jeepinoutwest
Junior Member
Ok since a few people have asked for this here it is. First here is my background. I owned an 05 FZ6 for which i put on over 8000 miles. I also owned an 09 Versys which I put on 7000 miles. I just trades my 09 Versys in on a brand new 09 Black FZ6. So here are my thoughts.
First let me start with my initial impression and then explain. My first ride on my new FZ6 had me feeling like I just traded in my '64 Ford Falcon 6 cylider for a brand new Lexus is350.
First the numbers Versys 60hp at rear wheel, top speed 115mph
FZ6 92hp (approx) at rear wheel, top speed 154mph
Ok so here are the issues i had with my 05 FZ6 in 8000 miles: (crickets)
Ok so here are the issues I had with my 09 Versys: (in no order)
1. There was an incessant loud buzz that came from the front cowl that required me to stuff it with window insulation to quiet it.
2. The mirrors would not stay put (wind pushed them in towards you) and I broke one off trying to tighten them. This happened before I installed extenders.
3. Mirrors were useless and required mirror extenders.
4. The stock seat was so bad I had to send it out to get reappolstered.
5. No temp guage.
6. No rear hugger, back side got filthy in rain.
7. I snapped of the right footpeg under my own weight (175lbs) and an analysis showed that is was cracked more than half way through for some time. Could tell by the oxidation process.
8. Seems to be getting harder to start at 7000 miles, might have needed plugs.
9. Overall poor fit and finish
10. Clutch cable stretch more than any other bike ive owned.
11. No center stand.
Ok the meat and potatoes. First the engine. The Versys feels like an underpowered ford motor from the 60s, while the FZ has much more power and is as smooth as a modern lexus. The Versys had decent linear power but second gear topped out at around 60mph. Seems like the Versys is a much rougher design. Yes, I know the difference between a parallel twin and an inline 4. The transmission on the Versys is more notchy and less presice, both are 6 speeds. The clocks on the FZ are much nicer, easier to read and more informative. They also look of a higher quality. The Versys is also very highly suspended which is fine, but even puts me at 6'1" tall on my toes at stoplights. (i did have the seat modified and raised shightly to include more level padding) I like being flat footed in my FZ. handling: Well, this is a Versys strong suit. It handles great. It is a toss up as to which bike wins here, but it is the Versys' best feature. Versys also sports a 160 rear tire as opposed to the FZs 180. Braking, hands down the win goes to the FZ. Versys brakes are mediocre at best but unless you ride hard you'll be fine. Ergonomics, The Versys seat is awful but there is more room on a Versys than an FZ. The FZ has a more compact seating position. I did have to install peg lowering block to acheive this good position on the Versys. fueling is good on both bikes. My biggest complaint was with the Versys power, while it allegedly has 60hp it doesnt even feel like it has that much. Ive had cruisers that had a higher top speed and quicker acceleration.
So in conclusion, The FZ is simply way more polished, stronger and faster and a better bike in almost every regard. If anyone has specific questions, if I missed something, just ask.
First let me start with my initial impression and then explain. My first ride on my new FZ6 had me feeling like I just traded in my '64 Ford Falcon 6 cylider for a brand new Lexus is350.
First the numbers Versys 60hp at rear wheel, top speed 115mph
FZ6 92hp (approx) at rear wheel, top speed 154mph
Ok so here are the issues i had with my 05 FZ6 in 8000 miles: (crickets)
Ok so here are the issues I had with my 09 Versys: (in no order)
1. There was an incessant loud buzz that came from the front cowl that required me to stuff it with window insulation to quiet it.
2. The mirrors would not stay put (wind pushed them in towards you) and I broke one off trying to tighten them. This happened before I installed extenders.
3. Mirrors were useless and required mirror extenders.
4. The stock seat was so bad I had to send it out to get reappolstered.
5. No temp guage.
6. No rear hugger, back side got filthy in rain.
7. I snapped of the right footpeg under my own weight (175lbs) and an analysis showed that is was cracked more than half way through for some time. Could tell by the oxidation process.
8. Seems to be getting harder to start at 7000 miles, might have needed plugs.
9. Overall poor fit and finish
10. Clutch cable stretch more than any other bike ive owned.
11. No center stand.
Ok the meat and potatoes. First the engine. The Versys feels like an underpowered ford motor from the 60s, while the FZ has much more power and is as smooth as a modern lexus. The Versys had decent linear power but second gear topped out at around 60mph. Seems like the Versys is a much rougher design. Yes, I know the difference between a parallel twin and an inline 4. The transmission on the Versys is more notchy and less presice, both are 6 speeds. The clocks on the FZ are much nicer, easier to read and more informative. They also look of a higher quality. The Versys is also very highly suspended which is fine, but even puts me at 6'1" tall on my toes at stoplights. (i did have the seat modified and raised shightly to include more level padding) I like being flat footed in my FZ. handling: Well, this is a Versys strong suit. It handles great. It is a toss up as to which bike wins here, but it is the Versys' best feature. Versys also sports a 160 rear tire as opposed to the FZs 180. Braking, hands down the win goes to the FZ. Versys brakes are mediocre at best but unless you ride hard you'll be fine. Ergonomics, The Versys seat is awful but there is more room on a Versys than an FZ. The FZ has a more compact seating position. I did have to install peg lowering block to acheive this good position on the Versys. fueling is good on both bikes. My biggest complaint was with the Versys power, while it allegedly has 60hp it doesnt even feel like it has that much. Ive had cruisers that had a higher top speed and quicker acceleration.
So in conclusion, The FZ is simply way more polished, stronger and faster and a better bike in almost every regard. If anyone has specific questions, if I missed something, just ask.
