Yamaha FZ's - test rides

[CoolBanana]

My Gixxer was in for a service yesterday and I took out an FZ8 naked while waiting and then returned today to try out the FZ1. I wanted to see if the upright riding position would suit me better - as I've suspected it might when looking at the Street Triple as my next bike.

My impressions are:

1. The throttle responses of the FZ8 and my Gixxer are better than the FZ1.
2. The FZ8 is obviously lighter than the FZ1 so more manoeuvrable around town and both are better than my Gixxer at low speed.
3. The FZ1 has much more midrange and is a more engaging bike to ride than the FZ8 albeit the FZ8 is a smoother ride.
4. My Gixxer has faster acceleration and a higher top speed than both but the FZ1 is much stronger in the midrange where the bikes are most used on road.
5. The brakes (Brembo) on my Gixxer are better than both Yamaha's.
6. Both Yamaha's are much more comfortable than my Gixxer.
7. I never quite appreciated just how much wind my Gixxer shields me from - the 'naked's' really do need hanging on to at 80mph and above. But they feel good to ride.
8. The FZ1 and Gixxer both have reasonably good-sounding exhausts as standard.

I discounted the FZ8 immediately but GSX-R600 or FZ1? The supersports looks better on my driveway but it also hurts my wrists / palms within a few miles and I've never been out on it for longer than 50 minutes due to aches and pains! Aches and pains aside, it is a brilliant bike and its midrange is not bad at all compared to the FZ8.

I nearly ran out of petrol on the FZ1 and I had stuff to do otherwise my 1 hr 15 min ride today would've been a lot longer. No aches, no pains. The initial launch is snatchy but after that it is a very nice ride - the midrange thrust is very strong and more than enough on a naked I reckon and I was having a lot of fun riding it.

If I ignore the Street Triple and go Yamaha, to swop bikes now means a bit of a hit on my Gixxer as it is only a year old. To keep repayments similar to my Gixxer, I could get a brand new 2010-model FZ1 on a 12 plate or a used 2011 model on an 11 plate with 500 miles on it. The 2011 model has the updated ECU which improves the midrange slightly and is £4 a mth more but otherwise a straight swop as my bike is the same age with 490 miles on it.

What to do next is my homework for the day! I'm currently researching how the FZ1 is perceived compared to its competition and how it fares compared to the Street albeit only a test ride will ultimately show the differences to me.
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Bike: Ducati Monster 1100 evo
Previous: Suzuki GSX-R600 L1; Yamaha RZ350RR
Car: Range Rover Evoque Dynamic Si4 Lux

[garth]

Why don't you go and ride a street triple?

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Can I ask if there's any difference in the insurance?
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[chris-red]

You have had your brand new bike 490 miles and are going to chop it in? I really don't understand people like You, it isn't even run in yet!
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

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