FZR vs. YZF

[HellFyre]

Can someone tell me how the FZR and YZF compare?

I understand the difference between the YZF 600R (street/sport) and R6 (trackable), but where does the FZR fit in there. Is the FZR 600 the precursor to the R6?

-HellFyre

 

[longwaytofall]

fzr is cheaper, has been around since like 1988 or something, and is usually more of a beginner bike. parts are available like crazy.

 

[HellFyre]

Thanks, longwaytofall.

 

[assnelbo]

Basically, the FZR is older technology. Almost the same weight ( ~11 lbs. difference according to one of the links below), and it will be a little slower. It is known for it's good handling capabilities and reasonable price. Probably the best 600 class sportbike bargain around, but not the latest and greatest technology, and not the fastest. I included links to dyno charts for different years, aand some specs for both models. Don't know how accurate these numbers are, but surprisingly it looks like the '95 FZR600r has only 2 less HP than the 97 YZF listed below.

Got this off of another forum:

97 YZF 600R
Comp: 12.0:1
Wheelbase: 55.7in
Seat Height: 31.7
Fuel Cap: 4.9gal
Weight: wet-485lbs
Hp: 88.5@11,00RPM
Tq: 45.9@9,750RPM

http://www.motorsports-network.com/YAMAHA/YZF600/
http://www.tourtimemedia.com/fzr/
http://www.midwayyamaha.net/parts/sportbikespecs.htm
http://fzrarchives.com/fzr/fzr600/the_bike/the_bike.html

 

[V4]

I wish they kept the FZR1000 & YZF1000 ....I really liked those things.....

 

[kevo]

I wish they kept the FZR1000 & YZF1000 ....I really liked those things.....

They did.... They're now called YZF-R1


J, if you can swing it, go with the yzf. They feel lighter than the FZRs of yore. It made low speed turns feel easier. And the passenger seat is way more comfy than the FZR.

 

[yzsofst]

i'd say if u can see taking a passenger in the future to go with the yzf, much more comfy

 

[donoman]

I think the FZR is a better value. And I don't think it's quite as large as the YZF.

Look at my avatar, the FZR looks tiny.

The FZR is much more popular. Parts are wayyy cheap. I think the YZF motor is an evolved FZR long-stroke motor so they should feel about the same. The YZF looks better and has somewhat adjustable front forks. Not really, though, I think it's just preload. The FZR has a LOAD of aftermarket shit for it cuz back in the day it was hot shit...

 

[HellFyre]

Yeah, of course you bike looks tiny in your avatar - Look at the size of your head!!

Is an FZR too small for a person 6'1"? I don't want to look like a circus clown riding a tricycle.

 

[levitation]

you ride an f2 right now? why go to a fzr? i had a fzr they are cool bikes, but moving from a f2 to a fzr600 is a sideways or step back in performance...so why do it?

*edit* I notice you have a 91 f2, not exactly new. but the fzr has not been changed since 89-98, save some differences in the 90 and up with the 91-92 having a single headlight. in other words a 97 fzr has the same tech as a 91 fzr which is the same year as your f2.

 

[HellFyre]

you ride an f2 right now? why go to a fzr? i had a fzr they are cool bikes, but moving from a f2 to a fzr600 is a sideways or step back in performance...so why do it?

*edit* I notice you have a 91 f2, not exactly new. but the fzr has not been changed since 89-98, save some differences in the 90 and up with the 91-92 having a single headlight. in other words a 97 fzr has the same tech as a 91 fzr which is the same year as your f2.

How nice of you to say that I ride an F2, but I don't...anymore at least. I binned it (not totalled, but more than I could fix) and was forced to sell it about a month ago. I was _so_ happy and comfortable with my F2, that am considering getting another one. However, I just wanted to throw the other 600-750cc bikes into the mix. But I had little-to-no info on the FZR.

What I'm looking for is a race-before-comfort bike (such as a GSXR, not a Katana) bike, early to mid 90's, in the 600-750cc range. When I do my searches I find the FZR popping up quite a bit and needed some info.

