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Studied Poise
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Yamaha FZ1
Don Williams
09/01/2006
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Photography by Riles and Nelson
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As tastes and trends evolve, so, too, can a particular
model of motorcycle. This year, Yamaha repositions the venerable FZ1 from a
naked bike inclined toward sport/touring, to a performer that cultivated a new
affinity with the track-aimed R1 hyperbike. This is not to infer that it has
become a narrowly focused motorcycle—on the contrary, Yamaha has simply
sharpened the FZ1’s performance edge while retaining its ability to adapt itself
to a wide variety of applications.
 RIDING STYLE
Helmet: Shoei X-Eleven Kayagama TC-5
Leathers: Spidi NRG
Touring
Gloves: Spidi Tre Composite
Boots: Sidi Strada Evo Te-Por (Click image to enlarge)
This goal has been achieved via a diverse
assortment of changes. The aging ’05 motor has been jettisoned, in favor of a
retuned ’06-spec R1 powerplant. Horsepower and torque figures are therefore up
from its predecessor, with those peaks coming at a slightly higher rpm. Although
maximum horsepower of the new FZ1 is only 85-percent of the R1’s number, the
five-valves-per-cylinder 998cc in-line four is still delivering nearly 150
horses to the rear wheel at an even 10,000 rpm. Peak torque is nearly the same
as the R1, but it is delivered 2,500 rpm sooner. Gear ratios for the first four
of the six speeds in the transmission are identical to the R1, and the top two
have longer legs helping the motor feel less busy than before. Finally, the
previously excellent Mikuni carburetors have been replaced by the R1 fuel
injection system.
 Additional power requires improvements in handling and
suspension, so the FZ1 was blessed with a new all-aluminum chassis that
dramatically increases rigidity over the previous tubular framed model. Handling
is aided by a claimed dry weight reduction of 20 pounds, and it has also been
shifted forward, reversing last year’s 51-percent rear/49-percent front weight
bias. The engine is more compact, the swingarm longer and the exhaust shorter,
emphasizing Yamaha’s commitment to centralizing the FZ1’s mass. The front wheel
and discs share the same specifications as the R1’s components, and 43mm
inverted Kayaba forks replace last year’s Yamaha/Soqi conventionals. Kayaba also
supplants Soqi for rear suspension, though the new units are less adjustable, as
compression damping is now fixed. Finally, the ergonomics are more compact and
sport-oriented compared to ’05—the bars are now a bit lower and closer, and the
footpegs moved higher and rearward. In a nod to enhanced high-speed comfort, the
new windshield is over a half-inch taller. (Click image to enlarge)
Starting up with an absence of
fuss thanks to the Mikuni EFI, attention can be focused upon the task at hand.
The new riding position is not so extreme as to alarm an existing FZ1 owner; it
is just sportier enough to notice and appreciate. The hand and foot controls are
flawlessly positioned for intuitive manipulation. These attributes contribute to
turning a ride on the FZ1 into a seemingly effortless activity. Once underway,
the FZ1’s sole purpose as a mechanized genie is to fulfill every wish the rider
can convey.
 Contrary to the imposing engine performance figures, the power is
delivered in a way that doesn’t bully the rider. As a result, riding the FZ1 at
a casual pace is no less satisfying than taking it well into triple-digit
speeds. Cruising down the local boulevard to a favorite coffee house is neither
painful nor awkward, as is the case with the R1, although the EFI was sometimes
a little abrupt when transitioning the throttle open from a fully closed
position. For those who value the naked look, the potent motor is on display as
a part of a newly aggressive styling package that draws welcome attention, even
when parked. (Click image to enlarge)
After a reasonable dosage of caffeine and refined petroleum,
both the rider and the FZ1 will be ready for the challenge of twisting roads, or
an excursion on the local interstate to a friend living a town or three away.
You see, the FZ1 is both a canyon-devouring sport bike, as well as a closet
touring bike, thanks to comfortable ergonomics and a motor that is ultra-smooth
in both power transfer and vibration. Yamaha Europe is less circumspect about
the FZ1’s touring capabilities, offering removable hard luggage, a full fairing
and a taller windshield; certainly, for long-distance riders, a weekend trip to
your favorite Yamaha dealer in London will be in order. As delivered, 200-mile
days on twisting roads are inviting, rather than daunting.
Aggressive sport
riders will be elated with the FZ1 directly from the American showroom
floors. The new chassis handles corners with precision and confidence. The FZ1’s
Dunlops delivered the required controlled lean angle, in addition to a good
contact patch for straight line, 150-horsepower-tapping acceleration. The
chassis, thanks to its newfound rigidity, remains stable when pointed straight,
despite the improved agility in turns. The FZ1’s lighter weight chimes in, and
the overall neutrality of the handling allows the rider to transition through
repeated S-turns at will. The positioning of the bars gives the rider a degree
of leverage and dominance that persistently reminds him that he is in control of
the FZ1, and not simply along for the ride. Because of the deserved focus on the
handling and potent motor, you have to remind yourself to appreciate that the
suspension and braking are also superb. Their essential duties are attended to
so transparently, they escape your attention.
By infusing it with the studied
poise of a balance beam gymnast, Yamaha has transported the FZ1 into a higher
state of equilibrium. A rider need only guide the motorcycle into the realm he
prefers at the moment, then let it excel.
www.yamaha-motor.com |
800.962.7926
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