Looking at purchasing an FZ6

[Jinx]

First - Beginner to the bike world. Planning on getting a bike prior to my MSF course (will be training with friend to get basics down).

I'm going to be going over to look at a used 2007 FZ6 - private owner. Supposedly never been modded or dropped. What are some recommendations on things I should be looking for?

[mdr]

Originally Posted by Jinx

First - Beginner to the bike world. Planning on getting a bike prior to my MSF course (will be training with friend to get basics down).

I'm going to be going over to look at a used 2007 FZ6 - private owner. Supposedly never been modded or dropped. What are some recommendations on things I should be looking for?

Get the MSF course BEFORE you get on the FZ6 or any other bike. Don't forget to buy and WEAR appropriate riding gear. There are several - "I'm going to buy" or "I just bought a" threads with lots more info, just use the search function for stuff your interested in.

[jrgimaging]

buy all gear first - including ARMORED jacket and ARMORED pants

take msf

buy bike


the fz6 is a good second bike. it's not a good first bike. you can get into a lot of trouble quickly and be well over your head. i would recommend you put at least 2000 miles on a different bike before you get an fz6 - something a lot cheaper and more throw-away lilke an older ninja 250.

[dankatz]

I agree with above post. Not the best first bike. It is a supersport in sheep's clothing...I am glad I first had a Ninja 500 which I put 3500miles on

[mbruegge]

I'm a new rider and I took the MSF class. My first bike is a 08 FZ6. If you respect this bike like any bike , you will be fine. My only beef with this forum is many people have the opinion that the FZ6 is not a starter bike. It is only dangerous if you dont respect its power. A 250cc can also be dangerous if you dont respect it !!!! Buy it and have fun.

[jrgimaging]

Originally Posted by mbruegge

I'm a new rider and I took the MSF class. My first bike is a 08 FZ6. If you respect this bike like any bike , you will be fine. My only beef with this forum is many people have the opinion that the FZ6 is not a starter bike. It is only dangerous if you dont respect its power. A 250cc can also be dangerous if you dont respect it !!!! Buy it and have fun.

a 250cc ninja wont be doing 70mph at 6k rpm witha 14k redline while carrying a 280lbs fatty like myself

that is generally where the trouble starts

[BranNwebster]

Good advice here but, I think he wants to know what to look for when looking at his prospective bike.

I never bought a used bike so I'm not much help. I think the FZ6 is pretty hard to trash so if it is in good shape and the price is right, go for it.

[mdr]

Originally Posted by jrgimaging

a 250cc ninja wont be doing 70mph at 6k rpm witha 14k redline while carrying a 280lbs fatty like myself

that is generally where the trouble starts

From personal experience I can say the revs will be about 8k (with a 14k redline) and my 250 easily runs 70 with me and my grandson at combined weight of 320#. It's not gonna be as happy about it as the FZ6, but don't sell the 250 short.

[mdr]

Originally Posted by mbruegge

I'm a new rider and I took the MSF class. My first bike is a 08 FZ6. If you respect this bike like any bike , you will be fine. My only beef with this forum is many people have the opinion that the FZ6 is not a starter bike. It is only dangerous if you dont respect its power. A 250cc can also be dangerous if you dont respect it !!!! Buy it and have fun.

A lot of people who have a lot of experience disagree with you. A bike that puts out 90 hp in stock form isn't the best step up from a 10 speed if you want to live a long and prosperous life. A mistake that will just cause a moment of "awh sh#t" on the 250 could become a serious, expensive accident on the FZ6.

My assumption is that the vast majority of new riders will crash their first bike within 6 months. If you didn't - then I'm glad. The next new rider probably will. The advice to get a cheap used bike with low power and easy to find repair parts is good advice. After he's got 6 thousand miles or so on it and can control it properly - feel free to move up. The depreciation on a used Ninja 250 is tiny and the experience gained can be a lifesaver.

Literally.

I was going to say "priceless", but its not a joke.

Link to crash poll below:

http://www.fz6-forum.com/forum/main-...u-crashed.html (How long had you ridden before you crashed.)

[DefyInertia]

What's the mileage on the 2007? I believe all the kinks had been worked out by the time the 2007 came around. With no mods, I'd be looking for general up-keep and the like. If it's a higher mileage bike there is more to ask about but with a newer 2007 that has NOT been modded, I'm at a loss.

Have 2007+ owners been have the stearing head bearing problem?

Originally Posted by mbruegge

I'm a new rider and I took the MSF class. My first bike is a 08 FZ6. If you respect this bike like any bike , you will be fine. My only beef with this forum is many people have the opinion that the FZ6 is not a starter bike. It is only dangerous if you dont respect its power. A 250cc can also be dangerous if you dont respect it !!!! Buy it and have fun.

In my opinion, you're missing the most important point...starting on a smaller bike will generally make you a better rider in the long run. It takes a lot of skill to keep pace on a 250. High performance bikes make up for rider mistakes in a lot of ways, which ins't conducive to developing skills. A high performance bike's ability to mask/deal with mistakes usually ends abruptly. Abrupt introductions to the pavement can be expensive, painful, and leave the rider in shock as to how much of a total n00b they actually are.

Buy whatever you want, see if I blink an eye. But don't get bent out of shape about people's opinions....ignore them if you want.