FZ6 vs Z750

7/25/2019 FZ6 vs Z750

1/6

18 MOTOR CYCLE NEWS JANUARY 7, 2004

ROAD TEST

KAWASAKI Z750 90%YAMAHA FZ6 FAZER 90%DUCATI MONSTER 800 82%KAWASAKI Z1000 86%

Can the Z750 be allthings to all people?BYMARC POTTER PICTURES HOWARD BOYLAN

OVERALL LENGTH: 2080mm

WHEELBASE: 1425mm

RAKE: 24.5

HEIGHT:1040mm

WIDTH:780mm

OVERSEAT:1820

FUEL: 40mpg, 18 litres, 160 miles

SPECIFICATION:Engine: Liquid-cooled 748cc(68.4x50.9mm), dohc, four-stroke in-line four. Fuelinjection. Six gears.Chassis: Steel diamond frame

Front suspension: 41mmtelescopic forksRear suspension: Singleshock with rising rate linkage,adjustable for pre-load andrebound dampingTyres: Bridgestone BT012;120/70x17 f ront, 180/55x17rearBrakes: Tokico; 2 x 300mmfront discs with two-pistonsliding calipers, 220mm reardisc with single-piston caliper

PROS Strong usable motor Howling exhaust Quick steering Comfortable riding position

CONS Unrefined suspension Lack of wind protection 90%

KAWASAKIZ7505490 otrAvailable: January2004, with 24months unlimitedmileage warranty, oneyears RAC coverColours: Blue, red,blackNew for 2004:New modelInsurance group:13 ( of 17) tbcInfo: Kawasaki UK;01628-851000

TRAIL: 104mm

WEIGHT: 195kg (432lb)

KAWASASKI i s

trying to cover a

lot of bases with

the Z750. At one

end of the scale

the firm s ees the

naked 750cc roadster as

novice-friendly enough to

attract first-time big-bike

buyers. But its aggressive

styling and near-150mph

performance is also designed

to pull in b ack-road thrashers

and urban terrorists.

With a price tag of only

5500 the Z750 has got a lot

of people to please. It has got

to be easy and unintimidating

to ride, but still exciting when

you want it to be; flexible in

town but flickable down your

favourite B-road; and also

look good enough to draw a

crowd.

The Z750 is competing with

musclebikes, commuters and

middleweight 600s, so weve

pitched it against a variety of

machines.

First up is the current king of

the all-rounder 600 class, the

FZ6 Fazer. Next we paired it

with the Ducati Monster 800,

to see how i t fares in the sty le

stakes. And finally we put it

up against its big brother, the

Z1000. See how well it t akes

on allcomers over the next

four pages...

800mm

845mm510mm

It promises big-bore power for 600 money, wrapped up in an easy-to-use package thatbristles with attitude. Does that mean itll please everyone...or no one at all?

IF youre after a practical

everyday middleweight bike,

the Fazer is the one to beat.With an alloy beam frame, R6

motor and a sporty edge, theall-new Fazer has moved the

budget 600 class forward.It is comfortable, quick and as

happy on a Sunday thrash as it iscommuting on Monday morning.

Kawasaki has pulled the sametrick it did with the ZX-636

adding a few more cubes thanthe competition. The big-bore

motor means the Z750 is able

to pull harder than the Fazer,everywhere, all the time.

Roll on the Fazers throttle

from low speed in top and youllhear a rumble from the airboxbut not much else. On the Z750

youre met with instant drive.

From any gear, at any speed, you

get usable punch. And as the

revs rise the gruff exhaust noteturns into a wail.

The Z750s sleeved-downZ1000 motor ma kes 94bhp at

the back wheel compared to theFazers 89bhp and makes it at

lower revs. While the Fazer ridertap dances on the gearbox, the

Z pilot can just use its bulgingtorque curve.

Both bikes top out at over140mph. But the Z750 lacks

wind protection above 100mph.

Keep the motor spinning andthe Fazer will eat up A-roads. Its

relaxing too the quiet motor

combines with a half fairing thatdeflects most of the airflow.

