A New Pony Arrives in the Motorbike Obsessions Stable!

After basically falling in love with both the FZ-09, FZ-07 and XSR900 from various rides, rentals and demo days, the urge to get a new bike bit me hard. I have been a Yamaha man from the time I was 12. The newest crop of Yamahas did nothing to dissuade me from looking towards the tuning fork brand to fill the need. After coming very close to getting an XSR, I decided that it would be more prudent to wait until my next duty station situation was settled. I didn't want to get underwater on a bike loan for a bike I wouldn't be able to take with me if I am transferred overseas. After talking with the salesman during my final shop visit with the KTM, he mentioned that he had an FZ1 that was taken in on a trade. I took one look and was ready to ride. The bike needed some TLC and last Saturday I got my chance.

From these shots in my driveway the results are obvious. I am the new owner of a 2004 Yamaha FZ1. I spent the week between dealership visits doing my research on the model. An upright, naked YZF-R1 is the best description. This one only had about 10,900 miles on the clock. Relatively stock with a few minor modifications it was a perfect fit for my 6'1" frame.

Classified as a standard in some circles and a naked bike in others, there really isn't much plastic to speak of. This is both my first liter sized bike and my first inline four cylinder. I've had singles, parallel and V twins and even a V four at one time. The engine just sounded glorious. Once I rolled the throttle on in earnest, I think I went into hyperdrive. The engine is "detuned" from the R1 settings for more low end compared to the Superbike. I couldn't tell as I was going so fast I think I saw plaid.

"What are you looking at?" The speedometer goes up to 180 mph. Hell I didn't get even close to that, the power available with this engine is just fantastic. It has a 1/4 turn throttle. I'm not sure it that is stock or aftermarket. First gear gets you into the 60 mph range real quick. It needs some revs to get cleanly off the line from a standing start. The power really comes on at 7000 rpm. You can feel the hit once it gets up there. Redline is around 11,500 though and I've only gotten into the 9,000 range.

After adjusting the handle bars and levers, the FZ fit me perfectly. My upper body is relaxed and just a tad bit forward leaning. The pegs are higher than on the V-Strom, but just enough to be sporty. The suspension feels taunt and is fully three way adjustable front and rear. I haven't played with any of the settings yet. It is a six speed and since this is a first generation FZ1 (2001-2005) is comes carborated with an electronic ignition. It also has five valves per cylinder which will be a pain to check when the time comes. Good thing that isn't until 26,600 miles. As part of the deal I got two new tires, Dunlop Sportmax, and a new battery along with a bunch of other various service like carb cleaning, cable lubing and an oil and filter change.

The modifications from stock that I can see are a Two Brothers Racing exhaust. I'm not sure if it is just the slip-on or a full system. It also has some carbon fiber looking trim on the top triple tree and dash board. It has a Rental handle bar and bar end weights and a Zero Gravity windscreen. Everything else looks stock. The carbs are running very rich and consequently I'm getting mpg in the 28 mile range right now which is pretty terrible. With proper tuning and an easy right wrist I should be getting in the forties. The tank is 4.6 gallons, so once I fix the tune I should have decent range.

Well this is the end of this post and of the bike in the above pic. It certainly isn't the end of the story for me and the FZ. Once I get the feel for her I'm going to set the suspension, fix the carb tune and look at what other improvements I might need. I will be looking to get a new digital gauge to replace the fuel gauge. I joined the FZ1 Owners Association message board and found a good group of knowledgeable enthusiasts full of good info on the bike. Once sorted I plan to use the bike at some big track track days and I really want to take the Keith Code California Superbike School class. I took a ride today on some twisty canyon roads and know that the bike is waiting for me to get better at piloting her.

Swing on back by for more adventures with me and the FZ. I will be cleaning up the V-Strom to move her onto a good home. She's been a good bike and I want to part ways with her in a good fashion. See you again soon!

Blue