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Messages - AyJay
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476
« on: 09 October 2012, 09:50:13 pm »
aint it the truth mate,.at the end of the group test we sat in a cafe talking about the bikes..every single one of us rated the "old" fazer above the others(including the "mcn bike of the year "multistrada). and whilst im just a brickie who gets to ride with them every now and then the other three were "proper"..respectively the road test editor (si hargreaves) racer and trackday tutor (pete boast) and complete nutter/stunter (kev smith)..all topriders with a wealth of experience. and all of us to a man loved that old fazer..
it reminds me (bizarrely) of my first decent bike back in '78 after passing me test..an rd400. no idea why, apart from they are both blue and both yams. think it must be the fun i had on the stroker, and the fun to be had on the thou, and whilst the fazer is obviously a lot quicker the rd would have felt just as quick to me back then.
its just a great bike innit, and destined to become a future classic.
It's the best kept secret in motorcycling! That and the fact that ZZR14s are actually brilliant all rounders just like the FZS. Funny you mention the RD400. I was down at Flitwick motorcycles last weekend and there was one sat outside in very good nick. I couldn't believe how tiny it was. Most of today's 125s are bigger, so when you say it would have felt as quick, I believe you - there's no weight to shift!
477
« on: 09 October 2012, 09:44:20 pm »
My most recent is 60k old and I only changed the plugs for the first time last weekend. Seems abusive but the originals were still perfectly serviceable and I've felt absolutely no difference to the running since changing them.
I also had a chance to examine a 199,000 mile despatch riders bike after he split the cases. It was like new inside. Perfect mirror smooth bearing surfaces, cams and crank journals, bores, the lot. He only took it apart to show his young lad how to do it.
The one thing I'd watch out for is second gear getting jumpy. I had one strip the teeth but it was like that from when I bought it, and it was either like that from new or the previous owner was a wheelie merchant.
478
« on: 08 October 2012, 10:38:30 pm »
trust me on this mate, there honestly are very, very few bikes to beat it, in real motorcycling terms. the zzr14s a good un though, like the man said. on another test i got to ride an early one from calais to morrocco in 24 hours..that was some adventure, and some bike. fazer still beats it for vfm though, imho 
Testify! Having had a summer on the ZZR14, I serviced the Fazer ready for winter and started riding it again last week, and you know what, I still utterly love it. After the ZZR it is comfy, revvy, and just so chuckable with those high and wide bars. It's just great fun, and no wonder I've done 92k on it. Apart from the all-rounder nature of it, the two things that stand out for me are that engine and the steel frame. My Fazer talks to me like a 911's steering is supposed to (not that I've ever driven one, but you keep reading about it) and really communicates what's going on. Hurl it into a corner like Spencer on his CB900 superbike, boing around with it chattering away and waggling it's bars and then hit 7000 and watch the world go backwards. So much for the march of progress eh? If the Gen1 hit the streets in 2001, it must have been in design from 1998 and still nothing's touched it. Brilliant brilliant bike.
479
« on: 06 October 2012, 10:49:15 pm »
I seem to remember a previous bike's plug seal thingy was just an interference fit over the lead. I don't know about the Fazer though. They're just rubber so give one a tweak and see if you can pull it side to side and find a gap.
By the by, anyone any idea how long spark plugs on the Gen 1 are supposed to last? I have to admit, I just changed mine after 40,000 miles because they never gave any trouble and when I whipped them out this afternoon they were still perfectly serviceable. I replaced them anyway because they were showing signs of corrosion just below the ceramic, but the tips were fine.
Now, if only the flipping EXUP valve went so many miles with so little attention.
480
« on: 06 October 2012, 07:34:00 pm »
Yes, the European market is probably the target. Can't find much more info on it, except for the fact that it uses the engine covers from the current R1, so it does look like it's going to be around 750cc. Probably not the new Fazer 1000, then. Could be a proper rival to the Street Triple.
