Fazer Owners Club - Unofficial
Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => Fazer 1000/FZ1 corner => Topic started by: duxsy on 24 May 2018, 06:10:12 pm
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Hello thou riders,
I love my fzs600 but it's time for something bigger. Are there any viable alternatives to the thou? I hope I don't set off a lynch mob :evil
Need Not necessarily be as powerful as the thou but still more powerful than the 600 and with a similar riding position and easy to add luggage to? Am I blind or is there actually nothing?
Any thoughts welcome,
D.
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MT09 Tracer? Quite a few seem to be sold with luggage already fitted.
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Simple answer...not really. The thou does everything so well without truly excelling at any one thing. I have had over fifty bikes since 1979 so have sampled the virtues of just about everything. For the pound outlay they are hard to beat, sort out the suspension get it Ivanised and they are nigh on perfect. The only bike that could possibly coax me away from the Fazer Thou is the BMW S1000XR, the only stumbling point is the 10-12k required to permanently sit on one.
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I don't think that you will find anything that is a complete a package as a sorted Gen1 Thou, I've had mine for 9 years now the longest I've kept any bike due to the fact that it is such a great all rounder. Not that I've ridden one but some might argue a VFR800 comes close at a similar price point.
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The youngest Fazer thou will now be 13 years old so if you want something younger it will have fuel injection, something younger still will also come with all the electronic 'rider aid gadgets' which to me are unnecessary and WILL go expensively wrong sooner or later. Unless you want another old bike from a different manufacturer or pay 10 grand for a new one, there is no viable alternative to the FZS1000. I am a bit biased as I have 2 of them, one for Summer, and one for Winter which has covered 156,000 miles and the only thing that has gone wrong with it was the electronic alarm [I had it fitted from new] It did last for 16 years though before it had to be removed. Reasonably cheap to buy, very easy to work on[once the AIS has been binned] Lots of low and midrange grunt, stable handling, fine brakes, fuel efficient[so long as its not thrashed obviously], comfortable, and last but certainly not least is the glitch free fuelling from the carbs. I also have fuel injected bikes and at low revs the throttle is like a switch and can be imprecise and jerky [especially on big twins] probably the reason for 'riding modes', I suspect they can't get the fuelling right and please Euro 4 regs. On this forum we all appreciate Fazers and for good reason, I for one consider the fzs1000 as one of the best bikes I have ever owned. The only new bike that has come close to loosening my wallet is the current Kawasaki Z1000R, but I would still keep at least one of my Fazers. :)
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You will of course get a biased answer on this site...However... I'm back on a FZS1000 after having the 600 for five years (and another FZS1000 for five years before that). Its a hard bike to beat because it's good at so many things. But fairing's frontal area is too small and standard screen rubbish at wind deflection - it's virtually a 'naked' bike. Aftermarket parts help a lot.
However, modern alternatives might be:1) Tracer 850 - nice but at a price. Standar suspension not great either and seat comfort questionable.
2) CBF1000 (gen 2) heavier, linked brakes and lacking 25hp up top, but possibly more comfy. Also still £4.5k or more.
3) Tiger 1050 (Gen 1) previously I'd seriously considered one of these myself, but had to admit it was way too tall for me. Bit wobbly on standard suspension.
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Hello thou riders,
I love my fzs600 but it's time for something bigger. Are there any viable alternatives to the thou? I hope I don't set off a lynch mob :evil
Need Not necessarily be as powerful as the thou but still more powerful than the 600 and with a similar riding position and easy to add luggage to? Am I blind or is there actually nothing?
Any thoughts welcome,
D.
I went from an FZS600 to an ST1100 as I wanted something bigger. that turned out to be too big so went on to a CBF1000 (Mk1) which mainly sat in the garage. It was too bland and as I never used it decided to sell that and went back to an FZS600. In parallel I have also got a Tiger 900i.
the FZS600 is powerful enough. On the 1000+ bikes the main diffference is you dont need to dance around the gearbox to get the acceleration etc.
The tigers bigger for luggage etc but it is a beast of a bike to move around the garage/garden without the engine running due to its size and weight.
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thanks for all the replies, they've confirmed my suspicion that there isn't really much of an alternative. I'll keep my eyes peeled then for a thou.
the cbf1000 seems to have too low bars which would make uturns awkward.
bmw is too expensive I'm looking for an old nice affordable bike.
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If you were after a new bike I would suggest an MT-09 or MT-07 Tracer as I quite like those myself.
I am perfectly happy with my FZS1000 Gen 1 as it is a great bike so I won't be changing for a year or two.
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the cbf1000 seems to have too low bars which would make uturns awkward.
The CBF1000 Gen1 is a very similar riding position to the FZS600.
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I took my 02 Gen 1 thou for it's MOT today (failed, horn relay failed and wouldn't work!!).
