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........................

Ewok1958 wrote:Ok, time for anu update. How goes the FZ1 2WA?

Good question Ewok.
I should be able to tell you by the end of next week.
Its a "used" bike thats been under used and not ridden for 12 months so needs a bit of TLC on a few items like carbies and fork seals. Also taking the opportunity to raise the suspension back to factory height, replace all fluids and some other minor work. I have only ridden it about 5km in total.
I'm itching to bring it home the long way Should be home by next weekend.

BTW: Had a cold call from the local Yamaha shop yesterday asking if my Bandit was for sale! I said no but ............................................