[Mr.Ogre]

Hi All,

While this post is about my Yamaha FZ6R (2014 model) I wanted to take this opportunity to jot down my memories with all the other bikes that I have owned leading to this. Let me apologize first incase it makes you fall asleep. With that out of the way lets begin.

I migrated to Sydney in January 2019. I am from Mumbai, and have spent quite some time there, along with 3 to 5 years in Pune and Bangalore. I got my first motorbike when I got my first job in a BPO back in 2004. It was the first generation Bajaj Pulsar 150 dtsi - v1 I think. It was the one with spoke wheels, the ones after that had alloy wheels. I practically learnt to ride on that bike with no experience of riding a geared motorbike before that. My dad owned a Kinetic Honda (2 stroke) and that is all the motorized bike I ever rode before that.

Needless to say learning curve was steep, and me like a stupid young guy went to pick up my girlfriend from her college just a week after getting my bike. I wasn't even getting my starts right, and needless to say dropped my bike, myself and my girlfriend right in front of the college while standstill

Time passed I changed careers, jobs, married my girlfriend (yeah the one I dropped) and moved from Bajaj Pulsar 150 dtsi to a Pulsar 220 dts-fi to a Yamaha FZ16 (lava colour) and to a Pulsar 220 dtsi. I don't think my skills improved as mush as I thought then as I was still crashing every now and then. While all this was happening I moved from Mumbai to Pune to Bangalore, and after my last stint in Bangalore in 2012 I moved back to Mumbai.

While in Bangalore I experienced big bore kit along with other works on my P220 from Joel Jospeh. A lot has been said about his work however, I am amongst the lucky ones who got what was promised. Before I packed my bag from Bangalore I got big bore installed, completed the 1000 kilometers running in a week, changed the oil and set out for my first 1000 Kilometer road trip from Bangalore to Mumbai.

The bike was a hoot to ride and till the time I sold her she was just fantastic. Every time there was a wide grin I wacked open the throttle.
She was so good that I actually made a small profit when I sold her. She was already four years old with 38,000 kilometers on the odo ( last 5,000 was with the big bore) - and I sold her for a cool 70k back in 2013. That was the only time I made a decent deal on any vehicle ever.

It was only after that I got to experience new tech machines and that somehow forced me to rethink my riding. I was riding more like a loose cannon before that. With 230 gone I got myself a white KTM Duke 200. And she was a hooligan. I realized I was riding a lot faster than I had ever done before - drifting and sliding and using engine braking, popping wheelies at whim. I was having time of my life on a motorbike. However, I became greedy and tried to load her with all the fancy mods ( retuned ECUs and reworked exhausts). The engine broke with just 12000 kilometers on the odo and I was disappointed. She was still less than a year old and I broke her That was the only time in my life I broke a bike or any vehicle.

I swapped my broken Duke200 with a v2 Yamaha R15 which belonged to a friend. He was more than happy to take my Duke in exchange for his R15, which was already more than 2 years old. At first I wasn't really sure if I could have as much fun on the R5 as I did on the Duke. 150cc 17 bhp didn't sound much on the paper. But I was wrong. It brought back all the good memories I had with my Yamaha FZ16 before. The engineering, the robustness of the mechanicals and bulletproof reliability - all just came rushing through. The R15 was FUN. It changed my perception towards bike. I never thought a fully faired bike could be so potent in the city, through the corners. The handling and dynamics was something I never experienced before. No matter how hard you revved and how late you shifted she never broke a sweat. Never did I have to make a visit to the service center apart from regular service. This level of reliability and fun was something I was experiencing first hand and it appealed to me the most. It was decided then. I would stick to Yamaha and if not Yamaha then a Japanese.

