Took the FZ1 for inaugural run, late last night. Only rode for about 30 minutes, but do have some initial impressions to share with you all.
Headlights: Very good in stock form. Pattern is more even and wider than FZ6 with dual headlight mod. This is probably because FZ1 has proper reflectors for low beam on both sides.. just a guess.
I do have to say that my Dual Dominator setup on FZ6 is still better than FZ1 stock. It might be because of the difference between frame mounted light vs fork mounted light, but on FZ6 I can go into corners with confidence whereas on FZ1 I can't see a thing into the turn until I'm about half way into it. Normal for faired bikes from my experience, but I'm not in love with how that feels.
Suspension: It appears previous owner had it set up to feel as much as a full-on sport bike as possible. Ride is perfectly controlled, but very stiff and harsh. I've ridden few sport bikes and that's exactly what those felt like to me.
There is almost no fork dive under braking.. I'll have to get used to that.
Handling: Didn't get to push it at all in the turns since it was pitch-black out, but in terms of general feel.. I don't feel any extra weight compared to FZ6. Previous owner also slid the forks up 8mm so turn initiation is effortless and immediate. A bit too immediate for my liking .. I'll need to find a happy middle.
Clutch: Much more of a standard friction zone you'd find on other bikes. Not an on/off switch like FZ6. Once again something for me to get used to.
Gearbox: Buttery smooth. No clunks.
Gearing: Astronomically high!! I think I could have done the entire ride in first! Supposedly it'll do 100mph in first gear
U-turn box on MSF range is going to require new technique. On FZ6 I just stay in 1st and drag rear brake. FZ1 is going to require a lot of friction zone use for limited space maneuvers.
Vibration: It currently has stock bar and stock grips, but no bar ends (previous owner drilled out the threaded inserts to put plastic bar end mirrors in). Even so, there is hardly any vibration at the handlebar.. or anywhere else for that matter. Looking forward to putting Oury grips and stock bar ends back on (replacement bar is on its way).
Turbulence: As is, wind flow is surprisingly good. Granted I probably never went over 70, but even with that tiny chopped screen it actually feels a lot like my FZ6 streetfighter.. smooth air hitting me in the chest and no buffeting. Tall touring screen is on the way. It'll be interesting to see how well that will work.
Power: I'll just put it like this: rolling on at 3.5k rpm feels about the same as rolling on at 8k rpm on FZ6.
I'll post more findings after I spend more time in the saddle.
Headlights: Very good in stock form. Pattern is more even and wider than FZ6 with dual headlight mod. This is probably because FZ1 has proper reflectors for low beam on both sides.. just a guess.
I do have to say that my Dual Dominator setup on FZ6 is still better than FZ1 stock. It might be because of the difference between frame mounted light vs fork mounted light, but on FZ6 I can go into corners with confidence whereas on FZ1 I can't see a thing into the turn until I'm about half way into it. Normal for faired bikes from my experience, but I'm not in love with how that feels.
Suspension: It appears previous owner had it set up to feel as much as a full-on sport bike as possible. Ride is perfectly controlled, but very stiff and harsh. I've ridden few sport bikes and that's exactly what those felt like to me.
There is almost no fork dive under braking.. I'll have to get used to that.
Handling: Didn't get to push it at all in the turns since it was pitch-black out, but in terms of general feel.. I don't feel any extra weight compared to FZ6. Previous owner also slid the forks up 8mm so turn initiation is effortless and immediate. A bit too immediate for my liking .. I'll need to find a happy middle.
Clutch: Much more of a standard friction zone you'd find on other bikes. Not an on/off switch like FZ6. Once again something for me to get used to.
Gearbox: Buttery smooth. No clunks.
Gearing: Astronomically high!! I think I could have done the entire ride in first! Supposedly it'll do 100mph in first gear
U-turn box on MSF range is going to require new technique. On FZ6 I just stay in 1st and drag rear brake. FZ1 is going to require a lot of friction zone use for limited space maneuvers.
Vibration: It currently has stock bar and stock grips, but no bar ends (previous owner drilled out the threaded inserts to put plastic bar end mirrors in). Even so, there is hardly any vibration at the handlebar.. or anywhere else for that matter. Looking forward to putting Oury grips and stock bar ends back on (replacement bar is on its way).
Turbulence: As is, wind flow is surprisingly good. Granted I probably never went over 70, but even with that tiny chopped screen it actually feels a lot like my FZ6 streetfighter.. smooth air hitting me in the chest and no buffeting. Tall touring screen is on the way. It'll be interesting to see how well that will work.
Power: I'll just put it like this: rolling on at 3.5k rpm feels about the same as rolling on at 8k rpm on FZ6.
I'll post more findings after I spend more time in the saddle.
