GoldWing World    

My Latest Bike, a 2001 Yamaha FZ1!

As it looks today: 

I was having so much fun with my CBR that I almost stopped riding the Wing altogether, but the CBR kept giving me back aches, so I started longing for an ST-1300 or similar bike.  After a disappointing discussion at the bike show in December 2001 with the Honda reps who didn't seem to care about me I wandered by the Yamaha display and looked over the FZ1 again. I'd liked the looks when they first came out but assumed it would be too uncomfortable and expensive.  I'm really glad I decided to sit on this one "just to see" since it turned out I fit perfectly well on this "R1 for the real World" as they call it.  What I really liked, at least compared to the $16K the Honda dealer "guessed" the ST would run  was the fact that the FZ1 listed for $8K.  Add to that the fact that it was lighter, fit me very well and was based on the tried and true R1 motor and I felt I couldn't go wrong!

Two weeks later I had a black 2001 fresh from it's sleep in the crate from Action Powersports in Ennis TX (the supporter of the Leather Chics Women on Wheels group I rode with at the time) and began the "onerous" task of making it the perfect sport-tourer for my needs.  In true Gold Wing-owner style I began by ordering accessories of course - only instead of heavy chrome-laden bits The first few bits I ordered were GYT-R (Geniune Yamaha Technology - Racing) parts for looks (namely dash bits) and an OEM Corbin seat for comfort.  Next I ordered a double-bubble windscreen and then stumbled across a steal on E-Bay: a GYT-R CF (carbon-fiber) exhaust which made up for the weight of the new seat plus some and gave me a few more ponies to play with too!   The same gentleman had a CF front fender so I said "what the heck" and bit down.  Compared to the expensive safety-chrome for the Wing these prices were actually surprisingly affordable!

Next I fought the storage issue: I already had a good Wolfman tank bag (which was later stolen) from the CBR which went on easily enough - but then I found that a neat backpack / tail bag called the "fast bag" was available in a CF look!  For about the price I'd paid for my wife's soft tail bag I had a hardtop expandable (to 60 liters) tail bag that looked like it belonged on the bike and was easy to remove when necessary.  I liked it so much I started selling them!

A throttle-lock wasn't easy to find so I used some tape to "fill in" the size of the throttle assy to Honda specs and used one I had from another bike. It worked great and took care of the #1 issue on riding this bike long distances after being used to a Wing. I have since ordered the correct one and purchased an electronic cruise control to install as well. The other problem was a bit more of a concern to me though: what to do after being used to a stereo and CB? 

The problem was soon solved however when I found an ad on Service Honda (a discounter of Honda parts) for a Valkerie CB add-on. Amazingly this little unit has intercom and external radio input built-in, is very small, water resistant and easy to work with!  And it was CHEAPER then the crappy J&M packs I'd had to replace multiple times on my other bikes.  Clarion quality, Honda Specifications.  To read about the install and see technical details on how I fit it into the FZ1 click: Adding the CB this model is now on nation-wide backorder (thank Honda) with no known release date.  Typical Honda.

I admit I've started getting carried away with this bike but it is SO COOL after being on a Wing for so long to have a performance bike again.  The Gold Wing is a wonderful bike for carrying heavy loads comfortable across long distances.  The FZ1 is better (for me) in all ways but two: load capacity and (presumably) longevity - even though the engine in it's R1 incarnation has been documented as seeing 100,000 miles!.  Since I never filled my Wing to capacity and rarely carry a passenger losing these qualities weren't  issues for me. Frankly I'd always wished for a Sport Tourer with a radio that didn't require factory maintenance every 8K miles like the BMW's valve adjustments.  The Yamaha has shim-under-bucket and the adjustment is extended enough that I can tour just about 1 year after the initial 4,000 mile adjustment (which turned out to be merely a check!) should work fine. It can also pull wheelies in 1st and 2nd gear even when accelerating moderately and still manages to give me 40 MPG highway 38 city!  My kind of sweet ride!  To be fair to my darling Wing though I need to discuss the pro's and CONS of the bike as compared to my luxo-tourer:

Weather Protection:

If there would be  a reason to miss my wing this would be it, and I'd be lying if I said I was as well protected as I had been on my GL-1500.  But frankly one of the problems I'd had on the Wing was not getting enough air in the summer, and if I wanted protection I'd buy a convertible. In the winter I try to dress appropriately and it turns out the FZ1 (when I'm dressed correctly) is more then adequate at handling 1-2 hour stretches in 40 degree and cooler weather.  I'll let you know more after my first few long rides (G)

I had long heard the praises for SAENG Stealth Edging but couldn't bring myself to pay $11 a foot for what was effectively a rubber gasket - whether it worked or not! I was curious however, so I had set myself a task to look for a similar product on the open market.  Shortly after getting the bike and performing the 600 mile service (Oil & filter change, inspection, chain lube and adjust, carb synch etc.) I found a similar product at Pep Boys that sold 10 feet for $29.00: It was an OEM-style Clip-On "Weather-Strip" made by united tape company, 2545 Ivy St. East, Cumming GA 30041, part # CBS116.  Unlike the Saeng it didn't have an open facing edge ( i.e. it didn't actually catch a small ridge of air) but it still helped reduce buffeting at all speeds up to an indicated 150 MPH - not that I tested it that fast.  Really.  It's amazing what 3/4's an inch of rounded rubber can do to smooth out buffeting! 

Since this worked so well I broke down and purchased  the SAENG edging - frankly I did not notice any improvement over the cheaper solution and the SAENG was harder to install. In addition it did not have any adhesive in conjunction with the metal 'grips'... frankly I think saving the $9 a foot is the way to go!  I'll sell you some of my 10' if you like.  I'll put it up at my site at http://www.a-motorcycle-acc.com shortly ...

You can see an image of the weather stripping in the picture (left) showing the CB-controller mounting - the weather strip is the black "bulbous" soft lining around the wind screen.  Some might not like it's looks, but I suggest they try it before they knock it, or if they don't mind spending a few bucks more for slightly-better results go ahead and check out the SAENG version.

Other Additions and modifications

I ordered an TCP "under tail" kit to minimize the rear fairing / fender without just cutting it;  GYTR engine guards from a great German company called Riderhaus that was shipping to the states, and some neat bits such as an LM fairing spoiler and a rear-hugger. The following is some photos of these bits:

I've also installed GenMar handlebar risers, a K-Drive tank protector and tank bag, and a few other bits. Upcoming mods will include addition of an electronic cruise control and saddlebags (see the link) from a Venture Royale.

Probably the best additions was the Ivan's Jet Kit and Air Induction Removal kit. I gained a whopping amount of HP and Torque from his modifications as can be seen from the Dyno report!  From 126.5 stock (with a GYTR slip-on) to 132.8 and an increase in torque from 72.5 to 75.2!  Sweet results and best of all the slight buzzing that would occur at 5,000 rpm's was almost eliminated. The only bad thing about this kit (besides the $$ Yamaha should have spent to start with) is torque drops SLIGHTLY at RPM's below 3K - but since you should be revving higher then that to take off anyway it should never be an issue!

ALL MODIFICATIONS SO FAR:

Jan 18, 2002  Edited August 7, 2002 with 6200 miles on the bike, then Nov 26 with 9,200. Added speaker mod on May 25, 2006.