Questions regarding FZ1 current Cruiser rider. (FZ6 riders please chime in)

T

tlegend

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Hello All,

I am in the market for a 2007+ FZ1 primarily for commuting and running errands around town, will not be doing long commutes or rides.

I use to own a 2002 cbr F4i and 2004 cbr 600rr both uncomfortable rides.

I went to the cruiser side after having kids and growing old, use to own a 2007 Honda Shadow spirit 750dc, not enough power so i sold that and picked up a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom.

I want to switch to a sport/touring bike i was leaning towards a SV 650 Naked or the FZ6 or Fz1, but like the center exhaust and fuel injection on the FZ since it is similar to my 600rr.

i am looking for a upright comfortable sports/naked looking bike i am 5 8 and around 210 lbs.

Questions for you.

1.) Will fz6 be enough power coming from a Vulcan 900 and my weight and height? or should i move to fz1. ( if i go to Fz1 is it as nimble and comfortable as fz6)?

2.) Besides few changes i was told 2006 to 2009 they are the same is that true?

3.) Will Fz6 or fz1 really the most comfortable sports/touring bike keeping in mind price range and looks.

thx for your help,

i also posted this info on fz6 forum and go alot of feedback, first i thought about getting fz6 but thinking fz6 wont be enough power, main concern is comfort.

t
 
Welcome to the forum

06 to 2012 are unchanged with the exceptions of paint and ECU the 06 had a stiffer rear spring. The newer the ECU the smoother the throttle same HP.

FZ6 steers quicker out of the box but the FZ1 feels more planted and stable.

Since you have had a coupe of 600's and a 900 cruizer the FZ1 will be just fine for you. I think its more roomy and comfortable than the FZ6

Well theses are My opinions Iam sure you will get some others, Good luck with whatever you may choose.
 
johnnyontherocks said:
Welcome to the forum

06 to 2012 are unchanged with the exceptions of paint and ECU the 06 had a stiffer rear spring. The newer the ECU the smoother the throttle same HP.

FZ6 steers quicker out of the box but the FZ1 feels more planted and stable.

Since you have had a coupe of 600's and a 900 cruizer the FZ1 will be just fine for you. I think its more roomy and comfortable than the FZ6

Well theses are My opinions Iam sure you will get some others, Good luck with whatever you may choose.
Click to expand...

thx u...:tup:
 
If your thinking about a used bike the 2006 had the worst problems with the fuel injection being a little jerky. The 2010-2011 are much better.

The fix for the early models jerky fuel injection is an FCE from Ivans performance
$195 but you have to cut/splice wires in your factory wiring harness :(

I should also mention that the FZ1 likes a lot of rpm for power, over 8000 rpm. The bike is a little weak on bottom end/midrange power.
You have been riding cruisers that usually have good low end power. The fz1 may feel weak to you without revving it.
The Ninja 1000 and Suzuki gsx may feel better to you if you take a lot of short trips around town and dont spin the motor up over 8000rpm much. They both make much more torque down low.
The Suzuki is super comfortable the Ninja is about the same as the fz1.
Personally I love a motor than likes to rev and has a good top end hit, but coming from a cruiser you may prefer the power delivery of the other bikes in the class
 
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super googan said:
If your thinking about a used bike the 2006 had the worst problems with the fuel injection being a little jerky. The 2010-2011 are much better.

The fix for the early models jerky fuel injection is an FCE from Ivans performance
$200 but you have to cut/splice wires in your factory wiring harness :(
Click to expand...

can u elaborate more on this issue? what about 2007?
 
My .02 cents? Because you are an experianced rider just get the FZ1. You'll get boarded with the FZ6. The 6 is a great little bike but the FZ1 does everything better. Okay mileage is about 3 to 4 mpg less.
 
tlegend said:
can u elaborate more on this issue? what about 2007?
Click to expand...

Use the search feature and search FCE and or snatch
You can read about the issue for days :)


The issue is very jerky throttle response on the early bikes 2006-2009
The 2006 was the worst.
Yamaha made changes to the ECU every year trying to make it better
 
The FZ1 is definitely the bike you want, especially if you're coming from a 900 Vulcan which is a decent sized mid cruiser. BTW, compaired to the Vulcan, you'll have more power just about anywhere above 3000 and what you won't have below that is not worth worrying about because you'll learn to use a few more RPM and you'll forget whatever you liked about the power delivery of a mid-sized V-twin
 
I've had my FZ1 for about 3 weeks now. Have had FZ6 for 3+ seasons.

First of all, if you're used to a 900CC cruiser, you will be blown away by how quick even the FZ6 is. Sure it doesn't have the instant low end torque, but it's infinitely quicker than the last cruiser I rode .. a 1700 Victory Hammer.
FZ1 is just ridiculously fast.. if you have to rev this bike to 8k to feel the power.. I don't even know what to say... other than you're almost certainly breaking the low even if you're in first gear :th_smiley_rotfl2[1]

Now.. my opinion: you said it will be mostly for around town.. no long trips. Knowing what I know now, I would choose FZ6. You're not too heavy for it at all and it's got enough power to make you smile if you don't mind occasional high revs. I find the ergonomics of the FZ6 to be more comfortable. It's mainly the lower and more forward footpegs that give it the edge in comfort. Much narrower fuel tank is a plus too. Stock handlebar is awful, but it's cheap and easy to put FZ1 bar on it.