Turn on to a B-road and things

change. Sitting over the front

wheel of the Z750 gives a

feeling of weightlessness that

belies its 186kg dry weight. Itfeels tiny, lithe and chuckable.

Steering is light and on thequick side of neutral the Z can

be levered on to its side quickly.In slow and medium-speed

turns it inspires confidence,helped by sticky Bridgestone

BT012s. The unadjustable for ksand pre-load and rebound

adjustable rear shock soak upthe bumps, but push hard in a

bumpy corner and it will start to

wallow and weave.Cornering is more cultured on

the Fazer. Turn-in is slower,

thanks to sports-touring BT020sand everything is more preciseand measured. For fast road

riding it is an excellent tool and

Is it a better

all-rounder

than a...

Fazer 600?

THE Z750 may have a 150ccadvantage but the Fazer makesup for it in the bends

7/25/2019 FZ6 vs Z750

2/6

JANUARY 7, 2004 MOTOR CYCLE NEWS 19

CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

With a price tagof 5500 the

Kawasaki Z750has got a lot of

people to please


WHEELBASE: 1440mm

RAKE: 25

HEIGHT:1215mm

WIDTH:750mm

OVERSEAT:1780mm

FUEL: 48.4mpg, 19 litres, 200 mi les

SPECIFICATION:Engine: Liquid-cooled, 599cc(65.5 x 44.5mm), 16v dohc,4-stroke in-line four. Fuel injection.Six gearsChassis: Cast aluminium twin beamFront suspension: 43mm forksRear suspension: Single shock,adjustable for pre-load.Tyres: Front 120/70 x 17,rear 180/55 x 17Brakes: 2 x 298mm front discswith two-piston calipers, 245mmrear disc with two-piston caliper

PROS Supremely comfortable Confident and competent handling Strong and willing engine Good fuel economy

CONS Less underseat storage than old model Budget brakes Notchy gear change at low revs 90%

YAMAHA FZ6FAZER5449 otrAvailable: October 2003,with 24 months unlimitedmileage warranty, one yearsRAC coverColours: Silver, grey/blue a ndblueNew for 2004: All-newmodelInsurance group: 12 (of 17)Info: 01932-358000

TRAIL: 97.5mm

WEIG HT: 187kg (411lb)

720mm

850mm 470mm

HALF fairing and screen cosset the rider

its suspension copes with bumps

better than the Kawasakis.Underseat storage on the new

FZ6 has been compromised, asthe underseat exhausts limit

available space. But the peg/bararrangement offers all-day

comfort on both bikes.If you want to cover a lot of

miles at high speed, the Fazer is

the bike for you. But the Z750szesty sense of fun and more

useable power makes it extremelynovice friendly.

DIGITAL display is verysimilar to Z750s

Regulated by The General Insurance Standards Council

q u o t e r e f : 3 8 0 8o p e n 7 d a y s a w e e k

n o t h i n g b u tb i k e i n s u r a n c e

0800 056 3843

7/25/2019 FZ6 vs Z750

3/6


ROAD TEST

VISIT Milan or Rome and youll see

stacks of Ducati Monsters jostlingwith Vespas and Fiat 500s. But

riders also spend a lot of time posingoutside pavement cafes on this Italian

style icon.From the clean naked looks and air-

cooled motor to the triangulated beautyof Ducatis trademark trellis frame this is

a bike to be seen on.

The Z750 lacks the visual drama ofthe Monster. It might have a tailpiece

and tank of origami creases andupswept curves, but it lacks the look at

me clout of the Duke. Its a good-

looking bike, but without the trick

suspension and Buck Rogers pipeworkof the Z1000, the Z750 is

overshadowed.Outside a local cafe, its the Monster

that people look at. Ducati was recentlyvoted as one of the coolest brands ever

among the non-riding public.Cruising through town, its the blood

red paintwork and the low rev throb of

the Ducati that turns heads, but theKawasaki is the bike of choice when it

comes to riding. Around town it is simplysuperb. Short shifting and using the

wide bars to flick the bike in between

the traffic, the Z750 is in its element.