I started doing good, and eventually brought a Kawasaki Ninja 300, followed that by a Kawasaki Ninja 650 - Yamaha R3 was always on the back of my mind, however it never came till the time I got the Ninja 650. While I was moving up the segments I could also sense I was riding much faster than I should on our streets. I started following MotoGP and YouTube tutorials on being a better rider. The concept of body position, steering and counter steering etc was all alien to me before that. Eventually I realized I need to learn riding the right way. I sold my Ninja 650 and picked up a used Yamaha R3. Booked a few track day sessions with Vortex racing in Kolhapur. It is not a big track, however it it technical enough and for someone who wants to learn, I think the track is more than enough. Still better than learning on the streets and not very far from Mumbai.

The trainers could see I had the chops and was quite fast. They said I could be ready to race with little more work.

However, in the mean while I got my PR for Australia and had to halt my motorcycling altogether. There was a lot to prepare and I could not risk falling and getting injured. The entire process from getting my PR to migrating here took around 18 months. I didn't ride or drive anything until then. I came here, got a job in my field, got my license and picked up a used black Kawasaki Ninja 300 after almost 2 and half years. I used the bike for 5 to 6 months before I got a good deal on a used Yamaha R3. The bike was good and was almost perfect. Yamaha's always appealed to my heart. Eventually I got a permanent job and I decided to gift myself a new motorbike. I traded my old R3 for the new 2020 Yamaha R3. The one that looks like baby R6.

Let me tell you I ride a lot. I toured a lot in India on my Ninja 650 and then on my R3. Here, I love to commute to work on my motorbike which is around 50 kilometers round trip, and on every alternate weekend I am out on around 500 kilometers round trip. My bikes easily log more than 10,000 kilometers in no time.

I have been to some of the most beautiful roads and places here. And I am lucky to have groups for all sorts of riding. I have a group of Indian - Pakistani riders, another group of old Australian blokes. I get to experience different people, different views, different style of riding and of course mannerisms.

I wasn't looking to change my R3, however I just couldn't turn myself away from a very well maintained 2014 model Yamaha FZ6R in black. The asking price was something I could work out if I traded my R3. Checked out the bike over the weekend, the bike had just 12000 kilometers on the odometer and was very well maintained. It was love at first sight. Paid the deposit, traded my R3 over the weekend and got my FZ6R the following week.

Those of you interested in the numbers, it is a 600 CC, inline 4 engine, making 77.5bhp and 51.6 Nm torque. The bike weighs around 211 Kg and the fuel tank capacity is around 17 liter's. The engine is based on R6, however detuned heavily in this guise.

This one was probably one of those last bikes that didn't come with any electronics what so ever. She doesn't come with ABS. It was not a deal breaker for me as none of the bikes I had in the past had ABS, and the track sessions I had there and here have taught me a great deal of control. Plus, I am more of old school, more machine less electronics, less headache. Having said that I personally always advice anyone to pick a bike with rider aids as its better to be safe.


Its been more than 6 months since I got her and have already covered more than 6000 kilometers, that's including 3 months of lockdown. Just last week I got her regular service done. Changed the oil, oil filter, replaced stock air filter with K&N stock replacement filter, changed the plugs to NGK iridium one's. Set me back by $400 including labor.

The bike was running flawless before I got her serviced, and now we wait for the lock down to be lifted this weekend. Regarding the bike, I think I have finally found something that will stay with me for a while. I usually get the itch to trade my bikes, however with her there is nothing that comes close. I have fun commuting to work, the engine, the gearbox feels perfect. The size, handling and dynamics are easy. You are never in a wrong gear in any condition. Out in the open she can keep up with the big boys without breaking a sweat.

Also, I don't see any reason to go for a bike bigger than her as the maximum speed limit on any road here is 110 km/hr. On highways she is at home cruising at those speeds with neither her feeling stressed nor me experiencing much fatigue. The only thing I would like here is a cruise control, but I think I can live without it.

It is my dream to ride from Sydney to Philip Island, watch MotoGP or WSBK and ride back home. MotoGP and WSBK did not happen over the last 2 seasons here, however I am optimistic about 2022. I want to ride those beautiful roads on my FZ6R. At the moment I do not see any worthy successor to her, however, I may get the Yamaha Tracer GT 09 for touring two up with my wife, but that's not happening any time soon.

