Intro: REASON VERSUS PASSION
On one side, the Kawasaki Z 750, with its Indian war paint ready for battle and on the other, the Yamaha FZ-6, a sort of topless Fazer, if you will.
Esthetique: SEX APPEAL
The FZ- 6 like the Z 750 perspire sex appeal, both drenched in charm. Each in their unique way stands out from the rest of today’s motorcycle production. Sure the Kawasaki mirrors the design of its big brother, the Z 1000, save for the exhaust pipes, but remains soaked in originality. The FZ-6 sets itself apart from the Fazer by the absence of a fork head, which has been replaced by a light that will make think of a certain MV Agusta "Brutale".
The Yamaha and Kawasaki’s dash boards are also remarkably similar, or better said, the Yamaha’s was greatly inspired by the dashboard introduced on the Z1000, and carried over to the Z 750.
Both feature liquid crystal displays, but the biggest nuance is found in the positioning of their respective instrument panels. Standard central positioning for the Z 750, but on the FZ-6 it is found right of centre. It does take some getting used to but after the first few miles one does become accustomed to it.
Motorization: THE KAWA AHEAD
As for the engines, they share the same architecture, an in-line 4-cylinder, but have different displacements. The FZ-6 features the same motor as the Fazer, a 600cc delivering 98bhp and torque measuring in at 46 foot-pounds from 10 000 rpm, which is rather high n the rev. band, and weighs in at 203 kilograms, wet.
The Z-750 comes in bigger in this area. A displacement of 748cc, which isn’t really a large difference in terms of power : 106 bhp, but the torque is much more interesting : 53.3 foot-pounds from 8200 rpm, 2000 revs less than the Yamaha, however the weight of the 750 is slightly more at 220 kilos, wet.
The biggest difference between the two machines is found in the engine compartment. A good surprise comes from the Z-750 block. Coming from the Z-1000, the 750 steps up at any time and under any condition. A well-rounded motor with a captivating sonority and an amazing ability to climb through the rev range. ...And as far as we are concerned it is one of the most enjoyable engines out there at this time.
The 4-cylinder Yamaha pales in comparison. Taken from the R6, the FZ-6 block comes up short in the lower rev range. It needs to hit the 8000-rpm mark before making its case, but in the end it falls short of equalling its competitor. In torque as in power, the 150cc difference is an enormous one. The riding pleasure will make your choice an automatic one and in this area it’s all about the Z-750.
On the road: SENSATION VERSUS SMOOTHNESS
First impression, the ride-ability of the two bikes poses no worries what so ever.
And straight off we notice the first difference between the two bikes is found in the riding position. On the Kawasaki, the bust area is clearly rocked more towards the front compared to the Yamaha and the posture reminds one more of a sport bike, while protecting all its proportions. The Z-750 benefits from its embryonic wind protection, which keeps the rider less exposed to the turbulence than on the FZ-6. This does remain relative because as soon as these two machines leave the motorway for the smaller roads their respective wind protection become less important.
The first bends that we came upon were rather bumpy and the Yamaha showed the upper hand. In spite of a chassis that seems more rigid than that of the Z-750, the FZ-6 dealt much better with the irregularities of the surface thanks to a better suspension. The fork works far more efficiently, thanks most notably to a larger diameter and a slightly more open angle than that of its rival.
The more we push on the front; the Kawasaki shows it doesn’t care for this kind of exercise. We sense that the front axle is searching for more support, without a doubt the result of a shorter wheelbase of the Z-750. The other element explaining this lesser freedom is, of course, the weight. The 17 kilograms that separate the two definitely handicaps the Kawasaki on the rougher terrains.
But beware; as soon as the asphalt becomes smoother, the trend reverses. The Z-750 takes back the advantage and is even stunning in terms of stability, which comes to the fore once you begin to lean to one side. The Kawasaki is less lively for sure, but it compensates with better precision than that of the Yamaha, it is one of the domains where the differences between the two bikes is the most notable. The Yamaha excels in improvisation, but shows its limitations when accelerating. Less precise, the FZ-6 gives a sense of being less sharp than the Kawasaki. A less experienced rider will have a sense of being less equipped, but the more adept rider will be able to find more.
And here, as soon as you are two on the bike, all the pleasure stops. Legs folded back, no handles to hold on to, the passenger will want to climb off the Kawasaki for a chance with the Yamaha. Aboard the Yam it’s not the best either, but a little more comfortable than its rival. But, at the end of the day one thing is certain, to get the most pleasure from these bikes it is better that one rides solo.
So there you have it, the answer from two constructors faced with the same demand : provide riding pleasure without asking for exorbitant amounts of power or an exorbitant price tag, each one has come up with its original formula.
Easiness and smoothness are the qualities found from the Yamaha FZ-6, while the Kawasaki Z750 offers a bit more punch and sensations for the more passionate riders.
And with that, as is always the case, the decision is yours to make, but as is also always the case, we have shared our opinion with you. We give the nod to the Kawasaki thanks most notably to the power from its motor. The best way to see if you are in agreement is for you to test ride the two yourself !
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