Ok, so after a good day of riding (Thanks Mother. Nature), wrenching (Thanks Manx for ALWAYS having what I need, and being friendly about it even though I don't drop big $$$) And having a good guy with me (Rpmwolf) He offered to let me try his bike.
So, gladly, I accepted.
Now, Its hard to compare for me, being I've only ridden dirt bikes, cars, and My GS before (and on the back of bikes as a kid), so I'll do it the best I can.
GS500 = AFTER all my mods (suspension, brakes, engine, etc.etc), I THOUGHT She was sporty. She got me around a corner great, kept up on north runs without leaving me tumbling down the gutter, and has been fairly reliable as a daily commuter.
Yea, when leaning, hanging off the bike, shes twitchy, sometimes I feel like shes trying to throw me off. If I pick a line, she tries to go in her own direction, so I man-handle her. I run out of tire, I run out of space (hard parts scraping), I got to wring her little neck to go fast. Hell, I have to TRY to go fast, it takes effort. Her suspension is hard, if I don't stand over big bumps or RR tracks, it sends a bone-shattering slam down my all ready messed up spine. When I shift, she clunks, gets funky, and sometimes forgets where her gears are, so she defaults into (no gear is better than the gear I can't find). She runs hot, turns my legs into waterfalls, most likely due to being air cooled. From now on, I'm going to think of her as a faithful 30 year wife, gets the job done, but a little rough.
Rpmwolf's R6 - My first impression, in a parking lot, afraid to scratch it, was, "Damn, this things louder on it than next to it". Second impression after kicking her into first was ," Damn, it shifts like a laser guided missile" It just feels engineered RIGHT. Its like comparing an AK47 to a Styer Sig, they both accomplish the same thing, but one is a masterful piece of machinery, the other just gets it done, with a little kicking and fighting.
Go around the parking lot a few times, and he lets me take it to the road. So, of coarse, first thing that happens is a TRUCK pulls sideways into my lane, and stops. Great chance to try the brakes, they're WONDERFUL. Front didn't try to dig a hole to China, and the rear didn't lock up like I'm used to. Great. Get going again, and damn, the things rides like a f%$king Cadillac! Its smooth, it isn't fighting me, it goes where I WANT it to go, and it does it there promptly. The few corners I took, my first impression was "shaZam!, it Isn't trying to kick me off". He later showed me the steering damper. I need one of those. So Nice.
Another impression, It isn't melt off your face fast like I was warned during the "oh, don't get a 600 cause their scary fast" warning, But it is VERY responsive, and come 8k, you have plenty of power at your mercy. Your also doing 65 in a 45 zone in second gear cause you didn't remember that you didn't have to wring her poor little neck to go.
Last impression. Not comfortable. Love the leg position, hate the arm and back. It HURTS!. I have no problem holding myself up with my stomach to keep pressure off the bars, used to that. On the GS the bars are twice the distance away, and almost, but not quite as low. Also, Its wayyy too high pitched. I suffer from pretty bad migranes, hence why I change pipes so often to find one that's a lower tone. It helps a lot. Being at 10k, its loud, and its an instant on for my migraine. I'm not afrade of the power, I've been in what felt like faster cars, I'm afraid of the pain.
Also (ya, I know I said final thought last paragraph), Up until about 6-8krpms, it had about the same power as my GS from 3-10k. yea, it was in a narrower power band, and I didn't have to WORK to tap the power, but it wasn't as much as a step up as I thought it would be. I liked how 6th gear actually felt like an overdrive, with enough TQ to actually gain speed, though.
Overall, I'd LOVE to have an R6 to wring out on weekends or a track, but every day, way too uncomfortable.
Its like the girls next store, yea, all the bits are in the right places, yea, she does everything right. Ya, she goes faster, works harder, and makes you smile. But, she isn't my wife of 30 years.
Nice little write up.
I enjoyed reading it.
Ive been wanting to try a 600. But, like most new riders, they have an aura of serious business behind them. I dont know if i can trust myself.....
I KNOW I cant trust myself, lol :icon_mrgreen:
PS:
Quote from: xunedeinx on February 29, 2012, 03:39:16 PM
Yea, when leaning, hanging off the bike, shes twitchy, sometimes I feel like shes trying to throw me off.
Erm... how are you doing it?
And hows your handlebars? :)
Nice save, I was getting worried for a while there, people here don't like hearing about bikes being better than the GS haha.