481
« on: 03 October 2012, 11:39:45 pm »
While I got the theory behind the crossplane crank in an inline 4, WTF is it going to do in a 3? Looks like we've gone back to the Jota days: which is best, the 120 or 180 crank? (You may need to be a certain age to remember this)
And while I'm at it, why a 1200 or 1300? If the power is usable, anything between 750 and 900 would be ideal for a ROAD bike. Yeah, what is a crossplane triple if it's not a Jota 120? I dunno, but my bullshit-o-meter hit red when I read " When asked what is the "crossplane concept", Senior Executive Motorcycle Business Operations, Kunihiko Miwa responded, "It is the philosophy where "crossplane" means the kind of torque character that gives riders the exact torque they want when they need it"Pfft. That's not describing 'crossplane' as a specific design of crank . . With regards to my suggestion it should be a 1200 or 1300, I suppose I'm spoiled by my other bike. Once I was content with a thousand, but these days, I reckon 175bhp and 100lbft of torque is a bare minimum. Cof. Now, I did write that with tongue in cheek, but actually, there's a few good reasons for a next gen Fazer to be that size and they're called Triumph's Trophy and Explorer. They're up to 1200 now (and there's every chance the Speed Triple could use that engine at some point) but then so's Honda with the VFR/Crossdresser family, and so's KTM, Ducati et al. Everyone's going large.The Aprilia Tuono is pegged at 1000 and it's a pretty frantic 160bhp they have there. If Yamaha want to make road bikes, then to get an output that would beat the current Gen 2 Fazer - say 160bhp but with a broad spread of useable torque - they'd have to go larger. The Laverda Mirage was 1116cc back in 1979 wasn't it? Why not the next Fazer?
482
« on: 03 October 2012, 08:14:17 am »
That's what I was thinking Mr P. Sportsbike engines have gone a bit too far up the rev range to make great streetbike engines in recent times - can you see a ZX10 engine being any good in a streetbike, for instance, so a big torquey triple might be just the ticket. The article suggests it will be used in other bikes so again like Triumph, or Honda, I reckon it would end up in the next Tenere as well. Oh, go on Yamaha, make it a 1200 or even 1300, stick it in the Fazer chassis and give it a big tank!
484
« on: 05 September 2012, 08:35:39 pm »
Go and ride the Bandit, I say. See just how much you'd be paying for not a lot more.
Then try a Z1000SX, VFR, Multistrada, FJR1300 and Fireblade and then ask yourself 'what are these giving me that the Fazer doesn't?' I found it a very hard question to answer. The Fazer is at least the equal of all of these if you want an all rounder and utterly drills holes in any financial argument - doing 1200 quid's worth of upgrades will get you a vastly improved bike and I bet you'd be spending that much just to change.
I'm sniffing a bit of 'new bike-itis' if you don't mind me saying, smegfish. 21k is nothing for a Fazer, mine's done 92, so keep it and spend a little money.
Although. .. if you can keep a secret....
If you want to try something that really does make you want to buy a new bike (whisper) get a shot on a ZZR1400. With higher bars it's as comfy as a Fazer and it is positively post-nuclear in performance. They're very classy, subtle and smooth bikes to ride and barely cost any more to run than a Fazer. .. .
485
« on: 25 August 2012, 12:30:37 am »
Hi AyJay,
The springs were clipped to the correct (updated) length - 4 coils off. As I said in the original post, the mechanic game me back the spring-ends which he'd removed. The throttle is indeed "snappy" when you blip the throttle.
Well, there you go. One idea shot down! I'm still curious though. When I did mine (did it myself), it really was like getting a new engine, and that's with a slip on kit and standard exhaust. It revs out much harder and although I don't think peak is more than 5-7bhp more, it goes harder and longer from 7000 up. But from 2000 to 7000, it's more linear in response and snappier. It feels like it's alive compared to a standard bike. Ivan talks about 'waking bikes up' and that's exactly what I feel with his kit installed. I take it you aren't getting that . . .
