Great to see the FZ6R come out on top! I've owned mine for almost a year now and it really is a fantastic all-round bike. It might not be the fastest or the lightest but it is so versatile. All day riding comfort for touring, easy to manage around town for commuting, and enough power to keep you entertained on the twistys. Plus in my opinion the bike looks fantastic!
@Adrian T the quietness of that stock exhaust was a massive sales point for me haha thing sounds like it’s electric then with the lovely induction noise.
@@Seasniffer1969They did that for insurance companies. A Yamaha dealership told me in Ontario alot of the brokers didn’t want to insure the R6 and some had issues with the fz6 so they detuned it.
I have the 2015 Yamaha FZ6R and I added the 2012 graphics kit to spruce it up and it looks and rides amazing!!!! Best Motorcycle I’ve ever owned!!!! ❤❤❤
Nicely done. Please remember too that not everyone watching this has great canyon roads like you do. Riding comfort at maybe a 60% pace counts for a LOT in real life.
600cc supersports haven't changed much. 2015 is the year of the superbike however--new R1, H2/R, new S1000R, new RSV4, and 1299 Panigale among others. Can't wait for that review!
In case you're wondering, yes, those are just about the exact same handlebar controls that have been on every kawasaki since like 1988, just black instead of grey. You are not hallucinating.
I really enjoy your reviews. One thing about the cbr 650 though: I own this bike and recently installed some weighted bar ends on it. The result is they reduced any buzz to pretty much nil. The bars are very smooth throughout the rev range now. So with the higher power and nicer swing arm than the others in this review, I think you would really like it. Its an excellent all rounder.
I had the bike for 2500 miles then sold it for a street triple-very fun bike. It got smoother, but never got to where I wanted until I put bar end weights on. So..it still was viby at 2500 miles.
Ninja 650 - I owned the first year 2006. Paid $6400 OTD. You reach the limits of the front suspension really fast. The breaks fade. I'm 6'2", 175#, 34" inseam. The Ninja was all day comfortable but take it on the highway and get ready to be fatigued by the lack of wind protection - and I had the ZG Touring screen on mine! Yamaha FZ-6R - This bike has been around FOREVER! It's had a few different changes to the designation but basically it's been around since the 80's as a detuned version of the FZR 600. There's not a thing wrong with this bike, and in fact the best version of this bike, IMHO, was the Yamaha YZF 600R built from 1997 to 2007. The 2004 was MSRP at $7,100! Cycle World called it the best used bike buy. It had fully adjustable front and rear suspensions - unheard of today or even back then. The bike put out 87HP and did 11 second quarter miles at a speed of 120mph, with a top speed of 155mph. This current version doesn't compare! Yamaha gives you their bargain basement non-adjustable suspension, and the motor has been detuned for only about74hP according to this report. I mean WTF YAMAHA?! We going backwards just for you? Honda - I owned the Interceptor, so for them to say it reminded them of that bike makes me think this is the handler of the pack. certainly build quality is better than the other two - TRUST ME on that! The bike just inspires confidence and feels so planted that I have no doubt the Honda 650 is a great bike.
Nice leaf placement there at the end HA! Good video. It was nice to not have the wind noise you've had in other videos. I would love to hear how these compare to the Suzuki SV 650, being that you all have talked about it before in middle weight shoot outs. I would bet many of your readers are looking to update or upgrade from older bikes not just get one for the first time fresh off the show room floor.
I got the Ninja 650 -09 and I really like the bike. I've ridden it on track and on street and it's always been great. I'm 190cm and 120kg(240lb) and I do not have problems with the angle of the knee. I've ridden the naked FJ6 and it was quite a bit smoother than the -09 ninja, but the Ninja doesn't annoy me. I usally ride for 3 hours with a 5min break every hour and have not have problems with riding 300km(186miles) in a day. None of the things I didn't like about the bike when I got it can be fixed. The biggest complain I got about the -09 is that the forks are to soft, but I think adding a bit more oil would fix it. If you get sliders for the bike it will reduce vibrations (which hasn't annoyed me) with about 50-60%.
I ride the FZ6 and seems like the bike I was meant to ride. The size, the power, the nimble turning, the brakes, and of course the look (blue). Yamaha's are quality machines that I trust and understand. I also ride a Yamaha ATV in my work. I am waiting to see if they breed and make little Fazer ATV's.
I've had 2 FZ6'S and can tell you can't go wrong with it. great engine great transmission. The seat could use a little work, but other than that a great bike. No bike is perfect but for the money it is spot on.
I ve got the Yamaha fz ( it s called XJ6 here in Europe) for about 18 months and I m very happy with it. Friends of mine that own R6, Suzuki Gxr, Hornets and others that ride good bykes for many years, after riding mine were impresed about how it handles, riding position, wind protection, height and so on. The engine has a lot of torque from low revs, it s not a sport bike, it s a fun bike. Before buying it , I ve tryed the Kawasaki ninja ( called ER6 f in Europe) and I was disappointed, u can see why it s cheaper, also the sound of the engine is soo sweet on Yamaha, the Kawa sounds like a tractor. Downside with Yamaha: heavy and the engine runs at a very high temperature, nice in winter, but no so much in Spanish summer. If I would recomend a beginner bike that s Honda Cbf 500, very cheap to buy and own, 5500 euros with abs.
Thanks, excellent review guys! I like that you are taking the time to review average Joe middle class bikes and not only +200 hp bling exoticas, keep up the good work :-)
My best friend and I have 2012 FZ6R and Ninja 650. I feel like the brakes on his 650 are much better than my FZ and his bike feels incredibly light and flickable in comparison to mine. However, he has pricey tires and clip ons. All in all, been riding my FZ6R daily for just over 2 years now and love it. Comfy enough to go hours and quick/sporty enough to ride mountains with super sports. For anyone on the fence, go get one. The used ones are also stupid cheap in my area, a pristine 2012 on craigslist right now a little under 4k.
Does anyone else get annoyed about the separate headlights for low beam and high beam on the ninja? It looks like every ninja 650 has a broken headlight
Every "honest" tester that has ridden the new Honda CBR650F has complained about the excessive buzziness of the engine. What a shame. Painful numb hands and feet are not something I will accept from a bike. Honda really needs to get this issue corrected ASAP. Besides that the bike is really under-performing for the price. What should have been a slam-dunk home-run of a bike for them has turned out to be another dud. And with the historic lineage of this particular model, that's an even bigger shame.
