Why not an FZ1?

[n1one]

I agree with most comments here..Price, mileage and under seat exhaust. Last year I was looking to buy either the FZ1 or the Bandit 1250S, but a good friend left me his 07 FZ6 (3k miles) after he passed away from Cancer a year ago last June.

I have been riding for 25 years and wanted a liter bike, not because it was faster, the FZ6 is plenty fast, but because I wanted a more substantial bike that would not work as hard as the FZ6 on the highway.

Anyway, since my friend left me his bike, I just can't bring my self to trade it in for a liter bike, he loved this bike, it was his second FZ6 and it is a great commuter bike, which is what I use it for 70% of the time.

As for picking a beginner bike, the FZ6 is NOT a beginner bike, although it is a better choice than the FZ1. I started with a 68 CL350, then a 71 CB350, then LTD 550, 82 V45 Magna (750) which was my last bike and I rode it for many years and put 80+K on it. Now I have the 07 FZ6 and I really do like this bike it is a lot of fun to ride.

Later

 

[niben001]

For me it was lack of knowledge. Had I known about the FZ1 at the time of purchase it may have been the bike I bought, however the FZ6 is by FAR the best bike I've owned :rockon: and now have a hard time considering a different bike. That increase in speed and power that the FZ1 provides will eventually win me over I think...

 

[FZ1inNH]

The FZ6 was the best bike I had ever ridden and in some ways, still is, such as MPG? But the FZ1 gave me all of what the FZ6 offered and a lot more. Bill hit the nail on the head.

the FZ6 is plenty fast, but because I wanted a more substantial bike that would not work as hard as the FZ6 on the highway.

The FZ1 is a great commuter/tourer with the exception of the MPG, but at 38 MPG average thus far, it's still more than twice what my truck gets and I'm very happy about that. When you're out on the FZ1, it works so much less at highway speeds and uphill climbs. Having the extra HP and torque helps in every way.

It really doesn't go a lot faster than the FZ6, it just gets going faster a lot quicker. Wind resistance still holds the tops speeds for both bikes due to the lack of aerodynamics. You still run the bike at redline if you want, just in 1st and 2nd where on the FZ6, I was in 3rd or 4th.

One of the main reasons the price is that much higher is the quality, fit and finish. Having worked on both the FZ6 and the FZ1, I can say without a doubt that Yamaha put a lot more engineering into the liter bike and I can understand why the cost was that much more.

And I certainly agree about the rocket launcher on the side, hence me buying the bike on Sat. and ordering a TBR slip-on on Sunday. Being only a single can though? $404.00 shipped! Scorpions are even much cheaper.

Who could resist her.... look at her.... ain't she purdy!?!?!? :rockon:

 

[n1one]

Who could resist her.... look at her.... ain't she purdy!?!?!? :rockon:

I could not agree MORE!:thumbup: I love the look of the FZ1, especially from the ground looking up at it's bulging chest! it say's "AAAAARRRRRRR, MAKE MY DAY PUNK!"

 

[jrevans]

Well...

Back in 2004 when I bought my new FZ6, I still had a CBR600F4 (which was killing my wrists to ride). I test rode a 2003 FZ1 and it felt like my old CB750F, and that wasn't a good thing.

I was used to a light, powerful 600cc sportbike and the FZ1 that I test rode was nothing like that. I rode the FZ6 and knew that it was the best combo for the riding that I like to do. Not a real sportbike, but not heavy and bulky like the FZ1. Now, with my mods, it feels more like a sportbike, but still comfy for me.

Oh, since I had both the F4 and the FZ6 for a few months I did some comparisons. What I clearly remember is that the F4 was so much quieter to ride. I'm sure it had less wind protection, but the wind hit so much lower on my body that the loud turbulence that I experience on the FZ6 was non-existent. The other thing was the transmission. The honda shifted so much better than my FZ6 it was crazy. The FZ6 has gotten better after breakin, but dang the honda was so much better.

If the newer generation FZ1 was out when I bought my FZ6, I have to admit that I would probably have bought the FZ1 as I really like the new style (once something is done with the exhaust).

 

[Doorag]

While I wouldn't recommend anyone start with a liter bike, what I will say is this: It's all about self control. You need to respect any bike you are on from the start. a 250 will kill you just as easily as a liter bike. If you think that you cannot control the throttle, then go with something that doesn't respond so quickly. If you know you can respect the bike and control the throttle then I don't feel the size of the bike matters... so long as you respect the machine and use common sense.

It's not the quantity of the bike, it's the quality of the rider's skills. Proper caution and you can handle any bike.

If you think you're going to go nuts with the throttle and love the thrill of going fast, start out on a Vespa.

+1 - wot he said.

 

[Nefilim]

I like being revvy with my bikes and being revvy with a liter bike gets really illegal really quick.

The FZ6 breaks the speed limit way too easily in first gear. With an FZ1, you'd DEFINITELY be breaking the law without being able to push the bike at all.