Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider, Part 3

This is Part 3 of my series related to modifications for the Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle. In Part 2 of the series I discussed some modifications related to grips, levers, and rearsets. In Part 3, I'm going to explore the benefits of fender eliminator (FE) kits, mirrors, and turn signals. This is a great time for me to discuss FE kits, as I just ordered one from ebay, and I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival. With a new fender also comes the obvious opportunity for replacing the stock turn signals. So, here we go:

• Fender Eliminator Kits - Fender eliminator kits for the Yamaha FZ6 are designed to replace the large rear fender, usually with a more compact piece. Many sport bikes come with a large, usually unsightly rear fender onto which the license plate mounts. The fender eliminator kits are aimed at cleaning up the look of the rear end and giving a more sporty appearance. The benefit of a fender eliminator kit is primarily, if not exclusively, aesthetic. There is no performance benefit that I can think of that would come from installing an FE kit. I actually just ordered a kit from ebay and it should be arriving in the next couple of days. Expect a post about the install with before and after pictures. Before purchasing one of these kits it's important to decide what you'd like to be included in the kit. The piece I ordered allows for the stock turn signals and license plate light to be re-used. This is one reason I ordered this particular FE kit as I believe that the original lights are large and easily seen and distinguished by other motorists. Also keep in mind that in order to be legal, you must have a light for the license plate. Some FE kits don't include any lights, such as the one I purchased, and some come with all new aftermarket turn signals and license plate lights. The lights that come with some kits are very small LED lights which are mounted exceptionally close together. To me, this is just an easy way to make it harder for other motorists to see what you're doing. Later in this post I'll discuss some of the options for after-market turn signals.
  

• Mirrors - There are a number of options available with which to replace the stock mirrors on the Yamaha FZ6. Some find that they cannot see behind them very well with the standard mirrors. Personally, I find that the stock mirrors do just what I need them to do. Additionally, changing mirrors can also change the overall look of the bike. Some simply don't like the way the original mirrors look. Options include mirrors that mount in the same place, but have different finishes and shapes, and mirrors that mount on the bar ends and have different shapes, sizes, and finishes.

• Turn Signals - The turn signals that come with the Yamaha FZ6 are large and orange. This is to ensure that they meet all state and local laws pertaining to proper turn signal mounting, color, etc. Some people just don't find these lights appealing and want to replace them with something a bit more sporty and inconspicuous. The advantages to after-market turn signals are aesthetic and safety related. The aesthetic value is obvious, and the safety benefits are debatable. Many of the turn signals available for the Yamaha FZ6 will mount flush on the front, and similarly on the back and are markedly smaller. Some simply have a different shape and/or lens color. My personal view is that smaller lights, even though they might be brighter, are not necessarily better. I'd rather have other motorists be able to see the lights and be able to tell where I'm inteding to go as easily as possible. It is also worth noting that there are replacement tail lights available that include functionality to show directional signals. This would negate the need for any additional turn signal at all.

Thanks for checking out Part 3 of my series about Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider. In the fourth and final post of this series I'll be discussing:

• Brake lines
• Brake pads
• Frame Sliders
• Air Filter

Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider, Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of my series about the different modifications that are available for the Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle. It seems like every time I turn around I find something new that can be done to my FZ6. In Part 1 of this series I discussed the aftermarket possibilities of upgraded exhaust, windscreens, and seats. In Part 2 I will give an overview of the options available for new grips, levers, and rearsets. In contrast to a powertrain modification, these are mostly aesthetic and comfort rather than performance enhancements. Let's get to it.

• Grips - There are a couple of reasons to consider getting new grips for the Yamaha FZ6. One reason is comfort. Some find that the grips on the FZ6 are too small and not comfortable enough for long rides. Increasing the size of the grips, for some, increases their comfort and puts less strain on the hands and wrist. In addition, there are grips that contain gel which will, for obvious reasons, increase grip comfort. Another reason to consider new grips is for their aesthetic value. The grips that come stock with the FZ6 are black and very nondescript. Many grips are available that have bright colors and logos that display brand loyalty among other things. Being one of the least expensive modifications, this would be a good one to consider if it is of any interest to you at all.

• Levers - The levers that come on the Yamaha FZ6 are pretty standard and similar to what you'd see on any other stock motorcycle. They are long, silver, and have a larger ball-looking end on them. They are fine for what they were designed for, but there is something to be gained by switching to after-market levers.. The same two reasons for replacing grips applies to levers. Changing grips can provide a comfort enhancement as well as an aesthetic enhancement. Additionally, though, some levers provide some added convenience features that make them easier to adjust than stock. Many after-market levers are a bit shorter than the stock versions and allow the use of two or three fingers for shifting and braking without the extra length of the lever pinching the remaining fingers. As riders get more advanced and confident with shifting and braking, shorter levers can be much more comfortable and easy to use. Aesthetically speaking, after-market levers are available in a variety of colors and styles that can be used to highlight or contrast the bike's color and design. Lastly, many levers come now with the ability to adjust lever position on-the-fly to account for brake fade and clutch adjustments. This can be a great help as compared with the stock levers that require more work to make the same adjustments. Some levers also include the ability to "fold" the levers near their pivot points. This can certainly come in handy if excessive pressure is applied to the ends of the levers. Rather than breaking something more critical, the lever simply "folds" up.