Zone Tv The Gladius (which I own), with a few choice upgrades will be as capable as most would find really usable on the streets. Of course it will never be cutting edge hardcore sportbike, but awesome all around and plenty for most people even in a sporting role. The only really bad thing about the bike is that for any decent braking capability you have to upgrade the master cylinder and pads, which as soon as I get the valve check/adjustment done will be my next thing for this bike.
is it comfortable? I am thinking of getting the 2016 one and as I ride with my girlfriend, and want the seat to be comfortable to both of us in terms of soft, the pegs not too high (for her mostly) and the seat big enough. Thank you!
I have a 2016 Honda CBR650F and I have put 16000 miles and is fast ,comfortable and good on gas. I also put the two brothers tarmac full exhaust, heater grips and ABS. I was going to buy the CBR100RR and I had to give up my 650F. I decide to wait because the CBR1000RR is not the right bike to commute or travel long distance.
One's a sportbike, the other is a supersport. One is a bike for noobs, the other will get a noob killed. Money is not a factor here as much as safety and confidence. Also, your 2012 is outdated as well as USED.
Very good review, i got a fz6 and is a corner eater. But. My atual time demands a cheap bike so i was considering a honda cbr 250r for its commuter bike and cheap pieces and maintance...
justa crlon I have the CBR650F as well. I keep hearing about vibrations at low rpm from some people, but I don't know what the hell they are on about, and I drive it comfortably through the tough roads of London. I don't feel a thing.. It does have an uncommon low rpm sound than you'd usually get from most bikes, but that's just being really picky. Personally, I love this bike.
I love my FZ. Take the noob curb feelers off the pegs and you won't drag so early. Put flush signals up front and take the huge fender off the back and it looks better too. It tops out at double the average highway speed limit and corners like it is on rails, what's not to love?
Based off of what they said, no because of the suspension being kind of eh. You could see how soft it was in the video. I have a little bit older fz6 and I can confirm that it is very much is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Even with its soft suspension. My buddy has a newer Honda and compared to the fz it feels, In every way, faster and more focused than my FZ (only when you first sit on it) after a while you notice it doesn't guide you or lay down into a corner like the fz. Bang for buck get an fz I got an 07 for $2500 in Florida. Plus CENTERSTAND! FZ only
I wish Yamaha would update the engine and lighten up the bike. I mostly wish they would give us a bit more out of the engine and not down tune it so much (so it would be more fun for experienced riders). I would buy one if it was a good deal like the fz 07 and was updates, especially now that many of the brands are fazing out the supersports sadly. middleweight bikes have usually been my favorite as they can have enough power to keep me entertained if they have about 85 hp or more and yet not so much that they require so much rider aids to be rideable for someone who isn't an expert. I really like the new naked bikes in the fz 09 range, but for me they are a bit too much. I really want power between the fz 07 and the fz 09 with a top end rush, and if they can have a fairing, all the better. but as things are now, I really want a street triple as it is such a great all around fun bike that handles great. it feels in some ways like a super sport but is comfy, and has some get up and go down below
Agree I have a 2016 Honda CBR650F and I have put 16000 miles and is fast ,comfortable and good on gas. I also put the two brothers tarmac full exhaust. I was going to buy the CBR100RR and I had to give up my 650F. I decide to wait because the CBR1000RR is not the right bike to commute or travel long distance.
Liam Ryan I get the feeling they liked and respected all of them, but that the Honda was $2k too expensive for what it is and it's buzziness is inexcusable at any price. They were ready to love the Kawasaki, due to good price, but we're let down by the high pegs in real life, and Yamaha just nailed it. (Which is why it won even without being as recently refreshed as the others)
Great video. These happen to be the 3 bikes im currently trying to pick from. Still none the wiser tho, leaning towards the Honda but I feel they might refine it in a future version...
Ninja 650 brought me here. it looks Awesome, and I can dig the Twin sound with a stock pipe. I like the Swing Arm on the Ninja over the Yamaha's, and the Honda is too expensive ($8k-10K) for a buzzy bike. No thanks on the Honda.
I've got the Ninja and I love it for commuting/long distances/Sundays, but I'm relieved it's not just me who thinks it's vague on the front end sometimes. I hadn't thought about replacing the handlebars though. Do you guys have any you'd recommend?
I have a 14 Ninja 650 and replaced the handlebars with bikemaster superbars. It is lower for sure than stock and took me a few hundred miles for my body to get adjusted to it. I was having some aches and pains cause of the lower position. It sure handles better now for front end feel. Or you can go Ninja 650 sport bars. Either way give your body some time to adjust cause some people are more flexible than others.
You should've included the Hyosung GT650R, it's cheaper than all of these, has upside down KYB forks and rear suspension, makes more power than the Ninja, not saying it would be the best, but I'm sure it'd do well. When I first saw the Honda I was thrilled, not so much when I found out it's made in Thailand, and now I find out it's the most expensive in the category! I like the Ninja too but that's also made in Thailand.
+srinu20040303 Why would you want a 600+cc bike in India? There are very few places where you can actually ride fast enough for it to be any better than a 250cc.
Just sayin bro. And we do actual ally have good road infrastructure in some places. When you buy a bike like this you won't ride it every day. We only use them for weekend rides or long rides. Not for daily commutes.
+kartiktraj We have roads bro.. I have a 250cc for two years now and now I am feeling a lack of power, so willing to upgrade to a 600-650ish cc sports tourer...as I ride a lot and also tour often...
CBR600Fi was and stil is the BEST 600 that Honda ever made. It was sports bike that was set up for road. This 650 is touring bike that just can go fast. If you want performance and sporty feel, you need to pay more for RR.
I have an XJ6 Diversion it's identical to the FZ6R appearance wise, so have to assume it's a newer engine in the FZ6R as the XJ6 Diversion was discontinued.
I know you guys only rate stock bikes, but a lot of 650 ninja riders put sport bars and a after market exhaust with a power commandor. So I wonder what it would look like you you tricked out a few bikes in this class and put them head to head. It would be a very cool first.
