my first bike

[88Nightmare]

Just picked up a 2008 Yamaha FZ6 on saturday. Its a brand new, leftover 2008 model. So far I love it. I've had my fair share of motorcross bikes, however this is my first street bike. It has a slightly detuned R6 motor on more of an upright frame.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l44/88nightmare/fz001.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l44/88nightmare/fz002.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l44/88nightmare/fz003.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l44/88nightmare/fz004.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l44/88nightmare/fz005.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l44/88nightmare/fz006.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l44/88nightmare/fz007.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l44/88nightmare/fz008.jpg

There's a few things I'd like to do with it. The bike only runs 1 headlight (it has that "popeye" look). One side is lowbeam, the other is highbeam. Found a way on an FZ6 forum to convert the wiring harness slightly and change out the bulbs with dual filaments so they both run lowbeams at the same time, and then both activate highbeams with the factory switch, then maybe swap in some HID's.

I'd also like to get the windscreen tinted a little bit.

Other then that, I love it. It's pretty fun so far.

[WickedSix]

Awesome choice! I'd thought about getting an FZ1 for awhile now ... I kind of miss having a sport/touring type bike

[0TransAm0]

looks nice. add a undertail kit to your list :thumbsup

[88Nightmare]

my friends dad has an 06 model, and I took it for a spin a few times.... ever since then, I knew what I wanted.

[88Nightmare]

looks nice. add a undertail kit to your list :thumbsup

I'm still new with all the street bike stuff.... what is an undertail kit?

[0TransAm0]

it removes all the crap hanging down in the back where you plate attaches too. makes it nice and clean. still has a place for the blinkers and plate tho..
this is what i ment.
http://www.xdcycle.com/discount-motorcycle-accessories/2003-2008-Yamaha-FZ6-Fender-Eliminator-Trick-Kit-Competition-Werkes.html

[-stew-]

Cool bike! Good deal on the left over model! I think they made some changes for the worse in '09. Shittier suspension if i recall correct.

:thumbsup

[88Nightmare]

bookmarked.

I'd want it black.... Could probably get it powdercoated...

[88Nightmare]

Cool bike! Good deal on the left over model! I think they made some changes for the worse in '09. Shittier suspension if i recall correct.

:thumbsup

I couldn't even tell ya. When comparing to my buddies dad's 2006 model, a few things we noticed are:

2006 has silver forktubes, my 2008 has black
2008 has an even smaller front fairing then his 06
2008 has a different gauge cluster setup
2008 has rubber on the tops of the passenger footpegs, 2006 does not
2008 has a helmet lock, 2006 does not
end of the swingarm is nicely beveled on the 2008, 2006 is just plain rectangular
2008 came with factory Bridgestone Battleaxe tires, 2006 did not
my 2008 has a color matched front fender, 2006 is just black

As far as actual mechanical differences, his handlebars may be ever so slightly farther forward then on my 08. Not sure on any other mechanical differences.

[MoCkiN U]

Mike, I would possibly look at bike stands soon too. That will help you store it upright and do the maintenance as needed along the way. There are all kinds out there and one member is selling a set here. I'll try to find that post but harbor freight sells an aluminum one too thats like $40 for the rear. Just measure the rear swingarm to see if its narrow enough.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=99701

[Exitspeed]

Dale told me you got this. Nice.

[88Nightmare]

Mike, I would possibly look at bike stands soon too. That will help you store it upright and do the maintenance as needed along the way. There are all kinds out there and one member is selling a set here. I'll try to find that post but harbor freight sells an aluminum one too thats like $40 for the rear. Just measure the rear swingarm to see if its narrow enough.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=99701

It has a factory centerstand that came with it


Dale told me you got this. Nice.

When are you getting your bike out on the road? We all gotta go for a ride.

[Exitspeed]

It has a factory centerstand that came with it



When are you getting your bike out on the road? We all gotta go for a ride.

As soon as the mf wants to run right. :mad:

[SSScottSS]

That's one hell of a first bike... looks nice!!!!!

[88Nightmare]

thanks! It's not the fastest thing on the road, but its all the power I need. Jer and I went out and rode maybe 40 miles today, and when he got on it with his TLR, he ran away from me with ease. I just want to have some fun carving some corners. Still need to work on that. I'm lacking a lot of confidence in leaning it over. Just takes time I'm sure.

[SSScottSS]

I've only been riding 4 years now, so I consider myself a motorcycle "noob". I recently got a video titled "Twist of the Wrist Vol. 2" by Keith Code. It was recommended on some cycle sites.

While kind of corny, it has what appears to be some very good info on cornering. I know the best advice is a "school" for riding, but watching a video does fit the time schedule a lot easier.

[88Nightmare]

I plan on taking a motorcycle safety course for starters as soon as I can get into one. Even the seasoned riders I have talked to that took the course say they learned a thing or two, and said it was a good overall experience, so I figured that would be a good start.

[Crawlin]

cool bike!! gonna be alot of fun!

read those sites, and watch those videos. all the information you can gather will help. I always took a road I know very well and practiced.

stay safe!

[1320PNY]

I had an '01 FZ-1 from new to fall of 2005. One of the best things you can do as you get comfortable is swap sprockets. I went down 1 in the front and up 2 in the rear. Allows for use of the stock chain length, but helps keep the TLs and GSXRs in sight.

I just cut the plastic off the plate bracket, heated it to smooth the edge, and people asked where I got the undertail kit. If you take any serious trips, you can get a nice set of matching soft bags for it. I got mine factory direct in Manitowoc from Dowco.

Nice bike, have fun, be safe.

[VroomPshhTsi]

Awesome bike! It's on my list of top 5 bikes to get when I get back to riding.