While there I got my arm twisted to take the demo MT-09 SP out for a test ride. Really nice bike, amazing how much bikes have come on in 16 years, the triple engine is amazing, staggering. I would say the best engine I've ridden.
The throttle response and quickshifter was great and the turn in caught me out a couple of times, so quick. Soon got uncomfortable to ride however at speed, was really hanging on.
I'd really like to take the Tracer SP out for a ride, however, I think i'd end up buying one!!
Back after about 40 mins, jumped back on the thou, still a fantastic bike but I did notice that I could carry more mph through some of the bends on the 09 SP, some bends 10 mph+
Could I justify spending ££££ on a SP, not really, I just can't see that it's worth £7k plus more than the thou.
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My son has just bought an MT-09 with full Akrapovic and power commander. It's an awesome bike, I only rode it for about 5 miles and I loved it. Still like my Fazer though...
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Back after about 40 mins, jumped back on the thou, still a fantastic bike but I did notice that I could carry more mph through some of the bends on the 09 SP, some bends 10 mph+
You could probably rectify that through upgrading your suspension and tweaking the geometry. I've had a few comments from surprised owners of more modern bikes on how well my Gen1 carries speed through corners and keeps up with the top of the pack when the going gets brisk.
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Back after about 40 mins, jumped back on the thou, still a fantastic bike but I did notice that I could carry more mph through some of the bends on the 09 SP, some bends 10 mph+
You could probably rectify that through upgrading your suspension and tweaking the geometry. I've had a few comments from surprised owners of more modern bikes on how well my Gen1 carries speed through corners and keeps up with the top of the pack when the going gets brisk.
I did think that when I had time to sit when I got home. For a 16 yr old bike it truly is great and I'm very tempted to spend a bit of ££ at the suspension.
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Take a look at the Multistrada 1200s, yes it's a Ductai, forget the old fragile poor build quality. These things are sensational really they're I was gob smacked by it's capabilities and performance with it 4 modes, 150bhp, ABS, traction control it's got the lot. It will easily keep up with and beat any sports bike track or road with the right rider and will be as docile as you like on a greasy wet road in town, put the panniers on it will tour the world on and off road. If you don't mind the adventure styling, want a bike for all conditions it is a close as you're currently going to get for the money to prefection, go try one, your be amazed!
6 - 8k grand will get you a very nice bike.
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I was looking at a multistrada or bmw s1000xr until I was told of the servicing costs.
I’ll keep my fazer thou thanks.
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They're are no worse overall than most other bikes, 15k (mile) intervals that's more than twice what it is for a FZS1000 and FZ1, so will balance out if you can spanner yourself it gets even cheaper. The days of these engines being fragile is long gone, they're just as reliable (if maintained) as any Jap bike.
I too was very sceptical when I had my first experience. Once I rode one I was blown away and having worked on a few they're no worse than many late model Jap bikes. If you're a hardened sports bike, newer looking street/muscle (MT's, Z1SX, GSX-S) fan then perhaps not for you, but if you don't want an FZS1000 and you are looking for bang for buck one bike for everything, the Multistrada is in my opinion the best out there at present.
Those that know me (and yes they're still a few left on the board) will know I'm not/wasn't a Ducati fan but this bike is really that good.
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I had a two hour test ride on the bmw xr and I thought it was an amazing bike up and down shifter was like butter and so comfortable.does it all really just like the fazer but 15k is alot of money. Maybe one day if the fazer ever goes bang
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What is it with all these electronic gadgets abs, traction control, engine mode, to control how much power it makes suspension modes for different styles of riding seems that some riders have forgotten/unable to ride a bike by feel and the seat of their pants with out a computer to do it for them.
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Cbf1000, more like a grown up Fzs600 than any other bike I've ridden, (I owned a Fzs 1000 at the same time as my 600 so have done direct comparison).
Kawasaki Z1000SX about the closet I've ridden to the 1000, very nearly bought one(that good) but bought a new model crossrunner instead (flawed and no longer in the garage).
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What is it with all these electronic gadgets abs, traction control, engine mode, to control how much power it makes suspension modes for different styles of riding seems that some riders have forgotten/unable to ride a bike by feel and the seat of their pants with out a computer to do it for them.
Im with you on this one. All adding value for the manufacturer, cost for servicing/repair onto the owner. Bikes would cost much less, be lighter, and more affordable for new riders. £10k for a new bike. Jeeez, thats more than I paid for our first house :lol
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What is it with all these electronic gadgets abs, traction control, engine mode, to control how much power it makes suspension modes for different styles of riding seems that some riders have forgotten/unable to ride a bike by feel and the seat of their pants with out a computer to do it for them.
