Fz6r: Budget-Minded Beauty

FZ6R: BUDGET-MINDED BEAUTY

Despite its name and visual resemblance to the existing FZ6, Yamaha’s newest middleweight, the FZ6R, has very little in common with its racier cousin. Designed specifically for the fast-growing, under750cc sportbike category, the 6R was built with first-time buyers, commutes and budget-conscious riders in mind.

Based on the generation-old mill from the YZF-R6S, the engine shares the same 66.5 x 44.5mm bore-and-stroke numbers and 12.2:1 compression ratio, but it is tuned for more torque in the bottom and midrange. Available in January, the $6990 FZ6R has a steel-tube frame, a box-section steel swingarm and twin-piston front brake calipers to keep price in check. An adjustable seat height (30.9 inches standard) and bars that can be rotated forward almost an inch ensure that a wide range of riders will find this motorcycle attractive.

Blake Conner