If your only real complaint is the comfort, it sounds like you just need an R6 with a few modifications :thumb:
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/rr97guy/100_1232.jpg)
Quote from: Phil B on February 29, 2012, 03:53:02 PM
PS:
Quote from: xunedeinx on February 29, 2012, 03:39:16 PM
Yea, when leaning, hanging off the bike, shes twitchy, sometimes I feel like shes trying to throw me off.
Erm... how are you doing it?
And hows your handlebars? :)
On top, and usually from behind. Sometimes the bars are braids, though.
Seriously, im up on the tank, with my ass off the seat into the corner, trying to keep rubber on the ground.
Quote from: tt_four on February 29, 2012, 07:06:21 PM
Nice save, I was getting worried for a while there, people here don't like hearing about bikes being better than the GS haha.
If your only real complaint is the comfort, it sounds like you just need an R6 with a few modifications :thumb:
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/rr97guy/100_1232.jpg)
What.... IS.. that?
an R6 with GS front end? !! ? ! :dunno_black:
Quote from: tt_four on February 29, 2012, 07:06:21 PM
Nice save, I was getting worried for a while there, people here don't like hearing about bikes being better than the GS haha.
If your only real complaint is the comfort, it sounds like you just need an R6 with a few modifications :thumb:
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/rr97guy/100_1232.jpg)
That is sex on 2 wheels.
Quote from: xunedeinx on February 29, 2012, 07:07:12 PM
Quote from: Phil B on February 29, 2012, 03:53:02 PM
Quote from: xunedeinx on February 29, 2012, 03:39:16 PM
Yea, when leaning, hanging off the bike, shes twitchy, sometimes I feel like shes trying to throw me off.
Erm... how are you doing it?
And hows your handlebars? :)
...
Seriously, im up on the tank, with my ass off the seat into the corner, trying to keep rubber on the ground.
Well lets examine this:
1. the GS is known for weak front springs/suspension
2. you're putting all your weight on the front!
For GS, you probably wanna hang off with your weight more back, then the bike would be happier?
and make sure you're not trail braking or nuffin either.
Quote from: tt_four on February 29, 2012, 07:06:21 PM
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/rr97guy/100_1232.jpg)
Yes what mods are in this...
I'm with you, i love the power but just dont want to be on it for a long time. I didn't try a R6 but a gsxr750. You can feel the extra weight but the power is awesome. Just not a fan of the position. But hey handlebars on that R6 looks nice.
Modern aluminum framed sport bikes like the GSXR actually weigh less than a GS500, it just carries the weight differently.
-Jessie
You want a naked more comfortable R6? Go the FZ6
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/icecreamhands/yamaha-fz6-6961-1280x800.jpg?t=1330603867)
You want a naked more comfortable GSXR750? try the GSR750
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/icecreamhands/2011-suzuki-gsr-750-official-2.jpg?t=1330603966)
Quote from: Phil B on February 29, 2012, 08:39:30 PM
What.... IS.. that?
an R6 with GS front end? !! ? ! :dunno_black:
R6 streetfighter. There's a lot of nicer ones online but I didn't want to scare anyone away with something with too aggressive of a style, this one is pretty much a standard R6 with new handlebars and a headlight. I can't see the picture anymore because I'm at work and the picture was from a site that is blocked here but it's nothing more than ripping off the fairings, hiding a few cables to clean up the appearance, buying some handlebar risers on ebay, drilling your top triple, bolting on some dirtbike bars, buying a round headlight and some brackets, and you get a 120hp GS500.
I'd also recommend the FZ6 and GSR750 if that's what you're looking for(not to mention a triumph or buell which are in a whole other league compared to naked japanese bikes). I just don't like to give up the weight/power/suspension/performance of a bike just because I don't want clipons and a fairing, plus it's easy to find a crashed sportbike that's got a trashed front fairing anyway. One of the only benefits of our poorly thought out licensing system that lets 16 year olds buy 600-1000cc sportbikes is that it means cheap streetfighter projects for everybody else :thumb:
Great read xune. Good stuff.
Your also doing 65 in a 45 zone in second gear cause you didn't remember that you didn't have to wring her poor little neck to go.
