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Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => Fazer 1000/FZ1 corner => Topic started by: Strifae on 20 May 2012, 08:13:43 pm

Title: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 20 May 2012, 08:13:43 pm
Fazer!

After more than a year (or 2) trying to decide what bike to get to replace my FZS600 (it just does so much so well...) I have finally decided to get a shiny FZ1!

Its a real beauty (totally unmodified apart from heated grips and an alarm) and hopefully picking it up next Saturday - so excited! this is only my 2nd bike (have the 600 Fazer for over 4 years)

I am gonna miss my old bike but looking forward to the power of the litre bike!

one question - how quick do these alarms drain the battery if not riding for say a week? or 2? its a Datatag Cat 1 apparently

Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: tomlinscote on 20 May 2012, 08:36:33 pm
My gen1 has a datatool 3 and after a fortnight of standing it gets harder and harder to deactivate the alarm, but once done the bike usually starts ok though.
 
P
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: AyJay on 20 May 2012, 08:39:47 pm
+2 for that. A fortnight and it starts to get a bit unhappy. Datatool Evo. Lovely bike though. Clean as a whistle.
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 20 May 2012, 08:40:32 pm
If i wasn't going to ride it for a pro longed period of time (unsure as to why that would happen lol) would disconnecting the battery solve that? or would that kick up any other issues when reconnecting it? (I don't want to trickle charge it really if I don't have to)

Yeah I fell for it as soon as saw the pictures lol
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: solorider on 20 May 2012, 09:26:33 pm
to turn the alarm off after a period of time shake the bike to set the alarm off or for it to give you a warning,the alarm goes into sleep mode hence why it is hard to switch off,a trickle charger is worth getting but get a decent make or you can kill a battery,just dont leave it on all the time
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: AyJay on 20 May 2012, 09:38:18 pm

Hmm. The Datatool user guide suggests that it draws less than 2.5 milli Amps and the battery is 12 Amp hours so to flatten a healthy battery it should take months. Thing is, I have other bikes which I ride during winter and it's the cold weather that knocks seven colours out of batteries which is why I keep killing them. Two weeks and it needs charging. Three and it'll really be on the way out. I suspect in summer, it'd take a lot longer to drain a battery, though.


With Datatools, there is a service mode which allows you to disconnect the battery, but I can't see anything in the manual which says whether it's a good idea to leave it in service mode for weeks, and of course it ain't doing the job of protecting your bike in service mode. Datatool say that their alarms should only be used with Optimates for trickle charge, but who knows.



Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: bludclot on 20 May 2012, 09:45:32 pm
 
lovely looking bike - good luck with it.
 
personally i can't stand datatool alarms - put it in service mode for cleaning or any other task and it keeps chirping, so anybody walking past (the garage?) knows there's a bike in there worth alarming but that it's disabled. great logic - i bet it took ages to come up with that!
 
i suggest stripping out the datatool and ebaying it. if you must have an alarm (my insurance mostly sees one as a pre-requisite) then i suggest the meta m357v2 (from memory) as it doesn't drain betteries as suggested earlier (in my experience) but more crucially the activator button can be added to the ignition key as one unit meaning that there's no fob bouncing around while riding being distracting and scratching the top yoke...
 
that exhaust can wouldn't stay long on there if it were mine either...
 
 
oops - just re-read your post and saw that it's a datatag!
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 20 May 2012, 10:14:58 pm
Nah was my bad misreading the advert - it is indeed a Datatool not datatag (not even sure if they make alarms)

Hopefully it wont cause me any issues =/
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: cable tie on 20 May 2012, 10:39:02 pm
+2 for that. A fortnight and it starts to get a bit unhappy. Datatool Evo. Lovely bike though. Clean as a whistle.
Yep i have the same issue dato system 3, not sure if its something to do with the sleep mode it activates within the alarm to stop the battery drain, other than that i only leave it on a trickle charge in the winter months and its still on its original battery.
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: BMCfaz on 20 May 2012, 11:04:47 pm
Personally, I wouldn't have an alarm on any bike, and when I got my Gen1 last year I made the dealer remove the one that was fitted. Why? Because nobody pays any attention to them except you, and when you're not in earshot the toerags will have the bike in the back of a van in seconds! If you're going to spend the money and keep the insurance company happy, and you want a chance of getting your bike back if it's nicked, get a tracker fitted. No drain on the battery to worry about and there's even a chance of catching the b*st*rds that took it.
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: cable tie on 20 May 2012, 11:14:20 pm
 :agree  Mine was already fitted when i brought my gen 1, however its a fecking pain in the ar5e when filling up with fuel and if i ever just slighly touch the bike it than goes bleeping mad so i ofter leave it in valet mode, and as you say no one takes any notice nowadays and there is always the worry of losing the fob as well.
Only positive side it brought my insurance down otherwise id bin in.
 