With suspension that soaks up bumpsat low speed, light controls and a head-

up riding position the Kawasaki makesthe Monster seem agricultural. Gear

selection is crucial on the Ducati loadthe engine with less than 3000rpm

showing and itll shake like a MasseyFerguson. Combined with a lack of

steering lock it means the Kawasaki is

more useful within the city limits.If you want crowd pulling power then it

has to be the Monster. The Z750 getspushed into the shadows but it makes a

better town bike.

Has it got thekerb appeal of a...

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Ducati Monster 800?

OVERALL LENGTH:2100mm

WHEELBASE: 1440mm

RAKE:24

HEIGHT:1020mm

WIDTH:750mm

OVERSEAT:1770mm

FUEL: 48mpg, 15 litres, 160 miles

SPECIFICATION:Engine: Four-stroke 803cc (88 x66mm) 4v V-twin. Fuel injection.Six gearsChassis: Steel trellisFront suspension: 43mm invertedforksRear suspension: Single shockwith progressive linkage, adjustablefor pre-load onlyTyres: 120/70x17 f ront, 160/60 x17rearBrakes: 2 x 320mm front discswith four-piston calipers, 245mmrear disc with two-piston caliper

PROS Style in spades Low seat height Unintimidating riding position Sounds like a proper Ducati...

CONS Lacks the power of the other bikes Vibes at low revs mean that it is difficult in town More costly 82%

DUCATI M800ie5995 otrAvailable: Now. 24 monthsunlimited mileage warranty,one years roadside recovery.Colours: Red, yellowNew for 2004: Unchangedfrom previous yearInsurance group: 14 (of 17)Info: Ducati UK, 0845-1222996

TRAIL: 94mm

WEIGHT: 179g (394lb)

F

OR an extra 2000 over the Z750,its big brother offers four shining

exhaust cans, polished wheel rims,

upside-down forks and an extra 24bhp atthe back wheel. But is the gap betweenKawasakis two siblings wide enough to

make it worth parting with so much extracash for the litre Z?

We ran a Z750 and Z1000 hea d-to-head at Bruntingthorpes speed testing

facility to find out.Side by side, the Z750 has fewer of the

trinkets that shout performance. A high-

level 4-2-1 exhaust and wheels from thenew ZX-10R is about as lairy as it gets.

The flag drops and both bikes chargeaway from the line, front wheels waving

and bars waggling all the way through firstgear. The Z1000 starts to pull away and as

second gear is engaged, the front liftsagain. 60mph comes up in 3.02 seconds

thats as quick as a GSX-R1000.Things are a bit more controlled on the

750, but not much slower. The slightlymore docile power makes it easier to

launch. It hits 60mph in 3.44 seconds,only just off the pace of the 1000.

As the speed builds and the riders tuck

down flat on the tank to take advantage ofwhat little wind protection there is, the

gap begins to widen, but its still closeenough that a missed shift could tip the

balance. 100mph comes up in 6.02

DUCATIS Monsterovershadows the Z750when it comes to cafeculture clout

CIRCULAR digital dash started out onZX-6R and is now on Z750 and Z1000

NO fairing means great view of V-twin motor TWIN analogue clocks look right on the Duke BREMBO brakes are more than up to the job

WE spoke to renowned designer

Martin Longmore, whose creations

include the Audi TT and the latest

Aprilia Mille, to find out what he

thinks about Ducat is style icon

versus the new Kawasaki Z750:

DUCATI M800ie

THE Monster 800 can be

described in two words:

Mechanical purity. It is the

definitive naked bike and epitome

of Italian style. But its not overly

styled. Like many successful

products it has spawned many

imitations and generated cult

status.

KAWASAKI Z750

THE Z750 is an aggressive and

charismatic looking bike. It follows

the look of the Z1000. The biggest

visual loss is the double-barrelledexhausts used on the Z1000. But

the sculpte d tank and steep rear

end accentuates the machines

aggressive stanc e perfect ly.

DESIGNERSOPINION

835mm

855mm 455mm

Is it wilderthan a...

