I'm not sure where you are getting the $2000 more for a Z1000 over FZ-09.
I was recently shopping for a new bike and the Z1000 was almost
$5,000 OTD more....
Anyways, as somebody who bought an FZ-09 let me give my completely biased opinions.
I really feel that the suspension issues are exaggerated. I went from a 2010 GSXR600 to a 2014 FZ-09. The FZ-09 is obviously worse in terms of suspension. I maxed the Preload/Dampening and it feels adequate for daily use (not track). I'm 205 without gear on. On my test ride, and the bike I purchased was setup for approximately 140 pound rider. The FZ-09 feels like a rocket around the streets, whereas the GSXR you had to wind out like a sewing machine.
CONS
* The suspension leaves a bit to be desired. You can easily upgrade this by swapping to a ZX10R shock, or buying one of the aftermarket options.
* The throttle response is snatchy and annoying. $200 ECU upgrade fixes this.
* Seat is not great. Another upgrade required.
PRO
* Fantastic Engine
* Great low end torque and incredible acceleration. Even in high gear, low RPM you can take off very fast (courtesy of the amazing torque band)
* Good fuel mileage even driving fairly hard. I get between 5.2L/100KM and 5.4L/100KM 50/50 city/highway
* Flickable. The bike feels light and nimble
* The bike hums along quietly at 400/401 speeds
* Fuel guage
* Price
You can get an FZ-09 for $8500. I personally believe its a great option for the price. Certainly I would have liked to have a BMW S1000R or KTM SuperDuke 1290, but like most people... Price is an issue. I would honestly say you need to spend about $500-1000 on the FZ-09 to make it worthwhile. (ECU, ZX10R/Penske Shock, possibly seat).
What more can I say? FZ-09 is comfortable, quick and lots of fun. Just keep the front wheel down
I tried the FZ09. Great engine in a mediocre chassis. I figured the bike could be great with major suspension upgrades, which negates its lower price.
I think next year's model will address those issues.
Ari Henning at Motorcyclist has been doing a long term test on the bike, and if you read between the lines, he thinks the bike has major handling issues, which is why he's spending time on the shock and forks. Given that Motorcyclist cheerleads everything, he's saying a lot.
I only read better things about the FZ07 from the Euro press.
To me, if you are going 900 naked, might was well go all in on a Z1000 and get a better bike. $2000 more, but you get much more everything.
Fz07 is much less insurance, closest competition is the Kawa ER6-N, which just cleaned up at the Isle of Man.