Burn the Hell's Highway

YAMAHA FZ6R 2010 HIGHLIGHTS

Price : $7,390.00
Bodystyle : Sports Bike
Warranty : 12 months
Manufacturer Country : Japan
Model Year : 2010
Displacement (cc) : 600
Engine Type : Horizontal In-line

VEHICLE REVIEW

2010 Yamaha FZ6R

Because it is still a fairly new addition to the market and packed with awesome features, you really don’t know where to look first when checking out the Yamaha FZ6R, but I had a hunch that the latest middleweight engine destined to power a Yamaha sports motorcycle would be a good start. Inspired from an earlier generation R6, the 600cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC 16 valves motor features redesigned cylinder head, crankcase, intake and exhaust system, improving all engine processes from air admission to exhaust. As on all its supersport bikes, Yamaha designed the engine for linear power while still retaining their sporty and competitive character. Still, you shouldn’t expect it to rev as high as an R6. Designed to be user-friendly, but still able to teach its riders a thing or two about performance after months of riding, the FZ6R engine reaches maximum output at 10,000 rpm, while maximum torque is obtained at 9,000 rpm. That is due to the engine being tuned for low-to-mid rpm sweetness, the key that makes it very versatile. Also from the R6 engine, the newly designed bike “borrows” the forged aluminum pistons, which are light and reduce vibrations, and the 32-bit ECU and four-hole injectors. After being injected into the engine and blown up, the burned gas finds its way out of the engine through the modern 4-into-2-into-1 midship exhaust. This makes the inline-four sound like a purring kitty, but also reduces emissions with its 3-way catalytic converter. The engine is used as a stressed member of the chassis, making the last rigid, just the way you would want you’re bike’s chassis when planning to ride it every day of the week. On top of this, Yamaha engineers added a 26° caster angle and 103.5 mm of trail in order for the bike to handle as good as its engine performs.
Further enhancing the handling characteristics of this bike is the suspensions equipment. With a pair of 41 mm inner tubes, matched to a die-cast aluminum upper triple clamp and forged-steel under bracket front suspension and 5.1 inches mono-cross rear suspension, the bike remains steady and safe around the corners, inspiring confidence to beginning riders. Life on board implies easy to read digital display speedometer, analog tachometer, odometer/tripmeter, fuel gauge as well as water cooling gauge. It hasn’t come such a long way, but it seems like it was here allalong as the naked FZ6. It might have come a little bit later, but that is no reason for it not to make a better impression in comparison to the Kawasaki Ninja 650R. This middleweight Kawi remains true to the Ninja name, but doesn’t manage to amaze from any point of view. It features a simple design and, like the Yamaha, it is built for commuting purposes so it is very comfortable. Both bikes feature narrow, low seats (30.9-inch on the Yamaha and 31.1-inch on the Kawasaki), but that’s about where the similarities end. The fairly bigger, 649cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder parallel twin motor of the Kawasaki seems a bit anemic in comparison with Yamaha’s inline-four, but it too mates to a six-speed gearbox, so it should do the trick for riders in search of a rather docile middleweight to start on. MSRP for the Kawasaki starts at $7,099. This brings us to the closest thing you’ll find to the Yamaha FZ6R, the 2010 Suzuki GSX650F. The bike is similar in appearance and also backed up by a middleweight four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that, like on the Yamaha and Kawasaki is fuel-injected and valued through a six-speed tranny. A crisp handler and very comfortable, the GSX650F doesn’t miss a chance to show off both its commuter and sport bike abilities, leaving us thinking that Yamaha had where to inspire when creating the fully-faired FZ6R. The MSRP for the new Suzuki hasn’t yet been announced.

But as much as we’d try to find a decent competitor, a single look at the Yamaha FZ6R is enough for a rider to make its choice and a good one, by the way. The first FZ6 with a full fairing, the “R” model is designed as a speed machine. It shows an aerodynamic body, packed with angular lines and yet it manages to have the adjustable seat positioned very low for an upright riding position. For a bike in this category it is damn attractive and it hides its price beautifully. Just take a look at those air intakes on the sides of the Suzuki-like headlight. Yamaha inspired on the FZ1 to design this late addition and no mistakes were made there. The bulky gas tank is perfectly integrated and leaves enough room for the rider to tuck into the fairing. This reminds me of the highly efficient windscreen on the FZ6R. Like on most modern sports bikes, the engine, transmission and chassis parts are painted black, while the color options are: Raven (w/gold wheels), Team Yamaha Blue/White, Pearl White/Rapid Red (w/gold wheels) and Pearl White/Vivd Magenta. The gold rims are supposed to further enhance the bike’s aggressive looks. Like in the case of all of Yamaha’s 2010 sports models, the FZ6R’s MSRP depends on color. So it starts at $7,390 if Raven is your color of choice and at $7,490 for the other three color schemes available.

