2006 Yamaha FZ1 Photo Gallery

2006 Yamaha FZ1

2006 Yamaha FZ1 - First Ride

2006 Yamaha FZ1 - First Ride

Did we say the FZ1 doesn't like to wheelie? I'll find a way...

2006 Yamaha FZ1 - First Ride

The FZ1's fairing, though not especially large, provides useful protection from the elements. A taller accessory windscreen from Yamaha is in the works, as are a chin spoiler and different seats and handlebars.

2006 Yamaha FZ1 - First Ride

2006 Yamaha FZ1 - First Ride

Style, power and grace - the FZ1 serves it up in a stunning and relatively inexpensive package.

A wide handlebar and steeper steering rake results in athletic agility, underpinned by a stiffer chassis that never lets it get out of shape.

2006 Yamaha FZ1 - First Ride

The Liquid Silver FZ1 at dust - is there a better looking near-naked bike?

2006 Yamaha FZ1 - First Ride

Somewhere between sportbike and sport-tourer, appealing to young commuters and old racers, and costing less than an R6, the FZ1 cuts a wide demographic swath.

As you'd expect from the R1-sourced motor, this thing rips in the upper part of the rev band.

2006 Yamaha FZ1 - First Ride

A wide handlebar and steeper steering rake results in athletic agility, underpinned by a stiffer chassis that never lets it get out of shape.

The 2006 FZ1 has a familiar face, but it's actually new from the ground up.

It's days like this that make journalism school and low salaries worthwhile.

"An R1 for the real world" was the tagline for the old bike, and it holds true today.

A steeper rake for '06 allows the FZ1 to be chucked into corners easier than before.

Somewhere near Point Reyes, California - paradise when it's not raining.

A fatter rear tire, inverted fork, and fresher styling liven up a popular machine.

Exiting a corner at about 55 mph plus a tug at the bars gets a mildly crossed-up wheelie.

Clock, fuel gauge, twin tripmeters, digital speedo and analog tach - all you need and easily readable.

Unlike the sit-up-and-beg handlebar of the previous model, this new one is sportier and perfectly placed. Note the rubber mounting above the triple clamp that quells vibration.

Stylish, yes. Tasteful, we're not sure. Buck Rogers, we have your ray gun.

Literbike power calls for literbike braking. These rotors come from the current R1, while the calipers are similar to the '03 R1.

A stubby radiator shows off the engine's chrome head pipes. Also notice the inverted fork that wasn't there last year.

The pillion perch might not rival that of a Gold Wing, but at least your screaming passenger has sturdy grab rails.

If it looks like an R1 motor, that's because it is. Milder cams and a heavier crank comprise the differences.

The longer swingarm might have benefits in traction and suspension control, but when it looks this good, it almost doesn't matter.

Shift Red or Liquid Silver, each accented by lovingly shaped black aluminum - there is no bad choice.

Yamaha proves once again that it is the leader in styling among the Japanese OEMs.

Yamaha flew us over to Jolly Olde England to test the FZ1. Uh, actually, this was taken in "sunny" California.

Although the naked FZ1 sold in Europe looks sportier, there's a case to be made for a bike with a fairing.