Yammy FZ1?

[colorider]

My 23YO stepson has been thinking about getting a motorcycle again and was first considering a Yamaha R1. While the R1 is probably a great bike, I think the FZ1 is better suited for his planned type of riding. I know for my old body, the ergo's of the R1 would put me in knots in a short time!!

Anyway, looking for input on the FZ1......... He is planning to buy used, so looking for problem years, recommended years, recommended upgrades/mod/farkles/etc.

TIA

Rod

 

[trinc4me]

My 23YO stepson has been thinking about getting a motorcycle again and was first considering a Yamaha R1. While the R1 is probably a great bike, I think the FZ1 is better suited for his planned type of riding. I know for my old body, the ergo's of the R1 would put me in knots in a short time!!

Anyway, looking for input on the FZ1......... He is planning to buy used, so looking for problem years, recommended years, recommended upgrades/mod/farkles/etc.

TIA

Rod

Rod,

FZ1 is a great bike.....lots of power but much more comfortable ergos than the R1. FZ1's are very reliable bikes.....here's a link to the FZ1 forum with tons on info.....www.yamahafz1oa.com/

I'd be glad to try and answer any questions you or your stepson have.

Bob

 

[Buckeye56]

Rod,

+1 on the FZ1 list. I have had mine for almost 7 years and enjoy it every time I take it out for a ride. I have done many 350 plus mile days with no problems. It is faster than I need and handles better than I can exploit. Mine is the first generation which is not as sport oriented as the newer models. I got a Penske shock and had the folks revolved by Traxxion Dynamics. It made a big difference in the handling. I have Ivan's jet kit and a Leo Vinci slip-on. And other than routine maintenance, I have had no issues. Oh and I bought a Sargent seat, it is better than OEM comfortwise.

Feel free to ask if you or your stepson has any questions.

 

[trinc4me]

Rod,

+1 on the FZ1 list. I have had mine for almost 7 years and enjoy it every time I take it out for a ride. I have done many 350 plus mile days with no problems. It is faster than I need and handles better than I can exploit. Mine is the first generation which is not as sport oriented as the newer models. I got a Penske shock and had the folks revolved by Traxxion Dynamics. It made a big difference in the handling. I have Ivan's jet kit and a Leo Vinci slip-on. And other than routine maintenance, I have had no issues. Oh and I bought a Sargent seat, it is better than OEM comfortwise.

Feel free to ask if you or your stepson has any questions.

+1 on what Buckeye56 said. I did not have the traxxion forks our penske shock, but did the Ivan's jet kit......I had my FZ1 for 4 years (it was a Gen 1 2003 model). Gave the bike to my friend not long ago (I still have a CBR600 and WR250R + have the S10 on order). I would buy another FZ1 in a heartbeat.......

Bob

 

[eemsreno]

Rod,

+1 on the FZ1 list. Mine is the first generation which is not as sport oriented as the newer models.

Buckey56 Is right on about the first generation way more comfortable and more usable than the 2006 and newer. My sons 2002 always gets better fuel economy than his friends 2007.

 

[colorider]

Buckey56 Is right on about the first generation way more comfortable and more usable than the 2006 and newer. My sons 2002 always gets better fuel economy than his friends 2007.

Very good info!!! Thanks to both of you!!!

So, the newer ones are not as comfortable as the older? Usually, it's the other way around.

As for the reduced mileage - I'm sure he will not care since he is a Petroleum Engineer!!!!!

 

[Mondo Endo]

My stepson (22) has an 09 and while he likes the bike he is dissapointed in how little torque it has, ya it hauls ass up top but around town it really is kinda weak for a 1K bike...He has looked into doing all the major mods like replacing secondarys and exhaust systems but has decided to sell it for something else... maybe a KTM superduke.

 

[hANNAbONE]

The true hoon bike is the Speed Triple from Trumpy.

That or the newest Z1000 Kawa.

Both very VERY potent hot nakeds...I'd own either or each.

I have owned the Speedy [2003] and it was the nuts.!! LOVED L O V E D that scoot.

 

[Buckeye56]

My stepson (22) has an 09 and while he likes the bike he is dissapointed in how little torque it has, ya it hauls ass up top but around town it really is kinda weak for a 1K bike...