[camitesh]

Wow, that's a lot of bikes and a lot of riding too! Beautiful pictures to go as well with that gorgeous FZ6R. Do share more on the journey between Ninja 300 - Ninja 650 - R3. R3 is a brilliant machine but I feel Ninja 300 has more track potential if that was what you were after.

I still own my Yamaha FZ16 bought in 2009 and that thing is as simple and reliable as ever. Have ridden R15 and also owned it for a short while, and just loved these two machines. While now I have bikes from other manufacturers with me, I'm a big fan of Yamaha and Japanese in general (love the CBR250r I have).

PS: I almost got my FZ joeled somewhere in 2011-12 but somehow I'm glad I didn't. Happy to know it worked well for you

[Mr.Ogre]

Originally Posted by camitesh

Wow, that's a lot of bikes and a lot of riding too! Beautiful pictures to go as well with that gorgeous FZ6R. Do share more on the journey between Ninja 300 - Ninja 650 - R3. R3 is a brilliant machine but I feel Ninja 300 has more track potential if that was what you were after.

Thanks Camitesh for the kind words. While Ninja 300 does have better or rather strong front end feel, I chose R3 because it had more engine and also the spares were cheaper and easily available when I was in India. Also, I found R3 to be more roomier than the Ninja 300. I could do 1000 kilometer day trips on the R3 and still had energy for other activities. On the Ninja 300 it would be stretching beyond my limit if I were to do 700+ kilometers in a day.

But if I had to keep a bike just for the tracks, it would definitely be the Ninja 300. Of course some would say RC390, but I am not interested in anything that comes from Bajaj or Royal Enfield factory.

[TheHelix0202]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ogre

A few more pictures from my past and present.

Nice thread, brilliant memories and bikes!

P.S - none of the images in this particular post are visible!

[Mr.Ogre]

Originally Posted by TheHelix0202

Nice thread, brilliant memories and bikes!

P.S - none of the images in this particular post are visible!

Thanks mate. Yes, I ran into some trouble with that post. Anyways here they are again.

Pulsar 220 days







My Kawasaki twins





Had fun with my R3 - commuting, touring, track days everything.














MM here I come





Tried my hands at Gixxer cup. I was the oldest amongst those kids at 34



The rare moment I had both my R3 and the FZ6 with me for a few days



Few pictures from some of the rides I did here in last 2 years.

[abhi_tjet]

Beautiful pics and lots of bikes. Perfect recipe for an ownership log.

I haven’t ridden R3 since it isn’t available in BS6 version for Indian market. A perfect option without putting a hole in wallet and is desirable as well.

R3 meets quite a lot of requirements. Be it touring or track, city or quick breakfast rides. Being a Japanese, pretty reliable as well.

Your latest possession FZ6R isn’t available in Indian market and I don’t have literally any clue on this bike. As per the specs and pictures it looks touring friendly. A smooth Japanese inline-4 is further a cherry on the top.
Happy riding

[Mr.Ogre]

Originally Posted by abhi_tjet

Beautiful pics and lots of bikes. Perfect recipe for an ownership log.

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, R3 is a potent little machine that can do everything and doesn't break down at all.
I even took my Yamaha RayZ scooter to the famous Rajmachi during rains. I took her through waist high water, ploughed through slush, and she never complained. I am a Yamaha man.

FZ6R is on the same lines. Robust, reliable and fun. Yes, it is a sports tourer, with riding position and ergonomics designed more for that.

It is comparable to modern day Honda CBR650R, Ninja 650 etc.

[Nitish.arnold]

Kudos to be the breath of fresh air in the monotony of 4 wheels.
Loved your recent acquisition, quite potent. <3

Being a biker myself, I totally related to your upgrade path.

