Sport-Touring.Net

I am seriously considering buying a Yamaha FZ1.  I 'think' it's going to be the perfect bike for me.  I had a 92 GS500E, fun but too slow and NO wind protection, I had a 2001 R1 FUN FUN FUN, but was SOOOO uncomfortable on it, I miss that bike.  I've had various older bikes (Mostly CB's) but I want something that's FUN, comfortable on longer rides and reliable.  Something I can jump on and ride to Tahoe (I live in Stockton about 2 1/2 hours away) anytime I want.  SOOO...  any former or current FZ1 owners out there?  I am leaning towards first generation as it fits my budget.  What year IS the first generation?  When does it change to the second generation?  Is the motor REALLY similar to the R1's?  I loved everything about my R1 except the riding position and lack of comfort and lack of wind protection.  Anyway any help would be appreciated!

I owned one for for almost five years. They went to the new style in '06, totally different bike. The general consensus it that the first generation were better bikes. The good... great engine decent low end and really kickin on top, very smooth. The handling is really good in the twisties and fairly stable on the highway. The seating position is upright and comfortable. I thought the stock seat was decent and never felt the need to mess with it. The headlights are great, some of the best of any bike I've had. The fz1oa website is great and there are plenty of aftermarket goodies available. The motor is an r1 motor with different cams and intakes for more midrange punch. I always thought it was a great looking bike.

The bad... The wind protection is not great at highway speeds. Not that it's terrible but I and many others found the buffeting to be tiresome after several hours. The whole fairing sits too far forward and there isn't a clear cut solution. Some things will help but will create problems in other areas, it's a trade off. The stock suspension while fully adjustable is certainly where they cut corners to keep the price down. It does the job but if you are used to quality suspension you'll want to upgrade a few things. Springs, valves new rear shock that sort of thing. (as your budget permits) All you want to know about that stuff can be found on the fz1oa site.

The fz1 is a reliable, fun, comfortable and fast bike. It makes a pretty good tourer and is three quarters sportbike just don't expect it to be perfect at everything.

It's a great bike.  I can't compare to an R1, but it has oodles of power.  It's very reliable and easy to work on.  I believe the 1st gen ran from 2001-2004.  I have an '02.

The riding position is excellent. In stock form, the windscreen is mediocre.  For sport-touring, I would replace with a new windscreen from here:  http://www.ceebaileys.com/yamaha/fz1ws.html

I highly doubt you will be disappointed if you pick one up.  http://yamahafz1oa.com/ is a great resource.

Doug

You won't be disappointed with a 1st gen fz1 (2001-2005). I have an 05 that I've had for 2 yrs and I really like it. Ditto what 4power said about the engine and it will do it on regular gas and I avg. 45mpg if I don't get to carried away with the throttle. You'll want to do some suspension work unless you weigh 160lbs. or less. I just replaced fork & shock springs on mine. Lee @ traxxion dynamics is the person to go to for help with that. Join the fz1oa those guys are a wealth of knowledge, you will find a link to traxxion dynamics from there.

My '04 FZ1 is perfect for me.  It's great for city riding, twisty roads and 2-3,000 mile rides.  I have ridden over 36,000 miles with zero issues.

i absolutely love my 2nd gen, but i have no experience with a 1st to compare however.

I had a second generation FZ1 and loved it.  It handled very well and the added wind protection (compared to a fully naked bike) was welcome.  It was light, the riding posture was spot on for me, vibration levels were low, the mirrors worked (which can be rare these days), the headlights cast a good spread of light, it had a factory installed center stand, made nice sounds, and had good gauges.

I tended to average around 40 MPG which brought the low fuel light on at around 160 miles.  It does have a fuel gauge, so you can keep an eye on your fuel usage as you go.  There are aftermarket luggage solutions out there.  I tried a Givi top box that worked very well, if not looked particularly stylish.

My only real complaints about the bike center on the seat.  I tried an aftermarket (Sargent Saddle) seat that helped, but not enough.  And although the tank is narrow at the seat, it widens out considerably at the knees.  I simply could not get comfortable enough on the bike for 3+ hour rides.  The rear seat is a joke on the order of typical super sport seats and stubby enough to make soft luggage packing a challenge.  

