:welcome: Here's how I got to the FZ1.
I learned in the dirt, owned many 'dual-sport', 'on/off road', 'enduro', what ever you want to call them. They have many names. I started in 3rd grade on a 100cc Yamaha 2 stroke.
From there I moved up to my brother's old 125cc 2 stroke. Much larger frame and a monoshock :tup: I also rode my brother's off road only, but still had a license plate Yamaha IT 175 2 stroke. Very fun bike. I miss 2 strokes (blue smokes)!
I was able to purchase a brand new Yamaha XT350 4 stroke in '86. I thought I had a big bike
I rode it through high school and college until a bimbo turned in front of me in town. Long story short, it turned into a pretzel and the insurance money turned into an engagement ring.
I didn't own a bike for a very long time, but I was able to ride my brother's 1987 Honda XL Transalp V 600 for a while. Nice, but very underpowered.
I took a few rides on other peoples bikes like my brother's BMW 1200LT, a few older bikes my father-in-law had and my wife's 2009 Ninja 250r. Then I bought a used 2007 FZ1. I guess I didn't really have experience either, but I sort of started on the FZ1 as far as pure street bike goes. I've been doing fine. I scared myself on the test ride. I knew it would have gobs more power than anything I had ever ridden (even the BMW 1200LT). I though the 3-5k range had power. :nerd: I decided I had to know what it could do if I was going to buy it. So I figured WOT in 1st wouldn't be too bad. I hit 6k and was impressed, then 8k made me say a bad word and 10-12k almost threw me off the back of the bike! :jaw drop: I was going over 80, yep, still in 1st. :squid::spank2::drools: I was lucky not to wreck, to be honest. I'm pretty used to the power after 2 years. It's almost sad how used to it I am, but I still get a lot of thrill from the 9-12k range, I just don’t get there too often.
I was considering an FZ6 just to get back into riding, but I'm a fatty at 300lbs, so I didn't think the FZ6 would like me much and I'd 'out grow' it too fast. I've been very happy with my decision and I always respect the bike and the power it makes. Getting new Michelin Pilot Road 3's was one of the best improvements I've done to the bike. I hope to get the suspension worked out this summer.
I think you'll do fine. You seem to have a very mature attitude. Just remember that the temptation to use that power is pretty big sometimes. *insert Uncle Ben quote from Spiderman, not the rice* I have found that the Gen II FZ1 in stock form (with me on it) is not a good wheelie machine. It is 51% front weighted and just doesn't seem to have the low end torque to power wheelie for me. I've never figured out the 'clutch up' wheelie. :stunta]:
Anyway, buy good gear (snell 2010 helmet if you can, and there are many $100-$250 snell helmets out there). I find the more expensive helmets (Shoei and Arai) are expensive for comfort, venting, high quality shields, etc. Very nice, but not a must. If you can afford a more expensive helmet, I’d recommend the Shoei RF1100. I have been super impressed with it. You just have to try some on. Everyone’s head is a little different. Good fit is most important, and it should be snug. Now I’ll stop rambling.
PS What’s with the Troll title?
