talk me out of an FZ1....

[earlfor]

They are decent looking, GREAT riding motorcycles. This thread sort of makes me want another one, but I need to finish the CB900f.

My criteria by importance is dependability, ease of maintenance, comfort, handling, performance and looks, so looks is never a deal breaker for me.

 

[Jethro]

I had a Gen II for about 37k miles. It was great but just like all of the budget, naked superbikes in liter form, the stock suspension was horrific. If you can find one that has had suspension work done, get it. It's about the cheapest way to get into a 150 horsepower bike. The only thing that will make you upset is if you ever want to sell the bike. They are worth basically nothing. It defies logic, but I basically gave my bike away. And in case you are wondering, I got rid of it because I wanted something more touring friendly. The FZ1 doesn't have much for wind protection even with aftermarket options.

People hated how they looked, I thought it was gorgeous. Especially gorgeous above 8000rpms...

 

[storm 64]

Hey guys. There's a 06 Yamaha R1-LE with zero miles for sale. It's in a dealership somewhere in Minnesota. Yeah, it's some kind of anniversary model 399/500. It looks pretty cool for $21,000!!!

 

[Guest]

I have heard the stock suspension leaves something to be desired. Plenty out there with work done, though, gold valves and r1 shock seems popular. The FZ1oa forum seems pretty good, and the forum prices are borderline unbelievable.....those guys are ALMOST as big cheapskates as the GS crowd here.....

I head down to FL to join the family for spring break, maybe in person I can talk the boss into letting me pick one up there and riding it home.....hehehe

 

[MR.G]

I have a 2004 FZ6. Its my every day bike. Best bike I have ever had. 400 lbs and 100 hp. And the 600 cc gets us a lower insurance rate.

 

[Guest]

A decade from now, you will regret having sold it. Nothing wrong with having two in the stable.

 

[Redman]

Got the little tiddler going last night, and IT IS A HOOT! Crappy little 50 cc chinese "happy time" engine kit I strapped on a parts-bin trek.....................

An FZ0050 ?

 

[earlfor]

An FZ0050 ?

Yeah, a drag bike for the geriatric crowd. LOL

 

[aclaytonb]

I have a 2004 FZ6. Its my every day bike. Best bike I have ever had. 400 lbs and 100 hp. And the 600 cc gets us a lower insurance rate.

Sold mine a few years back. Best bike I ever owned. R6 front end swap took care of most of the afore mentioned FZ suspension problems.

 

[earlfor]

Sold mine a few years back. Best bike I ever owned. R6 front end swap took care of most of the afore mentioned FZ suspension problems.

Yep, if I was looking for a mate to keep the ol B12 company, it would likely be a FZ6.

 

[Guest]

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.

 

[Guest]

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.