Choices - FZ1 CBR 100RR VFR

[FriscoJim]

As much as I love the FJR I have a chance to get one of these three on an even trade. I would prefer the FJR but I don't really do any 2-up riding as my other half has her own scoot and just jumps on the back of mine if we go out to eat or for a short ride. Plus I am not in the mood to plunk down any cash at this point when I trade. I plan on using whatever I get for commuting, weekend rides and some overnighters and an occaisional long trip but most likely not a lot of superslab highway miles. I have my Roadie for any long trips that I choose to do also.

Since all 3 of these can be set-up for sport touring (some more than others) I am looking for feedback from people who have had any of them. I know the FZ1 and the VFR can both be fitted with hard bags that look pretty good and are lockable - the CBR looks good with a set of CorTech soft bags - all 3 would most likely need a softer seat but that can be done easily. Just looking for pro's and con's - of course if I get a buyer for my trade that will get me the $$ for the FJR all bets are off. The wife doesn't mind me switching out scoots but since we have 3 already she just can't see the need to spend any $$ at this point. Says I'll never be happy - she may have a point.

 

[designeraccd]

Only 3? Obviously a few MORE will then give you some choice, at least 7 are needed! OK, maybe my 17 are a few more than I need anymore, but heck I'm down from 22.

VFR is a very nice bike, but of the two (have an '05 with 1200 miles) I definately prefer the all around feel and usefullness + FunToRide quotient that the '06 FJR has. My FJR's torque is, for me, preferable to the noticeably (VTEC) HP that KICKS in on the VFR. Don't have a Fizzy 1, but after riding one a few years ago I had no desire to open my wallet. Have never tried the Honda. Out of 78 bikes over the years my '06 FJR is "almost perfect" for my tastes: biggest need....a better, i.e. more SUPPORTIVE (not softer) saddle, second: better rubber. This one did not come with BS 020s and I definately prefer them. Both my '03 FJR and '04 ST 1300 had them: for my semi-aggressive riding they worked beautifully in temps fom @ 20F to mid 90sF, wet or dry roads.

Suggestion: go for the FJR as the most versatile bike of the ones you mentioned. DFO :yahoo:

 

[FriscoJim]

Suggestion: go for the FJR as the most versatile bike of the ones you mentioned. DFO :yahoo:

I was afraid you were going to say that! That's what my heart and head keeps telling me. My problem is I don't have the patience to wait until it sells but if I had any patience then I'd be a Doctor. I've actually been trying to rationalize why I should get something now instead of waitng. Funny thing is that after being on this forum and a R* forum member for years and checking out just about every other bike specific forum out there this is the only one that about 98% of the members absolutely love their bike. All the others seem to complain more about their scoots and there are always listings of people changing from this to that. Here you get the occaisional member who thought the bike was going to be diferent or it was too much for them - usually someone who hasn't been riding for long and was overwhelmed by the Feejer. I've been riding for 36 years and gone the route from dirt to sport to cruiser and custom and realize an ST type of bike does all that I like to do. Hopefully they will find a buyer for my Warrior and I can have them do a flip and save some tax $$.

Me still thinks an FZ1 would make a nice stablemate for the Feej -

 

[Warchild]

Keep the FJR. Unload the Roadie, and score the 1000RR.

Then you'll be set for anything. B)

 

[keithaba]

Suggestion: go for the FJR as the most versatile bike of the ones you mentioned. DFO :yahoo:

Me still thinks an FZ1 would make a nice stablemate for the Feej -

No offense, but it doesn't make sense to have a ST (FJR) and a mini-almost ST (FZ1). The 06 FZ1 is more sport than the 05 and previous models, but if you want a sports bike, go with the CBR1000 as it will smoke the FJR and the FZ1.

I think FJR and CBR1000RR is a sweet combo, then you will have the best of touring and sports riding.

*edit* oops I just realized Warchild already pretty much expressed this idea already....

 

[FJR919]

I own an '05 FJR and an '06 FZ1, and they are both great bikes with their own virtues. Once you get used to that top end charge of the FZ1, the FJR feels a little anemic sometimes when passing. The advantage of the FZ1 over a CBR is the upright seating position and if you're over 25, it's a definite plus if you're going for a few hour ride. My friend and I both own in excess of four motorcycles each and we both agree that if we had to own just one motorcycle, it would be the FJR.

 

[FriscoJim]

Keep the FJR. Unload the Roadie, and score the 1000RR.
Then you'll be set for anything. B)

Problem is I own a Warrior and a Roadie - found a brand new still in the crate non-ABS ST1300 (2005) for $10k - about 3 hours away - Warrior for the ST and then the Roadie for the CBR - I do like the idea of the CBR as a 2nd -

 

[user 4144]

Suggestion: go for the FJR as the most versatile bike of the ones you mentioned. DFO :yahoo:

I was afraid you were going to say that! That's what my heart and head keeps telling me. My problem is I don't have the patience to wait until it sells but if I had any patience then I'd be a Doctor. I've actually been trying to rationalize why I should get something now instead of waitng. Funny thing is that after being on this forum and a R* forum member for years and checking out just about every other bike specific forum out there this is the only one that about 98% of the members absolutely love their bike. All the others seem to complain more about their scoots and there are always listings of people changing from this to that. Here you get the occaisional member who thought the bike was going to be diferent or it was too much for them - usually someone who hasn't been riding for long and was overwhelmed by the Feejer. I've been riding for 36 years and gone the route from dirt to sport to cruiser and custom and realize an ST type of bike does all that I like to do. Hopefully they will find a buyer for my Warrior and I can have them do a flip and save some tax $$.

