Introducing the 2004 Yamaha FZ6

Because I actually got my lazy UK butt to California, I now have unhindered access to all the OEM press fleets. Lucky me? Well actually - lucky you...

I got to test the new FZ600 t'other day - a combination of whining and being in that right State at the right time. Tagging along with ex-2Dub editor, now editor/publisher of Motorcycle Street and Strip magazine, Peter Jones, I got to ride the European model FZ6 in the quiet backwaters of Long Beach (I know, it's not a Jetski).

The motor is a cammed R6, totally understressed so you know that it'll last forever. Unfortunately you won't be squeezing that full power R6 motor in there as the mounting points are a little different - maybe a cam could be squeezed in though? The compression has been bumped down to 12:2.1 from the R6's 12:4.1. Claimed power is around 98BHP at 12,000RPM and a torque value of 46.5 FT/LB at 10,000.

Carburation is a newly designed EFI system of 36mm throttle bodies with four hole injectors - Lighter than the R6's too, go figure?

The rear suspension is a linkless design with a new lightweight rear shock that's preload adjustable. With a beefy but nonadjustable 43mm fork set-up up front, the suspension is a little choppy for the bumpy roads that Peter took me to, but in the right hands and on the right road, probably just as quick a street bike as some of the other standards out there, especially when you rev it...

The styling is pretty nice, especially with the de rigueur underseat 'zorsts which combined with some crash bobbins should save you wallet in a tip-over. The rear is both style and passenger friendly with its integral grab rails. The front cockpit is pretty efficient in blocking the wind making this an excellent candidate for work, play or touring duties.

It's a shame that we're not getting the totally naked Euro version with the stacked headlamps, but if this bike sells, we may get lucky. Oh, and before you get excited those turn signals are Euro versions, small and neat but unfortunately, not DOT friendly...

Priced somewhere near the SV650, this is going to offer a tremendous bang for the buck.

My thoughts? Ace bike. This is all the fun of the bigger FZ1 without the tire bill and extra capacity insurance. It's a wheelieing fool and a bunch of fun to scoot around on.

MikeE

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