2009 Yamaha FZ6R Review

If you get bored on Sunday afternoon and weather permitting, you may soon want to have something fun and exciting to do. A motorcycle, they say, is the most fun you will ever have on the ground. As an avid cyclist, and someone who loves to have a good time, I couldn’t agree more. This brings me back to the aforementioned Sunday afternoon, where the sun is shining and the weather is sweet. What is missing in this image?

Ah yes, the Yamaha FZ6R.

This new-for-2009 sport bike isn’t really a sport bike at all, but rather a comfortable and competent entry-level machine that is a step above the Kawasaki Ninja 500 (the de facto standard for learner bikes) in both looks and performance. Compared to other entry-level motorcycles, the Yamaha FZ6R is packed with personality.

Appearance and performance

One look at the Yamaha FZ6R is enough to make someone fall in love. The distinctive styling, combined with an aggressive fairing and wide tires (for the size of the motorcycle) give the FZ6R a unique look. Without question, the FZ6R is not without its curb appeal. Of course, all the aggressive fairing in the world will mean nothing if the motorcycle is driven like a Vespa.

Starting the motorcycle reveals the silky smooth idle of the old fuel-injected four-cylinder R6 engine, and once you rev ​​it up (and you’ll want to) you’ll be rewarded with an angelic exhaust tone. Right, this is not a pocket rocket. Also true is the fact that the FZ6R isn’t really faster than any of its main competitors (Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Suzuki SV650S). However, the amount of personal satisfaction that owners of this motorcycle are sure to enjoy will easily outweigh any of those little shortcomings.

And believe me when I tell you that they are indeed minors. Once you have this bike in motion, you will experience a riding situation that is far beyond what most “entry level” motorcycles offer. There is no clunky carburettor engine, no lackluster acceleration, and no disapproving looks from other riders. There’s speed when you need it, there’s the ride you want (stiff, but not too stiff), and the aesthetic that makes other people constantly ask you what you’re driving.

Ride this bike hard and it will reward you with acceleration times of under 12 seconds (your $ 8,000 motorcycle will keep up with Ferrari’s $ 180,000), enthusiastic turns, and the ability to stop your new lover in a cent.

So how good is it?

This may be one of the best entry-level middleweight sports bikes ever conceived, and in my humble opinion, this bike is worthy of respect from any rider, regardless of experience level. Hop on one, ride it and see for yourself – you’ll be glad you did.