Handling

[Sam13]

Is there anything I can do to improve the handling on my 2003 fazer?  Feels very sketchy when you try any decent lean angle. It's on Bridgestone battlax tyres.

[clayt74]

Try pumping them up!!!
What pressures are you running at???
I still have BT21 and run them 36 front 42 rear

[Dave48]

If you are a lightweight like me & ride solo try 33psi front & 36 psi rear. For carrying pillion and fully laden(touring etc & high speed runs) use, as suggested, 36 front, 42 rear. Bikes are more sensitive to correct tyre pressures than cars-some drivers NEVER check them . Get in the habit of  regular checks along with the usual levels etc.

[misterjayb1]

36psi on the 110 front is too high imo.. I would only account for the extra weight/speed with rear pressure.. 32/40 works for me 

[darrsi]

36psi on the 110 front is too high imo.. I would only account for the extra weight/speed with rear pressure.. 32/40 works for me 

32 would feel like a puncture to me, always 36f/40r

[darrsi]

Is there anything I can do to improve the handling on my 2003 fazer?  Feels very sketchy when you try any decent lean angle. It's on Bridgestone battlax tyres.

Change the fork oil to 15w instead of 10w, it makes a big difference to handling.


If the rear shock is on its way out that can affect handling as well.

[Frosties]

Is there anything I can do to improve the handling on my 2003 fazer?  Feels very sketchy when you try any decent lean angle. It's on Bridgestone battlax tyres.

Hiya fella, which Battlax tyres are fitted BT20, BT21, BT23. etc. Is it a 110 or 120 section tyre? Have the forks been lowered through the yolks, fork oil changed etc - loads of possibilities fella including pressure so more info required 

[Dave48]

Also forgot to ask how old are the tyres-there is a manufacturing date as part of information on side wall of tyre which will appear as a 4 digit number eg 3710 indicates made in week 37 2010. How many miles have the tyres done? Is the rear "squared off"? What is the profile like?

[misterjayb1]

36psi on the 110 front is too high imo.. I would only account for the extra weight/speed with rear pressure.. 32/40 works for me 

32 would feel like a puncture to me, always 36f/40r

If it was a 120 front, I'd be with you on that

[Sam13]

Thanks for all the replies.  I will check the tyres once i get back from work.


 I'm 12 and a half stone. So average weight I'd say.

I am comparing it to a 1988 cbr 600 and the cbr felt more connected if you know what I mean. Whereas the fazer seems a little distant. If that makes sense. Reading up on the fazer before I bought it,  I read that they are really good handling bikes.

[Sam13]

Just checked some pictures and they are bt023

And the front is a 110

[Dave48]

So now check age of tyres,mileage since bought if known,profile of rear tyre. A new tyre has nice rounded shape from centre top towards the sidewall as you view from the back of bike. If bike has been used for high mileage commuting rather than "scratching round the twisties" use you may find a flat section so as the tyre leans over there is a definite "step" which will feel noticeable as you corner.
Next after tyres-how old is the suspension? If Rear shock is original then will be well past its best at 13 years old.
Front suspension-as already suggested think about changing the fork oil to SAE 15.
Check wheel bearings & steering head bearings are functioning correctly. Also rear swing arm pivot bearings.
Fazers in good shape are extremely well handling bikes and should virtually go where you look/think but like everything time takes its toll but you have the makings of a sweet handling bike without too much £ outlay.

[Sam13]

I have only owned the bike for a few months. So I'm not sure on

Had a look at the tyres and the centre is more worn than the edges. So that may be some of the problem.

The yolks are right at the top of the forks.

Il look at changing the fork oil and rear tyre.

[misterjayb1]

You'll be amazed how much a new pair of tyres will transform it.. Inheriting a set from a motorway mileage muncher or a roundabout knee down hero never usually suits the new owner.. Its no sportbike, but once half sorted, they arent half bad 

[Frosties]

Thanks for all the replies.  I will check the tyres once i get back from work.


 I'm 12 and a half stone. So average weight I'd say.

