1st new bike/ need new info on FZ6,06, 650 V-strom

Hello Everyone, I'm looking for any positive or negative information on these two bikes.I'm 6'1" 225 and I'm going to purchase a Standard Motocycle.I've done about as much reading I can find on the internet, but mostly specs and from the companies only. I would like your guys opinions on these two Bikes. Yamaha Fz6 '06 and the Suzuki 650 V-stom '06. Thanks for your help                

Which one appeals to you more?

Both bikes are fine middleweights (well... the DL650 is more of a lightweight twin but why worry about semantics...).

The FZ6 is a sport standard, more suited for the city commute, highways and backroads. On asphalt. The DL650 is styled after the adventure tourer, and works equally well in the city, highways and backroads... but will take to the gravel fireroad as well.

Of the two, the FZ6 is more powerful and will be faster given it's got 2 more cylinders. The FZ6 will be a bit more sporty but given rider skill, I think it'll be a toss up as to which would be "quicker".

That's the 5-cent tour... again, which one appeals to YOU and what kind of riding do you want to do? Reviews of both bikes abound on the Internet, on Sport Rider and also on sister site, www.motorcyclistonline.com  

Thanks TEvo, for your response to my questions.I guess I didn't ask the right questions. I read an artical on the internet from Motorcyclist Magazine. Where they did a Road Test on Three Bikes. Honda 599, Susuki SV650, Yamaha FZ6. The Yamaha came in last because of the lack of the smooth shifting of gears and lack of response of the power to the tires, It's peaky. Artical from 2004. I guess what I'm looking for is some kind of feedback about the bikes from someone who has or still owns one. If this problem with the FZ6 still exists. And woul'd it still be a good choice for a new rider. Or woul'd it be too much for me to handle. Also I haven't seen any articals on the Dl650 V-strom anywhere, only on the DL1000. Is it safe to say they are about the same except for the engine size. Thanks Rusty  

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/22june04_2004vstrom650.htm
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/06june02suzuki2002vstrom.html

The DL1000 and DL650 have similar styling but significant differences. The 1000cc v-twin gives the 1000 not only more power but more weight. The DL1000 is also taller in seat height. Although the 1000 has more sophisticated and adjustable suspension, the DL650 feels more agile because it carries signiciantly less weight. The 1000 is too tall and top heavy for my liking, but then, I am 5'7" with a 30" inseam...

As for the FZ6, it's all relative. I know three people with them and they all seem happy with their purchase. They didn't go with the SV650S (too extreme a sitting position) or the 599 (too $$$ and no wind protection). It's rare to have a motorcycle that sucks these days. Just perhaps bikes that are more suited to an individual owner and/or their preferences.  

It's rare to have a motorcycle that sucks these days. Just perhaps bikes that are more suited to an individual owner and/or their preferences.

Have you ever had a ride on a Ural its one of those special rarities  

Oh, yeah, the Ural. Now there's a cult bike.

Yes, an acquaintance via a friend actually works at a Ural dealership here in NE IL. The copy of an ancient Beemer is rugged and with the sidecar, can be ridden almost like a snowmobile in the winter. Nifty 2WD system.

Plus, with the olive drab color, you can mount a (non-working?) .30cal on the sidecar. Cagers will think twice before cutting you off...

 

Sounds like just the vehicle for the frozen north for the stability and for large cities for the "intimidation factor" of the 30 cal. machine gun - now if we could actually have a real one with ammo...  

Getting back to the original question...try the DL650 on for size. You'll see that it isn't underpowered and is quite competent. If there is such a thing as a 'practical' bike, the DL gets my nod. lots of suspension travel, bike tank, good fuel economy (60+), reasonable to insure. At 417 lbs it is no lightweight, but it is lighter than a lot of them out there. Save some money for bags and a better windshield. Other than that, they seem to be bulletproof and they are a kick to ride.