Discussing FZ8 vs FZ1

cmarques

cmarques

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I'm interested in the opinions of people who had the opportunity to ride both the FZ8 and FZ1. What are your thoughts? Is it merely a difference in power?
 
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cmarques said:
I'm interested in the opinions of people who had the opportunity to ride both the FZ8 and FZ1. What are your thoughts? Is it merely a difference in power?
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Pretty much. They use the same basic frame, but FZ1 has better suspension. I don't believe the FZ8 forks are adjustable. One thing I did like about the FZ8 was that it had better gearing with a lower 1st gear. I though the power was adequate, but definitely didn't have the same "hit" that you get with the FZ1 at 8k RPM.

IMHO unless you must have a new bike a used FZ1 will make a better bike. Can't imagine that there is that much difference in insurance rates between the two, but it may also be something to consider.
 
FZ1yb said:
Maybe more torque as well. I think I read that the FZ8 was built more on the FZ6. Its nice, but itz not an FZ1.
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Well it might have more torque in the low RPM, but not more peak torque. Peak torque on the FZ8 occurs at 8k RPM and on the FZ1 occurs at 10k RPM so it definitely has a street friendly powerband. Also weighs about 20 lbs less than the FZ1, but this may be mostly due to the fact that it's a naked bike...
 
The way I see it, there is absolutely no reason to get an FZ8 when you can pick up a used FZ1 for under $6000 any day of the week and dealers blow out NOS FZ1s for cheap as well. Unless the 200cc difference makes insurance double the cost or something, there are no benefits to the FZ8.
 
I have a FZ8 and here are a few things I wish we had from the FZ1. Now please keep in mind, I have never owned a FZ1, but I traded my 2008 GSXR for a FZ8 and have not thought about it since.

1. Adjustable forks even if it was just preload.
2. 320 rotors instead of the 310
3. More aftermarket options, but they are coming slowly

Now I have been copying a lot of what the FZ1 folks are doing, since the two bikes are very similar.

1. Liar's Airbox mod
2. AIS removal
3. Punch out the cat
4. Slip on exhaust
5. Sataan's R1 rear shock upgrade bracket

No mistakes about it the FZ8 is very similar to a FZ1, but the power is different. I came for power and found out that I did not know how to use correctly.

Future upgrades are:
Sato rearsets
Love to find a set of FZ1 forks (I want the interals and end caps mostly)
Power Commander
Arrow Headers
 
NJFZ1 said:
Well it might have more torque in the low RPM, but not more peak torque. Peak torque on the FZ8 occurs at 8k RPM and on the FZ1 occurs at 10k RPM so it definitely has a street friendly powerband. Also weighs about 20 lbs less than the FZ1, but this may be mostly due to the fact that it's a naked bike...
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Also we have a smaller gas tank
 
NJFZ1 said:
Well it might have more torque in the low RPM, but not more peak torque. Peak torque on the FZ8 occurs at 8k RPM and on the FZ1 occurs at 10k RPM so it definitely has a street friendly powerband. Also weighs about 20 lbs less than the FZ1, but this may be mostly due to the fact that it's a naked bike...
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The power curves I remember seeing for the stock FZ1 had peak torque hitting at about 8.5k and peak HP at 11.5k. I may not remember correctly, I don't have the time or energy to look it up right now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I'm completely torn between both bikes. As far as insurance goes the difference is marginal. It would help if I could test drive both for a day just to be sure of what I want.
 
cmarques said:
The look of the FZ8 is just draw dropping. Love at first sight. If I do decide to get FZ1, I will convert it to the FZ8 look.
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You can buy a used low mileage FZ1, convert it to the "naked" look, and still have money left for other mods as compared to buying a new FZ8...think about that.
 
Cycle World did a recent test and they spent almost $2k to get their FZ8 up to FZ1 standards.


Buy the FZ-1, hands down and without a doubt. I would go for a new leftover which should only be hundereds more than an FZ8.
 
Ride both. Then decide. After riding, you will want the FZ1 most likely. :) It also depends on what bikes you've been riding in the past. For me, already having ridden liter bikes made it pretty simple, although I was open to trying out other lower cc engines. It just confirmed it, to me. Also might matter what your physical stature is. I pretty much need a bigger one. There are sometimes FZ1 - N bikes to be had out there, while less often of course. Depends how patient you want to be. But the conversion isn't all that painful....just to your checkbook. ;)
 
I don't hang out on the FZ8 board that often, but I've noticed that many of the owners "dream" of up grading to FZ1 parts, eg: shock, forks, etc. All of the parts that FZ1 owners aren't happy with and mod. One guy "upgraded" to an FZ1 shock and thought it was amazing.
 
Hellgate said:
I don't hang out on the FZ8 board that often, but I've noticed that many of the owners "dream" of up grading to FZ1 parts, eg: shock, forks, etc. All of the parts that FZ1 owners aren't happy with and mod. One guy "upgraded" to an FZ1 shock and thought it was amazing.
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That must mean the FZ8 shock is complete junk because the FZ1 shock is just barely adequate. Maybe Yamaha got a good deal on a batch of pogo sticks and fitted them to the FZ8 :rofl:
 
NJFZ1 said:
That must mean the FZ8 shock is complete junk because the FZ1 shock is just barely adequate. Maybe Yamaha got a good deal on a batch of pogo sticks and fitted them to the FZ8 :rofl:
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You should try a stock FZ6R... :banghead:

I wish I went for the FZ1 right away... With all the mod I put on the 6R I would have spend about the same price as buying a new FZ1.
 
Marthy said:
You should try a stock FZ6R... :banghead:

I wish I went for the FZ1 right away... With all the mod I put on the 6R I would have spend about the same price as buying a new FZ1.
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I have test ridden the FZ6-R...nice entry level bike, but definitely lacking in the suspension dept, especially for someone of my weight.
 
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