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1000 cc, Why?

theWolfTamer said:
Pass on the double yellow.

Now that you mention the regional aspect, I hardly had to pass on the dy's when I lived out west. Maybe I was slower then since it was before I got the FZ1.
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really depends on the road and situation if i will or not. because some of the roads (both main and back roads) are in rough shape especially after the winter we just had, so that adds another element of danger to it with the roads condition with potholes and such. so that's another concern for me at least, out here in MA
 
I basically lied in the other thread about driving sane. I would say I do drive sane 40% of the time. I just don't want everyone here thinking I'm a hooligan as most here preach the AATATT and no speeding and whatnot. Well I AM trying the AATAAT thing, haven't worn just a T-shirt since like November. However, I do drive the bike like a lunatic sometimes. I pass wherever I want to pass that is safe for me to do so, and I do it to get away from cagers. If this makes me a bad person, oh well. But in that video, the way they were riding is how me and my friends ride every time we go out. And that pass to me, was perfectly fine. I do things like that on a daily basis.

So if this paragraph puts me into a lower standard as far as what people think of me, so be it. But that is how I feel. I bought the bike for comfort, and the fact that it is a beast when you crack the throttle.
 
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Why did I buy a liter bike...well basically being 6'2" I found from the beginning that I just fit "better" on liter bikes. Matter of fact I have not owned anything other than liter bikes (first bike was an '88 Yamaha FZR1000).

I enjoy the power and acceleration whenever I can. That doesn't mean that I go around all the time riding like these squids around here.

There is a time and place for everything. Experience (and age) has taught me that. I don't have an issue riding at triple digit speeds or passing people, but it's always done when it's relatively safe. Around here there are plenty of roads with double yellow lines that go on for miles so the passing zones are just not there. Have I passed on the double yellow...yes...do I make it a habit? Absolutely not. Given the bike's acceleration it is safe and feasible to pass under certain situations. What me and my friend do most of the time is pull over and let the car/truck holding us up get in front of us for a good distance so that we can enjoy the turns w/o having to resort to double yellow passing. If you want to do it then that's up to you. As Brad (Hail) said, I just hope I'm not coming the other way when you decide to do it...
 
I think our FZ1 is down on power compaired to many liter bikes out there. I could pass just about as fast with my FZ6, it's just nicer not to have to use all the power - in other words just roll on the throttle a bit.

Do I pass on double yellow- you bet when it can be done in a realitive safe and sane manner. I'm working on mellowing out a bit around cagers but when in the twisties and no cages around it's time to rip!

As stated before power can get you out of trouble too. The throttle works both ways.
 
People will find a way to justify anything regardless of how unnecessary it is--their ego will guide them and convince them they 'need' whatever it is they're trying to justify.

I bought my FZ1 because I was curious what it was like to have a bike that fast and it was a great deal. It was fun and satisfying to have such a fast bike, but I sold it because the extra power was simply never something I needed. I simply used it to satisfy my own need for speed.

Even with my luggage overloaded for two people and two tires strapped to my bike, I've never found a lack of power with my current 650; even when making passes on the steep climbs of our alpine summit highways.

That doesn't mean I don't miss having the power the FZ1, but that's only for my own selfish desires and I'm better off without it. ;)
 
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I love the power. It's such a thrill. I pass every chance I get within my riding ability. Most every time I hit the twisties I'm about triple the recommended corner speeds. It's amazing to hit a corner in third at 10k rmp. I'm glad I have the fz1 and not an R1 for now anyway.
 
I bought mine because I wanted something more comfortable than my 2006 GSX-R1000 and something that I could pillion my missus on a bit more easily.
I test rode smaller bikes like a Honda VFR800 but they were just too gutless after being spoiled by my old Gixxer thou.
The FZ1 is more like a GSX-R750 in my eyes, nothing down low but plenty up top.
I think my 2004 GSX-R750 was my favourite Sportsbike and that's why I enjoy my FZ1 now as the power delivery is similar, it's strong without being too over bearing.
 
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Hail said:
You are obviously feeling guilty. I fail to see what that post has to do with 1000 CC bikes. You can do what they were doing on a 600.

I did not post in the thread you mention but they used very poor judgment riding as they did on that road. If I lived there (there were plenty of homes) , and had to deal with people riding like that every single day, with my family potentially being put at risk every time they came out of the driveway to go get groceries I might be a little bent out of shape. Not to the point that ass hat in the truck was but who knows his history or how many time his family or loved ones were put at risk from people driving like that.

