Yamaha FZ1 questions

[CookMySock]

How does the '04 Yamaha FZ1 compare to the R1?

edit: ok, yes thats only one question. :rolleyes:

TIA,
Steve

[Scouse]

How does the '04 Yamaha FZ1 compare to the R1?

edit: ok, yes thats only one question. :rolleyes:

TIA,
SteveHow long is a piece of string

[NZsarge]

How does the '04 Yamaha FZ1 compare to the R1?

edit: ok, yes thats only one question. :rolleyes:

TIA,
Steve
Not as well as an '06 on if you're looking at a bike to stack up against an R1 but if you're looking for Yamaha's version of the Suzuki Bandit then you're looking at the right bike, just my opinion but I think the first FZ1 is a sportier more capable bike than the bandit but probably not by huge amounts...
If you were after one of these and like you're sports riding every now and then try to stretch to a '06 or later as they are much sportier the the previous FZ1 and still pretty comfortable and practical.
It's not that the older version won't scratch though..

Edit:
Older version FZ1 = Sportier Bandit competitor..
'06 on FZ1 = Close to an R1 with a comfy upright seating position.

[SPman]

01-05 FZ1 - one of the great underrated real world bikes on the road, sometimes called the "thinking mans R1". Upgrade the suspension (the rear shock isn't much chop),and, on the road,you'll keep up with most sprotbikes out there....... and they'll stomp over a Bandit given equal riders!

[PaddyFZ1]

How does the '04 Yamaha FZ1 compare to the R1?

edit: ok, yes thats only one question. :rolleyes:

TIA,
Steve

The first generation FZ1 doesnt come close to the R1, even though the engine is derived from the '99 R1. There is plenty of power, handling is ok but i would not compare it to a sports bike.
600 km days are easy and you will be able to stand at the bar at the end of the day rather than having to use the bar to hold yourself up.:apint:
If you are after a long distance Tourer, with plenty of go, then it could be right for you.
As said above the 2nd gen is a lot sportier, still comfy for the long rides but the handling is a big step up from the first gen.
Ive owned both first and second gen FZ1s, put 33k on the 1st gen in just over 2 years, 18k on the 2nd gen in 12 months.

[CookMySock]

Thanks people.


If you are after a long distance Tourer, with plenty of go, then it could be right for you.Yeah that sounds like the bizo.

How do I tell 1st from 2nd gen? Year?

Steve

[nallac]

1st gen has the tube frame .

Kiwi Rider had a comparo between the first gen Fz1 and R1
a while back,well worth the read if you're looking at either.

Basically said R1 is closer to the Fz on the road than the Fz is to the R1
on the track.

[Robert Taylor]

How does the '04 Yamaha FZ1 compare to the R1?

edit: ok, yes thats only one question. :rolleyes:

TIA,
Steve

They have about the worst set of ''cartridge'' forks of any bike out there. VERY budget construction internally and it reflects in their abysmal performance. Fixable.

[CookMySock]

They have about the worst set of ''cartridge'' forks of any bike out there. VERY budget construction internally and it reflects in their abysmal performance. Fixable.Put some hyosung forks on it? :dodge:

Steve

[short-circuit]

They have about the worst set of ''cartridge'' forks of any bike out there. VERY budget construction internally and it reflects in their abysmal performance. Fixable.

Coming off a Hyosung - it'll probably be a massive improvement stock

[short-circuit]

Put some hyosung forks on it? :dodge:

Steve

Beat me to it

[CookMySock]

Coming off a Hyosung - it'll probably be a massive improvement stockI guarantee it. Mind you, I rode a mates FZR and it was rough as crap compared to my 650.

I bet in real life you are a perfectly personable fella.

Steve

[PaddyFZ1]

Thanks people.

Yeah that sounds like the bizo.

How do I tell 1st from 2nd gen? Year?

Steve

1st gen '02 - '05
2nd gen '06 - present

If you do get a 1st gen, I have a workshop manual that i no longer have any use for that i could be keen to part with.

