Road test of YamahaFZ1 1000 2007 is 70,000km enough for the test drive, chief?

Our tester's opinion on the FZ1 1000 from 2007

Flashback to how it all began:

Me: Hello, I've come to try out your FZ1, is it possible?
The dealer: Yes, of course, here are the keys...
(30 minutes later...)
The dealer: How was the test drive?
Me: Where's the order form??

And that's how, almost 4 years ago, I acquired this 2007 Yamaha FZ1 Naked version. Four years is a long time, but it's allowed me to get a real feel for this bike. So where to start?

When I bought this brand-new all-black FZ1, I asked for a few basic modifications right from the start, not wanting to keep that hideous mudguard, preferring instead to opt for a small wheelwiper, and that was that! Bah yes, apart from that, the bike is sublime, perhaps the exhaust pipe should be reviewed too, because even if the sound is magnificent, the style needs to be reviewed, and the choice of colors as well.

Anyway, I got my keys back on Saturday, and scheduled the first 1000km service a week and a half later, so I knew I wasn't going to be stuck at 6000rpm for long. But even with this engine speed, the sensations are there, and you don't really feel like you're dragging yourself along. Let me remind you that this is a 1000cc, with the engine from the R1, so at 6000rpm, you're already at 140km/h. It's the perfect way to get to grips with the bike, because if you haven't yet readoli's test of the 2006 version, you're about to find out with my 'little test'.

After a good running-in period and regular servicing by the Yamaha dealer, my bike already has 70,000 km on the clock. Nothing too serious for a bike that's nearly 4 years old. I've never traumatized the engine, and apart from a problem with the alternator rotor (fully reimbursed by Yamaha France), I haven't had the slightest problem with this FZ1. And the costs incurred on it were limited to the simple maintenance recommended by the manufacturer. So there were no surprises when I had to pay the 'penalty' every 10,000km, as the fixed price was already fixed in advance.

Anyway, enough talk, you want to know what's in it for you? Well, for a model limited to 106hp (as required by law), this bike packs a punch. It's not a vehicle to be put in everyone's hands, you need to know how to measure out the handlebars and how to control yourself when the time comes, because it looks so easy to ride that you soon forget you've got the Yamaha R1 engine between your legs.

So, to put a stop to all the naysayers, I've got a few figures for you for this bridled model:

• bottom of first: 136km/h

• bottom of second: 175km/h

• bottom of third: 196km/h

• max posted speed: 238km/h

I haven't tried pushing the other gears, but that's more than enough to overtake any grandpa who's forgotten his glasses and is driving at 50km/h in first gear.

Like I said, a real toy! Sublime roadholding with a Michelin pilot road 2 or road 3 mount. On average, I cover 24,000km with the front tire, and 16,000km with the rear. A rigid chassis that ensures stability in curves, and adjustable suspension that cushions you against road imperfections. On several occasions, I found myself in the middle of a corner, with my feet on the ground, or almost, and road imperfections; the bike that doesn't do you any harm. I've even had the audacity to break away from the throttle at full throttle, and the sensation is terrible: the bike doesn't move, and you can shift into the next gear without batting an eyelid. I also like to link my turns like a bird surfing the clouds, with my arms on either side. That's how easy it is to ride this bike and to switch from one corner to the next.

Engine-wise, the FZ1 is not to be outdone, with the base of the R1 reworked for more torque at low revs, this monster will take you into the woods, into town, into the mountains and even on long roads.

Although the turning radius may seem small for city riding, the high handlebars let you zip through traffic at triple gallop. The first drawback, however, is that the engine heats up very quickly, especially in town, often triggering the fan. Below 35km/h, driving in this heat quickly becomes a real ordeal, especially in summer.

Once you're on the small country roads, mountain roads or seaside, it's a pure pleasure to ride, and it corners as quickly as a CB500 (my previous bike). It's a pleasure to ride. The engine's torque means you can handle overtaking without having to shift down a gear. Although sometimes, when you're really low, it's exhilarating to shift up a gear, take off like a bullet and go from 50 to 120km/h in the blink of an eye. As my friend oli said in his previous review, with this bike, it's a bit like the fourth dimension: 4 ranges of use!

At low revs, from 2 to 5,000rpm, it's relatively soft, good for leisurely rides when you're enjoying the scenery and paying attention to fuel consumption (I'll come back to that later).
After 5500rpm, the engine starts to push, and you can feel the 4-cylinder, 998cm cube giving it their all to get this little 214kg fully-loaded toy moving. Having made a side-by-side comparison with a friend and his Hornet 600, both in second gear, so far it's the same thing, except that the Hornet is on its last legs, then the FZ1 kicks in ....
Here we quickly reach 7000rpm, after which it's impossible to return to earth. It's not unusual to feel the front wheel lighten slightly. The engine roars louder and louder, and you soon forget that there was an engine underneath. It's so exhilarating, it's hard to turn off the throttle. The sound of the original muffler is very pleasant, it doesn't burst your eardrums and gives you a sensation close to enjoyment with each flight.
And finally, for those lucky enough to enjoy the beauty's original 150hp, it's off to the stratosphere... No more games, this is for grown-ups only. If you ever feel like revving a 5 above 230, beware, it still lifts... (test carried out by my friend Romain, but don't try it yourself).

But as you'd expect, this escalation in speed and sound isn't all paradise, as fuel consumption quickly spirals out of control, and you soon find yourself faced with a blue coming out of the woodwork to gently line you up. As far as fuel consumption is concerned, I've never managed to go under 7l/100km. And with a reserve that lights up very quickly, 13.5l for the 18l available, you're soon at the service station to feed the cattle. With my cruising pace and the routes I take, it's quite common to fill up around 190/200km and put a good 15l in the tank. Don't hesitate to drive 20 to 30km on reserve, so you don't have to stop too often. For maximum fuel consumption, don't look any further, it's your wallet that's crying, and you'll have to take a break every 120km.

If you've ever had the urge to travel, this is the bike for the hardy. In the N version, be prepared to eat the wind and change position on the saddle frequently. And a word of personal advice: forget about your passenger right from the start. The sporty engine doesn't really spare the passenger, and this becomes a real torture for the latter, who has nothing to hold on to: the seat is extremely hard, the feet are too far up, and the right footrest even tends to vibrate with the exhaust. In other words, this is a one-seater, especially on long trips.
On the other hand, you'll be able to attach luggage quite easily and set off for several days on the road. A word of advice for solo riders: when you're in cruising mode, move your buttocks back slightly and flex your arms, so that your helmet can pass under the turbulence, and your neck will thank you for it.

As for maintenance, as I said, there's not much to do. On the other hand, you'll quickly come to regret the absence of a center stand on the naked version, which is optional.

What more can I say about this bike? It's a pure delight, and every day it makes you feel like a 5-year-old again. If I had to change bikes today, there's a good chance I'd go back to the same one. Although I'm disappointed that Yamaha hasn't reviewed it in 6 years. The R1's cross-plane engine would be a real asset against its rivals: Kawasaki Z1000, Triumph Speed Triple, Honda CB1000R or Ducati 1098 Streetfighter...

So, no, of course this bike isn't perfect, but it's such a thrill to ride that you soon forget all the little annoyances. The only thing not to forget is that you have to let go of the right-hand grip every now and then, so that the adventure doesn't come to a definitive halt, if you know what I mean ...

Yffic