I love to ride fast down some back roads but I am respectful, very respectful, from both a safety and noise standpoint when there are residential homes around. People like that give all the rest of us a bad wrap. Time and place for everything.
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I agree, Hail. When I watched the vid, I saw bad driving by both motorcyclist and truck-driver. (The truck driver bothered me much more, as his behavior was motivate by road rage) Those country roads had far too many driveways, houses close together and parked cars to be used as one's personal race track. I drive like that lots-in remote, mountain roads. When I'm in highly populated areas or even where there's numerous traffic signs and lights, I drive like a motorcycle cop. I want to make sure every one see's me, which is mostly for my safety. I always give the pedestrian a wide birth. Look, many automobile drivers don't like motorcyclists. (same goes for bicyclists, from whence a lesson learned for both comes from) I try and win them over. The law states we both have the right to the road and I want them to know I'm not a threat to them. They're is too much at stake to let things get out of hand.
 
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Sorry to disappoint Johnny but I do NOT and will NOT pass on double yellow. I did not buy a 1000 cc bike to become a rider who does not obey at least some of the laws out there. Do I exceed the speed limit? Yes. I'm not saying by how much... But pass on a double yellow... nope, not me.

I too came from the 600cc class and yes, that bike could do it all with a little more effort than the FZ1 but I did not do it then either.

I bought the FZ1 for the following reasons:

  1. Quality in craftsmanship - The FZ1 is such a well engineered piece of precision machinery. The FZ6 felt a bit "cheap" in how it was put together.
  2. Additional voltage - The FZ6 has very little extra output from the charging system and it was a balancing act to run heated gear and accessories. Forget a full compliment of heated gear... FZ1 has plenty to spare... Throw what you want on it!
  3. Power to weight ratio - Like Hellgate, loaded up the FZ6 and it was lacking badly especially in the hills. The FZ1 can take a full load, my big frame and carry it all without hardly a grunt!
  4. Looks - Not any liter bike would do. The Gen II FZ1 is IMHO the single best looking bike in its class. For me, the bike has it all and leaves little for want.
  5. The FZ6 had no suspension adjustment. The cost of getting to that point was the difference in selling my 6 and buying the 1 so why go through all the trouble when I can have a better machine.
  6. Performance - having all that added HP when you NEED it is an easy pick for this list!

You have to understand that there are riders out here who don't act like a hooligan when they get on the seat of a liter (or any other) bike. Some of us had that time in the saddle many years ago. Some of us don't enjoy being on the edge of disaster. Some of us just like to ride and take in the sights. If I couldn't do it on this fine product from Yamaha with a 1000cc engine, I'd do it on what I could afford, still two wheels, be it 800, 600, 500, 400 or 250 cc.... and I'd still have fun.... and I'd still wait for a passing zone.

There are times for fun and there are times to just enjoy the ride. Yes, I have my fun but I don't get out of control. I'm not sure you'd want to ride with me having heard how you like to ride. No offense but I won't give in to peer pressure out on two wheels. You all can wait for me at the next intersection. I'll keep up in the corners... I won't pass in them.... I won't go stupid-fast on the straights....

Like Hail.... Brad knows "The Pace" and I think everyone can benefit from reading that article as many times as it takes to get the point, to have it sink in. :tup:

Go on then, ride like a hooligan and get it out of your system... all of you. I pray that you all make it safely out to this old man's side of the fence and take the time to stop and smell the roses along the way. :D
 
just my opinion

I'm a biker since I was 14:aprilia red rose 50cc.less than 10hp 90km/h max speed.. I was always over the locals speed limits.. Than 16yo: yamaha tzr125r more than 33hp and 172km/h max speed..whit her my first and only drive licence suspension..147km/h on a 50km/h limit's road..Young and a little bit stupid I didn't understand that roads are public places build to travel on respect of rules and other people,not a place to try your bike's performance. After years,many crash,a lot of broked bones now my road driving is more educate and I understand that only on track you can really use your bike undependently if is a 125cc or a sport 1000cc..On the road you think that are going fast untill having all over control but you are only plaing whit your and someone else life.. Obviously on a bike,is it a 400cc or a 1200,is impossible stay on the legal limits because she is on our souls and can give us amazing sensations:this is the reason of our passion! My rgv250gamma was able to pass from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2sec and my fz6 in 3.5sec only whit first gear..is there any limits that you cant brake whit these bikes? Is really necessary a 1000cc?I always think that whit less power is easier go faster because on the road,if you are not a completely idiot,on a 1000cc a single fists or second gear acceleration till red zone,immediately remember us that our ass is not on a toy..So why a 1000cc? Because power is like a drug! Give dependence and you need more..more power more torque just to calm our adrenaline's needing...I had 8 bikes untill my fz1 that is my first 1000cc and I'm 36yo(corsaro 1200 was only twin cylinders whit less less power from fz1)and I decided for her on a moment of my biker's life when I was really needed more engine power! So my opinion:start whit small bikes and control speed instinct..whit years and experience improve the motor size if you fell that is what that work for you and tracks days when is possible..the danger is not from the bike size but always from the biker brain!
 
