FZ6 or FZ1?

[Tailgate]

FZ1 only gets 35MPH? Wow. I thought maybe I'd move up after another year or two but if the FZ1 only gets 35 MPH...geesh. But, I still think you should get an FZ1. It's only right to compare apples with apples.

[DefyInertia]

Is the cost of insurance between the two a consideration? The cost of purchasing the two is definitely quite different.

Are you a straight-line blaster or drag race guy? Do you hate shifting? I'm just wondering why do you need so much power? I understand the benefits of torque when it comes to the ease of use etc. but I'm just curious what your angle is.

Bored on a modern 600cc I4? Do you like corners? I couldn't get bored on a 250 if I tried.

[Hellgate]

That is a tough call. For me it was too much cost, however after mods I'm at the same cost. As far as engine tweeks, they help but not too much honestly.

For me, I wanted a smaller sport touring bike, the FZ1 is close, but the FZ6 is exactly what I wanted.

As Defi said, the FZ6 is super entertaining in the corners and up to 80/90mph it is pretty much dead-even with the FZ1 in a drag race.

That said the FZ1 has some nice features, upside down fork, linkage rear suspension, fully adjustable suspension, and oh yeah, that amazing engine.

Good luck with your decision, both bikes are great.

But the muffler on the FZ1 is butt-ass UGLY!!!

[dankatz]

The FZ1 has to be revved compared to the Honda V twin since it is an R1 engine which has to be revved even compared to other 1 liter SS. The FZ6 also has to be revved, but most 600cc I4 need to. If you want a liter streetfighter checkout the speed triple and zx9 - their power is not as high up in the rev band. There is noting like the FZ6 in the 600cc range. It has comfortable ergos with a SS engine. There are many choices in between the two.

[mdr]

Originally Posted by DefyInertia

Is the cost of insurance between the two a consideration? The cost of purchasing the two is definitely quite different.

Are you a straight-line blaster or drag race guy? Do you hate shifting? I'm just wondering why do you need so much power? I understand the benefits of torque when it comes to the ease of use etc. but I'm just curious what your angle is.

Bored on a modern 600cc I4? Do you like corners? I couldn't get bored on a 250 if I tried.

It's a different type of ride. Had an 88 cube V-twin and the torque is nice as long as you've got a long straight road ahead. Rode it a lot at 2000 to 2500 RPM. But to cruise 70-75 you need more RPM and with that you get a LOT more vibration. Over 55 mph the HD was NOT comfortable (for me) resulting in numb hands and monkey-butt. Not to mention TOO LOUD, but hey - that was my own fault for modding the exhaust. Insurance on FZ was cheaper by about $100 / year than HD so that's not a big deal with my insurer.

My Ninja 250 actually was more comfortable than HD LowRider for Interstate if any kind of distance was involved (400 or more miles per day). It would cruise at 8500 RPM comfortably - 70 mph all day and very little vibration. Well, technically lots of vibes but small amplitude waves are not as uncomfortable.

The FZ is just as smooth with a 70 mph cruise at about 6000 rpm and more than enough power - if you ever need / want to use it. I don't know why you ride but unless you're a professional or a I think you'll find the FZ6 is plenty of bike. YMMV but I think the FZ6 is not one you'll easily get bored with.

[KindredGhost]

Yeah, thanks for the input guys. I really think I'm going to go with a fz6. The fz1 is pretty bad ass, but as someone said earlier, that muffler just makes me wanna hurl. If I were to get an fz1, I'd have to go gp exhaust... but that's beside the point.

I'd be getting the fz6 more for commuting, but would really like to take it through some canyons. God... I love me some canyons! I really enjoy the super chicken, but when I rode my buddies r6, he commented I totally ride better on it (I'm assuming because it's a lighter bike and much easier to throw around in corners).

I came into this form already leaning towards the fz6, but I guess I just needed the push. I'm going to be keeping an eye out for the next couple of months on fz6's on craigslist and see what pops up.

I totally appreciate the input fellas!

[DefyInertia]

Your use of "totally" makes me laugh...damn Californians

So you like twisties do ya? Get the SIX!!!!

If you do find some used FZ6s on craigslist or where ever, post up the links and we'll give you an eval including things like recalls, pricing, and hidden mods....see the thing is, we all talk about this damn bike way too much!

[Avalon786]

This FZ1 looks totally sick!
Dunlop/Graves custom FZ1 to be auctioned for Doug Henry benefit

[jsteinb95]

Originally Posted by DefyInertia

So you like twisties do ya? Get the SIX!!!!

I totally agree

get the six