I was surprised with the engine mods as I thought the whole point on these "naked" bikes was a bottom weighted power band. Rod the comfort is better on the gen1 FZs the newer bikes have higher pegs and what looks like a much thinner seat. I don't recall if the bars were tinkered with too. Not sure why Yamaha made the changes they did, must have been due to focus group feedback. Too bad as I doubt that I will buy a gen2 when or if I wear the 02 out.

 

[colorider]

I was surprised with the engine mods as I thought the whole point on these "naked" bikes was a bottom weighted power band. Rod the comfort is better on the gen1 FZs the newer bikes have higher pegs and what looks like a much thinner seat. I don't recall if the bars were tinkered with too. Not sure why Yamaha made the changes they did, must have been due to focus group feedback. Too bad as I doubt that I will buy a gen2 when or if I wear the 02 out.

I'll pass all this on to him for consideration during his search. I know he wants to buy used, so the comfort aspect of the Gen 1 may come into play.

 

[RomKnight]

It was my previous bike before the XT12 and the best way i can think to describe it is "its an R1 with camouflage" .

Many complained about the low-end grunt but I really never needed more when the 1st gear reached 130km/h on the display. Plus, nothing that can't be changed. Just buy the Akrapovic full exhaust made for the FZ1 and that's it. O

 

[fjr1300]

I love my FZ1 and will upgrade it a year from now. I've had to hide the keys otherwise my 23 yr old son and 24 yr old daughter have it when I want it. They have there own bikes, I told them what to buy, but do they listen. NO

 

[Swagger]

I had a 2009 naked for 12K miles. Brilliant bit of kit. the 2010 is even sweeter. Avoid the 07's they had fuelling issues in the UK/Europe resulting in a snatchy throttle.

I had Gilles rearsets, full R&G protection kit, Yoshi zorst, Rizoma bars, PCV, K&N, Pazzo's.

Loved that thing .... mad fast and gr8 handling.

I've just brought a 2009 FZ6 as a run about ... hope that lives up to the FZ name.

 

[colorider]

Just a little update............

Got a call from my son last night and he has pretty much decided that he would prefer the R1 over the FZ1. I guess I can't totally argue with his logic: He may as well get the R1 now and save the "old man's bike" FZ1 for when he is older!!!

 

[Yamaguy55]

He might want to try one of the new FZ8s first. Old man or not, you don't ride at 9000 rpm all day.

 

[colorider]

He might want to try one of the new FZ8s first. Old man or not, you don't ride at 9000 rpm all day.

Too late - he has all ready pulled the trigger and picked up the R1 last Tuesday. The only report I have heard from him is "It's a lot different than my old Maxim!!!!"

Well, yeah............ ;D

 

[Yamaguy55]

Too late - he has all ready pulled the trigger and picked up the R1 last Tuesday. The only report I have heard from him is "It's a lot different than my old Maxim!!!!"

Well, yeah............ ;D

Who would have guessed that? I have a FZ, don't think I would do more than track days on an R.

 

[colorider]

Who would have guessed that? I have a FZ, don't think I would do more than track days on an R.

A good friend of mine here has a FZ as well and really likes it. I about had my son talked into it until he talked to his older brother, who told him that the FZ was "an old man's bike". I know for a fact my old body would not work with the ergos of the R1. But for a 23YO, they are probably fine (for the first 50 miles).

 

[Yamaguy55]

Still another reason I wouldn't want to be 23 again. 33 yes, 23, no. I'm stupid enough at 55, certainly don't need to add to that. But if I were a track day guy, one of the Rs would be very enticing. In reality, the middleweights will usually allow faster times for all but the true experts, of which I am not a member. If I were going to do the Tail of the Dragon, I think I'd take a WR250X with the stickiest tires I could find. It will go as fast as those corners truly allow, without the spanking potential of a high powered sportbike. Most people are faster on smaller bikes than bigger ones. If I weren't so lazy (read that as already have enough to do) I'd build one of those Formula 450 bikes and do track days. But I'm already overbooked as it is, so don't need more.
The FZ8 remark was that from all reports, with a centerstand (extra $ accessory) some wind protection and an adjustable shock, it may be the best FZ yet: grunty and fast. Turns better than the FZ1, runs faster than the FZ6, has better bottom end than either of the other two. Very enticing.

 

[colorider]

Sounds like Yammy may have a winner with the FZ8! I'll have to check them out the next time I'm at my local dealer.

For me, the Blackbird has always had a very enticing draw to it. Again, I don't think my body would still work for the ergos, but it's fun to dream!! Kinda like "The older I get - the faster I was"!!!