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Looking at an '08 FZ1 for my 2nd bike

E

Eurodriver

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I've ridden a total of about 4000 miles on a couple bikes: a friend's Gold Wing (Yeah, I learned how to ride a bike on a Gold Wing along with a 250) and the vast majority on my Aprilia Mana 850.

Im about to start commuting 120 miles a day and I need something with a windscreen and a fairing but I dont want to lose the "sportbike" feel.

My local dealer has 2012 FZ1s and an '08 FZ1 with 9500 miles on it. They're asking $7600 for the '08. Not sure why its so high, blue book is $5,600? But its a great bike and well taken care of. (Edit: That 7600$ is the out-the-door price. Includes taxes and fees)

My questions are:

By no means do I consider myself an "expert" rider. But I'm not some 18 year old who's never been on a bike before. I have all the gear, helmet, jacket, gloves, etc. Is an FZ1 too much for me? I do not want or need a super sportbike like an R1 or a CBR1000 (Plus I hate how you have to lean into them - I'm riding to work not racing around a track!) but with that said I would like some pep in my step. Is the FZ1 a good compromise?

Wind. Wind sucks. Wind is one of the main reasons I want to get rid of the bike I have now. It will be a 60 mile commute at interstate speeds. My neck and hands are sore by the time I get there and I'd like some protection BUT I do not want the buffetting that goes along with a windscreen. I know its not a GoldWing but can I get something that will make commuting tolerable? I'm 6'4" by the way

I have a buddy who had an '06 FZ1. He said the throttle response was pretty garbage considering it was a liter bike. Is this true? Would the '08 be better?

Thanks in advance.
 
The dealership is nuts that way way way overpriced. Anyways the fz1 would be perfect for you respect the bike and you will have no worries. The 06 does have its quirks but they are fixed easily. I have an 09 and love it. There are a million diffrent wind screens you can buy and if you post on the forum about it someone will tell you what to get for a taller rider. My bike is the n model so I can't help with that. If you watch Craigslist you can find a bike for 4-6k low miles for cheap. Especially since its gettin colder out people won't be buying them
So you can find one fore cheap.
 
The people who complain that the FZ1 is underpowered are talking out of their ass unless they are Rossi. Yes, the throttle response on the 06s was snatchy but easily fixable with a Ivan's FCE. With some cheap mods, the FZ1 nicely opens up around 25 hp in the midrange and feels like a proper literbike!
 
Someone that says that is some idiot on a gsxr1 with a ego just as huge as the rear wheel power claim lol. I would never be a able to use all 180 horses the gixer has I bearly ever use all of what the fz1 has.
 
$7,600 is high, but if they think they can get that kind of price that is their business. If commuting is your basic reason for the FZ1 I'm not sure that would be the best choice, there are better commuter bikes out there.
 
Ride one and see what you think. There's tons of bikes out there and that means a seat for every ass :)

Check out the first generation FZ1 as well (2001-2005). They are more comfortable, more economical, have more wind protection and still lots of fun. 140hp still on tap and a bit more punchy in the low end.
 
Definitely a good idea to test-ride one, but honestly based on what you stated, FJR would be a better fit. FZ1 wind protection is so-so, even with a touring screen and I'm 5' 10". At your height, I think you're gonna get loads of unwanted wind. FJR has power adjustable screen and looks *normal* with a taller screen.

Otherwise, FZ1 is an amazing bike with loads of go (motor is from R1, but tuned to be more street-friendly).

If you can ride a Goldwing, you can certainly ride FZ1/FJR.

Should be able to pick up a used FJR in very good shape for ~7 - 7.5k
 
08 fz1

I bought mine on Feb. 11th with 2890 on it. It is my first motorcycle (after 10 years of renting HD). It's a fun commuter, but my next bike (will save the FZ1 for weekends and trips with the wife) will be a 250-450 DP or SuperMoto for commuting. I live "7 miles" from work. The FZ1 is kinda of over-kill. Mine turned 6,000 on the Odometer last week. Time for 2nd oil change.

At 58, the FZ1 may last me thru 10 more years of riding, so why not save it for something 1-3 hours away on some twisty highway?

:kuku:

PS - I "finally" took it to 8500rpm+ on a freeway on-ramp last week. It was weird shifting into 2nd at 65mph. It really is "a whole different bike" above 7k. No wonder I always shift at 4k.

:unworthy::unworthy::unworthy:
 
FZ1 is a great all around bike it really does it all well. That said if you are going to cover that many miles Every Day you may want to consider more of a touring bike like FJR, Honda ST.

7600 too much, 5500 +|- is about right depending on condition. I have 15,000 miles and my bike is in brand new condition. I purchased my 09 brand new for a little over 8000.

You could always have a 2nd bike for sport riding.
 
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