[jrandom]

I test-rode a second gen FZ1 last weekend.

The footpegs were too high for comfort, and the motor, while not making amounts of power anywhere close to an '07 R1, still had a distinct peakiness to it. You have to keep it over 9 grand to make properly brisk progress. Just like an '07 R1.

Which kind of negates the point of tuning the engine differently, I'd have thought. It just felt like a sportbike with its nuts cut off.

The current-model Z1000 I rode after it handled better, was more comfortable, and had a stronger motor all the way through. It was also going for only a grand more, brand new, than the pre-thrashed Fazer was. Would've been a no-brainer for me if I was buying on the day.

[James Deuce]

A Banndit isn't even in the same ballpark as a 1st gen FZ1.

[short-circuit]

I guarantee it. Mind you, I rode a mates FZR and it was rough as crap compared to my 650.

I bet in real life you are a perfectly personable fella.

Steve

your wrong

[James Deuce]

That's "you're", unless you forgot to finish the sentence?

[jrandom]

VERY budget construction internally and it reflects in their abysmal performance. Fixable.

Yes, Robert.

Why don't you go the whole hog and describe for us how an FZ1 feels for you when you're pushing into corners under brakes?

Was it during your first test lap that you had your revelation about the FZ1's performance, or did it take you a while to gel on your 'abysmal' conclusion?

[CookMySock]

your wrongYou're right.

Steve

[short-circuit]

That's "you're", unless you forgot to finish the sentence?


your wrong too - it was a reference to a landmark comment from a momentous thread. Thank you Smoky!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=105569&page=13

[short-circuit]

Changing bike ain't gonna make people take you more seriously as a motorcycle "instructor" Steve. Stick with the Hyosung - it's great entertainment

[James Deuce]

your wrong too - it was a reference to a landmark comment from a momentous thread. Thank you Smoky!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=105569&page=13

That's "you're".

[short-circuit]

That's "you're".

:hitcher: Not according to Smoky. He coined it, I'm sticking with it, your wrong :hitcher:

[Morcs]

DB, go and check out the new FZ6R (labelled as the XJ6S in NZ)

Seriously good bike for the money at 13.5k new. Much better than its lower quality counterparts (suzukis and kawasakis) and Honda dont do a semi faired middleweight) Goes like stink too., 100hp. I love my FZ6.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.nz/motor/prod_detail.asp?MD_ID=597&modelcatid=17

[CookMySock]

DB, go and check out the new FZ6R (labelled as the XJ6S in NZ)Thanks bro, but outa my price range. :oi-grr:

Steve

[Robert Taylor]

Yes, Robert.

Why don't you go the whole hog and describe for us how an FZ1 feels for you when you're pushing into corners under brakes?

Was it during your first test lap that you had your revelation about the FZ1's performance, or did it take you a while to gel on your 'abysmal' conclusion?

I dont need to elaborate to suit anyones hints of condescension as I have ridden them in a variety of circumstances, and you dont even need to push the bike to its low limits ( or mine! ) to emphatically realise theres an issue. And Ive had a number of people send me forks off these for modification. All of whom complained bitterly about how poorly they performed
Having had a number apart its dead obvious why they dont work well. Simple.

[James Deuce]

Rule #1: Don't bite.

He knows damn well that if someone sent him the code for an embedded navigation device he'd be able to tell at a glance if it was written by script kiddies or professionals, and the same rules apply to your work.

It's called "experience".

[short-circuit]

How does the '04 Yamaha FZ1 compare to the R1?

edit: ok, yes thats only one question. :rolleyes:

TIA,
Steve

Apart from the mechanical brilliance of the Hyosung, don't ya just want stay with it for the sheer COOL factor?

[James Deuce]

:hitcher: Not according to Smoky. He coined it, I'm sticking with it, your wrong :hitcher:

My wrong what?

[jrandom]

I dont need to elaborate to suit anyones hints of condescension as I have ridden them in a variety of circumstances, and you dont even need to push the bike to its low limits ( or mine! ) to emphatically realise theres an issue...
Having had a number apart its dead obvious why they dont work well. Simple.

