Yamaha FZ1 questions

[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.

[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???

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.

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.