I bought an XJ6 Diversion. The semi-faired one. Cost £5K new, a lot less than the advertised price, in August last year. I think they were trying to shift anything!!! ?
I can’t really compare it to other big bikes, because I haven’t ridden them, but I think it’s quite good for learners, as it will go in most gears?
However, I’ve had a lot of issues with it. Mostly the vibrating noises. I actually had the entire headlight replaced as the reflector was vibrating in the unit. I’m fairly sure the new one is doing the same, only not to the same extent.
The chain noise is also irritating and I’ve spoken to several owners who report the same thing, with stories of trips to Yamaha dealers who either fob you off or make adjustments which don’t do anything. I don’t know if a new chain and sprocket might solve this (the bike’s only done 8K though, so I’m not suggesting it’s worn). I can lessen it by applying lube in copious amounts, which seems to help for a day or two.
Also, after learning on a YBR-125, I went for a semi-faired bike as people said it would be better on the motorway. However, I found that the wind would smack me in the face, around the forehead and I had to buy a double-bubble style windscreen to stop this, as it was actually making it difficult to see at 70, as I wear glasses and the helmet would make them vibrate too. I’m only 5 foot 9 too, so not exactly tall. Having dropped it early on, cracking the fairing on one side too (despite the yamaha protector!), I often wish I’d just bought a naked version, especially as I’ve now discovered that long-distance riding on a motorway is BORING anyway and very tiring on the throttle hand. In fact, it’s enough to make me want to just get a naked bike for around town and a car if I actually want to go anywhere. Particularly as I end up going slower on a bike on the motorway, as it canes the fuel at higher speeds.
Fuel economy, incidentally, is about 45mpg. Doesn’t really seem to matter whether I ride it fast or slow, using all the gears or just the first 3 or 4. Bit better on the motorway, although the fuel does drain in front of your eyes at speeds you’d find in the outside lane. 60ish seems much better and the sat nav reports I get there in about the same time.The fuel guage is flashing empty again today and I’m at about 100 miles. It’ll probably be touching 115 by the time I fill it up. I’ve never managed to get more than 14/15 litres in on a fill up either, so it’ll probably go further, as it’s supposed to have a capacity of 18 I think.
Hope this helps. It might be that I’d have found similar issues with other bikes too and I’m just a fussy bastard mind you. I actually like the look of that new Honda NC 700s, although I haven’t ridden one. Storage space and better economy on the fuel attracts me. I’ve seen negative opinions from some, but I’m really not after something that screams around town or does incredible speeds on the motorway. I ride a bike is for commuting basically. Still, think I’ll be sticking with my XJ6 and living with it for a while, as I’ve added pannier racks, top box and done various wiring jobs to add heated grips and power for GPS and there’s this tiny crack in the fairing which’ll no doubt depreciate it even more… The yamaha dealer just looked at me blankly when I asked about repairs, saying they can only order an entire new part… ?
I’d have loved to buy a Honda, but 0% finance will usually swing things for me.