FZR 88 vs R1 05
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If you are going racing, get the R1. If you want to ride on the street get the FZR. It's at least 50 pounds heavier, but more comfortable. It's probably 1/3 the price, and has a better fairing than the R1. The engines are basically the same, but the R1 is tuned for high RPM horsepower. The suspension is better on the R1, but if you have the skill or the money, you can make the FZR almost as good.
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893 Posts
I'd have to make an argument against an R1 for racing (if the person is a first time racer). FZR's are great bikes and what I started on for racing. Still lots of them out there, but much harder to get parts for. R1 is much lighter these days and has waaaaaaaaay alot of power. Great grammer huh? 
R1's are exactly what Gas Man said...a BEAST. And that's putting it lightly.
R1's are exactly what Gas Man said...a BEAST. And that's putting it lightly. Did you forget about the bad handling and tranny problems the R1 had this year? Did you forget that Yam is not recalling for these problems? When Suzuki had a problem with their trans in the 2001 750 they recalled ALL of them and swapped the whole trans and replaced the timing chain for free. Then they fixed the problem and released the bike july of 2001(the "Y" model). Now thats real company.
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92 Posts
I would think if you are already mentioning your back, then the R1 or Gixxer would be an awful choice...
$0.02
$0.02
My back just goes out when it wants. I raced offshore boats for a long time. I am a mason contractor also and everything you touch is heavy. I'll just be going for 45 minute sprints. I was off bikes for a while then I bought a 86 NINJA 1000R. I took it up to 140 the first time and then let off. Then I popped up from behind the fairing and almost popped off the bike from the wind shear. Last time I did that. My friend Jack O'Malley had a Rickman-Metese, spelling is off I'm sure with a 900 Kaw motor in 76 which I loved. I'll check out the Suzuki's but love the Yamaha. Did look at the 999R also. The dealer I bought my bikes off of retired. I guess they don't let you try them? My friend has a Hoda dealership but I am not really interested in them unfortunately.
You said you had an FZR in '88. Have you ridden since? The new R1s are absolutely SICK bikes. Truly. Over 150hp to the rear wheel. Very compact feeling. Handing is absolutely AMAZING. (I've ridden both the new R1s and Gix1ks, and I DEFINITELY prefer the handling of the R1 hands down..) Anyway, if you haven't ridden in 15 years I would NOT jump on an R1.
Bike have changed DRASTICALLY since '88. The current supersport 600cc bikes are putting out more power than some liter bikes did in '88. They weigh a TREMENDOUS amount less. The '88 FZR put 135 hp out at the crank, so figure right around 115 to the wheel. It weighed 520 lbs or so wet. Check the specs on the new beasts and you will be amazed.
Get your feet wet again slowly before jumping on a liter bike. I'd like to see you enjoy the sport for another 10 years. You've got the have excellent throttle control and be able to provide very specific and accurate steering inputs to today's bikes to ride them well. Unless you just plan on crusing around on the bike (and if that's the case, why would you buy a sportbike?), get a 600. Then, head to some track days. You'll be addicted in no time.
Bike have changed DRASTICALLY since '88. The current supersport 600cc bikes are putting out more power than some liter bikes did in '88. They weigh a TREMENDOUS amount less. The '88 FZR put 135 hp out at the crank, so figure right around 115 to the wheel. It weighed 520 lbs or so wet. Check the specs on the new beasts and you will be amazed.
Get your feet wet again slowly before jumping on a liter bike. I'd like to see you enjoy the sport for another 10 years.
You've got the have excellent throttle control and be able to provide very specific and accurate steering inputs to today's bikes to ride them well. Unless you just plan on crusing around on the bike (and if that's the case, why would you buy a sportbike?), get a 600. Then, head to some track days. You'll be addicted in no time.I haven't riden a bike sitting up since the early 70's. I hate the feeling of fighting the wind. I love to go fast! I have had or raced some fast stuff including 145 MPH offshore boats. I will have enough sense to control it and not get myself in trouble. I hope :lol: I have always respected speed and seen the results of disregarding it. I will ramp up slowly to it. I do track days in a car now which is enough of a sickness. I see them running at Pocono east course. I should spent some more time there. I didn't even remember the HP on the 88. My 1000 RR did about 186. I just love looking at the R1. Once I got the FRZ I rarely road the 1000 RR Kawasaki. Do they let you test any bikes? The dealer I new went out of business but he always let me drive what I wanted. I do have a friend who owns a Honda dealership but I was never hot on Honda's.
A friend of mine is selling his '04. The thing is immaculate. NO ONE takes as good care of their bikes as he does. 5 minute ride and he cleans it completely. He's an incredible rider. No wheelies. No burnouts. No stoppies. Just tons of knee dragging fun. PM me if you want details. He's in central Virginia.
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Go for the R1. Sounds like you have already made up your mind!
I would get the 05 just because its the 2ed run on that bike.
I think the GSXR 1000 handles better (keeps the front end planted in a corner) for my stile of ridding but, I haven't logged the miles on a R1 like I have the GSXR's.
I wasn't impressed with the RR's ether.
I would get the 05 just because its the 2ed run on that bike.
I think the GSXR 1000 handles better (keeps the front end planted in a corner) for my stile of ridding but, I haven't logged the miles on a R1 like I have the GSXR's.
I wasn't impressed with the RR's ether.
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