Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (2004-current)

After the (hugely popular) old Fazer 600 failed to meet new EU emissions laws in 2003, Yamaha came up with this new alternative and it slots perfectly into the modern market. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer looks sharp, has a brilliant motor, excellent handling and offers huge versatility. Towns, twisties and long treks… it can do it all. A great all-rounder.

Watch the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer take on the Triumph Street Triple, the Honda Hornet, Suzuki's GSR600, Kawasaki's Z750 and Ducati's Monster

 

Engine

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The new Yamaha FZ6 Fazer’s driven by a detuned R6 engine. Predictably, it offers plenty of powerful acceleration but has loads left at the top end: a little more detuning could boost the midrange a bit. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer needs revving to hell and back to make it fully come to life but then since when was that a major disadvantage? Updated FZ62 version was introduced in 2007 with improved fuelling.

Ride and Handling

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The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer's handling is spot on due to a great new chassis, fat tyres, wide bars and good suspension (despite limited adjustment potential), giving the rider loads of feedback. The R6-derived brakes work well too. A heavy clutch, considerable play on the throttle and a need to work that (rather clunky) gearbox endlessly are a few, relatively minor, niggles. As is slightly snatchy fuel injection, although this was mostly sorted with the 2007 FZ62 version.

Equipment

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Well, the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer certainly looks the part. Aggressive styling with R1-style lights sets it off. There’s an underseat exhaust (housing that all-important catalytic converter), the fairing works and a centrestand comes as standard. On the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer's dash there’s a digital speedo, analogue rev counter plus a fuel gauge. The ergonomics seem to miraculously accommodate riders of all shapes and sizes in comfort.

Quality and Reliability

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With that engine and those brakes having been tried and tested on the R6, there’s not much to worry about there. Meanwhile, the build quality of the new Yamaha FZ6 Fazer's chassis and other bits and pieces look top notch when new, but slacking with the polish could mean unwanted, premature corrosion...

Value

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Not bad at all. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer’s well put together and performs in all sorts of situations. It's old rival, the Suzuki Bandit, is left behind with its antique styling and carburettors, while their SV650 is probably the main threat (and it’s a lot cheaper). Honda’s CBF600S just doesn’t have half the entertainment value. The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer offers plenty of motorcycle for the money.

Model History

1998: Yamaha FZS600 Fazer first launched, taking the engine from Yamaha’s Thundercat.
2000: Yamaha FZS600 gets a new seat and a bigger fuel tank.
2002: Then it got a new fairing, bigger tank, new instrument panel and a stainless steel exhaust. Discontinued in 2003.
2003: Yamaha FZ6 Fazer introduced after the demise of the original Fazer.
2004: Virtually identical, but unfaired, Yamaha FZ6 launched.
2005: Naked FZ6 plummets in price to compete with Suzuki Bandit.
2006: ABS version of the faired Fazer now available.
2007: Yamaha FZ62 Fazer launched with improved fuelling and detail modifications.

Other Versions

Yamaha FZ6: unfaired version of Fazer. Identical engine and chassis but slightly smaller and wider than the faired motorcycleand it weighs 6kg less. Oh, and its cheaper. Without that fairing, it’s better suited to town/short rides.

Specifications

Top speed	141 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.6 secs
Max power	90 bhp
Max torque	42 ft-lb
Weight	186 kg
Seat height	795 mm
Fuel capacity	19.4 litres
Average fuel consumption	42 mpg
Tank range	180 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	12 of 17

Engine size	600 cc
Engine specification	16v inline four, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin beam
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Twin 289mm discs
Rear brake	245mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17