Date: 28-03-24  Time: 23:03 pm

Author Topic: What would you replace your FZS600 with?  (Read 6896 times)

mr self destruct

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What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« on: 10 May 2018, 08:54:11 pm »
Assuming you had to?


Mine's getting a bit long in the tooth now, just had its 72k service, and I've been thinking about getting something newer.
Problem is, there's nothing I can think of that dos everything as well as an FZS600.
Looking at the stats of new-ish bikes, and there's hardly anything that comes close to the combination of power, comfort and fuel economy. And I like the speed of the FZS600, yet as its my main transport fuel economy and comfort have to be factors.
The 600 officially has 94bhp and does about 55mpg. Now let's say mine kicks out about 80bhp due to its age, and I'm getting a real-world 55mpg (up to 68 with the 50mph speed limit on the M6 at the moment).
Thing is, everything over 90bhp only does about 40-45mpg, and anything that gives over 50mpg only has 75-odd bhp.


So, can anyone think of a decent replacement? Or did Yamaha get it spot on 20 years ago?  :D



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Trebus

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #1 on: 10 May 2018, 09:38:34 pm »
Lower mileage FZS600? 😁

Arfa

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #2 on: 10 May 2018, 09:55:39 pm »
Same boat as you, and with this damn ULEZ coming in April 2019, I'm forced to swap for something else as I commute daily into centre. But I don't really have space/funds for commuter bike + weekend fun bike.


Like you, I like the balance of power, economy, comfort and practicality. Other things that put me off replacements is the lack of tank range - I'm gonna really miss getting 230 miles between fills.


I've looked at:
FZ6 S2 - obvious option. Seem to be fetching £2.5-3k odd recently.
CBF600s - felt a bit more torquey, but less top end power. Also very bland looking, but are cheap
SV650 k7 - possibly an option, but 73 bhp on paper and range of only 160 miles.
ER6 - meh, basic learner bike, too weedy and budget.
Gladius - ditto, even if just a cheap updated SV650.
CBR600F - nice option, but insurance is silly for inner London postcode (£1.2k odd!)
GSX650F - looks alright, but bit on heavy side, 150 mile range, basically a bandit in nice fairing.
BMW F800S - Seems a nice practical commuter, but reports are it can be rather tame/bland to ride (especially compared to FZS).
MT07 - has the looks, but looks a bit whimpy on power compared to FZS600 and bit dinky for tall rider.
MT09 - looks fun, but too pricy still - so insurance is too high in London.
Tracer - too wide for London computing... Seen some poor reports on longevity (corroded leaking oil pump on front of engine after 2 years!)
Street Triple - Silly insurance in London.


So yeah, I'm still no closer to a decision and time is ticking on...
« Last Edit: 10 May 2018, 10:03:55 pm by Arfa »

darrsi

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #3 on: 11 May 2018, 06:35:37 am »
FZ1S
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tommyardin

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #4 on: 11 May 2018, 08:15:03 am »
Makes you wonder when this new rule about pollution in the City comes in will the value of the FZS's fall? As there will be less demand for these carbed polluters with less places to ride them.
I don't know much about this new change to the law, but will the same ban in all City centres fallow suite? If so then the FZS will be almost worthless, unless you live on a farm and never hit a City centre.

BBROWN1664

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #5 on: 11 May 2018, 08:16:34 am »
I bought an FZS600 new in 1999.
I then went to an ST1100 and then a CBF1000 before coming back to the FZS600.

Some bikes are just too good.
Another ex-Fazer rider that is a foccer again

Wharfe

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #6 on: 11 May 2018, 11:54:09 am »
FZS600. In fact I did - when my Silver 03 got snotted by a truck in September, it was a no-brainer for me. Except I went for blue this time.
I am hoping not to be in the same predicament for a while at least...

mr self destruct

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #7 on: 11 May 2018, 01:31:36 pm »
That people are saying they stick with their Fazers says a hell of a lot about how good these bikes actually are!

