Would it be a waste to have both an FZ1 and FJR1300?

[SVTNate]

I currently own a new 2009 FJR1300, which is about 3 weeks old.  I just sold my 2007 V Star 1300 last week.

I like the idea of having 2 bikes, and I love the FZ1.  But, I'm wondering... is it too similar to my FJR?  It's the only Yamaha I'm considering... otherwise I'd likely get an Aprilia Tuono or a Triumph Speed Triple.

Can someone who has owned or at least rode both weigh in on how different the riding experiences are?

[scottzilla]

I wouldn't call them similar.
Hell, they are more different than similar.  They both have two wheels and stuff but other than that, quite different.

[SVTNate]

Well they are both Yamaha bikes with inline 4 motors.  The FZ1 is lighter but it's hardly a lightweight bike.  I guess I'm curious how someone who has seat time on both bikes would compare the riding experiences.  

[black hills]

Well they are both Yamaha bikes with inline 4 motors.  The FZ1 is lighter but it's hardly a lightweight bike.  I guess I'm curious how someone who has seat time on both bikes would compare the riding experiences.  

My opinion:
The FZ1 is a fantastic compromise between an all out sportbike and a "proper" Sport-Touring machine (FJR). Since you already have a great S-T bike with the FJR why settle for the compromises of the FZ when you don't need to? Maybe a R1 or a dual  sport would be a better stable mate?

[SVTNate]

I don't know that I could ever get used to the riding position of a race replica style bike.  I've been on a late model R6 a couple times, and hated the riding position.

[black hills]

Perhaps something from Austria would interest you?

[SVTNate]

Perhaps something from Austria would interest you?

I already own seven Glocks

[black hills]

I already own seven Glocks

Since you are obviously a fan of thier manufacturing proccesses perhaps something from the Mattinghoven factory would impress you? supermoto perhaps?

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I can't see how someone can only have one bike. I like the Yamaha FZ so much I bought a 2006 FZ1 and a 2007 FZ6. As for long riding time the longest for a day was around 300 miles and it wasn't too bad butt sore due to how thin the seat is but other then that I was pretty good.

[Bad Dad]

No. If you have the money to fill the garage, fill the garage.

 More bikes good!!   I'd go for the Speed triple myself. In fact,I might do just that

[CoolWhip]

Funny, I have either owned/tested/borrowed from a friend every bike on your list.  

Now if you want something to go with the FJR (from your list): Tuono, S3 or FZ1.   My pick would be hands down the S3.    

In a *quick summary* (and just my opinion…worth 2 cents  ):

- FZ1: best all around,  it’s like a mini FJR.  Great utility bike no doubt…but you already have that in the FJR, seems redundant to add IMHO.  

-Tuono, excellent machine.  Very refined, comfortable.  Most neutral & best handling of the three you picked.   Just didn’t excite me as much as the S3.  

-S3, IMHO would be the best contrast with your FJR.  Great character/engine etc…  Only thing I didn’t like is the down slope of the seat (aftermarket would fix that).   But that said, the most hooligan of the bunch.    Love the hOOters.  

All that said, I agree with some of the other comments & would pick a dual purpose or super sport as a compliment to the FJR rather than a naked (if you can only have two).   That’s just me.   Happy shopping.

P. S.  I think Bad Dad has the right idea!  

[SVTNate]

My buddy keeps telling me than a naked/standard/streetfighter would be a waste, because any type of riding I'd do on it can be done on the FJR.  He keeps telling me to get another cruiser (my first bike was an '07 V Star 1300) or a dual sport.

I'm pretty sure that I'm done with cruisers... I enjoyed the one I had, but I didn't know anything else.  The more time I spend on the FJR, the more I believe that having another cruiser would not satisfy me.

At the moment I really have no interest in off-road/trail riding, so I don't think a dual sport is for me.  I would like something lighter and more tossable for twisty roads, but at the same time I hate the hunkered-over riding position of supersports.  I've taken an R6 for a spin, and sat on many R1's at dealers.  Sexy bikes, and as much as I'd love the white/red '09 R1 sitting at my local dealer, I just don't think I'd ever get used to that riding position.

[Last1Out]

I had a similar situation last year, and wound up with 2 bikes, a Bandit 1200S and an ST 1300 Honda. I thought having both would be the best but in a short time I realized I was always taking the Honda for a ride and leaving the Bandit in the garage. I liked them both, I just liked the carry capacity of the Honda so that's the one I rode most often. I rode the Bandit now and then, mostly to keep the battery charged. Eventually I sold the Bandit and bought a new KLR, and it and the ST1300 now get equal riding time. The moral is you need more than one bike, but they should be REALLY different from one another.

[Windblown]

I've owned both. Had a '05 FJR for awhile and currently own an '03 FZ1. I would not call them similar bikes other than they are both fairly typical I-4's for their respective displacements.  

If you like a sporty ride I can assure you the FZ1 will not remain in the shed when it comes time to ride.  It goes considerably quicker in the twisty bits. It's also capable of traveling a lot of miles in a single day. In fact my highest mileage single day ever was just this year and I was riding the FZ1.

