I Got It! The 2004 FZ6 is a competant bike, willing to take the pressures that you put on it under most any circumstances, and will always come back ready for more. It is built on the R6 motor, though it is de-tuned for a more mature riding style, and you can tell! With a red-line at well above 13000rpm, the real power kicks in just above the 7000rpm mark. It comes with handlebars as opposed to clip-ons, putting the rider a full 3 inches above the R6 stance, and aids in the control you have in cornering. The fuel injection seems to be a problem Yamaha is facing for the entire '04-'05 lineup however. Snatchy on the throttle, you'd almost think it was a V-twin when you roll on. Combine the throttle response with the manufacturers suggested 2 1/4 chain play, and you're headed for some stalls when you immediately roll off the floor. Slip the clutch on your way home, and dial out the throttle play and tighten up that chain a bit, and she'll inspire confidence in even the most amatuer rider.

And she's tough. I have personally been hit by a Dodge Caravan after a lowside, and have actually flipped the bike, landing on the topside completely. She's still running. While I would certainly suggest investing in frame sliders, the bar ends do much to save most of the fairing and almost the entire tank under any but the most extreme accidents. In fact, you can lay the bike down on either side, completely balanced on the bar-ends and the pegs without touching another peice of the body to pavement.

Reliability was another concern of mine... as it is my main vehicle for almost every purpose, I needed the peace of mind that I would not be delayed by mechanical issues. Once again, the "Fizzer" pulls through. Starting with minimal coaxing even in the coldest of mornings, I've never been late on her account. After one 3 month period without a single start, it took only the turn of a key, and the push of a button. Not a cough, not a hiccup... just a welcoming purr that said she was awake again, and ready to play.

The bike is not without fault, however... no bike is. The seat, peg, and bar postions are comfortable for even the longest of rides, however the fairing directs the airflow directly into the riders helmet. This is not a bike for someone wearing a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet. The front suspension comes soft initially, perfect for those looking for the Cadillac-like ride, but anyone looking for more feedback from the ground will need to change the fork oil. The stock tires are definitely aimed towards the touring/commuting crowd, and anyone looking for a sportier feel should invest in metzlers or pirelli's for a sharper turn.

And finally... the weight. The bike is anything but light. Once rolling, the weight seems to simply evaporate, leaving you with a light, flickable, playful and revvy joyride, but at a standstill, it is intimidating to anyone not familiar with a bike this tall. It is easily 50-70 pounds heavier than most other sportbikes on the road... even the more intimidating liter-class sportbikes, and most of the weight feels like it is in the tank. Combine this with the snatchy throttle, and takeoffs or stops on a corner should be respected and approached with caution.

Should you be unfortunate enough to dump her, however, rest assured, it's not as bad as you think it is. Most of the replacement parts are very affordable, ranging from $15 for the rear fairing peices to about $120 for the full front cowling. Most any OEM replacement part will be about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of any other sportbike on the road. Even the rims.

It would take a mechanic to appreciate some of the intricacies of the styling. The frame is beautifully molded around functionality and poise, and it gives you full range to work on any part you wish to reach with little fuss. The added bonus of a center stand shaves time off routine chain cleaning and rear-tire adjustments, assuring you'll be done and riding while everyone else is still balancing theirs up without the added cost of a rear-stand.

Final verdict? She'll teach you to ride responsibly. By merit of height, weight, power delivery and general attitude, she's MORE than capable of bucking you off at a moments notice. But all those same traits make it a stable, smooth ride that gives the rider confidence beyond their expectations. It is not recommended for short riders, it has a very tall seat height, and anyone under 5'8 will have a hard time at stop lights and in traffic. However, for a "beginners bike", it is a first-gear wheelie monger, glides up to 60mph before your first shift, and so well balanced that you can come to a complete stop... and THEN put your feet down. While it has a tendancy to run wide in the corners, a little muscle to find a line, and it'll track as well as any high-priced machine. It is more than happy to hang on in the chicane, and with a powerband that just pulls forever in the middle of the rev-range it'll inspire giggles as you pass them on the straightaways.