Me still thinks an FZ1 would make a nice stablemate for the Feej -

I just sold my 2002 FZ1 which I had carefully setup and customized in the 3 years that I had it. It is and will always be one of the best bikes I've ever owned in my over 40 years of riding, after I finished all the tweaking (Ivan's kit, Traxxion fork springs and rear shock spring, GYT-R slip-on, Michelin Pilot Roads, etc.) that is. It was certainly the quickest and fastest. I love my 05 FJR but if I could have justified keeping the FZ1 I would still have it. I've never ridden a CBR-1000 or YZF-R1 or ZX-10 but in its final form, my FZ1 would handle well and go 0-100 in 5.5 seconds and that was good enough for me. And yes, I think it would make a nice stable mate for your FJR.

Cheers, Rick

 

[petey]

I have been very happy with the choice I made, and like it has been said before, the upright seating of the FZ1, sold me. :yahoo:

 

[gr8eyes]

You are a lucky man Petey

 

[petey]

You are a lucky man Petey

gr8eyes, I know! :agree:

 

[MVF]

I was very happy with my 1st Gen FZ1, but am looking forward to the extra versatility of the FJR. Personally, I've found myself more comfortable with the handling of my Yamahas than my Hondas at anything more than about 80-85% pace. Could be me, could've changed, but that's my $.02. I'm sure they're all great bikes- isn't it wonderful having those kind of problems?

 

[Toreador]

I've got an 04 FZ1, and wouldn't trade it in when I bought the 07 FJR. It is a great bike, and I've done just about everything on it, except for track days. I've modified it quite a bit, but even as versatile as it is, it wasn't quite the long haul bike for 600 plus days, even with highway pegs and risers. It isn't the best at anything, but does so many things very well I can't let it go. If I had to, I'd sell the FJR before the FZ1.

 

[fjr]

I'd add the CBR600R to the mix. I am 5' 11" and 215 and have been riding 40 years. The 600 is a great bike and if you are commuting the recommendation is for regular gas which will save some more $. I think I probably get 40 mpg with the 600 and the 1000, I've heard gets closer to 35. I also have to admit an 06 1000RR followed me home yesterday. :yahoo: Actually I pick it up tomorrow. :yahoo:

 

[FriscoJim]

I keep getting drawn back to that CBR - makes no sense but it is really comfortable. I'm anxious to see the 07 white 600 with the silver graphics on it - looks good in a couple a pics I've seen. Something about a litre bike though - the FZ1 in the cobalt blue is gorgous - I keep thinking I need one but can't get rid of the FJR now that I've got one and can't quite pull the trigger to sell the Roadie and can't afford a divorce if add a 3rd.

 

[Chips]

I agree with keeping the FJR and getting the CBR but then again, I have one of each (but a 600 not 1000).

 

[FriscoJim]

Got to take the CBR 1000RR for a test ride - very nice but completely differenbt feel riding than sitting - not very comfortable to me on the road - too much pressure on my forearms (engine braking etc.) - amazing scary brakes and extremely quick. Think I'll be taking the FZ1 for a spin to compare

 

[Gary D]

As much as I love the FJR I have a chance to get one of these three on an even trade. I would prefer the FJR but I don't really do any 2-up riding as my other half has her own scoot and just jumps on the back of mine if we go out to eat or for a short ride. Plus I am not in the mood to plunk down any cash at this point when I trade. I plan on using whatever I get for commuting, weekend rides and some overnighters and an occaisional long trip but most likely not a lot of superslab highway miles. I have my Roadie for any long trips that I choose to do also.Since all 3 of these can be set-up for sport touring (some more than others) I am looking for feedback from people who have had any of them. I know the FZ1 and the VFR can both be fitted with hard bags that look pretty good and are lockable - the CBR looks good with a set of CorTech soft bags - all 3 would most likely need a softer seat but that can be done easily. Just looking for pro's and con's - of course if I get a buyer for my trade that will get me the $$ for the FJR all bets are off. The wife doesn't mind me switching out scoots but since we have 3 already she just can't see the need to spend any $$ at this point. Says I'll never be happy - she may have a point.

I have had both the VRF (2) and FZ1 (2) I can tell you that the FZ1 is more comfortable and it will run circles around the honda. The FZ1 puts out about the same horsepower as the FJR but it is about 200 pounds lighter! With bar backs it is a very comfortable ride. I just traded my 2005 FZ1 for a FJR because I am doing more long distance rides. If I could have kept both I would have. Don't get me wrong, the VRF is a great ride and I just loved that v4 sound. However I felt that the FZ1 is a better all around design. My FZ1 is for sale on consignment in El Cajon, CA and I will miss it.

Gary