Want an FZ1, looking at an '04 and an '05 and need advice, please!

BruinFZ1guy · 05-16-2012, 04:34 AM

Hey Fellas, newb here and have been wanting a liter bike for a while now.
It's looking like the FZ1 is gonna be the ticket for me!

I took an R1 for a ride today, but I think the FZ1 will suit my riding style better.

As of right now, I'm looking at an '04 with 29k miles and an '05 with 27k miles. The shop is asking $4500 and $4900, respectively, but I'm hoping to haggle a bit there.

As for miles, I've read stuff on here about people getting well over 100k but also people rebuilding at 30k. I'm sure the way it has been maintained and riden is key to longetivity. But, should I steer clear of something this high? I need something that will last me for a bit as this is my primary transportation, but also need something not too expensive.

I've seen only a couple for sale on craigslist, but I'm looking to use the dealer as I want to drop the credit card until I unload my current bike.

Does anyone have any wise insight? Alternatively, I can keep my '03 Shadow 750 with 16k miles and just wait until buying a much newer Fz1 is an option. I'm in Los Angeles, so if anyone has any good ideas for someting local, I'm interested in that too!

Thank you.

t84a · 05-16-2012, 05:19 AM

Search bikes for sale here as well. Those prices you're looking at are high. I paid $5k for my 08 a couple of months ago.

Torchsport · 05-16-2012, 05:33 AM

In case you don't know, the '05 is the last year for the gen 1. Gen 2 started in '06, with an aluminum frame, and fuel injection, as well as other changes.

Welcome to the forum. Do some more research, and shopping here, before pulling the trigger.

They are awesome bikes! (Both gens)

TJ 351 · 05-16-2012, 05:30 AM

For the money you are talking, you might find a little lower mileage Gen I.
I've seen nice ones around here, Ohio, for about 4-4,500. Specifically I tested a new looking 05 blue asking 4,500 with 11,000 miles last May. Just to give a perspective.
If the bike is very nice, it may be worth a little more. See if you can get rides on these that you've found. If you like one or the other - offer 10% less - and be a little hard-nosed about coming up from there. They expect you to offer less. It's a game - but make the game about a GOOD bike.

BruinFZ1guy · 05-16-2012, 05:47 AM

Got it. Thanks guys.

I thought that seemed a little high. There really isn't much on craiglist for L.A., so I think I'll look around a little further in the state. I did check the forums here as well. Looks like a guy has an '01 for a good price in Texas. I pm'd him and we'll see if he still has it (not that I'm really anxious to go to Texas for a bike).

I'll definitely wanna try a bike with that kind of miles before committing. I think the 10% less sounds like it would put me closer to where it should be.

Would you guys be weary (all things equal) of a bike with almost 30k? Oh, and the gen II is sharp, but I've heard the Gen I is the more reliable of the two. Thoughts? It sounds like the II is teched out more, which can be good for performance but pose maintenance issues possibly?

I really appreciate the info! Looking forward to putting up a profile pic of my new FZ1 soon! Haha.

Sammax · 05-16-2012, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruinFZ1guy

Got it. Thanks guys.

I thought that seemed a little high. There really isn't much on craiglist for L.A., so I think I'll look around a little further in the state. I did check the forums here as well. Looks like a guy has an '01 for a good price in Texas. I pm'd him and we'll see if he still has it (not that I'm really anxious to go to Texas for a bike).

I'll definitely wanna try a bike with that kind of miles before committing. I think the 10% less sounds like it would put me closer to where it should be.

Would you guys be weary (all things equal) of a bike with almost 30k? Oh, and the gen II is sharp, but I've heard the Gen I is the more reliable of the two. Thoughts? It sounds like the II is teched out more, which can be good for performance but pose maintenance issues possibly?

I really appreciate the info! Looking forward to putting up a profile pic of my new FZ1 soon! Haha.

I would not be weary of 30K miles. I think, in general, the FZ1 has a more mature audience and, in general, has had a better chance of being taken care of.

