I'm looking into buying my first motorcycle, a Yamaha FZ1. Is this a good first bike?

Answer 1

First place to start would be getting some lessons. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the biggest group out there that teaches how to ride a bike, but there may be some others in your state. This will give you a chance to familiarize yourself with how a bike works in a safe environment.

An FZ1 would be a very hard bike to handle for a beginner. It's got enough horsepower to move a mid-sized car, not to mention touchy brakes. And grab the wrong amount of throttle when cornering it hard and you're in serious trouble. The best way I've heard it put is, "The trouble with these bikes is that they do exactly what you accidentally tell them to do."

I would suggest starting on a bike that is somewhat more forgiving and predictable. As you seem to be into sport-standards, my advice would be to take a look at a Buell Blast, Suzuki GS500, or Kawasaki Ninja 500 unless you leave the motorcycle class feeling you want to stay with a 250. Both of those have adequate power for highway riding and good cornering without being overly touchy. And if you want to stay with a 250, there's nothing wrong with that - small bikes have incredible handling and are a lot of fun to ride. 250 cc sportbikes include the Ninja 250 and Hyosung Comet 250 (also sold under the United Motors brand).

Answer 2

Well, not really. The FZ1 is not a pure sportsbike or a 'superbike' but it's still a very high performance motorcycle. If this is the first time you're buying a motorcycle (and I'm assuming you don't have a great deal of motorcycle riding experience), then it would be a good idea to start with a 600cc machine. Bikes like the Honda Hornet, Yamaha FZ6, Kawasaki ER-6n and the Suzuki GSR600 should be right for you!

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Answer 3

Totally depends on your riding experience. Do you have any? If not, DO NOT get an FZ1. It's scarey quick, especially for a beginner! Lots of power and it can quickly throw you off if you miss handle it.
Look into the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Beginers course. It's a life saver. Some states require it for a motorcycle endorsment.
Try getting some experience on a smaller bike- like a Kawasaki Ninja EX250 or 500. You can get one used for real cheap. And get a used bike if it's your first, because you will drop it.

Answer 4

Nope, too close to a real race bike. Think of it like this, would you drive a funny car as your first car? That's the situation you'd be in. Motorcycles physics are fundamentally different than that of a car, so every thing you know is out the window. Combine that with a horse to weight ratio just over that of a Lingenfelter Corvette Z06 TT. That's over 300 HP more than what is considered by some to be the fastest production car made.
I'm sorry if I came off as rude, but you will be putting yourself at risk no matter what bike you choose and it's better that you don't have your bike working against you as well as other drivers until you are comfortable riding.

I sugguest if you want a bike that looks and handles like a sport bike, but without the insane horsepower or touchy race insired brakes, one of the following:
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
Kawasaki Ninja 500R
Suzuki GS500E - Naked
Suzuki GS500F - Full Fairing
Buell Blast 500

And don't forget the MSF class!

Answer 5

well, it depends on the person. I am getting my first bike and it will probably be a kawasaki ninja 250 because of it's low weight and smaller bore it will be easier to handle. I will eventually go for a yamaha F6 after I get some experience,,,don't forget to take a riding course with the msf (motorcycle safety foundation) p.s. I would suggest a small bore like the 250, or a ninja 500. Hope that helps

Answer 6

no. You need something that is in your riding limit to start off with and the FZ1 is not it. You'll kill yourself or someone else with that machine. Start off with something with less power and get comfortable with that first and then move up as your comfort zone increases.

Answer 7

I have a FZ1/Fazer, and it's no bike for a beginner.