486
« on: 24 August 2012, 09:48:20 pm »
According to some, the difference is immediately noticeable and claim "Night & Day" difference, but that's not the case with mine. I wonder if pre-2003 owners notice the low-end difference more?
That was the case with my 2001. The top end rush was improved as you've found, but it was the snap throttle response at any revs that was the revelation and the real 'night and day' difference. That comes from clipping the carb springs, I believe, so maybe yours hasn't had this done, or maybe they weren't clipped to the right length ie short enough. Certainly, snapping the throttle open at 2500 revs is enough to lift the front and that never happened prior to Ivanising, and it's much more responsive to the throttle than it was too.
487
« on: 17 August 2012, 11:06:39 pm »
Isn't that the strangest thing ghostbiker? Completely different experience to me. They are Ultra 2s and I've heard of problems on the ZX14 forum with chunking, but I've had exceptional wear and they've been great. And I have hammered them too, 190mph on the autobahn (well, you just have to once, don't you?), 100 miles round the Nurbring and some proper attacks on the Alps. To give you an idea, I ride in the fast group on track days, so I don't exactly hang around either.
488
« on: 17 August 2012, 08:12:16 pm »
That's around what I get from BT023s. But if you want a long lasting tyre, get this. I've just done 8500 miles on my ZZR1400 and it's only just worn out the Avon Storm Ultras. I've hurled it round the Nurbring, the Alps and commuted 110 miles a day on them and they have lasted incredibly well. 8500 miles front and rear! They feel a bit stiff but dry grip is almost as good as the BT023s, it's only wet grip that's a bit down.
Frankly, given what a massively powerful and heavy bike a ZZR is, they're some kind of miracle. Question is, do I sling a set on the Fazer? Anyone tried it?
489
« on: 14 August 2012, 10:50:28 pm »
Good on you for getting out on track on a Fazer. Glad you enjoyed it so much. They're surprisingly good on track I think, bit of an effort and understeery in slow corners but a hoot nonetheless. And isn't Cadwell a cracking circuit?
490
« on: 18 July 2012, 09:14:53 pm »
Very interesting video, thanks for that. But dear god, the best lasted 63 seconds! Anyone know of a chain made out of that bolt cropper?
491
« on: 17 July 2012, 11:39:04 pm »
Any lock / chain will deter an opportunist, but a professional thief will have it whatever you do.
+2 I have the remains of an ABUS Granite Plus somewhere in the garage. Made no difference to the pro who whipped my VFR. Honestly, unless you can get it in the house with you, all you can do is buy the best protection you can afford, keep it out of sight, chain it to something immovable and hope. I've heard some amazing stories of bikes being lifted over cars in garages and suchlike. I was talking to my insurer about their latest wheeze which is to invalidate your insurance if the bike is left on your drive after dark. It would appear this is simply because it advertises it's presence. If a thief sees it whilst passing, they'll come back later. Makes sense I suppose. Oh aye, and the best anti theft device is keeping your bike looking like a right shed. I'm sure opportunists would have a go at mine just for joyride which is why it's always disk or chain locked, but a pro would walk because it looks like it's worth about £10.
492
« on: 12 July 2012, 09:04:30 pm »
What about their musical instruments, Pianos and electric organs plus Hi Fi equipment and speaker systems etc?
Oh aye, forgot about that.
493
« on: 11 July 2012, 11:41:11 pm »
It certainly is. And the various EU states that are planning compulsory Hi-Viz really need to step back and read some of the research rather than creating more legislation that does nothing whatsoever.
Thinking about what you were told, one way to reduce SMIDSY's would be to have more bikes on the road. Mind, car drivers hit each other all the time anyway .. .
494
« on: 11 July 2012, 09:46:02 pm »
Anyone watching Horizon on BBC4 looking at human perception? Here's a good one.They just showed a clip of 6 guys playing basketball, 3 in yellow, 3 in blue, and we're asked to count the number of times the guys in yellow pass the ball. Ok, thought, this should be easy. I counted 13 passes. At the end of the clip the guy says 'did anyone notice anything strange there?' So we were then invited to watch the clip as you would normally.And a bloke in a gorilla suit walked through the middle of the basketball game, stopped, stood bang centre in the middle of the picture and waved.I didn't see it when I was counting the passes. Absolutely stunning that you can miss something as obvious as that.You want the answer to why SMIDSY's happen, it's visual perception problems .. ..
