Hello STN!

[eie]

I'm brand new to the forum so I thought I'd say Hi. I'm in the market for a new ST bike since I'm in the process of shedding off my SV for something more comfortable and touring oriented. I'm looking at the FZ1 but open to others. Also looking at the classifieds here and my wallet for the next few weeks. Please feel free to offer suggestions. Great to be here. Looks like a great forum!

[Mr.Black]

io.

[HipGnosis]

Welcome.
The more info you give the better advice you will recieve.
Comfort and touring are subjective.
What's your riding history and aspirations?
What's your definition of 'touring oriented'?
What's your budget?

[HipGnosis]

io.

I see what you did there.

You beat me to it.

[UHOH]

Welcome

The more info you give the better advice you will receive...

agree, and also, where do you live?   like Florida, or Kansas?
and you never know, someone here might be interested in your SV

[eie]

I'm in Toronto, Canada. I'm looking to do more long distance weekend trips, perhaps to the northern US states whenever I can. I like the FZ1's looks but not looking to use its power too much. I like the comfort. The new FZ8 would be perfect except it's new and I don't want to spend that money. It also doesn't come faired.

[Mr.Black]

You only have like three weeks with out snow a year to ride yes?

[R Doug]

 I see what you did there.

You beat me to it.

+1  

signed,

Old McDoland.  

[Frankienuckles]

Get the FZ1 and take one of the plug caps off! Instant less performance mod!
Just kiddin'  there are all sorts of good bikes out there it just depends on how much you wanna spend and what sort of riding you like. As long as restraint is exercised (this is true with all bikes) an fz1 would work just fine. You don't have to open the throttle up all the way if you don't want to.

[eie]

Just test rided a 2007 fz1 today. Very strong, comfortable. adequate low end for commuting. I'm not sure why, but at 7-8k rpm on the highway (i'm not sure which gear), the left grips started vibrating very bad. Is this normal? It's not as nimble as my SV but I guess I would have to get used to that.

[R Doug]

I'm glad you were able to take a test ride.  

I don't recall a vibe in my FZ1 in the bars.  I do recall the bike seems to like that RPM range.  

[Cale_Kat]

... not sure why, but at 7-8k rpm on the highway (i'm not sure which gear), the left grips started vibrating very bad.

How about a ST1100? http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/drh/mcy/1984195559.html

[eie]

That's too large. I'm looking for a relatively lightweight ST. I'm pretty much made up my mind on the FZ1 after finding that the insurance is a lot better than I thought. Now I have to decide between the Gen I and better looking gen 2. Gen 1 is cheaper, apparently better overall, comfier, but it just looks so bulky! It's a matter between the wallet vs the aesthetics. After test riding the Gen2, I doubt I'll use it's top end too often anyways.

Any comments that may help?

[Cale_Kat]

From what you'd written, I thought you might appreciate something with a bit more protection than you'd get on a FZ1 but I get your drift. If you're buying this bike to ride a lot, choose the bike that fits your body, riding style and budget, let looks be secondary.

I don't think people posting in the Beginner's Garage should buy a liter bike with supersports bike power (140-150 hp). I don't know your skills and experience but if you're doubting you'll use the power, it probably means it's not the bike for you.

Good luck.

[UHOH]

  Know FZ1 rider who logs lotta miles, capable rider and loves it; he has the gen2;
 I even toy with notion of one of the lesser priced gen1 for myself.  

post up photos of your bike when you get it.

I don't think people posting in the Beginner's Garage should buy a liter bike with supersports bike power (140-150 hp).
I don't know your skills and experience but if you're doubting you'll use the power, it probably means it's not the bike for you.

SV650 experience.

[eie]

Kat - I don't think anyone truly uses the 150 HP, period, unless they're planning to take it on the track. From what I've seen on my test ride, I can get the 2nd gen to 70 kph in first gear. It was truly a lot of power, but I think I've enough experience now to manage. The SV on slightly over highway speeds loses torque and revs around 7k-8k. Somehow it feels like I'm really taxing it at that speed, so I want something that will cruise fast at higher speeds with more ease. I'm hooked on that FZ power after the test ride. Jumping back on my SV felt like a little cramped toy and that someone had put a tomato in the air box.  

You're right, objectively looks shouldn't play as much a role...but alas... Maybe I should settle with a cheap 1st gen for now and wait until the FZ8 gets cheaper. Anyone have a power curve comparison between 1gen and 2nd?

[Cale_Kat]

I didn't mean to suggest you weren't up to the task. It's just my feeling that these massively powerful sport touring bikes, and I gladly include the fabulous BMW K1300 GT, tend to get riders in trouble fast. The margins for error go way down. The extra speed they so brilliantly and effortlessly deliver extend stopping distances to a degree that many riders aren't prepared for. Their lighting systems are easily outrun and throttle control in the corners a delicate balance between traction and acceleration.

IMHO, without the advantages of traction control and ABS, a FZ1 doesn't offer an appropriate balance between power and control. It's a bit of a sledge hammer.

You just don't need to double the hp of the bike you're currently riding to get a meaningful boost.

What about one of the newer Bandit 1250s? The 2007 models might be in the sweet spot for your budget. Good ergos, powerful and smooth 4-cyl engine. The redesigned 2007 model has a modern water-cooled design and a huge amount of torque down low.

Check out the forums here. There are lots of positive Bandit reviews from riders like yourself that want a bike that cruises effortlessly. http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,55911.0.html

[eie]

I forgot to mention I've ridden a naked SV 1000 for a season. The torque was more and at 120 hp, it was very manageable, although the effective rev range started much lower. Engine sounded good, nimble, but somehow I don't like the idea of touring on a VTwin. The faired version is also uncomfortable.

Kat - I've seen good reviews for the bandit but didn't give it serious consideration. I'll check out prices and insurances for it. That 1200 cc might have a higher premium. It's a bit on the bulky side as well.

If touring throughout the states, has anyone had problems with refueling in remote areas with the FZ1 (first gen and 2nd)? I'm afraid of the scenario of being stranded going through some mountains or passing through national parks.

[Cale_Kat]

.. but somehow I don't like the idea of touring on a VTwin.

Huh? My DL1000 is a great tourer!

[UHOH]

If touring throughout the states, has anyone had problems with refueling in remote areas ...
 the scenario of being stranded going through some mountains or passing through national parks.

New topic, but no - not an issue with any bike having 100+ mile range; with 150 mile range (like bikes you have) or more you're good to go.