Hunting a foxeye

[notoriusb.e.n]

Hi there,

Was recommended to this place by a former Fazer 600 owner to get some owners eye info on the bike and be a good place to look out for a potential bargain?

I've decided to get rid of my current bike, a BMW R1100S and go for something a bit simpler. Its a great bike but too damn expensive on repairs and such. plus as I haven't ridden it over the last year much,  my riding has gotten rusty and I find i'm becoming a very lazy rider and I think I need something I can work a bit harder on - and also simple enough to tinker on for a cack handed neantherdal.

Anyway, having decided on "middleweight" "cheap to run" "simple and bulletproof" I was drawn to the Fazer (I cannot find hardly any bad words about them - apart from the downpipes and that area getting crusty - which is understandable given how exposed it is down there and jap manufacturers propensity to build downpipes from cheapo mild steel) - having had a limited experience of ragging one round olivers mount I did quite enjoy - and then I was drawn to the foxeye in particular for the bigger fuel tank and better looks. It just looks like a friendly fun little bike that just wants to go out and play without all the rigid seriousness of a "Sports" bike.

Gonna nosy around see whats for sale and hopefully if I find one and get on with it, stick around to become a long term happy Fazer owner - and then when I'm ready maybe make the jump up to a big thirsty thou.

Cheers all,
Ben

[Hedgetrimmer]

I think you could do with a reply - Hi mate, any luck with your search yet? Not owned a 600 myself, but have had about two weeks with one and thought it very impressive. And that's after owning 3 gen 1 thous. When the 600 guys on here lose their shyness, they'll all tell you can't go wrong. As soon as you get it, post pics on here.

[tkwish]

Not owned mine for long came from a vstrom 1000 it was getting a little heavy both in weight and on fuel got a 600  foxeye and am now enjoying biking once again

[slimwilly]

Hj there, have fun shopping,sort out a good one


see you riding it soon

[notoriusb.e.n]

I have found a few out there that get my interest a little - but haven't gone to view anything yet. I intend to be very careful with my purchase as I have had an unfortunate habit in the past of buying the first bike I see at the right price,  ignoring obvious issues due to new bike syndrome - and then finding out its a bit of a dog - or two weeks late a much better example comes for sale at around the same price. No, this bike needs to be spot on. If that means paying a bit over the odds then so be it - but this time round, I want my bike perfect. Patience and a critical eye is what I need right now. People want to sell, and in times like these its the buyers that have the power to get what they want.

[noggythenog]

Hey notorious, welcome to the forum,only just noticed your questions & sorry you havent had sooner replies but the sun is out, its the weekend & everyones no doubt busy playing, or arguing he he .the site is very active & a great place to keep enthusiastic during the winter months & get out n about & socialise in the summer.I was new to biking this time last year & ive learnt a great deal from this site as everyone is extremely helpful & the more information you have about a problem the more detailed & helpful they get.i knew nothing about bikes but with foccers help i managed my own basic service last year with no problems & the bike was very easy to work on even for a novice.


I think Stevierst summed the fzs600 up very well recently-"All the bike you'll ever need, just not all the bike youll ever want".The bike does it all & in a friendly manor & i personally dont want for anything else just yet because i know ill regret selling it.


Dont discount the box eye either, its looks will grow on you & mine still gets at least 200 miles from the tank & you could save a couple hundred quid because the foxeyes are generally a tad more sought after.that said though if you'll do any night riding then the foxeye has far better lights.


Many owners return to the Fzs600 after trying out other desireables & that's also why the best ones are kept for a long time by the current owners who've tried other stuff.you will regularly see bikes on here for sale but usually from folk who've joined up just to sell or folk that have only just bought the bike so if im honest i'd say dealers & bike trader etc are probably just as likely to turn up a good'n although finding one here from a long term member  will provide a searchable forum history.


Theres an issue with the front sprocket nuts not being fit for purpose.be sure to check that any bike you see has got a nut still on the shaft & hasnt stripped itself off & that the new uprated nut (deeper with more threads) has been fitted, it's a cheap fix & using the search option here & typing " front sprocket nut" will give you endless info.


The gearbox is normally clunky going into 1st gear, 1st to 2nd should be done gracefuly without mega revs or youll soon damage the gearbox & for the rest of the time the lively motor loves to dance around the limiter as it needs to be revved to bring out its best.


Anyway hope this helps buddy,like i say im a newby & theres lots o folk here with vast knowledge so if you have more questions p,ease ask.


Cheers


Fras

[Hedgetrimmer]

Hey Noggy, you ever thought of writing a novel?   

[dBfazer600]

Hi Ben
 
Noggy is spot on. What I would advise is go to your nearest Dealer and look at what they have in and check out how they look to you. If you choose the correct dealer they will mainly sell pre owned. I found the  I looked at had tell tailed signs of rebuilds and neglect. I saw 99 to 03 Fzs with brand new digital clocks (what was the true mileage) on from FZ6, pitted forks, new gear selectors and break leavers. These were at a premium price in the shop. I then went private with the knowledge of what to look for with regard to year and speck.
 
Bide your time and you will get what you are looking for.
 
Welcome to nut house
 
Daz

[notoriusb.e.n]

Found a good low mileage 2003 Foxeye, off to go and possibly buy it this weekend 

[Hedgetrimmer]

Good luck, gotta get one before we lose this sunshine!

[Exupnut]

Nice post Nog. U forgot to mention slow silver and fast blue tho. Good luck with the purchase notorious.



Now dosn't that look fast exup? Yes.. I think it does ;-)

[noggythenog]

Dear Mr Exup...............

[notoriusb.e.n]

Bought it.

[Hedgetrimmer]

Nice one Notorious, seat looks comfy enough to help put many happy miles under the wheels 

[notoriusb.e.n]

Very pleased with this purchase so far. What a fun little bike - so eager and playful, and its so light and nimble you hardly notice its there - its like my own personal flying nimbus cloud.

Fabulous brakes, very impressed with those. Big fuel tank means I can stay out for much longer than ever before. and that seat is like sitting on a sofa.

I've not had a giggle like this since my CG125 when I first started riding. Except this one goes fast enough to have a proper ride out.

[tkwish]

I think the above comment sums up exactly how I felt when I got mine