FZ1N vs 900 Hornet

**Farab** · 18th May 2009, 14:19

Anyone own one around here? Any thoughts, reviews, etc., as an all rounder - commuter, 2 up & weekend toy? I have heard some issues with "snatchy throttle / EFI" . I am especially interested in anyone's thoughts about the FZ1N vs 900 Hornet.
I got my hands on a FZ1N for a few minutes and really enjoyed it, 1 & 2 up. Didn't really find it lacking in the lower rev's for city work, an interesting motor with character. Just had it for a few minutes though, so not really a proper ride to have a thorough opinion of it.

Thanks guys, will check in later.

**Morcs** · 18th May 2009, 15:00

FZ1 is a far more highly spec'd than the mediocre hornet.

Unless you are talking new, Id take a Predator over a FZ1.

**Farab** · 18th May 2009, 15:08

Originally Posted by Morcs

FZ1 is a far more highly spec'd than the mediocre hornet.

Unless you are talking new, Id take a Predator over a FZ1.

Thinking new. Reasons in favour of the Predator?

**The Stranger:Me** · 18th May 2009, 15:19

Originally Posted by Farab

Thinking new. Reasons in favour of the Predator?

He can't handle the power.

**FROSTY:Me** · 18th May 2009, 15:26

My opinion. The hornet is a more comfortable all rounder BUT the FZ1 is more FUN.
I think you need to nail down what riding you are gonna do more of --fun canyon stuff or 2 up long haul. If 2 up then my vote is for late model Hornet. If Canyon stuff then the yamaha.

**avgas** · 18th May 2009, 15:31

I had the opportunity to ride both. The FZ1N is basically a cut down sports bike, it feels every inch of it. I hear they are still OK 2-up, but not great. It felt sharper than the old FZ1/Fazer but did not have the same throttle tollerance of the carbs. The hornet feels like the perfect "anything" bike. However therein lies the problem - like a swiss-army knife it does everything, but nothing good.

As personal taste - i would buy the FZ1N.....or if you have the coin a bking. The new CB1000R is also an option if your buying new

**Farab** · 18th May 2009, 15:31

Originally Posted by FROSTY

My opinion. The hornet is a more comfortable all rounder BUT the FZ1 is more FUN.
I think you need to nail down what riding you are gonna do more of --fun canyon stuff or 2 up long haul. If 2 up then my vote is for late model Hornet. If Canyon stuff then the yamaha.

For the short time I had it, it felt like fun!

I do everything - daily commuting rain or shine, "spirited" blasts like the Coro Loop, etc., with the boys, as well as day trips with the missus, which can be anything from 40km's to the Viaduct and back to 400km's.

**NZsarge** · 18th May 2009, 16:34

Talk to Blacksheep, just did a tour of the south island on his FZ1 S , told me the bike went like a dream, have'nt ridden the N model but considering you have and S model available why would you? I guess the N does look horny but the S is not an ugly bike by any stretch and the added practicality is well worth it. Get at least an '07 or later model as the fuel injection was rumoured to be sorted.

**Elysium** · 18th May 2009, 17:24

Haven't ridden a Yami yet but like some people here have mentioned, it depends if you want just fun or multi-purpose use. The Hornet is very reliable mechanicaly wise and can do anything, but doesn't have the thrill factor of sports bikes. On the plus side the Hornet is value for money.

**AllanB** · 18th May 2009, 17:35

You talking Hornet 900 or the new CB1000R Predator?

If you are talking NEW the Hornet was replaced with the Predator. Still a few 900's around probably and excellent value if still $11k. Very happy with mine, just needs some pipes to let it sing to me.

As good as the Predator is, they are $19-21 (depending whos price tags you believe). At that price also look at a Speed triple. Or Monster.

Yamaha is a nice kit.

If you have the dosh buy what gives you a thrill.

**Farab** · 18th May 2009, 17:52

Originally Posted by AllanB

You talking Hornet 900 or the new CB1000R Predator?

If you are talking NEW the Hornet was replaced with the Predator. Still a few 900's around probably and excellent value if still $11k. Very happy with mine, just needs some pipes to let it sing to me.

As good as the Predator is, they are $19-21 (depending whos price tags you believe). At that price also look at a Speed triple. Or Monster.

Yamaha is a nice kit.

If you have the dosh buy what gives you a thrill.

I'm basically just looking around - I like to do my homework well in advance.

I have owned the Hornet 900 for a year now, since new. Not quite sure if I want to hang on to it. As has been mentioned here, they seem to do everything well, but at times I feel like its lacking a bit of excitement.

I have also been fortunate to take a spin on the new Predator, it was a bag of giggles in the twisty stuff, just not sure if its worth the $21K price tag...
The engine is extremely linear, no surprises, you could maybe even say it lacks character in that department. Very easy to ride. Would ave been nice to have had a few more ponies though, with the extra weight (compared to the H9) outright acceleration feels very similar to the H9 IMO.

If I had ridden the FZ1N before I bought the H9, I'm not sure that I would have bought the H9. That said the H9 is a lot of bike for the price.

Does anyone know when current FZ1N will be replaced? They came out in 2006?

**The Stranger:Me** · 18th May 2009, 17:52

Originally Posted by AllanB

As good as the Predator is, they are $19-21 (depending whos price tags you believe). At that price also look at a Speed triple. Or Monster.

Yamaha is a nice kit.

I note Henderson Motorcycles have a new 08 FZ1 for 15k. Add Ohlins, PC3, headers, can with the 5k saving.
What was the question?

**nallac** · 18th May 2009, 18:04

Originally Posted by avgas

I had the opportunity to ride both. The FZ1N is basically a cut down sports bike, it feels every inch of it. I hear they are still OK 2-up, but not great. It felt sharper than the old FZ1/Fazer but did not have the same throttle tollerance of the carbs. The hornet feels like the perfect "anything" bike. However therein lies the problem - like a swiss-army knife it does everything, but nothing good.

As personal taste - i would buy the FZ1N.....or if you have the coin a bking. The new CB1000R is also an option if your buying new

Originally Posted by Elysium

Haven't ridden a Yami yet but like some people here have mentioned, it depends if you want just fun or multi-purpose use. The Hornet is very reliable mechanicaly wise and can do anything, but doesn't have the thrill factor of sports bikes. On the plus side the Hornet is value for money.

yip the hornet is a fun cheapish bike good at all things,
its just lacking the x factor thats why i got ride of mine...

serously like the look of the later Fz1n's, even in yellow
lots more power than the hornet.

have yet to ride one, should be a more comfy newer version of my R1