I moved from Rx100 - Apache fx - Old pulsar 150 - fz16 - Classic 350 - TBTS 500 - Dominar 400 - RS 200 - Yamaha R3 (same color and variant as yours) - Ninja 650 (same color and variant as yours) - Triumph Speed Triple 1050 - Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R

Don't want to upgrade now as still learning to control all those 200 bhp under my legs,
The aim is to learn the micro-technical skills that you acquired in those track sessions, which makes you a better & safer rider.

P.S. Enjoying those Australian Tarmacs, eh?
We have our own Nitin kadkari jee to the resque, laying down expressway after expressway.

[Mr.Ogre]

Originally Posted by Nitish.arnold

Kudos to be the breath of fresh air in the monotony of 4 wheels.
Loved your recent acquisition, quite potent. <3

Being a biker myself, I totally related to your upgrade path.

I moved from Rx100 - Apache fx - Old pulsar 150 - fz16 - Classic 350 - TBTS 500 - Dominar 400 - RS 200 - Yamaha R3 (same color and variant as yours) - Ninja 650 (same color and variant as yours) - Triumph Speed Triple 1050 - Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R

Thanks buddy for your encouraging words. That's quite a journey for yourself. Its always a good idea to invest into learning technical aspects of riding. Most of us start riding picking up wrong habits, and we survive. I strongly advice anyone and everyone who rides to take a riding lesson at least once.

The infrastructure in India is definitely improving, however it would be really great if there was more control in handing out of licences. With world class infrastructure, I think time is right to implement world class licensing system as well.

[Mr.Ogre]

Hi All, There's been an update. Last Sunday I went for a last ride on my FZ6R . I sold her day before yesterday. I had to let her go as she was a LAMS restricted bike. I was on P plate until this week. On a P plate you have restrictions on the kind of bike you can ride. FZ6, CBR650F, Ninja 650 are all sold here as LAMS restricted bike.

However, I got my full license this week and as a result I got myself a Kawasaki Versys 650. A lot of people would say why not a Superbike, but I don't have any particular desire for those kind of bikes. Especially in this country where speed restrictions are strict and even if you dare to speed you will get caught sooner or later. All I need is a bike with comfortable seating, a good tractable engine and a fantastic gearbox.

I would like to cover at least 5000 kilometres before I form any kind of opinion on my latest possession. However, she is supremely comfortable, and is definitely vibey. Vibrations are not a deal breaker for me as long as the whole package has bulletproof reliability. Regarding gearbox, I think it is little clunky, but like I said, I would like to spend some time commuting and touring before I decide to keep her or let her go. I usually keep one bike for everything and this is not going to be any exception. I think offices will open from January 2022 and I hope to have fun commuting.

Below are some pictures of my last ride on my FZ6 and of my new possession. The Jazz you see in the background is 1.5 litre, 118 bhp, 5 speed manual model. I will write a separate review on that.









My Versys 650. She came loaded with all sorts of tank and saddle bags and the huge helmet case, also a phone charger.

[neil.jericho]

Congratulations on your Versys 650, it looks very classy in that colour. From the tires, Im guessing that its a pre-owned model. Can you share some details on it?

I am surprised that you traded your FZ6R for the Versys, which though it is a very capable bike, is not something that I would associate as an upgrade necessarily. It seems to be more of a lateral upgrade.

I'll be interested in hearing your feedback on the Versys 650 and what prompted you to change from what is a classic inline 4 tourer, to the Versys 650. It is always nice to learn the thought process behind other riders purchases.

If I were in your shoes, I would have done the opposite! Sold a twin and bought an old school 4 cylinder gem, with enough power to keep me happy while not threatening my license at every ride. But that is just me.

[Mr.Ogre]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Congratulations on your Versys 650, it looks very classy in that colour. From the tires, Im guessing that its a pre-owned model. Can you share some details on it?

.

Hi Neil, It is an upgrade and 650-750 cc is the range I like to play with. My bike was a LAMS restricted bike with power restricted to 45 bhp for the lower license class. My Versys is a 2015 model, but has done only 5000 kilometres and has been well maintained.

