Naked Touring: finished conversion.

[Viperject]

Full write-up HERE.

From this:



To this:



And finally, to this:

[DFH]

Nice, but why not buy the naked version in the first place?

[Viperject]

Originally Posted by DFH

Nice, but why not buy the naked version in the first place?

There has never been a naked FZ available in the US. The naked versions available elsewhere never came with a conventional round headlight, either.

There were actually other bikes I would have preferred at the time of purchase, but I got a good deal on the Yamaha. It's certainly not the best bike I've owned, but it's alright.

[bogey78]

Very nice. I like the original fairing but the naked versions always look meaner. Those E21 Givis look like they were made for your bike.

[Superzoom]

Nice! Paint the headlight brackets black and THEN you're done.

[Kommando]

Is it still naked with a windscreen on it? Why not just leave the stock fairing and headlight on it?

[Contevita]

Those saddle bags look great on the bike.

[Grainbelt]

Put me in the 'I don't get it' camp.

Everyone's version of touring is a little different, but a couple of little messenger bag sized cases doesn't quite do it for me.

Then again, I turned my FZ6 into a land barge.

[Viperject]

Originally Posted by Kommando

Why not just leave the stock fairing and headlight on it?

I like the classic look of a single round headlight. Also, the stock FZ fairing and windscreen produce the worst turbulence I've ever experienced on a motorcycle.

Originally Posted by Grainbelt

Everyone's version of touring is a little different, but a couple of little messenger bag sized cases doesn't quite do it for me.

Consider this the bike's "everyday" arrangement. I also have a large tank bag and a Givi top-case that I will install next. I passed on the expensive ($150+) Givi top-case rack and bought an adapter kit ($45) for the side racks instead. I'm going to buy a second seat and bolt a universal Givi mounting plate to the pillion section, then mount the case to it. I don't tour with a passenger and I'd rather have the cargo more centrally located, rather than hanging way out behind the rear wheel.


I will add pics to this thread the day I finally take another real trip. It's been years.


Regarding the little E21's: I travel light, even cross-country. And I just don't like side-loading cases.

This old beast and its messenger bags took me everywhere...

[Grainbelt]

It has been said many times, saying that I pack like a girl is an insult to women everywhere.

Good on ya for keeping it light.

[Viperject]

Originally Posted by Grainbelt

Good on ya for keeping it light.

Once upon a time, before I knew any better, all I needed was a set of soft panniers and some bungee cords...

[FishHunt]

Originally Posted by Viperject

Once upon a time, before I knew any better, all I needed was a set of soft panniers and some bungee cords...

Nice looking ZR-7. It looks like the naked touring FZ-1 is taking the place of ZR 1000 Kawi bike.

I have a naked/standard/sport tourer myself. It is a 2000 ZR-7 with factory GIVI/Kawasaki racks and side cases with cheap Emgo top case.

<>< Fish

[bogey78]

I like the classic look of a single round headlight. Also, the stock FZ fairing and windscreen produce the worst turbulence I've ever experienced on a motorcycle.

My next bike purchase will most likely be an FZ6. I like the looks of the stock fairing and plan on keeping it stock and maybe trying a few different screens. Can I ask how tall you are? I'm short and generally have no problems on stock bikes with wind turbulence. Even my old weestrom that seems to annoy everyone was not a problem for me in stock form. So, how tall are you and did you try any aftermarket screens.

[Viperject]

Originally Posted by FishHunt

I have a naked/standard/sport tourer myself. It is a 2000 ZR-7 with factory GIVI/Kawasaki racks and side cases with cheap Emgo top case.

I liked my ZR7, but the Nightawk was better. The Kawasaki had marginally better handling and braking, but the Honda was smoother, felt just as fast, was more comfortable, got better fuel mileage, and required far less maintenance. If they still sold an air-cooled CB750 in the states, I would buy another one.

Originally Posted by bogey78

My next bike purchase will most likely be an FZ6. I like the looks of the stock fairing and plan on keeping it stock and maybe trying a few different screens. Can I ask how tall you are? I'm short and generally have no problems on stock bikes with wind turbulence. Even my old weestrom that seems to annoy everyone was not a problem for me in stock form. So, how tall are you and did you try any aftermarket screens.

I'm about 5-foot-8 with a 32-inch inseam. I never tried any aftermarket screens because I planned this naked conversion from the beginning. The stock screen shot a jet of air directly into my faceshield; the windblast was unbearable without earplugs and irritating with.

The FZ6 is an "okay" bike, but I would get something else if I had to do it over again. Here's my old review right after I bought it this spring:

http://twowheelfix.com/showpost.php?...9&postcount=11

[Grainbelt]

Originally Posted by Viperject

I'm about 5-foot-8 with a 32-inch inseam. I never tried any aftermarket screens because I planned this naked conversion from the beginning. The stock screen shot a jet of air directly into my faceshield; the windblast was unbearable without earplugs and irritating with.

Definitely depends on the person. I'm 5'11" with the same inseam, so the extra torso puts my helmet higher and longer arms put me farther back. I only get buffeting if I tuck in out of the rain.

Lots of folks on the FZ6-Forum have simply cut down the stock screen an inch or two if it didn't work for them. Keep in mind, the 04-06 have a different, more integrated screen and there are fewer aftermarket options than for the 07-09.