• Rearsets - Rearsets make up the rider's footpegs, shifting lever, and rear brake lever. I haven't seen as much about rearsets for the Yamaha FZ6 as I have other modifications, but they are out there and worth mentioning. Some of the reasons for replacing the rearsets are similar to the other modifications I've mentioned. There is comfort/usability and aesthetics. After-market rearsets typically have the ability to be adjusted forward, backward, up, and down. This is a definite advantage when seeking additional comfort and improved riding position. In addition to adjustability, after-market rearsets are typically of higher quality than original equipment. Many note that the shifting is much crisper and cleaner feeling, and braking is also more positive. Some drawbacks are that many rearset pegs are fixed, and therefore will not fold up in case of a crash, or anything catching on it. This could be detrimental to the mechanisms attached to the pegs if the force on them is great enough. Some rearsets that I really like the looks of are the Rizoma rearsets (pictured). One thing to note, though, is that they're built for the European FZ6 which doesn't have a built-in center stand like the U.S. version, and they interfere with each other. Slight modification is necessary to get them to fit properly.

Stay tuned to my Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider series. We still have a number of items to cover:

• FE kit
• Mirrors
• Turn signals
• Brake lines
• Brake pads
• Frame Sliders
• Air Filter

Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider, Part 1

As an owner of a new Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle, I find myself facing a world of after-market accessories and modifications that can enhance both the looks and performance of my bike. Over the next few posts, I'll list a number of options I've come across and give a little description of each. Eventually I'll be putting some of the best candidates to the test on my own FZ6. But first, let's explore the options. Keep in mind that virtually anything can be done to a motorcycle, but I'll list the most main-stream items here, just to keep it simple. Also, I'll take each one of these in turn and produce a more in-depth analysis.

• Exhaust - There are a number of options available in the exhaust arena. The key here is to find a nice balance of looks, performance, weight, and sound. Right now I'm leaning toward the Akrapovic exhaust system. From the videos I've seen, it sounds nice (not excessively loud), and gives a nice performance increase while also being one of the lightest. Some exhausts are rated for track use only and are loud enough to draw the attention of local law enforcement. I'd like to steer clear of that if possible.

• Windscreen - The stock Yamaha FZ6 windscreen is fairly small and, for the riding position, doesn't really flow the air over the rider. The wind mostly hits at about chest level. There are a couple of options to change this. Yamaha offers a larger, touring windscreen, that is a bit larger and is designed to flow air higher up and over the rider. Another company called Puig offers a racing windscreen that has a "double bubble" design that, even though it's not much larger than the stock windscreen, pushes air up and over the rider. I personally like this option as it lends an additional dimension to the bike, and they are available in a variety of looks including black, smoke, and clear.

• Seat - One of the aspects about the Yamaha FZ6 that I do NOT like is the seat. For some reason, I just don't like the way it looks. The seat is comfortable enough, I suppose I'm just used to the R6 seat that has two levels and seems more sporty. Again, Yamaha has an after-market offering, but it is considered a "comfort" seat, and doesn't look much different than the original. I don't need extra comfort, just extra awesomeness. The website topsaddlery.com has a great selection of custom seats for the FZ6. The one pictured to the right is much more my style. It's got more dimension and style than the factory seat, and I'm sure I'll be getting one eventually.
  

Stay tuned to my Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider series as I'll be taking a look at the following items:

• Grips
• Levers
• Rearsets
• FE kit
• Mirrors
• Turn signals
• Brake lines
• Brake pads
• Frame Sliders
• Air Filter

After this series, I'll go in-depth with each of these Yamaha FZ6 modifications to see what exactly is out there and what people think about them.

Yamaha FZ6 as First Motorcycle

I've seen many articles across the internet about the Yamaha FZ6 as a first motorcycle. From what I've seen, the opinions seem pretty well split, and I think for good reason.

I think there are definitely valid points for both arguments. My first motorcycle was a Yamaha R6. I really didn't ride it that much, nor did I ride it especially hard.

Common reason would suggest that this bike would not make a good first ride. It was powerful, fast, and had a very race-oriented seating position. Despite the choice, I was able to get some riding experience and understand just how powerful these bikes are.

Many people looking to get the Yamaha FZ6 as a first bike tend to suggest that it isn't as powerful or fast as the R6, or more racing style motorcycles. To me, this is a very weak argument.