First of all thanks for reviewing these bikes side by side, Honda cbr650f is more quality all over when comparing it with the other bikes specially the rear swing arm when you compare it with the other two which looks like a very cheap china made thin aluminium tubes the dash cluster is way better than the other two the fuel tank is not plastic the bars are way better you get 180 tyres at the back you get a way better brake system on it and much more and its a brand new model so the price has to be higher then the other two. when they say the Honda buzzed out more obviously looks like they never ridden a four cylinder bike before. cut out the cat and weld on a slip on exhaust then you see what this motorcycle turns into believe me you would not want any other bike apart from Honda cbr650f.
best ever review seen about motorcycle, you guy's know your job very well, thanks, please make a review and compare about yamaha fz1 fazer vs bmw s1000xr and suzuki gsx s1000 f, if any one read this and our opinion is important, many thanks
FZ1 is street/touring bike, FZ-10 is street(naked), s1000xr is adv-touring bike, gsxs is street bike. Now, what is your purpose? Street, weekend mountain rides for sweeps and twisties? Take FZ-10 or Suz; While looks/sound are personal opinions, reliability wise, I would choose Yamaha or suzuki. Also, they are less cost of maintenance in the long run. You can get FZ1 brand new, left overs for pretty cheap and buy an after market headlight naked conversion kit or wait for FZ-10 with street version of R1 (both FZ1 and FZ-10 have same power, but more electronics on the latter). I've never ridden or owner BMW/Suzuki, but Go to specific forums and see what they complain about their rides..! Good luck, ride safe.
Hi! Would have been nice if you included the Suzuki GSX650F in your shoot out. :(I have a 2014 GSX650F and love it. Except maybe for the seat doing long distance rides. 300-600 kms day rides. ( Thank goodness for the air hawk cushion!) I've got just over 81 000 kms on it. Rides like the day I rode it out of the showroom. That's with the Suzuki scheduled maintenance.
Why don't they put the Versys and that type of bike in this comparison? Many potential buyers of these bikes will also look into the Versys and Nc750x, for example.
I'd pick the Honda. They made a great sportbike that best represents bikes from the last 20 years in a modern way. Not everybody seeks out a bike that'll do 200 mph. I will buy one because it has the feel of the older bikes. BTW, I'd never buy anything from your reviews.
I don't understand the "bent knees" complaint I see so often regarding riding position. I'm over 6 feet and the 650 doesn't bother me in the least. It's a motorcycle, not a Lay Z Boy, how freakin' creaky and inflexible *are* you?
Hey guys, how y'all. I am from India and want your suggestions. Now, over here, the CBR 650F ABS and Kawasaki Z800 ABS cost the same. Although its like comparing chalk with cheese,but which one would you suggest.Thought I'd ask the experts!Thanks
I didn't care to much for the sound of the engine and the seat had one position for me and that was nuts in the gas tank. Also the gas mileage wasn't all that great. I averaged about 38 or so and I wouldn't even be whipping the throttle around like that.
The newer Ninja 650 are a new bike, in the seating area is much improved, and so is mpg. Even if the pegs are a little to high for taller people, that can be fixed fairly easy & cheaply with lower pegs. The 2006 to11 bikes wasn't as nice in some ways, that is a fact.
I had the 2013 the Kawasaki Ninja (ER6 in the UK) but now have the Yamaha (2013 XJ6 in the UK). Both are great bikes but he Yamaha wins on high and low speed handling by a noticeable margin. Also, the ninja engine was a but lumpy and harder to control at low speed and revs.
I had the chance to ride a Yamaha US equivalent of the XJ6, or a FZ6r I think ? And it did seem to handle good, also many others have said the same, the only area I felt it lacking was the power for a 4 cyc of close 600cc, the weight was about on par with the Ninja 650 so no biggie. You was lucky to ride both for awhile so that helps a lot..Overall it's a nice bike !
Why does this class of bike not get inverted forks? Is it really that much more expensive? Ninja 1000 are going for a little over 10k with rebates right now. I think it offers a lot more for a little bit more money.
Silky smooth inline 4 above 4k - optional ABS - HISS security chip - all new model - cast aluminium swing arm - turbine wheels - underbelly exhaust - 4-2-1 pipes - very large banana seat to move around - niggle free transmission and better looking of the three aswell. The Ninja is about 8 years old, so is the FZ6R in terms of mechanicals barring cosmetic upgrades. plus 60mpg when sedate and 50mpg when thrashed. Higher top end, quickest to 60mph at 3.5 and better fit and finish. Don't see why they shouldn't be charging the premium on an all new bike
cagednm69 Exactly your right buddy when you look at the rear swing arm on the other two bikes they look very crappy very cheap and very basic, Honda is more advanced and quality all over and the looks are just amazing when you compare it with those two ugly bikes and the guys who did the reviews on these bikes were not fair at all obviously Honda haters.
actually its odd that they say its unbearably vibey. Their first ride report says and i quote "The only two complaints I have about the engine are the slight Inline-Four vibration that makes itself apparent at certain rpm and the aforementioned on-throttle hiccup. The vibration never really becomes bothersome, and with measured application and timing of throttle roll-on, the abruptness can be ridden around." Then how do they now say its unbearably vibey? Either that was a one-off badly setup bike or this is a paid shootout.
SteakRider ahh no. Only the suspension travel by 2" and minor engine tune(read compression ratio change) since the 9 year old model. New bodywork 2 years ago. Please do some research. And 68mpg from a 650? LOL. That's nearly eating into the 250 sportbike fuel economy then xD Apparently the only butthurt is you as a Ninja owner who feels betrayed he's using a 9 year old slow bike with sub par fit and finish, wooden brakes, boring swingarm, misses 2 cylinders and still weighs as much as an inline 4. Oh and umm no, most countries don't even get ABS as optional, When your stock Ninja posts 11.8 seconds on the 1/4 mile and does a 150mph from factory with a noob rider, give me a call :)
SteakRider tl:dr yet you reply point by point? lmao. As for the weight, well umm no. Displacement is about volume, not mass. Mass and volume are different things. In practical a parallel twin is less complex to build than an I-4 and you have no second order vibrations to balance like in the i-4s. An i-4 engine will be wider than a parallel twin, and the crankshafts and other activating mechanisms are spread out longer than a conventional parallel twin thereby adding more mass. Displacement is calculated by stroke x length and has nothing to do with weight. I think it is safe to conclude that you do not know jack about automotive mechanics and a debate after such blunders isn't really going to be fruitful. And well umm, compression ratios are engineered by choice, not by engine layouts noob. There are multiple designs for different combustion chambers to suit different target numbers for the same. There's a reason so many combustion chamber designs exist and why combustion chamber designing is the complex part of automotive engineering to decide between power and efficiency. And umm sorry to burst your bubble, but at the rear wheel, the Ninja only has 1.6 Nm difference as is demonstrated by the dyno charts of Motorcycledotcom. And umm i said the bike is 9 years old in existence, NOT your bike being manufactured 2 years ago. If you want me to dumb it down further, Suzuki is offering their litre bikes in new body shells for far less than their litre bike rivals today. Why is that you ask? Well Depreciation and outdated technology. But do they have their buyers? Absolutely. Its just that people today look at Price : Displacement ratio and write off new bikes because they aren't looking Value for money. Well i'd call them noobs, just like noobs that think two bikes of different engine configurations with identical displacement weigh the same lol. Now go ahead, tl:dr my points with valid claims.
