Hey Bake,
First, I still am in shock that these new springs and K&N filter are not sold on here. Guess I'll put 'em up on Ebay.
Anyway, that is a big question there, and I hope I don't offend anyone who loves their FZ6 with my comparison to the FZ1. The differences are legion, and though it looks similar, it is most definitely not in any way.
First was comfort. Being a cruiser rider for years, I thought the FZ6 would be a bit of a stretch at first, but it turned out to be a torture device. Pain increased over the 1 1/2 month time period I had the new bike, and it became just a big paperweight in the garage. I couldn't ride it anymore. When I switched to the FZ1, many thought I was crazy, but I could see there was a big difference with the bars & seat. This time, I was right. So far I've had the FZ1 about 2-3 weeks, and what pain I had has totally disappeared. The bike is 100% more comfortable to me. The joy of riding has returned. Next, the suspension is worlds away from the FZ6, and fully adjustable. Granted, I'm only 130 lbs, so I don't move the suspension much, but still. It performs very well. It's just as easy to work on as the FZ6 was, but the more traditional exhaust placement is a blessing. That undertail was not for me. Then, we have the power. Oh my, the power. Having barely 30lbs. more weight, but fully 40 horsepower more and significant torque gains, this bike launches my small-ish frame like it's not even on the bike. This bike is FAST, and much beefier where I spend most of my time, which is under 7k rpm. Don't get me wrong, the 6 was quite quick, but this thing is just ludicrous speed. Since I just took out that stupid EXUP and put on a Scorpion slip-on, the bike is literally jumping out from under me.
Oh, and I have found that I can corner better with the bigger bike. It's a scalpel.
There's the comparison for you, as honest as it can be.
- T.
