QUIKSPIN: Yamaha FZ6R - Wolf in LAMS Clothing
I sometimes avoid test riding LAMS machines, not because I don’t like them, but suited up I’m two metres tall and weigh 100kg. The term gorilla on a postie comes to mind.
Yamaha’s LAMS-approved FZ6R is an exception as the fully-faired 600cc machine looks, rides and feels like a big bike.
Being an XJ6NL with fairing and stubby belly-pan pipe, it’s related to the XJ range but sits in the FZ line along with the FZ8 (800cc) and FZ1 (1000cc) models. Yamaha calls it a leisure sports machine, but it tilts more on the sport side than leisure, in both style and relative performance.
The low (785mm) seat can be lifted at the rear for a more aggressive seating position and even with high-set bars, it’s easy to crouch behind the screen at freeway speeds.
I’m not sold on the rubber-capped footpegs; metal units would be more in keeping with the sportsbike lines and R badge, but the rest of the styling is racy. We tested a white bike, capped off by a red frame and red highlights on the black, five-spoke wheels. A Team Yamaha blue is also available.
The sporty instrument panel has a large analogue rev counter with digital read-out for speed, fuel, temp, time and A+B trip. Not a lot of information, but easy to read. Overall build quality is Yamaha’s typical high standard, with attention to detail rather evident.
The throttle requires just a quarter of a turn to hit the LAMS-induced and illegal-to-remove throttle stop, but the power comes on firm and gradual. The in-line four-cylinder 600cc engine has plenty to offer despite being restricted for LAMS purposes. It willingly arrives at the 11,000 rpm redline via an almost dead-flat torque curve with a decent amount of power on tap across the range.
The bike is set up soft to make the most of the comfortable ergonomics. Step off a full-blooded supersport and the rear will feel too bouncy, but give it time and it will make perfect sense.
Handling isn’t razor sharp but it’s extremely predictable, a good base set-up for LAMS riders learning the ropes. The seven-step rear preload adjustment also provides an opportunity to learn about, and play with, suspension settings.
The high revving DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder engine is a great introduction and sounds the part. The 65.5 x 44.5mm bore and stroke is shorter than its R6 cousin, and delivers a long and rather easy to manage powerband.
When an FZ6R owner steps up to a YZF-R6, FZ8 or even an FZ1, it won’t be a quantum leap. Staying on the FZ6R wouldn’t be an unrealistic choice either. The FZ6R is about as good as it gets in the LAMS sportsbike category at the moment.
ENGINE
Configuration In-line four-cylinder
Cylinder head Four-valve, DOHC
Capacity 600cc
Bore/stroke 65.5 x 44.5mm
Compression ratio 12.2:1
Cooling Liquid
Fueling Fuel injection with Digital TCI
Power 35.5kW (claimed)
Torque Not given
TRANSMISSION
Type Six-speed
Clutch Wet
Final drive Chain
CHASSIS
Frame material Steel
Frame layout Diamond-shaped
Rake 26°
Trail 104mm
SUSPENSION
Front: Telescopic fork, 130mm travel
Rear: Monoshock with seven-step preload
adjustment, 130mm travel
WHEELS/TYRES
Wheels Cast five-spoke
Tyres Bridgestone Battlax
Front: 120/70 ZR17M/C
Rear: 160/60 ZR17M/C
BRAKES
Front: Dual discs, 298mm
Rear: Single disc, 245mm
DIMENSIONS
Weight 212kg (wet, claimed)
Seat height 785mm
Max width 770mm
Max height 1185mm
Wheelbase 1440mm
Fuel capacity 17L
PERFORMANCE
Fuel consumption 5.5L/100km (claimed)
Top speed 213km/h (claimed)
PROS
Good power delivery
Attractive styling
Well-aimed LAMS bike
CONS
No ABS
Rubber footpegs
Short throttle pull
Protect your Yamaha. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
