fz1

[hazra]

If you want to fix it on the cheap take a pair of wire snips and trim the rubber off the top of the pegs.  Gives you a good 1/2 to 3/4 inch more leg room.

Thanks for the input.  I considered that, but then I rode a friend's FZ1 with a Sargent seat.  I didn't think the stocker was that bad until I rode his... now I'm not changing anything else until I have a Sargent.  I convinced him to swap seats for a few miles, and the Sargent moves you up and back a little... I may be OK with just the seat.

[Scratch33]

What else can I say?  Um.. ergos are a little tight between the seat and pegs, stock seat leaves a little to be desired, stock windscreen is a joke and stock location of the mirrors creates some buffeting.  

Buell footpegs will give you 1" more legroom.   The mirrors can be 'flipped' to give you a better view than just your elbows (the FZ1OA board has instructions).  Windshield preferences are pretty subjective - after 3 tries I settled on an MRA Vario.  I modified my stock seat by adding a layer of 1" thick stiff T-foam and recovering with new vinyl; it's all-day comfy now.

[86250rrippin]

just wondering if this was the bike you was referring to ?   from new jersey ?

Ha! I was just in this boat, debating whether or not to buy an '03 FZ1 with extremely low mileage for a decent price, or go for a V-strom 1K for an extremely low price. I bought the latter, but seeing the positive comments here has got me wondering.    

I had a really hard time, psychologically, moving from a sport oriented bike to a ... whatya call a Strom? But I've gotten used to the feel/power of a v-twin, and going to the I-4 felt something like a step back to my bikes of the '80s. And fact is, higher pegs are hurting my knees and the stiffer suspension is getting to my back, at least on the crappy city roads.

But the FZ comes with full adjustable suspension, gobs of power, decent ergonomics, and good looks, IMO. I may go for one after the Strom experience.

[SSLT1KID]

first gen

[Bocephous]

I hit a deer last fall at about 60mph.  Stayed upright and didn't stop til I got home (about 18 miles).  I rebuilt it over the winter.  From this...

[Bocephous]

...to this.

[Kraz]

Outstanding bike!  Loved my FZ1 - Awesome brakes, power, handling, sound, comfort, just a great platform.  Unless you really want a sport-TOURER, it's a total package.  I was really interested in the second Gen's, but I hear less good things about them... mostly gripes about small gas tanks and being less touring oriented... and crappy FI the first couple years.  Can't say for sure though, no personal experience.

Crazy performance, but much more usable range than an R1.  Pretty light and marginal wx protection for really long rides compared to some bikes, but TONS of fun.  One of those bikes I probably should have kept, but I moved on just cuz... oh well.  I was glad to have owned one.