Yamaha FZ6R: 70,000 Mile Review

[@vintageyamahasquid]

I daily mine and I wouldn't trade her for any faster bike. Yamaha nailed it with this bike. Perfect blend of comfort, performance, and reliability.

[@HalfClickUp]

Fizzer Fam! IYKYK 😎🤙

[@rickvasquez3709]

I love my fz6r. I just wish I got better fuel economy that some of the newer bikes get. But I'll probably never get rid of mine just cuz their made so well and are bulletproof

[@HalfClickUp]

@@rickvasquez3709 it was my gearing change that made my fuel mileage tank. Before that, I was getting 41mpg while running the Hindle tune with my 4 degrees of timing advance.

[@beomheekim9619]

Mines 2012 with about 9k miles cruising in Oahu, HI. I am happy 😙 had a cbr600rr but I absolutely love this fz6r for work!

[@davidbone3314]

Ive put about 8-9k on my fz6r the last year and it’s a great bike. Never had a problem on her and great for learning how to ride on. I was riding with a dude with an r1 and thought my bike was slow at first but on my solo rides the last 3 months I’ve gained a huge appreciation.

[@HalfClickUp]

Heck yeah man, they’re plenty fast enough to ride at your limit, and remember that ya really can’t compare em to a liter bike in any way. Two totally different worlds 👍

[@RideThe6]

70,000 and still gorgeous ! Fizzer fam respect !

[@HalfClickUp]

Thank you brotha!! 😬

[@jdh9676]

Absolutely solid bike. I had a great experience with my 2007 mechanically similar FZ6. Got it used at 6000 miles as a storaged bike and rode it to near 70K with no issues but an easy fix faulty kill switch present at purchase. Other than that it was just as you say. Simply routine motorcycle maintenance to keep you safe and the bike on the road. Brakes, tires, chain, fluids, plugs, filters, valves, wheel bearings, etc. All that typical bike stuff. May have had the clutch done but I can't recall. I rode the hell out of the thing all over Los Angeles until an accident ended my riding days for good. But I'd swear that bike was running just as solid at 70K as it did at 6K. Still looked great, too. Nothing felt cheap or rattling off the bike. Just 100% reliable, fast, fun, practical. And very comfortable as well.

[@HalfClickUp]

Very cool! Yep I’ve been thinking long and hard about pulling the trigger on an FZ6 cam swap to finally get the absolute most power out of this bike. I just need to overcome the learning curve that is cam phasing. How long has it been now since you’ve rode? Is it not an option for you at all anymore?

[@jdh9676]

@@HalfClickUp Well brother you can mod the engine yourself...or sell your bike and get an FZ6. I do understand, though. Your bike is loyal....beautiful. Hard to give up. Its been a journey! Myself? Brother i make many motorcyclists very uncomfortable. When i was riding I would never want to be ME as I am now. To be THIS! But i became this. A severely disabled rider. Judged, forgotten, spit on. But it was worth it. I was DEAD if not three blocks from a hospital when I had my accident. It's been five years now. Once you're crippled? No one gives af. But...I am a RIDER. Crippled now, alone now, overweight now. I am a rider. Restore my body tomorrow. Give me my body back. I'm gearing up, grabbing my helmet...and walking out the door to ride💯But no...I cannot ride. Only in my dreams. But its ok. Riding gave me the strength to survive my accident and its consequences. Its an amazing thing. But yes...my body cannot ride a bike. And...it was worth it✌

[@HalfClickUp]

@@jdh9676 man I hate that your riding career ended bitterly like that. I often say the same about myself with regards to the “old me.” I didn’t start riding till age 35. Had I began my riding career in my 20s, I’d most certainly be dead. I did a lot of stupid stuff in cages during my college years.. it would’ve ended me on two wheels for sure.

[@jdh9676]

@@HalfClickUp yeah man. And it is somewhat...philosophical. For lack of a better term, perhaps. I started riding at 42. A mid life awakening after flirting with it since my childhood. It just...happened. My accident? Well it's the kind you don't survive. But i did. And if it never occurred I could have been dead the next day. Or the day before. Am I lucky or unlucky to be alive? Idk? I just know I am and I can face anything because of what riding gave me every time I got on my bike. Riding is amazing. We are courageous, singular, somehow special. I do believe that. Especially when a choice. There is no question. Give me the keys...I'm riding. Come what may. Much goodness to you...and Happy New Year.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@jdh9676 thank you brother, I appreciate you and your outlook! Happy new year!

