The Original FZ750
was designed around the amazing new 5 valve per cylinder "Genesis" engine. The other 750's made about 85 horsepower and redlined at about 10,000 rpm which turned a 5 speed transmission. The Genesis engine produced 105 horsepower and
redlined at 11,500 rpm, then cranked this through and all-new 6 speed transmission (the first in a 750 class bike as I recall). The engine was tilted forward 45 degrees and fitted with 4 downdraft carburetors that drew air from an airbox the front half of the
gas tank instead of at the rear of the engine and under the tank. This lowered the central mass of the engine and placed in closer to the new 16" front wheel. The result was much quicker steering response and less tendency to lift the front wheel under
hard acceleration. Of course, with 105 horsepower on tap and the gearing of the 6 speed transmission, wheelies were certainly available to those who wished - unlike the competitors.
The styling of this new FZ won rave reviews, although the seat was maligned in the press for touring duty. Since the FZ was clearly labeled "Pure Sports" right on the side panels, I don't know why anyone would complain about the seat for touring!
Standing at the back of the bike and looking forward revealed the sexist coke bottle or hourglass shape ever seen on a production motorcycle. The joint between the seat and the gas tank was narrow, matching the riders shape, while the seat widened
out nicely to support the rider. The tank was not overly wide (like bikes today) so moving from side to side on the seat fro extreme cornering was easily done.
Sure, the later bikes far surpass the performance of the original, but this and the original Ninja 900 laid the foundation for all modern superbikes - and to me, none of them are as sexy as the first FZ.
redlined at 11,500 rpm, then cranked this through and all-new 6 speed transmission (the first in a 750 class bike as I recall). The engine was tilted forward 45 degrees and fitted with 4 downdraft carburetors that drew air from an airbox the front half of the
gas tank instead of at the rear of the engine and under the tank. This lowered the central mass of the engine and placed in closer to the new 16" front wheel. The result was much quicker steering response and less tendency to lift the front wheel under
hard acceleration. Of course, with 105 horsepower on tap and the gearing of the 6 speed transmission, wheelies were certainly available to those who wished - unlike the competitors.
The styling of this new FZ won rave reviews, although the seat was maligned in the press for touring duty. Since the FZ was clearly labeled "Pure Sports" right on the side panels, I don't know why anyone would complain about the seat for touring!
Standing at the back of the bike and looking forward revealed the sexist coke bottle or hourglass shape ever seen on a production motorcycle. The joint between the seat and the gas tank was narrow, matching the riders shape, while the seat widened
out nicely to support the rider. The tank was not overly wide (like bikes today) so moving from side to side on the seat fro extreme cornering was easily done.
Sure, the later bikes far surpass the performance of the original, but this and the original Ninja 900 laid the foundation for all modern superbikes - and to me, none of them are as sexy as the first FZ.
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