thinking of trading FJR for fz1

[JamesH]

Long story short, I am looking for a bike that is a little more sporty but is still up to the task of going on longer multiple day rides with a more comfortable riding position. Enter FZ1. While I absolutely love the FJR for all weather riding, I am getting tired of constantly fighting the FJR when moving it around the driveway, parking lots etc... I'll admit, I can deal with the size but I was bit by the sport bike bug this past week after I got a test ride.

So I was shopping around and the local dealer has a brand new 2008 FZ1 for under 8k and they agreed to give me 6k for my 2005 with 29k on the clock. what do you think?

James

 

[zzzzip]

Long story short, I am looking for a bike that is a little more sporty but is still up to the task of going on longer multiple day rides with a more comfortable riding position. Enter FZ1. While I absolutely love the FJR for all weather riding, I am getting tired of constantly fighting the FJR when moving it around the driveway, parking lots etc... I'll admit, I can deal with the size but I was bit by the sport bike bug this past week after I got a test ride.
So I was shopping around and the local dealer has a brand new 2008 FZ1 for under 8k and they agreed to give me 6k for my 2005 with 29k on the clock. what do you think?

James

I've had 2 1st. Gen Fz1s and liked them. Seating position is about the same as the FJR. Of course ride and wind protection are not. I've no experience with the new FZ1s, but from what I hear a lot of people prefer the earlier ones because they were less sport oriented, and more along the sport-touring end. And there were some throttle issues related to the 2nd gen.

They're both great bikes, but I kept coming back to the FJR and I'm on my second one.

I think there are some comparison threads already on the forum, if you will look for them.

B)

 

[Tyler]

Can't tell you what to do but I can tell you that the FZ1 is a spectacular machine (mine is an '01 so I can't attest to any "issues" with the newer models)... I absolutely love it. My touring bike is a Triumph Trophy so I understand the weight issue of a full size touring bike. I plan on taking the FZ on a 2-1/2 week tour to Wyoming and back and I am extremely confident that it will meet all my needs and and be a kick in the pants to ride as well! I recently installed a Givi top case and purchased a MotoFizz seat bag so I think I'll be well covered in being able to carry all my stuff. B)

 

[cougar8000]

I had the first gen and absolutely loved it. Second gen is much MUCH more aggressive. It is almost like a real sport bike on the budget.

Because my wife rides with me sometimes I could not get Gen2 FZ1.

Throttle issue with Gen 2 got resolved in 07 if I am not mistaken.

 

[roger dodger]

After riding a friends G1 FZ1 I thought it was the perfect bike. Light, strong, smooth, yet easy to ride the first time out (carbs). Now after a 300 mile day we found him more tired and worn-out. I came from a Concours w/ lots of fairing and shield. The FJR is 'just right' and the FZ1 is great for short trips, but not as good on longer treks. Why not keep the FJR for long rides, and get a (cheaper) FZ1 for around town?

 

[03HiYoSilver]

James,

I can understand why you want a lighter bike...kinda. The FJR with the bags off is very similar to the FZ1 without the Adjustable Windshield. Even the Gas Mileage is the same or better on the FJR with range going to the FJR. FZ1 Range is about 120-170 miles.

I have both bikes, FZ1 is a 2005 GenI (Great Bike) which is the last year for GenI and has the Steel Tubular Frame. has a wonderful Carb system and comes with a 5.6 Gallon tank. The GenII has about a 4.6 Gallon tank, has the FI System, and some have cracked Aluminum frame welds. Both of these have chains. Frankly, if you want to want your wife to ride with you... FJR again. The FZ1 is a little tight (shorter) and you have to spend some $$ for those add ons to boot. Oddly enough, to me the FJR feels more solid in turns (planted). Do Check with your insurance company on coverage differences....

If it was me, get a good used GenI for about $2-4k for Solo Riding if you have to and keep the FJR. Below, if you want to do touring, is a link to touring setups: https://yamahafz1oa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75541

Well take off your bags, tighten up your suspension on the FJR, put your windshield down in the lowest position and ride it in the twisties for a day or two and think about it.

Hope this helps.