(http://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/laughing6.gif)
Quote from: Twisted on March 01, 2012, 05:13:39 AM
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/icecreamhands/2011-suzuki-gsr-750-official-2.jpg?t=1330603966)
Took me forever to figure out where this guy's right leg was.
Quote from: Phil B on February 29, 2012, 08:47:33 PM
Well lets examine this:
1. the GS is known for weak front springs/suspension
2. you're putting all your weight on the front!
For GS, you probably wanna hang off with your weight more back, then the bike would be happier?
and make sure you're not trail braking or nuffin either.
With the not-so-rear sets, its hard to get my ass off the seat more rearward, so I compensated with two extra washers and 20 weight oil, and I believe .90 straight rate springs.
It isn't that the bikes unhappy, it's that compared to the new technology (that R6 front end, by itself, is a marvel), the GS really shows how old tech it really is.
Its why I wanted to do a FE swap, and stick an I4 in it. But, even than, I have a bike that will be unsellable, compared to now where I can revert it back to stock (Still have all my OG parts), resell the aftermarket back into the community, and resell it for 3k come spring time.
Its destroy my resale value for what I really want, and spend 3k more (all ready spent over 1k getting it to where it is now), or just buying the bike that is what I need.
And, the GS on Floridas super-slab S-U-C-K-S!!!
I'll wind up keeping the GS and use it as a track bike, and getting a 600/750/1k and sticking a nice seat, big windscreen, and comfy bars on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVqZ1AC3M9g
Thats where I'm from basically, BTW.
Bingo. The GS is a competent albeit slightly rudimentary bike designed for beginners and those who care to tinker enough to make it better at what it's only just decent at.
The only place where the extra power of a bike is a problem is where you don't want it and don't know how to control it, and situations where you lack the self-discipline to deal with it ~ that is, absolute power can corrupt absolutely LOL
Quote from: xunedeinx on March 01, 2012, 08:40:53 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVqZ1AC3M9g
Thats where I'm from basically, BTW.
Wow. beautiful roads and country. Cant imagine wanting to ride in the wet like that on those roads though :cookoo:
That stuff is looking like isle of man roads. yikes. (ragged edge narrow stuff)
(and the music sux)
Quote from: Twisted on March 01, 2012, 05:13:39 AM
You want a naked more comfortable GSXR750? try the GSR750
Personally, I think a fully faired GSR750 looks quite good :)
(https://mcnclassifieds.bauersecure.com/Photos/Medium/MC7571329.jpg)
To tt_four:
Dunno about original poster, but if I end up getting a new bike, I think maybe a SV650SF with raised bars could be my style.
I love the look of the fully faired version, but the ergos of the S are crazy low. They're almost GSX level.
Actually.. they are GSX level.
According to cycle-ergos.com, for me, it would be:
GSX600F 31degrees forward lean, SV650S 36 deg, GSX-R600 42deg.
Owch.
Quote from: Phil B on March 01, 2012, 10:45:00 AM
To tt_four:
Dunno about original poster, but if I end up getting a new bike, I think maybe a SV650SF with raised bars could be my style.
I love the look of the fully faired version, but the ergos of the S are crazy low. They're almost GSX level.
Actually.. they are GSX level.
I know how you feel, I've had all different kinds of bars from low clipons, to higher clipons, to streetbikes with dirt bars, and currently I have a supermoto so the bars are about as tall as they could get. They all have their plus sides and downsides. There's no real answer but to pick whatever you want. If you don't mind tinkering with things don't let the bars on a bike deter you, they can always be swapped with some new bars and a new brake line. I definitely understand the benefits of clipons but I love sitting up a bit and having a bike I can toss around a little bit better. The first 600 I had was a triumph and it came with clipons, I eventually bought a spare top triple, drilled it, bolted on risers and some renthals. It looked awesome, but I hated it, pulled them off and sold it. Years later I bought another bike that already had some upright bars on it and loved them, so you won't know until you try it. Spare top triples, dirt bars, and handlebar risers can all be picked up on ebay super cheap, and a longer front brake line doesn't cost all that much. Here's the test fit of the new setup:
(http://www.customfighters.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=320&pictureid=2781)
I also love SV650s, although my soft spot is for the first generation SV650S, such good looking bikes!
As a guy with seat time on an R6, GS500 (I've owned two), FZ6, and old GPZ750, these are my conclusions:
-Suspension: Modern damper rod suspension is amazing. It provides both better handling and superior cushioning. Modern suspension is strikingly good.
