Ok thoughts so far on the Tracer,


The riding position is roomy and upright with great visibility. The bike itself is narrow and light with a riding position that is canted slightly forward. The bars are wide in comparison to the Fazer with loads of leverage which  makes for a flickable, responsive ride. Certainly more manoeuvrable than the Fazer but what you gain in flick-ability... you lose in stability. The front paws at the air under hard acceleration and can feel remote in the wet (the first time I've had ABS kick in in any bike). That said, I changed the oe tyres on the Fazer at one point and it felt much more confidence inspiring. Of course. You can leave the TCS on, and use the mode buttons but unless it's torrential I don't bother.


So, the motor...... There was nothing wrong with the Fazer. Great linear power delivery that reacts well to being spun up and ridden hard. However, the Tracer is very, very easy to ride fast. The power is easily accessible and the motor spins-up quickly. You can leave it in third gear and it will cope with hairpins and any thing up to treble figures. However, the clutch is light and effortless and the motor has a split personality which also enjoys working the gear box and keeping things spinning.


The bike is quick, comfortable and well built. It's a lot of bike for the money but it does feel insubstantial at times. This probably because I'm still getting used to sitting upright and have never really ridden trail-style, light weight bikes. For me I'd like to be sat a little bit more over the front but that is just a personal preference.


In conclusion, I'm thrilled with the Tracer. However, at times I do miss the Fazer and on balance I'd say that these are two different bikes rather than one being better than the other.


Cheers,


Scotty aka The Fatwasp

Thanks mate. Yes, it's all run-in now. Easy to ride, great power...the front is a bit lively when you give it the beans.... But then you can always leave the traction control on!!!! Chuffed to bits with the Tracer. The MT07 is a great bit of kit too by all accounts. It's great showing the race rep boys a clean pair of heals....

No extras mate. They've sold six in a week. I've gone for the matte grey. Love it.... frustrated with running-in restrictions but overall, really pleased with it. Headlights are fantastic too with the led lights.


I have heard a rumour that Yamaha will be putting prices up and that they are nearly sold out. I doubt that though.

"Fatwasp, what kind of milage did you get out of the MPR3s? or are you still on the first set?"

I'm still on the first set mate. I replaced the OE tyres after 3,500miles. They had a pronounced, of centre 'V' shaped profile on the front and were squared-off at the rear. I'm 3,000miles into the MPR3s - travelling the same daily commute and the odd weekend scratch. There is no noticeable change in profile to the front or rear and no change in feel. They are great. I would replace like for like in the future. I don't think my ability would benefit from any marginal improvement from the MPR4's - but then again, I DIDN'T REALISE THAT THE OE TYRES WERE SO POOR. While I'm at it, how on earth do you manage to get 10,000 + miles from a set of tyres? That's a great return on your investment - fair play.

I chose a Fazer8 after owning a new gen FZ1 and GSXR750. I was looking for a compromise as I was spending too much on tyres and petrol but needed big bike thrills. As it happens I didn't have to compromise the Fazer8 is real world fast, handles well, is economical and with a touring screen and Akrapovic I can commute, scratch and tour. I am a lot quicker on the Fazer8 than the FZ1 as the power is more accessible and the riding position and wide bars allow you to throw it about with relish. Added a bit of preload and an extra 2 psi to the back to sort out the ride... spot on. Can keep up with anything. Bargains to be had now as well...


 

Hi Grandma. Yes, I've just had the 600 mile service done at SW Superbikes. I mentioned it to Dave and he said don't bother with a rear shock upgrade. They tend to bed-in after 1000 miles. I've never heard of suspension being run-in but as it is the cheapest option I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I'll probably just get used to it. I've noticed the gearbox to be a little slicker after the service but still not thrashed the thing in anger yet. 

Hi folks,
Loving my new Fazer8. Anyone got any advice on suspension improvement. I've got a model without the adjustable sussy. I'm 13st and need better damping and less dive at the front. The rear just needs better damping as preload is adjustable. I can't afford new shocks would stiffer springs and heavier fork oil help and is this something a dealer could do? Any ideas on cost?
Cheers

The touring screen does a great job of keeping the flies out of my teeth and allows for comfortable cruising up to 100. That said, I'm only 5ft 8 so I can't account for any turbulence for taller riders. I'm struggling to find fault to be honest. The rear shock is a bit choppy on bumpy roads at speed. I might add a bit of preload to the rear but am hesitant as it may make things worse and the only thing that would deal with these shitty roads is a landrover. I'm still running it in but have to say that in the real world it is a far better package than my FZ1 Fazer... 99% of the time... for me.

Thanks for the warm welcome folks, very much appreciated.


Picked up the bike yesterday so doing a bit of gentle running-in. The Akrapovics are tasty without being overly raucous!! I'm well chuffed and up for a scratch with local valley dwellers.


Cheers!!