Any FZ1s here?

transalpian · 01-22-2007, 12:58 PM

As a further hello (and to get rid of the annoying "no posts" header):

Any FZ1 riders here? If so, I'm curious what (if anything) you do/did to prepare for track days.

Thanks

Scout · 01-22-2007, 05:26 PM

I don't own because I'm down to single bike status, but for trackdays I know plenty of people who use "turkey baster pans" wired in for the "oil catch pan" requirement...

and Welcome!

CBRVFR · 01-22-2007, 06:19 PM

I know of no trackday organizations that have a catch-pan requirement, though nearly all race orgs do.

The level of preparation depends on the rules of that particular company and varies a bit for the different classes.

Generally, ( whether it is required or not ) you want to remove all propolyne glycol - based coolant and replace it with distilled water with Redline Water-Wetter, so if your bike falls, or develops a leak, the track isn't covered with incredibly slick coolant.

At the least, all bolts that lead to oil passages and the oil filter should be checked for correct torque and a glop of silicone placed where it can prevent the bolt, oil filler cap, or filter from backing out.

Better, and safer for you, is to safety wire those oil and coolant bolts. The oil that you drop is hitting your rear tire first..

Mirrors should be removed, and directionals should be also, though people tape them up frequently with painter's masking tape. Headlights and tail lenses are to be taped as well, and bulbs, connectors, or or fuses should be removed so the rider behind you isn't distracted by the flashing of the brake light, and so you don't melt the tape onto your bike.

All the trackday companies have these requirements in their FAQs

Motorace · 01-23-2007, 06:26 AM

I had an FZ-1.

Then I put a sidecar on it!!

FrenchieR6 · 01-23-2007, 07:44 AM

Not yet but that could be my new trade for my cruiser...

I'm looking for the 07 burgundy one.

Heavy-Dee · 01-23-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrenchieR6

I'm looking for the 07 burgundy one.

I'm a big fan...

not2shabby · 01-23-2007, 09:12 AM

I've got one, only done a few track days on it though. I got it for a street bike, my body couldn't handle more that 200 miles/day on the 954 anymore. The FZ1 doesn't have as much ground clearance as the RR bikes, so I'd suggest some adjustable footpegs and if you weigh over 150 lbs., you'll probably want to invest in some suspension upgrades; springs, maybe an aftermarket shock. It depends on how much you want to spend. I'm leaning toward looking for a beater 600 for track days and just ride the FZ on the street. Go to FZ1OA.com and look around, several guys there ride track a lot and there's tons of info.

not2shabby · 01-23-2007, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorace

I had an FZ-1.

Then I put a sidecar on it!!

Ouch! I was going to tell him if he still had the crappy BT-020's on his to switch to Micchy's, but after that comment....go Dunlops!!

But seriously, PP's work great on the FZ.

transalpian · 01-23-2007, 10:02 AM

I've got LSL rearsets and a Penske rear shock. Lee at Traxxion did up a fork kit which made a big difference.

FZ10A is a great site, agreed.

Its good to know I'm not alone here. I'm in a one-bike mode right now and I like the FZ1 for its ability to do track days and iron butts (which I also do).

not2shabby · 01-23-2007, 03:57 PM

Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised by it's performance at the track and mine has stock suspension except for shorter dogbones and I weigh ~185. I'm torn between getting a 600 or upgrading the Fizzer...decisions, decisions. It's 80% rider, 20% bike anyway. I saw a guy at MO a while back on a dinosaur KZ900 running pretty decent in the advanced group. I'll bet his suspension wasn't stock though!

transalpian · 01-23-2007, 04:36 PM

Well, I'm well above 185 and the suspension mod made a HUGE difference. I can't imagine going fast without it now that I'm used to it!

Agreed that it is 80% rider, but I need all the help I can get!

For under $1k, you can completely change the fizzer's handling (as long as you'll do the work yourself). Most track bikes I've looked at would need re-suspended for my mass anyway! For me, it was a win-win.

Motorace · 01-23-2007, 07:02 PM

Hack! A sportbike with a sidecar!

not2shabby · 01-24-2007, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorace

Hack! A sportbike with a sidecar!

Alllllllrighty then! Sorry, I just figured you were messing with me!

Mojave954 · 01-24-2007, 09:14 AM

Not yet but a two up bike it is either that or the 950 KTM. Jury is still out.

Scout · 01-24-2007, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

I know of no trackday organizations that have a catch-pan requirement, though nearly all race orgs do.

Sho yo right!!!

Color me naive, only been to the races.

01-22-2007, 12:58 PM	#1
transalpian transplant Join Date: 01-19-2007 Age: 50 Bike(s): '01 Yamaha FZ1 Posts: 7	Any FZ1s here? As a further hello (and to get rid of the annoying "no posts" header): Any FZ1 riders here? If so, I'm curious what (if anything) you do/did to prepare for track days. Thanks

01-22-2007, 05:26 PM	#2
Scout On Fire Join Date: 12-28-2006 Location: Bakersfield, CA Age: 37 Bike(s): '02 954 Posts: 243	Re: Any FZ1s here? I don't own because I'm down to single bike status, but for trackdays I know plenty of people who use "turkey baster pans" wired in for the "oil catch pan" requirement... and Welcome! __________________ “The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man hardly anything.”