-Brakes: Modern 3+ piston calipers are amazing. The feedback is great, and the bite is strong.
-Power: If you have a 600cc water cooled engine there is no need for more power on the street (provided your bike is under 550 pounds). I view the desire for a liter bike to be:
a. a desire not to shift intelligently.
b. a remnant from the days when bikes were air-cooled, and 1000cc's were necessary to provide the acceleration of modern 600cc water-cooled engines.
-Comfort: The R6 is the least comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Older seems to be better when it comes to ergos, with the FZ6 being the new. comfortable exception.
Comparing bikes, with my current as the first, adjusted to account for the clipons.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/xunedeinx/gs500.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/xunedeinx/gsxr600.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/xunedeinx/R1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/xunedeinx/r6.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/xunedeinx/sv650.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/xunedeinx/zx6r.jpg)
Don't be like this guy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmHK0XFCPVI&feature=g-vrec&context=G267a932RVAAAAAAAAAw
:cookoo: :cookoo: :cookoo:
Quote from: xunedeinx on March 01, 2012, 08:28:03 AM
It isn't that the bikes unhappy, it's that compared to the new technology (that R6 front end, by itself, is a marvel), the GS really shows how old tech it really is.
Its why I wanted to do a FE swap, and stick an I4 in it. But, even than, I have a bike that will be unsellable, compared to now where I can revert it back to stock (Still have all my OG parts), resell the aftermarket back into the community, and resell it for 3k come spring time.
Its destroy my resale value for what I really want, and spend 3k more (all ready spent over 1k getting it to where it is now), or just buying the bike that is what I need.
And, the GS on Floridas super-slab S-U-C-K-S!!!
I'll wind up keeping the GS and use it as a track bike, and getting a 600/750/1k and sticking a nice seat, big windscreen, and comfy bars on it.
I'm glad you got some seat time on a modern bike!! I hated to seem like I was always poo pooing on your build ideas but this is exactly why. The GS is a good basic commuter bike. It is a waste of time and money trying to turn it into something it is not when there are much better bikes out there. If you are someone that enjoys a project it is fine; but if you just want a sporty, nice handling bike you are better off buying something else :thumb:
-Jessie
Quote from: Juan1 on March 02, 2012, 12:15:32 AM
-Power: If you have a 600cc water cooled engine there is no need for more power on the street (provided your bike is under 550 pounds). I view the desire for a liter bike to be:
a. a desire not to shift intelligently.
b. a remnant from the days when bikes were air-cooled, and 1000cc's were necessary to provide the acceleration of modern 600cc water-cooled engines.
I don't feel like "intelligently" is the right word. General intelligence would say that the less a bike needs to shift, the more productive you could be by focusing your energy on riding instead of shifting. My last 1000cc bike could come out of a turn at idle in the first few gears and still pull away without a hickup, a normal 600cc I4 would just start chugging and jerking you back and forth if you tried that. I'm not sure what it is about shifting constantly to keep a bike between 7000-13000rpm that would be considered intelligent when you can buy a bike with enough bottom end to just ride along without having to think about it. Most newer 600s have no bottom end and are really one of the most impractical motors you could use on the road. If you're doing nothing but nice twisty back roads then yes, they have plenty of power. If you commute on one or get stuck in traffic occassionally, there's nothing nicer than a bike that will just start to pull itself away from a stop when you start to let out the clutch, without always having to rev the bike up a few thousand rpm to get it moving.
You also forgot:
C. motorcycles are toys to a lot of people and they just want something stupidly fast.
My bikes my DD, it isn't a toy.
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on March 02, 2012, 05:00:09 AMI'm glad you got some seat time on a modern bike!! I hated to seem like I was always poo pooing on your build ideas but this is exactly why. The GS is a good basic commuter bike. It is a waste of time and money trying to turn it into something it is not
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner :thumb:
Personally, I am looking into a Ninja 650, about the same weight as a GS500F, but almost twice the HP, EFI, upright riding position, usable power delivery, especially in the low to medium-rpm range. I do all day rides and the thought of being hunched over on a replica racer all day is not my idea of winning :cookoo:
(http://kawasaki.com/FusePlayerAPI/GetScaledImage.aspx?maxw=640&maxh=480&img=~/CMS/Products/ActionShots/c2e84c35-0b26-416a-9147-0bfe611baeb3.jpg)
Amusing... the ninja 650 is more upright than a gs500. Or that matter, a gsx650
The gsx650 is almost identical in posture to the gs500. (and not coincidentally, has almost the same plastics. Good for us, but a shame for the 650 :) )
the ninja does look pretty, that's for sure.
