2005 Yamaha FZ1 | First Ride

[@billyruben116]

I've owned two 1st gen FZ1s. They are the best all around sport bike. They call it an old man's R1 for a reason-- A comfortable rocket.

[@markmason7019]

I have an 02 FZ1 that I bought for $2800 with 9000 miles. I own several bikes but the FZ is by far the most fun of them all its definitely an old mans sport bike as Im 60 years old

[@jimmyrexrode1135]

I just turned 65 and gifted myself with an '05 FZ1 with 19000 miles on it a week ago. I had an '02 many years ago and can't wait to get some seat time on this silver one, the faster color.

[@rustysutton]

damn what a steal , im looking for one i had a 2008 before but they had the exploding flywheel rotors etc

[@DougMagee-r6m]

I'm 69, love my '05!

[@westondifranco9313]

Some general knowledge on the gen 1 fz1. Ivans jet kit really wakes the bike up. The rear shock is too soft, can be upgraded to an R6 rear shock, or s1000rr rear shock. Dropping the forks in the triple helps the bike flick fastster. The fz01 forum is a great place for knowledge. People far smarter than me have fixed and upgraded every niggle with this bike.

[@Metalmarion64]

Why do some of them have blue tops to the front fork suspension? Are only some adjustable??

[@Metalmarion64]

And what year r6 people always just say r6 but a 2001 r6 is not a nice bike and has the same old school front forks why use that rear shock?

[@westondifranco9313]

@Metalmarion64 I believe the 08-15 R6R shock is what you want. You need washers to make up a little space. And the top mount drilled from 10mm to 12mm, and different connecting arms to keep the ride height the same. How much do you weigh?

[@westondifranco9313]

@@Metalmarion64 All 01-05 FZ1's have fully adjustable front forks.

[@DougMagee-r6m]

You can say that again. Love winding out first and shifting to second , have that front end lift up. 😅

[@giannidefranco3050]

I like to see a video like this after a couple of months you ride this bike, I'm sure you will change your mind about the handling. My first day on this bike look like i had an elephant between my legs...after few times she became a gazelle, with the power of a Lion, enjoy the ride kid.

[@TheCoolestCourier]

It's a great bike. Not mine, it's my friends. Nowhere near as nimble as the xsr but for the prices the fz1 is incredible!!

[@thomasblake7046]

Great video! I have a 2001. Got it for 4k with 16k miles. I definitely put some money into it. Stock suspension sucks. I upgraded to full race tech fork internals, bmw s1000rr rear shock. Ivan's Jet Kit is a must for more power and torque and one tooth down on the front sprocket. It becomes a totally different animal. You do that you'll pull on any modern naked bike at any speed other than like a Tuono or Ducati. The chassis and weight holds it back but you can get rid of a bunch of weight and with a suspension upgrade and good tires like Pirelli Rosso's, this thing will be flickable as hell. You probably can't believe it but it will handle great. Obviously it doesn't have the shorter wheelbase and lighter weight of your bike but you can get it way better. I completely transformed this bike for less than 1500 bucks. And the brakes are incredible. I want an MT10 but my bike is faster with better brakes. I'll still get an MT10 for the tech but I'll never sell my FZ1. I hope your buddy keeps it and puts some upgrades into it. It'll be worth it.

[@sugarrfree]

Where did u buy ivans jet kit?

[@thomasblake7046]

@@sugarrfree Google Ivan's performance products. You can search your bike and see what kits are available. He ships right away. You can even call or email him. It's a little involved installing because he has you clip the slide springs and drill holes. So if you're not comfortable doing it you can always bring it to someone. There's even KZbin tutorials on how to do it. Easily the best jet kit for this bike. Huge difference.

[@sugarrfree]

@@thomasblake7046thank you for coming back to me, am in uk do u think he will ship it to uk? Also on his website theres no mention of email, only call..

[@tarnishedsquid2967]

MT 10 is way better. Modern superbike chassis. Better suspension. Come on man.

[@thomasblake7046]

@@tarnishedsquid2967 Of course. Never said it wasn't. But I've ridden both and mine is definitely faster than a stock MT10. Brakes are far superior as well. Yamaha needs to figure out the issue with the shitty brake feel. Obviously the newer MT10 is worlds ahead of my bike, but I'm just commenting on how good an old FZ1 can actually be for what it is. It's just a completely raw riding experience. And you can find them for less than 3k. I'm still getting an MT10 or Tuono though 😁

[@brianammons6331]

my 02 fz1 has been the best purchase of my life, I've only had it for 3 months now, wish I bought one years ago.

[@sugarrfree]

Best bikes super bulletproof

[@theyack789]

I bought a 2003 model 1yr ago, and like you, I really wish I tested these 20yrs ago. So many bikes have come and gone but this is by far one of the best bikes on the planet.