I will admit to being extraordinarily picky about seats and that I was forcing a perfectly good motorcycle into a role for which it was not intended.  There are plenty of people who have no issue with the FZ1 seat and/or use it as a long range sport tourer with great success.  It is a versatile and well made machine.

I love the look of 2 nd gen. FZ1 - to me, in the maroon, it may be best lookin inline 4 ever.  the 2 nd gen. is somewhat more sports oriented, the first ( tube frame ) more touring, thou capable of ultra illegal speeds . . .  big problem with 2 nd gen ( current ) to me is, tank is a gallon or more too small.
sitting next to a Suzuki SV 1000 in showroom ( bikes with similar, almost exact same capabilities ) it looked like the  2 nd gen FZ 1 had much, much better ' fit and finish ' , thou who knows, maybe dealer just made more $$$ selling  them.

I am with Eric, but with an '01.
My biggest problem with the bike, is the insurance companies...

The insurance on my 05 isn't to high, I think it's less than $400 per year. I also have another bike insured and am 50 years old, so that may have something to do with it. Check with progessive, that who I have my bikes insured with.

I have an 05 Which is the first gen. 1st Gen is 01 -05 and there is no real difference between 01-05 (just a few very minor tweaks). 01-03 had silver engine and 04-05 had black engines. There has been two special paint jobs, yellow/black (Bee) and black/silver (Skunk).

I have been super happy with it. Its light enough to be fun and big enough to do a longer day and enough power to take a passenger without loosing all performance.  I don't have as much problem with the seat as some do and have not felt the need to 'upgrade' it. I added the Zero Gravity Double Bubble windscreen and that is just about perfect for me. When I ride the bike I always feel like I am on the perfect all around bike. If you rode the R1 and liked it you will like the FZ1 since it has the same 5 valve engine but tuned for more all-around riding. I get anywhere from 160-220 miles to the tank depending on how I ride. The bike runs fine out of the box but a jet kit (from 'Ivan' or Holeshot) and S/O pipe really bring out the best and makes the bike easier to start. The stock gearing is a good compromise between sport and touring but a lot of people like to go down 1 tooth to help with taking off in first.

EZAS pretty much summed it up.  The Gen I FZ1 is on of the most versitle bikes.  You can't go wrong with it.  In stock form, it is almost to perfect, it needs a personall touch.  I put a Ti-Force pipe on mine and it really sounds great without being bothersome to other people.  A holeshot or ivans jet kit is also a must do mod.  As for a passenger, comfort is very good.  My wife says the seat is perfect for her after a three hundred mile day.

I have a GEN2 FZ1 and abosolutly love it.As good as the gen1 was it's handling doesn't compare.And if you get a end of the year '06 or newer GEN2 the mapping glitches are taken care of.

I have an 03 that I got used with only 3k miles.  I installed a Ivan Jet kit and it solved the lean bottom end and starting problems.  I filled the handle bars with lead shot to numb the vibrations.  I also added a Cee Bailey +6" clear shield.
I just got a Corbin seat and so far it is much better than the stock seat.

I've clocked over 42,000 trouble free miles on my 03 bee.  As you can see from my avatar, I have added the ducati bags which I got off ebay and use the ceebailey screen if I an going far.  I've done over 1200 miles in a 24 hr period and was fine the next day.  I do have a custom seat though.   :thumbsup:  It's a great bike!  I've done a couple of 3000 mile weeks on it, and it suits me very well.  

I just purchased a 2nd Gen and from the little riding I have done on it, about 450 miles, I love it! Power, comfort, handling, the whole package!

I've owned two Gen 1 FZ1's. Very happy with both. The 02 was problem free for 50,000 km. My current 05 has 20,000 km.   Sargent seat, Hindle slip-on, Ventura rack, taller windscreen, frame sliders, Extenda Fenda, otherwise stock. I run Pirelli Diablo Strada tires.  :thumbsup:

How many miles are you getting out of the  Strada's? I almost put 'em on my Gen2 but went with the Pilot Road 2ct's.I guess I might try the Pirelli's next time.I would mind a little better feed back from the frt than the Michelins are giving.

I own a first gen 05 fz1 and love the heck out of it I put about 2k miles on it every summer. Got a problem though Got a crack in the crank case the shop guys said I could patch it with JB but I don't like that idea. The only other alternative is to replace the case. $1200 and $900 labor "CRAP". Does anyone know whether the engines from the 02, 03, 04, 06, models are compatible with the 2005 model? Any help would be a great help not only to me but my wallet as well. Thanks all.