Quote from: Phil B on March 03, 2012, 01:52:33 PM
Amusing... the ninja 650 is more upright than a gs500. Or that matter, a gsx650
The gsx650 is almost identical in posture to the gs500. (and not coincidentally, has almost the same plastics. Good for us, but a shame for the 650 :) )
the ninja does look pretty, that's for sure.
This is also interesting, granted the GSX is a Sport Touring bike and the Ninja 650 is not really a Sport Bike.
•GSX650F: 216 kg (480 lb) (dry)
•Ninja 650: 178 kg (390 lb) (dry)
Quote from: Phil B on March 03, 2012, 01:52:33 PM
Amusing... the ninja 650 is more upright than a gs500. Or that matter, a gsx650
The gsx650 is almost identical in posture to the gs500. (and not coincidentally, has almost the same plastics. Good for us, but a shame for the 650 :) )
the ninja does look pretty, that's for sure.
There was quite a bit of hate for those on here the last time I posted about one. Apparently the frames are junk. Personally, I'd still like to have one.
@Xune I was using Motul 300v oil in my GS and am now using Mobile 1 Racing 4t Synthetic and I can tell you, my gears shift as smooth as silk. When I hear people here whine about the clunky box then also using cheap Walmart oil, I shake my head. You cannot use any old cheap sh!t oil and expect it to be as silky smooth as other more advanced oils. Long way of saying, the smoothness of the R6 gear changes may have been due to the oil used. Not discounting any gearbox advances, just saying, smoothness in gears also has a BIG part played by oil.
As for the Posture thingy you've shown. It has the SV650s as less forward lean than the GS500. That's actually NOT the case. The sport SV650 has Much more forward lean than the GS500. The naked SV650 on the other hand is quite upright (I just noticed, for the GS500 you positioned at the Rear of the seat for the others you positioned at the Front.)
Guy at work bought an R6. After he'd had it a month I asked "What's your bike like to ride? Is it comfortable?" He replied... "It'd shaZam! all over your bike in a race." I said, "Um, yeah, of course it would. I wasn't asking you if your 600cc fuel injected Racing tuned bike could beat my 20 year old technology 487cc carburetor biked, I was asking how Comfy the bike was" knowing it was NOT comfy at all. He then told me how comfy it was blah blah blah. 2 months later he sold it cause it hurt his back, arms and wrists to ride it.
As I keep saying, the bike you buy HAS to be comfortable. If it is not you won't want to ride it and that defeats having a bike. And when you do ride your focus is taken off the road and onto your discomfort and that makes you less aware of potential hazards. I'm not saying buy a GoldWing but a bike that causes aches after a few minutes is not a bike you wisely get.
@Safe The mindset the GS500 is a Learners bike is one of my peeves. Back in 1920 a fellow by the name of Gene Walker held the motorcycle land speed record on a 994cc Indian. That speed was a tad over 100mph (165kph) which is the GS500s Top Speed. So our bike, as it is now, can do speeds once unheard of on a motorcycle.
As far as Production bikes go it really wasn't until the 40s that 900+cc bikes got much faster than our humble GS500.
Point being, the speed of the GS500 as a standard production bike exceeds most productions bikes from a handful of decades ago, yet those bikes were not thought of as Beginner Bikes.
As Jessie said, the GS500 is a good basic commuter bike (which can also be enjoyed on the weekend much like people enjoy Kawasaki W800s, Guzzi V7 Classics, Bonnevilles, etc). That learners find it useful for themselves is a testament to the bike's manufacturing but that doesn't relegate into the beginner ranks.
Michael
Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on March 03, 2012, 02:38:50 PM
This is also interesting, granted the GSX is a Sport Touring bike and the Ninja 650 is not really a Sport Bike.
•GSX650F: 216 kg (480 lb) (dry)
•Ninja 650: 178 kg (390 lb) (dry)
wow, the nninja looks light. and looks like a sport bike.
but definately not the posture of one.
What would you call it, then? :D
Quote from: Phil B on March 03, 2012, 09:25:24 PMwow, the nninja looks light. and looks like a sport bike.
but definately not the posture of one.
