The 600cc inline-four naked
Extinct in 2026
In 2006 the 600cc inline-four naked class was contested: Yamaha FZ6, Honda Hornet 600, Suzuki Bandit 650, Kawasaki Z750. By 2026 all are dead. Replaced by parallel-twin nakeds (MT-07, CB650R/CB750 Hornet, Z650, SV650). The inline-four 600 wasn't cost-effective to homologate for Euro 4/5 in a sub-$8k bike.
FZS600 → FZ6 transition
Better engine, 2004
1998-2003 FZS600 used the Thundercat's carb-fed engine: 95bhp at 12,000rpm. 2004+ FZ6 used the R6-derived FI engine: 98bhp at 12,000rpm with sharper response. FZ6 also added the underseat exhaust styling that made it 'look like an R6 with bars'. Sales jumped 60% in the FZ6's first year.
Why it ended
XJ6 budget play, 2009
Yamaha killed the FZ6 in 2009 to launch the XJ6 — same general role but with the older 600 engine, simpler chassis, lower price ($5,799 vs $6,500). The XJ6 hit a price-sensitive market segment harder. By 2014 the parallel-twin MT-07 made both irrelevant — cheaper, more torque, modern engine. Both XJ6 and FZ6 are now used-only.
Real cost trajectory
−13% real
$5,899 FZ6 in 2006 ($9,900 today) → $8,510 MT-07 in 2026. Slightly cheaper in real terms. Modern MT-07 has more torque (67Nm vs 63Nm), parallel-twin character, FI, ABS standard, full LCD dash. Used market in 2026: FZS600 $1-2k, FZ6 $1.8-3k for clean low-mile.
Rider aids count (1998 → 2026)
0 → 4
FZS600 had nothing. FZ6 added FI but no ABS, no electronics. MT-07 (2026 closest replacement) has ABS, FI, optional quickshifter, LCD dash. The mid-naked class has always been minimal on rider aids — that's how it stays affordable.
Cheapest way in
$1k
A clean FZS600 Fazer (1998-2003). 95bhp inline-four, half-fairing, comfortable, plentiful and dirt-cheap on US used market. Pay attention to fuel pump (FZ6) or carb sync (FZS600), reg/rec, fork seals. $1-2k buys a tidy bike with full service history. Brilliant first big-bike.
vs MT-07 in 2026
Different character
FZ6 is a 12,000rpm rev-happy inline-four; MT-07 is a 9,000rpm torquey parallel-twin. Different engine character entirely. FZ6 wants you to wring its neck for the power; MT-07 hands it to you in a relaxed parallel-twin handful. Different riders. Both around 95-98bhp peak.
