2012 Yamaha FZ Review

A line of burly street bikes with powerful fuel-injected engine and affordable pricing the Yamaha FZ1 and FZ6R are both sure-footed machines, designed to be attuned to the rigors of riding today’s urban streets. The FZ1 is the larger and more powerful of the two bikes. It’s a great motorcycle for commuter riders or those who enjoy a bit of weekend touring. The FZ6R is lighter and easier to handle. It’s also got a slightly more entry-level price tag, which makes it a great bike for beginner riders.

The 2012 Yamaha FZ1 is a capable street bike that provides the kind of top-notch real-world performance that can make even your daily commute seem exciting. Bolstered by cutting edge sport bike technology, the 2012 FZ1 boasts an engine and chassis design that is state of the art. Despite the excellent performance and handling the bike delivers, it also comes through in terms of rider and passenger comfort. The bike’s cutting edge style and power, which were inspired by the Yamaha R1, are contained in a twin spar aluminum frame that sports aggressive chassis geometry. With a 51 percent front wheel weight bias, inspired by Yamaha Supersport bikes, the 2012 FZ1 provides for handling that’s quick and nimble. The bike’s compact 998cc engine is tuned with mid-range power in mind, but is still capable of delivering a lot of juice on the top end. A precise fuel/air mixture is provided by the FZ1’s computer-controlled fuel injection with sub throttle valves. The bike has a closed-deck cylinder block that provides for good structUral soundness, while enabling its narrow engine. The cylinders are lined with high silicon-content ceramic-composite that helps reduce friction and maximize heat dissipation; ensuring power delivery that’s consistent under most conditions. The 2012 Yamaha FZ1’s radiator was inspired by race bikes and is cooled by twin ring-style fans. The bike’s aggressive profile stems in part from its half-cowl fairing design. The instrument display features a high-tech design and includes an analog tachometer, digital speedometer, dual trip meter with miles on reserve function, odometer, water temperature and lights for neutral, high beams, low fuel and turn signals. There’s also a fade-in lighting feature with adjustable brightness.

The 2012 Yamaha FZ6R is a more entry-level bike that’s also great for commuter riding. More stylish-looking than many other bikes in its price range, the FZ6R is a 600cc bike that delivers respectable levels of performance, handling, and sport bike styling. The FZ6R’s low, adjustable seat means the bike can fit a wide variety of different riders. A bike that’s well suited for today’s streets, the 2012 Yamaha FZ6R has an engine that delivers power smoothly and accelerations that’s brisk, with plenty of torque. Riding around town on the FZ6R is just easy and fun. Plus there’s plenty of power in reserve if you need or want it. This extra power also makes the FZ6R a great motorcycle for taking winding weekend runs through canyons or along the coast. The bike’s fuel-injected engine shares bore and stoke dimensions with the discontinued Yamaha FZ6. However certain components – the cylinder head, crankcase, intake and exhaust system, clutch, and shifter – were completely designed for the 2012 Yamaha FZ6R. The bike’s 600cc four-stroke engine is liquid-cooled and delivers smooth, linear power at the twist of a throttle. Maximum output is achievable at 10,000 rpm and max torque at 9000. The bike delivers low and mid engine performance that are simply outstanding. It’s also got exciting sport bike looks and a handlebar position that can be adjusted easily by rotating the handlebar clamps to optimize rider comfort. In terms of affordable, capable street bikes, both the 2012 Yamaha FZ1 and FZ6R are worthy contenders that are on par with the best in their respected classes.