Im with you on this one. All adding value for the manufacturer, cost for servicing/repair onto the owner. Bikes would cost much less, be lighter, and more affordable for new riders. £10k for a new bike. Jeeez, thats more than I paid for our first house :lol
That's very true, that's why you buy them second hand :D as I said you can get a very nice low mileage Multistrada for 6 - 7k.
If you've not ridden a bike with gadgets, go and try one you'll be amazed ;) It's like when ABS first appeared on cars, or sat nav many were knocking it, not many do now, chances are you've got both on your car and possibly your bike :) [size=78%] [/size][/size][size=78%] [/size]
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Tracer 700 - Looks a bit Fazer ish from the front. I had a sit on one at the MCN Festival. Seemed good for seating position.
Not a bad price for a brand new bike.
https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/motorcycles/sport-touring/tracer-700.aspx (https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/motorcycles/sport-touring/tracer-700.aspx)
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Tracer 700 - Looks a bit Fazer ish from the front. I had a sit on one at the MCN Festival. Seemed good for seating position.
Not a bad price for a brand new bike.
https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/motorcycles/sport-touring/tracer-700.aspx (https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/motorcycles/sport-touring/tracer-700.aspx)
Mate the older 600 Fazer is better then the Tracer 700 in just about every way. Someone looking to up grade, to something other the a 1000 Fazer which is a bench mark and one of the best all round bikes ever made isn't going to want a 700 Tracer. well not if they've got any sense :rollin :rollin :rollin :lol :D ;) :)
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I've not actually ridden one, just sat on it. Having said that, I've not even sat on a 600 Fazer either.
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If the original poster is considering a gen 1 thou then it seems a bit pointless talking about £6-12 bikes - no gen 1 is worth that right now. Also the luggage issue was brought up so to my mind there's some obvious alternatives that haven't been mentioned:
Bandit 1200 / 1250: cheap, large engined half faired bike that can be found with rack / top box / panniers already fitted at previous owners expense if patient or lucky.
CB1300 SA: half faired again, top box is easy, I don't recall seeing panniers on one but it will obviously take soft luggage and will probably outlast the human race and still start on the button and purr nicely.
ZRX1100 / 1200 - quite cool, very meaty but (dare I say it?) even less build quality than the Suzuki. I've ridden and worked on one that's toured and, well, it needs a good deal of maintenance to keep it tip top.
R1150R - a more left field choice but big, torquey, comfortable and will most likely come with luggage fitted, just add a screen. I've owned one and it's surprisingly good - but not as reliable as the roundel would suggest.
All viable alternatives and available for around £3k.
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Would second the Z1000SX. Can pick up tidy gen 2 models (with abs and traction control) for £6k+ (add another £500 or so for panniers).
First gen models are circa 4k and up, ish!
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thanks everyone for the input, a lot of food for thought.
Cbf1000, more like a grown up Fzs600 than any other bike I've ridden, (I owned a Fzs 1000 at the same time as my 600 so have done direct comparison). Kawasaki Z1000SX about the closet I've ridden to the 1000, very nearly bought one(that good) but bought a new model crossrunner instead (flawed and no longer in the garage).
very interesting, can you tell me a little more about this? is the cbf1000 easy to manoeuvre at low speeds, would you be able to do a u-turn easily on a normal street?
how does the cbf and fzs 1000 compare?
If the original poster is considering a gen 1 thou then it seems a bit pointless talking about £6-12 bikes - no gen 1 is worth that right now. Also the luggage issue was brought up so to my mind there's some obvious alternatives that haven't been mentioned:Bandit 1200 / 1250: cheap, large engined half faired bike that can be found with rack / top box / panniers already fitted at previous owners expense if patient or lucky.CB1300 SA: half faired again, top box is easy, I don't recall seeing panniers on one but it will obviously take soft luggage and will probably outlast the human race and still start on the button and purr nicely.ZRX1100 / 1200 - quite cool, very meaty but (dare I say it?) even less build quality than the Suzuki. I've ridden and worked on one that's toured and, well, it needs a good deal of maintenance to keep it tip top.R1150R - a more left field choice but big, torquey, comfortable and will most likely come with luggage fitted, just add a screen. I've owned one and it's surprisingly good - but not as reliable as the roundel would suggest.All viable alternatives and available for around £3k.
spot on, I'm after a cheaper option which will take luggage. thanks for the recommendations, off I go to research them all!
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Hello thou riders,
I love my fzs600 but it's time for something bigger. Are there any viable alternatives to the thou? I hope I don't set off a lynch mob :evil
Need Not necessarily be as powerful as the thou but still more powerful than the 600 and with a similar riding position and easy to add luggage to? Am I blind or is there actually nothing?
Any thoughts welcome,
D.
Going back to your original question (after reading all our other ideas) I honestly think that a Gen 1 Fazer Thou is the best all round bike.