495
« on: 11 July 2012, 08:24:01 pm »
Blimey. New discs on a Fazer? I've got 92k up and they're still within service limits.
I've just stuck some EBCs on my other bike and 4k miles up and they're doing fine. I went for the EBC XC series with the clever oblong button rivet mounting which supposedly prevents warping. Got them from Demon Tweaks. Not as cheap as Armstrongs, but not that much more expensive and certainly cheaper than Galfer, PFM, Brembo etc. Cheap Chinese stuff - I dunno. I did a lot of research trying to get the best bang for my buck and not all of the chinese discs were horror stories. But then again, some did have the rivets coming loose and so on.
Only problem with EBCs is they say using non EBC pads invalidates the warranty. I wonder how that would stand up in court though. I suspect it wouldn't.
But Fazer discs are the same as early R1 and FJR discs, I believe, and there's shedloads of second hand ones on eBay. £100 quid should net you a pair.
496
« on: 11 July 2012, 08:12:44 pm »
You do wonder about Yamaha, sometimes. I know they're the only Jap bike company without a big parent behind them (Honda and Suzuki - engines and cars, Kawasaki - er everything from nuclear subs to steel works) so I suppose they have to make the bike business pay every year, but a 4k difference is colossal.
Suzuki are always the cheap and cheerful bikes (bar GSXRs) so you could say that the tech on the FZ1 is worth another grand. You could argue that the better finish and durability is worth another £500, maybe the Bandit is over supplied, but 4 grand. Mmmm. No.
And how they sell FJRs at the moment, I'll never know. It's up there with the new BMW 6 price wise.
497
« on: 06 July 2012, 11:52:03 pm »
Shame that there still aint really another new bike out there which will do similar job... Cof. Er, there might be.... Me ZZR1400s turning out to be another one of those well kept secrets, just like the Fazer. The ZZR's headline news is all about the speed, but actually, it's a do it all machine and utterly effortless in every situation. I just came back from a trip to the Nurburgring and with bar risers and a touring fairing it was sublime. Honking quick of course (yawn), but as comfy as the Fazer (even with a much harder seat) but much roomier, utterly stable at any speed, as simple to ride, and it even averaged 45mpg. And that included 4 laps of the Ring and cruising at 150 in Germany. And a top speed test. Well, you've got to haven't you? Straight off the clocks with no effort at all. 5k it cost, 200 to insure. Bargain. Still love my Fazer though, revvy little buzz bomb that it is. (comparatively!) As for character, I had a thought - suppose it was triples that were the UJM engine, and 90% of the market's bikes had them. A four would then be distinctive and different, surely? Or is there something about triples and twins? Or bent engines? Does the Crossplane R1 have character? Is it the vibration characteristics, or the sound that gives a bike character and don't fours have character anyway - a four cylinder character?
498
« on: 17 June 2012, 12:18:16 am »
Oo. My trousers just went all funny. How do you think it compares to the ol' Fazer then, Nickodemon?
499
« on: 14 June 2012, 10:16:48 pm »
This kind of thing really shakes you to the core. I had a despatch riding buddy who spent 3 days dying of his injuries after being run over by an artic. Grim. Takes time to recover from this kind of shock. Really tests your faith in your own abilities.
Take it easy and if it helps, remember that 3000 car drivers die every year too and you're 52 times more likely to be killed riding a bicycle. According to a study in Paris last year, at least. And there's no reason that the same thing would happen to you.
500
« on: 29 May 2012, 10:39:34 pm »
Cool. Very subtle too. Must say, I've never been one for waving the Union Jack, but if I was on your tour, I'd wear one of those!
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