FZR 600 retro review

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

Miss my first 91- bought brand new in the black with pink stripes scheme. Beautiful bike that was amazing, and I had it for years, cresting 96000 miles before it was stolen...

[@mfbfreak]

I made the same mistake. Bought a really beaten up one for 650 euro just to learn how to repair bikes (boy did it ever teach me!), and to sell on after a year or so - or simply to scrap it. Then i fell hopelessly in love with it.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Yeah, it goes like that sometimes! Thanks for watching 😀

[@KensWorldRestorations]

Grasshoppers on crystal meth...genius! Just about to pick up a 1987 FZR1000 for restoration. Love, and I mean absolutely LOVE the dual headlights of that era. Can't wait to get started on my resto so I can get riding.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, appreciate the comment 😎 good luck with the FZR, they are great bikes

[@alexanderlovato4902]

Best FZR review on KZbin sir! Thank you for the advice on the R6 brake upgrade, I have an 88 FZR 750 that I am restoring and I might have to throw on some R6 calipers!.. cant wait to take it out on the streets!

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, appreciate the comment. I can't comment on fitting the R6 calipers to the 750, but I'm sure someone has more info. Good to hear of others being restored.

[@honorarychimp9363]

Just bought my 1993 FZR600 and I love it so far. Feeling very low torque in the midrange and less power expected out of a 600 in the high, so I’m going to have the carbs cleaned and tuned soon. Hopefully that fixes it! But thank you so much for this wonderful video! Going to try and keep this beauty alive!

[@Douknowgregg]

Bought one of these for back home in NY what a blast to ride. I picked it up to be able to keep up with my buddy's zx6r since my gsxr 750 is down in Louisiana with me where I'm stationed. Paid 1500 cash and $80 a year for insurance can't beat it for a back home bike.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Bargain! Only likely to go up in value too!

[@lgrw660factory]

I bought a new 1996 FZR600 in the US in 1997 (the Thundercat and R1 made it look old by then) and brought it back with me to the UK a year or so later. Loved that bike. Had a Yoshimura slip-on exhaust and sounded great. Put a slightly wider than stock rear tire on it too. Many happy miles looking down at those clocks occasionally. 100% reliable. Great looks. Fell for it as soon as I saw the 1984 version (FZ400) in Japan as a teenager.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Yamaha were making some great bikes in the 80's and 90's. Thanks for watching 😎

[@Ryan8573A]

@claesnorell8702 by any chance it wasnt registered california. as i bought one 6 years ago and registered on the 31st of december 1996 and registered californiaand had 4768 mi / 7673 km at the time before being imported to the uk

[@lgrw660factory]

@@Ryan8573A No. I bought it in Virginia and sold it in West London in 2001 or something. Doubt it’s still on the road these days. I sometimes think about trying to find a used one but I always end up thinking the better of it. I’m not a mechanic. Bought an Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory this summer and it’s been fabulous.

[@Ryan8573A]

You remember the reg if so did it end pjo

[@lgrw660factory]

@@Ryan8573A Definitely not the same reg

[@slept-on_SP]

I just picked up a beater streetfighter 93 fizzer for $1200 @ 26k miles. New chain new tires new fluids plus oil change w/filter and Ive already put 1k miles on it within 6 weeks lol.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Nice, they are great bikes, enjoy! 😎

[@slept-on_SP]

@@PhilOsGarage Just took her on a camping trip over the weekend, rides well even with camping luggage strapped on the back. My only gripe is the aggressive riding position can be a little uncomfortable for touring, after about an hour, I had to take a five min break and stretch my legs/back a bit.

[@BillySticksUp2Finger]

I have just got a 1989 fzr 600 in blue and yellow and I'm loving it

[@PhilOsGarage]

Awesome, enjoy, they are great bikes

[@timyanke9559]

I have a 92 in red white and black, i get compliments on it daily. Its a joy to ride,

[@ecysparks9075]

I love my old 91 fzr 600 fantastic bikes even for there age

[@PhilOsGarage]

ECY sparks they certainly are!

[@alistairshaw3206]

I have a H reg FZR600, it's Black with Purple and Pink stripes, had it for 14years. Great bike to ride, worst problem is the 140/60/18 rear tyres, you can hardly get a matching set now. Put a 150 on the rear, it ruins the handling. It's waiting on restoration at the moment, but I have a full set of new original panels. It's not for sale. I also have the later fox eye version, but I still like the original.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Agree with the 150 ruining the handling, I went down to a 130 which works fine.

[@gregorysorce1898]

I am working on "restoring" an FZR600. I had one 20+ years ago and am still in love with that amazing bike. It's going to be a long process since I don't know squat about fixing bikes, but at least there is good information and good people on the internet. So if you see in about a year a nice FZR600 riding around Hershey, Pennsylvania, that just might be me. Anyhow, I enjoyed your review a lot, and that's a super nice bike you have.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, appreciate the kind words. These bikes are lovely real world classics. Good luck with the restoration, put some videos up!

