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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: rger8 on May 27, 2011, 08:22:12 PM

Title: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: rger8 on May 27, 2011, 08:22:12 PM
Wow, I'm kinda blown away. I have a real nice 2006 GS 500 that I really like except I wanted to be a bit more upright and upgrade myself in general. I just bought a 2006 FZ6 today that is immaculate. I test rode it around the local neighborhood before I bought it and it seemd ok but different.

Well after I took possession and really got to ride it, man what a different kind of engine!!! :o Is it me or is an in-line four way more revvy than a parallel twin? It's kinda jerky at low RPM ( fuel injection ) and seems to go through the gears kinda fast like it's geared kinda low. It sounds like it's whinning it's brains out but the tachometer doesn't really do a whole lot. About 6K at 70 MPH. It red lines at 14K! Is this the way these engines are? My GS is so much smoother, right now I'm am kinda hating life. I think I made a big mistake :icon_eek:

On the upside, it is more upright and seems more comfortable over all. It actually seems a bit more compact in some ways and yes it is faster!

Can anyone make me feel better about this, maybe I'll get use to it :dunno_black:

Thanks for any input ( I'll be keeping the GS for awhile just in case!! )
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: ryott52 on May 27, 2011, 08:25:08 PM
Most 4-cylinders tend to lug in the lower rpms, their power bands tend to be higher in the rev range.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: jeffdodge on May 27, 2011, 09:09:47 PM
Its not a mistake, its just a different power band to get used to. Dont be afraid to wind it out. Shift that thing at 12k a couple times. Those I4 bikes love the revs.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: PachmanP on May 27, 2011, 09:14:02 PM
You made a mistake! You should just give me your FZ6 before you bore yourself to death.

For a next bike, I definitely like the egros on the FZ, but I've got my concerns about going from a 40 hp ptwin to something that's got 90 hp that's peaky.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: madjak30 on May 27, 2011, 09:14:52 PM
Two cylinders, more torque oriented...four cylinders, more Hp oriented...you just have to get used to revving the engine more...a friend of mine has an FZ6 and loves it...but the power is higher in the rpms...the FZ6 is known for not having much in the lower rpm...different bike, different riding style.

Later.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: burning1 on May 27, 2011, 09:15:40 PM
The FZ6 will be happier if you keep the revs above 6K or so. They definitely rev faster than the GS500, and I find that they are much smoother in the upper rev range (My GS vibrates so much that the brake levers kept coming out of adjustment...)

Good bikes. I was seriously considering a FZ1 for a while, and helped a friend shop for a FZ6.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: Twisted on May 28, 2011, 02:12:51 AM
I think you have a little thing called buyers remorse. You stress out a little cause a new bike is a big commitment so instead of enjoying the bike you try and find things you think are wrong with it then think "Oh no, What have I done!?" It will pass as you get used to the bike and find its strengths.

As everyone has said I4's a different breed to P twins. I notice the throttles on other bikes are a bit twitchy compared to the GS. It is what makes the GS such an easy bike to ride and is just something you will have to get used to on the FZ. Just remember you are riding a bike that has a R6 engine in it tuned to be a little more street friendly. Go and enjoy it.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: gsf500RR on May 28, 2011, 02:29:08 AM
Well buying an FZ6...

(http://gifsforum.com/images/gif/facepalm/grand/facepalm_asian_gif.gif)

Sorry but I find 4cylinders 600 terrible. Absolutely terrible.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: mister on May 28, 2011, 03:01:51 AM
Didn't read this thread did you http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=52805.msg619587#msg619587

Suggest you leave the GS at home for a week or two and just ride the FZ exclusively. At the moment you're comparing it to the GS in areas is cannot be compared fairly. Ride it by itself for a week or two so you are more used to it, Then, you can know if it is for you.

Michael
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: NickyNumbers on May 28, 2011, 03:48:53 AM
Great bike, different type of motor. 




Honestly, I think you'll be happier in the long term.  It just takes a little bit of getting used to is all, grats on the new purchase. 
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: Paulcet on May 28, 2011, 05:13:21 AM
A friend let me ride his FZ6 once. Smooth. Fast. Revvy. I kept looking for another gear.

The riding position wasn't bad. Oddly, my wrists hurt at the end of the ride even though my own bike has a much more sporting posture. Just something I would have to get used to!
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: rger8 on May 28, 2011, 06:52:28 AM

Hey, thanks everyone for the feedback. I didn't sleep much last night thinking about this. I'm going to check everthing over this morning and take her out again and try to have a little more optimism. I am just so blown away at the difference.! My GS is so sweet and kind and this thing feels is like a chiuaua on linolium!!!

Anyway I'll let you know what my though'ts are after a couple of weeks.

