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2006 Yamaha FZ1

Sunday, 20 August 2006

Page 3 of 3

By the way, further design points contribute to its 24lb overall weight reduction namely the very nice looking analog tach with an adjacent digital multi display. The display is both small and lightweight with the usual idiot lights, a dual trip meter and a digital fuel display. The wheels also went from 3-spoke to 5-spoke, but remarkably, weigh less than last years. Maybe next year we'll see a seven spoke, and lighter still? The front suspension features compression damping one side and rebound damping on the other, adjusting one side of the fork obviously effects the other side and was seamless in action. I'm assuming this was done for weight and cost reduction.

So would I buy one? Well here's the conundrum - yes I wouldn't, and no I would. This is a bike that is fifty pounds heavier than the current 2006 R1. Personally I'd take that 2006 R1 and drop its fairing, add the risers and some shortened final drive and live happily ever after on a quality suspended streetfighter (some 20LB lighter still). No wind protection? I'll happily trade you 180MPH for the shit eating grin that bike will give me up to 140MPH - but that's a lot of work though. The lucky Euro's are going to be enjoying a freebie naked version (seen here) of this 2006 FZ1 bike, some 11lbs lighter too, are they more manly than we are? Ich' don't think so - how many of you have speedo's in your bottom drawer? Enough said.

Yamaha has done a brilliant job with this current FZ1, and it just plain gets it done. You could commute, sport ride and trackday this bike with minor mods ( mostly tire related.) What a wicked deal for just a little more than $9K Yamaha will probably add a set of fairing lowers and a higher windscreen to fine tune the bike to your ride style. The Euro's get a set of hard luggage (for their speedo collection?) As mentioned, it's one of the funnest motorcycles that Yamaha has ever given me the keys to - I just wish it had a little less clothing. Either way, if you have a current FZ1 in your garage that's anything less than a 2006, it's time for a well-earned upgrade.

You asked for it.

Mike Emery

Specifications 2006 Yamaha FZ1

Engine	Four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 5-valve DOHC
Displacement	998cc
Bore x stroke	77 x 53.6mm
Compression ratio	11.5:1
Fuel Injection	EFI with 4 x 45mm Mikuni throttle bodies
Ignition	Digital 32-bit ECU
Max Power	147.8 @ 10,000
Max Torque	78.2 @ 8,000
Transmission	Six speed - Cable clutch
Final drive	Chain
Rake/Trail	25 degrees / 4.29 inches
Wheel Travel FR/R	5.1 inches (both front and rear)
Wheelbase	57.48 inches
Tires FR/R	12/70-ZR17 ans 190/50-ZR17
Suspension, Front/Rear	43mm Kayaba inverted fork with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping Rear Kayaba with adjustable preload and rebound
Brakes	Front Dual floating 320mm rotors with four-piston calipers Brakes, Rear Single 245mm rotor
Fuel Capacity	4.76 Gallons
Seat Height	32.09 inches
Overall Length	84.06 inches
Dry Weight	439 pounds
Color	Silver or Shift Red
MSRP	$9,099

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