Anyone not like the 1st gen FZ1?

[DaddyO]

I have about decided this will be my next bike.  I was just wondering if anyone owned one, or does own one,  and does not like it?  

[1moreroad]

Ride one at freeway speeds and decide if the wind buffeting bugs you or not.

[mike goodwin]

I haven't owned one but i sure as hell would take one over the second gen FZ.
Those things are ugly.
Most things i have read about the original FZ were pretty complimentary.
A good all arounder.

[hobbes]

It's a great bike overall, but there are two mandatory changes that need to be done.

1. Rear shock replace/rebuild.

The rear shock is woefully undersprung, to a point where it's almost useless. I just got my stock rear shock revalved and resprung for me (160lbs soaking wet) for $350 and it's amazing how much of a difference it makes. The bike handles TONS better now. People like Penske's, but for $800+ I think revalving the stocker is worth it. www.californiasuspensionworks.com did mine. Ask for Curtis.

2. Ivan's Jet Kit.

The bike (from the factory) runs really lean, so it has some issues. The jet kit let's the bike breathe well, and solves any warm-starting issues that stockers can have. It's $150 well spent. I had mine installed by Ivan and adding a few HP aside, the bike runs much nicer in general now.

www.fz1oa.com for great advice.

[Riceman]

I have about decided this will be my next bike.  I was just wondering if anyone owned one, or does own one,  and does not like it?  

First bike I bought when I got back into motorcycling...a new 2001 FZ1.  I'm porbably not as critical about bikes as most riders, but I would say that it was the best bike I have owned so far.  But, like my Kat, I ended up selling it ONLY because I wasnt riding it.  

[EZAS]

Nope, I like mine

For the first time in 10 years I am not shopping for my next bike.

I have an 05 and  some days I wish it was more sporting, other days I wish it was more touring. Ahhhhh, the perfect compromise. For the kind of long day rides I like to do, its perfect. I really don't have a complaint. I'm happy with the stock seat, and for me a Zero Gravity Double Bubble screen was the perfect screen and buffeting is not a problem for me. I was worried about Carbs in the mountains where I live but it just isn't an issue, and a jet kit from www.holeshot.com made good carbs even better. I do want better shocks/fork internals and that is my next upgrade.

Eric

[bizarro]

Never owned one but I did the break-in miles on the one my sister-in-law had for a bit and once the suspension was dialed in a little it was an extremely confidence inspiring bike. Took sweepers two-up at a ton-plus no problem. I think it's a fine motorcycle and if there weren't Speed Triples and Tigers in the world it'd be on my short list for next bike.  

[_Cbr1100XX]

Ridden a few. My riding buddy has an '05 FZ1.  He let me take it out once for a whole afternoon.
It's a very competent machine....stable as a rock.  However I wouldn't buy one for the following reasons:
1-Buzzzzy.....my right hand was going numb and he had soft grips.
2-(and I'm comparing to my CBR1100XX).....not nearly as smooth/refined as my Blackbird
3-no power down low....sure it flies when you rev it but it's lacking down low and he had different sprockets as well to produce more down low.
4-I hated the riding position....maybe I'd get used to it but I prefer the slight lean of the XX w/risers.  The FZ1 isn't sit up relax like a cruiser......sorta felt perched up and it bugged me after awhile.
5-prefer FI to carbs

I thought the bike  was fine but I wasn't enthralled with it.  I dare say I like the ZRX1200R I rode even better...more low end grunt.  I think the XX....although heavier kicks the crap out of the FZ1......but the FZ1 is still a ton of bike for the money.......just not the bike for me.