These guys hate Honda for some reason. I have the CBR650F ( 2016) and the NC700x and they are awesome bikes. My favorite is the CBR650F because it has style, power and reliability. I like to ride her so much that unless there is snow I ride my bike.
roooarg The GSX650F hasn't been sold in the US since 2009 and Motorcycle.com is a US based site, so it wouldn't be in any new comparison from them. However, here's an old comparison with the previous model Ninja 650 and the FZ6R which was new at the time: www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2010-kawasaki-ninja-650-vs-2009-suzuki-gsx650f-vs-2010-yamaha-fz6r-89460.html
Honestly i would go with the fz6r but it has no abs which pushes me away from that motorcycle my best bet is to get the kawasaki ninja 650 and buy sport bars.
kiddeath921 just found out there are no Kawasaki dealerships in my area *slowly claps* thanks Bramptonpowersports now my choices are the cbr650f with abs and the non abs fz6r sun of a gun :(
Great to see the FZ6R come out on top! I've owned mine for almost a year now and it really is a fantastic all-round bike. It might not be the fastest or the lightest but it is so versatile. All day riding comfort for touring, easy to manage around town for commuting, and enough power to keep you entertained on the twistys. Plus in my opinion the bike looks fantastic!
@Adrian T the quietness of that stock exhaust was a massive sales point for me haha thing sounds like it’s electric then with the lovely induction noise.
What's a bummer is it is gutted HP wise vs the older fz6 generation
@@Seasniffer1969They did that for insurance companies. A Yamaha dealership told me in Ontario alot of the brokers didn’t want to insure the R6 and some had issues with the fz6 so they detuned it.
How tall r u?
After the introduction is over and the first guy starts to speak, turn that godamn awful music off in the background next time pls ok ? thnks
totally agree many great vids destroyed by cr8ppy sh@t musucks...goodo
I like the Yamaha fz6r the best. Inline 4, linear power band, smooth, sport/regular handle bars!
yamah mt-07 tracer! ftw
FZ won engine, transmission, grin factor, handling. How can you not call that a total win?
Fugly bike.
@@stanleyblazeraznik6047 lol you don't even own a bike fool
I've riddin lots of bikes ... I really love my FZ6R ... It handles great and has plenty of power ... One of the best bikes I've ridden ...
Yeah it is I love mys too best bike ever.
I love the yamaha handling and the sound of the 4 cylinder engine is the best
I have the 2015 Yamaha FZ6R and I added the 2012 graphics kit to spruce it up and it looks and rides amazing!!!! Best Motorcycle I’ve ever owned!!!! ❤❤❤
Everyone sleeps on the fz6r till you ride with one 🥷💜
Music was to loud
Dominik Vereno 10/10, would read again.
I’m 6’1” with a 32” inseam and the Kawasaki fit like a glove. At 52 years old, ergonomics is the top priority.
Have you visited cycle-ergo.com
I love going back and watching this video. You released it just after I bought my Yamaha FZ6R.
LOL "riding season".... 365 days per year here. Straya!
Spider season is 365 days per year too...
I got the yamaha and I love it, it's all up to you, but what ever you want
Nicely done. Please remember too that not everyone watching this has great canyon roads like you do. Riding comfort at maybe a 60% pace counts for a LOT in real life.
You guys need to do a 2015 Supersport middleweight shootout.
600cc supersports haven't changed much. 2015 is the year of the superbike however--new R1, H2/R, new S1000R, new RSV4, and 1299 Panigale among others. Can't wait for that review!
In case you're wondering, yes, those are just about the exact same handlebar controls that have been on every kawasaki since like 1988, just black instead of grey. You are not hallucinating.
I really enjoy your reviews. One thing about the cbr 650 though: I own this bike and recently installed some weighted bar ends on it. The result is they reduced any buzz to pretty much nil. The bars are very smooth throughout the rev range now. So with the higher power and nicer swing arm than the others in this review, I think you would really like it. Its an excellent all rounder.
Windy Run Where could someone find these weighted bar ends?
They are HVMP brand. You can buy on their website: hvmp.com
Windy Run Thanks for the info. I'd already decided to purchase the Honda (my first bike) as it's just my personal favorite.
I had the bike for 2500 miles then sold it for a street triple-very fun bike. It got smoother, but never got to where I wanted until I put bar end weights on. So..it still was viby at 2500 miles.
Windy Run why did you sell it?
Ninja 650 - I owned the first year 2006. Paid $6400 OTD. You reach the limits of the front suspension really fast. The breaks fade. I'm 6'2", 175#, 34" inseam. The Ninja was all day comfortable but take it on the highway and get ready to be fatigued by the lack of wind protection - and I had the ZG Touring screen on mine!
Yamaha FZ-6R - This bike has been around FOREVER! It's had a few different changes to the designation but basically it's been around since the 80's as a detuned version of the FZR 600. There's not a thing wrong with this bike, and in fact the best version of this bike, IMHO, was the Yamaha YZF 600R built from 1997 to 2007. The 2004 was MSRP at $7,100! Cycle World called it the best used bike buy. It had fully adjustable front and rear suspensions - unheard of today or even back then. The bike put out 87HP and did 11 second quarter miles at a speed of 120mph, with a top speed of 155mph. This current version doesn't compare! Yamaha gives you their bargain basement non-adjustable suspension, and the motor has been detuned for only about74hP according to this report. I mean WTF YAMAHA?! We going backwards just for you?