[@EBthere]

Great video. Love your enthusiasm on the FZ1 !! I have an '01 and it runs fantastic.

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Awesome

[@ccreations123]

I have one of these tastefully modded, with vids explaining the bike/mods, it's a runner

[@sugarrfree]

I had vfr 800 as my first bike then zx6r that i crashed and now am proud owner of fz1 2003 with only 10k miles and what a bike this is… its not true that do not want to change direction, good body position and counter steer and youre gettin rid of chicken strips in no time

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Yeah it handles a lot better now. His tires were worn and his suspension was a little wonky. The owner has since fixed all the issues and it handles better at this point. Still heavier than an FZ6 or a modern Naked Bike but it's also way comfier so I think the trade-off is worth it

[@vicpnut1]

Yeah i dont have a ton of “ sport bike “ experience but by far my 09 fz1 is best handling bike I’ve owned …I know second gen is lil different but I’ve heard nothing but great things about first gen handling too…my 2nd gen with me on it almost laughs at me when I roll off the wrist into corners . It flicks like nothing ,so easy .

[@rustysutton]

@@vicpnut1 inspect your dynamo rotor the magnets can come off since they are glued in with epoxy and it will throw them down into your engine check if it has been replaced i had a 2008 and had to get rid of it since i found out after buying it already happened since there were some scratches in the rotor case and who knows how many more magnet fragments down in the engine itself wich obviously will trash your engine , almost all fz1 and r1 2006 to 2015 have these crap rotors installed

[@vicpnut1]

@@rustysutton thanks , but yeah one of first things i checked .am all good 👍🏼

[@JD-fd6gt]

I have an 03 R1 with a full Hindle system, tune, and velocity stacks. Even I wouldn't mind swinging a leg over an FZ 1. Nice Bike.

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Nice!

[@helgejohan3604]

Fz1 are great bike fast and comfortable ✊🔥

[@jimstenlund6017]

I ride a ‘02 FZ1 and would love to try out a R1, see what the differences are.

[@mkultrakill1385]

Just picked one up. Insurance and cost on the MT07 or Gixxer 600 were a painful, so randomly did an insurance quote for a Fazer 1000, cheap asf! The bike was almost half the price of the 600s and about a third in insurance cost. I'm UK based and had a full license for 2 months.. Previous bike was / is a Honda Grom. The pricing and facts are nutty and totally unexpected. Going from Grom 125cc to this isn't actually scary at all, it's a gentle ripper. Super glad I was economically pushed in this direction as the MT07 I used for training is dull compared.

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Glad you're liking it! That's a great way to put it, gentle ripper

[@MrJayjay0420]

Seems like you werent happy with the handing. How do you know the suspension was adjusted properly? Perhaps the bushings inside the forks are worn? Fork oil been changes recently? Steering head bearing adjusted to factory specs? Air pressure? All i am saying is there are many variables on an older bike with a questionable maintenance history.. Cool video, i enjoyed it

[@postersm7141]

I have the 2023MT 10 with the cross plane crank CP 4 R1 motor and I love it. I did ride the new XSR 900 last year, same color as yours and it is also a phenomenal machine.

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Nice, if the mt10 had a longer wheelbase I would be very tempted to get it! It whellies just a little too easily for my taste

[@JAleksandr]

I have what I found to be the perfect set of bikes (at least for an old guy…) ‘03 954rr for when I feel like I want to get after it a bit, ‘13 FZ1 when I want to ride and for the most part keep up but want to be comfortable for long rides, ‘19 Grom because after riding bikes for the last 43 years I found the dumbest fun to be had on two wheels, and ‘21 CBR500r to sit on the catwalk of my ‘19 Peterbilt and commuting around when I’m shut down. The FZ is such a damn comfortable ride!

[@Titot182]

I got a 2002 Fazer Thou as my winter hack, whilst my spring to autumn bike is an 07 R1. Despite the FZS1000 only making 129bhp at the wheels, the torque curve was as straight as a Roman Road, quite the contrast to the peaky R1 motor which put out 162bhp; reminds me of an R6 or my old ZXR250C. Motor is buttery smooth. Stock suspension is adequate for pottering around British B roads and is pretty competent 2-up and pulling the forks up through the yokes to steepen the head angle sharpens the turn in. But you'd be a fool into thinking that you can run rings and be a Street Rossi on this bike. The pegs like to protest by grounding out, thus reminding you that you're on a bike that will reward you for riding at 6/10ths with your pipe and slippers. If you are using it as a winter hack, ACF50 your exposed mild steel and fasterners.

