BikeTest/Yamaha FZ6 'Fazer': The 'Fazer', (FZS600) a name supposedly evocative of inter-Galactic combat, came into existence in 1997 and became an instant hit. It then had a de-tuned Thundercat engine and R1 type brakes and wheels from the R6. It was a good all-rounder machine but no longer produced after mid-2003 because it could not meet the new emission controls.
The new FZ6 replacement now using a de-tuned R6 fuel-injected engine, an alloy frame and the forks from the Fazer 1000 has the currently fashionable under-seat exhaust system. At its introduction opinions differed as to whether the new model was better than the old one. This is the kind of theological debate which, if it is your idea of a well-spent evening, you can expect to hear in the saloon bar of the Chain & Sprocket.
The truth is that both the original Fazer and now its successor have proved to be first-rate all-rounders, especially noteworthy in our view for their impeccable road-handling; in particular sublime cornering ability.
What helps make the Fazer even more popular is the fact that you can opt for the "naked" version - FZ6N,as shown above, or the one with a "bikini" fairing - FZ6. Either version is available in "full power" or restricted to 25kW mode at the same price. The full power versions rate, for insurance purposes, as Group 11, the 25kW version as Group 5. There is also an ABS version, the FZ6A.
For 2006 the engine and frame have been 'blacked out' a cosmetic approach that disguises the fact that the frame is controlled-fill aluminium. Performance is, for a 600cc, impressive; a top speed of 234km/h (146mph) and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.16secs. The power to weight ratio, with a full tank, works out at 464bhp per tonne.
This kind of performance underlines the fact that you do not have to have one-litre plus machines to get exhilarating performance. Instead, substitute high engine revolutions for cubic capacity and you get the performance.
But it takes all of 12,000rpm on a 600cc machine to achieve what 7,000rpm can produce on some litre-plus bikes. For all that, it is not a "wild" machine. Below about 7,500rpm it is a thoroughly manageable, non-intimidating machine which seems to enjoy even mundane commuting-type travel.
On the open road, take the revs beyond the 8k mark and from then on, right up to the red-line, there is no question but that you are well into sports-bike territory.
The instrument layout is different. An LCD bar-style tachograph, inside an outer circle of "idiot" lights, encircles an LCD speedo / information panel. It takes a while to get used to it, but once mastered we found it an efficient system.
The seating position rates as "upright" in today's terms and well suits the bikes all round abilities. Longer distance rides do not require Panadol. Whilst there is provision for a pillion passenger and anchor points for luggage bungees, we would not regard the FZ6 as the ideal machine for two-up and luggage, overseas journeys.
Not that it could not do it, but that such exploits are so much more pleasant with a larger-engined machine.
The front forks are 43mm diameter and the single rear shock has adjustable pre-load. The 298mm front discs are of the floating variety with two-piston callipers, whilst the rear 2435mm disc has a single-piston calliper. Induction is by way of "Group-type" fuel injection with 36mm hrottle bodies.
The version we tested was the full-power FZ6N, that is the naked bike. Most of our road test had to take place in the UK on public roads and this rather limited any attempts to achieve the ultimate in performance.
In the widest variety of conditions, busy motorways, fast dual carriageways, suburban and city traffic the Fazer performed faultlessly, never once giving a moment's concern nor exhibiting any bad habits or distractions.
Within these prescribed limits a machine of this potential inevitably seems a trifle bland but with a definite "greyhound straining at a leash" feel.
For an all-too-brief spell on a private road, it showed its exhilarating capabilities. For longer distances and fast riding we would prefer the faired version over the naked one.
This is a great bike with inevitable licence-burning capabilities.
It is perhaps as well, considering the way such machines are all-too-often ridden, that it is a lot more forgiving than the majority of sports machines.
The FZ6 achieves a happy blend of impressive performance with all-round, day-to-day useful capability and at a sensible price.
Tech Spec
ENGINE:
DOHC, 16 valve, 4-cyclinder, 600cc, liquid-cooled, in-line, 4-stroke. 72kW (98bhp) @ 12,000rpm, 63.1 Nm @6,400rpm. 12.2:1 compression. 6 speed, chain drive.
CHASSIS:
Telescopic 43mm front forks,130mm travel. Linkless type monocross swinging arm, 125mm travel. Brakes, front: twin 298mm discs, rear single 245mm disc. 17" wheels.
DIMENSIONS:
Dry weight: 187kg. Seat height: 795mm. Wheelbase 1,440mm. Fuel 19.4 litres
PRICE:
€7,999 for the FZ6N, €8,799 for the FZ6 and €9,399 for the FZ6A (ABS version)