Folks,
Thought would update the thread as it has been long since it has been left dry for some time. In between my posts got an opportunity to ride/service the bike for a couple of rides and got to attend first ever FZ-1 Owners meet for Bangalore Owners. Hopefully we make up an occasion to have an All India meet as well.
Ride Impressions of the bike Suspension: Should admit this bike has been endowned with a very able & well tuned suspension, has a good 135mm of suspension travel for both front & back. The bike has been set up pre-dominantly on the harder side and this ideally helps when you are doing triple digit speeds. Options to fine tune the fork are simply too good where you can customise both for compression & rebounce. Currently at peace with default settings so will not be fingering them any much. A fellow rider has lowered the rear suspension which has made it a bit more stiff ride compared to the factory set up. Apparently he is reconsidering to factory settings the last time we hit the roads.
Engine: Well this has been my very first Superbike and as such am a novice to make any comments around the sheer power of this beast. The engine is very potent and needs to be treated with due respect. Contrary to my thoughts one would appreciate the smooth roll on that you can experience aboard a efzee. She pulls efficiently from speeds as low as 40 to triple digits effortlessly with a low RPM. Many of you would have viewed Nikhil's video which is an apt demonstration. (else do spare some time on his thread). Engine does not heat too much on the highways, but city she throws in all her heat at your legs. Do not prefer to ride her in city, takes away my sheer joy because of traffic/heat/queries. Exhaust note is quite muted but she howls once she above 7K, sheer music should say but my Duc friends say its wailing :(
Ergonomics: Very well set up, have done rides off an average nearing 500 Kms and must admit it has been pure bliss and effortless. Since you do not need to adopt an aggressive seating posture, forearms/wrists do not complain much. Seat could have been done better, probably one thing that i would wanna upgrade to Yamaha Gel Seat to ease my rear
. Windblast is pretty high once you enter the boundaries of 15Kays and above. Speeds above 18Kays calls for very strong neck muscles. Another sore point if you happen to travel frequently or an endurance rider going for long distances.
Handling: The bike behaves like a dream, cornering has always been effortless. Lo Speed corners requires me to move my position bit closer to the tank for a better flickability. Opposite goes for the long sweeping hi speed corners. The bike shows her weight during speeds of less than 20Kph. But once she is in her 40's its hard to believe that am actually riding a 220 Kilo bike.
Console & controls: Very well laid layout, easy to read and i have never had to take my eyes off the road to search for the odd button after a couple of rides. Speedometer console is easy read and one glance would give me sufficient updates (I look out for temp if in city and yep the petrol, to make mental notes for next refill). Break lever has adjustable positions which can be mapped to match one's palms,my current setting is on 3. Clucth lever can get a bit tedious if you are riding in city and envy the hydraulic setup on Jayant's Duc. Easy to locate & get the kick stand in place.
Service Update of the bike
Should say the yam service guys are helpful, they might lack the sophistication but they can be trusted with job delivery. Has been a pleasant one so far, promised the bike's delivery on time. First service was done when the bike had done 1026 kms. Oil Filter was in place and did not have to spend time waiting for it. Engine oil was replaced with the Yamalube 15W40, have noticed the engine being even more smoother. Air Filter was taken out and cleaned as it was not soiled enough to warrant a replacement. Total cost came up to around 3000Rs if i remember it right. Getting old these days sigh!!!
Will end my endless ramblings on the bike and post in a few snaps from the ride. However if you have any questions or sections which have been overlooked please do ask and will be more than willing to oblige you.