They started off as UJMs, or Universal Japanese Motorcycles: bare-bones naked bikes that could be used in an array of situations. Then came the standards: bikes that were sport-oriented, but still naked for the most part, and with that came the super-standards: bikes that combine sportbike performance with practicality and comfort.
Over the past few years super-standard motorcycles have received great approval, especially from everyday riders who are looking for a bike that is versatile enough to be used for commuting during the week and canyon carving on the weekend. But in 2011, the super-standards category has been somewhat jumbled. In years past the category has been dominated by naked bikes with little more than a fly screen up front, but thanks to the introduction of Kawasaki’s fully faired Ninja 1000 and Suzuki’s GSX1250FA (perhaps a response to the naked bike market’s dwindling sales in the U.S.) the category has received a healthy facelift. For 2011, we take a look at each of these all-new motorcycles and put them up against the just-barely revised FZ1 to see which bike is versatile enough to be crowned king.
Yamaha FZ1 80.5 points
Since the second-generation FZ1 was introduced back in 2006, very few changes have been made to the motorcycle aside from color. Almost each year however, Yamaha has adapted the bike’s ECU mapping with the hope of improving the bike’s abrupt throttle response. Not so shocking then is the fact that for 2011, the sole revision to the FZ1 is to the ECU mapping, which has been revised to achieve improved throttle response in the low-speed range. And during our stints around town and through the canyons, it became quickly evident that Yamaha has finally got the fuel injection figured out; not only is the throttle response quick, but there isn’t as noticeable a flat spot in the lower rpm range.
" During our stints around town and through the canyons, it became quickly evident that Yamaha has finally got the fuel injection figured out
"
Where the FZ1 does come up short even still—especially in the company of the Ninja 1000—is in the midrange, and it isn’t until the tachometer gets close to the 8500 rpm mark that the 998cc engine really comes to life. Unfortunately, this means that the FZ1 feels more at home on faster roads than in day-to-day city riding and stints in the canyons, which is where most people will spend their time on these super-standards. Taking up some of that slack though is the FZ1’s buttery smooth transmission, which provides seamless shifts.
Compared to the FZ1 and Ninja...
Compared to the FZ1 and Ninja 1000, the GSX1250FA has the most upright riding position, a direct effect of the tall tube-type handlebars. The analog tachometer and digital panel with its fade-in lighting feature and adjustable brightness are easy to read at a glance.
Despite being the only semi-naked bike of the bunch, the FZ1 is fitted with a decently sized front fairing that adequately deflects wind blasts at legal speeds, although there is slightly more wind buffet than on the Ninja 1000. And in terms of ergonomics, the FZ1 is a few nicks behind the competition thanks to its low, rearward-swept handlebar that tends to put you in an awkward hunched-over position. To its credit though, that tubular handlebar can be swapped out with a different bend from any of the numerous aftermarket handlebar companies. Of the group, the FZ1 has the hardest seat as well.
When the riding turns spirited, the FZ1 and its fully adjustable suspension are balanced—for the most part—and capable of whatever you can throw at it, although our test riders did ascertain that the steering gets a little heavy mid-corner when you begin to pick up the throttle and when lean angle is increased. And despite featuring rather aggressive suspension settings, longer stints on the freeway are comfortable and accompanied by little more than a slight buzz through the handlebar anywhere north of 5000 rpm.
Test Notes 2011 Yamaha FZ1
+ Turns into corner well
+ A lot of power up top
+ Smooth transmission
– Not much power until after 8500 rpm
– Pushes wide when lean angle is increased
– Slightly stiffer seat
x No real updates but hey, the fuel mapping is finally up to par
Suggested Suspension Settings
FRONT: Spring preload — 4 lines showing; Rebound damping — 21 clicks out from full stiff; Compression damping — 5 clicks out from full stiff; Ride height — set fork caps flush with triple clamp
REAR: Spring preload — position 5 from full soft; Rebound damping — 1 click out from full stiff
Suzuki GSX1250FA 82.7 points
Based off the ever-popular but now European-only Suzuki Bandit, the all-new 2011 GSX1250FA combines sporty performance with touring comfort. The most obvious difference between the semi-naked Bandit and GSX1250FA is of course the full fairing that graces the latter (a change that was most likely made in part due to the lack of naked-bike sales in the U.S.), which provides a sufficient amount of wind protection and creates little buffet for the rider.
Where the GSX1250FA really sets itself apart from the competition is in terms of comfort, which is enhanced by the plush seat, more relaxed riding position and softer suspension. In standard trim, the upright bar and relaxed footrest position make the GSX1250FA the most comfortable bike of the group—especially for taller riders. Should the riding position need fine tuning to better fit your needs though, the seat can be adjusted up or down 20mm by flipping over the mounting spacers between the seat and frame seat rails. And as with the FZ1, the tubular handlebar of the GSX1250FA can be swapped out for a different bend, should you not care for the rather upright riding position the stock unit offers.
Compared to the FZ1 and Ninja...
Compared to the FZ1 and Ninja 1000, the GSX1250FA has the most upright riding position, a direct effect of the tall tube-type handlebars. The analog tachometer and digital panel with its fade-in lighting feature and adjustable brightness are easy to read at a glance.
Opposite the FZ1 and Ninja 1000, the GSX1250FA features a conventional 43mm front fork and steel tube-type frame. Adjustable for preload only, the rather soft front fork of the Suzuki absorbs all of the breaks in LA’s finest highways exceptionally well and is surprisingly competent in the canyons—especially considering the bike comes in at a hefty 567 pounds. As expected though, the Bridgestone BT-021-equipped machine reaches its limits quicker than the FZ1 and Ninja 1000—which are both equipped with fully adjustable front forks—when the riding turns more spirited. Due to the GSX1250FA’s excess weight, transitions and corner entry require a bit more energy, although there is something to be said for how fluid the feel is from the bike and how well it tracks mid-corner.