First ride on my new '07 FZ1 (quick review)

[R Doug]

I can’t believe it’s December 28th and I’m able to sneak in a nice little 60 mile ride near the end of the day today.  Since I just acquired the FZ, I couldn’t wait to get out on her.

I had a quick errand to run downtown before heading 20 miles out Rt. 7 towards Kingwood, WV for a quick site inspection for work.  Riding downtown in traffic, I could tell the FZ is wonderful at slow speeds.  The weight feels low on it and it’s one of the easiest bikes I’ve personally maneuvered in tight spaces.  

Once I completed my downtown errand, I headed back past my house and got caught behind a lot of traffic up Rt. 7.  This was OK because it was only 40 degrees at the time and I have new tires to break in.  I took this time to test out just how cruise-worthy it can be.  While following traffic on a twisty Rt. 7 from Morgantown to Kingwood (all up hill), I put the bike in top gear at 35 MPH.  With the tach  hovering around 2K, I was able to accelerate w/o hesitation on the big I4.  There were no EFI issues and though it doesn’t have the pull in top gear as compared to my old ST3 Duc, it was very respectable.  



Along the way, I was able to confirm the ergos are great for me.  However, for really long rides, the foot pegs could be down an inch.  I don’t think I’ll ever seen aftermarket adjustable ones because the exhaust can would be in the way.  With my arms right in front of me, my feet right below me, and a nice posture any Mom would be proud of, I started thinking how the FZ1 is like a Liter Bike attached to your favorite chair.  The wide bars made sweepers and twisties easy as I moved my body from side to side.  The view is much better for me since I sit up a little more than my previous and current bikes.  In fact, I was able to catch a glimpse of some water falls which I had never seen before off Rt. 7 w/ the leafs off the trees.  







After my site inspection, I took a nice scenic trip back to the office.  I made sure I covered every type of road I could from nice fast sweepers to tight technical roads which I have ridden, and I even threw in a few miles on slab to see how it is in the wind.  The FZ1 provided great confidence and feel in regards to all types of turns.  The chassis is solid and provides nice feedback.  The turn-in isn’t as sharp as I thought it would be given the angles, but once in a turn, you felt very comfortable.  

Vibration was minimal with more of a buzz in the left peg over the right one.  The bars would buzz when droning along a long stretch at a certain RPM, but hey… it’s a bike!  They do that.

The brakes stop the bike well, but don’t provide the feedback I like.  My old ST3 and current Daytona both have wonderful brakes that would stop you quickly and provide excellent feedback.  The FZ’s brakes don’t feel soft, they just don’t communicate as much.  I locked up the rear tire when trying some emergency stops on it and I didn’t even know I locked it up until I looked back.  But, I could easily come to nice quick stop w/ front brake only and with two fingers on the lever.  So, they don’t suck, but they’re not great either.  

The wind protection is totally acceptable.  For touring, I could see getting a taller windscreen, but for daily rides, it would be fine.  The upper fairing kept the cold air off my upper body and the windscreen put the wind about midway up my facesheild.  Buffeting was minimal.  I have found buffeting is at its max when the wind hits you either low in the helmet or high in the helmet.

In short, I love this bike.  It has an incredibly strong engine, the ergos are perfect for me, the naked look gives it an edge which I like,  and it rails in the turns.  My only plans on additions or changes at this time would be a taller screen I could switch to for LONG trips, heated grips, and hard luggage.  

[garry]

Don't be afraid to "give it some" during break-in. Engines like hard acceleration and engine braking. No lugging, no long periods at high RPM, no steady RPMs. But don't believe that stupid 6K limit in the owners manual either. I'd use at least 3/4 of the rev range regularly with a few good hard blasts to redline.

[Fav]

Don't be afraid to "give it some" during break-in. Engines like hard acceleration and engine braking. No lugging, no long periods at high RPM, no steady RPMs. But don't believe that stupid 6K limit in the owners manual either. I'd use at least 3/4 of the rev range regularly with a few good hard blasts to redline.

+1

[RideWV]

1st post for new site, feels good.

FZ1 =  

Just a theory on turn in..  Maybe because the bars are wider, you have to move the grips through a wider arc, than on on the 675, to turn the front wheel the same amount.  This gives you the perception of a slower turn in.  I know that's the case with my perception of turn in on dirt bikes for instance.

James

[Riceman]

Great pics!  Wish I had been there.  

Just told my wife I need another FZ....the dogs will be dealing with my snoring tonight  

[Schneegz]

Man, that bike looks delectable in blue!  

