2004 Kawasaki Z750

You did NOT just say "stunning good looks of the FZ-6" did you? Oh my. Oh my oh my oh my. I mean, it is a cool bike and all, but jeez-louise, is Yamaha paying you for that one?



Of course, different strokes for different folks. But man, I just want to state my utter disagreement, and downright flabberghastedness at that one.



If I ever were to purchase an FZ-6 or SV 650S type bike, being the utter plastic ***** that I am, I would probably like to purchase the lower-fairing kits. The SV kits are pretty nice. The FZ-6 on the other hand... Well, at least the ones I've seen have been absolutely brutal to the eyes.



If I did buy an FZ-6, I'd leave it the way it is. Though, if anyone could, please explain why I may want to purchase an FZ-6 as opposed the YZF600.



I'm quite fond of the YZF-600. Even if it doesn't have all the techno-doodads and fuel injection and R6 derived engine, it's a package that works real well. It does have good brakes and adjustable suspension.



I think I'd rather have the YZF-600.



I think I should stop rambling.

I wish these bikes would throw the muffler under the engine ala Buell. This would facillitate back end maintenance and look better in my opinion. The Yamaha Warrior 55 gallon drum muffler is Yamaha's way of getting every buyer to spring for new pipes. Maybe the exaust could some how be routed through the frame. Sounds crazy? Buell uses the frame as a gas tank and the swing arm as an oil tank. Every once in awhile someone comes up with an idea that everyone else says, "Why didn't I think of that". Peddle bicycles have brakes that just use the rim as a rotor. Why not do the same on a motorpickle? The rotors would be a very light weight replaceable item that would be attached to each side of the rim and the rest would be mounted on top similar to a peddle bike but with sintered pads. Yes, Buell has something like this already but this would be different in that there'd be two rotors and only one pad per rotor and pinch in pretty much like your peddle bike. The pad mechanism would be spring retracted (just like my son's bicycle) so that their would never be a problem with drag. I'm not so sure that hydraulics would even be necessary. Very cheap, easy to maintain and different.

What's wrong with the styling?



I would buy an FZ-6 over a YZF600R for three reasons:



1) Power

2) Handling

3) Comfort



All of which are better on the FZ. And it's $500 less.



Fully adjustable suspension is, in reality, utterly useless on the street. Once properly adjusted (which can be done just as well on "non-adjustable" suspension through changes in fork oil and the use of spacers to adjust preload) suspension never needs to be touched, making the extra money spent on the adjusters a complete waste.

FZ-6: Ugly.



Actually, it's mostly the Windjammer-esqe fairing. Give it a more rakish fairing and it might me downright pretty. Thing is, that ugly thing works pretty well from what I hear. However, I think I would sacrifice a bit of function for form in that case. I ride a ZRX anyway, so I can handle a little wind.



The FZ-6 riding position is very upright, too. If you want a forward lean, fughetit.



If you want sportbike ergos, but still a good amount of comfort, buy the YZF600R. Also remeber that the YZF still (from what I understand) has a superior torque curve in the low to midrange compared to the R6 and still has a decent top end (about 88 hp). The R6 and FZ-6 seem to be the definition of "peaky."