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I've always been intrigued by the wording "retuned or detuned for road use". I mean, why take an already brilliant engine with outstanding performance, then put it in another style of bike and proceed to pull its proverbial 'teeth' out, in a lot of ways it doesn't make sense. You see, I've met many folk who are decidedly turned off a motorcycle, by the fact that the engine breathes fire in one guise and then barely musters a rasping cough in another! Well horsepower mungers, you have been listened to. Inskip’s informed me they had a brand new (is 2 kilometers new enough for you?) Yamaha FZ1. Considering the bike was as tight as, I found it awesome.....The FZ1 engine is based on the same power plant as the R1 sports bike, "tuned" for the street (143kw). Now don't go whingeing, it ain't all that bad, because the normally outstanding performance only drops 5kw (7hp), with the trade off allowing for a smoother delivery of useable power right through the rev range. There is an also extra 34kg (208kg dry) of weight over it's sports sibling, but this again allows for better street manners on our less than perfect road surfaces.....The FZ1 has a high revving engine when compared to say, a Triumph Sprint ST, 4200rpm equates to around 100kph. An oh so smooth 6 speed gearbox transmits the engines ample force to the road, while the bike as a whole feels rock steady and even in amateur hands, can be directed through just about any corner as though it were piloted by multiple Formula Xreme champ, Kevin Curtain. The mirrors vibrate a little bit due to the fact that they are on rather long stalks, this being necessary to allow for good rear view, something other makes forget about. There are lots of nice little touches, like dual trip meters, 21 litre fuel tank, good bikini fairing, loud horn, radiator guards and a nicely contoured seat/tank combination.....My favourite pillion didn't like it as much as other bikes due to my inability to control the throttle smoothly, something that wouldn't be a problem after it's running in period. Dave, my dimensionally (165cm) smaller rider found the sitting position quite OK for reach to the ground, seat height being 820mm. The frame is very ample and it would appear possible to bolt an accessory gear rack to it. Fuel economy is very good for what is essentially a high performance engine, I achieved 300klms before the fuel warning light came up, so there is going to be a good touring range. Extra storage (approx. 2 litres) is available under the seat for such things as wet weather gear. The twin disk front and single disc rear brakes are excellent, and offer near perfect feel through the Bridgestone Battlax tyres. Front and rear suspension, are fully adjustable.....The FZ1 is not perfect though. The mirrors vibrated a bit more than I desire, but with 143ps on tap who the hell is going to be there behind you! The seat upholstery didn't seem to be quite the right cut, but a sheepskin will cover that, and, I had some trouble with reflection on the instruments. All in all, a great bike and one worthy of the quality we readily now see coming from Japan.....$15,800 plus on road makes this a superb value road warrior, go and see if the demo bike is still there, It’s been carefully run in and will be good value.....Test bike supplied by Inskip Motorcycles of Toronto, 49592937.