FZ1: personality?

[kevrider]

i keep toying with the idea of selling my lovely Hawk and getting a newer bike that would be better for commuting and occasional 2up riding.  there are good deals to be had out there on some leftover models, including the FZ1.  one thing i wonder about though... is the FZ1 merely a tool or does it have personality?  except for a brief (weeks) stint with a CBR600F3, i've only owned v-twins and a v4.  actually, there's an FZR in the list of bikes past, but it never turned a crank.  so i have little to no experience living with an inline-4.  so if i bought an FZ1, would it *move* me or would it just do the job?  i guess i could ask the same question about the 919.  anyway, barring mechanical issues, the odds that i'll follow thru and sell the Hawk are slim; we go back a long ways.  but you never know.....

[R Doug]

Get the FZ1 up over 8K RPM and it has character!  

The motor was one of my favorite things associated to the FZ1.  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I wondered the same thing when looking at the FZ1. I just picked up a new left over 2006 FZ1 and new 2007 left over FZ6 four months ago ( they were having a blow out sale so I bought both ) and I have had a blast riding them for what summer we had.

[skater69]

Well i have an SV1000.....which has lots of visceral personality like the superhawk with the v-twin roar.  I rode my friend's '05 FZ1 one afternoon and thought it had zero personality.  Athletic and very competent but felt like a tool to get the job done to me....and I found it viiiibbbey.

[TRaGiK]

I've owned several bikes now. My last bike was a '07 SV1k, and my current bike is a '02 FZ1.

The SV had character. Lots of character (in a good way....not the "Something breaks every other month" kind of "character"). The engine I absolutely loved. Actually, the entire bike I loved. I just got "new bikeitis", and was bored with it after 2.5 years.

The FZ1, while it is a great bike, is quite possibly the most boring bike I've ever owned. More boring than my old F4i, or even the 250 Nighthawk. The engine is so smooth, it almost puts me to sleep on long highway rides. No vibrations through anything, no rumbly idle, etc etc. I do love the FZ, but it's just plain boring.

The one exception to the FZ's boringness, is when you let the engine breath. Let the rev's climb above 6k, and the thing pulls...hard! Not liter SS bike hard, but still hard.

IMO, it's a pretty utilitarian bike. Mine has upgrades suspension, and lots of other little farkles, and it still feels like a tool...albeit, a multi-purpose tool (think Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles...Good at everything, but great at nothing). Don't get me wrong, I do like my FZ, but it's not a bike I "love".

[Rockin SV]

Depends on what you call personality. I love the look, and having just gotten mine a few months ago, can definately say you can make that bike rock and roll. Looks is something that everybody has a different taste, but I think the conversions that alot of guys have done to the FZ1N is if not the best, then one of the best looking bikes made

[Phenix_Rider]

Haven't ridden the One, but the Six was the most boring bike I've ever ridden.  Competent like a well maintained xerox, and as exciting as watching said xerox zip off 100 copies of the latest state budget.  From 15-55 I couldn't tell anything had changed.  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I have to disagree on the FZ6 comment my 07 runs great.    

[Windblown]

Is it boring? Yep, it's a bit bland until you light it up. But bland equals easy riding comfort with less temptation.  I've ridden more exiting bikes. The problem was I tended to give into temptation all too easily and all too often. (Why else have one, right?)

Which led me to realize I did not need a bike that I only liked when I was doing something illegal. However I wanted something I could throw around easily in the twisties (IE 600+ lb bikes need not apply).  For me the FZ1 is a great compromise between the heavy sport-tourers and the race replicas.

All that said... You mentioned occasional 2-up. Unless it's just for a very short 2-up rides the FZ1 would not make my list of canidates.

[R Doug]

For me the FZ1 is a great compromise between the heavy sport-tourers and the race replicas.

All that said... You mentioned occasional 2-up. Unless it's just for a very short 2-up rides the FZ1 would not make my list of canidates.

Well said.

In regards to you comment about it being bland until you light it up, I agree with that too.  But when you open that throttle... wow!  It's the only bike which would make the front wheel come off the ground under heavy acceleration in 3rd gear at 80 MPH! (without me wanting it to)  

[Harra]

The 06 has personality, tons.  It grows on you the more you ride.  Agreed, nothing in this world is perfect but the FZ1 comes close.  At 85,000 miles I can't complain.