[@GregNyce]

I am in the same boat. Finishing up fixing an FZR1000, and found a '90 FZR600 in need of (much) attention. I just love the look, could not say 'No', so - here we go again. Status of yours?

[@yodabolt1247]

My first new bike was a 1993 FZR 600. Loved that bike. Can't imagine riding that in my 50's now though. I'd love a chance to try though.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Still great bikes, bit on the tiny side though! (fortunately, so am I!) 🤣 thanks for watching 😎

[@Audfile]

Not as good as you remember, unfortunately.

[@marksmith7737]

Awesome vid and lovely bike - I've just got my '89 back on the road and am falling in love with it all over again

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks Mark, yeah they are great road bikes, aren't they!

[@mmotorcycles9497]

Love these old sportbikes. That fiberglass bodywork looks real nice, someone spent some time on it for sure.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, they are still great to ride, even 30 years later.

[@mobilefittyres]

Thanks for reply Yes I used the wemoto one and all good All done now ,just got to take it for mot (fingers crossed) Regards take care

[@PhilOsGarage]

Cool, good luck 🤞

[@nolenjones3972]

I have a 1989 fzr 600 just like yours! its in great condition except for one crack in the right side body fairing wish i could replace it make it look brand neww

[@PhilOsGarage]

Bodywork is getting really hard to find for most 80's and early 90's bikes. Good luck in the search.

[@norfolkandgoodmotovlogs]

I bought one for my son i was surprised how well it handled i can corner it faster than my gsxr 1000 . Cheers mate

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks. They ride the bumps slightly more softly than a more modern bike, on the road that makes them easier on tricky surfaces. On a track a more modern bike will be a lot faster. UT they work well on the road. 👍

[@maxymoose1873]

"They don't look like Grasshoppers on crystal meth" 😂

[@G4gazhotmail]

I love mine wish the mirror stalks were longer

[@PhilOsGarage]

I've heard that complaint about the mirrors a lot. I'm not a big guy so it doesn't affect me so much, but I know it's a common issue. Thanks for watching 😎

[@5thgearouttahere]

Go to a wreckers or large used dealer with your mirror and find one you can use! One of the best ways of modding your bike for almost free & you learn something. Good luck!

[@nickfzr3247]

I had and fzr600 back in 1991/1992. And I have had one for 10 years now both 1989 models. Timeless machine and it's my keeper. Good review.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, yeah, can't see me parting with mine either

[@BrettJoy]

Nice bike great video i do like the older 80s 90s bikes myself owing a 1991 cbr400rr 😎 The early fzr6 are pretty rare here 🇦🇺 one has just popped up on Gumtree might go have a look at it. Your video has been very helpful 👍🏻

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, glad you liked it. 😊

[@BickMitchum]

Great to see another FZR conisouer !! I've got a 94 FZR blue spot calipers fitted spot on ! Such a great bike and easy and a great place to learn to work on ! I got mine for £750 was my pride and joy for three years before I tracked him ! A problem I find is fork seals seem to go alot !

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks Bick, you got yours for a steal, they really are great bikes.

[@9736grunn]

You can look for a set of new inner forks on ebay they are not very expansive.

[@alistairshaw3206]

I got my fork legs rechromed, cured the seal problem.

[@mstrw4136]

Watching this video because I might buy my first bike: a Sport 1990, this weekend. It has 17000 miles.

[@PhilOsGarage]

If it's in good condition go for it! Mine has 45,000 miles and is running like new.

[@mstrw4136]

Phil'O's Garage awesome! Really excites me. I was looking for my dream bike: a Suzuki GSX R 1000. But those are like 5x the price. My dad sent me this option. It changed my mind. And this video helped with that! Thank you for that!

[@alistairshaw3206]

Great review on a great bike, I've had my 1991, Black,Purple and Pink FZR600 for 14years. My experience with this bike, the original mirrors are crap, the Foxeye mirrors are a straight bolt on, miles better! Tyres, the rear 140/60/18 are difficult to source, I use Bridgestone BT92, but they are now obsolete. I believe they now do a BT50 but they don't do a matching front. I tried a Shinko Podium on the rear, useless. Don't fit a 150 on the rear, it ruins the handling. The single headlight is also rubbish, as bad as my FJ1200. They are brilliant bikes, I also have the later Foxeye 600, but prefer the original.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks for watching. I'm quite a small guy so I don't suffer too badly from mirror problems with this bike but I do remember the mirrors being a constant complaint when they were in magazines when they were new (I started reading bije magazines about age 12!). Great tip regarding the foxeye mirrors. I completely agree on the 150 ruining the handling. I actually dropped down to a 130, and it's not a big deal, I'm using Avon Road Riders which seem to work well fir moderate speed riding.