Just a theory on turn in..  Maybe because the bars are wider, you have to move the grips through a wider arc, than on on the 675, to turn the front wheel the same amount.  This gives you the perception of a slower turn in.  I know that's the case with my perception of turn in on dirt bikes for instance.

You may have a point there.  The D675 is a featherweight (lightest in its class) with very agressive geometry.  Anything short of a supermoto would feel slow to turn in compared to that.  However, the FZ1 is equipped with a wide rear tire, 190 series if I remember correctly.  Maybe a switch to a 180 would improve turn in?  

[FizDog74]

 However, the FZ1 is equipped with a wide rear tire, 190 series if I remember correctly.  Maybe a switch to a 180 would improve turn in?  

It is a 190 on the 2nd gen FZ1 and yes, a 180 will most likely improve the turn in. My '05 came with 180's and turn in improved significantly when I got rid of the stock BT020's for some Pilot Powers, which I love.

[R Doug]

Well, I had a nice longer ride on the bike today and realized that the tires were the problem for turn-in.  But, it's not the size of the tires... it was the pressure!  The dealer only had 28 lbs of pressure in the damn tires.  

I checked them this morning and put 39 lbs in the rear and 36 in the front.... MUCH BETTER.    

[Schneegz]

Check out the touring set up from Givi.



They even have an engine guard.

[R Doug]

Thanks Schneegz, that's the exact luggage I have in mind.  I found the entire set w/ hardware and tank bag at twistedthrottle.com for just under $950.00.  

I'm going to wait to see if something else catches my eye at the Cleveland bike show.  Though I doubt I will, I just want to see first.

[Schneegz]

Thanks Schneegz, that's the exact luggage I have in mind.  I found the entire set w/ hardware and tank bag at twistedthrottle.com for just under $950.00.  

I'm going to wait to see if something else catches my eye at the Cleveland bike show.  Though I doubt I will, I just want to see first.

$950 seems very reasonable, and I really like the look of this luggage set.  I have two bikes on my short list, the FZ1 and the new Tiger.  The FZ1 is less expensive and, so far, has received a lot more support from the aftermarket.  Not to mention that Yamaha has a much more extensive dealer network than Triumph.  Those practical factors may ultimately sell me on the FZ1, unless the Tiger steals my heart.    

[R Doug]

You'll see it's hard not to love a triple.  I'm glad I didn't ride a Tiger before getting the FZ1.  I have one Triumph already and would love to have had another.  But, my dealer is nearly 100 miles away and I didn't want to coordinate valve checks for two bikes that far away.  

The FZ1 has 25,000 valve checks, was $2,300 less (MSRP), and does have a big dealer support.  But, that 1050 triple in the Tiger....  

I don't think you could go wrong either way.  

[Schneegz]

You'll see it's hard not to love a triple.  I'm glad I didn't ride a Tiger before getting the FZ1.  I have one Triumph already and would love to have had another.  But, my dealer is nearly 100 miles away and I didn't want to coordinate valve checks for two bikes that far away.  

The FZ1 has 25,000 valve checks, was $2,300 less (MSRP), and does have a big dealer support.  But, that 1050 triple in the Tiger....  

I don't think you could go wrong either way.

Are you planning any mods?  I really like the look of this Akrapovic.

[Red FZ1]

I went with the Leo Vince- and so far have been real pleased- When I picked up my 06 in March of last year- only a few folks had anything- Now the aftermarket is finally catching up.

[goodhawk]

to me, that's maybe the best lookin in line 4 bike ever.  lottsa fine bikes avail. nowadays.

[TomGolden]

My buddy that taught me how to ride has an 04 FZ1 in blue, he also got the full fairing kit on his. He absolutely loves the thing. It is a great all purpose bike, thats for sure.

[nanbil]

I really like the look of the new FZ1 I'm hoping the Yamaha fixes the engine management problems (needs more low end torque) and upgrades the suspension system (overly harsh).  I want to like this bike, but in its current form I can't.

[Schneegz]

Anyone considering a 1st or 2nd generation FZ-1 should look up the FZ-1 Owners' Association Forum.  The wealth of FZ-1 related knowledge collected there can not be overstated.

[Hickey]

I like this exhaust:



Comes in black too.  Made by Micron.

I can't help but wonder if it is still rather loud, even with the sound baffle installed.  Without the baffle, it must scream.  Either way it is nice looking and seems to flow well with the shapes of the bike.

[Red FZ1]

That s a nice looking pipe- I want that tail section for my FZ- with no hand rails, it really looks better- The European folks get the cool stuff.