[hobbes]

Ridden a few. My riding buddy has an '05 FZ1.  He let me take it out once for a whole afternoon.
It's a very competent machine....stable as a rock.  However I wouldn't buy one for the following reasons:
1-Buzzzzy.....my right hand was going numb and he had soft grips.
2-(and I'm comparing to my CBR1100XX).....not nearly as smooth/refined as my Blackbird
3-no power down low....sure it flies when you rev it but it's lacking down low and he had different sprockets as well to produce more down low.
4-I hated the riding position....maybe I'd get used to it but I prefer the slight lean of the XX w/risers.  The FZ1 isn't sit up relax like a cruiser......sorta felt perched up and it bugged me after awhile.
5-prefer FI to carbs

I thought the bike  was fine but I wasn't enthralled with it.  I dare say I like the ZRX1200R I rode even better...more low end grunt.  I think the XX....although heavier kicks the crap out of the FZ1......but the FZ1 is still a ton of bike for the money.......just not the bike for me.

When you compare it to your XX like that, yeah it wont work out so well. There's no replacement for displacement as they say. The bike smoothes out big time with the jet kit and TPS adjustment. Mine is glass smooth at all rpms except 4k where there's a rough spot. I hear the XX is amazingly smoooth. I'm not sure any bike would compare.

It's a very fast, sporty, naked standard. Just my kind of ride.

[FZ1 Chef]

Nope,
It does everthing well for me.
I did not like the wind buffeting either.
I put gen 2 bars & the tall windscreen to get rid of most of it.
5' 10", 30" inseam.
Got over 8500 miles, really enjoyed everyone of them.

[Scratch33]

My '03 Bee that I bought in February of '04 is getting ready to turn over 30,000 miles.  Like it just fine.  I do get a little heat off the engine, which is welcome in winter and annoying in summer; and the stock windshield was the first thing to go.  But it's a very capable machine for both commuting and sport touring.  I've Ivanized it and it'll scoot when asked to.

[DaddyO]

I know opinions are like butts, everyone has one and they all stink.  But I have heard some say the hp is kinda peaky, and others say they did not notice it.  

Remember I'm used to a Bandit 1200S and a SV650, what are your thoughts on this?  

I'm afraid I will have to rev the bike to make it go fast, and when I do the power may be too much to control easily.  Am I wrong?

[goto]

I just rolled over 30K on mine and there are many others with MUCH more.  My miles are about 1/2 commuting and 1/2 touring (bunch of instate rides and one 3-4K ride a year).

Spend some time http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/ if you haven't already.  Pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about an FZ1.

Good luck.

[hobbes]

I know opinions are like butts, everyone has one and they all stink.  But I have heard some say the hp is kinda peaky, and others say they did not notice it.  

Remember I'm used to a Bandit 1200S and a SV650, what are your thoughts on this?  

I'm afraid I will have to rev the bike to make it go fast, and when I do the power may be too much to control easily.  Am I wrong?

yeah you're wrong.

I made the same jump. SV650-->FZ1

The first 4000rpm is about what the SV has in terms of power and response. From 5k on up, you'll be hanging on for dear life and grinning ear to ear.

You're thinking about the new FZ1s, 2006+. Bike ran a great shootout of the 1st and 2nd gen, and chose the 1st gen due to engine performance and overall comfort.

[FZ1 Chef]

My '03 Bee that I bought in February of '04 is getting ready to turn over 30,000 miles.  Like it just fine.  I do get a little heat off the engine, which is welcome in winter and annoying in summer; and the stock windshield was the first thing to go.  But it's a very capable machine for both commuting and sport touring.  I've Ivanized it and it'll scoot when asked to.

Who did you get to Ivanized your bike?
Thanks.

[MotoYoda]

...and does not like it?  

I'm considering one myself (amongst a few others).  The only thing I don't like about it... is I think it's ugly.  Sorry folks, just my opinion.  It's other small problems I can update or modify, but ugly you can't just wash off.  In the end I put function ahead of form, so I wouldn't let it stop me from getting one.

[MotoYoda]

I'm considering one myself (amongst a few others).  The only thing I don't like about it... is I think it's ugly.  Sorry folks, just my opinion.  It's other small problems I can update or modify, but ugly you can't just wash off.  In the end I put function ahead of form, so I wouldn't let it stop me from getting one.

Nothing like quoting myself!  

