David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/20/10 3:13 p.m.

Anyone have any experience with a Yamaha FZ6R? My dad is thinking about getting one. He's looking for something for rides with his friends. Right now he has a Suzuki S40. It's his first bike, but it's a little basic--small tank, no fuel gauge, etc. He does like the low seat height but would like something that's a bit less chopper-ish.

I suggested the Suzuki SV650, but it's no longer in production. He'll probably buy new or very lightly used.

So, any input?

MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt Dork
6/20/10 3:43 p.m.

Haven't ridden an FZ6R myself, but from the published specs, it's slightly hotter than a SV650. Not the wisest choice for a first bike, but a reasonable choice for a second. I have taken a look at one at a dealer and it's fairly comfortable, would probably beat my GS500 for long trips. Although a GS500 wouldn't be a bad choice either, if he's not riding for more than an hour or so at a stretch. Or a Ninja 500 or 650.

townsend7
townsend7 New Reader
6/20/10 4:42 p.m.

Suzuki V-Strom 650? It's a SV with some dual sport thrown in.

CarKid1989
CarKid1989 HalfDork
6/20/10 5:03 p.m.

suzuki gladious?

Osterkraut
Osterkraut Dork
6/20/10 5:43 p.m.

I'm sure there's a slightly used SV650 to be found somewhere!

oldsaw
oldsaw Dork
6/20/10 10:03 p.m.
MadScientistMatt wrote: Haven't ridden an FZ6R myself, but from the published specs, it's slightly hotter than a SV650. Not the wisest choice for a first bike, but a reasonable choice for a second. I have taken a look at one at a dealer and it's fairly comfortable, would probably beat my GS500 for long trips. Although a GS500 wouldn't be a bad choice either, if he's not riding for more than an hour or so at a stretch. Or a Ninja 500 or 650.

A few weeks ago, I saw an ad for new, left-over GS500F's for much less than 4K at a dealer in State College, PA. Oh, how I wished for the funds and a trailer to bring one home.

A bit of searching could result in a new SV650 from a co-operative dealer.

problemaddict
problemaddict Reader
6/20/10 10:19 p.m.

My buddy is right now in Colorado on a trip from Toronto, by way of Los Angeles. He's riding a regular, non-R FZ6. Its been really reliable for him. Last years trip was Toronto to NOLA and back with no major problems. His is an '06 or 07, i think.

Not sure how the FZ6R's ergonomics have changed, or the rest of the bike for that matter, but I can't say I've ever heard anything bad about them...

mattm
mattm New Reader
6/20/10 10:48 p.m.

Great deals to be had on leftover 2007, 2008 and 2009 Honda VFR800's and they are a great sport-touring bike with the emphasis on sport. All day comfortable, baggage options and enough power to be interesting.

Just went from a CBR600rr to a leftover Anniversary 2007 VFR and am very happy... but maybe I am just getting old...

mistanfo
mistanfo SuperDork
6/21/10 2:24 a.m.

I second the VStrom, if he has the leg to reach the ground. Had mine down to GRM HQ last summer, and will likely be down in a couple of weeks. Great bike, comfortable, good fuel economy, lots of luggage options.

Opus
Opus Dork
6/21/10 12:03 p.m.

friend has one and she loves it. She had several Ninja 650r and prefers this bike.

stroker
stroker Reader
6/21/10 6:12 p.m.

there was a really nice SV650 in MO yesterday for $2k. It's gone now. If you're sharp and check the ads aggressively you can find them for less than $2500 pretty regularly. It's just about the perfect motorcycle.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/23/10 6:55 p.m.

Thanks for the feedback.

Osterkraut
Osterkraut Dork
6/23/10 10:44 p.m.
racinginc215 wrote: On this side the answer is ALWAYS SV650 even if it's not the question you asked. I think we could almost make the whole board obsolete just put up Miata for the car SV 650 for the bike. M3 for passengers. that about covers all the answers cheap 4 door Chevy Astrothere done. summed it all up

Corrected for true GRMness.

Grtechguy
Grtechguy SuperDork
7/18/10 3:34 p.m.

Where's that Canoe gun?

4cylndrfury
4cylndrfury SuperDork
7/18/10 3:42 p.m.
Grtechguy wrote: Where's that Canoe gun?

Tom Heath
Tom Heath Webmaster
7/18/10 4:09 p.m.

CLNSC3
CLNSC3 Reader
9/10/10 7:48 p.m.

I have ridden several FZ6 and FZ1s and they are great. Really comfortable with a more upright riding position and plenty of power!

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