What would you call it, then? :D
Kawasaki calls it a Sport bike, guess it's not a Supersport?
Whatever you call it, it sure looks like fun!
Quote from: mister on March 03, 2012, 05:19:46 PM@Safe The mindset the GS500 is a Learners bike is one of my peeves. Back in 1920 a fellow by the name of Gene Walker held the motorcycle land speed record on a 994cc Indian. That speed was a tad over 100mph (165kph) which is the GS500s Top Speed. So our bike, as it is now, can do speeds once unheard of on a motorcycle.
As far as Production bikes go it really wasn't until the 40s that 900+cc bikes got much faster than our humble GS500.
Point being, the speed of the GS500 as a standard production bike exceeds most productions bikes from a handful of decades ago, yet those bikes were not thought of as Beginner Bikes.
Yeah, but the bikes from back then had much worse suspension and brakes than our GS500s. Yes, it's possible.
I think you have to look at the bike and what it was designed for, the GS is a nice smaller bike that has enough power for most people. the only other bike that i would buy unless i got a hell of a deal and then i would most likely sell it anyway is a Ducati Monster 620 and its more for the look and ride than power, i also like the SV650, and ZX6 but i don't think that i would ever buy a R6 or a GSXR6 . When i bought my GS, i got it from a 16-18 year old who had it for a "learner bike" and just got a new R6, and his 22 year old sister who was all of 105lbs soaking wet had a year old R1. it was hilarious, i just loaded the bike up and left.
Also it says alot to me that they have left the bike basically the same since 89.
My sister has a faster bike than I do haha. I've never ridden with her but I don't get the impression that she rides it fast.
I have ridden and/or owned GS500's since they first came out in 1989. Praised by some as perhaps the best small-displacement bike to come out of Japan in a long time, over the years the old tech performance of the bike has somewhat permanently relegated it to beginner status in the mindset of the mainstream motorcycling press.
I still think it's a great bike for people who ride in places where more hp may actually be dangerous. I don't about other people, but from my own experience sometimes having more power and acceleration only encourages reckless behaviour. Having been the unfortunate witness to this in the past, for myself, given my druthers I would rather live in an area of twisty roads riding a properly set up GS500 than in an area of long sweepers on a Hayabusa.
One thing I did always appreciate about the GS500 was how unintimidating it was to ride ~ you could flail on it without going 200+ km/h yet not feel like it was too underpowered either. My only complaint was that after awhile you would remember how much more sophisticated your 'other' bike was.
Quote from: SAFE-T on March 04, 2012, 10:46:51 AM
One thing I did always appreciate about the GS500 was how unintimidating it was to ride ~ you could flail on it with going 200+ km/h yet not feel like it was too underpowered either. My only complaint was that after awhile you would remember how much more sophisticated your 'other' bike was.
You must have had the fastest GS ever! :bowdown:
Er, 'without' going 200+ km/h...thumb typing fail :technical:
I've been eye-balling these all winter. Anyone ever ride one or know anyone that does and could perhaps provide any feedback? I like the look of these, the riding position and more-so there are 2 for sale at a local dealer for $7499 new (2011 models).
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelspecs/619/0/specs.aspx
(http://i44.tinypic.com/14j9c8m.jpg)
I know someone who used to have a yellow one. It looked really good in person(and sounded great with the stock exhaust) and he loved the bike.
My wife bought a 2009 FZ6R to replace her GS500. She loves it.
I have ridden it a number of times as well and think it's a pretty fine ride. Has good giddyap, which is to say it goes just fine up to speeds that are far beyond acceptable North American speed limits.
A little on the heavy side compared to more sporting 600's. Has a small amount of speedo error which is corrected with a +1 front sprocket, which also brings the revs down a little bit on the open road.
The bike features a re-tuned 2003-era R6 motor that sacrifices some top-end for a nice midrange. You don't have to scream it to get some forward motion, although dedicated FZ6 owners sometimes like to crow that the 'R' stands for reduced. I quite like the engine feel myself, and the clutch and throttle are well-sorted and smooth. Fuel mileage is in the high-40's to low-50's.
I can't say I'm a big fan of the seat but that is about the only thing I haven't been really thrilled with.