[@Motogomoto]

Great Video and Summary as always. I concur all you said about the FZ6R. Europeans and Latin America calls the same bike XJ6 Diversion F & N, same bike unchanged only with or without fairing. I have had 2 of these bikes, found my dream spec Black and Gold wheels currently at 82.000Kms. Its a do it all motorcycle for sure. Keep the videos coming dear friend.👍🏻

[@HalfClickUp]

Thanks for the kind words! Plenty of content to come. Happy new year!

[@avocadoenjoyer8511]

Your videos helped convince me to lock in a FZ6R as my first bike. It has only been a few months, but I can already tell I'm getting attached to it. The only other bike I could think to replace it with is a Kawasaki ZX6R, but I'd only do that if I was forced to retire my FZ6R.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@avocadoenjoyer8511 it’s really hard to get tired of a bike that does all the things 😉👌

[@Rancid_Ninja]

I bought a 08 as they got a downgrade in power after that, love it

[@SMG516]

I'm super happy to see how far you've gotten with your old Evelyn. My old girl's about to hit 30k miles and she's still going hard. I'm at that point where I gotta do the valves as you mentioned you had neglected for a while, so I'll be doing those halfway this year. I hope to see more Fizzer content over this year my man, I'll probably be doing some Fizzer content myself.

[@HalfClickUp]

Hey dude give me a shout if you need any help with that valve adjustment. You should be good if you follow along with my four part series on that job, though 😉👍

[@SMG516]

@@HalfClickUp yea will do, buddy

[@dubious3]

Happy New Year to You and Yours Thank You So So Much For Inspiration & Support !!!

[@HalfClickUp]

Thank you! Happy new year and thanks for sticking with me! 😊

[@Stray.visions]

Looking into getting my first Motorcycle and so far this one makes the most sense! Really appreciate your video💯

[@HalfClickUp]

You will not be disappointed! Best of luck finding a deal and let me know if you have any questions 👍

[@northeastdigger791]

Just got mine and I love it watch alot of your videos and your spot on with this bike its perfect

[@HalfClickUp]

Awesome man, welcome to the Fizzer Fam! 👊😎

[@matty2000shoes]

I've been riding for 20 years. Bought an FZ6R about ten years ago. Still have it and love it. I put a Corbin seat on it, led headlight, tall sport touring smoked windscreen, upgraded tires... Nothing major. It's my "Poor man's sport tourer." Giving it to my son next year when he turns 16. I'll be upgrading to 2015'ish Kawasaki Concours 14.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@matty2000shoes man those Corbin seats look SO nice, but are SO pricey! How do you like it over the stock seat?

[@matty2000shoes]

@@HalfClickUp Obviously the stock seat isn't terrible. But the Corbin seat is much more comfortable. It's the second motorcycle I've put a Corbin seat on. They are pricey. But if you have the extra funds in the budget, I highly recommend their seats.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@matty2000shoes awesome 😎

[@huntz0r]

This is exactly what's selling me on a FZ6R. Currently have a CBR250R which is my first bike, tall windscreen and 3pt luggage. The CBR honestly is already great except for being way too strung-out above 60 mph. This is the kind of riding I want to do, but I'm 5'3, so I don't see myself on a VFR or a >1L sport tourer but I also have no idea why I'd need more performance than the Fizzer offers. If I want to get stupid on a track, I'd rather do that in a sports car with a roll cage anyhow.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@huntz0r I assure you the Fizzer will allow you to get quite stupid on the track 😉

[@bingobongo143]

I bought a 2012 fz6r and I love it. I’ve thought about getting a faster Yamaha but I just can’t beat the feel of the fz6r. I also dropped it and cracked the fairings, they’re a pain to replace with OEM ones and quite expensive!!

[@HalfClickUp]

Yep it’s a unique bike for sure and fills a particular niche. There are some cheaper Chinese options for fairings, but just make sure you go with the ABS option; they hold up better.

