My only complaint is the windshield, which I found ill-suited to the severely-upright riding position. You don't have a choice but to bend in half to protect yourself from the wind. Fortunately, Yamaha offers full fairing parts, a taller windshield and even detachable saddlebags that transform the FZ1 into a touring motorcycle. The rear passenger enjoys decent seating despite having his or her feet a bit too high. That's all courtesy of the generous padding and dual grab rails.

My only complaint is the windshield, which I found ill-suited to the severely-upright riding position. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Moto123.com)

Bottom line
Powerful and playful, the 2011 Yamaha FZ1 handles sharply and meets a ton of expectations. Add a few features and accessories here and there, and it will quickly become the perfect weapon for weekend warriors and weekday commuters alike.

Pros
Versatile and rider-friendly for a 1.0-litre bike
Sharp handling and power
Suspension a good fit for the FZ1

Cons
Lack of wind protection