At least one ride review said the FZ6R had fairly low ground clearance, but we've dropped ours 3.5" and I haven't scraped anything other than the lower fairing just grazes the curb going up into our driveway. I suppose if you rode it like you stole it you would be disappointed, but neither of us has touched anything down in a season of normal riding, and both of us used to touch down the centrestand tang on the 2007 GS500 we had that was only dropped 1.5"
It's one of the few current-model bikes I like at the moment.
Quote from: SAFE-T on March 04, 2012, 07:36:44 PM
although dedicated FZ6 owners sometimes like to crow that the 'R' stands for reduced.
I thought the R stood for Rust (steel frame) :laugh: :laugh:
-Jessie
In Aust the FZ6R is in the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme which means is has less than 150kw per tonne. Close to the same HP as the GS500 in other words.
Michael
Quote from: SAFE-T on March 04, 2012, 07:36:44 PM
My wife bought a 2009 FZ6R to replace her GS500. She loves it.
I have ridden it a number of times as well and think it's a pretty fine ride. Has good giddyap, which is to say it goes just fine up to speeds that are far beyond acceptable North American speed limits.
A little on the heavy side compared to more sporting 600's. Has a small amount of speedo error which is corrected with a +1 front sprocket, which also brings the revs down a little bit on the open road.
The bike features a re-tuned 2003-era R6 motor that sacrifices some top-end for a nice midrange. You don't have to scream it to get some forward motion, although dedicated FZ6 owners sometimes like to crow that the 'R' stands for reduced. I quite like the engine feel myself, and the clutch and throttle are well-sorted and smooth. Fuel mileage is in the high-40's to low-50's.
I can't say I'm a big fan of the seat but that is about the only thing I haven't been really thrilled with.
At least one ride review said the FZ6R had fairly low ground clearance, but we've dropped ours 3.5" and I haven't scraped anything other than the lower fairing just grazes the curb going up into our driveway. I suppose if you rode it like you stole it you would be disappointed, but neither of us has touched anything down in a season of normal riding, and both of us used to touch down the centrestand tang on the 2007 GS500 we had that was only dropped 1.5"
It's one of the few current-model bikes I like at the moment.
Thanks Safe_T, this is GREAT info. The bike appeals to me for mainly the features the GS lacks (FI, a bit more power, modernized, insurance friendly, and the price) ...
Thanks again,
Maybe in Australia they restrict the FZ6R for LAMS ? In the FZ6 the motor put out 100hp; the FZ6R is closer to 80-85hp, or around 60+ hp at the rear wheel ~ this is a significant increase from the GS500 and it will handily keep up with my VFR800. I wouldn't say it's faster by any means but it has enough poke that wifey doesn't have to watch as someone disappears over the horizon LOL
Crotch rocket speed is not what I'm after, but it puts out more HP than the Ninja650 and the GSX650 which is more than enough for my needs, but its more that neither of those bikes really appeal to me. Updated technology aside, its going to give me that extra bit of "ooomff" that the GS just can't give me. I'm close ... I'm negotiating trade in value today after work, and if they can get close I'm going to pull the trigger...else I'll have to private sell my GS if their trade amount is insulting. I'll be buying it from the local dealer where I got my GS so maybe they'll be a little nicer seeing as I'm a repeat customer.
Quote from: xunedeinx on February 29, 2012, 03:39:16 PM
Up until about 6-8krpms, it had about the same power as my GS from 3-10k. yea, it was in a narrower power band, and I didn't have to WORK to tap the power, but it wasn't as much as a step up as I thought it would be.
it IS actually quite the step up. its docile around town, but for a new, learning rider who might accidentally grab a fistful of throttle it could be bad. It also felt docile because you were below the power. Once you get used to the speed and start to wring every bit out of the R6 you'll really see what it can do. My 600rr was amazing. I pointed it and it went, regardless of corner or speed. A 600 is a great next bike after the gs500. I heard the R6 is the least comfortable of the 6's too. My 600 was pretty comfortable, although for my light weight the shock was too stiff and was a rough ride on uneven freeway pavement. Penske took care of that, lol.
The gs500 is a great little bike and tons of fun. So are the 600's. The liters are ridiculous.
Haven't seen you in a while!
Yeah, you can survive going from a gs500 up to a 600 ok, but there's definitely no comparison between the power. Any bike is manageable at lower rpms, but I still remember the first time I rode a 600 and gave it gas in the midrange and just about fell off of the back haha.