Gen 1 versus 2. Gen 2 faster and sportier. Gen 1 -slightly more roomy and better fuel economy. Both are a lot of bike and I favor Gen 1 for my needs.

BruinFZ1guy · 05-16-2012, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammax

I would not be weary of 30K miles. I think, in general, the FZ1 has a more mature audience and, in general, has had a better chance of being taken care of.

Gen 1 versus 2. Gen 2 faster and sportier. Gen 1 -slightly more roomy and better fuel economy. Both are a lot of bike and I favor Gen 1 for my needs.

Good insight. Less likely to have been owned by a whippersnapper that beat on it and didn't change the oil, than say an R6.

These still have mega balls though right? For example, would it be comparable in terms of acceleration and torque (though maybe slightly less fast) to say a 2008 R1?

TJ 351 · 05-16-2012, 06:38 AM

These are fast bikes!
Go on youtube and look around. Some of it on there is downright scary...

TJ 351 · 05-16-2012, 06:41 AM

look at FZ1 crazy old guy --- youtube

t84a · 05-16-2012, 05:49 AM

I've had both. They are both great bikes but I guess if I had to choose, I'd go with Gen 1.

BruinFZ1guy · 05-16-2012, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t84a

I've had both. They are both great bikes but I guess if I had to choose, I'd go with Gen 1.

Anything in particular that tips the scales towards the I?

BruinFZ1guy · 05-16-2012, 05:50 AM

I'd definitely be more eager on the '05 if it had 11k for $4500. There's also a '08 with 19k asking $6. That's pushing the budget, though, and I still feel like I should be getting something with around 10k for that, compared to what it looks like people have been buying. Of course, I am getting into the prime seller's market right now.

Funny, the trip to the dealership yesterday was "really" only to buy tires for the Shadow.

rswebscan · 05-16-2012, 05:51 AM

Both great bikes but a bit over-priced. I'm not aware of anyone rebuilding at 30K but if you abuse anything enough, you can break it. These bikes are pretty much bullet proof.

BruinFZ1guy · 05-16-2012, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rswebscan

Both great bikes but a bit over-priced. I'm not aware of anyone rebuilding at 30K but if you abuse anything enough, you can break it. These bikes are pretty much bullet proof.

I read of one or two in the maintenance forum...I think. If the bike is tight now, I keep up with regular maintenance, and am frequently well below the redline, do you think I'd be able to pull 100k like others here say?

TJ 351 · 05-16-2012, 06:01 AM

Look up fz1grl's threads - especially the 200,000 mile thread. She is the undisputed long term FZ1 mileage champion with over 200,000 miles now. She does regular maintenance, nothing special, her bike has always been stock - not modified, she describes that she does not ride hard (i.e. others would beat her - she doesn't race), and she bought the bike new - so the bike was never mistreated - only treated the way she has always done.

rswebscan · 05-16-2012, 06:00 AM

Easily....

They are $1000 too high on price though.

halouis · 05-16-2012, 06:03 AM

i brought my mechanic with me when I bought my '03 in Jan. it was from a forum member here and only 50min away. 30k on the clock, some nice extras, and very well maintained. my mechanic (a good friend) said grab it! I didn't hesitate.

I like the gen 2s as well. they look great and the EFI is would be really nice. But I went Gen1 for it's larger fuel tank and far better fuel economy. I LOVE going a good 200 miles between fill ups.

OH, and you will NEVER ride your shadow again once you get the FZ1. I had intended on keeping my shadow 1100 and having this bike, and the shadow wasn't ridden again and sold promptly. no regrets. riding the FZ1 is a completely different experience. thrilling!

BruinFZ1guy · 05-16-2012, 06:08 AM

That is awesome! It's nice to get the reassurance. Lol.

This one is in Pheonix, but I think it's maybe more in line. What do you guys say?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/3015388564.html

TJ 351 · 05-16-2012, 06:12 AM

$3700 for an 03 with only 3600 miles - is an amazing deal, in my opinion, if it is true and an excellent bike.

TJ 351 · 05-16-2012, 06:17 AM

Be careful, though. There have been some posts for bikes whose conditions were not completely, accurately represented recently - even on this forum.