Dave  :)
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: CRH on 20 May 2012, 11:26:03 pm
i had a meta357t on my fjr and it was a bstd!!!! always had flat battery if i left it longer than 3 days? new batt at that? then one day pulled into a layby for a fag! turned it off!, took keys out ig to open top box!!...then what did i do? dropped the fkn fob and stood on the bstd!! spare fob 50miles away!....thank god for rac! they nowt but a fkn pain!!!!!
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: paul.s on 21 May 2012, 06:28:02 am
Personally, I wouldn't have an alarm on any bike, and when I got my Gen1 last year I made the dealer remove the one that was fitted. Why? Because nobody pays any attention to them except you, and when you're not in earshot the toerags will have the bike in the back of a van in seconds! If you're going to spend the money and keep the insurance company happy, and you want a chance of getting your bike back if it's nicked, get a tracker fitted. No drain on the battery to worry about and there's even a chance of catching the b*st*rds that took it.

this mans spot on had nowt but chew with bikes fitted with datatool allarms my bikes often sit for a few weeks at a time too.a tracker and an almax lock and chain is much better than an allarm
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 21 May 2012, 08:32:12 am
Doh! expensive to get it removed? :P
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: tomlinscote on 21 May 2012, 08:56:03 am
Mine was part of the original wiring so not sure how easy it is to simply get rid, but someone here will have done it before :)
It will make a difference to your insurance premium though, even though alarms don't really deter deteremined thieves insurance types seem to like them. A big sod off chain is cheaper to buy and often a bigger deterent but often overlooked by insurance companies!!
 
P
 
 
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: locksmith on 21 May 2012, 09:41:57 am
I'd be more worried about dumping the can and rear mudguard :lol
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: ghostbiker on 21 May 2012, 10:38:05 am
About time you moved up :)
as for the alarm i would get it removed. hat the fricking things.
Are you getting it from a dealer? think i saw one very much like that at morses the otherday. if so they will offten remove it as long as you ask them to before you pick it up. once you have it they tend to charge.
It all comes down to time to remove it. allow a dealer 2 hrs labour charge at least.

and dump the can and number plate hanger asap :P
actualy just the muber plate hanger the can on those aint TOOOO bad.
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: purplebear7 on 21 May 2012, 11:12:17 am
I agree 1000% with Goasty .. I'd insist that they bin the alarm before the bike is taken out of the shop.
 
More trouble than they are ever going to be worth .. as that bloke Top Gun  8)  recently said .. I never have .. and I never will. 
 
However .. I have heard of lots of guys who've been stranded .. because of alarms playing silly buggers.
 
Here in Denia (a Med Ferry Port town) we have a lot of 'Radio' waves bouncing about, shipping and police, etc.   I have had people parking a bike within half a mile or so .. can't start the bike until they push it out of the Radio Range. 
How daft (as in bloody annoying) is that.
 
Not many (if Any) people ever seem to take much notice of Alarm Bells ringing, Buildings, Trucks, Car's and Bikes, it's just another bell .. and they do not want to get involved anyway.   
 
Nice Bike Buddy  :b enjoy yourself.
 
Stay Safe  ;)  Trev    (The Polar Bear in Spain)
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Dave48 on 21 May 2012, 11:43:23 am
Nice looking bike-not sure about the standard "can" Interesting points raised about alarms/immobilisers. My Gen 1 came with a Datatool immobiliser fitted by 1st owner. I trickle charge my battery every 2 weeks on the Optimate. Can see a time coming when will prob have to remove it-its 10 years old now. Have a sturdy disc lock under seat for rdes out & the Titanics anchor chain & padlock for storage! Enjoy-its a great feeling collecting a new bike. :)
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 21 May 2012, 12:51:44 pm
I am not too bothered about the plate hanger :P but yeah the exhaust is on my list of things to change as soon as I can afford it - from the video's i have seen it looks far easier to remove than the FZS600 can was!
 