Love my FZ1.  It's a super comfy sportbike.  and's great for sport touring.  Jack of all trades, master of none.

There are almost no changes to the FZ1 from 01 until the 2nd gen came out besides paint, but go and ask on the
http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/ to double check.... someone there will know for sure.

I think you are on the right track. The 1st Gen is a better all around bike IMHO. I have been looking for the perfect bike for over 30 years. After buying a 2002 with all the right mods, I am done looking! Bulletproof,great comfort,not to heavy. There was a 2001 with 3500 miles that just sold on FZ1OA for $3500! If you can get close to that figure, you will never quite smiling. Good luck and ride safe.

I know where there is a used 2006 red FZ1.  It is at Overturf Powersports in Springfield, IL.  http://www.overturfpowersports.com/

This bike is in great condition and was very well maintained.  I know this because it used to be mine.  I traded it in to get the FJR last Summer and the FZ1 has sat there ever since.  So I suspect the dealer would be happy to sell it at a reasonable price.

I have an 05 with 50k miles. It just gets smoother, gone through chains, tires, oil nothing major. Generally 40 mpg, bike likes premium fuel only. I've been thinking of getting something new next year but it is hard to give up on this bike, it just works as my daily rider...

Premium gas?  You shouldn't need that at all.

But ya... tires, chains, oil.  40mpg for a short commute, upto 56 on the highway.

Had my first failure on my '01.  The ignition switch bit the big one.  Now I have one key for the ignition and 1 for the gas/helmet lock.   :angry3:

I added a 2001 FZ1 to my stable. Everything you think you know about it is basically correct. It's comfortable. It shapes the wind pretty well. Yes, it's fast and it handles pretty well. With a quality rider it'll keep up with anything out there on most roads under most conditions in most of the normally ridden paces. Givi and other companies make mounts and bags.

To hear it told, from a "do it all" perspective, the Gen-1 units are better than the Gen-2 units. The Gen-1 seems to fit smack in the middle of the void between the R1 and something like your GS500, while the Gen-2 swings a little closer to the R1.

Gen-1 units are plentiful and reasonably priced in the used market.

I'm routinely getting between 200 and 240 miles before I need to worry about fuel, depending on how I ride it. This thing seems to suck fuel more when you're less smooth on the throttle vs. just going fast. Choppy and WOT starts suck fuel big time. Just be Smooooth. It also helps keep the front wheel on the ground.  ;)

'01 - '05 = "1st gen" and are 100% swappable.

I love my FZ1 Ghost.  You will love one also.  I am selling my bike because I added a convertible toy to my garage and I can't afford to pay for both but when I pay that off, there will be another FZ1 next to it, or maybe a FJR 1300.  Good luck.

Just a side note, if you want to keep the black engine, you will need a '04-'05 motor. The '01-03 motors will still work, but are silver in color (with the exception of the black and yellow '03's , aka "bees", having a black motor).

Recently picked up an 02 Fz1. Coming from supersports...this bike felt like a couch. Absolutely love it.

A little late getting back to you, but....
My current 05 FZ1 with Pirelli Daiblo Strada's... has 18,000 km on the front and 11,000 km on the rear with about 20% usable tread left on each.
Bike has 28,000 km in total having used nearly two fronts and three rears.
Stradas are a sticky sport touring compound, yet have long life and wear evenly.

First Gen, no.

2nd Gen got a bump in compression.

I own a gen 2. Still runs on regular. No need for premium.

I have a gen 2 and mine seems to run better on premium.  :shrug:  believe it or not I can tell a big difference from 87. Maybe it all depends on the part of the country you live in and other surrounding factors.

I almost bought a sec generation a few times (The first gen never did it for me).  I really like it but it's not the naked sport bike I hoped it was, rather a soft standard.  Just my opinion.
I think they are great everyday, do-it-all bikes.

Gen1 owner here and very happy with the bike. A great all-arounder. It makes all the right compromises for most of my riding desires. Been a bit of a bike whore over the last few years. Come and gone are a yammi R6, Sprint 1050, & FJR1300.  The DRZ, C10 Concours, and FZ1 that are currently in the garage make a nice mix.