In person stuff is very advantageous compared to distance stuff.

05-16-2012, 04:34 AM	#1
BruinFZ1guy Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 64	Want an FZ1, looking at an '04 and an '05 and need advice, please! Hey Fellas, newb here and have been wanting a liter bike for a while now. It's looking like the FZ1 is gonna be the ticket for me! I took an R1 for a ride today, but I think the FZ1 will suit my riding style better. As of right now, I'm looking at an '04 with 29k miles and an '05 with 27k miles. The shop is asking $4500 and $4900, respectively, but I'm hoping to haggle a bit there. As for miles, I've read stuff on here about people getting well over 100k but also people rebuilding at 30k. I'm sure the way it has been maintained and riden is key to longetivity. But, should I steer clear of something this high? I need something that will last me for a bit as this is my primary transportation, but also need something not too expensive. I've seen only a couple for sale on craigslist, but I'm looking to use the dealer as I want to drop the credit card until I unload my current bike. Does anyone have any wise insight? Alternatively, I can keep my '03 Shadow 750 with 16k miles and just wait until buying a much newer Fz1 is an option. I'm in Los Angeles, so if anyone has any good ideas for someting local, I'm interested in that too! Thank you.

05-16-2012, 05:19 AM	#2
t84a Real Bikers Pedal Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,396	Search bikes for sale here as well. Those prices you're looking at are high. I paid $5k for my 08 a couple of months ago. __________________ Ken in Maryland 10 Raider 08 FZ1 Yosh R77 Titanium slip on, Graves AIS block off plates, EXUP Eliminator, LARs airbox mod, K&N filter, Ivan's sub-throttle plates, Ivan's FCE, PCV, SpeedoDRD, Ivan's PCV map (awesome!), Satan666 R1 shock adapter w/R1 shock, Satan666 pegs (also awesome), dirt road seats, K1000 mirrors. JOIN THE AMA Helmet Fact

05-16-2012, 05:33 AM	#3
Torchsport Horsepower Whisperer Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cold Hell, Minnesota Posts: 3,255	In case you don't know, the '05 is the last year for the gen 1. Gen 2 started in '06, with an aluminum frame, and fuel injection, as well as other changes. Welcome to the forum. Do some more research, and shopping here, before pulling the trigger. They are awesome bikes! (Both gens) __________________ Current street bike infestation 2012 Triumph Daytona 675R (Super-duper sport) 2006 Yamaha FZ1 Retro (Tour/Loop Bike) 2004 Yamaha YZF-R6 (Track Bike) 2003 Honda Goldwing GL1800 (FOR SALE) 2001 Suzuki DRZ400S (Dual Sport)

05-16-2012, 05:49 AM	#10
t84a Real Bikers Pedal Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,396	I've had both. They are both great bikes but I guess if I had to choose, I'd go with Gen 1. __________________ Ken in Maryland 10 Raider 08 FZ1 Yosh R77 Titanium slip on, Graves AIS block off plates, EXUP Eliminator, LARs airbox mod, K&N filter, Ivan's sub-throttle plates, Ivan's FCE, PCV, SpeedoDRD, Ivan's PCV map (awesome!), Satan666 R1 shock adapter w/R1 shock, Satan666 pegs (also awesome), dirt road seats, K1000 mirrors. JOIN THE AMA Helmet Fact

05-16-2012, 05:51 AM	#13
rswebscan Nada Como El Sol Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 20,406	Both great bikes but a bit over-priced. I'm not aware of anyone rebuilding at 30K but if you abuse anything enough, you can break it. These bikes are pretty much bullet proof. __________________ Why are we here? Because we're here....Roll the bones

05-16-2012, 05:30 AM	#4
TJ 351 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio - outside the big cities - for which I am grateful Posts: 1,914	For the money you are talking, you might find a little lower mileage Gen I. I've seen nice ones around here, Ohio, for about 4-4,500. Specifically I tested a new looking 05 blue asking 4,500 with 11,000 miles last May. Just to give a perspective. If the bike is very nice, it may be worth a little more. See if you can get rides on these that you've found. If you like one or the other - offer 10% less - and be a little hard-nosed about coming up from there. They expect you to offer less. It's a game - but make the game about a GOOD bike.