[@alistairshaw3206]

@@PhilOsGarage Well, I have commenced the strip down of my 91 3HE FZR600. Mechanical condition is pretty good apart from a slight chuffing noise, either a tight valve clearance, or a burnt valve. The frame has extensive surface rust, so is destined for the powder coater. I have a full set of new original panels, they just need graphics to match the originals. It had the forks rechromed a few years ago. I also fitted a new bank of carbs, £99.99 bargain from Ebay. Also an aftermarket, expensive rear shock, relatively new chain and sprocket kit. I have 2 new BT92 tyres for it once the wheels are powder coated. I'll let you know when it's finished.

[@HippoDrones]

DUDE... that was an awesome review, really well put together and OMG, your bike is TIDY! :-)

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks dude, it's a really nice bike to ride, too. It was a much easier bike to build than the CBR so a perfect bike to home restore.

[@harryflashman4542]

Best looking bike from the period where bikes had the best design. Absolutely right, from the late eighties bikes disappear under a fat carapace which then gets carved away, scalloped and made more anatomical. Every part is OTT on steroids and the overall balance of form and function is lost. I'm only slightly biased, I fell in love with my transition FZR too. But they are just so damn fun and road practical.

[@PhilOsGarage]

There is a pure look to them, isn't there. Something about round or near round twin headlamps always gets me, they are like eyes of an animal... It gives a bike soul.

[@harryflashman4542]

@@PhilOsGarage My FZR just popped up after I missed out on a CBR250 at an auction, it had some ugly fairing repairs and I got it cheap. Turned out to have real low k's and no mechanical problems. (But I'm doing a restoration and back to original galouises blue paint) I was trying to talk up my bike to my brother, and put together a powerpoint of bike design from about 1975 to 2020. Doing that it really struck me how bike design peaked in the mid to late eighties and after that it just gets more and more ridiculous as designers try to make their bikes stick out from the rest. First they encase the bike in whale-like fairings, then progressively cut them away to reveal designer mechanical components. It becomes exactly like you describe; an insect on steroids. Too anatomically roccoco. The overall form gets lost in the detail. I think the FZR is a better looking bike than the similar eighties jap racers, they got those headlights exactly right. The look a bit weird at first, but the proportions work better than the Honda or Suzuki. Whatever happened next when they went to trapezoidal headlights. They really are ugly. And now everything has those headlights that look like '50s cats-eye glasses. Boring.

[@CarlAlban]

Good advice as usual.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, I do try to keep it 'common sense'

[@iamneallyons4263]

good review - im totally the same really, i love bikes from the 90s the newer age bikes just dont really "do it for me" for whatever reason!

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, appreciate it. Yeah, gotta love the modern classics 😊

[@iamneallyons4263]

@@PhilOsGarage iv basically gone and bought an fzr600 tonight!

[@walterluna2938]

Buen día y feliz primavera por más q estemos en pandemia ! Tengo un fzr 600 modelo 91 con 41000 klm de fabrica es el mejor 600 cm en comodidad y pequeña a la vez de tamaño e indestructible el andar a altas revoluciones es increeiible color blanca roja y filetes azules un beleezaaa un abrazo a todos soy de Argentina gracias

[@PhilOsGarage]

Gracias. Blanca y Roja es muy bien por un FZR! Gracias por tu cumplolido. Bien moto!

[@27rentertainment29]

Hola Qe tal don estás?

[@Jason-qx5qr]

I only found a stator and stator cover but THATS it so far

[@PhilOsGarage]

Parts can take time to source for older bikes. Be patient, they are out there.

[@xplorepaful]

My first bike. Had a lot of fun on it.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Cool, first bikes always hold special memories, good choice

[@icecreamtruckog3667]

Nice review. It is weird to see someone driving on the wrong side of the road.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks! Yeah, it's a shame we never switched sides in the 60's like Sweden did, but hey...

[@dereksowers628]

Beautiful perfect bikes

[@PhilOsGarage]

They do work so well. Still great now

[@RT22-pb2pp]

hd 85 600 ninja in 80s but loved the fzr 600 not as fast as my ninja but rode a friends and it handled better than any 600 of that era. Always wanted to buy one but today hard to find and if you find one they are expensive as all get out.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Yes, they have disappeared from the roads now, but very fun bikes. Thanks for watching 😀

[@adamoneale4396]

Got me at grasshoppers on crystal meth 😂

[@PhilOsGarage]

I try! 😂

[@adamoneale4396]

Hopefully picking one of these up next week. Your video helped a lot

[@gmoroder]

Is there a better 80s sportbike than an FZR600? I love the look of 80s sportbike fairings, but I don't want a heavy liter-bike since I've already got a top-heavy INT650 at home. Having more power than that is important, but even moreso is handling and weight. There's also the FZR400, which weighs less but has less power. Wish there was an 80s sportbike with the handling/weight of an FZR400, but the power of an FZR600 or more. If it helps, I'm located in the US.

