The FZ1 is a good bike and a bargain buy at the moment.
I've never ridden a Gen1 but everyone says that they are the better all round bike of the 2 and the FZ1 is definitely more sports than it is tourer. It can be a bit uncomfy on long trips as the seat is hard and mine has gilles rear sets which look the business but add to me being a bit cramped and I'm 5 foot 11.
I went straight from a fazer 600 to my Gen 2 and it is blisteringly quick.
The throttle is a bit jerky at lower rpm such as going round roundabouts type thing when you reach the apex so I suppose it is the same on similarly curved corners except i'm usually not going that slow on the corners which negates the issue, a small nuisance rather than a real problem but can be solved with a power commander anyway, my bike doesn't have a power commander but the throttle has become allot smoother since I did the Blocking AIS mod and Air box mod.
they pop allot from the exhaust on backing off the throttle.....blocking off the AIS stops this and is easy to do.
the air box mod is free and involves enlarging the hole in the airbox by cutting out the snorkel with a dremmel.....fitting a K&N then compliments the mod nicely.
I've never heard of there being any issues with sprocket nuts on the FZ1....no mayor problems actually that I've heard of.
can't comment on suspension as mine has a Nitron track shock which for me is actually a little bit hard for my use....no doubt good on the track
...I'd imagine the standard shocks are more than enough for normal road riding.
The handlebars are flat which I find a bit tricky to get used to....ideally I'd be replacing mine with some Renthals or maybe the FZ8 bars which have a rise.
There's a lovely induction growl from doing the air box mod at about 5k rpm and the engine really kicks in at 7krpm all the way to the redline....it is an addictive feeling and a real seat of the pants experience....really shows off the sports bike credentials but it's all too easy to not realise what speed you've got up to even just passing a few cars.
But I wouldn't call it a tourer and ideally I think it is good for day trips.....like 200 mile blasts with a big grin but after that you're starting to get painful.
I've run mine for a season now and I'm still not sure about it, I do have fun on it but I think I want something newer still and I might even go with something smaller because i'm all Welsh A and B roads......if you fancy a cheap one to try it out then gimme a shout, it isn't mint I wont kid you about that, but I will be honest about it with you and it will be cheap.
but based on your other options I think you're looking for more of a tourer/tourer
good luck