Info needed on a FZ1

[stumpman]

After riding my sons FZ6 I fell in love with a sport bike can't believe I said that LOL. I have spoke to a few dealers about the FZ1 it's suppose to be the big brother to the FZ6 what I want to know is will it handle the same as the FZ6 does in the curves and twisties? I don't even want to ride my cruiser anymore after riding his bike but the wife said the cruiser is here to stay so I will have to have two bikes I don't have a problem with that either. I will be in the market for a FZ1 before long I do believe. If any of you have this bike please tell me the good and bad if there is any on it.

Thanks for the info!

[Clint]

It's quite popular, and handles like an FZ6 with a little more weight. If you're happy with the 6, stick with the 6. If you haven't ever ridden a literbike (cruisers don't count), you'll be blown away by how fast it is. 120 hp if I recall correctly.

The only criticisms are that it's not as torquey as it's primary competitor, the Bandit 1200, and it's not as easy to work on. It is EFI and liquid-cooled, though. Most (including myself) think it looks better than the Bandit, but it doesn't offer as much wind protection.

[inspiron]

IIRC, the FZ1 is the "tame" version of the R1, just like the FZ6 is the tamer version of the R6. As Rowdy said, if you've never ridden a liter sports bike before, ignore the "tame" comment. That bike still has enough power to launch you into orbit before you can finish saying "Hey, watch this..."

As the owner of a liter-plus bike, I can tell you that a lighter bike (FZ6) will be much better in the tight twisties. The more the bike weighs, the more effort you have to manhandle it around the turns. And you need to be that much more careful when cracking open the throttle, because 1/4" too much twist can cause the rear end to overtake you. This risk is lower on the 600, because it doesn't have massive power, just crazy.

[stumpman]

Guys call me stupid I have always had cruisers but what is a liter bike? I weigh about 280 do you think the 6 will have plenty of power when riding in the mountains on the twisties or should I look at the FZ1 for sure? I do like the way my sons bike rides and handles it just flows with the corners grant it I have never riden but one other sport bike before so others might handle better I just don't know which ones. I don't care for laying all the way over the tank like the GSXR600 makes me do. Keep the info coming!

[Clint]

"Liter bike" refers to high-performance fours (and the occasional triple) of 1 liter (1000cc) displacement or greater. They always make at least 120 hp, big torque, and rev to the sky. They're untamed beasts and not for the faint of heart or short of experience. They'll mess up your day in a hurry.

I'd ride your son's bike for a few hours and then decide whether you want/need more power. It takes a few hundred miles to get a feel for a particular engine, at which point you can extract quite a bit more from it. Until you learn where its sweet spot is and when to shift, you're not really getting all it has to offer. After that, you'll know.

[stumpman]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

"Liter bike" refers to high-performance fours (and the occasional triple) of 1 liter (1000cc) displacement or greater. They always make at least 120 hp, big torque, and rev to the sky. They're untamed beasts and not for the faint of heart or short of experience. They'll mess up your day in a hurry.

I'd ride your son's bike for a few hours and then decide whether you want/need more power. It takes a few hundred miles to get a feel for a particular engine, at which point you can extract quite a bit more from it. Until you learn where its sweet spot is and when to shift, you're not really getting all it has to offer. After that, you'll know.

Thanks! I have ridden his several days now here and there I like it just want more get up and gone I guess. It seems to start making power around the 6000 RPM range and has the most speed in 4th and 5th gear I believe. It has plenty of top end just looking for more instant take off speed on the lower end that's why I was leaning towards the FZ1.

[Davecm203]

If you ride long distances you may be happier with the FZ1. It is a bit bigger and a bit more room. As for the "untamed beast", it sounds like you have enough experience to know throttle control. Just take it easy and don't just rip the throttle open as you are exiting the corners. You have to roll into it easy until you are upright. Your wife will be happier on the FZ1 also.

Liter bikes can also be twins (although the are getting fewer). My favorite all time motorcycle was the Honda VTR1000 Super Hawk. Unfortunately it was stolen last November. It handles great and has really good torque. I could put 500 mile days in with no problems. It was a lot more fun to ride on the street at sane speeds than my GSXR750 is. It is worth a look if you are looking used.

[Clint]

Dave, they`re the same chassis (just as the GSXR is the same as the 600). There`s no more "room" on the bikes with more engine displacement.

[Davecm203]

I have a buddy that has an FZ6 and I have ridden that one. The FZ1, I have never ridden. My impression from sitting on one is that it seems to have a little wider seat and passenger seat. (I considered buying one last Jan.) It seems to have a little better seat to peg distance. When you look at the stats, the FZ1 does have almost an inch higher seat. (I am 6'2" so I like that.) But, that could be a factor of the seats being different. Sean has put in a few 1,000 mile days on his 6 and it did a great. The FZ6 is a great motorcycle. I guess I just need to try to get a spin on an FZ1 to compare them more realistically.

The FZ6 has a little larger fuel tank and should get a little better mileage = better range. But the FZ1 has much better suspension, so an aggressive rider would be much better off. However the FZ1 is about 29lbs heavier and does have the taller seat hight.

[stumpman]

Originally Posted by Davecm203

I have a buddy that has an FZ6 and I have ridden that one. The FZ1, I have never ridden. My impression from sitting on one is that it seems to have a little wider seat and passenger seat. (I considered buying one last Jan.) It seems to have a little better seat to peg distance. When you look at the stats, the FZ1 does have almost an inch higher seat. (I am 6'2" so I like that.) But, that could be a factor of the seats being different. Sean has put in a few 1,000 mile days on his 6 and it did a great. The FZ6 is a great motorcycle. I guess I just need to try to get a spin on an FZ1 to compare them more realistically.

The FZ6 has a little larger fuel tank and should get a little better mileage = better range. But the FZ1 has much better suspension, so an aggressive rider would be much better off. However the FZ1 is about 29lbs heavier and does have the taller seat hight.

Thanks! If you get to ride one Please post how it was compared to the 6.