FJR vs. FZ6

[Hertz]

I absolutely love my 2008 FJR. That being said, lately I've been thinking it might make more sense to "downgrade" to an FZ-6 or FZ-7.

I only put 2-3000 miles on my FJR each year, and my longest ride is about 1.5 hours. So, maybe a smaller, lighter bike would suit me better......(I hate giving up the RDL seat though). What do you think, especially you who have owned an FZ6 or 7. Thanks!

 

[bruinFJRguy]

Have you sat on one? I wouldn't do it. I owned an FZ1 (gen1) and considered an fz09 for like a minute. My fz1 was very comfortable and I still felt like I had some bike there. There is not a lot to the fz07 or fz09. I wound up buying an FJ09 over a new FZ1 or FJR. As the Fz1 seems to be no longer, I made the right choice passing on that bike. I recently bought an fjr (used) as I wondered if I made the wrong choice passing on that bike.

I love the fjr but it is a litter heavier for some of the riding I do (low speed lane splitting in LA). And the FJ09 is very flick able and responsive on the throttle (tons of torque). The fjr is such a fast and comfortable ride when I'm out for a while, though.

If you're looking at downsizing I'd consider the FJ09. You still have quite a bit of meat on the bones and there is a decent selection of aftermarket windscreens now. To me that is less of a step smaller, while still going to a lighter and snappier bike. Having said that, I find myself taking the FJR out a lot over the FJ09. That's probably partly because it s new to me and I'm figuring out the bike.

Yamaha has demo days sometimes where you can ride most models. Check to see if there is one coming up near you, or if you can talk your dealer into letting you out on a used one.

 

[JamesW]

I kept my fjr, downsized my wing for a 2014 Suzuki v-strom dl 1000, torque is fun and 506lbs is an enjoyable weight but tripping is still the fjr.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I will agree with most of what the Bear guy just said. I have recently ridden an FZ-07 and while it is a hoot to ride, it is not what I would call a replacement for the FJR.

But, on the other hand, it might be what you are looking for. It depends on what you want.

The FZ-07 is tiny after the FJR. About 400 pounds but it feels like a dirt bike if you get on it after riding the FJR. There is NO wind protection, nothing. You feel like you are sitting over the front tire. There are aftermarket windshields available but they offer limited protection. Magnetic tank bags are useless on the plastic "tank". Some sort of aftermarket luggage is a necessity.

The FZ-07 is a lot of fun, light, flickable, looks good, sounds decent (my opinion), and the oil change has to be the easiest in the business. It would definitely be on my list for a second bike. It would not be my primary bike.

Again, YMMV.

 

[Hertz]

Yeah, I think the lack of windscreen is a killer. This all started when I was looking for a second bike; and it morphed into something else. Thanks for the responses. Another option for a 2nd bide is a Kaw Vulcan 500. Small, comfortable and reasonably quick. Haven't rode one yet, though. Did I just hijack my own thread?

 

[bruinFJRguy]

Another option is to see if some version of the MT-10 comes to North America next year (assuming you are in North America).

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="bruinFJRguy" data-cid="1303534" data-time="1460819605"><p>

Another option is to see if some version of the MT-10 comes to North America next year (assuming you are in North America).</p></blockquote>

If the MT10 shows up in America I will have to replace my Ducati. I am ready for a more upright seating position.

 

[wheatonFJR]

If you only ride an hour and a half, what do you need the windscreen for?

If I didn't take longer trips and had nice curvy roads near me, I would certainly look at an FZ1, or FZ-09.

 

[Allen_C]

I had a 2008 FZ6 before my first FJR, a 2008 AE. I moved up because I wanted better two-up riding comfort over 45 min jaunts. The FZ6 had good power - 96hp - compared to only about 68 in the FZ6r.

If you only ride by yourself and mostly one hour or less, the FZ6 is a great opt-in and a bargain too!

 

[Data]

I too had the 2008 FZ6 before the FJR and it was a superb bike for one person. Took a few trips on it with the wife and it was cramped but manageable. She is much happier on the FJR now . . . .

I was ready to add a 2016 R3 to the stable, but held off when I learned that the MT-03 is a fair possibility for the 2017 model year. I think anything from the R3 on up to the FZ 07 would be a blast for short one up rides, or commuting.

There is no harm in having two bikes- especially when one bike is "indisposed" for a while !

 

[Warpdrv]

FZ-09 or FJ-09 IMO..... You get great power from the FZ - extremely similar to the FJR but 200lbs lighter.

You can get bags for the FZ, and you can also get a full windscreen from Madstad for it as well.

https://www.madstad.com/s.nl/sc.7/category.12041/.f

I added one to my stable for solo and track day riding, though I would never give up my FJR and if I had to pick between the two - the FJR stays.

Really it'd be more a choice of the FZ or my Girl, so keeping the FJR is in my best interest !!