Honda - I owned the Interceptor, so for them to say it reminded them of that bike makes me think this is the handler of the pack. certainly build quality is better than the other two - TRUST ME on that! The bike just inspires confidence and feels so planted that I have no doubt the Honda 650 is a great bike.
You still there?
Nice leaf placement there at the end HA! Good video. It was nice to not have the wind noise you've had in other videos.
I would love to hear how these compare to the Suzuki SV 650, being that you all have talked about it before in middle weight shoot outs. I would bet many of your readers are looking to update or upgrade from older bikes not just get one for the first time fresh off the show room floor.
The Honda looks the best for me extra cost is worth it or jus wait a year for price drop!
Kayel Raices Exactly. I'm looking at a 2014 for 7900 now. Can't wait to pick it up!
I got the Ninja 650 -09 and I really like the bike. I've ridden it on track and on street and it's always been great. I'm 190cm and 120kg(240lb) and I do not have problems with the angle of the knee. I've ridden the naked FJ6 and it was quite a bit smoother than the -09 ninja, but the Ninja doesn't annoy me. I usally ride for 3 hours with a 5min break every hour and have not have problems with riding 300km(186miles) in a day.
None of the things I didn't like about the bike when I got it can be fixed. The biggest complain I got about the -09 is that the forks are to soft, but I think adding a bit more oil would fix it.
If you get sliders for the bike it will reduce vibrations (which hasn't annoyed me) with about 50-60%.
I ride the FZ6 and seems like the bike I was meant to ride. The size, the power, the nimble turning, the brakes, and of course the look (blue). Yamaha's are quality machines that I trust and understand. I also ride a Yamaha ATV in my work. I am waiting to see if they breed and make little Fazer ATV's.
I've had 2 FZ6'S and can tell you can't go wrong with it. great engine great transmission. The seat could use a little work, but other than that a great bike. No bike is perfect but for the money it is spot on.
Agreed about the seat, I had a 2012, and although I enjoyed it immensely, I couldn’t ride very far on that seat.
It was nice of Rob Schneider to do this review for us!
I ve got the Yamaha fz ( it s called XJ6 here in Europe) for about 18 months and I m very happy with it. Friends of mine that own R6, Suzuki Gxr, Hornets and others that ride good bykes for many years, after riding mine were impresed about how it handles, riding position, wind protection, height and so on. The engine has a lot of torque from low revs, it s not a sport bike, it s a fun bike. Before buying it , I ve tryed the Kawasaki ninja ( called ER6 f in Europe) and I was disappointed, u can see why it s cheaper, also the sound of the engine is soo sweet on Yamaha, the Kawa sounds like a tractor. Downside with Yamaha: heavy and the engine runs at a very high temperature, nice in winter, but no so much in Spanish summer. If I would recomend a beginner bike that s Honda Cbf 500, very cheap to buy and own, 5500 euros with abs.
Xj and Fz are actually different bike models. We have both here in Australia.
@@Smerdzyyes and what would you recommend
I love my CBR650F and it rides like a champ. Perfect on long trips nd great torque, speed and horsepower.
Thanks, excellent review guys! I like that you are taking the time to review average Joe middle class bikes and not only +200 hp bling exoticas, keep up the good work :-)
That honda is sexy as hell in that red color
My best friend and I have 2012 FZ6R and Ninja 650. I feel like the brakes on his 650 are much better than my FZ and his bike feels incredibly light and flickable in comparison to mine. However, he has pricey tires and clip ons. All in all, been riding my FZ6R daily for just over 2 years now and love it. Comfy enough to go hours and quick/sporty enough to ride mountains with super sports. For anyone on the fence, go get one. The used ones are also stupid cheap in my area, a pristine 2012 on craigslist right now a little under 4k.
Good tires make an enormous difference.
I’m looking at a 2010 5k miles new tires new chains just needs to replaced front chipped fender for 3400$ deal?
the roads in yur video....must be heaven to ride on.....
Does anyone else get annoyed about the separate headlights for low beam and high beam on the ninja? It looks like every ninja 650 has a broken headlight
Mike O'Neill Thats why you get Hid Lights. I hate the single headlight. Kawi looks much better due to their headlight design
I agree
Agree I thought one wasn’t working
Every "honest" tester that has ridden the new Honda CBR650F has complained about the excessive buzziness of the engine. What a shame. Painful numb hands and feet are not something I will accept from a bike. Honda really needs to get this issue corrected ASAP. Besides that the bike is really under-performing for the price. What should have been a slam-dunk home-run of a bike for them has turned out to be another dud. And with the historic lineage of this particular model, that's an even bigger shame.
Zone Tv
lol
Zone Tv
I'd absolutely love to see a "real" VFR "Interceptor" here of any engine capacity.
It's all relative, in my opinion most 500-750cc I4's vibrate on the highway, annoying as hell.
Zone Tv Id most certainly LOVE to see a 400cc VFR. My dream bike, really!
Zone Tv
The Gladius (which I own), with a few choice upgrades will be as capable as most would find really usable on the streets. Of course it will never be cutting edge hardcore sportbike, but awesome all around and plenty for most people even in a sporting role. The only really bad thing about the bike is that for any decent braking capability you have to upgrade the master cylinder and pads, which as soon as I get the valve check/adjustment done will be my next thing for this bike.
2015 ninja 650 was my first bike. Great sport bike.
did you feel like it was too much of a bike or not? because I'm planning on buying my first bike and I don't know if I should buy a 300 or a 650
+Joaquin Zelaya no not at all if anything you'll still want more. Just do get a 300 all my friends that did regretted it.
Ok thank you!
is it comfortable? I am thinking of getting the 2016 one and as I ride with my girlfriend, and want the seat to be comfortable to both of us in terms of soft, the pegs not too high (for her mostly) and the seat big enough. Thank you!
Martín Valls Buy an aftermarket seat. But for her comfort, get a touring bike.
I have a 2016 Honda CBR650F and I have put 16000 miles and is fast ,comfortable and good on gas. I also put the two brothers tarmac full exhaust, heater grips and ABS. I was going to buy the CBR100RR and I had to give up my 650F. I decide to wait because the CBR1000RR is not the right bike to commute or travel long distance.
