FZ1 observations and questions

[Streetbudgie]

OK so I've had a few days with my FZ1 S and so far there are mostly things I like and some that I'm not so keen on, these have raised a couple of questions so I'd appreciate any tips.

Observations:

1. It's a bit heavier than my 600 and I nearly dropped it today after stalling on a right turn hill start (carbon can ordered, so that might help)
2. Clutch is grabby when the choke is on
3. Horn is usual Yamaha pants beeper
4. Side stand is very awkward to deploy when sitting on bike
5. Not much room under the pillion seat, can't get my disc lock and the tool bag in there.

Questions:

1. Is there a mod for the side stand to make the stubby sole catcher longer?
2. Is there a common mod for the horn?
3. My mirrors seem to be loose, should they wobble at the stem where it connects to the fairing?
4. I never used the standard pressure on my 600 - is there a recommended pressure other than the standard tyre pressure for the FZ1?
5. I changed the headlight bulbs on my 600 for Phillips Blue Vision, are there any recommendations for after market headlamps?

[stevierst]

1. Is there a mod for the side stand to make the stubby sole catcher longer?
2. Is there a common mod for the horn?
3. My mirrors seem to be loose, should they wobble at the stem where it connects to the fairing?
4. I never used the standard pressure on my 600 - is there a recommended pressure other than the standard tyre pressure for the FZ1?
5. I changed the headlight bulbs on my 600 for Phillips Blue Vision, are there any recommendations for after market headlamps?

1.Some people have puts short piece of tubing on the stand sticky–out thing to extend it slightly.
2. Replace it with a more powerful one? It hasn't bothered me, so not done anything with it.
3. Mine do that too. The only way I found to tighten them is to take them off, and tighten the axis rivet with a hammer.
4. I can edge out the tyres with 36/42 pressures when solo, and im 13.5 stone on sports/touring tyres
5. Nightbreakers are the way forward, a huge improvement.

As for the stalling and jerkiness on cold start, mine does that too, you've just got to be careful until she's warm. The end can makes the bike more responsive and thoroughly more enjoyable.

Hope this helps bud.
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[Streetbudgie]

Ta, top answers  :thumbup

[DekF]

It's good to hear that you're mostly happy with the FZ1. Long may it continue.
It would be even better for balance if you posted the positives you say you are experiencing with it.
There are peeps on here, well at least those still pointing at planes, who read anything FZ1 related & instantly spout uninformed drivel. Believe me I've seen it for the last seven years.
As to your comments/questions.
Steve has it well covered but I'll add the following:-
I use my heel to operate the sidestand. I have Rizoma rearsets which leaves even less to aim at than stock & from memory std peg position is easier.
Check the 10mm nuts that tighten the mirror stalks. If it's the balljoints get the hammer out.
Tyre pressures can vary between manufacturers for the same model. I run 33F 36R on my 023's.
I have never considered the clutch to be 'grabby' but I always use fully synthetic. Maybe try an oil change, who knows what or how long it's been in there.
cheers
Dek

[slimwilly]

+1 , nicely wrote,


the clutch seems fine ,just slip it more until moving,i put a 16 tooth on the front which helped pulling off from a standstill,lowered the gearing a little.
I too thought the horn was ok.
Perhaps try tightening the mirrors , as said the 10mm nuts behind the fairing.
The side stand does not poke out much but i see it as no hassle,some have slipped a piece of rubber hose on to the peg to make it stick out more.
As to no room under the seat"YES" bad design, on my VFR i had tools,cable lock and disk lock,these Fz1 s only room for a power commander and a tool clip, thats is why i am trying to make a fixed seat carry box for waterproofs,locks,fish and chips etc. See the carry box posts.

You wait until you try some smoother running and power improving mods,,,i have and its awesome.


I hope you are enjoying the bike and we are at the correct end of summer,lets ride...

[stevierst]

Just for some storage options, I use a tank bag converted to a tailpack for daily use, and a lager tailpack on a home made rack for a bit more space and when my missus is on.
It seems to work quite well.



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[stevierst]

Sorry, forgot the picture.


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[Strifae]

I find its not much heavier than my old FZS600, in fact it feels lighter when moving it around off the bike (ABS version as well)

I dont have the same clutch grabby issue as you? (2008 model FZ1S)

Horn is rubbish

My mirrors don't do what you are saying though, perhaps the previous owner already fixed this before I bought it (they are rock solid and dont vibrate or move at any speed)

I find using my heel makes it very easy to put the side stand down, in fact I actually like the way it just "flicks out" with minimum effort, I found that sometimes the FZS600 sidestand would pop back if you slip off it and prefer the FZ1 stand

Yeah pillion seat is rubbish, I have one of those expandable seat bags which look like part of the seat when not being used (and a Givi Box) I do very much miss the FZS600 rear seat storage (full set of waterproofs, tool's 2 disclocks etc)

Otherwise after a year of ownership I absolutely love it, once you get used to the way you need to ride it (it is rev happy) it always brings a huge grin to my face whenever I ride it (and to be fair when I open my garage and see it!) There are some shortcomings (the only one that actually really annoys me is the tank range) otherwise I think it is a fantastic underrated bike. I just rode it work today in fact due to the lovely sunshine! 