The FJR1300 is smoother, makes a much better pack horse, offers far superior wind protection, and has shaft drive for those nasty days when you're riding but don't feel like spending a minute lubing the chain.  There are times all those traits are to be highly admired, there are times it is boring and car like.

I have a Concours C10 that sits much of the year, now that the weather has cooled and road salt will not be far behind it is the Concours I'm riding.  The FZ1 is tucked away with the cover on it. But should the sun pop out and a decent day emerge before winter really hits you'll likely find me several hundred miles from home on some twisty road watching the sun go down, from atop the FZ1.

So yeah, they are different enough. Still, I would have jumped on a Touno (or a triple) if I the right deal had come along. Having a different motor configuration would be great too!

[stealth1]

I have an FJR as my only bike.
If I was going to buy a stablemate for it I would go for an R1.
I believe it would be much more fun but I wouldn't want to ride it as far or often as the FJR.
And locally the new '09 models are marked down to $10,200.

[AHCHIU]

I have a 06 FJR and was looking @ Gen2 FZ1 I felt it was a lighter version of the FJR and went with a 04 R6 that was set up for the track. I still would like a lighter dual sport/city bike.

Marcus

[SVTNate]

I have an FJR as my only bike.
If I was going to buy a stablemate for it I would go for an R1.
I believe it would be much more fun but I wouldn't want to ride it as far or often as the FJR.
And locally the new '09 models are marked down to $10,200.

I'm kind of with you on that... the R1 is very different, my dealer has a new '09 in the red/white scheme and I LOVE IT.  The new motor has a deeper, really nice sound to it, and like you I wouldn't ride it far/often due to the riding position.  But the bar position is pretty extreme, and I haven't seen any nice risers out there for the new R1.

[Grove Rat]

Like some others I had a '05 FJR and now a '07 FZ1 and at one time had a first Gen '05 FZ1. Hell their all great bikes. I have Givi bags and lower fairings on the FZ and its been called a FJR Lite. It travels well except for fuel range. For me personally I like a lighter bike and the FJR is up close to 650 lbs. Again for me the FZ just handles better. I don't think the FZ is a very good two up bike especially at my age (61).

I was on the FJROWNERS.com board and there were several members that had both bikes, not that unusual.

[Baz]

I own a FJR and have rode an FZ-1 (and also previously owned a Bandit)

The FJR is not replaceable for any sort of distance riding. It wins hands down here, especially riding two up.

The FZ-1 is a fine bike, but I would consider an R-1 before the FZ-1.

[Rembrant]

Well, I know they're different brands and all, but I almost pulled the trigger on an '08 Concours-14 to park beside my '06 Z1000 yesterday....
Seems like a perfect match to me...the 14 would of course be more touring bike, and the Z1000, my "sporty" bike.....well, as sporty as I plan on getting at least...lol.

As for the Yamis?....I'd own both of those in a heartbeat.

[falconati]

I was on the FJROWNERS.com board and there were several members that had both bikes, not that unusual.

I read that as 'FROWNERS.com'  

I guess I'd be frowning if I had one of those too  

[saddletramp]

As you can see in my avatar... I owned both an FJR1300 & an FZ1 for about three years.  A divorce involving a vintictive ex-wife ended that program...but enough of that!

I found the FZ1 to be a hoot when I wanted to go out & unwind by myself.  It seemed like a light rocket compared to the FJR.  When I attached a slightly larger windscreen & some tourmaster saddlebags, It made a damned nice sport-touring bike.  I rode it on a 1,300 mile trip in four days & was very comfortable...even with the stock seat.  The FJR is by far a better sport tourer.  With lockable saddlebags & adjustable windshield it's a hard one to beat.

I still have my FJR but there are days when I miss my bumblebee, she-devil FZ1!  One can never own too many bike!

[BPFowler]

everyone should have a fizzy and a feejer

[nanbil]

I found the FZ1 to be a hoot when I wanted to go out & unwind by myself.  It seemed like a light rocket compared to the FJR.  When I attached a slightly larger windscreen & some tourmaster saddlebags, It made a damned nice sport-touring bike.  I rode it on a 1,300 mile trip in four days & was very comfortable...even with the stock seat.  The FJR is by far a better sport tourer.  With lockable saddlebags & adjustable windshield it's a hard one to beat.

I'm thinking that the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 will satisfy both needs with more panache (and a little cheeper too) than having both an FZ1 and FJR1300; plus one doesn't have to go home and trade motorcycles when one's riding mood changes.  

[rfulcher]

I have and FJR and a Wee-Strom they are different enough that I use both equally. The FJR for long trips and bad weather, cold or wet. I use the strom for everyday local rides and for long rides yea when the weather is hot.

[BPFowler]

Fizzy (gen 1) Fun Fun Fun Just the 2nd most fun bike I have ever owned. But probably the best do most anything road bike.  
Feejer Just the most enjoyable bike I have ever owned.