johnnyontherocks said:
After reading the responses for "this guy doesn't like bikers", I'am now wondering why most of us have purchased 1000cc+ machinery. I will be the first to post that my reply of I don't pass on the double yellow or I'am hesitant to pass in a passing zone was BS. If you are going to tell me that you own a modern 1000 cc motor bike to be a law abiding citizen you are not only lying to me but yourself as well. In the current state of motorcycling you can buy a bike that does everything the FZ1 does with much less power, additional power that you can't use with out breaking the law and public sentiment. Some may chastise me for posting my feeling on this but I own a high HP bike to make my passes in the quickest and safest manner I can.

Thank you.
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Sorry....I am that law abiding motorcycle rider......sort of. I don't pass on a double yellow, but I am NOT hesitant to pass in a proper passing zone, nor am I hesitant to do more than the posted speed limit......just not by a lot. I'm not interested in paying for the violations if I get caught, or the increase in my insurance rates.
 
johnnyontherocks said:
After reading the responses for "this guy doesn't like bikers", I'am now wondering why most of us have purchased 1000cc+ machinery. I will be the first to post that my reply of I don't pass on the double yellow or I'am hesitant to pass in a passing zone was BS. If you are going to tell me that you own a modern 1000 cc motor bike to be a law abiding citizen you are not only lying to me but yourself as well. In the current state of motorcycling you can buy a bike that does everything the FZ1 does with much less power, additional power that you can't use with out breaking the law and public sentiment. Some may chastise me for posting my feeling on this but I own a high HP bike to make my passes in the quickest and safest manner I can.

Thank you.
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You could say the same for the guy (or girl) who bought the new C6 Corvette, a Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche, or any other super sports car... I see a lot of these "fast" cars with responsible drivers behind the wheel and not breaking much for laws. Did they need all that power? No... The Toyota Yaris can get them from point A to B just as well. Do they find the same enjoyment as the Yaris? Not a chance! They bought the bigger more powerful car because they wanted the quality, comfort, class, style and additional power because that is what they desired.

Based on what you're saying, if a rider isn't going to "use all that power" they shouldn't have bought a liter bike? :shame: :cheers:
 
Hey Eric. My view is not, if you are only going to do the speed limit you do not belong on a 1000cc bike, but why have you decided on a 1000cc bike. I will never be one to tell people that they should be riding bike x because of the way a person rides. I am just being inquisitive. The underlying note was directed at the amount of flack and in some(not all) a small amount of hypocrisy that was directed at the first rider in the video with the good ole boy in the pick up. I would not consider myself a hooligan but have pushed the envelop of what is considered legal at times as I am sure a good number here have as well.
 
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johnnyontherocks said:
Hey Eric. My view is not, if you are only going to do the speed limit you do not belong on a 1000cc bike, but why have you decided on a 1000cc bike. I'am will never be one to tell people that they should be riding bike x because of the way a person rides. I am just being inquisitive. The underlying note was directed at the amount of flack and in some(not all) a small amount of hypocrisy that was directed at the first rider in the video with the good ole boy in the pick up. I would not consider myself a hooligan but have pushed the envelop of what is considered legal at time as I am sure a good number here have as well.
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No worries! But I have to admit that I find your statement to be a contradiction in and of itself. You state that you do, in fact, pass on a double yellow yet end the post with "but I own a high HP bike to make my passes in the quickest and safest manner I can." To me, a double yellow is there as your first safety net... it means, you are not allowed to pass under any circumstances. So, I have to question how you pass in the safest manner yet admit to a double yellow pass? ;) I'm bustin' yer chops here Johnny.... but I'm doing it because I am also inquisitive. :cool:
 
As I read through all the people's replies, I have seen something that jumps out at me: The way you ride your motorcycle is an extension of the way you live your life.