[mirdif64]

I don't like the "moped" horn either. Planning to get one from "Nippy Norman". This is what I did on my last bike (big improvement)

[PaulSmith]

Questions:

1. Is there a mod for the side stand to make the stubby sole catcher longer?
  Use your heel instead of your toe. 
2. Is there a common mod for the horn?
  Replace it, but wire in a relay.
3. My mirrors seem to be loose, should they wobble at the stem where it connects to the fairing?
  No they shouldn't.
4. I never used the standard pressure on my 600 - is there a recommended pressure other than the standard tyre pressure for the FZ1?
  You really need a very good reason to use anything other then recommended tyre pressures.
5. I changed the headlight bulbs on my 600 for Phillips Blue Vision, are there any recommendations for after market headlamps?
  HID - best safety addon I have ever made on any bike, (and one of the cheapest!)

[tomlinscote]

I don't have a problem with gen2 owners and their bikes but I still point at planes, mainly because when they scream down the valley fully banked over or go on to break the sound barrier it IS cool and who wouldn't want to be up there doing that. Many fighter pilots prefer bikes to cars so at least I have something in common with the lucky sods  :b
and that's without mentioning Lancasters and Spitfires/Hurricanes, time to shut up now.....(me that is)

Tommo

[Streetbudgie]

Lots of tips there, much appreciated 

Good things I've noticed so far are the excellent suspension (my 600 was pretty worn out), not sure about the tyres but will probably go for BT's when the time comes.

Engine is smooth and powerful and more docile around town than I expected which is a good thing, clutch is only grabby when choke is on but I expect I'll get used to this.

Liking the oxford pillion bag,  might invest in one of those, is it a standard tank bag with a pillion mounting option or has it been customised?

Exhaust is way too quiet but my new Beowulf carbon can arrived today so that will be going on at the weekend  mash

[slimwilly]

Sounds good, any questions just ask, as the ideas help all of us to evaluate quirks and improvements.

[stevierst]

Liking the oxford pillion bag,  might invest in one of those, is it a standard tank bag with a pillion mounting option or has it been customised?
 

Yep it's been customised, but only a little. I cut off the shoulder straps and had (the missus) sew on two thin straps so they could go under the pillion seat. Its just big enough for the odds and sods that you used to take in the cavernous fazer 600 storage space. O0

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[pitternator]

LMFAO at Dek ! ...planes...? what are they !!.... :lol


if ones sidestand dont stick out enuff, you could try a " camel toe". I have put one on my GS so it dont lean so far over but also gives a bit more metal to find with my foot.You will get used to any sidestand after time though.Camel toe is a clamp on end for the sidestand.

Grabby clutch could also be in adjustment , but like dek I did use synthetic oil which helps.

Get dek to list his mods to give you some idea what you can do with a FZ-! !! :eek

[PaulSmith]

Just spotted your comment about the clutch being grabby "when choke is on", but the choke shouldn't be on when you are using your clutch. If the engine isn't warm enough to idle without the choke, then the oil hasn't warmed enough for the clutch to work properly, and it certainly isn't warm enough to engage a gear. Be patient, it only takes a few extra seconds.

[DekF]

It doesn't have a choke it's fuel injected.  :rolleyes
Glad you enjoyed my pop at the gen1 mob Jon. 

[slimwilly]

He probably means "in choke mode" as when the engine is cold the electronics run the engine much faster on tick over ,so thats propably why there is more grab,along with cold oil as said.

[DekF]

Are you sure about the choke comment willyboy . Some replies are by the oldschool ya knows 


As to the fast idle, it isn't controlled by the electronics alone. The ecu obviously operates the injectors ( using tps v rpm ) but the fast idle is controlled by the thermowax unit. When hot, above about 65*C on mine (btw it can be adjusted), it's plunger is pushed against the throttle linkage meaning only the throttle twistgrip has any effect on rpm. However, when cold the thermowax's plunger is raised and allows an air passage into the throttle bodies thus raising the rpm's. The plunger is operated by heat expansion of the wax which is heated by the coolant.
Dek

[Streetbudgie]

I do mean when the bike is first started and running on choke, it's grabby getting going but after half a mile or so it's fine as the choke is off by then.

On another thing I seem to be missing one of the little chrome covers for the yolk bolts, anyone know if you can buy them or is their an aftermarket option?