7/25/2019 FZ6 vs Z750

4/6



WHEELBASE: 1420mm

HEIGHT:10

55mm

WIDTH:770mm

OVERSEAT:1840mm

FUEL: 32mpg, 18 lit res, 125 miles

SPECIFICATION:Engine: Liquid-cooled 955cc (79 x65mm) 16v dohc four-stroke four.Fuel injection.Six gearsChassis: Steel diamond frameFront suspension: 41mm invertedforks, adjustable for pre-load and

rebound dampingRear suspension: Single shock withrising rate linkage, adjustable forpre-load onlyTyres: 120/70 x 17 fron t, 190/60 x17 rearBrakes: 2 x 300mm front discs withfour-piston calipers, 245mm reardisc with two-piston caliper

PROS Mad, mad power Bags of low-down grunt Looks hard as nails Good around town

CONS Back roads can tie it in knots Brakes could be better Can scare as easily as thrill 86%

KAWASAKIZ10007390 otrAvailable: Now. 24 monthsunlimited mileage warranty,one years RAC membership

Colours: Green, orange, blackNew for 2004: Unchangedfrom previous yearInsurance group: 16 (of 17)Info: Kawasaki UK; 01628-851000

TRAIL : 101mm

WEIGHT: 198kg (437lb)

830mm500mm

seconds on the 1000, 7.28 on the750, making the 750 just 1.26 seconds

slower to the three figures.

Above 120mph the sheer power ofthe Z1000 shows. It howls through thequarter mile in 10.8 seconds, while the

750 takes 11.6, at w hich point it istravelling 9mph slower.

Top speeds on naked bikes like thesearent very relevant, unless youre built

like the Terminator, but they dohighlight just how close the 750 and

the 1000 are. The Z750 hits a genuine

145mph, while the 1000 sees 155mph not a huge difference on naked bikes

that offer very little wind protection.The difference is slightly more

noticeable on the road. The Z1000 hasmassive roll-on power, which

understandably the smaller capacity

bike cant live with. But the 750s spot-on gearing means that snappyacceleration is always on tap.

The Z750 is easier to ride quickly onthe road. The power of the 1000 motor

overwhelms the short but softly sprungchassis on bumpy roads. The big Z

shakes its head and wobbles andweaves when pushed hard, especially

on standard suspension settings.

The Z750 doesnt offer the massivetorque that lifts the front wheel in the

lower gears on the 1000. Its stillexciting to ride, but never scary. The

steering on the 750 is lighter and moreaccurate too, especially at low speeds.

The budget brakes on the Z750 help

it stop quicker than the four-pots onthe Z1000. The sliding calipers lackinitial bite, but pull on them hard and

the Z750 will stand on its nose aseasily as anything. The 750 pulls up

from 70mph five feet sooner than aZ1000.

The Z750 may lack the insane rushof the Z1000, but for most of us the

gap between the two is close enough

to make shelling out an extra 2000 areally tough decision.

Thanks to Planet Bikes for the loan of

the Z1000. Contact : 0116-244-2000.

The Z750 is easier to ride quickly

on the road than its big brother

POLISHED rims and four exitpipes (right) give the Z1000more of a presence on the

street than the Z750

QUAD pipes add to the Z1000s streetfighter look 1000 doesnt offer amy more to tuck behind at speed

800mm

Z1000?

CONTINUES ON PAGE 23

RAKE: 24




0800 056 3843

7/25/2019 FZ6 vs Z750

5/6


GUILDFORD

01483 511144

SOUTHAMPTON

02380 338311

GREAT PORTLAND ST.

0207 6375002

HANGER LANE

0208 991 5969

TWICKENHAM

0208 744 3999

HOLBORN

0207 242 1111

PETERBOROUGH

01733 341341

YORK

01904 675600

FARNBOROUGH

01252 400100

PURLEY

0208 763 5701

CLAPHAM

0207 720 6072

MAIL ORDER

01252 400500

Rear paddock stands

ONLY29.99

BLUE CROSS

SALEStarts Sat 10th January at all 11 Infinity stores & Mail Order

Just a few examples from 1,000s in store...

1,000sMOREBLUECROSSDISCOUNTSIN-STORE

MOTO GP OFFICIAL BRANDED MERCHANDISEAT A FRACTION OF ORIGINAL RRP...

