FZS 1000/600 Comparison?

[JoeRock]

Hey guys,

Has anyone/does anyone own both the FZS600 and the FZS1000, and fancies giving a bit of a comparison between the two? I've just sold my FZS1000, and was considering the 600 as its much cheaper to insure (which for me at 21 is a big deal), the main thing stopping me though is that I'm worried I'll miss the grunt of the 1000?
It's been quite a long time since I had a 600 to be honest, last couple years have been on a 900 ninja and then the 1000, both of which even when loaded up with luggage and a pillion would take off like a scalded cat by twisting the throttle (the FZS at lower revs, the ninja faster up top).
THe only 600 I had before that for a couple years was a hornet 6, which was a proper revvy bugger. Was okay by myself, but with a pillion and luggage I did feel it struggled a bit somewhat?

[Dave48]

Joe-I am in the fortunate position of owning both. The FZS 1000 is,as you know, a lovely "grunty" bike & ideal for solo or two-up riding. Large & comfortable at the same time docile in traffic @ lower speeds. For me,as an older rider, the only downside is the all-up weight but only for "manhandling".
I find the FZS 600 a nimble bike with excellent tank range( 22Litres on 2003 model), Better visibility with mirrors than 1000 & easier to haul around @ 213 kilos. The Thundercat engine is reasonably torquey so doesn't need tunes playing on the pedal like the later FZ6 ( which model I owned & sold on within 5 months-"If id wanted a sports bike ....Id have bought a sports bike!"). Have owned the 600 for nearly 2 months & love it. Took a pillion short distance the other day-and wouldn't want to go touring 2 up on it as its abit cramped although she told me seat was comfortable.
Am about to set off for trip to mid-Wales-taking the 600 for the twisties!
So to answer your question- Solo the 600 is great. Not so good for 2-up travel -but I am sure others will disagree!

[red98]

yep ,me too,lucky to own both  .....got to be honest here,i think the 6 is the better bike  ....yes the grunt of the thou is great for overtaking,the 600 i find you have to play a tune with the gearbox to get it to fly and it is a high revving vibey bike but great fun,owned mine for over ten years and cant see me selling it......great at everything, but for touring and two up i take the thou 

[simonm]

I wanted to ask this question but already post too many topics so thanks for posing it 

Thanks also for the replies, they've been enlightening for me too.

[MEM62]

Oh!  Do they make a 600 version too?   

[chaparral02]

and was considering the 600 as its much cheaper to insure (which for me at 21 is a big deal), the main thing stopping me though is that I'm worried I'll miss the grunt of the 1000?

Have you priced the insurance for an FZ8....

[BBROWN1664]

I had an FZS600 and moved away to an ST1100 and then on to a CFB1000. The reason I went for the CBF was because of the grunt coupled with the smaller chassis. It makes riding it like riding a quicker FZS600.

My dad still has an FZS600 and the only real difference is the ability to leave the CBF in 5th or 6th gear and go from 20mph to 120mph very smoothly and very quickly whereas on the FZS600 you would be dancing around the gearbox a bit. I have told him that if he ever wants to sell it, he sells it to me as the FZS600 is a great bike!

The FZS1000 is a bit bigger and has a bit more grunt than the CBF1000 so the CBF may be a good compromise for you.

[stevierst]

I've got an fzs600 and an fz1. The difference is quite a lot, and I absolutely adore my fz1.

I use my 600 for work, and I love it! Its light, flickable, and so easy to ride that its untrue. If you NEED more than the 90 odd horsepower on the road, then your not riding it to its full potential. I used to go on road rides with the litre class bikers, and they only got away from me on long straights, but I soon caught them up.
My dads had a fazer 6, my sons had a fazer 6, I've had 3 of them, and my sisters just bought one as her first bike. It says it all really.

My fz1 is a different beast altogether! > 50% more power, but It is however heavier, and not quite as flickable. It needs more concentration to ride, and isn't quite as useable as the fzs. But that hit you get at WOT is incredibly addictive!

If I had to sell one of the bikes, the fz1 would go without a shadow of a doubt. The fzs 600 is the only bike you'll ever need, but not necessarily the only bike you'll ever want!


Stop polishing it and ride the bloody thing!