Ok, so here is my take on it. Yamaha made the YZF600R for years without a redesign, the YZF has a cult following just as strong as ours and when they discontinued that bike in 07 they left a hole in their product lineup. My opinion is that they were not ready to discontinue the YZF yet, but it would not meet new emissions standards in the industry so they had to get rid of it. I do not think this is meant as a FZ6 replacement (weird about the name though) but to fill the void of a supersport that was a bit more comfy, adjustable and practical than the R6. It has much of the performance that the YZF had, as well as the weight and riding position. My hat is off to Yamaha in keeping their mpre practical customers in mind when redesigning this bike. The FZ is safe in my book and will hold ot's own in the touring realm for a long time to come.
Also with my Wife being a woman and a rider i think that it is about time that someone thought of adjustable seat height and adjustable bars make this bike able to be easily adjusted for women riders. it seems that whenever a woman rider comes along they are always looking for a lowering link kit or have to go for a gs500, ex500 or something low end like that. it is nice that they are paying attention to the trends of the market and making something that can be very capable while being adjustable with the growing number of women riders joining the sport, while still being a very suitable bike that can be used by Men without them feeling like they are riding an "Inferior" bike to learn on once again like the ex500 or gs500...
, W speed rated tires, heavier, and holds less gas. And you get a full fairing.
