[Z Grand]

I finished off the break-in period on the new FZ1 with a 3-day trip to Deal's Gap and the Cherohala Skyway this past weekend. The bike was comfortable, ran flawlessly, and averaged 48 MPG for the 727 mile trip. One tank returned 51 MPG. Neither of us got bit by the Dragon and the weather was great except for Sunday. There was a light rain and very thick fog at around 5000 ft. elevation on the Skyway.

Here's a picture of the bike at the beginning of the Tail of the Dragon, one at the overlook, and one of it and my buddy's VFR at the other end.

 

[Z Grand]

Overlook:

 

[Z Grand]

End of the Dragon with '98 Honda VFR:

 

[Doug Hyde]

I'm sure that was an awesome ride! Hey, how was the roadway? I heard some of it got torn up in the hurricanes. A group of us may go down there in May, so I'm curious. Thanks!

 

[Z Grand]

US 129 and the Cherohala Skyway were both in great shape - no problems. The wet leaves were a little scary, but that had nothing to do with the roadway.

 

[fade]

Cool pics..............looks like a nice weekend. Great gas mileage but if you re-jet with Ivans you will lose about 8-10 a gallon. Have you had your carbs out yet and checked your specs? A lot of bikes have been off in the float and A/F screw adjustment. It also looks as if you still have the AIS in place. Removing this will allow easy access to the topend.......this was a much needed mod ....very glad I removed it.
Did you have to wait up a lot for the VFR?:killingme
The skunk bike looks so cool...........are we going with a carbon or Ti exhaust in standard or high mount?:glassesti

 

[Z Grand]

I think I'm going with a Holeshot standard mount slip-on in black. I have not had the carbs off yet -- if I go to that trouble I'll go ahead and do a jet kit (although I am perfectly happy with the way it runs now). The AIS definitely has to go, though. How long does it take to remove?

The guy on the VFR is a pretty good rider - didn't have to wait on him at all. Besides, we weren't going all that fast (well, maybe the cruiser riders we had to make our way around might disagree).

 

[fade]

You don't need to install a jet kit but I will bet you your floats are off and the A/F screws are not the same. Pulling the carbs is about a 15-20 minute ordeal and will really smooth the bike out. Checking the floats is about another 30 minutes and you can change the floatbowl screws to allen heads for future ease. If you install a open exhaust you will probably need to rejet or at least open up the A/F screws. I've had my carbs off at least a dozen times with fine tuning Ivan's kit. Go with the Holeshot AIS kit .....it was simple and no drilling required. It took about 1.5 hrs to install because you have to drain the radiator. Now worming the AIS pump and tenticals out is a art in it's own. You will just have to figure it out as you go ....it's almost like a Rubic's cube. It looks like it belongs in a Alien movie when you see it:smokin:
I do like the paint on your bike...:headbang:

 

[Berto]

hey Vern, 'bout time ya got it broken in. Sounds like a good trip.

In your opinion, what are the likes/dislikes compared to your Z1000?

 

[Z Grand]

Well, Bert, I actually find the two bikes very similar. Here are my impressions:

Z1000 Pros:
Fuel injection
Very quick handling
Styling
Nicer looking wheels
4-Way flashers
Standard hugger

Z1000 Cons:
Instrument design
No centerstand
Buzzy engine above 4000 RPM
Poor helmet lock design

FZ1 Pros:
Complete, analog instruments with seperate clock and 2 tripmeters
More comfortable ergos and seat
Smoother engine (is still buzzes a little, but only between 3000-3800 RPM - below normal cruising speed)
Centerstand
Better underseat storage
Better low end torque
Better suited for sport touring
Better brakes
Conventional helmet lock

FZ1 Cons:
Wind turbulance caused by windscreen and mirror placement
No 4-way flashers
Carbs (harder to start and warm-up than the Z)
Slower handling responses than the Z

I was very happy with the Z, and so far have also been very happy with the Yamaha.

 

[fade]

hey Vern, 'bout time ya got it broken in. Sounds like a good trip.

In your opinion, what are the likes/dislikes compared to your Z1000?

Betro for some reason I can see you on a FZ1........it's just like your 7S only more grunt and better suspension than the stock 7S setup. If you have'nt bought a new bike by ROTR4 you will have plenty of demo's...Z1,FZ1, SV1000.:wavehand:

 

[Berto]

Betro for some reason I can see you on a FZ1........it's just like your 7S only more grunt and better suspension than the stock 7S setup.

I won't argue that though I have taken care of the suspension part already - huge difference.

My issue was being on the low side of 5'8" and the reach was just a little beyond what I wanted. Wonder if a Corbin or Sargent would take care of that.

Oh, thanks Vern, that's some good unbiased input from someone who has owned both - not like some other fella roaming around this forum.

 

[Tom Bozeman]

I won't argue that though I have taken care of the suspension part already - huge difference.

My issue was being on the low side of 5'8" and the reach was just a little beyond what I wanted. Wonder if a Corbin or Sargent would take care of that.

Oh, thanks Vern, that's some good unbiased input from someone who has owned both - not like some other fella roaming around this forum.

Bert, I think the Sargent seat would take care of the height problem. The corbin on an FZ-1 at our height would make it worse. BTW, I like the Sargent seat on the ZRX much, much better than the corbin I had on it. Easier to move around on and plant my feet on the pavement.

 

[fade]

Actually there is a mod you can do to the stock fizzy seat to lower you's a$$. I agree with Vern but I did like the digital guage although I never played with all the buttons that were on it......and you could tell if you left a blinker on because of the instruments lights being LED's. Hell like I said if I had the money I would have another Z1000 just because it was such a cool and fun bike to ride. I have'nt seen the new matt silver Z .... but the orange sure catches your eye. The black Z would look better with gold accents and gold wheels........I never could get used to that red seat. The fizzy also has more leg room and a clunky trans compared to the Z.:smokin:

 

[Berto]

Truth is I don't need a liter bike, yet, you know... :mouthwate

The ZR-7 just works for me and I would be kicking myself in the arse if I got rid of her, maybe a little homely, but always there when ya need her and always willing to play. :mwink:

If 2up was my bag I would definitely be looking at the FZ1, more so than the Z1.

Hell, maybe I could swing all 3!! Utah, here I come!! :thinkerg:

 

[Tom Bozeman]

Truth is I don't need a liter bike, yet, you know... :mouthwate

:thinkerg:

Keep that thought and hang tough Bert. Because if you should one day get a litre bike..............

 

[Berto]

Keep that thought and hang tough Bert. Because if you should one day get a litre bike..............

Could a had a green bike if I wanted, but I didn't want a green one.

 

[Tom Bozeman]

Could a had a green bike if I wanted, but I didn't want a green one.

Hmmm, can't blame ya on that one..... you'll be OK for another year or two..... your time will come, the assimilation that is......:smilewink