2013 Yamaha FZ6R Farewell Ride // Owner's Long-term Review

I'm continuing to thin down my stable of motorcycles. Today, the 2013 Yamaha FZ6R is finding a new home. Skip around with the chapter markers below.

I originally purchased the FZ6R to use as a middleweight sport-tourer, but I didn't use it as much as I thought I would. I installed the SHAD 3P system with the SH36 panniers and an SH39 top case, upgraded to a Zero Gravity touring windscreen, installed T-Rex frame sliders... and a long list of other touring upgrades. It was a nice bike, but I never melded with the Fazer for a few different reasons:

1. The FZ6R is a hefty bike for a 600... it tips the scales at a whopping 470 pounds wet! It wears much of that weight up high, so it feels top-heavy around town and moving around at low speeds.

2. The fairing design puts most of the engine & radiator heat right onto your legs. That isn't very pleasant in stop-and-go traffic in Houston's summer heat. My 2008 Yamaha R1 was guilty of the same behavior... it was a thigh cooker.

3. The fuel economy is on the lower end of average for a 600cc inline 4-cylinder at only 38-42 MPG. That made the FZ6R less than ideal for my typical 80+ mile commutes when compared to my Honda CB500F and CB500X that routinely achieve 65+ MPG... and they don't have the same heat issues!

The FZ6R handled very well on the open road, and the non-adjustable suspension worked surprisingly well for my 170-lb riding weight. Hard riding and fast cornering would reveal the FZ6R's weight and suspension flaws, so I wouldn't call it a "canyon carver". However, its softly-sprung suspension, upright ergonomics, and the Michelin Pilot Road 4 tires made this bike handle like a dream on twisty roads and relaxed carving sessions.

I will probably miss that bike eventually, but I think I made the correct decision to send it to a new home. Hopefully, someone will enjoy it more than I could over the past few years. So, farewell, Fazer! 🙋‍♂️😉👍

Time indexes:
0:00 Riding the FZ6R to meet a buyer for appraisal
1:11 My overall thoughts about the FZ6R, hopes & intentions, shortfalls
3:25 Up-gearing the front sprocket didn't help the economy, but it corrected the speedo
6:19 Arriving at HEB to meet the buyer
7:42 The deal is done, and the buyer will pick up the bike tomorrow!
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