Yamaha FZ1

[skysailor]

Any strong opinions out there on an FZ1. Looking very serioursly at one. Looking for a reliable pavement gobbler for sport touring.

[BobFV1]

Originally Posted by skysailor

Any strong opinions out there on an FZ1. Looking very serioursly at one. Looking for a reliable pavement gobbler for sport touring.

IMO the FJR is set up much better for the "touring" part of "sport touring".

[arshishb]

Very good bike for sport touring if setup correctly. Oh & they are cheap. They do love tires but thats mainly dependent on the right wrist

Heres what I have done to make it worthwhile for touring:

1) Windshield. There are many many options out there, what works for you may not work for someone else, so this is a hit or miss. Unfortunately the only way to accomplish this is to keep trying different shields. Not to worry though, the FZ1 classifieds are very active in this regard

2)Seat. Sargent or Corbin, both are good, cant go wrong with either, though the common verdict leans towards the Sargent.

Thats about all I did & set out for my 3000 mile trip to Louisiana. YMMV.

[Milhaus]

I have several mates that ride these and can't say enough good things about them.

Bob has a good point about the FJR being a great platform too, but you asked about the FZ1 and I would say it is a solid choice!

[agoailam]

I love mine. I have a Gen 1 that I commute 80 miles/day on. It's an excellent commuter. Ergo's are not the greatest for long distance, but there are things you can do to help that. I have a Sargent seat that I'd recommend as well as a Rifle screen for long trips and/or winter.

In twisties, it's fun. It has lots of power in an accessible RPM range. Handling is predictable, and for its size it's nimble. I'm coming from an older 600 bike, and to me the Fizzy is big. But I like the way it rides on the highway.

It's a great bang-for-the-buck bike. Buy in is low, and versatility is high. Post up or PM specific questions if you've got 'em.

[pluric]

I have an FZ1 (02) and an FJR (06). The FZ is much lighter and
frisky feeling. The FJR is comfortable and a great bike for distance.
The FZ is a little buzzy in the bars. I call it an "FJR lite" great taste
and less filling. I have it set up with a Givi trunk and soft bags. So if
I want to use it for a weekend get away it's up for it. Any long stuff
I lean towards the FJR. It's Been very reliable and the performance/handling
made my old Bandit 1200s seem so dated.
If most of your riding is commuting, short get aways, and some twisties
I would lean towards the FZ. If distant horizons are your thing, the FJR.

[MrVvrroomm]

I've owned both a Gen1 FZ1 ('02) and a Gen1 FJR ('04). Both can eat lots and lots of miles.

If I were buying a new bike for ST duties today it would be the latest Bandit 1250. It's a poor man's FJR.

[Infallible]

Whats the range on a tank of the new ones? I've read in the past of averages of around 35mpg, which doesn't make a lot of trips easy if your are traveling through long stretches of desert land.

[skysailor]

This has about 45000 miles and he's asking 4K CDN. Is this high miles for an FZ1?
If I go new, it'll be a Bandit 1250 with ABS (the only way they come in Canada)

[Starwarrior]

R and R did a review of this a while back--maybe it will help you out.

[I.P. Freely]

FZ1's are great bikes. I've had four of them, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, and I prefer the 1st generation FZ.

The first generation FZ1 has a bigger gas tank, gets better mpg, comfortable seat, more low end, and was a hell of a lot more comfortable than my 07 FZ.

[hoax]

I've got an 03. It's easy for people to say what they like about their bikes. Here are a few things you should be aware of before buying.

1. The stock mirrors and windshield create turbulence for the rider's head during freeway riding. I'm 5'10" and ended up replacing the mirrors and cutting down the stock windshield. This may or may not be an issue for you.

2. You can't see directly behind you with the stock mirrors. A cop could park directly behind you and you'd never know.

3. Seat height is on the tall side. This may or may not be an issue for you.

4. It's a buzzy motor. Plan on getting bar ends.

5. Lot's of people don't like the seat. Personally this has not been an issue for me.

6. The big 5.5 gallon fuel tank is nice, but it's also wide and splays your legs outward.

[agoailam]

^^ Good Observations ^^

Especially about the mirrors. That is an issue. But I modded my mirrors to sit out further and see behind me. It's an easy trick.

Also, as for MPG's... I get 40 on average. I try not to hit redline in every gear, though.

[jwmitch]

Don't forget the Honda CBF1000, I've got an 07 ABS model in blue, with matching luggage, they will commute and tour with ease.

The de-tuned Frireblade motor has lots of torque, I came from an FJR1300, and I wasn't dissapointed at all.

[jmoto]

I had a very early 1st generation. I agree about the mirrors and buzzy but tolerable engine. My problem was the extreme susceptibilty to air turbulence created by big trucks on high speed 4 lanes. Sort of like driving an old VW bus in gusty crosswinds. The bike was great on two lane roads though.