Thanks  :wink:
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: tt_four on May 28, 2011, 10:55:17 AM
The weird thing is that it's harder to notice an increase in power than it is to notice a lack of power. I went through the same thing with my current bike. I got a faster bike, didn't notice as big of a power increase as I thought, but after a week when I tried to go back to the gs I thought something was wrong because I started the bike and tried to pull out but the bike just wasn't moving. Eventually I realized it's because the GS needs a handful of gas to even pull away from a stop. Give it a week or two and try the GS again. You'll notice the difference.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: MVent03 on May 28, 2011, 12:43:59 PM
When I was first shopping for motorcycles a few years ago I was set on an FZ6. So glad I got the GS first. Just the right amount of power to be fun while not being too much to handle. I think the FZ would've scared me and I would never push it. Depending on where I'm at with my riding by next spring, I'll be really considering an FZ6-R.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: rger8 on May 28, 2011, 03:33:18 PM
Quote from: tt_four on May 28, 2011, 10:55:17 AM
The weird thing is that it's harder to notice an increase in power than it is to notice a lack of power. I went through the same thing with my current bike. I got a faster bike, didn't notice as big of a power increase as I thought, but after a week when I tried to go back to the gs I thought something was wrong because I started the bike and tried to pull out but the bike just wasn't moving. Eventually I realized it's because the GS needs a handful of gas to even pull away from a stop. Give it a week or two and try the GS again. You'll notice the difference.

I'm afraid you might be right about this!!! ( "The weird thing is that it's harder to notice an increase in power than it is to notice a lack of power."
) Put 65 miles on it this morning, it's getting better but it's gonna take awhile. Checking MPG soon. It also has a set of Leo Vince pipes on it and screams like a banshee at a certain point. I'm too afraid to take it too far at this point. I'll update as it goes. The GS is in a corner and I think I see a tear from it's headlight :cry:
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: Twisted on May 28, 2011, 06:48:53 PM
Quote from: rger8 on May 28, 2011, 03:33:18 PM
I'll update as it goes. The GS is in a corner and I think I see a tear from it's headlight :cry:

Lol better double check that and make sure it isn't fork seal oil  :tongue2:
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: burning1 on May 29, 2011, 01:37:11 AM
Quote from: tt_four on May 28, 2011, 10:55:17 AM
The weird thing is that it's harder to notice an increase in power than it is to notice a lack of power. I went through the same thing with my current bike. I got a faster bike, didn't notice as big of a power increase as I thought, but after a week when I tried to go back to the gs I thought something was wrong because I started the bike and tried to pull out but the bike just wasn't moving. Eventually I realized it's because the GS needs a handful of gas to even pull away from a stop. Give it a week or two and try the GS again. You'll notice the difference.

I'm unusual that way... I don't much notice the GS's weight or power when I ride it, but I certainly notice those features on the GT. Of course, that's probably due to the fact that I only ride the GS on the track.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: to0l on June 02, 2011, 05:34:26 PM
i have a 05 gs and my friend has a 09 fz6r and we ride all the time ,i am a much better rider then him and wax his @ss all the time . but when i ride his bike i am like holy $hit this thing runs good , will pick the front tire up in a power shift to second ... it is a fun bike but the gs does just fine v his skills ... lol
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: to0l on June 02, 2011, 05:37:36 PM
Quote from: to0l on June 02, 2011, 05:34:26 PM
i have a 05 gs and my friend has a 09 fz6r and we ride all the time ,i am a much better rider then him and wax his @ss all the time . but when i ride his bike i am like holy $hit this thing runs good , will pick the front tire up in a power shift to second ... it is a fun bike but the gs does just fine v his skills ... lol  ... and the top speed of the gs is 125 to 130 ,top speed of the fzr is 130 to 135
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: BaltimoreGS on June 02, 2011, 07:03:52 PM
Quote from: tt_four on May 28, 2011, 10:55:17 AM
The weird thing is that it's harder to notice an increase in power than it is to notice a lack of power. I went through the same thing with my current bike. I got a faster bike, didn't notice as big of a power increase as I thought, but after a week when I tried to go back to the gs I thought something was wrong because I started the bike and tried to pull out but the bike just wasn't moving. Eventually I realized it's because the GS needs a handful of gas to even pull away from a stop. Give it a week or two and try the GS again. You'll notice the difference.

The thing I notice the most when I get on the GS after riding my other bikes is the lack of engine braking.

-Jessie
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: jon619 on June 04, 2011, 01:33:13 PM
Quote from: rger8 on May 27, 2011, 08:22:12 PM
It's kinda jerky at low RPM ( fuel injection ) and seems to go through the gears kinda fast like it's geared kinda low.

After researching for a newer bike, the 07+ FZ6 had better FI mapping fixing some issues. I've been looking at FZ6s, but might go look at a Honda Superhawk with a liter v twin for better real world riding.
Title: Re: Bought FZ6 thinking it was better, maybe not !
Post by: GS500Fmode on June 04, 2011, 01:44:46 PM
Quote from: jon619 on June 04, 2011, 01:33:13 PM
Quote from: rger8 on May 27, 2011, 08:22:12 PM
It's kinda jerky at low RPM ( fuel injection ) and seems to go through the gears kinda fast like it's geared kinda low.

After researching for a newer bike, the 07+ FZ6 had better FI mapping fixing some issues. I've been looking at FZ6s, but might go look at a Honda Superhawk with a liter v twin for better real world riding.

DUDE! Thats what i plan on replacing my Ninja ZX6R with!
i got to test ride it. and goodlordalmighty that thing is amazing!

TORQUEEEEEEEEEEEE. kinda reminds me of a diesel ! just more revs available !