The DRZ for when I wanna explore off the asphalt or play A$$hole on the street. (Bullet proof as well).
The Concours is a great cold/nasty weather bike that shakes of the neglect and is aways ready to ride. (Also bullet proof)
FZ1 has become my goto bike for just about everything related to street duty. (and by accounts bullet proof too) 736 mile day of twisties is my longest on it. Thats more than I've ridden the Connie in one day.

From what I hear the Gen2 has sharper handling and gives up a little comfort.  I imagine it is also a fantastic bike. As to which one to own? All boils down to which one makes the right set of compromises for you. I'm currently running Stradas on mine and it looks like I'll get nearly 6000 miles on them. For me that is GREAT tire mileage.

Maybe, but I just checked the service manual, and it confirmed regular 87. Now if you are running a power commander, all bets are off.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i128/flyingcircus93/FZ1/FZ-1Fuel.jpg)

I have a second gen and it doesn't seem to run right on premium.  Runs better on regular, I get better mileage too, go figure.

As for the gas topics we have reformulated gas here so that might be a reason for mine to run better on premium, I never was able to put just normal gas in it to see if it would run right.

We have a gen-1 blue 2005 FZ1 in the garage (black engine), belongs to my GF, tho it's really too much bike for her.  Has over 20k on it, not a lick of problem.
Anyway, we did a bunch of Holeshot mods to it:
1)  removed rear pegs
2)  Hole Shot high pipe, sounds great, not too loud
3)  Hole Shot exhaust gas recirculation emmisions thingie removal
4)  Hole Shot carb jet kit
5)  Hole Shot timing advancer
6)  suspension profesisonally set up.

After all the mods, for grins she had it put on the dyno, local independent shop has one, and it generated 129hp at the rear wheel.
That's enough!
Guy said it now made the same power as an R1 of the same year up to 10k rpm.

Oh, and the best part???  Still runs on 87 octane pump gas!!!   :D

And, it handles SO much easier in tight stuff (Deals Gap) than my Mille-R.

.

So, I have an opportunity to score an 2001 FZ1 for the trade of my bike. Though, I'm worried about it. It has 25k miles. How close to the end of the road is this?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/mcy/1487295727.html

Suggestions? I really wish I could find one with lower miles.

You have ZERO to worry about strictly on mileage.

It's all about the maintenance. With proper maintenance this engine will run as long as you want it to. It's a solid mill.

So, he states the 11000 mile mait was done. This means the valve adjustment should be coming up soon, right? Like, 30,000?

Also, re-syncing the carbs -- I've heard there is a tool that makes this rather painless?

go check out FZ1 forum (http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/index.php?s=).  Most people don't have to adjust valves at the 26,000 mile (I think) check.  There are also a few gen1s (the model you are looking at) for sale with lower miles on the forum if location isn't important to you.  You can build a manometer or buy a morgan carb tune to sync the carbs.  

I think I'm going the diy route as my money for the mechanic has become my money for food :crazy:...who says chicks can't work on their own bikes? :headscratch: (I'll find out if it's a good idea soon enough.)

Turned out that the bike was garbage  :thumbsdown:

Someone took a hacksaw to the license plate frame, was missing the chain guard, random unplugged wire in the tree, one of the passanger handles was broken off, tires were bald.

Blah. Don't want someone else problem.

Buying a 2008 Candy Red brand new FZ1 tomorrow. Talked them down to 6,800. Figured that was a good deal. :shrug: My first new motor anything.  :inlove:

Congrats on your first new anything !  :thumbsup:

I'm a new Motorcycle and gear buyer. Used otherwise. Just prefer virgin bikes  :p

What's the skinny on mpg differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2? It's my understanding that the Gen 2 gets worse mpg in general. If so, is this due to higher HP?

The Gen 2 is peaky and lacks midrange compared to the Gen 1.  A guy at work with an '07 got 33 mpg his first few tanks.  He cruises in 5th at 60 mph because he says there's not enough grunt in 6th.   I consistently got 45 - 50 mpg on my '02.  

Bill

Sounds like someone needs to learn how to downshift.

I am running about 40-45mpg if I recall from my last fill up.

Bullshit. Your work buddy is an idiot and don't know how to ride.

