jeeptherapy
New Member
OK, so I'm in the market for an FZ1 & have some questions. I've done some reading here & over on FZ1OA & haven't found my answers.
Mission: I'm 47 y/o, 6'3", 300 lbs & looking for something I fit, with enough power to haul my arse around & still be fun. Goals are commuting as well as some fun rides of a day or two in length. Not interested in the least in a Sportbike-type ride or posture. 'Sporty' is probably relative, but as it relates to "not a cruiser", I'm looking for a sporty yet comfortable bike.
Have ridden an old CB750-4 'back in the day', a KLR650 (present bike), and a R1200RT. Have sat on but not test ridden a Bandit & an FZ1 (Gen 2). Have read a bunch of reviews & comparisons, and have decided on the FZ1 with SW-Motech BarBacks (or different bars). (If Gen 1 bike, might not need them?)
Budget prefers a Gen 1 bike, but I may be able to make an early Gen 2 bike work.
I generally put some effort into suspension upgrades on my bikes for obvious reasons.
The Gen 1 look out for thread has been helpful:
http://www.998cc.org/forum/gen-i/1290-buying-gen-1-what-should-i-looking-out.html
But it's kinda the generic pre-purchase stuff.
VA_Rider & Polestar's notes in this thread was helpful:
http://www.998cc.org/forum/gen-ii/1265-what-differences-between-gen-1-gen-2-a.html
And it points me a little toward the Gen 1.
Some questions I've developed in all this reading:
-How many miles is too many on an FZ1 engine? 17K? 25K? I know it's maintenance (& usage) dependent, but I just need some relative calibration.
-I know each gen bike has it's issues, and I've read all about Ivan's kits (to correct each, I believe). But is there any "stay away from" years or possibly stay away from mods?
-For a guy my size is the Gen 1 steel frame better or worse (or same) than the Gen 2 Alum frame? I know the Gen 2 frame is stiffer.
-For my purpose (and location away from mountains) is a early Gen 2 EFI better or worse than a Gen 1 carb setup?
-There's plenty of threads on recommended mods, but I'm at a loss to find the recommended Suspension upgrades for a guy my size. Ohlins? I saw something about AK20's, but can't find out more info on what/how that helps.
-Ideally, I'd like to find a FZ1 FAQ, like my dear old KLR650 FAQ:KLR650 FAQ - is there such a reference for the FZ1 anywhere? (Google hasn't turned up anything)
Thanks in advance
Mission: I'm 47 y/o, 6'3", 300 lbs & looking for something I fit, with enough power to haul my arse around & still be fun. Goals are commuting as well as some fun rides of a day or two in length. Not interested in the least in a Sportbike-type ride or posture. 'Sporty' is probably relative, but as it relates to "not a cruiser", I'm looking for a sporty yet comfortable bike.
Have ridden an old CB750-4 'back in the day', a KLR650 (present bike), and a R1200RT. Have sat on but not test ridden a Bandit & an FZ1 (Gen 2). Have read a bunch of reviews & comparisons, and have decided on the FZ1 with SW-Motech BarBacks (or different bars). (If Gen 1 bike, might not need them?)
Budget prefers a Gen 1 bike, but I may be able to make an early Gen 2 bike work.
I generally put some effort into suspension upgrades on my bikes for obvious reasons.
The Gen 1 look out for thread has been helpful:
http://www.998cc.org/forum/gen-i/1290-buying-gen-1-what-should-i-looking-out.html
But it's kinda the generic pre-purchase stuff.
VA_Rider & Polestar's notes in this thread was helpful:
http://www.998cc.org/forum/gen-ii/1265-what-differences-between-gen-1-gen-2-a.html
And it points me a little toward the Gen 1.
Some questions I've developed in all this reading:
-How many miles is too many on an FZ1 engine? 17K? 25K? I know it's maintenance (& usage) dependent, but I just need some relative calibration.
-I know each gen bike has it's issues, and I've read all about Ivan's kits (to correct each, I believe). But is there any "stay away from" years or possibly stay away from mods?
-For a guy my size is the Gen 1 steel frame better or worse (or same) than the Gen 2 Alum frame? I know the Gen 2 frame is stiffer.
-For my purpose (and location away from mountains) is a early Gen 2 EFI better or worse than a Gen 1 carb setup?
-There's plenty of threads on recommended mods, but I'm at a loss to find the recommended Suspension upgrades for a guy my size. Ohlins? I saw something about AK20's, but can't find out more info on what/how that helps.
-Ideally, I'd like to find a FZ1 FAQ, like my dear old KLR650 FAQ:KLR650 FAQ - is there such a reference for the FZ1 anywhere? (Google hasn't turned up anything)
Thanks in advance