Here's another related question:

Since I know the F2 really well (having owned one), can you compare the FZR to an F2 in the following categories:

1. Power
2. Weight
3. Handling
4. Size (meaning, will I be sitting upright, or will I be lying down on the tank in comparison to the F2).

Thanks-
-HellFyre

 

[GooF2]

I'll sell you my F2 in a month or two if you're still looking for an F2 around then. I say get another F2. They are better than the FZR in almost every category. Good luck J!

 

[donoman]

Hey actually, if you're interested, I've been lazily thinking about selling my fully prepped FZR. All it would need is fairings offa e-bay and a fairing stay. But I'd sell it with all the track goodies (suspension, slicks, modifications) and a spare FZR parts bike. PM me if you're interested. I actually have everything it needs to be streetfightered-out, but most people don't like that look.

ALso check out www.fzrarchives.com for more info

 

[levitation]

How nice of you to say that I ride an F2, but I don't...anymore at least. I binned it (not totalled, but more than I could fix) and was forced to sell it about a month ago. I was _so_ happy and comfortable with my F2, that am considering getting another one. However, I just wanted to throw the other 600-750cc bikes into the mix. But I had little-to-no info on the FZR.

What I'm looking for is a race-before-comfort bike (such as a GSXR, not a Katana) bike, early to mid 90's, in the 600-750cc range. When I do my searches I find the FZR popping up quite a bit and needed some info.

Here's another related question:

Since I know the F2 really well (having owned one), can you compare the FZR to an F2 in the following categories:

1. Power
2. Weight
3. Handling
4. Size (meaning, will I be sitting upright, or will I be lying down on the tank in comparison to the F2).

Thanks-
-HellFyre

Ahh isee now. Well an fzr is ok with power. Nothing crazy, but not weak. Its got enough juice to bounce wheelies up in 1st and if you are good second. I really didn’t have an issue with it power wise. They click out high 11 qtr miles if that means anything.

Weight is not bad, but they are not light like new sport bikes, but certainly not heavy. They actually feel light because they are so narrow too. Looking around they seem to come in a bit under 450 wet, or 395 dry weight claimed.
Handling, I don’t remember too well, it was my first bike and I certainly was not hauling ass on it. I’ve seen people haul ass on them, so they can hold their own especially for their "age".
Seating is more sit up and beg and not as racy as newer 600s.
One thing they suck on is the front end and brakes. I remember the front end being too soft with no adjustments and the brakes being very wooden. I rode my friend’s fzr the other day and that reconfirmed those memories.


The fzr is a cool bike but has shortcomings, but more often than not the price of the fizzer makes it a great bang for the buck bike. But like I said, going from the f2 to the fzr may be a bit dissapointing to you.

 

[OaklandF4i]

I've owned a few FZR's (600's and 1000), even its predicessor, the FZ600. The FZR was the only 600 to have in the late 80's and into the early 90's. The 400 is still the bike to have racing in production 400.

While not competetive with the new 600's racing (nor would the F2 for that matter), its still makes a great mount for the track and the street at that price point ($2k range). Check out the FZR archives, lots of info for them there. IMO - for a track bike, I would go with the FZR as there are ton of aftermarket and used parts available for for it at very reasonable prices. Its a TCG favorite.

YZF600 was its replacement and the predecessor to the R6. It is both more comfortable and slightly more powerful. Also a great bike - I like to think of it as a VFR800 less 200cc's. I dissagree with the previous post about it feeling smaller than the FZR or more flickable. If the FZR is set up correctly, I think the FZR is better (ie feels smaller). As for the brakes... lines and pads make all the difference. Neither bike has the suspension of the new bikes - but both can modded to perform more than adequately for track days and keep it with most on the sunday rides when ridden well/sanely.

I wouldnt call the F2 a step up from the FZR, however it may be more refined and comfortable. The FZR stock seat is plywood and the 18 " rear wheel cuts down on the rubber choices (you still can find decent 150/80 rubber though B010) But there is less information and aftermarket parts available for the CBR (not knocking it, I ride a CBR).