LADIES 3/4 SLEEVEBASEBALL TOP

Stretch fit, one size only.5 each or 3 for 12

BASEBALL CAPSWide range of designs. One size fits all.

5 each or 3 for 10

MENS POLOS3 button or zip.

Yellow, white,beige or red.

10 each or3 for 25

LADIESSTRETCH-FIT TOPSDiscreet logo.Sizes: 8-10, 10-12, 12-14.Red, yellow, black or white

10 each or 3 for 25

Stormex Bike Covers

RRP74.99 NOW49.9925 OFF

Hot Grips

RRP59.99 NOW39.9920 OFF

INFINITY GIFT VOUCHERS

The perfect gift - call or visit now!

ZF8Plain

RRP

129.99NOW

64.99

HALFPRICE

ZF8Multi-cols

RRP

139.99NOW

69.99

HALFPRICE

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

Wave

RRP

59.99NOW

39.99

33%OFF

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

H20 124Boot

RRP

129.99NOW

64.99

HALFPRICE

Revolutionwaterproofjacket

RRP

249.99NOW

149.99

100OFF

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

High-Sideleathersuit

RRP

499.99NOW

299.99

200OFF

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

TOO MANY SAVINGS TO SHOW...

Please call your nearest store to check size/colour availability

on all items before visiting. Not all products at all stores.

Omega Disc Lock

RRP54.99 NOW27.99HALF PRICE

Offers subject to availability, while s tocks last & are available on a f irs t come f irs t served basis . Pictures for re ference only . Prices correct a t t ime of going to print and may besubject to a lterat ion. Not a ll products available a t a ll s tores, please ca ll before v isit ing. E&OE.

DEMONSTRATORSCLEARANCE!

CALLNOW!Farnborough:01252400400Purley:02087635700Cl

apham:02077206072Hurry,hurry...

FTL 400Leather Jkt

RRP

149.99NOW

74.99

HALFPRICE

FTW 178Waterproof

Jacket

RRP

99.99NOW

49.99

HALFPRICE

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

ALSOAVAILABLE

MAILORDER

7/25/2019 FZ6 vs Z750

6/6


ROAD TEST

TOP SPEEDMORE power and a tinyfrontal area means the

Z750 beats the Fazerthough the rider has to lieflat on the tank. The

Z1000s extra bhp meansit rules the runway.

22.50sec

Top speed Time to reach top speed

21.30sec144.83mph

21.50sec140.85mph

Z750

FZ6

19.00sec154.65mphZ1000

M800 129.02mph

Z750 FZ6 Z1000 M800

SPEED TIME DISTANCE TIME DISTANCE TIME DISTANCE TIME DISTANCE

(MPH) (SEC) (M) (SEC) (M) (SEC) (M) (SEC) (M)

40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 050 1.75 35.12 1.75 35.01 1.45 29.12 1.80 36.1460 3.35 74.50 3.50 78.01 2.80 62.23 3.70 82.9470 5.10 125.40 5.35 131.81 4.25 104.26 5.60 138.1680 6.90 185.89 7.40 200.57 5.80 156.20 7.55 203.6990 8.70 254.34 9.25 270.88 7.35 215.07 9.65 283.55

100 10.65 337.26 11.30 358.08 8.85 278.83 11.80 374.90110 12.70 433.54 13.45 458.98 10.30 346.97 14.50 501.93120 15.25 564.91 15.75 577.30 11.85 426.84 18.40 703.01

TOP GEAR ROLL-ON ACCELERATION FROM 40-120MPH

THE sheer torque of the Z1000means it beats everything else easily.The Z750s good poke lets it pull awayfrom the Fazer a little, though its afairly close match. The M800 holds onreasonably well to the four-cylinderbikes - demonstrating its flexibility onthe road.