 

[yanktar]

I, too, have a G1 FZ1 ('02) and a G1 FJR ('04) and they are two of the best bikes in the world. I liked the FZ1 the moment I sat on it, but I've never found the G2 to have any appeal for me--it throws you forward so all your weight is on your wrists and has a gallon less fuel. Frankly, if I was going to trade in the FZ1 on something similar, I'd take an FZ6 before a G2 FZ1.

The FJR without bags is STILL heavier and has a lower COG than the FZ1, which makes it flick better, but it's much easier to grind pegs. Plus, on a blistering hot summer day, the FZ1 is 'way cooler. Of course, that means on a cold blustery day the FJR is far more comfortable.

 

[JRO]

I think that's a pretty good deal.

I've rode the G2 FZ1's, and I like them. They aren't as attractive looking as the earlier model, but they do everything else better. I toy with the idea of trading my FJR for a lighter bike, but I probably never will. A lighter bike seems to have a lot of appeal, from time to time. I think that's because the FJR is so perfect, it's almost boring.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[HelzBelz]

I just traded in my 06 FZ1 (Gen II) with 8k miles for an 09 FJR A..

It was tough for me... I loved that bike, but my wife wants to start touring with me (and I've loaded that puppy up with LOTS O Stuff).

On my way down to the dealer for the trade, my brain was frantically working overtime.. "how can I afford both bikes.... how can I let this baby go..."

I say go for it if you can deal with the serious lack of luggage options that make real sense. I have the Yamaha Gel seat for the Gen II FZ, and the Yamaha OEM Canadian touring screen that I would cut you a nice deal on if you do go for it.. PM me if you do.

 

[user 213]

I missed the '03 PDP and bought a '02 FZ-1 to ride while I waited for the '04 PDP and delivery. 14k in 10 months, with lots of touring type riding along with local rides. I also rode with a bunch of FJR guys for some trips, and can tell you some things I noticed. Might not be an issue for you, or might help you figure out if you want to do the trade.

Gears - The FZ is a six speed close ratio box. You row though the gears a lot compared to the FJR.

Wind screen, even with the large givi screen, the FZ is still pretty lacking in protection in less than perfect weather. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome on sunny, warm days. In the rain, not so much.

Bags - what bags!? I used soft luggage for the FZ and it did the job, but wasn't weather proof, held less, and was generally more of a PITA on trips. Can't leave it on the bike overnight like you can the hard bags. Have to always dig for stuff, doesn't hold a helmet, etc. IF you even think about putting Givi luggage on a FZ, just keep the FJR, it rides better loaded than an over loaded FZ ever will.

Seat - Well, that's a toss up. The FZ took about 4k to break in, then actually felt pretty good up to about 700 miles. The FJR seat took 6k to break in, and still wasn't great for more than 600 mile days. I upgraded to a Russell and won't ever go back on the FJR.

Twisties - here the FZ has the edge. The FJR is more stable, but the FZ is simply more tossable. You can hammer on the tight stuff easier than on the FJR, and lean waaaay over before you scrape pegs, even stock suspension to stock suspension. The longer wheel base of the FJR is better for fast sweepers and damn good in tight stuff, but you work a little harder. The short wheelbase of the FZ lets you toss it back and forth more easily, and you're still upright enough to not feel like you're back is a pretzel at the end of the day, (gen I).

HTH,

 

[JamesH]

Thanks to everyone for all the great insight.

Forgetting about the money issue for a moment, I am still up in the air about this decision. I really want a lighter more sporty / flickable bike to toss around in the twisties but at what cost? In a perfect world I would keep the FJR and just buy an R6 or R1 for the days I just want to get out there and run down my favorite curvy back roads.

Having both bikes right now is not really in the cards. I don't have a payment on the FJR and I thought if I could get a good enough deal I could just hand the dealer a couple grand and be in the same situation financially with a new bike that is shaded a little more towards sport than touring like the FJR.

Weather protection on the FZ pales in comparison to the FJ but Yamaha makes a full faring for the FZ that I could put on for the colder months along with a touring windshield. Then there is the issue of luggage capacity, I don't have a problem with using soft bags for long trips. I usually have two soft top bags in addition to the hard side bags when we go on long trips. I'll just have to be a little bit more efficient with packing. Unfortunately there isn't much that can be done about the fuel tank issue, but my wife's bike gets between 125 - 175 miles to the tank so I am not really worried there.