I may get my local garage to remove the alarm as I have only paid a deposit so far so I doubt they would do any work like that till have all money (as you could argue removing an alarm removes a selling point and they dont have the full whack yet) As i am picking it up from quite far away dont really fancy 2 trips up there - once to pay and once to pick it up after alarm changed over.
 
I was sort of happy about having an alarm but have totally changed my mind now! lol will have to invest in an Optimate I think
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: ghostbiker on 21 May 2012, 05:17:33 pm
No harm in asking at least. If they say no then look at other options but it could save you a couple of hours lab charge. they can be a pain in the ass to remove.

Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Aegis Bearing Mel on 21 May 2012, 09:47:11 pm
Nice one mate.
:thumbup

I must be in the minority here, but I've had an alarm on all three of my bikes, and the only issue I had with any of them was the one on the FZ6 stopped working at all after 23 months.
I went for the Meta upgrade kit every time, worth it's weight in Saffron to me.

It might just be my job, but it's amazing how much space the bike gets in playgrounds when the bairns here the alarm prime, and once it's been set off once they stay well away from it.

The biggest issue you'll have is realising you've gone and bought a red one.
:pokefun
;)
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 21 May 2012, 10:12:01 pm
Red is the fastest colour :)


5 sleeps!
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: allanmac on 22 May 2012, 12:29:31 am
Most of the factory fitted alarms are wired directly into the loom but can be removed and use a replacement plug with the connections bridged to allow the bike to run normally. Got one for a Triumph tiger from Fowlers recently took 2 minutes to fit job done. Mind you I took the datatool off my bro in laws VFR800 recently and had the bike running in about 10 minutes so not much of a challenge if they are determined to have your bike im afraid.
 
Cheers Allan
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: red98 on 22 May 2012, 06:33:09 am
Red is the fastest colour :)


5 sleeps!

strifar....i think you may have been mis-lead...........yes red is the fastest colour........if you have a 600.....you`ve now got a thou,the rules change with a thou,if you wanted the fastest thou you should have bought a silver/grey one  ;)
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: ghostbiker on 22 May 2012, 10:11:19 am
The black engine gen 2's have at LEAST 20% more bhp over the lesser silver engine. :lol
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Noj on 22 May 2012, 10:59:11 am
I have a slow black one with data tool on and negligible drain (in my opinion) over 2 wks. I would put it on a batt conditioner over winter if your a fair weather rider.

The metta alarm on the R6 didn't effect its starting after 3 month, to my total amazement.

Enjoy the wheels and keep it shiny side up.  :D
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 22 May 2012, 01:11:41 pm
Spoke to dealer today - convinced me it is a lovely alarm that was fitted when bike was new - its a Datatool S4 C1 Red (interesting... for insurance anyway lol)
 
I did want a black engine one - but i think the silver look nice with the red and black :)
 
Thanks Nooj also - Is optimate the trickle charger of choice?
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: tomjimtom on 22 May 2012, 03:56:41 pm
I've got the S4 red (I think) and only problem I've had with it is the remote can be a bit tempremental sometimes. Won't work inches from the bike...

I just keep pushing the button and it eventually sorts itself (probably an old battery, I've had it over 2 years and never changed it)

In terms of affecting the bike battery, it drained it over winter, when I didn't ride it for 5 months, but it'll start after 3 months not touching it :)

Although all this is pretty relative, I only found out a few months ago if you push the button to set the alarm, it sets the immobiliser and the alarm, if you let it set itself, it only sets the immobiliser... The alarm still goes off if you turn the key in the ignition though!

So in conclusion - Just the immobiliser lasts between 3-6 months on a 1/2 year old motorcycle battery

:)

Also, the bike looks good, but you've been conned, looks like it's a gen 2 to me....
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: red98 on 22 May 2012, 06:23:20 pm
The black engine gen 2's have at LEAST 20% more bhp over the lesser silver engine. :lol

 
dont listen to ghostbiker.....he just made that up....ask the dealer if he can paint the bike silver.....as for the alarm....if it aint broke,dont fix it   ;)
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 25 May 2012, 10:23:26 am
Picking it up tomorrow!
 
Picking it up tomorrow!
 
Picking it up tomorrow!
 
Picking it up tomorrow!
 
