Okay, here’s my experience with my 2012 Yamaha FZ6, told in a casual, blog-style format:
So, I picked up this 2012 Yamaha FZ6 a while back. It wasn’t exactly planned, more like a “fell into my lap” kind of deal. I’d been looking for something… I dunno, different? Something sporty but not a full-on superbike, and comfortable enough for longer rides. My buddy knew a guy who was selling his, and the price was right, so I figured, “Why not?”
First Impressions
When I first saw it, I was like, “Okay, this is pretty clean.” The previous owner had kept it in decent shape. No major scratches or dings, the usual wear and tear for a bike that age, but nothing scary. The black paint job still had some shine, and the seat wasn’t ripped up, which is always a plus.
I took it for a spin around the block. The engine fired right up – no weird noises or anything. Felt pretty smooth. The clutch was a little grabby, but I figured that was just me getting used to it. I’d mostly been riding cruisers before, so the riding position felt a bit forward-leaning at first, but not uncomfortable.
Getting Down to Business
After riding it home (which was about an hour-long ride), I started to really get a feel for the bike. Here’s what I did, step-by-step:
- Oil Change: First thing’s first. I always do an oil change on any used vehicle I get. Who knows when the last one was, right? It’s cheap insurance. Popped a new filter on there too.
- Checked the Tires:The tires were…okay. Not brand new, but not totally bald either. I made a mental note to replace them in the near future, just to be safe. I measured the tread depth and it was borderline.
- Chain Lube: The chain looked a bit dry, so I gave it a good cleaning and lubing. Made a surprising difference in how smooth the shifts felt.
- Checked the Brakes:Brake pads looked decent, but I flushed the brake fluid anyway. Again, cheap insurance. You don’t mess around with brakes.
- Air Filter Check:Pulled the air filter out, and it was pretty dirty. Tossed it and slapped in a new one.
Riding It!
After all that basic maintenance stuff, I felt way more comfortable really pushing the bike a bit. And let me tell you, this thing is fun. It’s got plenty of power for the street, but it’s not insane. I’ve heard people say the FZ6’s engine is a “detuned R6 engine,” and I can see that. It likes to rev, but it’s also pretty happy just cruising around town.
The handling is great. It feels light and nimble, easy to flick around corners. Definitely a step up from my old cruiser in that department. I’ve taken it on a few longer rides now, and the seat is surprisingly comfortable. My back was a little sore after the first couple of hours, but I’ve gotten used to the riding position now.
Minor Hiccups
It hasn’t been perfectly smooth sailing. I did have a little issue with the throttle sticking a bit, which was kind of annoying. I traced it to a slightly frayed throttle cable. Easy fix, just replaced the cable. Other than that, it’s been pretty solid.
Overall
All in all, I’m super happy with the FZ6. It’s a great all-around bike. It’s sporty, comfortable, and reliable. It’s not the newest or flashiest bike out there, but it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. And for the price I paid, I really can’t complain. If you’re looking for a good, used middleweight sportbike, I’d definitely recommend checking out a 2012 FZ6.
