My XS replacement

[mastan]

Well, my XS will never be replaced in my heart, but I think about it a lot less when I'm riding this thing. It's a 2005 FZ1 and it's a true joy to ride. It sure ain't as pretty as an XS, but it goes like stink. I love this bike, but I'm sure there's another XS in my future.
Mark Stanton

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[Wildkat]

Sweeeet!

So how fast will it go?
and how fast have you taken it?

Looks like it might even be pretty decent on the comfort level for long distance as well...

Congratulations!

[mastan]

Thanks Wildkat. Top speed on it is 160mph. I've had it up to 130 and she wasn't even breathing hard. (I was!). It's very comfortable the way I have it set up. It's a lot like the XS in that you can set it up for your particular needs. I really wanted an FJR, but the budget didn't allow for that. So, this is my sport-tourer.
Mark

[Wildkat]

Yeah, the FJRs are REALLY nice... but this seems like a decent alternative...
Kinda holding out in hopes they might actually bring the XJR to the states, myself...
You know... while I'm dreaming...
lol

Enjoy your new ride!

[foreda]

Fz1

Nice bike! I have a cherry 2003 FZ1 and love to ride it as well. I am waiting on a Corbin seat for mine because the stock seat does not work for me. Check out the last pic under my signature.

[Smash]

Congratulations! I've looked at an FZ1 more than once for myself... Especially seeing as they can be had around here for $3k or so. Let us know what you think when you get some serious miles under your belt, my Honda ST1100 is aging quickly (left me stranded 200 miles from home on Wednesday with a busted fuel pump).

[newc4]

Way to go Mark! I’m with you on that. (Just don’t let me back into it).

Ever since my ride in the rain in July where my 78E died and I had to leave it by the side of the road it hasn’t sounded the same. During its repair, I poured some Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders then changed the oil. It’s been smoking since, the exhaust now has a different note and on a recent ride it again began losing power. Old reliable it isn’t.

A couple weeks ago the whole “Pride in XS” thing evaporated. I, too, am approaching the point of moving on and clearing out the stable. It’s reaching the point of what’s the next fix. I’ll do a ring job this fall on the 78E and see it that resolves its performance.

[jetmechmarty]

Darrel,

I can sympathize. My XS11 has been down for almost two years. A substandard repair by the PO caught up with me. (JB welded float post) The failed repair caused a fire. I repaired the cosmetics and wiring. I farmed the important stuff out, because I travel full time. The lack of parts has been dragging this out for eternity. I have saved no time in farming it out and I would have save a lot of money had I spent $500 on a fresh set of carburetors. Mine had all been tampered with by the PO. I hope to have it back this week and I can hardly wait to see the bill!

Mark,
Nice choice. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

[jwhughes3]

Nice looking bike

Kinda reminds me of a beemer. Ive never ridden anything newer than an 1980 model of anything so I am afraid to try them out for fear I wont want to go back to my old favorites.

Hope u get many fun miles out of it and stay shiny side up!

John

[MaximPhil]

Hi Mark,
Nice Bike
Phil

[Geezer]

Kinda holding out in hopes they might actually bring the XJR to the states, myself...
You know... while I'm dreaming...

I've asked about the XJR at a few Yamaha dealers and it seems Yamaha knows we want them but has no intention of bringing them over.

I'll probably switch to an early 90's Venture in the next few years. Then later on I'll put V-Max heads and carbs on it...

Geezer

[DeanR]

Glad you like it Mark. Nice bike. Did Marty have those bags on it?

[MaximPhil]

Glad you like it Mark. Nice bike. Did Marty have those bags on it?

Hi Dean,
I did not mention the bags Does my ass look big with these bags
Says Phil who should be out there strapping things on top of things
Phil

[mastan]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments. I got the bike from Marty bone stock and have since added a few farkles to transform it into a kind of sport-tourer. I added the touring shield and engine guards first. I put the guards on so I could mount some pegs out front to stretch these old legs and keep them from cramping too much. I found the corbin beetle bags from a guy online. I had every intention of painting them silver to match the bike, but have actually grown to like the look. They are very functional and hold enough for a week long trip easily.
Riding a more modern machine has been a real eye opener for me. At first I really didn't notice much difference, but the more I ride it, the more I appreciate what 30 years of technology has done for the riding experience.
The power this thing has was a little scary at first, but I've learned to control the right wrist very well. To me, the brakes are the single biggest advance between the XS and the FZ. The next biggest improvement would be the suspension. It's a quantum leap from the XS.
The only thing I really miss about the XS is the pride of ownership thing. It's fun having an old bike that looks good and I certainly enjoyed my time with the XS, but so far, I'm happy with my choice.
Mark Stanton