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which one to buy ????

Z

Zipedadoo

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Hey Guys,

I'm looking at buying a FZ1.

I found a 2005 it has a salvage title. The guy bought it at a auction. He replaced all plastics and the tank. 24000 miles. He has all the parts to finish, just cosmetic stuff. Says it runs fine but he has not ridden it. All for only $2200. Sounds kind of scary. Should I take a chance. It's 150 miles from me so I haven't seen it yet.

Or............................

A 2009 with 3500 miles. A few upgrades. Like exhaust. for $6200. That a decent deal ?

I like the look of the 2009 over the older model. Are there any other big differences between them ?

So take a chance or or spend the money and get a good one ???????

Thanks for the input.
 
Talk about both ends of the spectrum !!! Personally I wouldn't touch a salvage vehicle, you just don't know what frame damage or other issues the machine has and unless you want a project I'd pass going this route, at any price. New 2009 FZ1's are still out there for about $7k plus delivery, setup and the usual tax/title/license costs. $6,200 may not be way out of line if it is in perfect condition ..... do a search on Cycle Trader and see what used ones are going for.
 
You all are a bunch of chickens.......

05 has carbs vs. Fuel injection. Holds and extant gallon of gas. Tube steel frame. Both will give an ear to ear grin when to get on the right hand.
Can still obtain most OEM parts from many sources, but a bit harder for some aftermarket accessories. However the forums are a good place to search for bling.

As for which route to go, inspect both and make you decision. I would not shy away from the 05, but only because im more familiar with the nuts and bolts of the bike. Besides, the price leaves you alot of mad mod money to do just about anything....

Good luck!
 
BroHay said:
You all are a bunch of chickens.......

05 has carbs vs. Fuel injection. Holds and extant gallon of gas. Tube steel frame. Both will give an ear to ear grin when to get on the right hand.
Can still obtain most OEM parts from many sources, but a bit harder for some aftermarket accessories. However the forums are a good place to search for bling.

As for which route to go, inspect both and make you decision. I would not shy away from the 05, but only because im more familiar with the nuts and bolts of the bike. Besides, the price leaves you alot of mad mod money to do just about anything....

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Cant beat the sound of 4 carbs sucking away with a big right handfull.
 
$2200 is way too much for a salvage title.
In fact you can pick up a good, used 05 for not much more than what they are asking for the salvage.
 
Thanks for the info.

I did not know the 05 was not fuel injected. My 02 R1 was and I assumed the FZ1 would be too. I'm leaning towards the 09. I'm not afraid of a little work or the salvage title on the 05, but what scares me is that he bought it at a auction and has never ridden it. I guess I'll just have to check it out.

All the 04-05 and 06's I'm finding are around $4500. I think I'd rather spend a little more for the 09.

Thanks for the input !!
 
The issue should be is it a sound bike and how much can you comfortably spend. I would check the serial numbers on the frame and engine, do a little research to see if they match the year it is being advertised for. Then take it for a nice ride and see how it runs/performs. You will eventually be changing this and that anyway so you'll get into the mechanicals before long reguardless of what has already been done to it. If you can save a bunch of money by buying a used bike that's in good condition, you'll have some coin for other stuff. No matter what you decide, remember, a new bike is only new for a few minutes, once you drive it off the lot, you just lost a lot of your investment and the shine starts to diminish. The FZ1 has ben pretty much the same since 2006 and it wouldn't surprise me if it gets a good makeover in 2012. Just check out the new FZ8. Depending on what the company thinks, they could drop the FZ1 and come out with an 1100 to keep up with the newer competition from Europe. I never worry too much about making sure that I have the newest and greatest, just that the bike fit's my needs.
 
If that 05 didn't have so many miles on it, 2k would be a good buy, salvage title and all if it ran good....offer him 1,500 for it....My 02 has 12k miles on it; I sure don't have any complaints...
 
Try to get a ride on each one. You may prefer one over the other. At least sit on each one. Carbs vs FI imho is a draw. Learn to drain bowls on carbs (really easy)if sitting for extended periods. My Gen 1 carbs are at least as responsive as gen 2 FI and as smooth.
That being said, if you're interested in Gen 1 I'd shop harder. Paid 3k for mine, 22k mi, almost perfect, Ivans jet kit, 3 wind screens, soft bags, etc. Which ever one you choose you won't go wrong.
Ivan
 
Some insurance companies will not insure salvage vehicles so you may want to look into that. I also would think it would be harder to sell a salvage titled vehicle so I would not buy one.
 
I'm a little afraid of a "salvage title" bike....My buddy has one, we rode to Deals Gap last fall. His bike looks, and rides perfect, he put a new front tire on it before we left, we rode only about 1600 miles total. We just got back, and were sitting in my driveway and I noticed his front tire was smooth, with some cords showing. Seems that there is a twist, or bend somewhere in the frame causing a bad mis alignment, scrubbing the front tire.

As far as a Gen1, or a Gen2 FZ1....2 different bikes IMO...The Gen2 bikes have a little to aggressive ergo's for me (but I'm old), I like the upgraded suspension, and EFI though. It's too "sportbikey" for me I guess. I always thought that Yamaha should have just upgraded the Gen1's with fuel injection, and better suspension in 06.
 
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