That being said, most of the time I ride to a destination somewhere nearby where we live and then back home. My wife and I go on weekend day rides (she has a HD Softail Deluxe) and once or twice a week during the warmer months we will take a ride somewhere close by for dinner. So other than the occasional long trip (1000 miles+) during the summer I think the FZ would do just fine.

I don't know if the FZ has any heat issues like the FJ but of course that works both ways. The heat is great in the winter and a little annoying in the HOT summer days.

I am going to take a nice long ride this morning with the bags off to help remind me what I might be missing. I am still relatively young at 35 so whether it makes sense or not I just might have to see if the grass is really greener on the other side. We'll see how it goes. I have no doubt if I do end up trading her in I will be back at sometime in the future.

 

[user 213]

Have you considered something like THIS along with the FJR instead of changing bikes?

 

[HelzBelz]

Thanks to everyone for all the great insight.

I don't know if the FZ has any heat issues like the FJ but of course that works both ways. The heat is great in the winter and a little annoying in the HOT summer days.

Definitely has Heat issues.. check out the www.yamahafz1oa.com forums.

It seems split between guys who swear there is a heat "problem" on the Gen II's (06 +), and those who think those guys are crazy because sport bikes get hot..

I definitely got used to it quick, but there is more air to cool you than on the FJR, so I bet you would fall into the "you guys are crazy to complain" group.

Wish I hadn't traded, they only gave me 5300 for my beautiful FZ1. (8020 miles, MINT, 6 oil changes in 2.5 years, etc.. I am fanatical about break in and DIY service, any bike I own is a bike you want to buy). They are probably going to ask 6500 for it (AT LEAST) and get it since they have no other FZ1's new or used, and mine looks new.

 

[juniorfjr]

The local stealer has a FZ1R, with factory lowers. I think it's kinda cool. The FZ1 is one of the bikes I demo'd at Park City and it was a kick in the ***. But before I gave up my FJR, I would look for a used FZ1 and try to have both. I think Petey, here on the forum has both, pm him.

 

[JamesH]

Long story short, I am looking for a bike that is a little more sporty but is still up to the task of going on longer multiple day rides with a more comfortable riding position. Enter FZ1. While I absolutely love the FJR for all weather riding, I am getting tired of constantly fighting the FJR when moving it around the driveway, parking lots etc... I'll admit, I can deal with the size but I was bit by the sport bike bug this past week after I got a test ride.
So I was shopping around and the local dealer has a brand new 2008 FZ1 for under 8k and they agreed to give me 6k for my 2005 with 29k on the clock. what do you think?

James

I have decided to go ahead and see what I can get for my bike privately after my visit to the dealer today. I guess you would say they were fair but I couldn't just pull the trigger without seeing what someone in the know or a fan of the FJR might think it's worth.

So if there is anyone out there who is interested in a 2005 Blue FJR with 30k on the clock and has had services done every 4k as well as the valves checked at 28k then let me know. I have a corbin seat that is a year old and black frame sliders which will be included.

Thanks,

James

 

[rockmurf]

They are giving you a fair deal on the trade,imo. However new 08's have been listed on ebay for 7000. How about a used 2nd generation fz6 which you can get for about 5k, 5 gal tank, cheap insurance, light weight, alloy frame, get the revs up and it goes like a bat out of hell. good luck

 

[Fred W]

If you have the garage space, I would seriously consider getting an older used sporty bike to supplement your FJR. For the amount of money you will be spending on this deal, between selling (or trading in) your FJR and then buying a new sporty bike, you could just buy a late 90's sport bike (or lightweight sport tourer) and have the best of both worlds.

The FJR could be relegated to longer trips. The sporty bike, since it will just be a day tripper, doesn't really need to be a new machine.

 

[HelzBelz]

Did I happen to mention, I traded an 05 FZ6 for and 06 FZ1, which I then traded for my new 09 FJR (I know, I know, I am dealer's wet dream - and this all started with an 01 Bandit 600 ).

I can honestly say - I liked the FZ6 a LOT.. till I rode a rented R1200rt for a Tour of the Cali coast. The day I got back I traded for the FZ1.

Besides the Big tank, and the incredible mpg, the FZ6's lack of displacement kills a good time real fast, especially when loaded down and trying to climb altitudes..