Forget the race-rep graphics - this bike packs 150 horsepower!
The only other Japanese bike apart from the Kawasaki Z1000 that’s a proper ‘streetfighter,’ the FZ1’s party piece is its R1-derived 998cc, 150 horsepower engine. That’s right, a 150bhp naked bike. Should be fun!
In its new avatar, the R1 engine has been ‘retuned for more torque and better mid-range,’ which is what you’d expect anyway. And oh, there’s a heavier flywheel in there, to try and tame the R1's super-sharp throttle response. Still, electronic fuel-injection and 32-bit ECU mean a flexible, responsive engine that comes on really strong from 5000rpm and above. Open the taps in the first two gears, and the FZ1 lifts its front wheel in big, smooth power wheelies. The beefy, muscular styling looks contemporary, and the huge muffler stands out like a mean streak.
The FZ1 also handles well, with its rigid beam frame, 51:49 front:rear weight bias, truss-type swingarm and 43mm USD front forks. Quick steering lets you change direction effortlessly, and the bike feels stable and secure in high speed sweepers. Big, Sumitomo brakes handle the stopping duties and quite capable at what they do – haul the bike down from triple-digit speeds, in double-quick time. This is one streetfighter that’s not afraid to brawl. Bare-knuckled, muscles tensed and jaw squared, the FZ1 is waiting for you in the streets…
Engine: 998cc, 20-valve, DOHC, inline-four
Power: 150bhp@11000rpm
Top speed: 240km/h
In a line: You want sushi with this?!
Here's a video of the FZ1 in action
0 comments:
Post a Comment