ethandf06
Wizard
Start modding the beast what are you waiting for!
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06+ FZ1 as a commuter
- Thread starter CBRaceRR
- Start date
markowinnipeg
Well-Known Member
You made the right choice, I commute an hour to work and back each day and could not be happier.
Besides you know what all wise men say.....YOU NEVER CANNOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER!
Have fun
Besides you know what all wise men say.....YOU NEVER CANNOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER!
Have fun
BDazzler
Wizard
Congrats on the new bike. I see the previous owner had some frame sliders on her. Great idea. (I'd check them for proper torque and maybe even add some blue loctite because the sliders use the bolts that hold the frame to the engine.)
For commuting, I'd quickly recommend a Corbin, Sargent or Yamaha comfort gel seat. If you do many highway miles, a better windshield is a must. I like the Zero Gravity Sport Touring screen, but there are many choices out there. I think there are a couple of threads here just about windshields. (The search feature is great.)
I'd also highly recommend the Michelin Pilot Road 3 (PR3) or PR2 sport touring tires as soon as you need new tires. I've had mine for around 4000 miles and they still look very good and I've been very happy with the wet and dry grip. I've had the rear tire walk just a bit on hard acceleration out of tight curves on dry pavement, but I have never felt a bit out of control or worried.
Most here are quick to get a fender eliminator, but if you are commuting and might get caught in the rain or have to ride through standing water, that ugly fender will keep the road grime off your back.
There are tons of other great mods, but other than what I've mentioned (and maybe the suspension, especially the rear), it's a great bike in stock form. It can be made better, but I've had mine for almost 2 years and I'm still happy with it mostly stock. I am choosing to upgrade the suspension before doing engine performance mods, even slip-on exhaust. Have fun with it. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
For commuting, I'd quickly recommend a Corbin, Sargent or Yamaha comfort gel seat. If you do many highway miles, a better windshield is a must. I like the Zero Gravity Sport Touring screen, but there are many choices out there. I think there are a couple of threads here just about windshields. (The search feature is great.)
I'd also highly recommend the Michelin Pilot Road 3 (PR3) or PR2 sport touring tires as soon as you need new tires. I've had mine for around 4000 miles and they still look very good and I've been very happy with the wet and dry grip. I've had the rear tire walk just a bit on hard acceleration out of tight curves on dry pavement, but I have never felt a bit out of control or worried.
Most here are quick to get a fender eliminator, but if you are commuting and might get caught in the rain or have to ride through standing water, that ugly fender will keep the road grime off your back.
There are tons of other great mods, but other than what I've mentioned (and maybe the suspension, especially the rear), it's a great bike in stock form. It can be made better, but I've had mine for almost 2 years and I'm still happy with it mostly stock. I am choosing to upgrade the suspension before doing engine performance mods, even slip-on exhaust. Have fun with it. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
- Thread starter
- #24
CBRaceRR
Member
Thanks for the note on the windscreen and seat. Im 6'4" so the stock screen barely covers anything...
As for tires, the guy had Dunlop roadsmarts on there but the rear is almost gone. I've heard great things about the michelin pilot roads (2 + 3), so that will be my next set for sure.
Also, the previous owner has a 180 rear tire on there, I was under the impression a 6" rim called for a 190 rear and that mounting the 180 would distort the tire profile..
As for tires, the guy had Dunlop roadsmarts on there but the rear is almost gone. I've heard great things about the michelin pilot roads (2 + 3), so that will be my next set for sure.
Also, the previous owner has a 180 rear tire on there, I was under the impression a 6" rim called for a 190 rear and that mounting the 180 would distort the tire profile..
Rabbitman109
Well-Known Member
Yes, it should be a 190. I can't say that it would distort the profile or not, I am not familiar with putting 180 on the rear.
BDazzler
Wizard
The Gen 1 (2001-2005) calls for a 180/55-17, but the Gen 2 (2006-present) calls for a 190/50-17. I don't know why anyone would put a 180 on a gen 2. I've heard some put a 190/55-17 for better turning. I went with the stock 190/50 just because all the roads around here are so flat. I thought the higher profile would just wear out faster. I still may go with a 190/55 next time just to see how it compares and I think my front tire my last 2 rears anyway. (heavy wrist?)
As for the windshield, I think Cee Bailey makes some pretty tall/big windscreens. I'm only 5'11", so I'm not sure the ZG sport touring screen would be enough. It just depends on how much wind you like and where you want it to hit you. You might even like the Copper Dawg that just curves flat and gives you very clean air, but pretty much all of it.
Last edited:
bearcat
Member
well, as I stated in my welcome thread, I went to go look at an 08 today. Came back with this...
26k miles
couple of scratches but I'm not worried since I will be putting a good chunk of miles on myself, and with mileage comes wear and tear.
DOn't think I didn't listen to you guys who advised against this as a commuter bike, but I wanted to grunt of the FZ1 over the FZ6, and I don't care about a few more miles per gallon
Congrats nice bike! I commute on mine and average ~43 mpg taking it easy. Of course get into the afterburners and she drops! My '06 is stock and I have really grown to appreciate this bike. I came off of a 1200 Sportster and the FZ1 is so smooth and refined! The other day my wife asked me to ride her Sportster and check something out, man I really like the FZ!