THEY'RE ALL SO RED
2:14 that's how you take an S turn
$8499 for the cbr650! I paid just $800 more OTD for my left-over new 2012 cbr1000rr off the showroom floor. ($9300 OTD)
No one cares!
Sandy Grayson Aww bless!
cool story bro
I like the bit where he says stuff!
One's a sportbike, the other is a supersport. One is a bike for noobs, the other will get a noob killed. Money is not a factor here as much as safety and confidence. Also, your 2012 is outdated as well as USED.
Very good review, i got a fz6 and is a corner eater. But. My atual time demands a cheap bike so i was considering a honda cbr 250r for its commuter bike and cheap pieces and maintance...
Those CB650r are fairly rare. Followed by FZ6r. Ninja 650 are all over the place here in FL. I’d probably pick up a slightly used Cb650 myself
I have a 2009 fz6r I love it. It's super comfortable and handles really well in the twisties
I have the CBR650F and the bike is awesome.
I have a cbr650f for my first bike and I love the God damn beauty!!! I recommend!!
what about the engine vibrations? does it shake like a diesel truck ?
justa crlon I have the CBR650F as well. I keep hearing about vibrations at low rpm from some people, but I don't know what the hell they are on about, and I drive it comfortably through the tough roads of London. I don't feel a thing.. It does have an uncommon low rpm sound than you'd usually get from most bikes, but that's just being really picky. Personally, I love this bike.
khellel
thats great. thanks good to know
Glad to run into someone who likes this as their first bike. How often to you ride? I might be pulling the trigger on something soon.
I ride EverySingle day lol, I have never ride it in the rain yet. MISTERRICHEART
wow! cbr650f
I love my FZ. Take the noob curb feelers off the pegs and you won't drag so early. Put flush signals up front and take the huge fender off the back and it looks better too. It tops out at double the average highway speed limit and corners like it is on rails, what's not to love?
Don’t forget about the clip on’s. What are noob curb feelers?
I love my fz6r, though in comparison it does look dated. The Honda looks sweet. If the Yamaha had the Hondas looks it'd be flawless
Would putting lower sport bars onto the ninja out preform the other bikes? I've heard it greatly increases the ease of cornering thoughts anyone?
Based off of what they said, no because of the suspension being kind of eh. You could see how soft it was in the video. I have a little bit older fz6 and I can confirm that it is very much is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Even with its soft suspension. My buddy has a newer Honda and compared to the fz it feels, In every way, faster and more focused than my FZ (only when you first sit on it) after a while you notice it doesn't guide you or lay down into a corner like the fz. Bang for buck get an fz I got an 07 for $2500 in Florida. Plus CENTERSTAND! FZ only
If you wanna go that route your better served by a sv650
I wish Yamaha would update the engine and lighten up the bike. I mostly wish they would give us a bit more out of the engine and not down tune it so much (so it would be more fun for experienced riders). I would buy one if it was a good deal like the fz 07 and was updates, especially now that many of the brands are fazing out the supersports sadly. middleweight bikes have usually been my favorite as they can have enough power to keep me entertained if they have about 85 hp or more and yet not so much that they require so much rider aids to be rideable for someone who isn't an expert. I really like the new naked bikes in the fz 09 range, but for me they are a bit too much. I really want power between the fz 07 and the fz 09 with a top end rush, and if they can have a fairing, all the better. but as things are now, I really want a street triple as it is such a great all around fun bike that handles great. it feels in some ways like a super sport but is comfy, and has some get up and go down below
Honda 650F abs is the easy winner!
Agree I have a 2016 Honda CBR650F and I have put 16000 miles and is fast ,comfortable and good on gas. I also put the two brothers tarmac full exhaust. I was going to buy the CBR100RR and I had to give up my 650F. I decide to wait because the CBR1000RR is not the right bike to commute or travel long distance.
beyond a doubt, the Honda 650F is the best, i just didnt like the single headlight, but Honda fixed that with the 650R!
Do these guys like any bikes!? Glenn from walking dead especially
Liam Ryan I get the feeling they liked and respected all of them, but that the Honda was $2k too expensive for what it is and it's buzziness is inexcusable at any price. They were ready to love the Kawasaki, due to good price, but we're let down by the high pegs in real life, and Yamaha just nailed it. (Which is why it won even without being as recently refreshed as the others)
As always ,great comparison video .
Great video. These happen to be the 3 bikes im currently trying to pick from. Still none the wiser tho, leaning towards the Honda but I feel they might refine it in a future version...
the sound and more distinguished look of the Ninja make the other 2 obsolete for me
Ninja 650 brought me here. it looks Awesome, and I can dig the Twin sound with a stock pipe. I like the Swing Arm on the Ninja over the Yamaha's, and the Honda is too expensive ($8k-10K) for a buzzy bike. No thanks on the Honda.
I've got the Ninja and I love it for commuting/long distances/Sundays, but I'm relieved it's not just me who thinks it's vague on the front end sometimes. I hadn't thought about replacing the handlebars though. Do you guys have any you'd recommend?
I have a 14 Ninja 650 and replaced the handlebars with bikemaster superbars. It is lower for sure than stock and took me a few hundred miles for my body to get adjusted to it. I was having some aches and pains cause of the lower position. It sure handles better now for front end feel. Or you can go Ninja 650 sport bars. Either way give your body some time to adjust cause some people are more flexible than others.
I love love love love love my ninja 650.
You should've included the Hyosung GT650R, it's cheaper than all of these, has upside down KYB forks and rear suspension, makes more power than the Ninja, not saying it would be the best, but I'm sure it'd do well.
When I first saw the Honda I was thrilled, not so much when I found out it's made in Thailand, and now I find out it's the most expensive in the category! I like the Ninja too but that's also made in Thailand.
The price shouldn't be so big issue on this shootouts, yes it should be mentioned just in the end
Righton! especially when they're comparing 2 bikes that are almost a decade old with an all new model.
cagednm69 maybe they should make a best buy shootout based on the price and what you get for that money
They're all really good bikes. Can't really go wrong with any of them.
You guys are luck. Here in india cbr costs 12000 dollars, ninja costs 10000 dollars and there is no yamaha.
+srinu20040303 Why would you want a 600+cc bike in India? There are very few places where you can actually ride fast enough for it to be any better than a 250cc.
