Make or Break

[denny]

Ok chaps, the responses I get on this thread will help me decide whether I get an FZ6 or not.

My main purpose for buying one is to travel with my wife, probably around all of Europe this summer, sooo I would appreciate the thoughts of those that have done exactly that...travelled A LOT of miles/kms with their better halves as pillion.

I've been on local forums and have received mixed feelings, some are totally happy with them fully loaded two up, some not. I'm stuck on which way to go, I'm obviously going to try before I buy, but I can't exactly try one for 5000miles can I?

Thanks in advance

[steveindenmark]

I changed my 800 Intruder for an FZ6 at the end of last year mainly for 2 up touring.

We have only done about 2000km on it but it seems to be the just the job. It cruises at 120kn with lots, lots more in the throttle. Even after I bought it I thought "Can you really tour on this?". I then saw Caladins post on another site which confirmed that it is great for touring.

Caladin's MASSIVE trip picture post! - Sportbikes.net

I have trips organised to France, Germany, Norway and Sweden this year so I hope I made the right choice. I am quite sure I have.

If I was you I would take the plunge.

Steve

[tolgatt]

ive read Caladin's trip from the begining to the end,,it is awesome , i dont think i have the courage to travel that much all by myself relying on a motorcycle....but that is a proof that FZ6 could do it.....just keep in mind that there are lots of more comfortable bikes than FZ6,,,if your only purpose is riding for 2up long trips,,i dont think FZ would be the perfect bike for you...on the other hand , nobody argues that FZ6 can or cant go for a long ride...Caladin proved it...so it is your choice....good luck

[denny]

Tolgatt...we did 5000kms 2up trip around Turkey on my single silinder XTX, we did it but it wasn't the best bike to do it on.

Going to have a look at Caladins write up after I've gone through all my emails at work

Appreciate feedback from others that have done long trips 2up

[madmanmaigret]

I am not the expert on two up but all of my "short" rides end up being long trips by the time i'm done!

[Nobby]

G'day Denny,It truely is a small world

Cant give you anything useful on touring(pretty much commute/fun ride) or 2-up as the missus wont get on the back,but I can tell you it is very reliable & very smooth compared to the XTX

[Hellgate]

Hey Denny - I use mine for day trips two up and it is great. Day trip being 2 to 4 hours. If I was doing longer tours, several days, I would get the Suzuki Bandit 1250S. Much more torque and much more room for people and bags. I know the FZ6 can do it, but you may feel a bit cramped at times.

[Hellgate]

Hey Denny - I use mine for day trips two up and it is great. Day trip being 2 to 4 hours. If I was doing longer tours, several days, I would get the Suzuki Bandit 1250S. Much more torque and much more room for people and bags. I know the FZ6 can do it, but you may feel a bit cramped at times.

I do not ride my FZ6 with anyone on board nor do I like how it handles with the additional weight of a pillion; let alone the luggage and gear. However, if I were going to attempt to tour with a pillion I would do a few things first. I would figure the gross weight of all additional equipment, rider, pillion and gear to know where I am at relative to the GVW. I would then drop the front sprocket down 1 to increase roll on abilities. I would also bump the air pressure to max and the shock up to compensate for the addition sag, The combination should bring the bike in line for a good ride or as good as it will get.

I will however tell you my XL1200R will tour far better 2-up than my FZ6 ever thought about on it's best day. It costs less to run, rides far better and has no problem carrying the additional weight. The FZ6 will tour no doubt but it will never be a true touring machine like the FJR series. We can however get close.

[Whitey Dodge]

Originally Posted by HavBlue

I do not ride my FZ6 with anyone on board nor do I like how it handles with the additional weight of a pillion; let alone the luggage and gear. However, if I were going to attempt to tour with a pillion I would do a few things first. I would figure the gross weight of all additional equipment, rider, pillion and gear to know where I am at relative to the GVW. I would then drop the front sprocket down 1 to increase roll on abilities. I would also bump the air pressure to max and the shock up to compensate for the addition sag, The combination should bring the bike in line for a good ride or as good as it will get.

I will however tell you my XL1200R will tour far better 2-up than my FZ6 ever thought about on it's best day. It costs less to run, rides far better and has no problem carrying the additional weight. The FZ6 will tour no doubt but it will never be a true touring machine like the FJR series. We can however get close.

I beg to differ. Having ridden two up on more than one "true" sports tourer", I can say the FZ6 does just as good as any of those liter bikes.

The FZ6 with stock gearing has no trouble carrying the additional weight. I have had no trouble with the way the bike handles fully loaded and two up.
I would like to see that sportster do 120 mph two up and loaded...