Yamaha FZ6R

So let me get this right? It used to be that you bought a decent, biggish bike to learn on, one that was LAMS restricted, before you got the freedom and ‘R’ on your licence that means the full-fat motorcycling world was now your servant. “Hello, is that Yamaha? I’d like to de-restrict my mo’sycle as I’m no longer deemed a menace to society. I’ll bring it in.”

“Er, no you won’t!” It seems, as they say, that those were the good old days…

New laws have cut that option from us, with the brutality of a mafia kneecapping. Bikes that are LAMS registered must now stay that way for the entire life of the machine, regardless of the type of licence the rider holds. So grab that credit card and get a 300km/h Suzuki Hayabusa, but don’t go letting your FZ6R unleash its full 76hp potential. Laws and asses anyone?

So there’s no unrestricted afterlife for the FZ6R (or any LAMS bike). It’s a bit like having a supermodel as a girlfriend who’s only interested in tantric sex…

It’s not that the bike disappoints. Even in 47.6hp form, it’s no slow burner, and has the sort of linear and predictable power that new riders will appreciate and quickly master. But once your licence is ‘R’ed up, many will be left with no option but to swap the bike for another that will see them carry on their personal biking journey, regardless of wether they like this Yami or not.

And there is much to like about this bike. It’s a proper,full-sized bike that bigger riders will feel comfortable on from the off. It also has decent handling from its non-adjustable forks and preload-only rear shock for riders heading north to around 100kg. The brakes have a great feel to them and the styling’s as good as a $10k bike ($10,500 in this colour scheme) gets. It is the sort of bike you’d normally be in no rush to trader once your licence conditions changed.

The upright handlebars can be moved in their switchable mounts, offering the longer limbed a further 20mm of room and comfort. The seat also has two height settings, though comfort doesn’t really come into the equation for either of them. There’s really not much padding on either seat (mine or the bike’s), but even a short ride has the saddle’s edges digging in. It seems the moulded base of the seat has to span the steel subframe’s top tubes and the result is less bum luxury than you’d originally think or expect.

Seat aside, the FZ offers much to the rider. The fairing allows taller riders to get their knees in close to the slim flanks of the bike without jutting into sharp edges, and the upright seating position gives good posture for surviving the urban jungle.

The restriction in power from the YZF-R6-inspired inline four comes via a throttle plate that can’t be removed without destroying it (about $2000 to replace, as you’re asking), and limits the throttle’s normal movement to a fraction of that. The tacho’s redline is 11,700rpm, but the restrictor limits the actual 600cc mill to 10,000. In town, you can ride around happily without smacking the throttle to the limit, but get clear of the human soup and you’ll be hitting the throttle stops like a frenzied MotoGP racer chasing a lap record.

Combined with a slick six-speeder, the bike will teach you to plan your gears and speed ahead, and not rely on lazy power to torque you out of trouble. The relative lack of mumbo also reminds you of how power can be an evil mistress. The bike doesn’t have the kick to worry the basic suspension, overpower the brakes, or twist the frame in knots. But conversely, it doesn’t allow the rider to feel the ultimate flavour of riding the bike. It was designed to offer much more, and that’s a constant thought that a full-licence holder can have. The pillion seat removes to offer just enough room for a ‘U’-lock and the standard of fit and finish is what you’d expect from a Japanese-built Yamaha.

Looks-wise, the bike is up there with its peers. The sharp fairing, bee-sting tail unit and midship exhaust offer much more than legislation allows the engine to deliver. And that’s the rub. In unrestricted form (with about 50 per cent more power and full acceleration), the FZ6R would be many rider’s ideal of a proper mid-size bike, without having the expense and hassle of trading up. As it is, it’s likely destined to a life of rider swaps every few years, as it offers a strangled glimpse into what motorcycling offers. And that’s a real shame.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC, 16-valve in-line four-cylinder
Capacity: 600cc
Bore x stroke: 65.5mm x 44.5mm
Compression ratio: 12.2:1
Engine management: Fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: Not given
Claimed maximum torque: Not given

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: High tensile tubular steel, diamond shaped
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Monoshock
Front brakes: Dual 260mm discs
Rear brake: 298mm disc
Tyres: Front 120/70-17, rear 160/60-17