This IS a FZ1 forum, so most will likely disagree with me, but I'm giving you my honest opinion. I'm on FZ1 now and have to sell my FZ6 because I have no garage space.. and I really really don't want to :( .. I still find FZ6 more fun for most of the riding I do, but I do plan on doing few big trips next year where FZ1 will work better and my FZ6 is a streetfighter (no fairing at all) so on colder days on highway I freeze pretty damn quickly. More handlebar and seat vibration on FZ6 too.. which does not help on longer rides.
 
I currently ride both a V Star 1300 and an FZ1, and have two good friends who ride FZ6's. I suspect that for a commuter ONLY bike, you'd like the FZ6. I believe, however, you'd be happier with the FZ1 for a variety of reasons, especially when the temptation strikes to take a longer trip on the FZ.
 
I moved from an FZ6 to an FZ1 after almost two years - I love the 6 but prefer the FZ1.

1. I've never ridden a Vulcan 900 to know, but the FZ6 has more than enough power for anything. I weigh 275lbs and I've gotten my FZ6 to 158mph indicated. I don't think the FZ1 is as nimble, but coming from a cruiser either one would be a huge mobility jump.

2. 2006 to 2009 for the FZ1? I think others have gone into more detail about the differences, but I consider them mostly the same.

3. I think the FZ6 would be a better bet given price range and looks. The FZ6 is cheaper, and to me looks a lot better (angrier looking headlights and under-tail exhaust). I think the stock handlebar on the FZ6 is horrible, but that's an easy fix.
 
Erci said:
if you have to rev this bike to 8k to feel the power.. I don't even know what to say... other than you're almost certainly breaking the low even if you're in first gear :th_smiley_rotfl2[1]
Click to expand...

Guess you have never taken a ride on any 900cc or larger 4 cylinder sport bikes
Made in the last 10 years ??? hahah

The FZ1 feels pretty weak below 8000rpm compared to EVERY other bike that size that I have owned and ridden. Including a zx9r, 4 GSXR 1000 and 1100s, zx11,zx12, Vmax, Hayabusa, concours, bandit .........I could go on forever.

Your dont want a1000cc bike that wont break the law at redline in first gear ????
GO BUY A 50cc MOPED !

I LOVE my FZ1 but a torque monster ........nope. The rush from 8000 to redline is nice :)

Have no problem loving my FZ1 and still being able to point out its weaker areas.
I'm not going to lie to a potential new FZ1 owner trying to decide if its the bike for him/her. I'll never be one of those guys that has to act like my current bike is the best possible bike in the world. Just give my HONEST opinion.
Love the top end power delivery of the FZ1 but this potential owner has mentioned he will use the bike for short trips around town.
Assume short trips around town means he wont be shifting at 8000-10000
very often. The gsx or ninja would most likely have a much more satisfying
power delivery for him. He also mentioned comfort.......the suzuki is a lazy boy recliner compared to the FZ1.


Fellow FZ1 owners before you hang me in the town square let me say how much I love my fz1.
The bike is absolutely beautiful to me !!! Love how she looks. Weak on torque.......yes but the power from 8000 up is great and I prefer a top end hit.
Handling is great for a standard/sport tourer.
Brakes, love em very good power but not too much and above average feel for me.
Comfort........not too bad. Great for a sport bike a little cramped for a tourer. Easy to make it either with different pegs, resets, bars and risers.


The FZ1 was a great choice for me !! That does not mean its a great choice for everyone :p
 
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Erci said:
FZ1 is just ridiculously fast.. if you have to rev this bike to 8k to feel the power.. I don't even know what to say...
Click to expand...


I still cant believe anyone could think the FZ1 is ridiculously fast under 8000 rpm.


Sorry, but I just have to address this again for the sake of potential FZ1 owners getting what is in my opinion bad information.

POTENTIAL FZ1 OWNERS THE FZ1 DOES NOT FEEL FAST UNDER 8000 RPM.
THIS IS MY OPINION BUT ALSO VERY EASY TO SEE WHEN YOU COMPARE DYNO CHARTS WITH THE OTHER BIKES IN ITS CLASS. THE WEAK TORQUE ALSO FEELS EVEN WORSE THAN IT APPEARS ON THE DYNO CHARTS BECAUSE OF THE FZ1'S TALL STOCK GEARING AND SPACING OF THE LOWER GEARS.

Yes you can improve the low and mid power but it will cost a pretty penny.
Full exhaust, power commander, ignition module,smaller flies, FCE and gearing.
Drop a tooth on the front for the best low buck solution.
 
