FZ1 any good?

[DanAbnormal]

Saw an FZ1 at some lights the other day. Did the usual "Try to look cool and then race him off the lights". This thing nearly blew my eardrums it was so loud. Had an Akrapervert can on it. Was the half faired version and I have to admit, looked the nuts.

So, any good?

Thanks,

Bike Tart Dan

[DanAbnormal]

Hmm, just read some reviews which would make sense. My trusty Hornet seemed to have a lot more oomph when I pulled away. Having read reviews they all say this bike is 'castrated' at low to mid rpm's.

What a dumb feck thing to do on a naked 1000cc bike.

Next.

[Luckypants]

but can be 'un-castrated' very effectively. 600+ who used to post a lot on here had one and after tuning was getting over 160BHP at rear wheel IIRC - that's serious power! Not sure what he did, but I don't think there was any internal work.

[DanAbnormal]

but can be 'un-castrated' very effectively. 600+ who used to post a lot on here had one and after tuning was getting over 160BHP at rear wheel IIRC - that's serious power! Not sure what he did, but I don't think there was any internal work.

Hmm. Could just be cat removal? I know they usually restrain most bikes to meet emmission laws but seems daft to limit one so much.

[lee67]

a standard fz1 would leave an hairnet 6' all day long, he obviously wasnt trying...there 140bhp standard..

[DanAbnormal]

a standard fz1 would leave an hairnet 6' all day long, he obviously wasnt trying...there 140bhp standard..

I know it's only a 600 but you'd be surprised how quick a 'hairnet' is off the line, I struggle to keep the front wheel down off the line, something I never had any issues with on the SV, Z1000 or even ZX7/ZX6R. It's all about gearing. Sure get past 50mph and the FZ1 was gone but this thing was not being ridden like a sissy. As I said, it almost made my ears bleed so I know he was tanking it.

I think I need something that has brutal acceleration, but still agile through the twisties for me to think about moving from the Hornet. I've had many bikes (2 x Z1000's) and even they felt a little gutless low down and wobbled too much at 140mph+ (test track of course). I think the only options are:

Speed Triple
Tuono R
New CB1000R
K1200S

Now, being a Beemer I can't afford the K1200S (the naked 160bhp monster) so that's out of the question. It's looking more and more like the realistic bigger/better bike for me is the new CB1000R.

[Skip]

I have ridden my mates FZ1 Fazer a few times - they are lovely! Midrange grunt is plentiful and the top end rush is more intense than you might expect. Comfy seat, high bars make long trips easy peasy but I found myself grinding pegs all the time which was frustrating on the twisties. Build quality seems great too. Even with the standard can they sound quite fruity.

If you like the Hornet - I would see the FZ1 as a step forward with the same basic ergonomics.

[DanAbnormal]

I have ridden my mates FZ1 Fazer a few times - they are lovely! Midrange grunt is plentiful and the top end rush is more intense than you might expect. Comfy seat, high bars make long trips easy peasy but I found myself grinding pegs all the time which was frustrating on the twisties. Build quality seems great too. Even with the standard can they sound quite fruity.

If you like the Hornet - I would see the FZ1 as a step forward with the same basic ergonomics.

Hmm. I think the only way is to ride one meself. Heard that the seat was awful (this was by owners) and the low to midrange was rubbish unless you give it handfuls. Not what I want from a bigger naked but I'll see of I can get a ride somewhere.

[lee67]

in 26 years of riding iv had many many bikes( well over 50)..ive ridden both hornet 6 and fz1 and the yam defo beats the hornet....trust me try one;)...z1000's aint that great apart form the brakes..if u like vtwins' try an sp1/2:cool:

[Skip]

Hmm. I think the only way is to ride one meself. Heard that the seat was awful (this was by owners) and the low to midrange was rubbish unless you give it handfuls. Not what I want from a bigger naked but I'll see of I can get a ride somewhere.
Depends what you want - for normal swift road riding the midrange is more than enough - if you want to ride like a total **** at 130mph plus everywhere then yes you need to get the revs right up.

Agreed you need to ride one though - personally I found the seat comfortable but then people said the Z750S seat was like a plank and I never had a problem with that either...

[DanAbnormal]

Not too fussed about top end to be honest as I very rarely go over a tonne these days. I want aggresive acceleration and a nice smooth engine (no V-twins as I just don't like them). Also has to be great in the twisties, lowish seat height (below 830mm) comfy seat for long trips no fairing as they are for gheys (okay so I just like my neck muscles being worked).

Any ideas.

I am thinking the new CB1000R is probably the best option. Plus I love how it looks.

[carty]

I know he's a journo and liable to talk himself up as a fast rider but I get the impression Simon Hargreaves from Bike mag isn't a slow rider and he's been raving about the FZ1 for the past few years. He had one on long term test and put panniers on, sorted the gearing etc and did loads of test miles on one and reckoned it was almost the perfect bike...

[600+]

I'm here still.....just not as an active poster as before.

The FZ1 Gen2 suffers from a design flaw which presents itself in the low end as a fuelling issue. This can be resolved either with an electronic gadget or through a PCIII and a proper map.......or with both.

I was getting 146bhp on the back wheel after a handful of mods and without touching the internals. More can be had but for me this was enough :)

They are superb all round bikes and would have another one tomorrow!!!

[Skip]

Just to get in there before TheGreek - Falco?! :geek:

Seriously though - I would try a CB1000R, FZ1 naked and faired and for the left fielder how about an MV Agusta Brutale?

[Luckypants]

I was getting 146bhp on the back wheel after a handful of modsHe! He! I remembered the right numbers, not the right order! I thought you were getting 164! #-o

[600+]

He! He! I remembered the right numbers, not the right order! I thought you were getting 164! #-o

LOL not much of a difference hey? :)

[DanAbnormal]

How is the seat on long trips?

Also is it good two-up. I'm pretty sure it is.

It the CB or FZ at this point. Not that I can buy right now......or can I................:p

[sv-robo]

160+top end,150+bhp,2002r1 engine(albiet slightly detuned)whats not to like?,2007 onwards much nicer shape.

Thinking about one myself possibly in the next 18months/2years(if i decide to sell the rr)...with lots of mods of course:),good all rounder.

[DanAbnormal]

160+top end,150+bhp,2002r1 engine(albiet slightly detuned)whats not to like?,2007 onwards much nicer shape.

Thinking about one myself possibly in the next 18months/2years(if i decide to sell the rr)...with lots of mods of course:),good all rounder.

What pretty much every review says about it feeling 'castrated' at low and midrange and that you have to make it scream to get her going. I have that now with my 600. I want something that will just take off from the getgo. No, not a vee-twin either. :)

[rusty76]

Hi Dan,

It sounds like you've got similar tastes to me. I've been test riding the usual culprits (inc FZ1, Tuono, Speed Triple) over the last few weeks.

I did some little write-ups which can be found here:
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=137986

[DanAbnormal]

Hi Dan,

It sounds like you've got similar tastes to me. I've been test riding the usual culprits (inc FZ1, Tuono, Speed Triple) over the last few weeks.

I did some little write-ups which can be found here:
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=137986

Thanks mate, will grab a cuppa and have a good read.