My FZ1S Review

First topic message reminder :

Well just like a first date to the movies the afternoon hours were counted down to "the time".
4:00 came around and I headed off to Heyfield to ride a strangers newish FZ1S. A bike I have lusted after since the early 00's (2000's for you smart arses )

There she is in gleaming blue sitting right on the footpath with the shop owner doing the tyre pressures like a race team mechanic.
I approach with caution like a hunting lion and exchange plesentries (I know him) and walk a couple of laps around the bike making small talk just like you do at the movies before slipping the hand under the skirt
David runs over some history of this bike and answers all my questions including well over 250km to the tank on tour which was important to me. Unbeknown to him he puts me off a bit by pointing over his shoulder to a new GSF and said that's just been sold for 11k with ABS and Yamaha are making it difficult for dealers to sell FZ's at a 6k premium.

The Test
Awesome engine. Saw an indicated 100km/h in first. Saw 200 in some other gear quite quick. Engine has very smooth acceleration right from idle with a nice hit between 8 - 10k
Very slick positive gear box
Brilliant brakes. Best I have ever used I reckon.
Nice induction roar that keeps building and the stock can sounds good too but looks bulky.
Pegs, seat, bars relationship almost identical to the B1250. Had been told it was much more sporty but didn't notice. The bike is more compact so you do sit closer to the bars probably by 50mm or so. Seat might feels the same but padding much thinner. No vibes through the wide flat bars.
Paint, fit, finish & components are far superior.

All Good?
No......... The suspension on this bike was way too soft and bouncy. I thought the owner must be a jockey and in that case its probably ok. Turns out he's my size and pillions the Mrs. It seriously just bounced down the road like it had oval wheels.
The throttle had heaps of free play that should be taken out. Owner must be used to it.
The seat produced a tingling vibration which would be tiring after a short time. That could be related to the original Dunlops that were shot (6500km) At sane speeds it is no better until braking is required. At insane speeds it would eat the Bandit for breakfast. A top gear 100km/h roll on would have it lagging well behind the Bandit until it hit 7500rpm so highway overtaking would require dropping back a cog or too.
The dash is very basic. Readable but basic.
Probably was and should be running on 98 RON.

The Verdict
A little dissapointing actually. For most uses its not incredibly superior to the Bandit. It has its place no doubt about that.
The FZ1S is not 7 of 8 thousand dollars better and that's going to be my problem.
I rode home more confused than I thought I would be. Yes its nice. Yes the niggles could be tuned out or fixed very cheaply.
For my needs its no better than what I've got but I love the engine/box/brakes.
Just like slipping the hand under the dress and she whispers I have my period!

$11,000 for a new ABS GSF eh??? Fkuc knows........................

Ok - since there's nothing on the box, tell us the price bracket ($1,000 spread) you're looking at and confirm it's in Victoria and let's see if we can guess.

Ewok1958 wrote:Ok - since there's nothing on the box, tell us the price bracket ($1,000 spread) you're looking at and confirm it's in Victoria and let's see if we can guess.

On the cards this week........
4cyl
2 wheels
Jap
Half faired
6 speed
$4000 - $8000

Next week, who knows

Hmm - I'm assuming if you're keeping BB, you wouldn't be wanting something similar so that would rule out the CB1300, Bandit 1200S and a host of others that are Bandit like but without the half fairing (eg Blackbird, XJR, FJR, ZZR). Also out would be GSXR, R1, FZ1, Z1000, Blades (various), and Hornets. A very nice SV1000s would also be out because it lost a few cyclinders somewhere in the contest (pity - there are a few really nice ones). A nice 2004 Ducati Monster also doesn't meet your specs.

So, that's what isn't in.

Leaving CBF1000 (can get a 2008 for your top dollar), ZRX-1200S or XJ900s.

Am I getting close?

Ewok1958 wrote:Hmm - I'm assuming if you're keeping BB, you wouldn't be wanting something similar so that would rule out the CB1300, Bandit 1200S and a host of others that are Bandit like but without the half fairing (eg Blackbird, XJR, FJR, ZZR). Also out would be GSXR, R1, FZ1, Z1000, Blades (various), and Hornets. A very nice SV1000s would also be out because it lost a few cyclinders somewhere in the contest (pity - there are a few really nice ones). A nice 2004 Ducati Monster also doesn't meet your specs.

So, that's what isn't in.

Leaving CBF1000 (can get a 2008 for your top dollar), ZRX-1200S or XJ900s.

Am I getting close?

Close mate. Not unlike a Bandit.

1200s Bandit

A Bandit is not unlike a Bandit! His and hers? Or a CB1300s?

got to uni this morning and parked next to a FZ1(n) and an FZ6

I like the twin exhaust under the seat in the FZ6.... But I really don't find the FZ1 more attractive than the bandit. Just different....


I'm really happy that I did those clear indicators.... Looks so much better, and only cost $30.00

Thats a great shot showing the physical size difference.
The Bandit is a limo.

Your playing with my mind Ewok . I thought it might be a trick question .

Yam fz or fj 6 0r 8 ?

Ninja ??

You came to the same conclusion I did when I test rode a crap load of nakeds/half faired bikes before I settled on the Bandit 9 years ago.

They were all good bikes, but none of them were $4000 to $9000 better than the Bandit (at least the Gen2 Bandit).

When I rode the 2007 model FZ1S, my immediate thought was that it was a great bike, but I wouldn't part with the Bandit to buy it. However, if the Bandit died the first 2 bikes I'd test ride are the current model Bandit and FZ1S.

I think to replace the bandi with a fz1 can't be justified for the cost. Sure the fz1 wins on many fronts but are you getting that much more bike? I am seriously considering a second bike for fanging and I think I will join cam and Gus on a v twin. Get something considerably different. Looked at the sv650 but think I will go for the f800s. Found one relatively cheap. Not ready for the cruiser yet.

gus wrote:Yam fz or fj 6 0r 8 ?

Getting closer
Mick and M'sally you are both correct. Nice bike. Great bike even but ..............

VTR 1000 ?

Now I am really curious. Before any smart arse mentions it I know the f800 is a parallel twin. Half faired japanese four cylinder?? I think just about anything new has been mentioned. It must be a yami. Does anyone know why the xj6 diversion is called so? Is there any similarity to the old 900?

I don't know about the newer ones, but if the Bandit is an old mans bike the Diversions were for geriatrics. 900cc with a shaft drive and plain jane styling.

xj 900 ?Carnt be all fossilized by now .

TL 1000 ?

Yam genisis 600 .

early model FZ1

The deal is much closer but not done yet.
If it goes ahead it will be off the road for a short while having some work done :-)

Hammy last time I looked the TL was a VTwin. I would sell my right knacker for a blue and white TLR.
I know I wouldn't be able to ride it far but they are awesome.

paul wrote:early model FZ1

You bastard! I was having fun here

2wheelsagain wrote:

paul wrote:early model FZ1

You bastard! I was having fun here

I did wait for a while

good choice though

Ok, time for anu update. How goes the FZ1 2WA?