Well, fairy muff then!

Just the first-generation FZ1, or does the second-gen model suffer from front end quality issues as well?

I can't say I noticed anything particularly terrible about its handling on the road, but then I am used to riding around the limitations of a GSX1400, in comparison to which the later model FZ1 feels like a toy.

[NZsarge]

Well, fairy muff then!

Just the first-generation FZ1, or does the second-gen model suffer from front end quality issues as well?

I can't say I noticed anything particularly terrible about its handling on the road, but then I am used to riding around the limitations of a GSX1400, in comparison to which the later model FZ1 feels like a toy.

Yes the suspension on the second gen FZ1 is'nt the flashest either but then again i've yet to ride a bike I did'nt have some issue with suspension wise (given my size I always will) but that said it held up to the pressure I put it under a bit better than my ZX14 is. All bikes you and I will be riding will be built to a budget and the FZ1 is no exception.
I look upon the Gen 2 FZ1 as an almost great bike nobbled by a bit of penny pinching at the end of the design process, if you were to go see someone like Mr Taylor and spend some coin I truly think you'd release some very interesting potential.

[jrandom]

Yes the suspension on the second gen FZ1 is'nt the flashest either but then again i've yet to ride a bike I did'nt have some issue with suspension wise (given my size I always will) but that said it held up to the pressure I put it under a bit better than my ZX14 is.

Come to think of it, I did get a fair bit of headshake on it, but nothing that you'd really call a tankslapper. Didn't seem like a huge issue. Sort of added to the fun factor. It didn't have what you'd call a 'rock solid' ride quality, more along the lines of 'sketchy', but it felt fine all the same.


I look upon the Gen 2 FZ1 as an almost great bike nobbled by a bit of penny pinching at the end of the design process, if you were to go see someone like Mr Taylor and spend some coin I truly think you'd release some very interesting potential.

I have to say, it felt like a bit of a design abortion to me. Uncomfortably cramped ergonomics and a motor without much midrange punch. The handling didn't exactly let the rest of the bike down.

I wouldn't have one.

Have you ridden the current-model Z1000? It's way better than the first one.

[Maha]

Yes the suspension on the second gen FZ1 is'nt the flashest either but then again i've yet to ride a bike I did'nt have some issue with suspension wise (given my size I always will) but that said it held up to the pressure I put it under a bit better than my ZX14 is. All bikes you and I will be riding will be built to a budget and the FZ1 is no exception.
I look upon the Gen 2 FZ1 as an almost great bike nobbled by a bit of penny pinching at the end of the design process, if you were to go see someone like Mr Taylor and spend some coin I truly think you'd release some very interesting potential.

It was for these reasons that I opted out of buying an FZ1 after I sold the Triumph. I was pretty set on one until, a yamaha salesman who brought a brand new FZ1n turned around and spent a few grand plus, on an Ohlins upgrade a few weeks later, I asked the question? the answer didnt do me or the thought of a purchase any favours. I had just spent the about the same amount on the Sprint about a year earlier, wasnt about to shell out 18k and then look at a suspension upgrade.
I understand about the 'build to budget' and that is largely correct, plus, the way I ride, I wouldn't necessarily need to spend thousands (after the fact) on a brand new bike, it was just the 'what if' that put me off.

[NZsarge]

Come to think of it, I did get a fair bit of headshake on it, but nothing that you'd really call a tankslapper. Didn't seem like a huge issue. Sort of added to the fun factor. It didn't have what you'd call a 'rock solid' ride quality, more along the lines of 'sketchy', but it felt fine all the same.

I did on a couple of occasions I did experience some headshake but only at giddy speeds slightly over 100kph going over broken and or uneven road surfaces, weighing what I weigh I do tend to calm a bikes tendenacies do head shake down some what. There was the odd point I thought a steering damper might be the go...

