The Best Bike Ever
Written: May 27 '09 (Updated Jun 02 '09)
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Pros: Killer looks esp. black, great suspension, smooth, powerful, awesome handling
Cons: Smaller tank -> take breaks every 140 miles anyway, more tickets, may get stolen
The Bottom Line: If you want a comfortable and powerful litre bike this is the bike to get. Other close competitiors are the Triumph Sprint ST 1050, Z1000.
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| crazybiker's Full Review: 2007 Yamaha FZ1 |
Today I picked up my ultimate "wanted to get" bike - an 07 Raven FZ1 - $5900
4075 miles
$900 worth of mods
ASV Shorty levers (much better than pazzos)
Undertail Fender Eliminator
Clear turn signals
Black Micron Exhaust (OMFG Loud. I need to put back the db killers)
Rode it 180 miles on the interstate from where I picked it up.
Today was the day. Rain was forecasted yesterday but it changed this morning and I didn't get a drop of rain
I can't believe how clean the bike is, looks like it was just sitting on a showroom floor. The owner was anal about keeping it clean and servicing it every 1000 miles. He was a little upset that I was going to ride it back in the rain which I am glad it didn't rain. Now it does put pressure on me to keep it spotless.
It is so easy to ride, handles so well, fits so well, feels so compact, composed all the time. I just keep smiling all the way when I ride it and can't wipe it off even while going to sleep in the night. I just keep talking to myself "What a bike! It is just so damn good".
Pros: Killer looks esp. Raven, great suspension, smooth, powerful, awesome handling
Cons: Smaller tank -> better to take breaks after every 140 miles, god save you from cops, the Raven version may get stolen
Performance: Power is everywhere. You have to be really watching the speedo as speed climbs quickly and you don't even notice it. I dont feel like I am riding a much powerful bike in the sense of being fearful. The 06 had a throttle snatch where power used to dip and surge at 6K rpm. This is called the fuel-cutoff. Ivan's FCE is the solution. 07 and beyond don't have it much as Yamaha slowed down the rate at which the secondary flies are opened. However FCE will make a difference on the 07 FZ1s too. I got the Ivan's performance package cheap from ebay so I will report back the difference.
Handling: Handles like a dream, so compact. It tracks and holds a line great. The frontend on the FZ6 hangs out too much. For the FZ6 I had to point the front end in the right direction in the curves even with R6 forks. FZ1 falls into a line almost automatically.
Riding Position, Handlebars, Footpegs: The riding position is very natural for touring as well as carving the twisties. Though I may still rotate up the bars a little bit. Actually not needed once your muscle memory builds up. A little more aggressive stance than the FZ6. That is the reason I put FZ1 bars on the FZ6. PERFECT RIDING POSITION among the many bikes I have tired and sat on. I feel like i am ONE with the bike which I didn't feel with the FZ6.The FZ1 is very compact in the front.
Wind Protection: The stock screen is great so far. Less turbulence. Have to ride one with a aftermaket double bubble screen to know whether to get it or not. I actually got the MRA Vario and it has eliminated the turbulence totally. Beauty is that it is the same height as the stock and the 7 position adjustable laminar lip makes it comfy for the pillion too.
Seat: The seat may need to be changed but I was fine after a 180 miles interstate ride. You feel like you are sitting on the bike rather than into it. But then the stock FZ6 seat was the same too. Stock brakes are awesome. 2up: My wife actually feels more comfortable on the FZ1 stock seat compared to the FZ6 Top Saddlery seat as she sits a bit higher. I have bought a Sargent seat already for the rider.
Suspension: Suspension is good too but will become gr8 after it is properly dialed in. But the stock setup with the rear shock on preload 5 is working great for me. Actually it is the best I have seen on a stock bike. It absorbs bumps much better than the R6 suspension on my FZ6. Could actually adjust the rebound and compression a bit for the twisties.
MPG: Ohh did I mention: 43 mpg interstate avg speed 75mph (95-100 tops) even with 10 less psi in both tires (forgot to check b4 leaving). I bet you could get 50 at 55-65mph speeds on local roads. On spirited twisty rides the FZ6 returned 48mpg whereas the FZ1 returned 44mpg which is freaking cool.
Lights, Controls: The headlights are like a volcano. Amazing visibillity and spread with the dual H4s. Tail light is good with the dual pods. Controls are good quality, easy to use and standard. Instrument cluster is great with lots of details like air and coolant temp, fuel gauge, tacho, odo, two trip meters, f-trip/reserve, battery, oil, maintenance, high beam, neutral, adjustable brightness, clock. Could do with a gear indicator and trip computer for a sport touring bike.
In Short: I will say anyone who is on the verge, should upgrade to the FZ1. I betcha this bike is more suitable for the tracks in terms of handling if not in terms of excess power compared to the FZ6. It handles much much better.
You will forget the FZ6 quickly. I can say this as I own both and can ride them back to back. Even though I loved the FZ6 I always used to be confused if it was really the bike I wanted, whether it was my perfect bike and I used to always look at other bikes. Atleast now I will stop lusting/looking at other bikes. It is the ultimate bike I wanted. Trust me, I don't look at other bikes any more on ebay, CL, cycletrader, etc. Some reasons being it is a FZ1 - an icon, legendary bike, it is such a looker and then the power.
Go test ride one! If you don't want to upgrade then you better don't as that test ride will make you think about getting the FZ1 all the time. I had pretty much decided not to upgrade from the FZ6 for the next couple of years.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 5900
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2007
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Epinions.com ID:
crazybiker
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Reviews written: 1
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