talk me out of an FZ1....

[greg78gs750]

I would seriously consider the 6 BUT the prices seem actually higher than the 1 and the squid factor is DEFINITELY higher. This is all just a thought experiment anyway, the buzzy little 2 stroke will take the edge off the spring fever and financial realities will take care of the rest. But keeping my eyes open never hurts.....and the boss actually seemed not COMPLETELY closed off to the idea when I talked to her about it (with stars in my eyes) last night. First I have to get her kitchen remodel done, then I have to get the Dream reassembled and running......

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I considered an FZ1 back in 2007. It seemed like a good bike but I read about fuel injection issues. From what I remember the gen 1 was worse and they improved it later. Two popular magazines (I don't remember which ones) both complained about the FI. That partly scared me off, but the price of $9600 from the nearest dealer was too much for what I was getting. I ended up paying just $2,000 more for a new 2007 ZX14.

[aclaytonb]

The FI on those bikes was harsh. The FZ6 took some getting used to and a really soft hand after that. It was very much a "on" or "off" system. Once you realized that a 1/16th in twist was the difference between idle and 3500 rpm, it was much easier.

[greg78gs750]

I heard about the fi probs on the gen 2's. Gen 1's were carbed. And I guess a reflash/ power commander took care of the fi probs in the 2.

[aclaytonb]

Endless discussions on this at 600riders.com. Old timer verdict was learn to ride better (softer hand) rather than blowing $$$ on mods that didn't add value, etc. Point of view I suppose.

[limeex2]

Sorry but all stock suspensions basically suck. Everybike I have except the GL has a Racetech in the front end. The rears can be sent out and redone. Once you ride with it you will hooked. When I was a Service manager at a multi-line dealership we would put race tech stuff in GL's and cruisers also. Told them the guarantee if your unhappy with the upgrade was I would put it back to stock and give you free oil changes for 1 year. Never gave out a free oil change.

I started getting suspension work done, because Mn. roads look like no mans land from WW1. Not many people like the looks of them, but I had a 1050 Triumph Tiger that had lots of leg room, storage, perfect FI, killer brakes and 6 inches of travel that made every bumpy road seem like a pool table. Had my first and only 1000 mile day on her. Hit one of Wisconsin's finest(a deer) and it was goner, and I almost was too.

[MR.G]

Just a note about my FZ6 (2004). When I bought it (used) it had bad, inconsistent throttle response. Was able to talk the guy down in price because of it. There was a recall on various Yamaha's for the TPS (throttle position sensor) once that was replaced, free of charge from Yamaha, the bike ran perfect. Not sure if this included the FZ1, but something to look into. It made a night and day difference in the performance.

[lurch12_2000]

Again, the FZ1 and FZ6 are very different bikes...and FZ1 Gen1(carb) vs Gen2(FI) are different too. I know from experience of owning one that the Gen1 FZ1 is a pretty hard bike to beat for the $. It is a refined beast in bone stock form. Capable of 10 second quarter miles and also riding on long trips comfortably(and good tank range). And throw in handling for the Tail of the Dragon detours on your trek. Here is a good buy in NH:

https://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/d/yamaha-fz1/6555349563.html
I keep telling myself to stop looking at this ad otherwise I may be tempted to buy. No, I don't want a bike that will do 140mph effortlessly...no....no....noooo.

ps...the OP is going to have a tough decision. Hang on to a one of a kind old school GS1100ES or buy a semi modern FZ1 that will run circles(ok maybe just one circle) around it for less $! I certainly won't talk you out of a FZ1 to replace the "aging" GS!! lol
As a matter of fact I did buy my FZ1 shortly after sending my GS1100ES your way via Ohio!!

....do it! do it! yeah, you know you want to.

[ddaniels]

If ever there was a no brainer it's Gen 1s with low miles for $2K. There is little relationship between Gen 1 and Gen 2 other than the name. Gen 1 is the one you want.

Ditto! Right on target.

[GS1150Pilot]

Gen 1 FZ1 is possibly the ultimate bargain literbike.

[Jethro]

https://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/d/yamaha-fz1/6555349563.html
I keep telling myself to stop looking at this ad otherwise I may be tempted to buy. No, I don't want a bike that will do 140mph effortlessly...no....no....noooo.

This is what I am talking about. It boggles the mind that you can get an '01 FZ1000 in good condition for that kind of money. They are the best, worthless machines out there. $2k... why is it even still for sale?

[greg78gs750]

this. It's ALMOST enough to get my wife on board....and these are spring fever prices......and there are MANY out there with similar price ranges that have had suspension/etc upgrades done (setting aside any personal opinions of the definition of an "upgrade".)

This is what I am talking about. It boggles the mind that you can get an '01 FZ1000 in good condition for that kind of money. They are the best, worthless machines out there. $2k... why is it even still for sale?

[1980GS1000E]

The 07 FZ1 had some frame cracking issues at the welds. Stay away from anything 07. The gen 2 is more like a sportbike, has better forks, alloy frame, efi, newer tech. The thing has had an 11 year run with almost zero changes. I love my 09. Lots of easy mods out there and the bike can be had for peanuts.

[hillsy]

What's the verdict on higher mileage examples? There's one local to me that has 142K kms on it (about 90K miles) but it's only $2.5K (Aus bikes are ALWAYS dearer). Lower K examples are around $5K.

Anything out of the ordinary to watch out for?

BTW - this is Gen 1 model.

[1980GS1000E]

Higher mileage means more worn out. Doesn't matter what.