I'm not being biased because I have one - It is the reason I bought one.
I miss my FJR1300 but would I trade my Fazer for one? No.
My previous bike was a V-Strom 1000 - It doesn't even compare to a Fazer which is why I got rid of it.
I can ride my Fazer into town or go on a mad ride round the country lanes just enjoying myself. Even all day rides to the other side of the country and back within a day are possible - and I have all the luggage space I need (as long as my wife leaves me some room...)
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yeah I was looking at the v-strom but didn't seem all that exciting. I guess it's between the thou and the CBF1000 but on paper the fazer seems like it's more worth it. I guess the only advantage of the honda over the fzs600 i have now is luggage, so doesn't seem worth paying a grand just for that.
what do you make of this one?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-motorbikes/yamaha-fzs-1000-fazer/1301228949
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It's not cheap. It does look great but I'd still be looking to get that price down.
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It's not cheap. It does look great but I'd still be looking to get that price down.
yeah, found another one though that's more what I'm looking for (full panniers) but 67k miles. can't wait to see it tomorrow
https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-motorbikes/yamaha-fzs-1000-fazer-03-over- (https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-motorbikes/yamaha-fzs-1000-fazer-03-over-)£1k-spent-/1300052044
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That looks to be a good buy and it's not a bad price.
The panniers look to be the slim-line one's. You can still get a fair bit of kit inside them.
Money has been spent in the correct areas - just make sure the exup valve works if it hasn't been removed. If the bike struggles to rev beyond 6,000 rpm the exup valve is stuck.
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Just ridden r-kids CBF1000, extremely bland motorcycle.
The most interesting feature is it’s low seat height.!
Seriously, it looks like it should be great, but that Fireblade engine is too emasculated, it’s too civilised, too ‘Honda’.
You must try one before committing.
I like the look of the R1200RS, the 1250 Bandit can be found fully loaded for a decent price, a TDM900 might be interesting, the ZXR1200 and GSX1400 very ‘macho’, and if you fancy ballistic speed, the Blackbird and ZZR1400’s are totally mad, but eminently useable.
I do like the Multistrada and XR1000, but sheet, as Cilla might say, they’re a lorra-lorra cash.
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Had a TDM 900 for 12 years before I had the FZS 1000 a very underestimated bike , not in the same league as the Fazer in power, but a characteristic bike, I wish I kept it, but a choice if I had to pick , it would be the Fazer.
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I could be tempted by a Multistrada, might have a test ride.
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That looks to be a good buy and it's not a bad price.
The panniers look to be the slim-line one's. You can still get a fair bit of kit inside them.
Money has been spent in the correct areas - just make sure the exup valve works if it hasn't been removed. If the bike struggles to rev beyond 6,000 rpm the exup valve is stuck.
I went to see it, somehow it didn't feel quite right. It's a german import with the speedo in kms only, but apparently it's been recalibrated to show miles? so when it says 60 kmph it's actually 60 mph. Heard of that before? the rear shock was showing quite a bit of corrosion as were the exhaust header bolts, and the screen just looked weird. the guy also did all mods himself and said he wasn't a mechanic so I guess there's trust issues there as no service book although he had all receipts
I found another one but without the luggage, and one with the luggage but a hundred bloody miles away.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-motorbikes/yamaha-fzr1000-fazer-2003/1299647960 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-motorbikes/yamaha-fzr1000-fazer-2003/1299647960) this one has axel covers or something on the front, haven't seen those before, what are they for? and the shock is yellow so could be the r6 mod? it's quite corroded on th ebottom so worried about the exup valve, although can't see from the pics.
and then this one looks mint https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-motorbikes/yamaha-fzs1000/1300408180 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/yamaha-motorbikes/yamaha-fzs1000/1300408180) but i don't get why he says he has a beowulf can but it's the standard on the pic
maybe i'll be cheeky and check if the first guy will sell me his luggage set only...
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The "axle covers" are fork sliders/crash bungs to protect the forks in the event of an off.
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Changing the clock face is fairly easy and quite common. My bike is an import and has the same set up, at least it did until I picked up some cheap MPH clocks and changed them over. Old ones worked just fine.
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Expect exhaust header bolts to be rusty. They end up like that on all bikes after a while and it's something you don't touch unless you really need to.
Unless the rear shock was really bad I wouldn't worry too much as long as the unit wasn't leaking oil but you could use that as a bargaining point to get some money off and then buy the R6 conversion for £275
Most of us on here aren't mechanics either. I do all the work on my own bikes as I don't trust mechanics to do the job properly - ok I do know 2 mechanics that I trust - and I don't put too much faith in service book records either.
Those side boxes for the bike in Norwich are huge (I've got the same ones) and it makes getting on/off very tricky for the pillion as they are very close to the footpeg.