Date: 28-03-24  Time: 20:08 pm

Author Topic: Long time no bike  (Read 2233 times)

IffyBiker

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Long time no bike
« on: 14 March 2018, 08:43:55 am »
It is 20 years since I last rode a bike (GS 550). Looking to get back into it and thoughts on a FZS600 2001-2003 as a comeback model? Others considered were a hornet but veering towards the FZS.
Pros and cons appreciated
« Last Edit: 18 March 2018, 09:06:51 pm by IffyBiker »

mtread

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #1 on: 14 March 2018, 10:42:37 am »
Good step up from a GS550. I went from a GS750 after 15 years to a Bandit 600, then to a FZS600. Should have missed out the Bandit. What you will notice (whichever you choose) is the vast improvement in tyres, brakes, performance etc etc. Go careful!

IffyBiker

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #2 on: 14 March 2018, 06:24:17 pm »
mtread - thx for advice - have booked myself onto a refresher course - itching to get bike but will be patient- budgeting about £2 - 2.5K

unfazed

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #3 on: 14 March 2018, 07:40:12 pm »
Go for the 2002/2003 Foxey if possible as it has the best light of the bunch, :thumbup
Bought a GS550 new (twin disc front, with brake shoe rear, wire wheel one) way back in 1977.
It was a good handler and had great brakes for its time, but the brakes on the Fazer 600 are a different league by comparison, they will stand the 600 on it nose in the right hands or lock the front wheel solid in the wrong ones.. Treat them with care until you get used to them.

tommyardin

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #4 on: 14 March 2018, 11:03:56 pm »
Good step up from a GS550. I went from a GS750 after 15 years to a Bandit 600, then to a FZS600. Should have missed out the Bandit. What you will notice (whichever you choose) is the vast improvement in tyres, brakes, performance etc etc. Go careful!


As said by our illustrious member above, a good move the FZS 600 Foxeye, you get much the same with the earlier Boxeye except you don't get the poor headlights.
I know a few guys who had the Bandit and their thoughts were, that is exactly what Suzuki should have done and Band it.


Great move, great bike the Fazer FZS 600, it wants to put a smile on your face but can also put a mark in your pants if you overcook it.  :eek

mtread

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #5 on: 15 March 2018, 10:00:56 am »
£2-2.5k should buy you a very good low mileage one. Be choosy. If you spot one you fancy post details on here and we can advise

adasilva

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #6 on: 16 March 2018, 05:25:18 pm »
Welcome back mate!
Fazer 600 is a great move to. Very comfortable, lots power, good sitting position tyres and breaks. As point it out yearly models headlights were poor, but i think the early modes were build on better frame. The only problem with the fazer is the downpipes which tent to rust... but you can always change them to a stainless steel ones.


Good luck!

IffyBiker

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #7 on: 17 March 2018, 12:22:55 pm »
adasilva - thanks. Is that a move to the Dark Side going for an 04 Fazer onwards?
I’d thought that 02/03 would be the way to go with budget- plus carbs rather than injected?
Forgive my ignorance - just getting back into this after 20+ yrs. -  want to get it right.
Any comparison info good

IffyBiker

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #8 on: 17 March 2018, 12:33:05 pm »
mtread - seen one on SuperBike factory in Macclesfield (only seen online not in the physical - yet). 03, 19,000m, £1900.
Like to view next weekend - but if gone by then I’ll just keep looking. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201801162813141?advertising-location=at_bikes&postcode=hr60lg&model=FZS600&page=1&radius=80&make=YAMAHA
Thoughts?

mtread

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #9 on: 17 March 2018, 04:38:45 pm »
It looks very clean and tidy, but it's what we would call a 'Boxeye' ie with the early front fairing. What seems odd is that it's a 03 registration, and the model was replaced with the 'Foxeye' from 2002 onwards. Main advantage of the Foxeye is the headlights. Both come on at the same time and give a much better spread. It also appears to have the original black downpipes which are prone to rust. The rear unit appears to have been resprayed at some point, as it has non standard graphics.
Having said all that, it might be worth a look, but you might want to ask a few questions. Or hang on for a good low mileage Foxeye 2002-2003 at a similar price.

mtread

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #10 on: 17 March 2018, 04:53:35 pm »
« Last Edit: 17 March 2018, 04:54:19 pm by mtread »

IffyBiker

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Re: Long time no bike
« Reply #11 on: 17 March 2018, 06:14:11 pm »
Looks v neat - top end of budget but you gets what you pay for. I think I messed up and sent this same reply via email . Anyway, learning all the time on Forum about FZS’s. My guess about the one I was looking at is it may have been dropped and older parts replaced? Who knows?
Edge of welsh borders mean most bikes a good 2/3 hrs away but I’m going to have to bite the bullet and get out there. Anyone put deposit on without viewing to secure if it’s a dealer? A bit too risky maybe.