(http://)I have the 2005 Fz1, the last modle of the first generation bike. The later bikes seemed to have been dumbed down like they did to the second year Hayabusa's. My opinion as to the looks, the 05 with the blsck frame was the best looking of the FZ's..... except for the Bumblebee yellow/black special edition. They have increadable power, a good ride, and will do long distance touring with a couple cheap mods. There are a couple different tall winshields that work well and as for luggage, hard or soft, it's your choice, it looks good in both, though I prefer the soft bags. It's the perfect base bike to get tour oriented with. The drawback: there's not alot of carbon fiber or alot of accessories for the first generation compared to the Gen.2's. It could be argued that the Gen2's look beter astetically, yes........true mabe, but I prefer the exact bike I have of all the FZ1's built to date......well with the exception of the Bumblebee.

<--- Haha!  Bumblebee FTW!

Gen IIs handle better than the GenIs and with a few mods can easily beat the gen I in performance and power. Modded GenIIs are making 152 rwhp and 80 ft-lb with a nice linear curve. For the price, Gen IIs can't be beat. GenIs are overpriced at the moment and who is going to buy a carbed bike this days. Looks no question genII are better. MPG and range is the only thing where genI has the edge.

I don't think you can go wrong with a first gen FZ1.

Definitely gen1, if one can be had for cheap. I will not pay more than 3K for a gen1. The 03 Bumblebee is my favorite or any of the ones with black frames and engines. Silver frame and engine is so 90s. Would love to get a gen1 Bumblebee if the insurance didn't cost so much.

:shrug: I pay $440/year with Progressive for full coverage for my 2003 FZ1 Bumblebee and liability for the DR350.

Just a few photos from my weekend spent riding along the East Coast of Newfoundland...
 
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(http://www.ridetherock.com/gallery2/d/14659-1/April3rd201006.jpg)
 
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Generation II starts 2006.  It is a great bike, many options for touring windsheilds; hard bags etc...  The power is explosive above 8,000 RPM.  
I went from Ft Lauderdale to Daytona about a 4 hr trip and was comfortable there an back.  My neck was a bit sore from wearig helmet with touring windshield but the Givi bags and sheild look good very good quality.

Never rode Gen I but seems to be less powerful but from the forums I read the guys that have them love them. there is a FZ dedicated forum you should read.

Can someone tell me what the RPMs are at about 75 mph? One thing I've come to like about my Superhawk is the low RPMs when slabbing it (granted, not what the bike is best at, but ... ). I've been thinking about trying an I-4 again, but the ones (I think the last one I rode was a Triumph 675) I've ridden turn something like 6-7 grand at freeway speed - me no likey.

As I recall with stock gearing my Gen1 turns about 5,100 rpm at 75mph by GPS. I dropped one tooth up front and haven't calibrated the speedo or had a GPS on it since the change but I'd guess it's now probably around 5400-5500 rpm. Don't know how that compares to a GenII though.

My Gen II sits just above 5,000 RPM at 75 mph.

My Gen 1 is just over 5000 RPMs at 75 mph. The Triumph 675 is actually a triple rather than an I4 engine, plus a much smaller size, thus higher RPMs at speed.

Picked up an '02 FZ1 this weekend!

It had been sitting for a while, so TONS of maintenance has been the order of the week.  It's running and riding, but bogs at 3/4 to WOT (fuel filter? Air filter is good, plugs say bogging lean, rather than rich)... taps pretty hard went warm (going after the valves tomorrow), really squishy front brake (even after bleeding and zip-tie overnight trick), and the suspension seems waaaay stiff (I've never been good at adjusting that stuff).

Can't wait to get her running right!  She seems like a fun ride so far, but I must say, she has the worst stock seat out of any bike I've ever owned.  I'll try to mod it tonight maybe.

Love mine. Just bought a new 09. I got a great deal well under book because they are trying to move the last couple. I found it about $50 more a year to insure than my 02 Sportster. Very fast, great handling. comfortable.

My son is looking at Gen 2 FZ1's and I can't seem to find a passenger backrest listed anywhere for it other than a corbin. What the heck is up with that? Does anyone know of any other choices other than making their own?

There is a guy on FZ1OA forum - Satan666 who makes a cool back rest bracket and you can mount any cruiser backrest on it. I have one and while it is good for keeping the pillion from sliding backwards under acceleration, it is not sturdy enough to put full weight on. But it is a very cheap alternative.