Just test-rode an FZ6

[RJprod]

I'm in the process of getting another bike, so I've been talking to a lot of owners and been going to the local dealers trying to have a feel of some of the bikes I'm interested in. While on craigslist the other day I came across an 07 fz6. I contacted the owner and scheduled to c it today. The bike was just 14 miles away from me, so it wasn't too bad to go check it out.

It's the red version. it has about 13k on. tires look like they have about 90% tread left in them. The bike is in showroom condition besides a little scratch on the paint from where the saddle bags have been attached. It's bone stock, which I like because I get to give it my own style. we agree on $3800 for it. He'll throw an all weather cover, battery charger, and the saddle bags with it.

First impresion: Holy sh%&, it's big ( not weight wise, but from just looking at it. The pics on the internet don't even come close to how big it actually looks especially compared to my pregen. It's very very upright, and the handlebar feel a bit weird (a bit wide) to me. The horn is super loud. It sound like a semi truck. The stock exhausts are not that quiet like I expected.

The ride: I took it around his neighborhood. I only got it up to second gear since they were people outside. The throttle is very responsive. I twisted it just a bit and I was already doing 29 mph. Even though it was very easy to control the bike, I would have to adjust both the clutch and front brake levers because of my lil tiny hands. The friction zone on this bike is almost none existent as fast I can tell. I couldn't find that sweet part that I have on my ninja. The spot where you know you can rev the **** out of the bike that you won't be going anywhere as long you have the clutch in your hand. You can release it bit bit to control the bike at very slow speed. This bike's clutch seemed to b seeming that middle sweet spot.. But then again I was only on it for a few minutes, I might get used to it after awhile. The front brake is excellent.. The gearbox is clunky when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

verdict: I dnt normally care for naked bikes, especially the sv650 ( no offense sv guys out there), but the fz6 is the best I've seen. The front looks so sexy, so sleek. it has the resemblance of a yellow jacket's head.. I like it. it fits my type of riding, which are commuting, twisty riding, and occasional long distance ride. I feel like I can ride it all day without feeling tired.

What do you guys think of the settlement.. $3800 for it with 13k? and what do you guys think of the bike itself..what do you know about it(good, and bad)?

[Asspire]

do I need to say it?

[csmith12]

I need to ride one of these, owners & riders say good things.

[rasta]

This is one of the bikes I've been looking at recently. Does it feel much bigger than the ninjette when your sitting/riding?

[Jono]

Get it! Seems like a fair price.

[outasight20]

I've put 21K miles on my FZ6 in 19 months of ownership. It is the best all-around bike I could possibly imagine owning. It doesn't do any particular thing exceptionally well, but it does EVERYTHING with substantial prowess.

I can take it to the dragstrip and run an 11.7 ET, or I can throw some luggage on it and comfortably cruise for hundreds of miles. And the gas mileage, at 50-55 MPG, is better than most supersports and comparable-displacement standards.

[choneofakind]

I've thought about these bikes. I really like the thought of owning something that's a great all-rounder and gets 45-55 mpg with an inline-4 engine and plenty of midrange oomph.

Looks like they go for pretty fair prices around me as well:
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4005018224.html

[YunMing]

I rode a FZ1 I just remember it being really heavy and fast.

[RJprod]

Originally Posted by rasta

This is one of the bikes I've been looking at recently. Does it feel much bigger than the ninjette when your sitting/riding?

yea.. when I sat on it, i was way up high. Obviously 1st gear is taller on it, and the clutch sometimes feels almost non-existent. I read that it is a common problem with the 07 version, I dnt know about the 09. I thought stall it twice when I pull in the clutch. it's either you pull it in or out, there's no in between when you can coarse ( i dnt know if that's the right terminology)if u want to.

[RJprod]

Originally Posted by Jono

Get it! Seems like a fair price.

I dnt think I will be getting it. I rode an f4i today and it seemed to be the best fit for me. The handlebars dnt feel as foreign to me as the fz6's. It leans into turns quicker. I like the look of the f4i better..

[RJprod]

Originally Posted by outasight20

I've put 21K miles on my FZ6 in 19 months of ownership. It is the best all-around bike I could possibly imagine owning. It doesn't do any particular thing exceptionally well, but it does EVERYTHING with substantial prowess.

I can take it to the dragstrip and run an 11.7 ET, or I can throw some luggage on it and comfortably cruise for hundreds of miles. And the gas mileage, at 50-55 MPG, is better than most supersports and comparable-displacement standards.

that's true gas mileage and comfort are some of the reasons I looked into one. And the dual exhaust is just bad ass.

[RJprod]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

I've thought about these bikes. I really like the thought of owning something that's a great all-rounder and gets 45-55 mpg with an inline-4 engine and plenty of midrange oomph.

Looks like they go for pretty fair prices around me as well:
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4005018224.html

damn, that's a neat ass bike..