Just sayin bro. And we do actual ally have good road infrastructure in some places. When you buy a bike like this you won't ride it every day. We only use them for weekend rides or long rides. Not for daily commutes.
+kartiktraj We have roads bro.. I have a 250cc for two years now and now I am feeling a lack of power, so willing to upgrade to a 600-650ish cc sports tourer...as I ride a lot and also tour often...
And feels bad living in denmark, where the used price for the cbr is around 15000 dollars :s and I want one so bad. Gotta save up
about 9300 USD in the UK (7200 GPB)
Having owned bike's from all of them in the past it's honda for me hands down. Nothing comes close for reliability and longevity.
Can't wait to pick up my FZ this Saturday, 2012 with only 900 miles got them down to 5500 OTD not that bad of a deal if you ask me :)
Watch with Captions!!! those who are Americans would love it!!!!
CBR600Fi was and stil is the BEST 600 that Honda ever made.
It was sports bike that was set up for road. This 650 is touring bike that just can go fast. If you want performance and sporty feel, you need to pay more for RR.
EpiDemic117 Agree. And that's why F4i has a raised handle bars, not those low buggers like R6 and rest of bunch ;)
I have an XJ6 Diversion it's identical to the FZ6R appearance wise, so have to assume it's a newer engine in the FZ6R as the XJ6 Diversion was discontinued.
My first bike was a Ninja 650R. I didn't have a problem with the riding position, and I'm over 6'3". I don't know why Tom is complaining about that.
Because he is a fanboy?
I know you guys only rate stock bikes, but a lot of 650 ninja riders put sport bars and a after market exhaust with a power commandor. So I wonder what it would look like you you tricked out a few bikes in this class and put them head to head. It would be a very cool first.
Is that a dude in your avatar or does your chick has a mustache?
Purple Crayon eater.
Ninja.
First of all thanks for reviewing these bikes side by side, Honda cbr650f is more quality all over when comparing it with the other bikes specially the rear swing arm when you compare it with the other two which looks like a very cheap china made thin aluminium tubes the dash cluster is way better than the other two the fuel tank is not plastic the bars are way better you get 180 tyres at the back you get a way better brake system on it and much more and its a brand new model so the price has to be higher then the other two. when they say the Honda buzzed out more obviously looks like they never ridden a four cylinder bike before. cut out the cat and weld on a slip on exhaust then you see what this motorcycle turns into believe me you would not want any other bike apart from Honda cbr650f.
best ever review seen about motorcycle, you guy's know your job very well, thanks, please make a review and compare about yamaha fz1 fazer vs bmw s1000xr and suzuki gsx s1000 f, if any one read this and our opinion is important, many thanks
FZ1 is street/touring bike, FZ-10 is street(naked), s1000xr is adv-touring bike, gsxs is street bike.
Now, what is your purpose? Street, weekend mountain rides for sweeps and twisties? Take FZ-10 or Suz;
While looks/sound are personal opinions, reliability wise, I would choose Yamaha or suzuki.
Also, they are less cost of maintenance in the long run.
You can get FZ1 brand new, left overs for pretty cheap and buy an after market headlight naked conversion kit or wait for FZ-10 with street version of R1 (both FZ1 and FZ-10 have same power, but more electronics on the latter).
I've never ridden or owner BMW/Suzuki, but Go to specific forums and see what they complain about their rides..!
Good luck, ride safe.
FZ6R is detuned R6? it is more like detuned FZ6..!
Wish NA would get the CB650F. I'm led to believe the naked version is built in Italy too, might be wrong on this though.
OMG...those sideburns make u look like Chuck Bronson!
Great job guys
Hi! Would have been nice if you included the Suzuki GSX650F in your shoot out. :(I have a 2014 GSX650F and love it. Except maybe for the seat doing long distance rides. 300-600 kms day rides. ( Thank goodness for the air hawk cushion!) I've got just over 81 000 kms on it. Rides like the day I rode it out of the showroom. That's with the Suzuki scheduled maintenance.
Troy looks like Trivium Vocalist
Why is the gsx650f not in this shootout?
Its a supersport
I thought it's a sport touring? Because it has such an upright position and Suzuki said they tuned it for added torque.
+Taijean Moodie it is sport touring, but it isn't here in the US anymore
+Jonathan Bauer oh I see, that's a shame. Thanks for letting me know.
Triump have to do a little gt with street triple heart. Also i want a new suzuki sv 1000s abs
Why don't they put the Versys and that type of bike in this comparison? Many potential buyers of these bikes will also look into the Versys and Nc750x, for example.
I think they want to compare strictly just sport bikes. The Versys belong to the Adventure bike category.
I'd pick the Honda. They made a great sportbike that best represents bikes from the last 20 years in a modern way. Not everybody seeks out a bike that'll do 200 mph. I will buy one because it has the feel of the older bikes. BTW, I'd never buy anything from your reviews.
I don't understand the "bent knees" complaint I see so often regarding riding position. I'm over 6 feet and the 650 doesn't bother me in the least. It's a motorcycle, not a Lay Z Boy, how freakin' creaky and inflexible *are* you?
Hey guys, how y'all. I am from India and want your suggestions. Now, over here, the CBR 650F ABS and Kawasaki Z800 ABS cost the same. Although its like comparing chalk with cheese,but which one would you suggest.Thought I'd ask the experts!Thanks
Out of all of these I would take the yamaha. I had a 2009 ninja 650r and while it was fun I wouldn't own another one.
Why not?
I didn't care to much for the sound of the engine and the seat had one position for me and that was nuts in the gas tank. Also the gas mileage wasn't all that great. I averaged about 38 or so and I wouldn't even be whipping the throttle around like that.
The newer Ninja 650 are a new bike, in the seating area is much improved, and so is mpg. Even if the pegs are a little to high for taller people, that can be fixed fairly easy & cheaply with lower pegs. The 2006 to11 bikes wasn't as nice in some ways, that is a fact.
I had the 2013 the Kawasaki Ninja (ER6 in the UK) but now have the Yamaha (2013 XJ6 in the UK). Both are great bikes but he Yamaha wins on high and low speed handling by a noticeable margin. Also, the ninja engine was a but lumpy and harder to control at low speed and revs.
I had the chance to ride a Yamaha US equivalent of the XJ6, or a FZ6r I think ? And it did seem to handle good, also many others have said the same, the only area I felt it lacking was the power for a 4 cyc of close 600cc, the weight was about on par with the Ninja 650 so no biggie. You was lucky to ride both for awhile so that helps a lot..Overall it's a nice bike !
