advice needed Yamaha FZ6

Hi guys,

New to the group and need some advice.

I'm seriously considering buying the new Yamaha 2004 FZ6. I currently
ride a 2001 Yahama Virago 250 (first bike).

Since it's a new model never before offered in the states, and Yamaha
doesn't expect them to sell well (from what I've read on Usenet):

1. Can I expect to get a good deal on it? I won't need financing (been
saving) and can buy it when it's available (December). Any guesses as
to a reasonable OTD? I'd like to trade-in my Virago.

2. If it doesn't sell well, do you suppose it'll deprecate fast, or
hold it's value since relatively few people will have one?

3. I will need to have all the servicing done by a mechanic. Can I
expect complications/problems arising do to a mechanic's lack of
experience on this model. Or should experience on the R6 suffice?

I live in San Jose close to San Jose Yamaha, and from the posts I've
read here, they are a good dealer. I bought my Virago from Grand Prix
on El Camino and won't make the mistake of going there again (wish I
had read the posts here about them 2 years ago).

I'll get a quote from L.A. cycles when they have one available for
this model.

I know this is mostly conjecture, but I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Salman.

 

MSRP + tax OTD on a new model would be reasonable. MSRP after tax
would probably be the best you could conceive of doing.

Trade in on a Virago 250 is going to be near bumkis (probably <$1500,
if I hazarded a guess). You would probably do better selling it
yourself on Craigslist.

Guess probabyl no better/worse than most.

R6 is very similar in the model-specific details (eg, fuel injection,
valve inspection), not to mention the service manual. So no worries
there.

If its anything like the old Fazer, it will be reliable.

However, before you plunk down, check out the Vstrom 650. That is a
CUSHY bike, and lighter too. A little down on power, however.

 

Get an R6. Why? Well, there are about a zillion of them running around you
could get for a nickel, plus parts are a dime a dozen when you need them
(and most likely you will at some point). Mechanics who can work on R6s are
a dime a dozen, and the bikes themselves still look hot-- that blue is just
the best color EVER (although that new black and red flame scheme is hot
too). Personally, I think if you really want a 2004 model 600 class bike you
should get that Honda 599. If I were a beginner and not yet totally spoiled
by big twins, that's what I'd get.

 

Yeah, there's nothing on the FZ6 that would confuse or trouble a
halfway-decent mechanic. I think other than the frame it's a parts-bin bike.

I couldnt't believe this, but then I looked at the manufacturers' sites and
saw that Suzuki does in fact claim that the SVstrom is a whopping 6 lbs.
lighter (dry weight) than the FZ6. The difference is probably down to the
fact that the FZ6 actually has a centerstand. That's worth the extra 6 lbs.
any day.


-Josh

 

I think the SVStrom will have one available, I seem to recall seeing
mounting bolts on the bottom of the frame.

The FZ6 is a far better sporting all-purpose bike, no question, but
for day to day use, that SVstrom is more comfortable, has the
ajustable windscreen, and dollars to doughnuts says available luggage.

I'd definatly not buy one without at least evaluating the other, they
may look different, they may have different engine characteristics,
but they are actually quite similar in intended function.

 

R6 doesn't have the ergonomics, or the civility features like a
centerstand, color-in plastic parts, etc.

As for FZ-6 verses Hornet 600/Honda 599, although they'd need to be
ridden back to back, I'd bet on the Fazer: centerstand, wind
protection, lighter, stiffer frame.

If it was the NEW CB-6 for europe, that might be another story. That
one is almost a tourer in 600 stripes (bigger fairing, bigger seat,
available ABS), but going in a different direction than the Fazer 6.

 

On Sat, 29 Nov 2003 15:33:52 +0000 (UTC), in ba.motorcycles you wrote:
(Nicholas C. Weaver)

Amazing how people can decide what is more comfortable without having
ridden either bike, and on top of that, I would think we'd all know by now
that what's comfy for you may well not be for others.

 

Not sell well? This is not the same as selling in limited numbers. I think
Yamaha is going to do with the FZ6 what they're doing with the FJR1300,
and that is severely limit the number of bikes available for sale. Every
one is probably going to be sold before it hits the dealer's floor.
Unfortunately, the HD sales paradigm works too well.

Because of above, it is going to be hard to get a deal on one. It's going
to be more like give the dealer a deposit, and wait for yours to come in.
You can try to negotiate, but because of the limited number available, the
guy in line behind you is probably willing to pay full retail, and the
dealer isn't going to want to negotiate.

That's best left for market analysts. Only time will tell.

 

Damnit Astrup, Enough with logic and reasoning! STOP IT NOW!

If we are to ever get anywhere, we need to abandon comparison in favor of
magazine reviews and heresay!




--
Assuring you of my best intentions at all times,

Charles Statman
Rocket Scientist/Wonderboy/Women's Legs Shaven

DoD the Un-Numbered One

 

Sorry, sorry. What the hell was I thinking?

Absolutely, we need to ensure we buy what the magazines say is the best!
They know!!!

 

Well, let me be more precise, and say based on STATIC impressions, the
SVStrom is much plusher for both passanger and rider: comfier seat,
more upright, ajustable windscreen, and won't look dorky with
Motorcross hand-protectors to keep off the wind.

 

I know, but praise the light, you've seen the gypsies! All is well!
Truth is a fabrication!

Read the glossies! buy the latest. it will be the best bike for you.

Matter of fact, I have been thinking about it, you are about die for a
new ride anyhow, think Bandit 1200! with a lowering kit, so you
can flat-foot it at stoplights.





--
Assuring you of my best intentions at all times,

Charles Statman
Rocket Scientist/Wonderboy/Women's Legs Shaven

DoD the Un-Numbered One