I have to say, it felt like a bit of a design abortion to me. Uncomfortably cramped ergonomics
Yep legs are cramped but that comes with what I thought was a reasonably low seat height so short arses can ride it..

and a motor without much midrange punch.
Based on an R1 motor you're surprised? You're just being spoilt by 1400cc of lazyness man, if it was a FZ14 then i'm sure it would be much more to your liking eh...

The handling didn't exactly let the rest of the bike down.
Once I got my head around the upright seating position I had a ball on my one...


I wouldn't have one.
Fair enough, they are'nt for everyone... Never regretting owning mine that's for sure.


Have you ridden the current-model Z1000? It's way better than the first one?
No I have'nt, they are too small like most sporting bikes unfortunately and will interesting it look a bit too transformer while never quite pulling it off I thought.
What makes my mouth water at the prospect is an FZ1 with a slightly detuned for power but more for torque current R1 motor with an Ohlins option when purchasing.

[jrandom]

I did on a couple of occasions I did experience some headshake but only at giddy speeds slightly over 100kph going over broken and or uneven road surfaces

Sounds right. The one I rode waggled its nose at full throttle in second and third gears, exiting bumpy corners. That sort of thing. Nice little 'way hey hey!' moments.


No I have'nt, they are too small like most sporting bikes unfortunately

What? It feels bigger and comfier than the second gen FZ1.


plus, the way I ride, I wouldn't necessarily need to spend thousands (after the fact) on a brand new bike

Not the way you ride, no.

:hug:

[NZsarge]

I understand about the 'build to budget' and that is largely correct, plus, the way I ride, I wouldn't necessarily need to spend thousands (after the fact) on a brand new bike, it was just the 'what if' that put me off.

Yes I understand where you're coming from dude, I truly think you would have been fine on it as standard, there is a chap down here (Blacksheep) who is closer to your size than mine and although he can get a clip along when he wants to he does'nt ride it to within an inch of it's life and he absolutely loves it, took it down south on a tour about the place and absolutely raved about it when he got back.. I really liked mine but given that I looked somewhat too large on mine and the fact I'd always hankered after a 14 I thought "why not" and changed bikes and I don't regret the either, if I were your size i'd still be riding it i'm pretty sure..

[NZsarge]

What? It feels bigger and comfier than the second gen FZ1.


In AFC motorcycles in Palmy Nth at the moment there is my old bike and a 2nd gen Z1000 and to me the Z1 looks 3/4 the size... (ok slight a exaggeration but defintely smaller) Hence I have'nt even given it a second thought...
I'm going to a 'Wing next to get something that look proportionately correct!

[jrandom]

In AFC motorcycles in Palmy Nth at the moment there is my old bike and a 2nd gen Z1000 and to me the Z1 looks 3/4 the size...

Don't look at it. Just ride it.


I'm going to a 'Wing next to get something that look proportionately correct!

How about a Rocket III Touring? I really fancy one of those.

[NZsarge]

Don't look at it. Just ride it.

I would but I might see myself in a shop window and that would'nt be good, besides, i've got a ZX14, why the hell would I want to ride a Z1000??? :laugh:

How about a Rocket III Touring? I really fancy one of those.

Not in this lifetime pal...
If I went away from Japanese it'd be to something like a KTM SMR or a SuperDuke (but then you get back to looking like a pumpkin on a pimple)

["D" FZ1]

It was for these reasons that I opted out of buying an FZ1 after I sold the Triumph. I was pretty set on one until, a yamaha salesman who brought a brand new FZ1n turned around and spent a few grand plus, on an Ohlins upgrade a few weeks later, I asked the question? the answer didnt do me or the thought of a purchase any favours. I had just spent the about the same amount on the Sprint about a year earlier, wasnt about to shell out 18k and then look at a suspension upgrade.
I understand about the 'build to budget' and that is largely correct, plus, the way I ride, I wouldn't necessarily need to spend thousands (after the fact) on a brand new bike, it was just the 'what if' that put me off.

