None!
Well, I'm about 650 miles and a week into my purchase of a new 07 FZ1, and I have been pleasantly surprised in every way with this bike so far. It has exceeded my expectations in every way.
After putting about 4000 miles on my previous "new" bike purchased 7 months ago, getting on my FZ1 has made me happier in every way. I won't mention the make/model of the other bike to avoid negative perceptions, since that bike was nice too, but after riding the FZ1, I have NO desire to ride the previous bike.
My FZ1 rides smoother, the engine runs smoother than expected, and is very predictable. The bike is easy to ride slow, as strange as that may sound, as well as fast. The engine is smooth and the bike is easy to ride from 10MPH through 140+ (haven't taken it past that yet, and probably shouldn't, but for those that want to, there was plenty left to go after the 140 mark, I just ran out of road at the time, or maybe I just scared myself silly and backed off. Probably a good thing.)
Cornering is very stable, and I feel much more steady and confident in the corners than with my previous bike, and that bike is "known" for its handling ability. I didn't realize how nervous or uncertain I was in the corners with my previous bike until got on my FZ1 and rode my same favorite corners. With my FZ1, those same corners went from occasionally unnerving work to smooth, steady, and FUN!! The way they should be!
If you are "on the fence" about buying this bike, don't be. For me, this bike is tame when I need it to be, a guided missile when I want it to be, and an absolute joy everywhere in between! I've had four other bikes (all bought new) over the years, and this FZ1 is hands down the most satisfying, and fun ride I've ever had on a bike!!
I liked your review, since I'm someone who last rode a 400cc bike 8 years ago, and want a bike that will be easy to ride at slow speeds without lurching in busy traffic. I'm still a little scared, though I was a very good rider then. Just rusty. Perhaps I'll get the FZ1 if I feel I can manage to ride it EASILY at 20-40 mph till I get more comfortable.
I have a Bandit 650 and am looking to move up, as this is my first bike. It's the FZ1 that excites me the most. What do you think?
I have owned a 2001 FZ1 and now own a 2006 FZ1.
I had heard complaints of engine bog about the 2006 model, but in my experience it was only slight and goes away after a couple thousand miles.
When I picked up the bike and rode it for the first time, I couldn't believe how harsh the suspension was. I hit a bump at about 40 MPH and was almost launched off the bike. Fortunately, I had purchased a workshop manual when I bought the bike. After going through the adjustment procedure in the book (all mean settings), and airing both front and rear tires to 36 PSI, things were much improved in the ride department. I did however make an additional adjustment to the rear spring preload (one notch softer than the recommended setting).
I think my 2001 FZ1 was faster than the 2006, but I'm still happy with the overall performance of the 2006, and recommend to everyone to buy one.
Between these two machines, I had a Yamaha 1700 Road Star Silverado with carburetor jet kit and cobra slip-ons. It was just so boring. If you want to have fun, the FZ1 is for you.
Well I just bought a 2007 FZ1 less than a week ago, and though it isn't my first bike, it is my first new bike.
I was a little hesitant since it is a liter bike and I haven't ridden in a couple years, but after my test ride, I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the throttle could be if you want it to.
I have heard of the harsh on / off throttle on the 2006 models, but they must have fixed it because mine is pretty smooth.
I didn't buy the bike I test rode, I went to another dealer and bought one there (much better customer service). I will say though that the first bike I rode (the one I test rode) was quite a bit smoother (read - better tuned); I think that dealer had a top notch mechanic. It took them about 2 hours to "tune the bike and get it ready for my test ride", while the bike I purchased only took them about 30 min. I think there is something to be said for the person setting up the bike. I also think I will take it to the first dealer to have my first service done on it.
In case anyone is interested, I am getting 39.873 or so miles per gallon. It should go up from there as the break-in gets further along from what I hear.
I am really looking forward to my Gel seat coming today, as the stock seat just isn't comfy enough for my 5'11" 210 pound ass after about an hour of riding. Hope this helps someone.
Oh, BTW, I bought the 07 instead of the 08 because the dealer gave me an outstanding deal since it was a previous year bike. Just my $0.02!
I just purchased a used '05 FZ1 with about 4.5K miles on it. I was a little nervous as it has been about 15 years since I had a street bike.
All I can saw is Wow! This thing is awesome. Tons of power, yet very smooth and easy to ride. Everything came back within an hour or two - turns out that there was absolutely nothing to fear. My last ride was an 86 KZ1100, which I had hopped up a bit. It's like night and day. Smooth, nimble, great handling, and very controllable.
I am picking my FZ1 up on Monday..
I can't freakin wait, this is going to be my 3rd street bike and my 2nd 1000. I walked in the dealer thinking FJR, I wanted a bike that I can jump on and ride to the keys or take a trip to wherever, but man I wasn't able to take my eyes off the FZ1. I kept jumping on the bike and walking over to the FJR. Now the FJR is a very nice bike, but man I have to say this it is a bike for someone that is a little more on the mellow side of the red line I think ha ha, and well I talked and looked, and then I found out you can get lower fairings; sold LOL.
I picked up a killer icon and frame slides, so here I sit in Daytona Beach, the clock is moving so slow (tick, tick), I am trippin until I get my hands on the bike.
Will post after I ride a bit, and let you guys know what I like and don't like.
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