Would a FZ1 be too fast for me?

[Paniller]

I've been eying up something larger in size, as I'm 6'7". Then, I'd also like a little more highway ease and passing power. Ideally, something touring, but touring bikes are too heavy and expensive for me.

So, we come back to the FZ1. Cheap, reliable, everything I want. But...would I hurt myself? I've only been on the Buell for 3 years, and a SV650 before that for 2.

The Buell alone has its "oh shit" moments, and is a fast ride on its own. I just don't like how it seems to stop pulling and run out of steam on any kind of straightaway. It only seems to power out of turns, which my daily drive commute lacks. I want something a little more highway oriented, with smoothness. I was considering an FZ8, but it's barely an upgrade, and would cost more than a FZ1. I'm just afraid of the "power hit" of an FZ1 at 7k.

Part of me still wants to keep the Buell, and get a second bike later on. That would get me castrated on the home-front though...better stick to just one.

 

[noone1569]

Nope, not at all. I ran an '10 FZ1 up to 115 this weekend, and then he passed me lol. The FZ1 is a lot tamer to ride than the previous gen R1 it is based on.

Ride one, you'll understand what I mean. Its fast, but an easy fast, no real high power peak, pretty linear curve.

 

[konarider94]

I rode a fz1 and they are pretty awesome. Id say you would be fine on it after 3 years on a Buell.

 

[xgambit]

i think the main challenge you're gonna have on an FZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ1 is staying awake

 

[noone1569]

The stock handlebars on the FZ1's totally blow as well. Horrible angle on the wrists.

 

[mtnmason]

No vehicle, regardless of displacement, will ever go any faster than your throttle input commands. I say go for it. My other bike is an old ass Yam. Can't say enough about Yamaha reliability

 

[GAXB9R]

Go 1125

 

[Alfatango1]

i think the main challenge you're gonna have on an FZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ1 is staying awake

That's a bunch of bull shit! Those mother fuckers are fast as hell. My friend has done thousands of miles at a clip on his and he would eat my XB after about 30 mph. It's not a touring bike so I don't know what you're trying to get at. It's a more comfy version of an R1.

Go 1125

They would kill those too and be a lot more comfortable all day long.

 

[konarider94]

Go 1125

They would kill those too and be a lot more comfortable all day long.

and the fz1 doesnt have a stator that will burn out at any given moment. i still want an 1125cr though (i like the bars and riding position better than the fz1), i dont agree that a fz1 would kill an 1125 though. the 1125 i rode felt a lot more impressive.

 

[Bolty]

From my experience if your asking if its to fast, then it probably is.

 

[Alfatango1]

i like the bars and riding position better than the fz1), i dont agree that a fz1 would kill an 1125 though. the 1125 i rode felt a lot more impressive.

1125's are fast, especially on the bottom. FZ's just have a lot of revs when 1125's run out. I guess "Kill" was a little "hyperbole" but I feel they would win in most speed contests.

 

[Lesley]

to the OP:
I have a dear friend who is about your height and he rides an FZ1 and loves it. Yeah you might want shorter more agressive bars for that lean into feel. The yamaha name speaks for itself.

Tried and true by far one of the most reliable names being straddled today. I say go for it. [up]

 

[GAXB9R]

I would still go 1125 to keep it in the family. Had 2 r6 before and they were nice, but a bitch to work on.

 

[Paniller]

I'd love a 1125CR, but it's way too small for me. I look like a bear on a bicycle with a 12SS, let alone a smaller bike. The stator problem scares me the most, is that STILL not fixed yet?

From my experience if your asking if its to fast, then it probably is.

Yeah, my only concern. Though I also hear it's only too fast for those that don't ask. If I'm mature enough to be afraid, I should be mature enough to survive, right?

The CB1000R looks perfect for me, but insures for $2500/yr for some reason. 125-130hp would be ideal. Not much in that range. Everything is either a hog, underpowered, or overpowered. Or overpriced. A FJR would probably be ideal, but just looks too big and bulky.

I guess a little more with self control works best.

 

[jammer84_03]

My current demo that i ride at work (a Yamaha dealership) is a 2009 FZ1. I absolutely love that thing. It doesn't inspire the most confidence in the corners (although it still has the factory rubber on it) but the ride quality is great. I have gone on a couple of long trips with it, the most being 600+ miles of riding in one day. Its very forgiving compaired to normal "rocket" riding positions, but I would recommend the FZ8 for more longer distance riding. It has much less vibration coming thru the handle bars (the FZ1 is notorious for having lots of vibration) but the FZ1 is not unbareable.

I have had the bike up to 158mph, and it still had plenty of room to zing. Also spent a full 5 1/2 hrs of back roads cruising with a chick on the back with city riding and hitting 140mph on a few occasions. I personally love the bike. its a great blend of performance and comfort. I would say get one, but that a matter of personal opinion.

http://www.colomamotorsports.com/ne...K2012J10I25I49JAMQ424R0&veh=87137&pov=2707687

 

[jammer84_03]

FYI : be mindfull where your at in the power band when exiting a corner. If you crack the throttle wide open exiting a corner at 6k, you will be in for a shock when it hits 7-8k. Last week I did a huge power slide coming out of a corner on a demo ride (then again, with a stickier set of rubber I dont see this being as much of an issue), and now there is no chicken strips on that side of the rear tire....lol

Also, ditch the stock pipe and get a different one. Not for the sound, but for foot position. If you ride on the front of your foot, your heel will hit the stock pipe and not let you relax. Its a PITA when you want to wiggle around and stretch on the bike when on the longer ride.

As well, new levers. The clutch lever has NO ADJUSTMENT and it seems like it is a mile away from the grips.

 

[Paniller]

A long reach for the clutch, even compared to an XB? My clutch's sweet spot on my XB is almost all the way out there. Luckily I have huge hands.

I'm concerned now about the buzzing of the engine. Is that at highway speeds or what?

 

[jammer84_03]

Only really @ 55mph does the vibration seem to be noticeable. Its just a little bit in the handle bars. If you get bar end weights it will probably disapear...

Personally, I love the bike, and would have one in a heartbeat if I had the extra cash. Its basically an adult rocket...and cheaper insurance, with all the thrills of a R1. having ran with a few other guys on it, you will easily keep pace, and they wont run away from you one bit.

 

[Paniller]

If you've been riding one regularly, mind telling me what MPG you see? I'm only seeing 38-40mpg on the buell, at 60-70% highway at 70-75mph. Part of it may be aerodynamics from my height. I'm hoping for similar on the FZ1.

The vibrations smooth out over 55? That sounds similar to a Buell.

 

[konarider94]

the fz8 looks cooler too