Same boat as you, and with this damn ULEZ coming in April 2019, I'm forced to swap for something else as I commute daily into centre. But I don't really have space/funds for commuter bike + weekend fun bike.


Like you, I like the balance of power, economy, comfort and practicality. Other things that put me off replacements is the lack of tank range - I'm gonna really miss getting 230 miles between fills.


I've looked at:
FZ6 S2 - obvious option. Seem to be fetching £2.5-3k odd recently.
CBF600s - felt a bit more torquey, but less top end power. Also very bland looking, but are cheap
SV650 k7 - possibly an option, but 73 bhp on paper and range of only 160 miles.
ER6 - meh, basic learner bike, too weedy and budget.
Gladius - ditto, even if just a cheap updated SV650.
CBR600F - nice option, but insurance is silly for inner London postcode (£1.2k odd!)
GSX650F - looks alright, but bit on heavy side, 150 mile range, basically a bandit in nice fairing.
BMW F800S - Seems a nice practical commuter, but reports are it can be rather tame/bland to ride (especially compared to FZS).
MT07 - has the looks, but looks a bit whimpy on power compared to FZS600 and bit dinky for tall rider.
MT09 - looks fun, but too pricy still - so insurance is too high in London.
Tracer - too wide for London computing... Seen some poor reports on longevity (corroded leaking oil pump on front of engine after 2 years!)
Street Triple - Silly insurance in London.


So yeah, I'm still no closer to a decision and time is ticking on...

My thoughts exactly! I’ve researched a good number of bikes (a lot are on your list) and came to similar conclusions. I’d love an FZ1S if fuel economy wasn’t a consideration too.
The only other bike that comes close is the BMW F800gt which can be picked up for less than £5k now.
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Triggergee

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #8 on: 11 May 2018, 02:18:29 pm »
What about the FZS1000? That's what I've just done and it's fantastic! Very powerful, smooth and loads of torque. I'm finding it much more comfortable and because it's so similar to the 600 I feel I know my way around the bike already. Fuel economy seems pretty similar, maybe 200 mile a tank with a 1 tooth down front sprocket for some extra acceleration. Still not sure I can part with my FZS600 though.

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #9 on: 11 May 2018, 03:14:24 pm »
My work colleague has a DRZ400 (BIG SuperMoto) which I quite fancy. Would make a fun commuter too. High, plus great handling. "Youthful" image though/not so refined!
Classic Sports bike that has potential - Kawasaki ZX7R (96 to 03) or a Honda CBR900 RR Fireblade (1992 - 99).
Do also like the Yamaha MT07/09 range - a lot of attitude there, or a big "Adventure" style bike (a grown up SuperMoto). :)
Ohhh, I was also interested in buying a Yamaha Virago or Honda Shadow, cutting the tail off, and turning it into a custom Bobber! Cool but not so practical.
« Last Edit: 11 May 2018, 03:30:57 pm by focced_off »

Jbizzle

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #10 on: 11 May 2018, 04:12:03 pm »
have you thought about a honda vfr 800?
« Last Edit: 11 May 2018, 04:21:29 pm by BBROWN1664 »
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Wharfe

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #11 on: 11 May 2018, 04:46:35 pm »
My work colleague has a DRZ400 (BIG SuperMoto) which I quite fancy. Would make a fun commuter too. High, plus great handling. "Youthful" image though/not so refined!


Oooh I would properly go for one of them, for sure, though not at the expense of me other two (FZS600 + Tracer 900) So, in the interests of marital harmony, not just at the moment sadly.

Arfa

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #12 on: 11 May 2018, 06:11:22 pm »
For me the DRZ and FZS1000 are out because of ULEZ - need something 2007 or later. FZ1 is tempting, but economy for daily commuter and insurance quotes are £1k+ in London.
VFR could be option but would be later VTEC one.