[GraniteGray]

I think that sometimes bikes that some people suggest might be lacking in 'personality', are often just bikes that have very few negative traits to complain about.

I've had a lot of bikes in my nearly 35 years of riding, and I can honestly say that none of them have had as much balance between comfort, performance, and versatility as my 2008 FZ1. It's a true 'multi-personality' bike. It can be be anything from a sportbike, touring bike, city commuter, drag racer, stunter, and it can even handle some light dirt road duty.

In my opinion it has so much personality it's almost schizophrenic...

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Cut that big mudflap of a rear fender off was the first thing I did to mine. In this photo my temp plate ripped the back while riding 

[carpe_diem]

Since this is my first liter bike, I would say the FZ-1 (Gen 2) has personality. My last two bike were a Zx-6R and an SV-650. It is way more fun than the 600 (more low end tourque) but not quite as emotional as the SV motor.

The good thing about the FZ is that it really is a do it all bike, for somebody who wants to ride the corners most of the time, but then be able to pick up and do a 600 mile trip the next day.

[Castaway]

What about Gen 1 vs. Gen 2? Has anyone here owned both? Is there a general consensus in the FZ following as to which is better?

They seem to be very different bikes aside from their ability to fit all styles of riding. The Gen 2 has had some frame issues, yes? And the mpg is lower with the Gen 2. Other details?

[scottzilla]

What about Gen 1 vs. Gen 2? Has anyone here owned both? Is there a general consensus in the FZ following as to which is better?

They seem to be very different bikes aside from their ability to fit all styles of riding. The Gen 2 has had some frame issues, yes? And the mpg is lower with the Gen 2. Other details?

I've owned neither, but am a fan of the gen 2 so i'm well read.
The Gen 2 is a completely different motorcycle.  Seriously.  Different frame, engine, forks, shocks, etc.  The gen 2 on paper is *supposed* to be better but from what i've read, the gen 1 is more plush/comfortable than gen 2.  
I have not heard of any frame "issues" regarding the Gen 2.  
I would buy a gen 2 because it just looks cool.

[R Doug]

I've ridden a Gen 1, but owned a Gen 2.  

IMHO, the Gen 1's motor was better turned for touring.  It had more torque down low, but the higher revving Gen 2 never bothered me.  All you have to do is keep the motor in its happy place.  The best thing about the Gen 2 motor is the scary power and lack of vibes.  

For me, here's the + / - breakdown of my Gen 2 FZ1

+  Great looking bike
+  Strong motor
+  No vibes
+  Sounds great w/ aftermarket exhaust
+  Nice handling bike
+  Can accommodate aftermarket hard luggage
+  LONG miles between valve checks / adj.
+  Comes from the factory w/ a center stand.

-  Stock seat sucked for me
-  Bars too wide for me
-  Aggressive setup of front forks can lead to a nasty headshake, especially on deceleration with luggage on bike.
-  cheaper rear suspension that didn't get along with "sport touring" weight.
-  Could not find an aftermarket seat to accommodate me for long distances.  The Seargent seat I had provided good butt comfort, but was too wide and dug into my inner thighs.
-  Gas hog

YMMV

[Orson]

i keep toying with the idea of selling my lovely Hawk and getting a newer bike that would be better for commuting and occasional 2up riding.

just my opinion...don't sell the Hawk. It will be a minor classic.

It was ahead of its time when it was released.

The perimeter frame and single sided swing arm were avant-guard stuff back in the 80s. Throw in a characterful V twin power plant and you have a winner  

[R Doug]

just my opinion...don't sell the Hawk. It will be a minor classic.

It was ahead of its time when it was released.

The perimeter frame and single sided swing arm were avant-guard stuff back in the 80s. Throw in a characterful V twin power plant and you have a winner  

+1  the Hawk is the best stardard sport bike made from Japan.

[Castaway]

You guys are referring to the Superhawk, right?  

Actually, I really like my SH, though it's long in the tooth mileage wise, isn't too comfy for long distance (especially two-up), and has no resale value (shhhh).

[scottzilla]

just my opinion...don't sell the Hawk. It will be a minor classic.

It was ahead of its time when it was released.

The perimeter frame and single sided swing arm were avant-guard stuff back in the 80s. Throw in a characterful V twin power plant and you have a winner  

A garden variety 1999 SV650 will smoke it in every way.  Sad but true.