I have a question. the kawasaki ninja 650 is an inline twin engine right? and the cbr 650f is an inline four. I guess the honda makes more power?
Why does this class of bike not get inverted forks? Is it really that much more expensive? Ninja 1000 are going for a little over 10k with rebates right now. I think it offers a lot more for a little bit more money.
Wife chose the Yammy over the Honda 650f. It's raining nonstop in the NW right now so I haven't got a chance to ride it yet!! Rain is some BULLSHIT!
+scooterdavis what bout yamaha mt 07?
ninja looks the nicest .
Which of these three is best for a novice?? (Cost not being a factor)
good review.
What's up with the tow away sign? WTF.
I like the Honda, but that price is ridiculous. All things considered, out of these three I'd go with the Kawi.
Silky smooth inline 4 above 4k - optional ABS - HISS security chip - all new model - cast aluminium swing arm - turbine wheels - underbelly exhaust - 4-2-1 pipes - very large banana seat to move around - niggle free transmission and better looking of the three aswell.
The Ninja is about 8 years old, so is the FZ6R in terms of mechanicals barring cosmetic upgrades.
plus 60mpg when sedate and 50mpg when thrashed. Higher top end, quickest to 60mph at 3.5 and better fit and finish.
Don't see why they shouldn't be charging the premium on an all new bike
cagednm69 Exactly your right buddy when you look at the rear swing arm on the other two bikes they look very crappy very cheap and very basic, Honda is more advanced and quality all over and the looks are just amazing when you compare it with those two ugly bikes and the guys who did the reviews on these bikes were not fair at all obviously Honda haters.
actually its odd that they say its unbearably vibey. Their first ride report says and i quote "The only two complaints I have about the engine are the slight Inline-Four vibration that makes itself apparent at certain rpm and the aforementioned on-throttle hiccup. The vibration never really becomes bothersome, and with measured application and timing of throttle roll-on, the abruptness can be ridden around."
Then how do they now say its unbearably vibey? Either that was a one-off badly setup bike or this is a paid shootout.
SteakRider
ahh no. Only the suspension travel by 2" and minor engine tune(read compression ratio change) since the 9 year old model. New bodywork 2 years ago. Please do some research. And 68mpg from a 650? LOL. That's nearly eating into the 250 sportbike fuel economy then xD
Apparently the only butthurt is you as a Ninja owner who feels betrayed he's using a 9 year old slow bike with sub par fit and finish, wooden brakes, boring swingarm, misses 2 cylinders and still weighs as much as an inline 4. Oh and umm no, most countries don't even get ABS as optional,
When your stock Ninja posts 11.8 seconds on the 1/4 mile and does a 150mph from factory with a noob rider, give me a call :)
SteakRider
tl:dr yet you reply point by point? lmao.
As for the weight, well umm no. Displacement is about volume, not mass. Mass and volume are different things. In practical a parallel twin is less complex to build than an I-4 and you have no second order vibrations to balance like in the i-4s. An i-4 engine will be wider than a parallel twin, and the crankshafts and other activating mechanisms are spread out longer than a conventional parallel twin thereby adding more mass. Displacement is calculated by stroke x length and has nothing to do with weight. I think it is safe to conclude that you do not know jack about automotive mechanics and a debate after such blunders isn't really going to be fruitful.
And well umm, compression ratios are engineered by choice, not by engine layouts noob. There are multiple designs for different combustion chambers to suit different target numbers for the same. There's a reason so many combustion chamber designs exist and why combustion chamber designing is the complex part of automotive engineering to decide between power and efficiency.
And umm sorry to burst your bubble, but at the rear wheel, the Ninja only has 1.6 Nm difference as is demonstrated by the dyno charts of Motorcycledotcom.
And umm i said the bike is 9 years old in existence, NOT your bike being manufactured 2 years ago. If you want me to dumb it down further, Suzuki is offering their litre bikes in new body shells for far less than their litre bike rivals today. Why is that you ask? Well Depreciation and outdated technology. But do they have their buyers? Absolutely. Its just that people today look at Price : Displacement ratio and write off new bikes because they aren't looking Value for money. Well i'd call them noobs, just like noobs that think two bikes of different engine configurations with identical displacement weigh the same lol.
Now go ahead, tl:dr my points with valid claims.
These guys hate Honda for some reason. I have the CBR650F ( 2016) and the NC700x and they are awesome bikes. My favorite is the CBR650F because it has style, power and reliability. I like to ride her so much that unless there is snow I ride my bike.
No they don't hate Honda. Its just too expensive when there are similar bikes that can perform or even out perform the the Honda but less expensive.
How would the gsx650F compare to these bikes? And is there a comparison video with the gsx650F against the models shown here by the same reviewers?
roooarg The GSX650F hasn't been sold in the US since 2009 and Motorcycle.com is a US based site, so it wouldn't be in any new comparison from them.
However, here's an old comparison with the previous model Ninja 650 and the FZ6R which was new at the time: www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2010-kawasaki-ninja-650-vs-2009-suzuki-gsx650f-vs-2010-yamaha-fz6r-89460.html
Thank goddess we have nice bikes now 😂
nice test thx
I'd just like to find a bike that is comfortable for long rides and has plenty of power also, because my zx6r is not very comfortable
hey the sex3sex is the most comfortable bike in the universe
my ninja has the sport bars :D
idk the fz6r is sooo heavy. ninja is close but feels so much lighter bc weight distribution
never rode the hinda 650f so idk
TheMMObro the 650r sounds like a crappy lawn mower
Anyone else, noticed the sign that say " NO PARKING "
I just bought 2011 kawasaki ninja 650r for $4000 with only 8k miles on it and its my first bike. Is it a good deal or you guys think i got ripped off?
on july 2018, I bought a 2016 at 4999$ with 5 miles on it. 2016 leftover in a dealer
Honestly i would go with the fz6r but it has no abs which pushes me away from that motorcycle my best bet is to get the kawasaki ninja 650 and buy sport bars.
kiddeath921 just found out there are no Kawasaki dealerships in my area *slowly claps* thanks Bramptonpowersports now my choices are the cbr650f with abs and the non abs fz6r sun of a gun :(