Not that I am excited and won't sleep tonight or anything...
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: taksi on 29 May 2012, 10:38:22 am
I have a Meta 2 on mine and is fine even after 3-4 weeks in winter time. The alarm goes to sleep, though is still functioning, and the plip as well. You have to turn the ignition on and off once with the key and the alarm wakes up and the plip works again as well.
 
Taksi
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: allanmac on 29 May 2012, 10:43:57 am
Well how did it go?
Cheers Allan
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 29 May 2012, 01:50:00 pm
Well I just wrote a massive reply/review and the forum decided to delete it - NOT HAPPY...
 
I picked it up Saturday and have ridden it about 300 miles in total as went to Camberley to meet my brother and his new XJR1300 for a nice long ride.
 
Things I love

The power - feels awesome especially the top end - big grin every time I give it the beans! and it doesn't feel that lacking at the bottom end
 
The brakes - feel far far more powerful than the ones I had on my FZS600 - really pull the bike up and ABS is a bonus
 
The handling - pleasently surprised by how well it handles! its not that far off my old FZS600 (just if you try really going for it you feel the difference)
 
The clocks - Love the start up sequence and also the layout
 
The engine noise - It sounds amazing even with the standard exhaust - my old 600 with standard exhaust sounded really quite... rubbish
 
Things dont like quite so much

Fairing buzz around 2-3 and 4-5k rpm - this is annoying but found some fixes will try from FZ1OA
 
Vibey feel - makes hands go numb after a long run! esp with thinner summer gloves
 
Lack of underseat storage! lol
 
The Tank range - or lack of :P although I knew about this before I bought it
 
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: baggy on 29 May 2012, 05:21:48 pm
Nice bike mate, I have 4 sleeps until I pick up my Gen 2 FZ1  :)


One thing I would check before getting the alarm removed is how much of a difference it makes to the insurance.
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: ghostbiker on 29 May 2012, 05:56:16 pm

Things dont like quite so much

Fairing buzz around 2-3 and 4-5k rpm - this is annoying but found some fixes will try from FZ1OA
 Try double sided tape or insulating foam strips
Vibey feel - makes hands go numb after a long run! esp with thinner summer gloves
 Try fitting diff grips, a lot of ppl like the heated grips as they are slightly thicker so give a better feel, otheres like rubber or foam.
Lack of underseat storage! lol
 
The Tank range - or lack of :P although I knew about this before I bought it
Simple fix, buy a gen 1 :P
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: allanmac on 29 May 2012, 07:00:53 pm


One thing I would check before getting the alarm removed is how much of a difference it makes to the insurance.
The difference for my ducati with alarm to without was 87p  :lol
 
Cheers Allan
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 30 May 2012, 10:57:28 am
At my age the alarm made quite a difference for some bizarre reason!
 
Gonna leave it on there I think.
 
Ghost - It already has Oxford Heated Grips fitted - its not at all bad with my thicker all season/winter type gloves but very thin summer gloves have the issue
 
I have fixed the vibrating vent with electrical tape trick (stuffed it in) gonna pull it apart and do something permanent when I get round to it.
 
I commuted to work on it Monday/Tuesday and got... a whopping 51 MPG (riding very steady)
 
On the weekend out with my brother I got 37 MPG  :lol
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: allanmac on 30 May 2012, 11:12:17 am
Glad your enjoying it. My Gen1 is really buzzy through the grips at 4-4500 revs or there abouts again fine with thick gloves but a pain with summer gloves. May try some different grips or heavier bar end wieghts to see if that helps it any.
Cheers Allan
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: tomlinscote on 30 May 2012, 05:25:29 pm
Ah so its not just my gen 1 that has a 4k vibe then, sort of glad to know that!! Nothing much before or after but gets a bit tingly at 4000, guess I'll jujst have to ride faster.
 
P
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: locksmith on 30 May 2012, 06:55:12 pm
Neither of my gen2's have been vibey. Maybe the throttle bodies need balancing?
 
The handling - pleasently surprised by how well it handles! its not that far off my old FZS600
 
You've got to be kidding right? :lol  Not far off, it's light years better!
 
 
Title: Re: Just put deposit down on a new...
Post by: Strifae on 01 June 2012, 02:06:02 pm
I had pretty good suspension on my 600 set up for me - so it handled brilliantly

I haven't got round to tweeking the FZ1 yet as I like how it handles now and don't want to jinx it - but will certainly set up sag etc soon
 
I am loving it still though :) changing oil and filter tomorrow and fitting a Givi Rack/R&G Bungs