[@cashmatt2457]

Thank you for making this video I’ve never ridden a motorcycle before and my brother suggested this bike and your review has me SOLD, Also such and affordable bike.

[@HalfClickUp]

That’s great to hear! Looking forward to welcoming you to the Fizzer Fam. They really are great bikes and will deliver a smooth learning experience. It certainly did for me!

[@oshadagunasekara951]

Fz6r are beautiful bikes , I own a 2010 and love it however do you know where I can get front forks for it or what other model forks are compatible with it?

[@HalfClickUp]

You can get OEM forks from Partzilla.com Also, you can perform a full R6 front end swap with a custom top triple clamp. See KZbin channel RideThe6 for his series on that mod.

[@YerGoodBuddyKeith]

You nailed it on the head for me right at the end. I ride mid sized cruisers. Borrowed my brother sport touring and i was hooked. It ruined my bike. But i also felt how little i was giving it versus how much i was getting from it. This seems like a great point for me to jump into sport bikes and then as my body adjusts i can go towards more powerful and aggressive super sports.

[@HalfClickUp]

I’m excited for you man! You’ll enjoy the less aggressive models, and should you choose the Fizzer, then I look forward to welcoming you to the Fizzer Fam 🫡

[@YerGoodBuddyKeith]

@HalfClickUp I Keep getting pushed by my brother to go yamaha so I probably will. I prefer performance over style. He Almost had me sold on the raider but I think I'm just gonna keep my old chopper for shows and go sport bike as my daily. The fz6r looks better but I do really like the idea of the fz6. Which one is the fizzer? Or is that just a overall nickname for yami sport bikes? Chopper guy mostly but I've always been a honda guy since I was young. Xr650's. My chopper is a cb750 four, my cruiser is a honda shadow. But the cb650r or which ever is the direct competition model to this just didn't do it for me. I like the display on this and the look better. More ergonomic

[@HalfClickUp]

@@YerGoodBuddyKeith this FZ6R has the nickname of “Fizzer.” The FZ6 you speak of was produced up to 2009 and is a naked bike. It shares the same power plant with the FZ6R; however, it has higher lift cams that produce power more on par with the second gen R6.

[@YerGoodBuddyKeith]

@HalfClickUp okay I see, thank you. I just started looking at them because that ride on my brother's sport touring was only a few weeks ago so I'm just now going down this rabbit hole. I wasn't sure which was the fizzer I've been looking at both all afternoon once he suggested the fz6. Which I do like, but like you said it's naked and this fz6r has that super sport look. I think the less power of the fizzer will be better for me honestly. I'm coming from a 50/50 horse torque bike. The more usable low end ect. Plus the price is too nice. A local shop has one for 4k with 11k miles.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@YerGoodBuddyKeith You won’t be disappointed with this bike, that’s for sure. Coincidentally, the fella I bought my Fizzer from wanted $4k with 11k miles on her and he took $3500. Make ‘em cut you a deal 😉

[@johnpatterson2039]

I am now a proud new owner of a 2011 FZ6R. It had 3800 miles and looks it too!😍🥵 I went from a G310R To a Ninja 400 and now I have my FZ6R, and it’s absolutely amazing. It rides almost like the ninja imo and i absolutely love it. Once I get more comfortable on it I feel like imma be shredding the streets and hopefully soon the track

[@HalfClickUp]

Dude congrats and welcome to the Fizzer Fam! That’s a heck of a low mileage find. You’re gonna have a smooth ownership experience. These bikes are bulletproof. Get some seat time under your belt and let the modding begin! 😎🤙

[@ewanstevenson4721]

I went from a Ninja 300 and am tempted with the Ninja 400 as they look stunning but I bet this feels safer and more comfortable. A Ninja 400 would be £2k more. Ouch 😮

[@HalfClickUp]

@@ewanstevenson4721 you’ll be disappointed with the power of the Ninja 400 compared to the inline-four of the FZ6R. No comparison 😉

[@mattbyrne7621]

So I’m picking up my fizzer tomorrow and I too am on a ninja 400. I absolutely love my little ninja, but not the best for riding 2up and not a fan of the twin sound. I found a 2012 fz6r with only 400 miles on er. It weighs 100 lbs more than the ninja, so that made me hesitate a little bit. Nevertheless, it seems like everyone loves these bikes so I’m gonna buy it. Is there anything you like better about the ninja?

