Yamaha FZ1 reviews

I bought this bike about six months ago and have been commuting with it to work. It has been a great bike and I find myself riding it as much as possible - garaged my truck for road trips only. The handling is awesome, the power is smooth and gutsy (though you won't be screaming off the line with it) and it has been zero trouble in the time I have ridden it. I consistently get 30 mpg commuting, about 33-35 cruising. I am usually not easy on the throttle. It has been easy to learn and adapt on this bike - the more I ride, the better the riding gets. Show less

It starts the first time and is smooth in town but still has gobs of power. On a recent trip to Ocala and back I averaged 48 mpg. No oil use and still no leaks. I am waiting to see what the next 24,000 will bring. Show less

Where do I start? I've been riding for almost 30 years and owned a wide assortment of bikes and I can honestly say that this is by far the best bike I've ever owned. Last year after doing some research on the FZ1 and the R1 I decided to go test drive both. The R1 has power, the FZ1 has that AND everything else. Guess which I came home with? The FZ1 has all the power anyone on the road could ask for. Crack the throttle open at 110 mph and you had better be hanging on because it will try to throw ya! It will easily keep up with the much more expensive sportbikes and you won't have to stop and stretch your back out or try to get the feeling back into your wrists after 50 miles. It has great ergonomics and with the replacement of the stock seat one can easily ride all day. The only minor things I didn't like about the bike were easily replaceable and not too expensive. I replaced the hulking heavy muffler with a much better looking, better flowing and better sounding Leo Vince. The driver's seat I replaced with a Corbin. I got rid of the flimsy plastic back fender with a Competition Werks fender eliminator and replaced the front signals with flush mount LEDs. For an experienced rider that wants a bike for more than just flat out speed, the FZ1 can't be beat. I wouldn't however recommend this bike for a novice rider because it does have the potential to gain control of the rider at higher rpm. Not a problem for us experienced riders (that high rpm power is a trip!), but a newbie could easily lose it. Show less

This bike has telepathic handling, quick take-off, lots of power, great top end and a comfortable riding position. It is a great all-around bike. It just needs a luggage system and you are ready for anything. Show less

I love my bike so much I bought it a Valentine's Day card. No really, the 2005 FZ-1 is the perfect bike. I keep up with most pure sportbikes and have a better turning radius. It can be controlled like a dirt bike via the upright riding position. It has been my only transportation for the last 3.5 years. Show less

After putting about 15,000 miles on my CBR, I changed over to the FZ. I primarily bought it because it would be more comfortable for my wife when she rides with me. I was slightly disappointed in the comfort of the front seat. It has also taken some getting used to the upright seating, but it is growing on me. After replacing the 17-pound stock pipe with a mere 7-pound Yoshi (race baffle) and installing a Power Commander USB III (custom mapped) and a BMC air filter, I have noticed a considerable difference in power. I have seen where other people have written about a buzzing around the vent above the speedometer. That was easily remedied by a little black silicon around the edges. I will be replacing the stock front seat soon. I can't stand to sit on it for more than about 60-70 miles (partially because I lack padding on my buns). Overall, the bike is a great buy for under $10k. Show less

This is my second motorcycle. I started riding in March on a 2002 SV650 and upgraded in July to my 2006 Yamaha FZ1. This bike rides very well and power is easy to manage. The bike is extremely fun in corners, comfortable on the highway, manages traffic well and is a great all around bike. My butt got too sore with the stock seat so I upgraded to Corbin - very comfortable. The bike buzzes at 4,000 to 4,200 rpm but then settles out - gets annoying and is a very common problem. After 2,600 miles the bike is getting smoother and less twitchy. The Power Commander III I installed has also helped smooth out the bike. It does have a small fuel tank - can typically go 150 to 200 miles before fueling up. Also suspension is a bit firm, need to adjust. This bike turns heads and gets people out of their cars just to see what kind of bike you're riding. This is an AWSOME BIKE, great all around performer. Show less

I have owned the bike for 2mo. now. It has not let me down yet. If I take it easy it gets 40mpg and if I ride it hard it floats around 34mpg. The bike really shines on tight back roads. This may be due to the motocross bar mod, but man will it transition. It is like riding a big dirt bike. You can fling it from side to side like nobody's business, and with a good twist of the wrist the front end lofts effortlessly. It can be very docile, but that's not very fun. It is a great commuter bike that can be ridden all day without fatigue compared to the cruiser I just sold. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a great all rounder that likes to carve the corners, take the long way home from work, and/or does not want to own a repli-racer but likes the performance of one. Show less

I have been riding for over 15 years before purchasing a '06 FZ1. I was going to get an 05 FZ1 but waited for the spar frame and fuel injection. Boy was it worth it! The look of this bike is like a professional bodybuilder wearing a torn shirt with muscles bulging out. I feel that this machine is one of the best all around bikes available. It has plenty of power once it's over 4000 rpm and pulls HARD after 8000rpm. This machine tries to stand up on me if I hold it wide open threw any gear 1-3. It HAS come up on me when tring to zip around traffic at 117 mph. It will do 85 in first gear and has no problem tickeling 160 mph. Suspension is wonderful once adjusted, stock settings were too soft for my style of riding but a couple of clicks to the front fork/rear shock and it sticks like she should. My buddy has an '06 750 GSXR that this bike has no problem staying grip to grip when racing. COMPLAINTS: needs a steering stablizer with this kind of go-power, seat is unforgiving for my bony arse when riding all day, fuel tank is a little too small for a 1000cc machine (only 3.3 gals/100 miles of ride time) but the riding position is fantastic for me. Anyone that wants sportbike performance without having to lay across the fuel tank like a gutted pig should take a LOOONG look at this gem by the boys in blue. You won't be disappointed. GET OUT AND RIDE , SHINY SIDE UP !! Show less

I bought this bike the middle of June and now have over 3500mi on it. I have been riding VFR 800's for the last several years but was looking for something more comfortable. What impressed me first was the amt of power this bike makes, from 7,000 rpm to redline it is a blast. What I didn't like was the buzziness at around 5k rpm and the seat just plain hurt after 80mi. But after a couple of long trips of 800-900mi in length, I absoulutly love this bike. I got back on my old VFR and was immediatly realized that I had made the right choice in buying the FZ1. Show less