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Is an FZ1 right for me?

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Centerall49

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Hi, hoping you FZ1 owners can guide me a little. I've been looking at FZ6 bikes, used ones, and have now come across a used FZ1 where I live. Up to this point I haven't looked at or researched them because I simply thought they were way more bike than I need.

The Fz1 seems to be similar in ways to the FZ6 except for the much more powerful engine. My riding will be commuting and just riding for fun around town and in the countryside. I know that I will never be a rider that can use even all of the potential of an FZ6. So would the FZ1 just be ridiculously out of my league? I do have experience riding, and I'm 6'3" and 185 so I thought maybe the FZ1 would be a better fit physically.

What do you guys think? Thanks for the help.
 
My philosophy has always been that you can get yourself in trouble on any sized bike. If you have experience in riding, then I say go with the FZ1. It's not untamed down in the lower bands that you would not feel in control. The bike awakens at about 8,000 rpms where if your not holding on tight, you'll wind up off the back of the bike. I will say that if you end up going with the FZ6, you'll ride it for a couple of months and then want the FZ1. You'll probably then not get back the money you spent on the FZ6 that you paid for it. Ultimately it's up to you but I would just go with the bigger bike. Its all in your throttle hand my friend. Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
well, let it be known

Your goals are described, and the FZ6 is a good bike fo what you say that your looking for, but If your like any man with testosterone in his balls, you will eventually get used to your bike and want a little more torque or power..............trust me on this one, If you can get the fz1 and it's been well maintained and newer than an 03-04 you should go with it, price tag of course ....if it's feasible for your wallet.

I have an 08 and can't explain how happy I am that I went with it,

..........besides the increase in power on the FZ1 is all in the control of your throttle hand, and doesn't even open up until 8000 or so. Once you hit 10000, then you'll have a boner. Or if you want to stay conservative the lower RPMs still have lots of torque in the mid range gears to pass any vehicles on the road or to get out of harms way.

If you can, go with the FZ1, you won't be dissapointed.
If you go with the FZ6, you'll just want more.....
 
Well, I have an '01 and it is pushing over 30k. If you find the right deal, then it is up to you to decide. I personally look at the fz and an r6, both had sexy curb appeal, but when I threw my leg over, it was the fz or nothing. I really did not start pusing the limits, more like my limits, until April of this year.

This is my first bike, ever owned, and I don't think I would of been as happy on the r6 b/c now I'm starting to frequent the 7k+ range and it is addictive!

Great if you are just wanting to do as you describe. Even better should you decide to unleash beast. Should you decide to let the beast lay dormant, at least you know it is always there with a twist of the wrist and the right gear.
 
Having been on the '05 and '08 FZ6 bikes, I can say that the FZ1 is clearly the better choice. As the guys have stated, it's all about you, your limits, and how hard you twist the throttle. Don't get me wrong, the FZ6 was a really great bike, the '08 more so than the '05. But, when and if you do decide to push it, like I did, you will fast realize the shortcomings of the stock FZ6.

You may never use even half the potential of the FZ1 but it's nice knowing that during that 1% of the time, it's all there under you. It is far more powerful but it's all in your wrist. It handles much better than the 6. The 1 has much better braking. You have inverted forks and adjustability with the stock bike. You're stuck with what you get on the 6 unless you want to mod it. The 1 is just as nimble and flickable as the 6. The stock seat on the 1 is better than the 6 (not a whole lot but enough to make the claim!)

If you think you want the FZ1, don't get the 6 and have regrets later. Go for what you can afford now. Just know that the power is there so treat her gently and she'll do the same for you.
 
FZ1inNH said:
Having been on the '05 and '08 FZ6 bikes, I can say that the FZ1 is clearly the better choice. As the guys have stated, it's all about you, your limits, and how hard you twist the throttle. Don't get me wrong, the FZ6 was a really great bike, the '08 more so than the '05. But, when and if you do decide to push it, like I did, you will fast realize the shortcomings of the stock FZ6.

You may never use even half the potential of the FZ1 but it's nice knowing that during that 1% of the time, it's all there under you. It is far more powerful but it's all in your wrist. It handles much better than the 6. The 1 has much better braking. You have inverted forks and adjustability with the stock bike. You're stuck with what you get on the 6 unless you want to mod it. The 1 is just as nimble and flickable as the 6. The stock seat on the 1 is better than the 6 (not a whole lot but enough to make the claim!)

If you think you want the FZ1, don't get the 6 and have regrets later. Go for what you can afford now. Just know that the power is there so treat her gently and she'll do the same for you.
Click to expand...

+1

I modded the heck out of my FZ6 (R6 Forks, Race tech springs, Ohlins, Akra, PC3, custom tune, ConvertiBars, SS Brakelines, and several custom made bits) and while it did get better I wanted better/more everything. So I sold it and bought an 1125R that bone stock does 10X more than the Fizzer.

It really depends on what YOU want to do and your pocket book. Both are very good bikes.
 
You mentioned "newer than 03-04".........what are the important differences in later models? Is there something significantly better in later models?

BTW, I appreciate everyone's answers on the subject. I'm leaning toward taking a really close look at the FZ1 now. I don't know if insurance will be significantly different, but I suppose not enough to matter. What you said about the suspension and brakes, and the obvious difference in power if/when you want it or need it, well, all of these make it a significant upgrade over the FZ6.
 
The pre-05 (I believe that is the cutoff year...) is called the GEN I which was a carburated bike with many differences starting with the tube frame and carrying on. The '05 and newer is the GEN II which is styled like the FZ6 with the aluminum 1 pc frame, fuel injected, etc...