[@LeeMcguinness68]

I’ve just got a fzs1000 last week on a 02 plate so it’s 22yrs old and the mileage is 2658 Man I had it off had it in his kitchen for the past 12yrs

[@BDX2BDX2]

Deff looking at these bikes seriously as it seems what I've been looking for. An SS designed to ride on the street, all day long, maybe with optional luggage. If you wanna go far you need to take more stuff lol. Came within $300 of an 08 FZ6 today. One owner, 9,000 miles. Price $3800, i said I'll be there in the morning with a trailer and $3200, he hung up at $3500. I don't blame him these bikes are massively under valued, but i got my 600 GSXR and all the time in the world. I'd never buy a litre track bike for the street it's just not me i like to wring them out not hold back (and live), but for this domesticated model i think the litre would actually make a few things better. From all these reviews it seems it's got the race I-4, but the trans gears aren't nearly as closely spaced. That would explain a lot of what's been said. Anyway thanks for the wheelies, great sound and great reviews. Meantime I'm just watching and waiting for the right one. No urgency there's plenty of used bikes out there 😉

[@billyruben116]

The 1st gen FZ1 is the best.

[@grunlowen]

I have a silver 2002 that I bought in 2005 w/ hardly any miles, and now it has only just over 11K. I only drive it short distances around my area north of Dallas, usually testing out the power. I got a custom seat cover from France back when I first got it, cut out sections of the foam, and replaced them with memory foam. Put in an Ivan's jet kit as well. It came with a lowered racing handlebar mount, but I went in the opposite direction and put on a slightly curved up handlebar. I can cruise around in total comfort, or lean forward and bang on it. Every now and then I read about the MT-10, etc, but then I take a ride on my 20 year old bike and get my adrenaline up, and realize that I have all the acceleration and power I need.

[@westondifranco9313]

Still got that lowering clamp? I think it was the GYTR 1" lower clamp that is super rare.

[@grunlowen]

@@westondifranco9313 Nope, sold it on the forum way back when. It was nice, and made the bike feel sporty, but not nice on the back. The bike also came with the fairing, but it was a pain to deal with, so got rid of it too. I still have the gyrt exhaust, repacked that a couple years ago.

[@westondifranco9313]

@grunlowen Nice! Mine has the lower fairings too. I love the way the bike looks with them and how much cooler my legs are. I recently got a black widow exhaust and it sounds great, but the gytr sounds the best. Raspy and tuned exactly for the bike. I'm super active in the fz1 Facebook groups and love the bike.

[@ripvango3489]

Trying to go look at one for sale tomorrow. The way you describe this bike sounds a lot like me on my 05 GSXR 600. I know they are entirely different bikes but the 05s and older didn't have all the emissions to work around, no nannies, just pure experience. The bike I'm interested in is an 05 and an hour away. We'll see how it goes but I'm pretty excited tbh...

[@necrosbowen]

i'm guessing your friend likes to run low tyre pressures, because you do not have to force the fz1 to change direction. you can either lean with the bike or my method is counter balance, it is very flickable and handles great, sorting the rear shock for a r6 or 1000r and upgrading the front springs makes it handle like its on rails but that doesnt make a difference to how flickable the bike is. yes its heavier than your xs with the weight higher so it will feel slower to turn in. but within a minute or so you get used to that. if you get the chance to go on it again do it and pump up the pressure on the front tyre to about 38psi the rear to about 40psi and it falls into corners, unless his tyres are squared off in which cause it is going to handle crap until it has new rubber

[@DougMagee-r6m]

Hey Dude, first I want to say I love your bike, that blue with the gold wheels. Now the '05 FZ1, I've got the faster blue FZ1 😮😁,, jk. I love this bike. It can do it all from sport touring to sport riding. The handling , yeah, the first time you come into a corner hot, ouch, it kinda scared me, I felt the weight and it didn't want to turn, I had to pour the English on the handlebars and hang off the seat. Now since I've put a 190 back tire, that seemed to help speed up the lean. My bike was given to me by a good friend, he put a full Delkovic exhaust and Ivan's jet kit. First and second I can't keep the front wheel down. Lol, yep it's a blast.

[@sekaf4125]

I changed my front sprocket on my 01 and Ivans jet kit. Unbelievable. I totally love mine and get TONS of comments to this day

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Awesome! Yeah shorter gearing is something I always thought it could use

[@helgejohan3604]

Sounds like a R1 too me✊🔥

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Haha yep

[@orca4785]

I have a Fzs1000 143hp and a lot of the sensations you express also depend heavily on the type of tire and the level of wear as well as the suspension setting. I don't think at all that an xsr can hold the fighter plane that is the FZS1000 if they are well managed

[@orca4785]

I don't ride at all like in the video, I leave first gear alone, I start in two and especially in three. Four, five, six, after 6000 laps it's madness...I have already done +6 hours days in the original saddle. I've had this bike for 19 years and I don't want to part with it, it's too good in too many ways

[@jimstenlund6017]

Did he put a larger back tire on it? That’ll slow down the handling.

[@jimstenlund6017]

Sounds like the suspension isn’t adjusted properly.

