came acrossed another bike today in my quest for a new machine, a Yamaha FZR-600R, would i be right in thinking this is like a old school eqivilent to a R1 or something, the name alone makes it sound like it, anyhow, had a go and was quite surprised how it was, was quite comfy and quick off the mark. has anyone ever owned one of these and can reveal a bit more, google isnt helping at all this time

it'll be the predecessor to the R6... never owned one, but I have an FZ6-N... you can't fault yamahas... they do what they say on the tin

If I can hijack for a moment..What do you think of the FZ6, wolverine? I read that they're seriously lacking midrange..any truth to that?

Isnt the thundercat the predecessor to the R6 ? YZF600R or something, I suppose it might be the predecessor to the cat ?

yeah...it's the cat I think..

it's a YZF600R...after this came the R6. (YZF-R6)

which one have you seen? is it a foxeye or the other model??

Mr dink had one, and despite having over 15 years experience said it was the first bike to scare the bejesus out of him and he's had several bikes of varying shapes and descriptions. was like **insert word here** of a shovel and because of this most have been absolutely thraped on a race track, as there more suited for that than road conditions, but its something to look out for parts aren't the easiest thing to find, but again most that are scrapped parts go onto track bikes so thats the place to look, other than ebay.

He says you'd be better with a an older CBR than the FZR as a first bike after your test (thats an assumtion as it says you currently ride a 125 over there <~~~) as the CBR is a hell of a lot more forgiving. But he says if you do get one that the throttle IS exceptionally delicate and you have to treat it with kit gloves as you can get yourself into trouble exceptionally easily

If you want to ask him anything he says he'll try and answer

AND PLEASE don't flame me the above is typed from a conversation with mr dink, it was his bike and I know jack about it

cheers dink, it was the foxeye, 1995 reg.i have teted a number of bikes at the mo and a i do ride a 125. i tested a old cbr and dint like it at all.i treat all 600 sport bikes with the kit gloves as you call them as i read these forums for long enought to know not to be stupid and to take it cool.my local yamaha dealer said they could get hold of the part without not much trouble.

i had a 90 FZR600 last year and i liked it a lot, my biggest grumble was it was damn uncomfortable, but i'm a lanky skinny git so suffered a lot from wrist ache and lower back pain, rumour has it they do have a seat but your arris tells you different at around 50miles
brakes are fantastic, but require regular cleaning to stop them binding, they handle very well altho it can be a bumpy ride and hard work on bumpy "B" roads,
power wise, low to mid range is useable and probably as good as a fazer, hit the powerband and they fly! never felt out of control but sh*t does happen very quickly

to watch for.
seized front brakes, bleed nipples bust off
rear disc for cracks
wheel bearings
rear shocker and linkage
spongy front forks
radiator mountings (they break)
after market fibreglass bodywork
drilled and lock wired bolts (maybe raced)
front downpipes

would i recommend one to a new rider? to be honest a bandit etc would do a better job, and a lot more user friendly, i'm not going with the previous threads and trying to say no to sports bikes but Ruby tryed mine and hated it, they look nice, go like stink but day to day they are a hard work, they are the basic of basics, hard work ridden at legal speeds and built for one purpose and that was to go fast

would i have another one:

HELL YES!

thanks woodz for your good review, as i said im looking still at the moment, i never have liked bandits for some reason. i had a go and just didnt like it.the seat on the one i tested had been replaced with a nice cushiony type one and was very comfy(like sitting on a horse lol). i shall keep on looking but it is the best one ive tested so far.

Hi

I ride a 2002 FZS 600, and have done for 2 years now, previously owning a 125 Vespa, and it was my first 'big' bike which I bought it straight after doing my DAS.

Whilst it's the only 600 I've every ridden, (bought it off a friend who had it from new and gave me a great deal), I'd recommend it without hesitation.

I've had no mechanical problems, although I've just had to replace the battery as it died on me. The balance is great, letting me filter easily at 20/25 mph daily on my 15 mile each way into london on the A40, and then shift up scarily quickly when I get the chance.

The only problem I had was that the guys who serviced my Vespa used to pick it up in their van and service it outside my work (central London) before returning it to me an hour or so later, (would recommend them!), but I'm still trying to fund a reputable garage in my area after a few bad experiences.

Definitely would recommend for a careful new rider.

JW