FZ1 demo ride

[ant_129]

Hey guys, I just got back from the Houston Toyota, Motor Cycle show.  I saw the new bandit and have pictures if you would like to see them.  It seems that plenty of people were crowded around it the whole time I was there, hard to get a picture with out anyone on it.  I also had the suzuki people confirm that the B-King is coming to the US late 2007.  

Anyway I also got to demo ride an FZ1 and thought ya'll might be interested in a semi-unbaised comparsion since I have only been on a bandit 1200 for about 5 months.  

We got to take about a twenty minute ride partly on the interstate and at highway speeds.  


The better than bandit qualities:
Really smooth acceleration and quick braking.
The suspension seemed to be better and the overall feel of the bike was lighter and tighter.  The bike seemed shorter than the bandit, which is why it probably felt tighter.  Clutch felt really light. It shifted easy (not that the bandit is hard but a noticable difference).  It looks really sweet (I was going to say sexy but that just doesn't sound right).  

Bandits redeeming points:
FZ1 lacked bottom end power until about 5K rpms.  I know I have already revved that bike higher than I have the bandit (8K).  I was shifting a heck of a lot more than on the bandit.  It felt a little more cramped.  It did not seem as torquey (which might be why if felt smoother to me).  

Overall I liked it but don't regret getting the bandit.  The main differences, I am sure, could be made up in mods for cheaper than what it would have cost to get the FZ1 plus I wouldn't have the power band that the bandit has.  

Besides I fell in love with the Aprilia Tuno.  That or the B-King will probably be my next bike which is a long time down the road.

[mike]

Good writeup...  Glad you had a good demo ride...  I almost bought one in 2001 without a demo, but the Bandit's price tag and engine gixxer 1100 powerplant history won my vote in the end...

[CWO4GUNNER]

Now I am all jealous and excited to see the show in Long Beach December 8-10th. I hope they have the new 2008 Concourse there as it holds a place in my dreams, did you happen to see it or know if it wasn’t there at the show? I Cant speak for Aprilia except like Ducati, everyone I know that owns one either hated or loves them and those that love them admit you get real good at wrenching on them.

[ant_129]

I believe that they had a "not offically released" version of the concourse.  It looks pretty nice, sorry I didn't take any pictures of that.

[06 Greyhound]

I rode a 06 FZ1 and found it a very smooth ride.  They retuned the engine for the 06 model and took the edge off it, thinking that it would easier to ride in the city. I lot of people have lodged complaints about the loss of low end power.  I did like the fit and finish of the FZ1, and found that everything is tight and smooth to use.
And then I bought a 06 -- Bandit 1200 with ABS.

[fritobandito]

Here ya go:

http://tinyurl.com/udgnu