In the past, many basic sporty motorcycles were let down by a distinct lack of technology, performance and looks. That's no longer the case today as bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and ER-6n, Suzuki GSX650F, SV650 and Gladius and Yamaha's FZ6 and FZ6R all offer a reasonable amount of horsepower, attractive designs and a relatively low cost.Yamaha FZ6R arrives as a rational sportbike
Despite sharing similar names and the same basic powerplant, there's quite a bit of distinction between Yamaha's FZ6R and its still-available naked predecessor, the FZ6 -- most obvious among them the full fairing that does a pretty convincing job of replicating the look of a real repli-racer. That's an important part of the puzzle that we think is likely to tilt the purchasing decision balance in its favor here in the States.
While both bikes use a 16-valve 600cc inline-four-cylinder engine with 12.2:1 compression, dual overhead cams and Mikuni electronic fuel injection, the power band of the newer FZ6R has been lowered and total output has been tamed via a less aggressive camshaft profile and smaller throttle valves. Further, the clutch mechanism has been altered to allow for an easier pull and more forgiving actuation.
Yamaha FZ6R arrives as a rational sportbike