01-22-2007, 06:19 PM	#3
CBRVFR Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 55 Bike(s): VFR750 SV650 TZ250 Posts: 5,097	Re: Any FZ1s here? I know of no trackday organizations that have a catch-pan requirement, though nearly all race orgs do. The level of preparation depends on the rules of that particular company and varies a bit for the different classes. Generally, ( whether it is required or not ) you want to remove all propolyne glycol - based coolant and replace it with distilled water with Redline Water-Wetter, so if your bike falls, or develops a leak, the track isn't covered with incredibly slick coolant. At the least, all bolts that lead to oil passages and the oil filter should be checked for correct torque and a glop of silicone placed where it can prevent the bolt, oil filler cap, or filter from backing out. Better, and safer for you, is to safety wire those oil and coolant bolts. The oil that you drop is hitting your rear tire first.. Mirrors should be removed, and directionals should be also, though people tape them up frequently with painter's masking tape. Headlights and tail lenses are to be taped as well, and bulbs, connectors, or or fuses should be removed so the rider behind you isn't distracted by the flashing of the brake light, and so you don't melt the tape onto your bike. All the trackday companies have these requirements in their FAQs __________________ "...the TV also never took away the screwdriver and shoved it up the repairman's ass." Our own Mr.2nd Amendment, explaining the difference. Perfectly. Rich Herald, the Gentle Giant

01-23-2007, 06:26 AM	#4
Motorace Its all about Michelin! Join Date: 01-03-2007 Age: 41 Bike(s): Suzuki DL1000K6 Posts: 92	Re: Any FZ1s here? I had an FZ-1. Then I put a sidecar on it!! __________________ Dave P Check out my eBay store! 2006 Suzuki DL1000K6 1988 Honda GL1500A1

01-23-2007, 07:44 AM	#5
FrenchieR6 Live life to the fullest and smile while doing it Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Ohio Age: 41 Bike(s): R6 Posts: 2,375	Re: Any FZ1s here? Not yet but that could be my new trade for my cruiser... I'm looking for the 07 burgundy one. __________________ Fear and Distraction are the enemies of presence, and concentration is the cure. http://befit4riding.com/ http://www.apex2apex.net/ http://www.americanpowersport.com/

01-23-2007, 09:12 AM	#7
not2shabby Join Date: 01-03-2007 Age: 51 Bike(s): 01 Yamaha FZ1 Posts: 40	Re: Any FZ1s here? I've got one, only done a few track days on it though. I got it for a street bike, my body couldn't handle more that 200 miles/day on the 954 anymore. The FZ1 doesn't have as much ground clearance as the RR bikes, so I'd suggest some adjustable footpegs and if you weigh over 150 lbs., you'll probably want to invest in some suspension upgrades; springs, maybe an aftermarket shock. It depends on how much you want to spend. I'm leaning toward looking for a beater 600 for track days and just ride the FZ on the street. Go to FZ1OA.com and look around, several guys there ride track a lot and there's tons of info.

01-23-2007, 10:02 AM	#9
transalpian transplant Join Date: 01-19-2007 Age: 50 Bike(s): '01 Yamaha FZ1 Posts: 7	Re: Any FZ1s here? I've got LSL rearsets and a Penske rear shock. Lee at Traxxion did up a fork kit which made a big difference. FZ10A is a great site, agreed. Its good to know I'm not alone here. I'm in a one-bike mode right now and I like the FZ1 for its ability to do track days and iron butts (which I also do).

01-23-2007, 03:57 PM	#10
not2shabby Join Date: 01-03-2007 Age: 51 Bike(s): 01 Yamaha FZ1 Posts: 40	Re: Any FZ1s here? Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised by it's performance at the track and mine has stock suspension except for shorter dogbones and I weigh ~185. I'm torn between getting a 600 or upgrading the Fizzer...decisions, decisions. It's 80% rider, 20% bike anyway. I saw a guy at MO a while back on a dinosaur KZ900 running pretty decent in the advanced group. I'll bet his suspension wasn't stock though!

01-23-2007, 04:36 PM	#11
transalpian transplant Join Date: 01-19-2007 Age: 50 Bike(s): '01 Yamaha FZ1 Posts: 7	Re: Any FZ1s here? Well, I'm well above 185 and the suspension mod made a HUGE difference. I can't imagine going fast without it now that I'm used to it! Agreed that it is 80% rider, but I need all the help I can get! For under $1k, you can completely change the fizzer's handling (as long as you'll do the work yourself). Most track bikes I've looked at would need re-suspended for my mass anyway! For me, it was a win-win.

01-23-2007, 07:02 PM	#12
Motorace Its all about Michelin! Join Date: 01-03-2007 Age: 41 Bike(s): Suzuki DL1000K6 Posts: 92	Re: Any FZ1s here? Hack! A sportbike with a sidecar! __________________ Dave P Check out my eBay store! 2006 Suzuki DL1000K6 1988 Honda GL1500A1

01-24-2007, 09:14 AM	#14
Mojave954 GONE PLAID! Join Date: 12-18-2006 Bike(s): 08 FJR, 08 R 1200 GS Posts: 906	Re: Any FZ1s here? Not yet but a two up bike it is either that or the 950 KTM. Jury is still out.