[@paulwise1297]

just picked up a near mint 2004 fz1 with only 23k miles... did astraight swap with my old kawasaki vulcan vn750 that i bought for €1500... no cash involved, just a straight swap. i did ok..

[@bernalblogs5256]

I have a 2005 and I had a problem when I go over 7000 rpm and I stop for a while when I put it back into first gear the motorcycle turns off.

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Interesting. Yeah that's pretty specific

[@dannykwan7834]

The R1 engine really tickles anyone . Its that good.

[@michaelrosbury2144]

Tire pressure

[@timothylash8678]

I have the same 05 in grey with 27K mi. Just bought a 24 MT10 this year with the intention to sell the old one. Still haven't and dont think i will. I love her too much! Now i have 2 sweet bikes🤷‍♂️

[@TheCoolestCourier]

That's awesome! The FZ1 is such a solid bike.

[@bloodrunneruk71]

I own the gen 3 mt09 and its Such a fun bike but dam i miss my fazer thou, such a good bike so im gona get another one and poor money into it.

[@EvendimataE]

i always make the exhaust of my bikes loud, they make me more happy than the speed LOL

[@vicpnut1]

What is that 2022 ? Xsr?

[@vicpnut1]

Got it Mt 07 …. Cross plane 3 cylinder right ?… if I’m right I believe that’s the whole deal with cross plane ,power is evenly delivered through rev range …where inline flat plane ( I have a second gen ) you get steps for lack of a better explanation…5k kicks in ,7 k is a whole other level of holy F@$k! I’m moving …. I dont spend a lot,of time past 7 k now that I’m a bit older ..on highway seems like once imup past 9 k in 4th and 5th I’m already more than doubling speed limits ! 140 mph in a blink Almost

[@CptSlow89]

Is it true that is so bad at cornering as reviewer said? That you need to lean to turn???

[@TheCoolestCourier]

No it's not that bad at all. I just wasn't used to heavier bikes back then.

[@CptSlow89]

One reason why I didn't like VFR750F cuz its weight and it wasn't flickable.

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Is that a Honda?

[@CptSlow89]

@@TheCoolestCourier Yes.

[@StreetRossi_1k]

❤❤❤

[@EvendimataE]

there is one for sale in my area for $1500 but with 125k miles. if he will let go for 1k i might buy it. now i have hornet600, but i think i want more power...LOL

[@helgejohan3604]

Faster then Xsr man😜✊🔥

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Not at the time. But the way he's fixed it up recently. He can get me at the light every once in awhile

[@stevenfox2782]

Like the silver but will take my bumblebee anyday

[@CptSlow89]

Yup it weight a lot thats why I want 600.

[@TheCoolestCourier]

The ergonomics and mid-range are incredible though. I can't stand super sport positioning

[@CptSlow89]

@@TheCoolestCourier I am still deciding go 600 or 1000 fazer.

[@helgejohan3604]

Xsr are no top end, low end and midrange only, 1 toth down on fz1 and wheelie easy ✊🔥Fz1 much higher gearing

[@TheCoolestCourier]

I love the gearing of the xsr. Fz1 is too tall of gearing for my taste. The CP3 feels like a lot of top end if you're used to twins lol

[@papatorr3669]

I'm guessing you're relatively young from all the things you said. I'm seeing more and more videos where the narrator is claiming that a sport bike is a cruiser! Why? Because it's not a fully faired sport/track bike. There are a lot of categories between cruiser and tier 1 sport bikes, please familiarize yourself with them. And FZ1 is not a cruiser. A Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 is a cruiser.

[@MizMods]

It's not, but it's classified as a sport touring bike if I recall. I get where he's coming from. My 04 is a sports bike but also for cruising, I'm looking for hard bags. But no, I wouldn't say it's a cruiser. vulcans, rebels, shadows, and such are cruisers.

[@CptSlow89]

It is heavy. Only reason why I am considering FZS600 same year for a same price...

[@Stars-and-Stripes-]

Your MT07 has literally half the HP power 75hp and a crappy parallel twin cylinder motor and the FZ1 and about 30+ftlbs less torque, You got to be crazy if you think that MTO7 is faster at all in any sense, talking about the MT07 pulls harder, the only thing it has is it is lighter, but not so light to nearly make up for the power of the FZ1..

[@LittlesSimRacing]

my first bike lol

[@shpritzerX]

FZS1000 is the original and I own it and demand justice! :)

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Haha, I've never heard of it. I'll check it out!

[@shpritzerX]

@@TheCoolestCourier It's the same bike. :) Just that the "first gen fz1" was actually called FZS1000 and not fz1 in Europe. In Europe they became FZ1 from the second gen. And mine is from 2001. so it's got "Yamaha" on the tank and not the logo.

[@sunnysidefarm86]

Got mine foe 750 bucks lol

[@TheCoolestCourier]

Nice!!