2009 Yamaha FZ6R - First Look

Responding to budget-minded riders, Yamaha introduced the all-new FZ6R in Las Vegas on September 8th. Although it has a superficial resemblance to the FZ6, it is completely different, with a reworked engine, tube-steel chassis, adjustable ergonomics and full fairing.

According to Motorcycle Industry Council data, new-unit sales are down in the industry as a whole, but sportbike sales as a percentage of total units sold continues to grow. One of the fastest-growing segments within the sportbike category is the 750cc and smaller category, with first-time buyers, women and more experienced riders all heavily represented.

To try and make them all happy, the FZ6R's motor is a blend of performance and beginner-friendly characteristics. Yamaha started with the basic engine from the prior-generation YZF-R6 (still available in 2009 as the YZF-R6S) and then reworked almost every component. The 600cc motor shares the R6S' 12.2:1 compression ratio and 66.5 x 44.5mm bore-and-stroke numbers, but the power delivery is tuned for a torqueier feel in the bottom and middle of the power range. That, combined with a new clutch and shifter, is designed to appeal to entry-level riders and commuters.

The rest of the bike is also all-new, despite its suspiciously FZ6-like appearance. It uses a cheaper-to-produce steel-tube chassis and box-section steel swingarm (the FZ6's parts are cast and extruded aluminum) that sports an exceedingly low and narrow seat for a 600cc sportbike that can be adjusted .8-inch higher than the 30.9-inch low setting. The tubular handlebar rotates forward .8-inch for more adjustability. Radial Bridgestone BT021 rubber, a 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear are mounted on five-spoke alloy wheels. Two-piston calipers clamp the 298mm front discs, and a single-piston caliper handles the 245mm rotor in back.

With a 56.7-inch wheelbase and claimed 467-pound wet weight (Yamaha is following the lead of Honda and some other manufacturers by posting "ready-to-ride" weights for their bikes, including all fluids and a full tank of gas), the FZ6R isn't exactly a lightweight. Instead, it competes with full-sized, yet beginner-friendly rides like the $6999 2008 Suzuki GSX650F and $6499 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R. The bike will be in showrooms in January, priced at $6990 for the Raven Black model or $7090 for the Pearl White, Cadmium Yellow or Team Yamaha Blue/White versions.