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #13 on: 11 May 2018, 06:49:00 pm »
mt09 for me

mr self destruct

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #14 on: 11 May 2018, 07:32:49 pm »
Yeah I reckon the vfr is an option too.
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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #15 on: 11 May 2018, 08:50:09 pm »
vfr on a good open pipe sounds the bollocks


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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #16 on: 11 May 2018, 09:13:16 pm »
Or............ a Honda CBR 650 F............. 90bhp & 55+mpg........cheap, reliable, bit of style, great for longer distance comfort........ I could see one of those being a proper FZS replacement being close to the idea of the Fazer 600.


But, having also ridden my wife's FZS 1000 a lot, that's what I'd go for - the same as the 600, just more of everything.

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #17 on: 11 May 2018, 09:42:28 pm »
I know space may be an issue but what about just a little 125 for the commute and keep the fazer for the weekend and evenings, In London you can not go any faster on a Fazer than scooter can you ?   
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slappy

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #18 on: 11 May 2018, 09:48:47 pm »
The FZ1 and MT09 are both good bikes but you hit 100 miles on either then you are looking for the nearest petrol station.

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #19 on: 11 May 2018, 10:41:49 pm »
I know space may be an issue but what about just a little 125 for the commute and keep the fazer for the weekend and evenings, In London you can not go any faster on a Fazer than scooter can you ?


I'd recommend the DERBI Terra (Adventure)! Often mistaken as a much bigger (engined) bike, considering its big size (but low seat height).
125cc, however one of the fastest 125cc bikes in the market. Both acceleration and top end. A premium 125 build.

DERBI are a part of the Piaggio group, with reliability living up to expectations. They have a handful of 125cc bike options.

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #20 on: 12 May 2018, 06:21:49 am »
The MT-09 is one heck of a bike. My son has got one (with full Akrapovic exhaust and power commander). It is a mental machine. It handles great but the seat is damn uncomfortable (plank of wood). I still prefer my FZS1000 though as the tank range is far better and there's no way my other half would go on the back of the MT-09 unless I changed that seat.


Derbi Terra 125 or Derbi Senda DRD 125 (basically the same thing with different clothes) are great if you want a 125. My Mrs had the Derbi Senda 125 DRD after having a Yammie XT125R. The Derbi has quality suspension and far better brakes than the Yam. But it is a tall bike with a narrow seat so it's not for everyone. Great bike though.


I don't like this idea of bikes with a 100 mile tank range. It would wind me up having to stop so often to refill the tank.


Arfa - I would stick with the obvious choice.

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #21 on: 12 May 2018, 09:05:08 am »

Have you thought about a BMW F800ST?
 

darrsi

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #22 on: 12 May 2018, 10:30:53 am »

Have you thought about a BMW F800ST?


As long as you have a dark visor, that is one fugly looking bike. The fairing looks horrible.
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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #23 on: 12 May 2018, 05:31:28 pm »
yeah, I like the look of the CBR650F, got a friend with one, looks very smart and he loves it. But alas, best insurance quote on an older CBR600F was £1200 (or silly excess from MCE and £900 premium). :-(

The second smaller bike option is definitely worth considering. Got another mate whose gone this way after having his posh new 1200GS pinched twice (once recovered and thieves disturbed on second attempt), he's now has a CBF125 for his central London commute. Reckoned it makes more sense, plenty quick enough as you say, but way more nimble. But then he would say that coming from a GS! This partly drove my interest towards left field options like a CRF259L or even Royal Enfield, but insurance on anything that looks vaguely motocross is steep as well.


Anyone tried a recent ish (2007+) XJ6 Divvy? Any good? Looks cheap and cheerful, but will it be too disappointing compared to FZS600?




« Last Edit: 12 May 2018, 06:01:49 pm by Arfa »

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Re: What would you replace your FZS600 with?
« Reply #24 on: 13 May 2018, 03:40:22 pm »
My mate has a CBF1000 and it's more like a bigger, grown up FZS600 than  my FZS1000 was. I had both at the same time.
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