I've logged about 2400 miles so far and really dig this bike. I was looking for good performance in a 600-650cc bike and this one has it. The four cylinder sport engine is hardly breaking a sweat in day-to-day riding conditions, and runs as smooth as a top. Other bikes in this engine size tend...
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I've logged about 2400 miles so far and really dig this bike. I was looking for good performance in a 600-650cc bike and this one has it. The four cylinder sport engine is hardly breaking a sweat in day-to-day riding conditions, and runs as smooth as a top. Other bikes in this engine size tend to feel a tad cramped to me, but the fz6 is a little taller and rangier, which I like. Excellent acceleration, excellent braking, very "tight" feel in turns, very stiff frame. Nice. When I first got the bike I thought the tranny seemed a bit clunky, especially in lower gears. BUT, I've discovered the main reason is that you tend to shift too early on this bike. If you rev to at least 5000 rpm before shifting - much smoother shift. You have to keep reminding yourself that this engine LIKES TO REV. Engine performs so well even at lower rpm that you keep forgetting there's a beast inside there! that's another thing I like about this bike: if you don't consciously "push" it, she's nice and tame and docile. Very relaxed. But if you intentionally rev it (7000 to 8000+ rpm, say), you "awaken the beast within." Gives you lots of options out there. It's why this bike is legit for experienced riders but still fun and safe for newbies, SO LONG AS they understand what'll happen if you rev it! Be prepared if you do, that's all I can say. Comfort wise, you tend to slide forward and wedge your nads between the front of the seat and the back of the gas tank (whoever started calling the gas tank a "nut ramp" is to be commended). But this happens on most non-cruising bikes. You just have to shift back occasionally or get used to singing soprano. Lots of great practical features on this bike: excellent instrument package; huge gas tank; standard center stand; nice standard fairing. The rear view mirrors are mounted on the fairing so they stick out a bit wider than mirrors on a fully naked bike. You don't get a perfect rear view, but it's okay. You just have to shrug your shoulder a bit to get a complete view. Here's a useful tip: you can't get to the battery on this bike without lifting the tank, and you can't lift the tank without first removing the fairing, which is a b****. So if I were you, I'd install a permanent charging harness that sticks out from under the front of the tank, and plug it into a Battery Tender Plus whenever you're not riding it. Increases battery life considerably and helps avoid the hassle of having to change out the battery. that's what I did, and it's working out great. Overall: truly excellent bike. Highly recommended. If you're a newbie, just be cautious when you rev it. There's an animal inside this thing.
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