[@HalfClickUp]

@@mattbyrne7621 I’d prefer the flickability of the Ninja on-track; however, I’ve passed quite a few of them in the straights 😉

[@ewanstevenson4721]

Excellent review. I have a cosmetic damaged bargain at 14k miles. I put up with the damage because of the amazing sound with my new exhaust. At only £2000 its hard to let it go. Im sure id miss it if i got something better looking. Very encouraging to hear it can do such high miles. Thanks for making the video. 😊

[@HalfClickUp]

@@ewanstevenson4721 you will enjoy your bike very much. Congratulations on finding a great deal, and thanks for watching!

[@ewanstevenson4721]

​@@HalfClickUpSo I think I know what I prefer about your bike. It's the neutral black colour and the stickers. So eye catching. Mine is a dull blood red colour. I think I should repair mine and have similar livery and maybe red powder coated wheels and some nice sports stickers. If I spend £1k then that would be total spend of £3600 including my new exhaust. Then I've got a great value bike. I still can't get over that 70k miles. Mine is a teenager!!

[@HalfClickUp]

@@ewanstevenson4721 man I think you should do whatever you want that will make you love the way your bike looks. That’s why we have these beasts.. to love and enjoy em! There are quite a few aftermarket fairing offerings on Amazon and eBay, and even AliExpress now has a large selection.

[@CEStoneR]

im looking to buy a 2012 fz6r, is there anything specific i should pay extra attention to while looking at it

[@HalfClickUp]

Just focus on the obvious. Start it, let it idle. Make sure the idle is smooth and steady without any weird misfire kinds of sounds. Let it get to temperature (around 212) to verify that the fans kick on. Check for full electrical functionality just like you would a car (blinkers function, bulbs, horn, etc.) ...basically like you would be getting her ready for a state inspection. Check around the engine case gaskets for obvious signs of leaks. Cosmetic inspection is at your discretion; use body damage as leverage for price negotiation.

[@ChristianDavidFZ]

I've been following you since I bought my fz6r last summer and your mods are like the bible of these bikes hahaha I was looking at your videos but didn't find any that talked about the shock, maybe you know of some direct swap that improves the rear suspension? Thanks man 😎

[@HalfClickUp]

Hey man! Glad you find my content helpful! The only worthwhile options for the Fizzer’s rear is from RaceTech. They have a full custom 70225 Series option that utilizes spring rates based on your weight, and they also offer a rear Gold Valve kit. Check out their website for more info.

[@sladewilson6909]

I just got my first bike, 2012 fz6r. I've already put 1k miles on it in less then a week lol I don't understand why they quit making them, this bike is easy to control, still can have fun on it and daily drive it with zero issues

[@HalfClickUp]

@@sladewilson6909 yep they were flawless machines from their inception. At the end of the production cycle is when the FZ-07 and similar twin platforms really took off. I get it with respect to torque and what not, but I don’t even like the sound of those bikes, as petty as it may be. In-line design is fine as wine 😉

[@sladewilson6909]

@@HalfClickUp everyone tried talking me out of buying a 600cc bike for a first bike but I have zero regret lol had 8k miles on it when I got it a week ago, loud, and plenty fast for what I'd want. Planning on doing new plastics over the winter, new chain, gonna put an r6 header on it. Gonna look like brand new by spring.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@sladewilson6909 there ya go, make her yours 👍

[@sladewilson6909]

@@HalfClickUp I plan on it. If I ever buy a second bike I've been thinking I'd prob get a Ducati, or a BMW

[@HalfClickUp]

@@sladewilson6909 I still have mad hopes for the R9, but something like a Daytona or even a GSXR 750 isn’t out of the question.