I mainly upgraded to Ohlins suspension due to my wife having a back problem and experiencing jarring up her back if we hit some large pot holes or bumps. I did 35,000 km's on my first FZ1-N, and could push it pretty hard without to many problems. The Ohlins up grade wasn't really necessary. I did it cause I could.

[jrandom]

i've got a ZX14, why the hell would I want to ride a Z1000???

Because it's not an overpowered tub of lard?


Not in this lifetime pal...

Goodness me, an image-conscious motorcyclist. Who'd-a thunk it.

[Maha]

Not the way you ride, no.

:hug:

I could have and possibly should have, added that point into the evaluation at the time.


Yes I understand where you're coming from dude, I truly think you would have been fine on it as standard, there is a chap down here (Blacksheep) who is closer to your size than mine and although he can get a clip along when he wants to he does'nt ride it to within an inch of it's life and he absolutely loves it, took it down south on a tour about the place and absolutely raved about it when he got back.. I really liked mine but given that I looked somewhat too large on mine and the fact I'd always hankered after a 14 I thought "why not" and changed bikes and I don't regret the either, if I were your size i'd still be riding it i'm pretty sure..

I still have alot of time for the FZ1 as a bike, no question.
But I really needed a bike for two-up loaded and solo times so the bigger nakeds came into the equation.

[Maha]

I mainly upgraded to Ohlins suspension due to my wife having a back problem and experiencing jarring up her back if we hit some large pot holes or bumps. I did 35,000 km's on my first FZ1-N, and could push it pretty hard without to many problems. The Ohlins up grade wasn't really necessary. I did it cause I could.

Yes in hindsight, I and subsequence posts on my type of riding, a suspension upgrade would not have been essential had I brought an FZ1.

[NZsarge]

Because it's not an overpowered tub of lard?

As opposed to your underpowered tub of lard?

Goodness me, an image-conscious motorcyclist. Who'd-a thunk it.

Indeed, I'll admit freely that I do subscribe to an "image" component in my pass time of riding my bike, I pay a shit load for the pleasure... So sue me...

[jrandom]

As opposed to your underpowered tub of lard?

My tub of lard isn't underpowered; it's just right.

Like a 95hp bowl of warm porridge.

[NZsarge]

My tub of lard isn't underpowered; it's just right.

Like a 95hp bowl of warm porridge.

Funny coz I thought my bike could do with another 20hp or so... Just to up the excitement factor a little... :whistle: :rolleyes:

[jrandom]

Funny coz I thought my bike could do with another 20hp or so... Just to up the excitement factor a little... :whistle: :rolleyes:

Have you tried going round corners on it?

That can be exciting too.

See you on 25 September (http://www.motott.co.nz/)!

[NZsarge]

Have you tried going round corners on it?

That can be exciting too.


Meh! Corners are over rated! 100kph on a straight road and i'm a happy guy...

[jrandom]

Meh! Corners are over rated!

You probably should test-ride a Rocket III.

[Maha]

So whats the 2nd question DB??

[CookMySock]

So whats the 2nd question DB??Hah, that was it bro.

I have the opportunity to pick one of these up, and I wanted to know if it was a mild-mannered tourer, or a snarly cammy bitch. Looks like it's neither. ;)

Steve

[short-circuit]

Hah, that was it bro.

I have the opportunity to pick one of these up, and I wanted to know if it was a mild-mannered tourer, or a snarly cammy bitch. Looks like it's neither. ;)

Steve

If I were you, and it wasn't a Hyosung or an icecream truck, I wouldn't give it the time of day

[mnkyboy]

Hyosung or an icecream truck

Aren't they synonomous?:devil2:

[short-circuit]

Aren't they synonomous?:devil2:

Really? :innocent: Do they have some kind of dangerous connection? :whistle:

[NZsarge]

Hah, that was it bro.

I have the opportunity to pick one of these up, and I wanted to know if it was a mild-mannered tourer, or a snarly cammy bitch. Looks like it's neither. ;)

Steve

Bottom line is opinions are just that, everyone wants something different from a bike, the only person that's gonna know if you like it is you so go ride it..