FZ1 questions...

[goto]

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.

[bobnflorida]

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.

[Hickey]

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.

[bikerdude55]

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...

[goto]

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.  

[chornbe]

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 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.  

[chornbe]

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.

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

[quint9]

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.

[FizDog74]

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

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).

[suwand28]

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

[00buck]

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.

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.

[Fav]

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

First Gen, no.

2nd Gen got a bump in compression.

[carpe_diem]

First Gen, no.

2nd Gen got a bump in compression.

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

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I have a gen 2 and mine seems to run better on premium.    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.

[scottzilla]

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.

[Windblown]

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.

[carpe_diem]

I have a gen 2 and mine seems to run better on premium.    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.

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.

[Indy Raven YZF]

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.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

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.

[MilleArp]

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!!!  

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

.