[@MrBigal123123]

I miss my fz6r. I couldn't justify the insurance price here in Canada so I had to stop riding. I still have the sticker u sent me though, helps me remember the good ol days lol. good to see you still have the fz6r. it was a great bike and I had my fun with it

[@HalfClickUp]

You’ll have your time again, my friend 😊

[@grahamcharnock6453]

Ditto about the insurance scam up here in The Great White North! I sold my 04 Bandit 1200SS a few years ago because it was getting too big to wheel around. I'll be 67 in Feb and my knees and back are bad. The FZ6R is not a lot lighter but feels/is smaller and easier to move around. Anyway, back to insurance, I figured I'd be saving some money going to the 600 but low and behold in London where I live it's considered a full on Sports bike and still costs the same as my 1200 did. What really sucks is I don't ride as much as I used to so now I'm only out for a couple hrs. a few times a week. Hard to justify the cost, but I still like it when I'm out and about.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@grahamcharnock6453 man that’s terrible how high insurance is for you guys! Both of my bikes together are around $20/month, and that’s with full coverage on my Triumph because it’s financed.

[@MrBigal123123]

@@HalfClickUp mine wanted 270 mth for a 2002 Harley. fz6r was 120 and we only ride may to October

[@HalfClickUp]

@@MrBigal123123 that’s incredible 🤯

[@AngelFire48]

Love mine! Had a minor accident, and they wanted to total it. I rejected it and had them pay me out for parts!

[@HalfClickUp]

That’s awesome! Gotta hang onto ‘em! 😬👌

[@MichaelSniff-ys2rg]

Half click! I love your videos... huge fan.

[@HalfClickUp]

Hey thanks man, I appreciate you! 😎🤙

[@dronesandmotorcycles2514]

My 2011 fz6r just hit 60k miles :) I need it to last 10k more miles so seeing this video was real nice. After the 24k valve adjustment, do the valves need to be adjusted again? I do my oil changes every 3k miles, any other maintenance you recommend to keep my bike running? Thank you.

[@HalfClickUp]

After completing its first adjustment, just continue to monitor the bike for valve train noise. If you begin to hear some clatter after another 24k it would be worth checking the clearances again. I haven’t had to go back into mine at all. If you’ve never changed out your coolant or brake fluid, you should definitely do that 😬👍

[@mynameisntjeff906]

Recently bought an fz6r I'm texas. Do you have any recommendations for chain and sprocket replacements?

[@HalfClickUp]

I use Vortex or JT sprockets, and always with DID chains. I have a few chain and sprocket videos in my Mods & Maintenance playlist that you may find of value. Thanks for watching, and welcome to the Fizzer Fam!!

[@mynameisntjeff906]

@@HalfClickUp I don't know if you've ever replaced one, but my bike was dropped by the previous owner. Is there a fairing kit you would recommend?

[@HalfClickUp]

@@mynameisntjeff906 nicecycle.com has the best selection. They’re Chinese productions but the quality and fitment is supposedly pretty good. They’re ABS plastic kits with all sorts of colors and graphics to choose from.

[@matthewblair8197]

Oem . you will get the most miles outa oem . use babbits web sight . I had 74k on mine if cared for you can see 15-18k outa oem chain 11k outa a cluctch cable

[@HalfClickUp]

@@matthewblair8197 yes, OEM Yamaha ALL the things when it comes to maintenance. I use Partzilla.

[@FlexFast]

No doubt about it!

[@HalfClickUp]

👊😎

[@dusty1345]

Ive been riding for twenty years. I started off on a Suzuki drz 400, then a Harley sportster 1200 and then my last bike was a Buell firebolt xb9r. Im not a beginner at all, but Im looking for a bike that could be used for sport touring that leans more towards sport and is comfortable to ride all day. Could this be the bike? Let me know guys, Im truly wondering if this is more than a beginner bike.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@dusty1345 as with any bike, it’s absolutely what you make it. Sure, this particular bike’s configuration is aggressively modified, but in stock form it’s everything you’re looking for in the genre of sporty tourers. For the price point, I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.

[@yusabayrakoglu3824]

hello hf, I am sorry in advance to my bad english :), i have a 1 question to ask you. How is your gear changing feel ? is it smooth or little bit hard ? I bought xj6f in other words it's fz6r. It's 2016 abs model. I would use r25(r3) before. My bike's gear change feel is little bit hard. Sometimes it rubs transmission when i gear up to 2 from 1 and it doesnt passes to 2, it stays in neutrol. I dont know that feeling is right or not :/ what is your opinion ? This is my first 4 cylinder bike. Maybe it's normal situation.

