The do anything bike and more!
I might be biased, given that I’m currently rocking the 2008 Fazer as you see above, but the FZ6 is probably the perfect bike for the confident beginner rider that wants a bit of power without the hunched-over riding position, or insane power, of a supersport bike.
Featuring a retuned version of the 2003 R6 600cc engine, the middleweight FZ6 was Yamaha’s enthusiastic entrant into the increasingly popular middleweight sport-touring segment. For riders that want power without backaches, the FZ6 is a compelling value proposition with few compromises.
I have owned this bike for about four years now, it has been my commuter, tourer, fun and every day bike, it even got me out of the bad books when the Suzuki let me down before the Longest Day Challenge and completed 1034.6 miles in 25 hours and 40 mins, Lands End to John O’Groats.
I have ridden this bike solo and two up and if I am honest, it is one of the best bike for a pillion, they have a good view, the brakes are not snatchy and the grab rails are great.
There are many positives with a FZ6;
- It makes plenty of power (98 hp / 73kw @ 12,000 rpm) with a approachable power band
- It’s a good height for most people, with a 31″ (800 mm) seat height
- It is a comfortable middleweight, with a wet weight of 459 lbs / 208 kg
- It has a more upright, touring-friendly riding position
- Its suspension is a 50/50 balance of comfort and sport
- It’s a good looking bike
- Futuristic with the under seat twin exhausts
- It gets decent MPG (around 35 even with me riding it)
One of the best parts about this bike is that it is forgiving, set off in third, aye ok then!
Mine is a 2008, it has a couple of mods for comfort only, a set of oxford heated grips, double USB charging and holder for my phone and sat nav.
You have to love that fox eye look, squint and tell me what bike it is!
With the exception of brake pads and other service items, this bike has only needed the regulator rectifier changing.
Just to add, it has 84000 miles on the clock and still counting!
After four years of ownership, what my final thoughts? Well, I would happily have another one. I think mine is due a full service and valve clearance check soon and now I have another ‘commuter’ in the shape of a Royal Enfield Interceptor, I think it is time that my little FZ6 was given some love and upgrades.
| Engine specs | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder, DOHC |
| Displacement: | 600 cm3 |
| Bore X Stroke: | 2.57 x 1.75 in/65 mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 12.2 : 1 |
| Horsepower: | 72 KW @ 12000 RPM 98 HP @ 12000 RPM |
| Torque: | 46 lb-ft @ 10000 RPM 62 Nm @ 10000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Fuel injection |
| Transmission specs | |
|---|---|
| Gearbox: | 6 Speed |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiple-disc |
| Primary Drive: | – |
| Final Drive: | Chain |
| Chassis specs | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Aluminium, diamond shaped |
| Front Suspension: | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension: | Swingarm (monocross) |
| Front Brake: | Dual discs, Ø 298 mm |
| Rear Brake: | Single disc, Ø 245 mm |
| Dimension specs | |
|---|---|
| Overall Length: | 82.4 in/2093 mm |
| Overall Width: | 29.7 in/754 mm |
| Seat Height: | 31.2 in/792 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 56.7 in/1440 mm |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in/145 mm |
| Weight: | 443.1 lbs/201 kg |
| Fuel Capacity: | 5.1 gallons/19.3 L |
| Tyres specs | |
|---|---|
| Front: | 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear: | 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W) |
Article written by Nige.
Last update: July 2025
Nige commutes to work on one of his ‘trusty’ bikes throughout the year, no matter the weather, usually his FZ6!
He has ridden all over the UK and mainland Europe. He has owned more bikes than he likes to admit to.
We may receive a commission if you purchase a product using the affiliate links on any page of this website. This is at no cost to the purchaser, however does support our website and helps us to continue to build with more great content.