Famous for building some of the world's most powerful sportsbikes, Yamaha->ke301 has never been one to sit on their laurels. That's why they've built the new Yamaha FZ1->ke2107, a cutting edge sportsbike that features state-of-the-art engine and chassis design combined with an all-world design profile.

A lot has been mentioned about the FZ1, not the least of which is that it combines an aggressive and powerful design with impressive real-world performance capabilities, making everyday rides a treat.

There's a reason why the FZ1 is considered as one of the best sportsbikes in the world and it's got the makings of a hot-seller in the market, something that Yamaha has come to be known for. The FZ1 isn't for the weak-of-heart, either. It's a man's bike in every sense of the word and quite frankly, is still one of the best values, not just among Yamaha's current line-up, but in the entire market altogether.

Find out more about the Yamaha FZ1 after the jump.

2011 Yamaha FZ1

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Yamaha FZ1
  • Engine/Motor: DOHC, 20-valve, liquid-cooled, 40 degree inclined, in-line four-cylinder engine
  • Transmission: 6-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

The Yamaha FZ1 has been described as the "ultimate street brawler" for good reason. Its sculpted bodywork and handlebar position makes for a bike that offers great looks with outstanding rider comfort. The half-cowl fairing design features an aggressive eye-catching design that includes a high-tech instrument display with an analog tachometer, digital speedometer, dual trip meter with miles on reserve function, odometer, water temperature and lights for neutral, high beam, low fuel and turn signals. The back lighting on the instrument can be adjusted to suit the rider's preference. Then there's the two-piece seat, which provides great comfort for the rider and the passenger - the latter also getting grab rails to provide passenger comfort while also maintaining an aggressive appearance. A dual 12V 60/55-watt multi-reflector headlight comes with a sleek profile for superb aerodynamics and visibility.

Performance

An ultra-lightweight 998cc, DOHC, 20-valve, liquid-cooled, 40 degree inclined, in-line four-cylinder engine powers the bewilderingly sexy FZ1. The engine has been tuned to provide outstanding performance with excellent passing capabilities. The crankcases, pistons, cylinder and cylinder head of the bike are all based on the 3rd generation R1 powerplant, which ran from 2004 to 2006. The combustion chamber design and squish area have been optimized to provide maximum sports performance. There's also a special lightweight, high lift, high performance intake and exhaust cams that allow the bike to unleash incredible horsepower and fast engine response while the cam profiles and the cam timing have been designed to provide for more low to mid-range power.

An automatic cam chain tensioner reduces maintenance and engine mechanical noise while a lightweight, 3rd-generation R1 based crankshaft provides quick engine response. A closed deck cylinder design allows the cylinders to be spaced more closely together, allowing a narrower engine, improving sealing and making for easier serviceability.

The bike also features short skirt, lightweight forged pistons that reduce mechanical vibration and improve throttle response. A smooth shifting 6-speed transmission features optimized gear ratios, allowing for optimum performance. A high silicon-content ceramic-composite cylinder lining reduces friction and maximizes heat dissipation for consistent power delivery while a four-into two-into one short-style exhaust system with Exhaust Ultimate Power valve, a stainless catalizer and 02 sensor delivers outstanding power throughout the FZ1’s broad rpm range while meeting all emissions regulations.

Brakes and Suspension

The FZ1 has been outfitted with an aggressive chassis geometry with Supersport inspired 51 percent front wheel weight bias, providing the type of quick and nimble handling that riders want in the supersports bike. A cast aluminum frame uses the engine as a stressed member, allowing for optimal rigidity, light weight and superb handling. The bike also carries a Controlled-Fill aluminum swingarm that's lightweight and tuned for excellent handling and tire grip while a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork and a single shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping makes the bike tunable for sport touring or track days. In the front, the bike carries 320mm front discs that has been squeezed by monoblock four-piston calipers and complemented by a single 245mm rear disc that serves up strong and consistent stopping power.

Pricing

Taking in US specifications, the Yamaha FZ1 comes with a sticker price of $10,490.

Specifications

Model

FZS10AS

Engine Type

998cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder;

DOHC, 20 valves

Bore x Stroke

77.0 x 53.6mm

Compression Ratio

11.5:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Injection

Ignition

Digital TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

with 32-bit ECU

Transmission

6-speed; multiplate wet clutch

Final Drive

O-ring chain

Suspension/Front

43mm fork; fully adjustable,

5.1-in travel

Suspension/Rear

Single shock; adjustable preload and

rebound damping, 5.1-in travel

Brakes/Front

Dual 320mm floating disc,

4-piston calipers

Brake/Rear

245mm disc; single-piston caliper

Tire/Front

120/70-ZR17

Tire/Rear

190/50-ZR17

L x W x H

84.3 x 30.3 x 47.4 in

Seat Height

32.1 in

Wheelbase

57.5 in

Ground Clearance

5.3 in

Rake (Caster Angle)

25.0°

Trail

4.3 in

Fuel Capacity

4.8 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

35 mpg

Wet Weight

487 lb

Color

Liquid Silver


Quotes

Motorcycle.com ---- "Consumers want more than just a powerful motor. They also want handling, comfort and "rational" performance, wrapped up in "sexy styling" that will make them proud to own and ride the bike. Yamaha wants the FZ-1 to be a perfect balance between "radical" high performance and aggressive-handling bikes like the R1 and more rational-performing."

Totalmotorcycle ---- "3rd generation R1 inspired "stacked" 3-axis gearbox / clutch design stacks input/output shafts to create a low center of gravity and keeps overall engine size shorter front to back."

Cycleworld ---- "The bike has a genuine tubular handlebar that puts the grips in a rational position, and the other two parts of the ergonomic trilogy—seat and footpeg location—are situated with comfort in mind. Its half-fairing provides good wind protection and is filled with a comprehensive instrument array."

Ultimatemotorcycling ---- "The aggressive ergonomics and truly confidence-inspiring ride make this a sportbike through and through."