I am comparing it to a 1988 cbr 600 and the cbr felt more connected if you know what I mean. Whereas the fazer seems a little distant. If that makes sense. Reading up on the fazer before I bought it,  I read that they are really good handling bikes.

.....yeah but you're 5'2" so we'll just call it fat shall we 

You'll be amazed how much a new pair of tyres will transform it.. Inheriting a set from a motorway mileage muncher or a roundabout knee down hero never usually suits the new owner.. Its no sportbike, but once half sorted, they arent half bad 

   If they're squared off from mile munching then a new set will transform it.

[Sam13]

Thanks for all the replies.  I will check the tyres once i get back from work.


 I'm 12 and a half stone. So average weight I'd say.

I am comparing it to a 1988 cbr 600 and the cbr felt more connected if you know what I mean. Whereas the fazer seems a little distant. If that makes sense. Reading up on the fazer before I bought it,  I read that they are really good handling bikes.

.....yeah but you're 5'2" so we'll just call it fat shall we 

You'll be amazed how much a new pair of tyres will transform it.. Inheriting a set from a motorway mileage muncher or a roundabout knee down hero never usually suits the new owner.. Its no sportbike, but once half sorted, they arent half bad 

   If they're squared off from mile munching then a new set will transform it.

Lol I'm 5'11 but call it fat if you like lol

Il price up a new rear and go from there. Any recommendations for places to get tyres from ? Other than quick shit

[darrsi]

Depends how you go about it.
I've always bought tyres online from Oponeo then taken the new tyre and loose wheel to my bike shop.
Bit of a kerfuffle but a big money saver.

[misterjayb1]

+1 for Darrsi's suggestion.. Openeo were the cheapest I could find too for decent brands.. Tyre fitters round these parts are cottoning on tho and the prices just to fit tyres are creeping up .. Personally I tend to stick with same brand front and rear and avoid the temptation to go for the best price single tyre available no matter what the brand..

[Frosties]

+1 for Darrsi's suggestion.. Openeo were the cheapest I could find too for decent brands.. Tyre fitters round these parts are cottoning on tho and the prices just to fit tyres are creeping up .. Personally I tend to stick with same brand front and rear and avoid the temptation to go for the best price single tyre available no matter what the brand..

+1 fella. Tends to be ballpark £10-15 a tyre depending on location. Whereabouts are you?

[Dave48]

Was charged £20 per wheel back in the Spring(this apparently includes "environmental" charge for disposal of old tyres).
I bought a pair of Michelin PR3s online from "Round & Black" for under £200.
Notice M&P have been advertising "Pair Deals" recently but not all their deals include the 110/70  FZS 600 front tyre size.


On the subject of bearings-also check the rear suspension to swing arm linkage bearings -these sit in the line of fire from wet & dirt & were never especially well greased at the factory when new & because there are no grease nipples fitted tend to be "overlooked" at service time unless you are a DIY type owner doing your own maintenance.

[misterjayb1]

I used to pay £10 for a loose wheel, they are up to £18 at my closest fitter.. Cheshire

[Sam13]

Dick turpins. See a market and extort it.

Thanks for the help chaps. Il let you know what helps

[Sam13]

Right. Got the money together for a tyre (expensive motogp weekend) what are the best tyres re handling but maybe with a harder centre section for those commuting miles

[darrsi]

Right. Got the money together for a tyre (expensive motogp weekend) what are the best tyres re handling but maybe with a harder centre section for those commuting miles

A new BT023 has a very deep tread, and are proven to have a very long life span.

[Frosties]

Right. Got the money together for a tyre (expensive motogp weekend) what are the best tyres re handling but maybe with a harder centre section for those commuting miles

A new BT023 has a very deep tread, and are proven to have a very long life span.

With Darrsi on this. Got PR3's fitted to the Fazer but the Bandit 650 (daily commuter) is running BT23's. Currently sitting around 10 -11k miles on them with no squaring off and lots of life left. Daily commute is about 35 miles of fast m/way and then 15 odd miles of point 'n' squirt round London - I don't hang about!