05-16-2012, 05:47 AM	#5
BruinFZ1guy Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 64	Got it. Thanks guys. I thought that seemed a little high. There really isn't much on craiglist for L.A., so I think I'll look around a little further in the state. I did check the forums here as well. Looks like a guy has an '01 for a good price in Texas. I pm'd him and we'll see if he still has it (not that I'm really anxious to go to Texas for a bike). I'll definitely wanna try a bike with that kind of miles before committing. I think the 10% less sounds like it would put me closer to where it should be. Would you guys be weary (all things equal) of a bike with almost 30k? Oh, and the gen II is sharp, but I've heard the Gen I is the more reliable of the two. Thoughts? It sounds like the II is teched out more, which can be good for performance but pose maintenance issues possibly? I really appreciate the info! Looking forward to putting up a profile pic of my new FZ1 soon! Haha.

05-16-2012, 06:38 AM	#8
TJ 351 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio - outside the big cities - for which I am grateful Posts: 1,914	These are fast bikes! Go on youtube and look around. Some of it on there is downright scary...

05-16-2012, 06:41 AM	#9
TJ 351 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio - outside the big cities - for which I am grateful Posts: 1,914	look at FZ1 crazy old guy --- youtube

05-16-2012, 05:50 AM	#12
BruinFZ1guy Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 64	I'd definitely be more eager on the '05 if it had 11k for $4500. There's also a '08 with 19k asking $6. That's pushing the budget, though, and I still feel like I should be getting something with around 10k for that, compared to what it looks like people have been buying. Of course, I am getting into the prime seller's market right now. Funny, the trip to the dealership yesterday was "really" only to buy tires for the Shadow.

05-16-2012, 06:01 AM	#15
TJ 351 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio - outside the big cities - for which I am grateful Posts: 1,914	Look up fz1grl's threads - especially the 200,000 mile thread. She is the undisputed long term FZ1 mileage champion with over 200,000 miles now. She does regular maintenance, nothing special, her bike has always been stock - not modified, she describes that she does not ride hard (i.e. others would beat her - she doesn't race), and she bought the bike new - so the bike was never mistreated - only treated the way she has always done.

05-16-2012, 06:00 AM	#16
rswebscan Nada Como El Sol Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 20,406	Easily.... They are $1000 too high on price though. __________________ Why are we here? Because we're here....Roll the bones

05-16-2012, 06:03 AM	#17
halouis Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Central Virginia Posts: 377	i brought my mechanic with me when I bought my '03 in Jan. it was from a forum member here and only 50min away. 30k on the clock, some nice extras, and very well maintained. my mechanic (a good friend) said grab it! I didn't hesitate. I like the gen 2s as well. they look great and the EFI is would be really nice. But I went Gen1 for it's larger fuel tank and far better fuel economy. I LOVE going a good 200 miles between fill ups. OH, and you will NEVER ride your shadow again once you get the FZ1. I had intended on keeping my shadow 1100 and having this bike, and the shadow wasn't ridden again and sold promptly. no regrets. riding the FZ1 is a completely different experience. thrilling! __________________ -Hal '03 FZ1 "Lisbeth"

05-16-2012, 06:08 AM	#18
BruinFZ1guy Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 64	That is awesome! It's nice to get the reassurance. Lol. This one is in Pheonix, but I think it's maybe more in line. What do you guys say? http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/3015388564.html

05-16-2012, 06:12 AM	#19
TJ 351 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio - outside the big cities - for which I am grateful Posts: 1,914	$3700 for an 03 with only 3600 miles - is an amazing deal, in my opinion, if it is true and an excellent bike.

05-16-2012, 06:17 AM	#20
TJ 351 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio - outside the big cities - for which I am grateful Posts: 1,914	Be careful, though. There have been some posts for bikes whose conditions were not completely, accurately represented recently - even on this forum. In person stuff is very advantageous compared to distance stuff.

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