I got my full licence and wanted a sports tourer or ADV in the 650-750 cc range. Most of the 650CC bikes including CBR650F here are restricted. I would have picked up a new Tiger 660 or Yamaha MT07 Tracer, as they are more of my kind of bike, but here in Australia, they are only restricted version.

It is too early for me to form an opinion of this bike, I got it because I want to tour Australia (with the lockdown getting over) and there are very few options that are as comfortable as this. I will also be commuting to office on this. I really hope it clicks with me as I don't want to replace her.

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ogre

Hi Neil, It is an upgrade and 650-750 cc is the range I like to play with. My bike was a LAMS restricted bike with power restricted to 45 bhp for the lower license class. My Versys is a 2015 model, but has done only 5000 kilometres and has been well maintained.

I got my full licence and wanted a sports tourer or ADV in the 650-750 cc range. Most of the 650CC bikes including CBR650F here are restricted. I would have picked up a new Tiger 660 or Yamaha MT07 Tracer, as they are more of my kind of bike, but here in Australia, they are only restricted version.

I got it now, I was confused because I remembered reading this in your opening post.

Originally Posted by Mr.Ogre

I wasn't looking to change my R3, however I just couldn't turn myself away from a very well maintained 2014 model Yamaha FZ6R in black. The asking price was something I could work out if I traded my R3. Checked out the bike over the weekend, the bike had just 12000 kilometers on the odometer and was very well maintained. It was love at first sight. Paid the deposit, traded my R3 over the weekend and got my FZ6R the following week.

Those of you interested in the numbers, it is a 600 CC, inline 4 engine, making 77.5bhp and 51.6 Nm torque.

BTW isnt there an option to "unlock" the full 77.5 bhp output of the LAMS restricted bikes? In Europe, as you move up from the A2 level license (roughly equivalent to the LAMS one, as far as I know, or dont know), you can then get the same bike unlocked to open up the full potential of it. That way, you dont need to sell your A2 bike after getting the full license, as you can ride it with its proper horsepower.

[Mr.Ogre]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

BTW isnt there an option to "unlock" the full 77.5 bhp output of the LAMS restricted bikes? In Europe, as you move up from the A2 level license (roughly equivalent to the LAMS one, as far as I know, or dont know), you can then get the same bike unlocked to open up the full potential of it. That way, you dont need to sell your A2 bike after getting the full license, as you can ride it with its proper horsepower.

You can de-restrict it, and de-restricting FZ6 is very easy. But, it wont be legal and there would be a big problem with insurance if I crashed into someone. Here, it is not possible to de-restrict and make it legal. The FZ6 has a plate on the throttle body that restricts full movement of the throttle. You replace that plate and you get full movement.

I would have been more than happy if de-restricting it and making it legal was an option.

[Mr.Ogre]

Hi All,

After I sold my FZ6R and got my Versys 650 I wasn't completely sure if that was the right decision. Deep down I knew it wasn't an upgrade but more of a lateral movement with similar power and torque figures. While on paper Yamaha FZ6R is a sports tourer, and it is comfortable to a certain extent, however I could never do more than 500 kilometres a day without getting very tired. I always kept comparing it with my experience on my Ninja 650 where I could do almost 700 kilometres at a stretch and not feel anything.

Add to that with lockdown getting lifted, I wanted to work on my plan of touring this huge country starting with a tour on the costal route and doing Sydney - Philip Island to and from ride in October. All these rides will require me to do at least 600+ kilometres in a day for five to six days at a stretch.

Long story short, I got a good price for my FZ, I sold it and got a completely kitted and well maintained very clean Kawasaki Versys 650.

This weekend I could put my theory to test, and I am quite happy to realise that on the Versys doing 500+ is a piece of cake. I met a group of very enthusiastic desi Adv riders and was able to do some light trails. At the moment it looks like I will keep this bike for a long time, but then this is what I say all the time that is until I visit a bike shop and go crazy.