There is a reason you see so many of them now (FZR's) - they were that dominant at the time. Great bikes now for the $$.

BTW - I'm 6' 200lbs and the FZR is just fine.

 

[herpantes]

Hey actually, if you're interested, I've been lazily thinking about selling my fully prepped FZR. All it would need is fairings offa e-bay and a fairing stay. But I'd sell it with all the track goodies (suspension, slicks, modifications) and a spare FZR parts bike. PM me if you're interested. I actually have everything it needs to be streetfightered-out, but most people don't like that look.

ALso check out www.fzrarchives.com for more info

Shit dono. Too bad you dont want the psycho project hawk in trade. I put an ad up on craigslist today, and I think I will be going with the FZR. I *HATE* how fat most sportbikes (esp. I-4's) are and I went and looked at a '93 fzr. I like, and the insurance isnt as bad as a newer SV. I am in. An FZR it shall be for me.

 

[squiddy]

How nice of you to say that I ride an F2, but I don't...anymore at least. I binned it (not totalled, but more than I could fix) and was forced to sell it about a month ago. I was _so_ happy and comfortable with my F2, that am considering getting another one. However, I just wanted to throw the other 600-750cc bikes into the mix. But I had little-to-no info on the FZR.

What I'm looking for is a race-before-comfort bike (such as a GSXR, not a Katana) bike, early to mid 90's, in the 600-750cc range. When I do my searches I find the FZR popping up quite a bit and needed some info.

Here's another related question:

Since I know the F2 really well (having owned one), can you compare the FZR to an F2 in the following categories:

1. Power
2. Weight
3. Handling
4. Size (meaning, will I be sitting upright, or will I be lying down on the tank in comparison to the F2).

Thanks-
-HellFyre

I believe most of your questions have been answered, but I'd like to share some thoughts as I own a '94.

The first thing that sucks about the fzr is getting tires. It has a 110 front and a 150 rear on an 18" rim. This gives you about 3 choices for tires although you could be worse off. Secondly, the forks use old damper rod technology which leaves no adjustment. You can install cartridge emulators which will give you some adjustability. Also, the shock bites as it also offers no adjustability besides preload (i think).

The good thing about the fzr is that it handles very well in stock form (even with it's 80's technology). Getting the front "race-teched" will make a big difference as well as adding a shock. I've done both to mine. An f2 is probably a better bike in regards to technology, but the fzr just 'works'...and it works pretty well. The fzr is actually my preferred street ride over my gixxer6. The fzr is actually quite capable on the track, but the problem is that it gives up 30+ hp to any newer 600 which will leave you ashamed on any straightaway (thus i ride the gixxer6). Hope this helps.....

 

[donoman]

My FZR has race-teched front forks,
Progressive rear shock,
beefy fork brace,
Pirelli slicks
Micron slip-on
Daytona steering damper...

And I shit you not, the bike handles better than my 2001(!!!!) F4i did, in stock form. At least, in terms of flickability, ground clearance, etc. And I also felt like the FZR was stronger below 8000 RPM than the CBR when I owned both and rode both.

Herpantes, my Fizzer is a 600 anyway, I thought you were looking for a 400? Those frames are the ones to get, aluminum. Booyow. Drop the 600 motor in there and rock & roll.

 

[sylence]

I have a stock shock on the highest setting i'm about 6'2" i fit ok would like it higher though u can prolly raise it with aftermarket shocks ?

 

[BAdassBoy]

I'll tell you what i know about the YZF.
The YZF has fully adjustable suspension, froint and back. The fork springs are soft. I bottom them out and i only weigh 145lbs. The YZF is rather heavy and porky in terms of its size. It feels a lot heavier compared to an R6. On the other hand, it is very comfortable. The wide and plush seat keeps me comfortable on all my rides and even if you're fat it's not a problem.
The YZF has comparable midrange against an older 01 R6.