The Yamaha FZ1 is a naked motorcycle built around engines derived from the YZF-R1. The first generation arrived in 2001 as the FZS1000 Fazer, and the much-changed second generation ran from 2006 to 2015.
Yamaha FZ1 at a glance
| Maker | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Class | Naked motorcycle |
| First generation | FZS1000 Fazer, 2001–2005 |
| First engine | 998 cc, carburetted, derived from the YZF-R1 |
| First frame | tubular steel |
| Second generation | 2006–2015 |
| Second engine | 998 cc 20-valve DOHC, 150 hp |
| Second frame | cast aluminium diamond frame, engine as stressed member |
| European names | FZ1-S Fazer (semi-faired) and FZ1-N (naked) |
| ABS | optional in Europe, 226 kg wet with ABS |
| GT version | full fairing and side bags in Europe |
| Last US model | 2015 |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the Yamaha FZ1
The first-generation FZ1 was sold as the FZ1 in the United States and as the FZS1000 Fazer in Europe. It combined a tubular steel frame with a modified carburetted YZF-R1 engine. The model changed little over its life apart from colours, the FZS1000S with a black engine and, in some European countries, rudimentary catalytic converters on 2005 models.
For 2006 Yamaha replaced the bike with a completely new model, still called the FZ1 in America. In Europe it was the FZ1-S Fazer, with a half fairing, alongside the naked FZ1-N. The new cast aluminium diamond frame used the engine as a stressed member and was matched to a die-cast swingarm. The 998 cc 20-valve DOHC engine came from the 2004–2006 YZF-R1 but was tuned for midrange torque, with a flywheel about 40 percent heavier, a revised balance shaft and camshafts with less lift and duration; the top two gearbox ratios were made taller for easier cruising.
The early 2006 bikes had a pronounced throttle snatch between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm caused by fuel cut for emissions. Yamaha softened the rear spring and slowed the secondary butterfly opening for 2007, and revised the ECU mapping in 2010, 2011 and again for 2014–2015. The 2006–2014 models are also known for rotor failures in which magnets delaminate and can damage the engine, so many owners fit updated rotors. European buyers could order ABS, which added 6 kg for a 226 kg wet weight, and a GT version with a full fairing and side bags. The FZ1 was replaced in Europe by the MT-10 and ended its American run in 2015.
Design and features
- R1-derived engine: a 998 cc 20-valve four tuned for usable midrange rather than peak power.
- Two fairing choices: the semi-faired FZ1-S Fazer and the naked FZ1-N.
- Aluminium chassis: the 2006 frame used the engine as a stressed member.
- Known weakness: rotor magnet failure on 2006–2014 bikes, usually solved with an updated rotor.
Yamaha FZ1 versions
- FZS1000 Fazer (2001–2005): first generation with a tubular steel frame and carburettors.
- FZS1000S: first-generation version with a black engine.
- FZ1-S Fazer (2006–2015): semi-faired second generation.
- FZ1-N (2006–2015): naked second generation.
- FZ1 GT: European version with a full fairing and side bags.
The FZ1 sits above the FZ6 and FZ8 in the same family, and its engine comes from the YZF-R1. More models are in the Yamaha collection.
Sources
- Yamaha FZ1, English Wikipedia: generations, engines, chassis, updates, known faults