Z750 FZ6 Z1000 M800

S PEED T IME D ISTA NCE T IME D IS TA NCE T IME D IS TA NCE T IME D IS TA NCE

(MPH) (SEC) (M) (SEC) (M) (SEC) (M) (SEC) (M)

10 0.89 4.64 0.77 1.48 0.55 1.11 0.86 1.6820 1.37 4.84 1.26 4.61 1.01 4.18 1.41 5.3530 1.90 10.81 1.75 10.25 1.50 9.68 1.89 10.6640 2.39 18.39 2.26 18.23 1.98 17.23 2.45 19.54

50 2.90 28.74 2.86 30.14 2.50 27.58 3.02 30.9860 3.44 41.87 3.47 45.35 3.03 40.720 3.81 50.4870 4.27 66.28 4.19 66.26 3.70 60.39 4.64 74.5380 5.05 92.37 5.11 97.26 4.26 80.32 5.63 107.7490 6.15 134.19 6.09 134.779 5.15 112.96 6.84 153.91100 7.28 182.02 7.27 184.73 6.02 149.74 8.45 222.32

110 8.78 252.50 8.82 257.58 7.15 203.14 10.45 316.76120 10.85 359.72 10.72 355.91 8.58 276.63 13.74 485.97130 13.31 497.39 13.86 531.59 10.21 367.90140 17.56 754.32 20.66 943.87 12.55 509.22

ACCELERATION THROUGH THE GEARS

THE sheer power and torque of theZ1000 means it is in a different leag uehere. It blasted away from the otherbikes. It reache s 140mph a massivefive seconds faster than any of theopposition. The Z750 and the Fazer

are almost neck and neck all the way.The docile Fazer is easiest to launchquicker, but as speeds build, the Z750comes into its own. The Monster is leftstranded. Its way down on power and

just cant compete.

THE FINAL VERDICT

BUILDING a bike that is docile

enough for first-time big-bike buyers

while offering the thrill that more

experienced riders crave is no easytask, but Kawasaki has just about

pulled it off with the Z750.

Its more fun and easier to ride than

the FZ6 Fazer, the king of the 600

all-rounders. With better wind

protection it would romp away with

middleweight class honours.

It has also got top town manners

thanks to decent low-speed handlingand a t ractable motor.

The Z750 is not a bad looking bike,

either. But just doesnt quite have the

crowd pulling power of Ducatis stylish

Monster.

The Z1000 has more shiny metal on

show and bags of attitude. But while

the 750 is a l ittle slower, its power is

easier to exploit.With an on the road price of just

5500, the Z750 is set to be the

bargain buy of 2004. For that you get

supersports performance in a

good-looking, easy-to-use package.

PERFORMANCE

12.20 sec

STANDING QUARTER-MILE ACCELERATION

Terminal speed Time to cover 1/4-mile

11.65sec123.83mph

11.60sec122.79mph

Z750

FZ6

10.80sec132.58mphZ1000

THE FZ6 pips the Z750,but its close. The M800puts up a fair fight thanksto snappy gearing, but the

Z1000 stomps oneverything in sight. M800 115.190mph

THE Z750s brakes donthave the best feel, but thelack of bite encouragesyou to tug harder and theywork. The heavier Z1000

struggles, while the FZ6 islast. The old bikes fourpots were much better.

3.25sec

Distance covered Time taken

3.06sec46.67m

3.26sec50.58m

Z750

FZ6

3.12sec

BRAKING FROM 70-0MPH

bhp/ftlb

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

RPM 4000 6000 8000 10,000 12,000 14,0002000

POWER AND TORQUE CURVES

PEAK POWER

- 118.2bhp @ 10,000rpm- 69.2bhp @ 8000rpm- 94.6bhp @ 10,250rpm- 89.9bhp @ 11,500rpm

PEAK TORQUE

- 65.5ftlb @ 7600rpm- 47.9ftlb @ 6250rpm- 48.8ftlb @ 8000rpm- 41.9ftlb @ 9600rpm

THE Z1000 shows its true power here although itseems to be masked by tall gearing. The Z750 beatsthe Fazer everywhere and has the flattest torque curveof the lot. The Ducati is torquey but fades early on.

Kawasaki Z1000

Ducati Monster 800

Kawasaki Z750

Yamaha FZ6 Fazer

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

48.36mZ1000

M800 49.54m




0800 056 3843

FZ6 vs Z750

Documents

Transcript of FZ6 vs Z750