I haven't been at this forum for years but good to see the Gen 1 vs Gen 2 argument still raging well
I'll try to help without any bias if I can. I've owned 2 x Fazer 600's and currently have an FZ1 which i've owned for 8 years. My mileage across those 3 bikes is about 130k so here are my brief thoughts on the FZ1: -
- The build quality is exceptional and in 8 years it's a tight as a drum without a single rattle or issue. I don't ride like Miss Daisy either
- Ignore anyone doubting the engine. It pulls at low revs and is a missile above 6k - it's simple.
- If you bought one, coming up from a 600 you will be stunned and addicted....there's no going back.
- My FZ1 is a 2007 version and I bought it with a Power Commander, customer fuelling and Ivan's FCE which eliminates the well documented low speed shite fuelling already mentioned. If the one you are looking at hasn't had similar treatment then be prepared to have a crap low speed ride or pay a few hundred quid to sort it.
However.....
For a long while I had a couple of 600's and my FZ1 at the same time. I got far more enjoyment hooning my way to work on my 600's. Whether that was a SV650 or FZS600. That was purely because I could rev the bollocks off them and throw it around like a goon without doing REALLY silly speeds. The trouble with the FZ1 is that it's so capable, by the time you're really wringing it's neck you're doing triple figures in any gear above 1st!!
If I go on a tour or a long weekend ride then the FZ1 is the bike I take but for everyday riding, especially if it's commuting then I don't think it's the right bike really. If it's a leisure bike only then sure, go for it....you'll grin everytime you open the throttle and crap your pants too. But, if you need it every day then you may find it a bit frustrating to ride as it's always within itself unless you're really stretching it's legs on a wide open road regularly. Also, the 35mpg quoted is about right....my FZS600 used to get 55 - 60mpg all day long.