FZ1 questions...

[TimeBombAZ]

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.

[chornbe]

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.

[TimeBombAZ]

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?

[theWolfTamer]

go check out FZ1 forum.  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 ...who says chicks can't work on their own bikes? (I'll find out if it's a good idea soon enough.)

[TimeBombAZ]

Turned out that the bike was garbage  

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. My first new motor anything.  

[Fav]

Congrats on your first new anything !  

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

[Castaway]

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?

[billo]

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

[carpe_diem]

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.

[spitfiremk21]

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.

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

[Gohot229]

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.

[Rabidsnipe]

......well with the exception of the Bumblebee.

<--- Haha!  Bumblebee FTW!

[CrazyRider]

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.

[deacon51]

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

[CrazyRider]

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.

[Rabidsnipe]

Would love to get a gen1 Bumblebee if the insurance didn't cost so much.

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

[GraniteGray]

Just a few photos from my weekend spent riding along the East Coast of Newfoundland...
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[dduck]

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.

[Castaway]

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.

[Windblown]

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.