Looking on buying one

[narked]

Guys, the mrs is thinking of buying an 06 plated fz1, fairing lowers, hugger, givi rack, loud pipe etc, 29k miles. from a dealer, price is reasonable. Test drive went well.
Anything I should be looking for?


 

[sadlonelygit]

a gen 1

[devilsyam]

yep gen 1 amen

[narked]

Ok. But why?

[stevierst]

Anything I should be looking for?

Gen 1 owners in your mirrors, because that's where they'll stay.




[Stand by for the fireworks!]

[b1k3rdude]

Ok. But why?

others will give better/more reasons, but when i took an FZ1-S out for a test ride last year 3 things things that jumped out straight away were -

• the seat is like a plank after 20mins
• there is no midrange power compared to (admittedly ivanised) Gen1
• the throttle was very sensitive, I found it very on/off when filtering at low speeds or just trying to hold a constant throttle. Some gen 1's have this issue but to a much lesser degree.

1. Yamaha almost straight away released a gel seat for this issue, which only partially fixes the issue, found one on ebay - £166
2 & 3. I believe only a Power Commander III fixes these issues (someone will correct me if I'm wrong) cost £300-400

[slimwilly]

A very biased funny    response , i have not ridden the fazer 1000 but own a gen 2 , the seat is no problem to me, it fits great, the engine is stonking and the top end,,well


Each to their own, i would not want you to be advised to buy an antique motorcycle just because they own one, after all it is said the gen 1 i very good bike.


But so is the gen 2,,,perhaps two totally different bikes for comparison,,i sure gets some sparky responses on here ,makes me larf lots..


Hope you make the right decision.

[narked]

Thanks for the insight. We are back at the dealers tomorrow. The Mrs did find the seat "firm" compared to the one on my FJR. But not uncomfortable. Back to back with her bandit 650 the engine and handling was much better. So I think it's a done deal.

[devilsyam]

funny i recall a video of the oppisite ie gen2 very much in the gen 1 mirrors at a test day with one the mags if i recall

[nickodemon]

Read several mags that state the gen 1 is better in everything except age! Fuel injection is poor on the gen2 as its too on/off, but it can be fixed with a power commander. It's not got the best seat either. If the gen 2 was better than the gen 1 do you not think we would all have changed or gen 1's for 2's? 

[stevierst]

It's the oldest thread going this one!
Gen 1 better at being an all rounder.
Gen 2 is a comfy sports bike.
It all depends on what YOU want in a bike. I loved the gen 1, and lusted after one for over 10 years. Got a gen 2, and love it! No snatchyness, 140miles to a tank, loads of mid range, superb handling, etc, etc, etc.

[JoeRock]

Read several mags that state the gen 1 is better in everything except age! Fuel injection is poor on the gen2 as its too on/off, but it can be fixed with a power commander. It's not got the best seat either. If the gen 2 was better than the gen 1 do you not think we would all have changed or gen 1's for 2's? 

No, a lot of people don't have the money or the inclination to buy a different, not better, bike!

Had the FZS 1000 myself for a while, and my dad had the FZ1. As stock, both are pretty much the same speed and acceleration, the difference is how they feel when you ride them. The FZS is for sure a more practical bike, it's bigger/more spacious for both rider and pillion, it's got a better tank range and mpg too. The FZ1 though i found to be more fun when getting on it, the suspension is better, engine happier to rev (which is a good or bad thing depending on your personal preference),and the frame is considerably above the FZS in terms of handling. That said, it has a smaller tank and uses more fuel, and personally I didn't find it as comfortable as my FZS.

I think it really depends what you want from a bike - if you're doing a lot of longer journeys and fancy something a bit more comfy and with a bigger tank range, I'd go for an FZS. If you want something that's a bit crazier for solo fun, the FZ1 is probably my choice. Either way, they're both great bikes!
If you do get an early FZ1 though you'll need to get a power commander as the fuelling wasn't good at all on some, been sorted on the later models though! And if you get an FZS you'll want to get it ivanised. Both bikes, but particularly the FZS benefit a great deal from reworked suspension, and both bikes have ground clearance that can be a limiting factor if you're getting on it!

[nickodemon]

Read several mags that state the gen 1 is better in everything except age! Fuel injection is poor on the gen2 as its too on/off, but it can be fixed with a power commander. It's not got the best seat either. If the gen 2 was better than the gen 1 do you not think we would all have changed or gen 1's for 2's? 

No, a lot of people don't have the money or the inclination to buy a different, not better, bike!

