RnR
New member
Some quick 1st ride impressions after 150km (~100 miles).
Pros
1) No buffeting. Windshields do alot for protection, high speed comfort, and reducing fatigue but they often have the negative side-effect of causing buffeting. Sometimes it's just minor turbulence that a rider can live with. Other times it's that sudden side jolt, like a big hand slapping you in one side of the head then the other. The worst is the paint shaker. The headache inducing brain scrambler that ruins a nice ride. I can't tell you how many windshields I've bought over the years. So of course I'm thrilled with the smooth, clean wind blast on the FZ.
2) Comfortable seat. Really. I suspect I'm in the minority here and perhaps time will make me eat my words. Still if I can sit on a new seat for 45 minutes without my butt going numb it's good news for me. The slope works too giving good ... um ... clearance. I had a 1150GS that would put the boys right to sleep. Not fun. Ever had pins and needles down there?
3) Slick gear box. Almost Suzuki like. When the concentration and execution is right the reward is silky smooth shifts. The throttle pick up is so light, matched rev down-shifts are great.
4) Engine. Easy revving, strong torque, quiet but never lost in the wind noise. Definitely has a sport bike character. I didn't notice any annoying buzziness - but I have been keeping the RPMs down for break-in. BTW the mechanic at the dealer told me Yamaha does use break-in oil, 0W30. He didn't tell me to baby it. Just the normal stuff, vary speed, don't lug it, especially don't lug it when cold. Given it's fall be more careful to ensure the engine comes up to full temperature. Avoid short runs.
5) Handling. Again a little early for me to comment on handling. It's pretty cool here and I've been riding conservative. But it does feel very nimble and sure footed. Light even. The riding position is perfect for me. There is just a slight forward cant. Even with the upright position there feels to be good weight on the front tire. Also low speed handling in the parking lot is effortless. Drag the rear brake and weaving around at walking speed is a synch. I've always been a Bridgestone BT010/020 fan as I find they provide great feedback. Dunlop and Michelin may offer greater overall grip levels but to me they are vague compared to the Bridgestones. So I'd say the tires are a perfect match for the bike.
6) Brakes. Progressive and easy to modulate both front and rear. No hard braking attempts yet.
Cons
1) Too much throttle play. I haven't tried to adjust it out yet.
2) Grips are small diameter and hard. They won't be on for long.
3) Signal lights vibrate/shake. I did a quick "feel check" to see if they're loose. Didn't seem to be. Think that's just the way there are.
4) Don't like how the rad is hanging out there without protection ... will have to do something about that.
My overall first impression is "this bike is great". I'm really happy Yamaha has tossed up an option that has such a great combination of power, weight, comfort, and price. Well done. A very smart motorcycle IMHO.
Pros
1) No buffeting. Windshields do alot for protection, high speed comfort, and reducing fatigue but they often have the negative side-effect of causing buffeting. Sometimes it's just minor turbulence that a rider can live with. Other times it's that sudden side jolt, like a big hand slapping you in one side of the head then the other. The worst is the paint shaker. The headache inducing brain scrambler that ruins a nice ride. I can't tell you how many windshields I've bought over the years. So of course I'm thrilled with the smooth, clean wind blast on the FZ.
2) Comfortable seat. Really. I suspect I'm in the minority here and perhaps time will make me eat my words. Still if I can sit on a new seat for 45 minutes without my butt going numb it's good news for me. The slope works too giving good ... um ... clearance. I had a 1150GS that would put the boys right to sleep. Not fun. Ever had pins and needles down there?
3) Slick gear box. Almost Suzuki like. When the concentration and execution is right the reward is silky smooth shifts. The throttle pick up is so light, matched rev down-shifts are great.
4) Engine. Easy revving, strong torque, quiet but never lost in the wind noise. Definitely has a sport bike character. I didn't notice any annoying buzziness - but I have been keeping the RPMs down for break-in. BTW the mechanic at the dealer told me Yamaha does use break-in oil, 0W30. He didn't tell me to baby it. Just the normal stuff, vary speed, don't lug it, especially don't lug it when cold. Given it's fall be more careful to ensure the engine comes up to full temperature. Avoid short runs.
5) Handling. Again a little early for me to comment on handling. It's pretty cool here and I've been riding conservative. But it does feel very nimble and sure footed. Light even. The riding position is perfect for me. There is just a slight forward cant. Even with the upright position there feels to be good weight on the front tire. Also low speed handling in the parking lot is effortless. Drag the rear brake and weaving around at walking speed is a synch. I've always been a Bridgestone BT010/020 fan as I find they provide great feedback. Dunlop and Michelin may offer greater overall grip levels but to me they are vague compared to the Bridgestones. So I'd say the tires are a perfect match for the bike.
6) Brakes. Progressive and easy to modulate both front and rear. No hard braking attempts yet.
Cons
1) Too much throttle play. I haven't tried to adjust it out yet.
2) Grips are small diameter and hard. They won't be on for long.
3) Signal lights vibrate/shake. I did a quick "feel check" to see if they're loose. Didn't seem to be. Think that's just the way there are.
4) Don't like how the rad is hanging out there without protection ... will have to do something about that.
My overall first impression is "this bike is great". I'm really happy Yamaha has tossed up an option that has such a great combination of power, weight, comfort, and price. Well done. A very smart motorcycle IMHO.