There are a lot of guys who would not think of breaking "The Law". There are others who view "The Law" as something a little more flexible. I don't want to debate which side is right because there is only ONE ANSWER - YOURS. Each person decides daily how they are going to live their lives.
I am kind of amazed at how passionate some people are about "The Law". If I would have known that people were so passionate about that I probably wouldn't have debated this issue and the video that inspired this thread. This forum has always been a place where people could talk about differing opinions and people be OK with that. I hope it remains that way

For me - motorcycles are an escape. I know that I sometimes push the limits of safety but I try to minimize those risks by doing it in certain situations. Sometimes I chose to break the law while I'm doing it. A personal example: The last race I had was with a Gixxer. Street racing is illegal. No bones about it - if we would have been caught - we would have gone to jail. However I made that choice.
My thinking behind doing it:
1: I like to race and like speed in general
2: Competition: The dude challenged me
3: The general excitement of racing
I made a value judgement as to my safety and what laws I was fixing to break (LOL - There were several that were broken - LOL)
Now I chose to stop when we started getting into a more populated area. In my mind that is the responsible thing to do because I don't want my actions to hurt someone else. That is where I chose to draw the line. However each person has their own line to draw and they can chose where that line goes.

We all share one thing. We do enjoy an element of danger because there is no denying that driving a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a cage. It has been very interesting listening to people's points of view and seeing how individuals interpret different situations.
 
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I have not read a single post in this thread where someone was trying to convince everyone else that they should follow the law all the time. Am I missing something? So far everyone seems to be sharing their views. My point of contention was not over following "The Law".

I felt I was called a liar (intentional, in jest or otherwise) in the OP and that is something I am passionate about. I am not a liar and I do not cross double yellows. I felt I needed to state that. Not crossing double yellow is simply a personal rule and not one I care if anyone else follows.

Other than stating that some of us are being passionate about "The Law" I like what Carl is saying. I do not see the law as being flexible though. I see us as being flexible. We all choose our actions on the road and accept the consequences for them.

How am I flexible with the law? I speed everywhere I go. I am minimum 10mph over no matter where I am. Carl and Jeff can both attest to the fact that I do not mind going 40-50 mph over some times. ;) So no, I am not passionate about the law.

I think this gets closer to where Johnny was going with this thread. I might have gotten here sooner if the OP were worded a bit different. I am from Texas and no one ever accused me of being quick.
 
FZ1inNH said:
No worries! But I have to admit that I find your statement to be a contradiction in and of itself. You state that you do, in fact, pass on a double yellow yet end the post with "but I own a high HP bike to make my passes in the quickest and safest manner I can." To me, a double yellow is there as your first safety net... it means, you are not allowed to pass under any circumstances. So, I have to question how you pass in the safest manner yet admit to a double yellow pass? ;) I'm bustin' yer chops here Johnny.... but I'm doing it because I am also inquisitive. :cool:
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Many activities/hobbies that I have participated in over the years are a contradiction when you mention safety along with it. PopularJock stated that after reading through the post he see a correlation between the reply and the personality. This may be trey in my case. My Brother inlay once asked me if I had any hobbies that don't require a helmet. That statement made me think about what I do. Rock climbing has a lot of different opinions as to what YOU MUST do evertime you climb and how you conduct yourself if front of new climbers. The debates on the forum I belonged to would get really heated and some people came to hate each other, but that is passion.

With that said. I don't thing you can pick laws that you feel are ok to break and wag a finger at others for their infractions that ours do( not saying that you are). At the end of the day when a incident has a bad out come it will be said that the bike did ......... and wether it a double, yellow pass, passing zone pass, speeding or whatever, when it all goes wrong the actual offense won't matter just the fact a offense happened is enough to discredit bikers every where.
 
drivers and riders sometimes have a similar existence to skiers and snowboarders for example. skiers came first, and then boarders appeared and many skiers felt like snowboarding was a threat to their beloved skiing and some attitudes were created and are still around today where in the eyes of some skiers, you are guilty by association if you're on a board. it's not as bad anymore, but it was at one point. and some drivers are similar, and because they might have been passed by a guy doing a wheelie on a r6 on a straightaway, or been annoyed by somebody's loud aftermarket slip on, they have an attitude and other riders are guilty by association for being on a two wheeled machine. i guess that's the nature of things. idk if any of this just made sense, but i'm trying to.
 
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