I'm a huge fan of the FI and low maintenance hence the GEN II.
 
whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa.

Back the tractor up.

What kind of experience do you have? Some experience isn't a good enough answer here... do you have experience on a 150HP bike that can go from nice to nasty in less than a second? Do you have experience on a bike that if you gas it too hard in 1st, will have you looking at treetops, then sky, then pavement?

Not to be overly dramatic here... but... these are valid points... if your "some experience" translates to:
1) I used to ride around on my dad's scooter.
2) I rode a Rebel 250 for a while, but I crashed it.
3) I rode a dirt bike back when I was 10... but then it had problems and I didn't ride anymore.

Then NO. Don't even think about a FZ1.


Once again... a bit dramatic... but you get the point.

So. Tell us about you. About your ACTUAL experience... not just... I've got some... what bikes have you owned, how long have you been licensed, why did you get rid of the previous bikes, etc... Fill me in on the details... and I'll shoot it to ya straight.
 
and the Gen I goes from '01-'05. '06 is the year the Gen II introduced.

And I must be missing something b/c the gassing hard in 1st, I'm having to fight now to barely raise the wheel. I was onto the mojo, and now I've lost that lovin' feeling.

then you don't want to know my backstory, I'm just glad to be here in the moment riding one heck of a scoot!

Adam
 
Resume, such as it is, follows -
Honda 305 Scrambler (way, way back in the day); safely operated for 9 months
Honda 750 (way back in the day); safely operated for 6 months
Honda Spirit 1100 (several years ago); safely operated for 6 months
Motorcycle safety course

I'm a "mature" person, safe and fairly conservative by nature. When it comes to things that can kill me I build on experience gradually. I'm not someone who tests all of the limits and boundaries, but I still have fun at life.

That's me. Thanks for your interest and concern. What do you think?
 
his resume is better than mine if you were to look at my experience level this time last year.

I'm sure the sales staff thought that I would end up on the side of the road in the fetal position crying uncle! It was a slow learning curve, but one that I'm conquering on a daily basis.

Now I have no problem negotiating what the concrete jungle has to throw my wey. I just need to get signed up for a track day to get myself in check! Saying that one has the restraint and exhibiting that restraint is the true test of an FZ rider (be it 1 or 6 or any bike for that matter)

Adam
 
Centerall49 said:
Resume, such as it is, follows -
Honda 305 Scrambler (way, way back in the day); safely operated for 9 months
Honda 750 (way back in the day); safely operated for 6 months
Honda Spirit 1100 (several years ago); safely operated for 6 months
Motorcycle safety course

I'm a \"mature\" person, safe and fairly conservative by nature. When it comes to things that can kill me I build on experience gradually. I'm not someone who tests all of the limits and boundaries, but I still have fun at life.

That's me. Thanks for your interest and concern. What do you think?
Click to expand...

I think that you'll probably be just fine on a FZ1... but, it does have significantly more power and less weight than what you're used to over the years... Compared to the Honda 1100 Spirit, roughly 70HP more, and 100lbs less.

But, considering that you seem to be someone who can control your right hand, you should be fine.

The next part of the equation is to figure out which FZ1 is good for you. They both have their good and bad points. The Gen 1 (01-05) is a little more comfortable out of the box, and the Gen II (06+) is a bit more sport oriented.
 
When I owned the 750 Honda it was "the" superbike of the day and I had a lot of respect for its potential. I enjoyed it a great deal and have many times regretted ever selling it!

And so, whether FZ6 or 1 the danger potential is there but from what I've seen it usually comes from people driving cars.
 
Was that the CB750F Supersport?

I owned one way back in the day. I was young, dumb and full of..... well, anyway... I saved, bought it (used), rode it for two months then in a wild night of stunting, totalled it. Wheelied at about 45 mph then lost it. I bailed off the back and slid down the road while the bike took a bad hop and endo'd several times... Expensive mistake because I only had liability on it... total loss. Lesson learned and the very end of the stunting days....
 
Not the supersport model. I think it was a "K" model. I think I paid $1300 for it used and sold it for just slightly less. Those were the days.

Glad you survived but it was an expensive lesson. I've had those too, just not with a motorcycle.
 
va_rider said:
I think that you'll probably be just fine on a FZ1... but, it does have significantly more power and less weight than what you're used to over the years... Compared to the Honda 1100 Spirit, roughly 70HP more, and 100lbs less.

But, considering that you seem to be someone who can control your right hand, you should be fine.

The next part of the equation is to figure out which FZ1 is good for you. They both have their good and bad points. The Gen 1 (01-05) is a little more comfortable out of the box, and the Gen II (06+) is a bit more sport oriented.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the help and info.

The bike for sale right now is a one owner 2004 with about 4k miles, mint condition, but I haven't seen it yet. Not sure where the "what will you take to get this thing sold" price is just yet so we'll see.

I think for what I want in a bike this model should be okay.
 
Centerall49 said:
Thanks for the help and info.

The bike for sale right now is a one owner 2004 with about 4k miles, mint condition, but I haven't seen it yet. Not sure where the \"what will you take to get this thing sold\" price is just yet so we'll see.

I think for what I want in a bike this model should be okay.
Click to expand...

The 04' model I believe is the "Skunk". Thats the two tone gray/black combo paint scheme. Its a really sharp looking FZ. My favorite one behind the "Bumblebee". You'll love it, and wow!, 4k on the odometer! Practically brand new. Good luck.
 
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