[@PhilOsGarage]

The Honda CBR is also excellent, but it's very different. I'd say the FZR was the most 'pure' sportsbike of the era, it's much more focused.

[@harryflashman4542]

The 600cc engine fits the 400 frame. Bolts straight in, with only a little modification of the airbox required. That said, the FZR400 will do 196kmh, with the 600 engine 260kmh. If my engine gives any trouble, I'm just going to upgrade to a 600. I have a 400 and it is possibly better for normal day to day riding.

[@citizenseventies6738]

I would rather have an 80's, 90's or even early 00's sports bike than a modern sports bike every time. Most of today's bikes look ugly in my opinion and are that crammed with electrical gimmickry, you cant fix them the way you can with the older bikes if they break down. Tomorrow I am picking up a 1992 FZR 600 in Marlboro White/Red colours for £750, very tidy with long MOT. The lower fairings are missing but it still looks great semi naked and still a bargain bike.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Great choice with the FZR, they are really good on the road. Thanks for watching. 😎

[@Jason-qx5qr]

Hey , i bought a 98 fzr600 and i crashed it in my neighborhood and i need a left fairing a front windscreen and a headlight left fairing and a mirror and a gas tank plasic cover, my bike was actually in great shape when i got it, i cant find these parts anywhere ! Do u know where to get parts ?

[@PhilOsGarage]

The only thing I can suggest is ebay, just keep an eye out.

[@FreezingOasis]

Considering one of these 1989 models with a 95 engine in it as my first bike. Do these fit that bracket or should i look elsewhere? Really dig the look of it!

[@PhilOsGarage]

Yes and no. They are great bikes, reliable and excellent handling but not very comfortable and very small. If that works for you, go for it. Ensure it's in good condition, even a 95 is 28 years old now, and they get crashed and abused a lit. Thanks for watching 😎

[@hazza4321]

Thanks for the review. I’m really on the hunt for one of these. How do you find the riding position? I imagine they aren’t as aggressive as more modern sports bikes.

[@BrettJoy]

I ride a cbr400rr and can keep up with all the modern bike. I imagine the fzr6 is the probably better 👍🏻

[@PhilOsGarage]

It largely depends on your size. The position is less radical than modern sportsbikes, but the FZR in particular is very small. Works great for me, I'm 5'7" and just under 80kg

[@nolenjones3972]

I have this bike it is awesome

[@harryflashman4542]

surprizingly comfortable. A bit awkward taking off, but once going it's like being on a top. Perfectly balanced and positioned.

[@justin00ish]

Where did you get the fairings I need a new set for the 95 I'm restoring

[@PhilOsGarage]

The fairing was with the bike when I got it. Unfortunately plastic panels are a big problem for modern classics. If you are in the UK or Europe, try skidmarx, not sure for the US. Thanks for watching and commenting, it's very much appreciated.

[@jjRoxy]

I know this is from a while ago,, but airtech streamlining has replacements as well as full race kits if that’s what you’re going for. I’ve never gotten one personally so I can’t say for certain but I’ve heard people dig them

[@elaynehaase1933]

What does delta box mean

[@PhilOsGarage]

It's the frame design, for some reason yamaha named it delta box

[@harryflashman4542]

perimeter frame.

[@dragracingforall8205]

Nice 👍

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks! Really good road bike. I've changed the exhaust header now and it runs even better

[@dragracingforall8205]

Awesome - I can see it runs good - it’s subscribed 👍

[@dragracingforall8205]

Thank you for your Sub 🤘🏻

[@PhilOsGarage]

@@dragracingforall8205 and thank you for yours, keep the drag racing videos coming, you are doing a great job with them. 👍

[@stuffD-fh8vf]

I wish instead of shoving in more power and electonics, they shoud have worked on making them more affordable. I will never spend $15k+ for a freaking motorcycle, thats just insane to me.

[@scottyd980]

Grasshoppers on crystal meth. Good description Of modern sport bikes.

[@PhilOsGarage]

Thanks, yeah, seems appropriate! Thanks for watching 😎

[@Audfile]

I rode this when it was new. Super sketchy bike. And the CBR F2 was *light years* better, safer, and much more powerful.

[@PhilOsGarage]

They were much more sport orientated, quicker steering and far smaller. If you want to ride quickly the FZR is the way to go, for all round riding the CBR is tge better bike. It's amazing how different they are. Thanks for watching 😎

[@MelindaGomez-r6m]

Johnson Karen Young Sharon Walker Shirley

[@MelindaGomez-r6m]

Lewis Lisa Hall Jessica Williams Deborah