Yamaha FZ6 600 FAZER S2 2009 — Specifications

When Yamaha hits a winning formula, the Iwata manufacturer doesn't mess with what works. The FZ6 Fazer, a true Swiss army knife in the 600cc sport-touring segment, had already won over its audience with a simple recipe: an inline four-cylinder derived from the R6, a sound chassis, and a competitive price tag. For the 2009 S2 version, the engineers chose the path of targeted evolution rather than revolution. A pragmatic choice that warrants a closer look at what actually changes beneath the fairing.

The engine, as it happens, stays true to form. This 600 cc inline four still produces 98 hp at 12,000 rpm and 63.2 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. Honest figures for the category, even if the Fazer isn't trying to outshine a Suzuki GSR 600 or Honda CBF 600 on paper. Its strength lies more in everyday usability: an engine that's flexible down low, fierce in the upper rev range, with a 12.2:1 compression ratio that ensures strong mid-range pull. The fuel injection mapping has nonetheless been reworked, along with an exhaust system revised in its internal components. On the road, this translates into a slightly more refined, more progressive throttle response. Nothing spectacular, but the kind of detail that matters on long rides.

On the chassis side, the real news is hidden in the swingarm. Now featuring a hexagonal cross-section in cast and extruded aluminum, it aims to increase lateral rigidity while improving agility. The aluminum perimeter frame remains unchanged, as do the 43 mm telescopic fork and the rear monoshock, each offering 130 mm of travel. At 207 kg wet and with a seat height of 795 mm, the Fazer S2 remains accessible without being low. Braking upgrades include four-piston monoblock calipers on the twin 298 mm front discs, a setup reminiscent of the previous-generation R1. A genuine improvement in lever feel and stopping power compared to the old calipers.

The exterior styling received a welcome refresh. The redesigned nose fairing features raised side panels that no longer cover the top of the radiator, the windscreen has been revised, and the instrument panel inherits the FZ1's dashboard in place of the old round gauge with its sometimes hard-to-read tachometer. The seat benefits from a new design with reworked foam and cover material for improved comfort, a point that first-generation owners had been requesting for a long time. A telling detail about Yamaha's attentiveness: the passenger footpegs are no longer welded to the rear subframe but attached with a standard bolt arrangement, positioned lower and fitted with rubber pads. A better-treated passenger is a passenger who agrees to ride along again.

At €7,799, the FZ6 Fazer S2 doesn't upset the hierarchy but strengthens an already solid position. Yamaha made the smart choice to keep the previous Fazer in the lineup, restricted to 78 hp, to cover the segment of riders seeking a docile roadster while offering this sharper version alongside it. The 19.4-liter tank allows for comfortable range, and the claimed top speed of 220 km/h is more than enough for weekend rides as well as daily commuting. The Fazer S2 doesn't claim to reinvent the wheel. It simply runs more smoothly, and for the versatile rider looking for a reliable machine without sacrificing enjoyment, that's exactly what's needed.