Well I've seen that the SV650 could be considered one of the /26's favorites bikes, also a couple members have some very nice ones, but I have noticed that almost no one speaks of the FZ6, which I consider to be a bike that's more or less on the same level as the SV650.

I know one is a V-twin and the other is a I4, and they act differently, but I wanted to know what would you guys pick? Lately it seems that the FZ6 has become increasingly popular in here, I see many everyday, including some FZ1's, but the SV's are more rare.

I just wanted to hear some feedback on the fazers, it seems they aren't as popular there in the US as they are in here? Why is that?

 

I would say that out of the box the FZ6 has alot of better options.
It's got better brakes, better suspension, better swingarm (looks wise at least), better seat albeit a banana seat. It also has a front fairing and handlebars as apposed to the SV650s which has clipons. The tail has grab bars which would make carrying a passenger infinitely better.
But for me, the choice comes down to the engine. I've heard the Fz6 is buzzy and lacks torque. On a bike like that (i.e. handlebars and comfy ergos) i don't want to be wringing its neck to feel any sensation. And i really don't want to be shifting alot. I picture the person buying an FZ6 wanting a more relaxed ride with the capabilities to go long distances, carry load, and be comfortable. It probably weighs just a little more than the SV, but i bet it gets pretty good gas mileage.
Both bikes have the option of a chin spoiler, although i favor the SV650s. And the looks of either bike without a chin spoiler at least, don't really do it for me.

As i've said before, it depends on what you want to do with the bike, and how you want to do it. I also think that if your goal is sport touring that the FZ will probably do it better out of the box, while the SV probably wouldn't mind a couple mods.

 

For whatever reason people don't seem to be into the FZ. I have one, its my first bike. I wanted to have an SV, but I could only find S models and I didn't really like the body positioning. I felt like I was hanging off the front of the bike, I stumbled onto the FZ and liked it. I'm pretty sure the FZ has the SV beat in performance numbers and overall horsepower. I ride relaxed, but when I want to beat on it, it moves. I think the reason its not popular here is marketing and word of mouth.

 

SV. it's bulletproof and better looking than the fizz. a ton of aftermarket support and wonderfully light.

 

I almost bought and FZ6 right before I bought my current SV. If the colors they had in stock weren't so ugly I probably would've gotten it.

I couldn't resist the exhaust

 

I actually wanted torque for a bike, so I got an SV650 rather than a 600cc I4. The I4 has more top end pull, and the powerband above 7500-8000 on the V Twin definately falls off, but something about the torque delivery and certainly the SOUND of the V Twin makes for better overall experience for me.

Not to mention I paid $2,700.00 for a nice 7K miled naked SV650 with dual headlights and a Yoshi slip-on, and after matte black paint IMO it looks way better than a 1/2 faring bike.

After upgrading the front fork springs and oil the bike is an excellent cornering machine as well.

I've ridden a FZ6 before and while the top end is nice, the lack of torque and the lack of personality (meaning no exposed tubular aluminum frame, V Twin roar) made it seem less than the SV IMO.

 

I've never ridden an FZ6 but I have owned an SV...great bike. I miss it everyday, and my current ride is a Speed Triple. I'm not a big fan of I4 bikes anymore.