Standaed Features

Powerunit Engine

The fuel-injected engine in the FZ6R has been designed to meet the demands of today's motorcyclist. This engine optimizes the entire flow from the intake of the fuel-air mixture to combustion and exhaust. Even though it shares both bore and stroke dimensions with the FZ6, the cylinder head, crankcase, intake and exhaust system, as well as the clutch and shifter, were completely redesigned for the FZ6R, creating a power unit with an entirely different character.
The 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine is ready to respond with smooth, linear performance when the rider twists the throttle. Maximum output is achieved at a spirited 10,000 rpm and maximum torque is obtained at 9000 rpm. Bottom line: Its outstanding "torquey" low to mid rpm engine performance is just right for someone who enjoys commuting to work or school or riding the canyons on the weekends.
Lightweight forged aluminum pistons are used. Because the aluminum alloy is heated and formed under pressure without having to melt it completely as in conventional casting techniques, the strength of the original metallurgic matrix of the aluminum is maintained. As a result, a forged piston is stronger than a cast one and can thus be designed for lighter weight, which contributes to a reduction in vibration. In fact, many riders will be surprised at how smooth this motor is.
The 32-bit ECU controls the four-hole, two-direction, high-dynamic-range type fuel injectors for superior injection control. By delivering the precise fuel-air mixture needed for conditions, the engine can deliver great power and fuel economy.
Much like many of today's high end sport bikes, the FZ6R has a 4-into-2-into-1 midship exhaust. Not only does it provide a throaty, yet comfortably quiet exhaust note, the system also includes 3-way catalytic converter technology to reduce exhaust emissions.

Chassis and Suspension

With its exciting sport bike looks, onlookers will know this isn't just another middleweight bike. There's no mistaking Yamaha's high-performance heritage in the FZ6R.
The seat has separate front and rear sections, and the rider's seat features an innovative height adjustment mechanism. The seat can be set 20mm - just over 3/4 of an inch - higher for taller riders, a change that can make a big difference on an all-day ride.
The handlebar position can be adjusted 20mm forward by rotating the handlebar clamps to fine-tune rider comfort.
The overall chassis rigidity has been designed to provide both excellent handling and all-day comfort. In order to further enhance the smoothness and comfort of the ride, the front-end dimensions a have been optimized, including a caster angle of 26° and trail of 103.5mm, contributing a bike that has great steering feeling, making the bike even more of a pleasure to ride.
The front suspension has sturdy 41mm inner tubes, matched to a die-cast aluminum upper triple clamp and forged-steel under bracket, providing superior cushioning performance and good front-end feel. Wheel travel is a generous 5.1 inches to help soak up those bumps in the road.
The rear suspension is lightweight and contributes to the mass centralization, and the mono-cross suspension provides excellent wheel travel, a full 5.1 inches. Superior road hugging performance has been achieved with optimally designed damping-force valves and oil channels.
This bike boasts hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. The 298mm diameter front discs are lightweight for reduced unsprung weight, while the single rear disc is 245mm, and the brakes feature semi-metallic pads. The brakes have been designed to offer great feel and superb braking ability.
FZ6R mounts tubeless radial tires on cast aluminum wheels. While their lightweight construction helps centralize mass, they also help contribute to agile handling.

OVERVIEW SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

Type: 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC 16 valves

Bore x Stroke: 65.5mm x 44.5mm

Compression Ratio: 12.2:1

Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection

Ignition: Digital TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission

Transmission : 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch

Final Drive : Chain

Suspension

Front : Telescopic fork, 5.1-in.travel

Rear : Single shock, 5.1-in travel

Tires

Front : 120/70 ZR17

Rear : 160/60 ZR17

Brakes

Brakes Front : Hydraulic disc, 298mm

Brakes Rear : Hydraulic disc, 245mm

Fuel Capacity

Fuel Capacity : 4.6 gal

Colours

Raven , Team Yamaha Blue/White
Pearl White/Rapid Red
Pearl White/Vivd Magenta

DIMENSIONS

Length(in) : 83.5

Width(in) : 30.3

Height(in) : 46.7

Seat Height(in) : 30.9

Ground Clearance(in) : 5.5

Wheelbase(in) : 56.7

Rake (Caster Angle) : 26.0°

Trail(in) : 4.1

Fuel Capacity(gal) : 4.6

Fuel Economy(mpg) : 43

Wet Weight(lb) : 467 lb (California model: 469 lb)