So it finally stopped raining this week and I started riding again. Yesterday I rode to work, then stopped off at home before heading out to my folks place. All in I put 110 miles on it yesterday. A few quick observations:
1.) stock seat sucks. No doubt, it's like sitting on a weirdly shaped 2x4. With that said, I finally did find a good place to sit (pushed back on the seat) and it was better. Compared to the 93 Nighthawk, it's not comfy at all. A seat is DEFINITELY in the future.
b.)This thing loves to cruise. Fast. The old NH found it's "Sweet spot" at around 50-55mph. That was were the engine was smooth, the chassis could keep up with bumps and the wind was not too bad. faster and the wind sucked the engine got buzzy and the chassis had a hard time keeping up with the less than smooth roads of central Indiana. The FZ found her sweet spot around 65-70. Hitting 100 was actually almost comfortable where on the NH I would have been fighting to physically stay on the bike.
iii.) Holy E36 M3 6th gear whines! I'm not used to that much noise out of the gearbox! Then again, maybe the NH did too but the engine, wind and other things kept me from hearing it.
Quattro.) Love the fuel economy. The old bike I was lucky to get 45mpg out of it when I rode fairly eco-minded. My first tank I averaged 53.9 when manually calculated, the trip computer showed me at 52.2. This tank showing me 51.6 after last nights ride which might or might not have seen triple digits a time or two because of the engine and chassis being so freakin' awesome.
Now, all this is after spending 17 years on a 30 year old design. The FZ is just an absolutely amazing piece of machinery compared to what I had before. I read all these threads of people (likely coming from sportbikes) that are not happy with the handling, or tires or [insert some perceived fault] and after now putting almost 400 miles on this thing all I have to say is: Y'all are freakin' nuts!
I am so happy to get back into the Yamaha family after so many years on a Honda. It really is a better bike in EVERY respect.
Spend time fiddling with the clip-ons and an aftermarket seat and you can probably find a sweet spot where you won't get a square ass or sore neck. Buy some ear plugs to fix the whine 
I had a Corbin on the VFR and LOVED it but the new offerings for my GSA are hideous things that look like throwbacks to 1970s vinyl couches. I picked up a Sargent brand from the ADV flea market and it's firm, well made and reasonably comfortable. I haven't logged any 300 mile days on it yet so no final word on comfort but that is really subjective anyway. It felt nice for the hour I rode so far. I wish there was a seat exchange so I could try all of them for a day with no obligations.
Fix the seat. Ride forever.
I mean this guy rode an R1 around the world.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:
I wish there was a seat exchange so I could try all of them for a day with no obligations.
You ain't a kidden. It's hard to pull the trigger on a new seat when they are so expensive and you have no idea how it's going to feel after a long day.
FZ-09. He posted about it replacing his nighthawk last week I think
yamaha
MegaDork
7/21/15 1:20 a.m.
singleslammer wrote:
FZ-09. He posted about it replacing his nighthawk last week I think
Yep, he bought a bike superior to the fz1.
The FZ-09 has gotten rave reviews from everyone I know that bought one. I lean more towards a Concours, but they claim it (the Yamaha)beats the snot out of it in every category, in real world riding by real riders!
Modding bug already hit.... windscreen came in today. It's a little tall, but for the price I can aways cut it down if I don't like it. 'll get some pics up tonight or tomorrow.
In reply to minimac:
Have you seen the FJ-09? This bike is very tempting...
Look at this bit of sex...
Too rich for my blood but fully on par with the Duc Multistrada as far as stoopid power and handling with upright position and no rear sets. It's got just 100cc on the Yama and FJ but a freaking sledgehammer 50 horses with a big flat torque curve.
Depreciation curve... work dat magic!
In reply to pres589:
That's very nice, but not two grand nicer. But I'm frugal
So installed this last night. Moved the bulk of the air off the nose from the lower chest to the chin of the helmet. Body sees significantly less buffeting at speed, but helmet noise is louder. So far I like. Kinda want hand guards next.
In reply to minimac:
Bigger tank, center stand from the factory, better tune in the ECU (although this can probably be flashed over to the FZ), slightly better but still not great suspension... If the desire is to tour, the FJ is the one to get. I'm also frugal, though, so maybe a year old used one next year will get my money.
Hand guards like bark busters? They are awesome in cold weather - especially with neoprene mitts over them but I don't think they will be aesthetically pleasing on that bike at all.
