boys are riding up on the tank, you're hunched over on the clip-ons, the seat is high and angles your butt up, and throttle has a lot of pre-engagement play. Looking at the R6S manual, .24-.31" of play is actually recommended. You pull in the clutch, and a nice, easy to manage friction zone is presented to you. Pulling away from the line is super easy. Only thing to remember, easy on the throttle. The revs build super quickly as you twist. It almost feels greased to be fully opened at all times. It reminds you this is a bike with race intentions.
If you feel a bit too hunched over, you can squeeze your knees against the tank and your upper body feels a reduction in load as your lower body becomes one with the fairly comfortable, wide seat and rear sets. For the first few rides, my mid to upper back would be kind of tired and slightest bit sore. Two weeks later, I've built up those muscles a bit and the bike is fairly comfortable to sit on considering how compact the position is.
FZ6
superman89 is right when says that sitting on the FZ6 is almost like sitting on a tall, sleek, lightweight cruiser. The bike feels long, the handlebars are wide, and the bike just feels super comfortable, right from the get go. No need to reposition or squeeze the tank. Getting off the line takes a little more effort as the clutch and feel gummy. I know my clutch pivot point needs some lube but the throttle feels like it resists twisting, not in a harmful way, just in a mindful way. The throttle personality is such that there is a 1:1 relation between twist effort and speed.
Compare & Contrast
There feels like there is a lot more refinement in the R6S inputs and dash. Just like you would expect from a top of the line sports car or motorcycle. The gear shift indicator light is a great addition and really plays up the sporting intent of the R6S. The FZ6 is tricked out with a digital tach, fuel meter, and time display. The last two are sorely missed on the R6S. I instead use the trip meter (~125-135 miles) always run the tank down to the GAS WARNING light. The FZ6's controls and dash feel high quality, but not race quality, and seem to be meant to be more durable and replaceable than the R6S. This plays up the sport-touring qualities it has.
The morning commute with the...
R6S
FZ6
Compare & Contrast
On Angeles Crest/in the canyons with the...
R6S
FZ6
Compare & Contrast
Cruising Old Town Pasadena/in town with the...
R6S
FZ6
Compare & Contrast
Cruising the 210 & 118 to Moorpark/on the freeway & highway with the...
R6S
FZ6
Compare & Contrast
Overall comments
2007 R6S vs. 2005 FZ6: A Rider's Review
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