Having owned both, I can tell you that the power/speed difference between these bikes is minimal at best. In fact, the FZ6 simply has an R6 motor, tuned for more low end torque. This, to me, doesn't mean that it's more tame or less dangerous than the R6.

This bike begs to be ridden hard and can put new riders into positions that they will not feel comfortable with nor have the experience to deal with.

Having said that, I believe that, under the right circumstances, the Yamaha FZ6 can make a suitable first motorcycle.

First and foremost, you must respect the abilities of the motorcycle. This is true for any motorcycle, but especially if you're starting out with something more than a 250cc engine. As I've said, the Yamaha FZ6 is very fast, and must be treated with additional care and respect when just starting out.

As a novice rider myself, I am still getting comfortable with my new 2008 FZ6 and haven't taken it past about 8,000 RPM. Luckily I bought it brand new, and during the break-in period, it needs to be babied. For me, it's a great time to get to know the bike, its capabilities, and characteristics.

As a new rider, I would suggest doing this regardless of its mileage or break-in status. You'll need to ride this bike conservatively for a while, before you'll have the experience and comfort to handle it properly.

I would say that, if you feel you have the self-discipline to take it easy for a while, the amount of respect necessary to understand the bike's capabilities and limitations, and a cautious attitude toward motorcycle riding, the Yamaha FZ6 would make a fine first motorcycle.

Thanks for visiting my Yamaha FZ6 blog. Come back soon!

Yamaha FZ6 Motorcycle Pictures

Well, I finally got around to taking some pictures of my new baby, the 2008 Yamaha FZ6. It's a little dirty since I ride it to work and it sits out all day, but it still sparkles pretty nicely.

Here are some side shots of the 2008 Yamaha FZ6 (Raven).





















Front... This thing looks just as mean as the Yamaha R6, I think. It definitely has a presence about it. This is one of the things I love about these Yamaha sportbikes. They look so aggressive from the front. I've received many comments about how fast the bike looks just sitting there! Anything that can garner so much acclaim must be something pretty amazing.















I think if you're going to have a fast bike like the FZ6, you should keep some inspiration right there in front of you! I got this key fob when I got my first Yamaha R6. I'm glad I hung onto it, because it definitely comes in handy on this bike! The thing is FAST.











Here is my attempt at some artistic shots. I really like the look of the headers on this bike, so I tried to get a nice close-up of them. And the mirror shot... well... I've never tried it before, so I thought I'd give it a whirl.





















Obviously this Yamaha FZ6 is bone stock, but I'll continue to add things and update with new pictures. And if I get creative, maybe I'll get some better artistic photos, too.

Thanks for checkin' out pics of my new 2008 Yamaha FZ6.

Yamaha FZ6 - First Impressions

I received my first Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle about three weeks ago now. Since that time, I've been able to do a bit of riding and get an idea of what the bike is all about.

For a little background... I've had a couple of Yamaha bikes prior to this one. Both were Yamaha R6 sport bikes. These bikes were both FAST... VERY fast. And, lucky for me, I like to go fast. Problem was, they were not very comfortable for longer rides. You sit hunched over the gas tank with hands and wrists at an odd angle when gripping the handlebars.

One of the criteria I had when deciding on a new motorcycle, and eventually the Yamaha FZ6, was comfort. The other, of course was speed. What I found in the FZ6 was a much more upright riding position (MUCH more comfortable for rider and passenger) and a speedy R6 engine.

One major difference, other than the previous two points, is that the Yamaha FZ6 does not have fairings on the side to cover the motor as does the R6. I never really had any sort of preference, I guess, but now that I have the bike, I really like the "naked" look.

So, how well does the Yamaha FZ6 fulfill my criteria? Fantastically!!

The Yamaha FZ6 is everything I thought it would be. The upright riding position is much more enjoyable for long rides and, to me, makes the bike easier to maneuver. As for speed, it's still in the break-in period and I haven't been past about 8,000 RPM. But even in this lower end, it's got some get-up-and-go. And from everything I've heard, the bike is a rocket-ship past 8,000 RPM. I'll keep you posted after I start really seeing what it's capable of.

My only complaints so far are the design of the seat, and the wind screen. I don't really like the seat design... I guess I'm used to the R6 seat. This is merely an aesthetic complaint and has nothing to do with comfort. The seat can be changed, however, and there are a number of after-market seats available that can spruce it up.

As for the windscreen, it doesn't deflect air as much as I'd like. At high speeds, I'm sure this could become a problem. Luckily I've found the Puig racing windscreen that I've heard helps quite a bit. This will likely be one of the first modifications I make to the bike.

Thanks for reading about my first impressions of the Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle. This blog is really worthless without pictures, so I'll take some as soon as I can and throw 'em up here.

Yamaha - FZ6 Motorcycle First Post

Welcome to the Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle blog. This site will provide information about the Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle, including my personal experiences, mod reviews, and everything else to do with this Yamaha motorcycle.

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for additional posts about the Yamaha FZ6.