Yamaha FZ1 reviews

Have had several bikes, Honda PC, Suzuki GSXR 750, Bandit 1200, and now my FZ1. Rides nice and smooth with plenty of power. For someone wanting a nice ride with sport bike performance this is it. People don't realize how nice the FZ1 is until they ride it. Show less

This is a great bike for someone who wants good performance but has back problems. I really really wanted a full sport bike because I needed something to keep up with an R1, CBR1000, R6 etc. I found everything I wanted and more in the FZ1. Sure the R1 and CBR1000 riders could get away if they try, but on most rides it's rare that I am struggling to keep up. If you're like me and need decent performance and an upright riding position look no further than this amazing bike. Show less

As an experienced rider, over 25 years, I have ridden everything from a Kawasaki 440cc to the Yamaha Road Star Warrior 1700cc. So when I say this is the best performing street bike I've owned you may want to take one for a ride. The handling and power is not for a novice rider because it won't take long for them to lay this bike on it's side. The seat is a little stiff for us older guys but other than that everything was made right. I've hit 120mph without batting an eye. Show less

This is a very unique bike, not for everyone, but perfect for specific riders. I have spent 10 hours in the saddle and didn't want to get off, you can't do that with a track-ready R1 or CBR or GXR. Yet in the twisties the FZ1 handles like a true blue sportbike: quick & light steering (helped by the swept back bar, in between a standard & clip-ons incredible traction; strong front bakes; and an engine that is perfectly tuned for 2nd and 3rd gear 50-75mph curves. As for the open road, I've hit a quick 140 at 8500 rpms, plenty left before redline, not sure how much more horses you need for such a wonderful all-arounder. I can't think of another bike in this category except the Tuono or VFR, both more money. Oh, and that pipe that has garnered complaints? Love it, sounds great, and was ahead of its time - see the 2007 GXR 1000 with dual versions! Show less

Many of us out there would want a bike that is everything built in or squeezed into so called perfect bike. No such thing. As for Yamaha Fazer, when it was created, the engineers put on a effort to actually turn an R1 into a strictly touring bike with all the essential power needed in that category. They came up with Fazer 1000. A fully touring yet stylish with a medium level grunt which is perfect and comfortable (rode for 4 hours, it's alright) and above all a perfect power distribution at low and mid range. 155 hb at 11000 rpm is certainly good, infact, strong enough to deliver the appropriate speed for touring purpose. For those who find it, there's a deficiency in the reduced power from the built in R1 engine, then you're wrong. Like I said the Fazer is built for touring not for racing. And for racing, an R1 is for you. that's another story. Show less

Fast, agile, goodlooking and the bikes not bad either. This bike rocks. It needs a few small tweaks, the most important is a product called FCE or fuel cut elimitor. It makes this rocket smooth as glass. From 7000rpms on up, hang on. Show less

My riding background is with 750 and 1,000cc sport bikes for the last 19 years. I guess age is catching up to me as I no longer wish to assume the position but there is too much fight in me to dwaddle off to Cruiser land. The FZ-1 is a very good sport bike for guys like me in stock condition. If you don't mind spending some time and money, it can become the perfect sport bike. In stock form, the FZ is a little soft on power below 5,000 rpm and the throttle has an on/off quality to it above 4,500 rpm. This is due to a fuel cut built into the fuel injection for emissions reasons. The FZ has a pretty light flywheel and the dreaded snatch appears. Fortunately the cure (an aptly named fuel cut eliminator or FCE) is available. I added a Power Commander III, opened up my airbox be cutting out the restrictive snorkel, removed the secondary butterflies in the throttle body and added an Akrapovic full exhaust system. These mods were not cheap, but holy crap, the bike growls off the bottom and rips on top like a good GSXR 1000. A good comfy ride it all day GSXR 1000. Another comfort tip, remove the stock foot peg rubbers for a significant leg room boost. Replacing the pegs will do the same thing and not look bad like de-rubberized stock pegs do. In summary, I am absolutely in love with this thing :) Show less

Okay, it's not an R1 or GSXR but you know what...it was not designed to be. that's right, if you want a hardcore sportbike to ride on the street and to never be able to get everything out of that bike because it is designed for the track, then buy one and look just like everyone else on the road. Besides most of us don't have the ability to get everything out of such a powerful machine. Now if you are interested in enjoying your riding experience, then get an FZ1 and see what fun riding is all about. It's very good in the corners and still pulls really hard, after all, it's still a 1,000 cc engine with 132 hp. The riding position is great and allows for hours in the saddle without discomfort. The seat could be a little better but that is a quick fix. I am pretty wide in the shoulders and have to lean in order to see everything in my side mirrors. The bike works well around town and has plenty of punch to keep you interested in straights and twistys as the RPM climbs to 5k and beyond. Better be holding on at 8k if you snap the wrist because it is time to go flying. I can think of very little downside to this bike, the more miles I put on it, the more I come to love her. So don't listen to all those wanna be hardcore sportbike riders out there who think riding a track bike of the road makes you more of a man or woman. If you are so concerned about your image then fall inline with all the other sheep and get an unreal bike for your real world. For those of you who can think for yourselves, here is the FZ1. Show less

12K in 6 months. This bike will get you plenty of tail - always carry an extra helmet. I stopped riding for the past two months due to the icy/snowy roads. I polished and waxed her the other day and she looks and runs as good as the day I bought her. The adjustable suspension is one of the highlights. It's so easy to adjust. I only have one complaint. A piece of plastic near the gages rattles around 4800-5700 rpms. I want to find a fix with out altering the stock look. Still working on that one. Show less

Got the bike about 6 months ago and put about 10k on it. Ride it everyday to work and back about 40 miles. And on the weekends keep it in the lower gear a little longer and it's like you never need to shift. 1st gear around 60-65 mph second will hit 100mph. Then you have 4 more top gears to play with. You don't need this much bike on public roads, but it's nice when it's there. Everybody likes to go fast, anybody can hold the throttle and start a drag race. I like to do certain areas in the mountain that have turns. Pretty long legs, tall gearing. 5 valves per cylinder, of course this things breathes well at high rpms. For the weight of this bike it handles pretty good. Comfort x 2 plus I can throw my girlfriend on the back and still have enough power to go up a hill and pass people without the engine breaking a sweat. Down side in my opinion just can't roll on the throttle & pick up a wheelie with out a little rev then pop off the clutch then goose it and it will come up. I've been told to gear it down one tooth in the front sprocket then jet it, timing advancer, and pipe and all that goes away. Everything in one package bone stock for the price can't be beat! The reviews ARE RIGHT! 10k in 6 months - this bike rocks! I'm just a commuter that gets to thrash around on the weekends. Although I do have a steet leagal KTM 520exc that has been my weekend bike lately. Show less