[Gohot229]

I can't tell you about thr FJ, but I can tell you about the FZ1. I have an 05 FZ and it is the most effortless bike I'v ever thrown a leg over, it flat out rips, and gets fairly good mileage if you tame your right wrist a bit. After all it is a varient of the R1, and you can tell the lineage once you twist the go handle. As for smoothness and comfort, the stock seat could benefit from a Corbin with a backrest model seat. But the stocker is actually under-rated, it was comfortable all the time I was in it. You do find yourself experaminting with positioning now and again, but not by nessesity really, rather on a long streach with nothing to do but drone along. It is absolutly smooth and easy to navigate with in slow speed or if you wick it up. As far as hard luggage, theres a couple that do a nice job, and the available different softbags and such actually look good on the bike as well as ride well. There-in lies somewhat of an advantage, in that you can remove it all, have no panniers, and go sport riding, and not too many pure sport bikes will give you any contest. Setting upright does have its limitations though, and when you get on the sidewall of the tire as in sport mode the steering and setting upright brings with it some limitations both in feel and control. But to change the bars to lower stuff would be detremental, in my opinion. It has been rightly called the 'Gentelmans Sport Bike'

[SVTNate]

We've gotten some details/rumors/lies about the next-gen FZ1 since I created this thread.  Cross-plan crank motor, possibly sharing the front end look of the current R1, which I really like.  If it's as comfortable as the current FZ1 or even close to it, I'll have to re-evaluate my '09 FJR at that point, because while I love my FJR I just don't have time for long trips like I'd hoped.  I rarely feel the need to adjust the windscreen, and I rarely use the side cases.  I think a lighter weight bike with a tail bag would work fine for 90% of my riding, and the next-gen FZ1 is the bike I'm eagerly awaiting.  The FJR is really a great bike, but I'd like to go a bit more "sport" and a bit less "touring" based on the riding I'm doing most of the time if I find the right bike.

The Multi 1200... why oh why does it have to be ugly?  I can't drop 15-20 grand on a bike that I don't want to look at, sorry but that's the truth.  It's pretty much got everything else going for it - comfort, brakes, power, weight, and the sound of that twin!  Not to mention the reasonable service intervals.  I will follow the Multi 1200 release and subsequent owner feedback with great interest, because if I can learn to love the look, it's got a lot going for it (on paper anyway).

[Scottyfizz]

I've had both bikes. I'd love to have my FZ1 back too. While the fz is not a hardcore sportbike it was good enough for me to go fast. I bought my FJR thinking the wife and I would tour 2 up and travel. I spent some money farkleing out the FJR for the wifes comfort. Alas she wants her own bike to ride now.
But,to answer your question. No doubt. I'd have both bikes if I could. At the same time. Sometimes I want to go/somewhat fast alone(FZ1) and then I want to go fast  2 up FJR. Make sense?

Anyone wanna buy my FJR? It's got a Russell seat! I'll gladly go back to a pre06FZ. And then get the wife something.

So. I'd say if you want to ride alone the FZ1 is the shit. 2up? The FJR kicks'ass.  Meh.  

[deacon51]

wow... don't say that.  I have a '03 Bee and looking to get a FJR to add to the stable.  I want the FJR for two-up touring, which is something my wife has never shown any interest in doing.  Still, I have a "If I buy it, she will ride." dream with the FJR.  

In my case though, the FZ isn't going anyplace.  It is, and all ways will be, my day tripper / back road blaster.

[steve.ski]

Different bikes for different purposes, if you can have both why not?

Would it be a waste to have both Marissa Miller and Salma Hayek?

 

[dduck]

You don't like R1 riding position; go with FZ1; you will not be disappointed.  You could always sell one later if you don't use it.  
Personally I would like to have my FZ; a cruiser; and a 600 CC track bike but I'm married.  

[MisterSmooth]

XLR8 had both of these bikes, I believe both at the same time.  So he'd have useful information.

Surprised he hasn't posted up in this thread.  X-man, you out there?  

[JGreb]

I have an FJR and a KTM super Duke.

IMO if you could only have two bikes they should be completely different worlds. 75 degree V twin  KTM vs. I4 on the FJR. Fairing vs. no fairing, touring vs sport, etc.

I think it would be a waste to have two I4 bikes made by the same manufacturer, but two bikes is always better than one so YMMV.

[MisterSmooth]

IMO if you could only have two bikes they should be completely different worlds. 75 degree V twin  KTM vs. I4 on the FJR. Fairing vs. no fairing, touring vs sport, etc.

I think it would be a waste to have two I4 bikes made by the same manufacturer, but two bikes is always better than one so YMMV.

Yeah, I used to think that way, too.  Matter of fact, I still do but somehow wound up with two Rotax V-twins with chain drive.  It is true that riding the vintage Mille R and the "new" Tuono back to back it's an amazing how different they are.

I could see how riding the FZ1 and FJR back to back would sort of be the same deal.  Two bikes with the same DNA but very different experiences.