2002 Yamaha FZ1

Pros: A tremendously capable and powerful bike
Cons: Some small details and technical problems subtract from the overall experience

If a motorcycle could grow up, like a child, when it reached puberty it would be the Yamaha FZ1. It would look at itself in the mirror and discover that it’s grown muscles (998cc, 140 hp inline four cylinder). It would admire the stubble on its chin ...

Pros: Power, Speed, Acceleration, Handling, Value for Price, Low Cost of Ownership, Riding Comfort, Ergonomics
Cons: None

Background: Just so you can put the subjects in my review in a proper perspective, I am a muscular ...

Pros: Gobs of power on tap, excellent real world ergos, entirely a great package
Cons: Poor wind protection, lack of aftermarket parts, a bit too high

As hard as I try there is just little bad to say about this machine - and despite my title, it's NOT just for adults. Although my bike of choice this year is clearly my new 2002 silver R1, I still LOVE my FZ1 to death and refuse to sell it (like my...

Pros: Outstanding all around motorcycle and the new "standards" bearer for its class. Bargain priced.
Cons: Windscreen too short if you're taller than 5'10", but just the opposite on seat height.

My recent purchase of a leftover '02 FZ1 in Liquid Silver has me beaming with pride in ownership. The FZ1 in this color is very stylish and elegant looking motorcycle. A Liquid silver paint job showcases the bike's all exposed chassis and phenomenal...

Pros: Comfy (long trip/2-up). Handling. POWER! Cheap Insurance. Center-stand.
Cons: Wind buffeting starts around 85MPH. That's IT!

[Note: this review is of a 2001 Model]

Due to some injuries I decided to take a hiatus from Dirt Bikes for awhile and get a street bike again.

I work from home most of the time but a couple of times a month I commute 50 miles from...

Pros: Seamless 998cc power; Crisp balanced handling; fantastic ergonomics; All A+
Cons: Needs more hooks or nuts on tail, slight mirror vibration, that's it!

I am a 42 year old buyer who evaluates everything from all angles, price, performance, comfort, reliability, service and support (costs), overall value for the dollar, etc. before I purchase a motorcycle. I was looking for an all-purpose sport standard...

Pros: Powerful Engine, Comfortable riding position, Bright Headlights, Digital Clock, "Crowd Pleasing"
Cons: Cost $10,000 OTD, Cold Blooded, "Warm" Engine, Little Wind Protection

My Christmas gift was the right to upgrade my '01 Kawasaki ZR-7s. I did a great deal of research and decided that since I loved the "naked" street bike look (exposed engine) this was the best bike for the money. After my initial ride this is how I felt:...

Pros: speed, power (140+hp), maneuverability, adrenaline, gas mileage, seating position
Cons: around $9000 with expenses, not for the weak of heart, speed,

Having purchased this motorcycle I've got to say it's a GREAT motorcycle.

Before I start, let me state that I've been commuting year round on motorcycles since 1986 - including the NYC metro area, Washington DC area, SF Bay area, as...

Pros: Power, handling, suspension, seat
Cons: Wind (but I'm nit-picking)

In Southeast Texas, the best time to ride a motorcycle is from September through May, but of course, if you don't mind the heat and humidity, it's a year-round deal. Commuting 35 miles to Houston on the motorcycle is easier, really, than doing it in a ...

Pros: I loved the power, handling, seating position, and not being stranded!
Cons: The low RPM snap stained some drawers before the Micron exhaust got put on.

I purchased my new FZ1 in April of 2002 for $7200.00. It was my very first street bike. I had to have it because of its look and riding position. I don't want to sit on my crotch ever! After 30,000 miles of riding in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West ...

Pros: awesome power, fully adjustable suspension, dependable, looks awesome, comfortable
Cons: wore tires out pretty quickly, chain adjustments

I had an FZ1 from April 30, 2003 to April 22 2004. The only reason I stopped riding was the bike and I wound up in a ditch together and I broke my right arm in 5 places. This was the third bike I've ridden, the first and second being a ninja 250 and a ...

Pros: Power, comfort, handling, impact.
Cons: Easy to stall, especially when cold.

Being one from the numerous '68-generation, I grew up together with the japanese invasion, switching from Triumph Twins to Kawasaki 2 and 3-cylinder two-strokes (oh what heavenly fun when lots of blue smoke wasn't considered dangerous to the ...

Pros: Handling, power, brakes, reliability.
Cons: It's not the best looking bike on earth.

This bike makes me feel like a much better rider than I am. Though I've been riding regularly for the past 15 years, I'm not a knee dragging daredevil. This bike handles like an scalpel--I never feel like i've come into a corner too hot, the bike always ...

Pros: The engine is the heart and sole of this motorcycle. It has power everywhere.
Cons: The wind screen is way too short and moves your head around like a bobblehead.

Anything this powerful, fun to ride and gives such a rush should be illegal to own let alone ride. Then again you do have a throttle to control that power but the power is very addictive. Learn to control the throttle and this motorcycle does everything ...

Pros: Herculean power, balletic grace, and looks that are the only thing faster than the bike.
Cons: Excessive wind for long rides (at least when driving over 80 mph)

I have been in the market to upgrade my bike for several years now. Boy am I glad that I was not able to do it until after the new FZ1 came out! I have always been a fan of the Yamaha Fazer, so when I heard that they were releasing a new Fazer model, I...