...but having dis'd the FZ1, I thought I should mention I just bought a 2005.  Won't pick it up until later in the week, but she's much prettier in person than in photos!

[Scratch33]

Who did you get to Ivanized your bike?
Thanks.

Sorry for the late response, I was outta town on a little road trip.

I had MRP Motorsports in Glen Burnie, MD do it:  http://www.mrpmotorsports.com/

[ctfz1]

01 fz1 bought used 5200 miles now 33,000 miles. Back road rider, Givi screen, Risoma bars 1" up x 1" back risers, Sargent seat, resprung (300 lb rider, oh my) rear shock revalved/rebuilt. Chain and sprockets at 28,000. Galfer pads. Bar end mirrors.
Best most enjoyable bike ever owned (of 25).
Good stock, responds marvelously to fine fitting your riding style.

[yellowcarbon]

I have a 2003 yellow & black FZ1.  I absolutely love it.  It is my favorite bike thus far.  The bikes I have owned in the past go in this order: Kawasaki '80 KZ750, Suzuki '92 Katana 750, Honda '99 750 Shadow (in an attempt to slow down), Honda '00 VFR (when I gave up slowing down), Suzuki 1200 Bandit and now FZ1.

The FZ1 is comfortable for both commuting and travel.  I have done 800mile days with little discomfort.  I have bar risers, an aftermarket Windscreen and a Corbin saddle.  It is both sporty and practical enough to be my one only bike.  Although I have been considering getting a bigger bike so the wife can tag along.  The 1200 Bandit definitely had more torque down low which made for a better engine around town.  But I don't feel particularly lacking on the FZ1.  It absolutely takes off at 5.5K or so.  I have changed the front sprocket which is a huge improvement.  That along with an R1 shift linkage is worth every single penny spent and more.  I love the 16K between valve checks vs. the Bandits 8K.  My carb has developed a small leak, but it has been worked over for an Ivan's jet kit, so I am 100% sure it was the shop that did the work.  The only issue that isn't caused by improper installation is I have had is a very minor oil leak from my left side.  I am very sure it is a worn gasket when the clutch cable enters the engine.  I suspect it to be a very easy fix.      

The one absolute downside to the FZ1 is the suspension.  I am about to swap out the springs and go with different oil weight to see how it works.  If that doesn't work a revalve job on the rear runs $350.  I believe the front runs $5-700.  The suspension definitely doesn't match up with the engine.  It is a perfect example of a 90% bike.  Then again, it is priced reasonably as far as bikes go so technically, you should have the money to fix it.

I would not hessitate to buy another.  Although I want something different for my next bike.  A Triumph S3 or a Ducati GT1000 both have me interested.  I have been tempted to do a naked conversion to my FZ with some Buell double lights with fly screen and an old cafe style tail piece for my old meets new streetfighter/cafe bike.  But the fairing, lights and current saddle all work so nicely for me.

[MotoYoda]

Risoma bars 1" up x 1" back risers

I tried the up/back risers, and I don't have enough cable length it seems -- and I mean anything; brake lines, clutch and throttle cables, or the wiring.  The aftermarket bars I'm using are even straighter than the Rizoma's (I've tried those too), so they should theoretically be giving me some slack, but not enough it seems.  

What/how did you have to modify to get the cables and wiring to reach?  Or did you get longer cables?

[ctfz1]

Hmm.  Rerouted wires/ cables, used longer brake lines (galfer 2 instead of three). Controls may be slightly inboard for bar end mirrors.
Tried stockbars with 1 inch risers, Risomas fit changes made, had to "lose" guide clips. for wires cables.
Friend used longer brake line to "spliter.

[MotoYoda]

Hmm.  Rerouted wires/ cables, used longer brake lines (galfer 2 instead of three). Controls may be slightly inboard for bar end mirrors.
Tried stockbars with 1 inch risers, Risomas fit changes made, had to "lose" guide clips. for wires cables

Thanks for the info.  I've never messed with brake lines before, so maybe I'll save that for a winter project.