Had the FZS 1000 myself for a while, and my dad had the FZ1. As stock, both are pretty much the same speed and acceleration, the difference is how they feel when you ride them. The FZS is for sure a more practical bike, it's bigger/more spacious for both rider and pillion, it's got a better tank range and mpg too. The FZ1 though i found to be more fun when getting on it, the suspension is better, engine happier to rev (which is a good or bad thing depending on your personal preference),and the frame is considerably above the FZS in terms of handling. That said, it has a smaller tank and uses more fuel, and personally I didn't find it as comfortable as my FZS.

I think it really depends what you want from a bike - if you're doing a lot of longer journeys and fancy something a bit more comfy and with a bigger tank range, I'd go for an FZS. If you want something that's a bit crazier for solo fun, the FZ1 is probably my choice. Either way, they're both great bikes!
If you do get an early FZ1 though you'll need to get a power commander as the fuelling wasn't good at all on some, been sorted on the later models though! And if you get an FZS you'll want to get it ivanised. Both bikes, but particularly the FZS benefit a great deal from reworked suspension, and both bikes have ground clearance that can be a limiting factor if you're getting on it!

#You have basically said what i meant. Fzs gen 1 comfier, better tank range,better for touring, better fueling. similar speed/ acceleration, need for a power commander on the gen 2....   I am sure the gen 2 is a cracking bike, which in my opinion looks better than the gen 1, so whichever fazer you own will be a cracking bike

[Dave48]

As all said before-the Gen 2 is a DIFFERENT (not better nor worse) motorcycle than the Gen 1.
At the end of the day its best to be very sure exactly what feels right for the type of rider you(should say your Mrs) are and what your expectations of the machine are. You cant really make comparisons between comfy tourers like the FJR (or even the FZS1000) and the FZ1. Before parting with your money its a good idea to get some decent mileage under your belt. In short: Is she a "sporty" type or a "sit up & beg comfort seeker"? There is no "Universal" motorcycle-try as many as you can.

[Janet]

As a woman (5'6" tall) I'm sensitive to not just the seat height/weight issue, but also how rangy/compact the riding position of a bike feels. I've never got beyond sitting on a gen 1, as it just felt too rangy for me to be comfortable on; the gen 2 is a more-or-less perfect fit. My biggest gripe with the gen 2 from a manageability viewpoint is that the footpegs really get in the way, and tangle with your legs, when trying to paddle the bike around in a car park, etc.
 
Obviously I don't know how tall or how confident your Mrs is (I'd call myself middling confident, but have been riding bikes for over 30 years), or her previous biking history (you say she currently has a Bandit 650). However, it may well be that it's the gen 2 or nothing for her if she's anything like me. IMHO it's not about a bike you "can" ride, it's about one you feel comfortable and confident with.
 

 

[narked]

Well after reading all our moments, a 60 miles test drive, pondering, checking prices etc on the web, we are off to the dealers this morning to haggle and close the deal. 

[slimwilly]

Janet , the pegs are a bit in the way but that is where they need to be for the comfy riding position,farther forward than alot of bikes.


The bike looks nice,,hope you enjoy it.

[Looney tune]

Good choice and good luck. Did you check under the seat for a power commander ?


My girlfriend on nearing her test sat on loads of bikes ( ended up with a glades ) and found my FZ1 a good 'fit'.


Haggle well, but sensibly. Bike looks good tho 

[narked]

Haggled. Got a discounted box. New chain and sprocket set. And on checking. There is a power commander under the seat. Sealed the deal. She picks it up on Saturday.

[chaparral02]

funny i recall a video of the oppisite ie gen2 very much in the gen 1 mirrors at a test day with one the mags if i recall

The gen2 was lapping the gen1....

[chaparral02]

Guys, the mrs is thinking of buying an 06 plated fz1,
Anything I should be looking for?


 

I would stay well clear of the 06 version of the Gen2...
 
As the Rear Suspension is very hard and they suffer badly with an on/off problem..
 
 

[dx408]

  SIS

[narked]

Suspension no issue as aftermarket one fitted 3 way adjustable. And power commander so throttle issue sorted.

[Janet]

Janet , the pegs are a bit in the way but that is where they need to be for the comfy riding position,farther forward than alot of bikes.


The bike looks nice,,hope you enjoy it.

I do realise that - the pegs are spot on for the riding position. It just seems to be more of an issue on this bike than most others I've owned. If really tricky manoeuvring is required I tend to do it from off the bike.

[slimwilly]

Haggled. Got a discounted box. New chain and sprocket set. And on checking. There is a power commander under the seat. Sealed the deal. She picks it up on Saturday.

Looks like you have found a sorted bike, nice one.