If you are after a bike for commuting and running around town, then just get an FZ6.
It will be better on fuel and generally better suited to the task.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
 
I fully agree. I've had the FZ1 for two years and had the FZ6 for two years before that.
The FZ6 is plenty quick and strong, I had the S2, with no catalyzer and an open pipe.
The FZ1 is boring in town, because it has tall gears, and the power comes after 8000 RPM, so if you do a lot of town riding, get the FZ6, it's more fun, more agile, and more economical. The FZ1 is better if you do a lot of freeway or touring. Or if you're a speed demon.

Erci said:
I've had my FZ1 for about 3 weeks now. Have had FZ6 for 3+ seasons.

First of all, if you're used to a 900CC cruiser, you will be blown away by how quick even the FZ6 is. Sure it doesn't have the instant low end torque, but it's infinitely quicker than the last cruiser I rode .. a 1700 Victory Hammer.
FZ1 is just ridiculously fast.. if you have to rev this bike to 8k to feel the power.. I don't even know what to say... other than you're almost certainly breaking the low even if you're in first gear :th_smiley_rotfl2[1]

Now.. my opinion: you said it will be mostly for around town.. no long trips. Knowing what I know now, I would choose FZ6. You're not too heavy for it at all and it's got enough power to make you smile if you don't mind occasional high revs. I find the ergonomics of the FZ6 to be more comfortable. It's mainly the lower and more forward footpegs that give it the edge in comfort. Much narrower fuel tank is a plus too. Stock handlebar is awful, but it's cheap and easy to put FZ1 bar on it.

This IS a FZ1 forum, so most will likely disagree with me, but I'm giving you my honest opinion. I'm on FZ1 now and have to sell my FZ6 because I have no garage space.. and I really really don't want to :( .. I still find FZ6 more fun for most of the riding I do, but I do plan on doing few big trips next year where FZ1 will work better and my FZ6 is a streetfighter (no fairing at all) so on colder days on highway I freeze pretty damn quickly. More handlebar and seat vibration on FZ6 too.. which does not help on longer rides.
Click to expand...
 
True. But drop a tooth on the front sprocket, and it becomes a different animal. I almost flipped mine over yesterday on a powerwheelie, it was so violent, it got to 12" in an instant

super googan said:
I still cant believe anyone could think the FZ1 is ridiculously fast under 8000 rpm.


Sorry, but I just have to address this again for the sake of potential FZ1 owners getting what is in my opinion bad information.

POTENTIAL FZ1 OWNERS THE FZ1 DOES NOT FEEL FAST UNDER 8000 RPM.
THIS IS MY OPINION BUT ALSO VERY EASY TO SEE WHEN YOU COMPARE DYNO CHARTS WITH THE OTHER BIKES IN ITS CLASS. THE WEAK TORQUE ALSO FEELS EVEN WORSE THAN IT APPEARS ON THE DYNO CHARTS BECAUSE OF THE FZ1'S TALL STOCK GEARING AND SPACING OF THE LOWER GEARS.

Yes you can improve the low and mid power but it will cost a pretty penny.
Full exhaust, power commander, ignition module,smaller flies, FCE and gearing.
Drop a tooth on the front for the best low buck solution.
Click to expand...
 
super googan said:
I still cant believe anyone could think the FZ1 is ridiculously fast under 8000 rpm.


Sorry, but I just have to address this again for the sake of potential FZ1 owners getting what is in my opinion bad information.

POTENTIAL FZ1 OWNERS THE FZ1 DOES NOT FEEL FAST UNDER 8000 RPM.
THIS IS MY OPINION BUT ALSO VERY EASY TO SEE WHEN YOU COMPARE DYNO CHARTS WITH THE OTHER BIKES IN ITS CLASS. THE WEAK TORQUE ALSO FEELS EVEN WORSE THAN IT APPEARS ON THE DYNO CHARTS BECAUSE OF THE FZ1'S TALL STOCK GEARING AND SPACING OF THE LOWER GEARS.

Yes you can improve the low and mid power but it will cost a pretty penny.
Full exhaust, power commander, ignition module,smaller flies, FCE and gearing.
Drop a tooth on the front for the best low buck solution.
Click to expand...

You said it yourself in another post " ... compared to EVERY other bike ... ". It's all about where you're coming from. The OP is coming from a 900cc cruiser which is slow compared to FZ6, nevermind comparing it to FZ1.. FZ1 is a rocket if you're coming from a 900cc cruiser.

I have ridden a Gixxer 1000.. that thing is even more stupid for the street. Yes, it's faster... so what? That doesn't make FZ1 slow at low RPM. It only makes it "slow" if GSXR 1000 if what you're used to and then you've switched to FZ1.

Ride a FZ6 below 8k rpm and compare it to FZ1. Those are the 2 bikes OP is asking about.
 
thx to everyone for your helpful input, i think since i will do 95% in town with stop and go traffic i will lean towards a fz6.

whats is a fair price for a 2008 fz6 with 3k miles? Owner is asking $5500.00
 
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