[@HalfClickUp]

This is a common characteristic of the 1 to 2 shift on this bike. I’ve made it a habit to shift up aggressively when going from 1 to 2 to avoid what you are describing. I have found that fresh oil helps a lot. Try to change your oil every 3,000 miles if you are not already doing so. It helps.

[@yusabayrakoglu3824]

@@HalfClickUp old owner has changed oil with yamalube semi-sae in the yamaha service. He demonstrated the invoice. I didnt change oil but shouldn't it be full seantetic oil ?

[@HalfClickUp]

@@yusabayrakoglu3824 full synthetic is best, but not required. Oil change interval is what’s most important. As for me, I use Motul 7100 4T ester based full synthetic and I change it every 3,000 miles.

[@yusabayrakoglu3824]

@@HalfClickUp I understood the point. Thanks for helpfull conversation. Have a good day sir.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@yusabayrakoglu3824 no problem, you as well 👍

[@ramiroramirez6923]

Que opinas de la marca de aceite Motul para esta motocicleta bro?

[@HalfClickUp]

Motul es la única marca de aceite que uso. ¡Es excepcional! Lo he usado en mis dos motocicletas durante varios años y también lo instalé en mi Audi A4.

[@ramiroramirez6923]

@@HalfClickUp gracias bro. Acabo de adquirir mi fz6r y me ha gustado tu contenido. Me has inspirado para modificarla al estilo de tu motocicleta

[@HalfClickUp]

@@ramiroramirez6923 ¡Eso es genial! Gracias por ver mi contenido y avíseme si tiene alguna pregunta sobre modificaciones.

[@kawiboy249]

What year r6 exhaust did you use I have a 2009 fz6r and I bought a 2002 r6 header and for the life for me the header won't clear the oil pan

[@HalfClickUp]

03-05 is your best bet. You can also heat yours with a torch and use a long lever to bend the pipe a half inch so that it’ll clear.

[@kawiboy249]

Okay i ended up getting a 2003 r6 header 2002 will not fit at all

[@HalfClickUp]

In this community of over 3,000 FZ6R riders, it's called the Fizzer.

[@alexhoffman1143]

This bike is confusing me, I am looking for one but in the UK the seem to be different to yours. Here we have the FZ6N and FZ6S but not the FZ6R, and the exhausts are underseat, can you throw any light on that.

[@HalfClickUp]

The bike you seek is the XJ6 Diversion F

[@alexhoffman1143]

@@HalfClickUp I see, now it makes sense, thanks for your reply and sorry for sounding thick.

[@HalfClickUp]

@@alexhoffman1143 no worries, my friend.

[@tappajaav]

Nothing thick about asking for some clarification.

[@slug.racing]

FZ6s and N are not the same bike. They have different frames motor internals etc 98 HP for the S and N and 70 ish for the R. Swing arms are even different. They should never have been given the FZ6 designation

[@temphys]

"Purrs like a kitten" 👍😄😄😄

[@HalfClickUp]

😸

[@Only1Binx]

Thank you sir

[@HalfClickUp]

😎🤙

[@lazerrrbeam4290]

How many miles are these capable of reaching ?

[@HalfClickUp]

I’m unaware of what the highest mileage example is in existence, but as strong as mine is at 71k now, I don’t see any reason why they can’t go 100k+.

[@tappajaav]

That depends on how much money you're willing to invest in it. As the parts slowly wear and break you can just keep replacing them - whether you should replace the whole engine or not is very much dependant on the owner

[@HalfClickUp]

@@tappajaav for reference with regard to wear and tear, the only mechanical components I’ve replaced outside of chains and sprockets over 70+k miles is clutch and water pump.

[@tappajaav]

@@HalfClickUp Talk about reasonably priced maintenance!

[@HalfClickUp]

@@tappajaav I agree! It’s really an all around great bike 👍

[@pandabangs2173]

hi i was looking to see if anyone could help me im looking to buy a 2014 fz6r is that a good year and is it a good starter bike

[@HalfClickUp]

All years of production are good, just find the lowest mileage and price you can. And yes, it’s the perfect starter bike.

[@slug.racing]

The FZ6R was never called the fizzer. Thats the nickname for the Fazer.