Oddly, if there was an STN back in the early 1990's, we would be bitching and moaning about Honda offering the scooterish PC800 and overweight/underpowered/overpriced bikes like the CB400 and Hawk GT.  And lets not forget the GB500.
Now we think these bikes are kinda cool.
Apparently, Honda knows more about STN'ers than we think.

[Orson]

Oddly, if there was an STN back in the early 1990's, we would be bitching and moaning about Honda offering the scooterish PC800 and overweight/underpowered/overpriced bikes like the CB400 and Hawk GT.  And lets not forget the GB500.
Now we think these bikes are kinda cool.
Apparently, Honda knows more about STN'ers than we think.

nahhhh...I liked the GT when it first came out   and the GB500.

and if my memory is correct, so did the bike mags. Unfortunately, I don't weigh 140 pounds  

people throw that "underpowered" flag a lot, but much like Guzzis, specs and quarter mile times can be meaningless in the real world   Apply the ol' "ride a slow bike fast doctrine" and an unassuming bike can turn out to be a whole lotta fun  

but yer right about the "overpriced" part  

[Castaway]

Performance aside (and don't which will out smoke which), IMO the Hawk has a much more refined look. I remember anticipating its release ... it was one of the first bike that seemed so purposeful, no gizmos or fills (though the swingarm may not comply) just a solid bike.

They have problems with head heat/lubrication as I recall, yes?


(this thread is getting bent

[GraniteGray]

What about Gen 1 vs. Gen 2? Has anyone here owned both? Is there a general consensus in the FZ following as to which is better?

They seem to be very different bikes aside from their ability to fit all styles of riding. The Gen 2 has had some frame issues, yes? And the mpg is lower with the Gen 2. Other details?

My buddy had a Gen I FZ1, which he recently sold and bought a new Vmax.

Both the Gen I and Gen II are great bikes, but as suggested above, the Gen II is a much more modern and better handling bike, with it's excellent FI system, twin-spar alloy frame, and superior suspension. The First two years of the Gen II (2006 and 2007) had a few rare issues with cracked frames, and some people found the throttle response a bit abrupt. None of these issues affect the 2008, 2009, and 2010 model year bikes.

Cut that big mudflap of a rear fender off was the first thing I did to mine. In this photo my temp plate ripped the back while riding

I would, but it makes such a great anchor point for the safety bungees I attach to the rear of my Pelican case. And besides, anyone like me, who'd attach a Pelican case to the back of an FZ1, obviously doesn't care that much about how the back of the bike looks.

I like to think of it as a really fast KLR...

 

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I have been thinking on a spare seat to do just the same thing.  

[GraniteGray]

I have been thinking on a spare seat to do just the same thing.

And the nice thing is...

Yamaha will sell you the complete rear seat assembly for around $85 US. I was pleasantly surprised by that price. When I think OEM parts, I usually think daylight robbery.

Here's how I rigged it up...

Now the case can be attached in seconds, by removing the passenger seat, installing the case in it's place, and simply pressing down until the seat-lock mechanism produces an audible click. The case can be removed with a twist of the ignition key in the seat-lock release which is located on the FZ1's left side panel. No screwing a round with tools and hardware to install or remove the case, and the case is securely locked to the bike while installed. And it's even better than after market luggage, which has a separate key. One key serves both the ignition and the luggage with this set-up.

Here's some photos...
















I can add a softbag to the top for extra capacity on longer trips...

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Very cool, thanks

[SVTNate]

That's a cool setup, but I don't know how I'd ever swing my leg over that!

[spitfiremk21]

In my opinion it has so much personality it's almost schizophrenic...

Agreed. My FZ1 is the perfect 'do everything' bike. It can go from around town commuter to nasty sportbike and be happy with saddle bags headin' for Deals Gap. Anybody calling the FZ1 boring is an idiot.  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

That's a cool setup, but I don't know how I'd ever swing my leg over that!

Not over through  

[nanbil]

I have to say that the new FZ1 is a great looking bike.  

[GraniteGray]

A few shots from my ride along the coast today...

[dduck]

Well i have an SV1000.....which has lots of visceral personality like the superhawk with the v-twin roar.  I rode my friend's '05 FZ1 one afternoon and thought it had zero personality.  Athletic and very competent but felt like a tool to get the job done to me....and I found it viiiibbbey.

05 is Gen I bike; after 2006 it is a completely different bike.