I partly agree with Pitternators  earlier post about the cost of fuel and the weather. I know it's good to be out there but if you only have so much money then I'd rather go on my tour when it's way warmer and less chance of rain? The picture shown would be perfect with the sun shining?




Mickey

I agree Mickey, only time slot we could do, took a chance on weather and it worked out. Family and work commitments mean summer options limited.   Just happy to be away from zero degrees for a week on our bikes that's all 

Those panniers look very smart! Givi V35s?

Thanks Christot , Yamaha "originals" I believe  - came with the bike, make life a lot easier when touring and don't upset the handling as much as a top box IMO.

Had  3 days of mixed traveling weather from London to  to la roque alrIc, near Avignon. Had 3 days once arrived of really great rides around the region with today proving 140 Km of great adventure. Fast twisties, coffee in a mountain village, and an old ruin - just like the north circular but without the cold, tailgaters, police McDonald's and don't mess with me attitude. Sometimes you need to go on tour to realise why you love your bike so much and the freedom it gives. 15 degrees this afternoon. The sat nav said 23 miles home across country - 1 hr 15 mins to destination. Got back in 40 mins, oh joy, deep joy. Pitternator, Take a chance, live the dream.

Army surplus over mittens on feabay for under a fiver, priceless

Gone but not fogotten 

rode her 120 miles back home. She's a beautiful, luscious red one and a real minter. At first I was a little disappointed having expected her to scare the pants off me but just had to realise that this was not a 900 twin like the TDM I just sold,  but an inline four so just needed a bit more right wrist to get her juices flowing.


It's totally standard so here's a newbie question. Will a can with a little more throughput improve low down stomp any? She is just a little thin below 5k.

Welcome and its just as well you didn't get a Gen 2 if you want more low down stomp 

Thanks for the replies and picture which helps a lot.
It looks like they have replaced the tail light you have to be a 2nd stop light which really works well - however, this means that the bike no longer has a number plate light. This mystifies me on 2 counts - I am fairly sure that the the hard luggage rack system is Yamaha's own ( the hard luggage certainly is), the bike was MOT'd by the main dealer just before I collected it (she's just under 3 years old so it would be the first MOT).
 I don't know but shouldn't this be part of the MOT check?

Good question Slim Ted.
I have just sold my fzs600 after 12 years of happy ownership. After all the reviews on Fazer 1000 v the newer FZ1 I decided on getting a gen 1. However, after a test ride on a 4500 mile 04 bike in v g c, I didn't really go wow and it didn't turn in very well . Not sure what I expected from a 7 year old bike but after looking at a few, ended up having a test ride on an 09 fz1 and was converted.
As stated above make sure you test ride and don't be in a hurry. Letting go a really nice fzr600 is hard make sure the replacement warrants the additional outlay v expectation or keep both if you can stretch the finances

Hey Farjo, I just dug out some old trip itinerary - you've taken me back to some good ol memories - 8 guys and 11 days of bikers bliss, thanks.
 
Portmouth to Cherbourg - Ride to Montignac, Dorgogne ( c400 miles). Spend 5 days in Gitte  discovering brilliant roads and great food. Travel south to Andorra where we stayed overnightin Xalet Ritz at La Massana. Brilliant trip starting with arrid heat followed by cooler air and within  1/2 an hour snow and mountains goats as we approached Andorra - some climate change that was! Next morning onto the border and ride through the Pyrenees 2 days later arrive at a fantasic overnight stop in a Parrador (10th century castle cost c£50 Per person) at Hondarribia. Next day ride to Bilbao for the overnight ferry back to Portsmouth.

Nice looking bike you've got there - hope you have some great times ahead with her. Keep an eye on the down pipes and a do bit of fettling and she will make you smile. 

PART EX'D ON AN 09 FZ1S
PICKING HER UP THIS WEEKEND 
 
Bike Model : FZS 600
Year : 1999
 
MOT/ TAX TILL MARCH 2012
 
Mileage :14K
 
Colour : BLACK
 
Extras : FENDER EXTENDER, BLACK CRASH BARS, CROME RAD COVER
 
Overall Bike Condition : EXCELLENT - ALL ORIGINAL
 
Tyre/Chain/Sprocket Condition : GOOD
 
Service History/Receipts/Recent Service work :FULL YAM DEALER SERVICE HISTORY, RECIEPTS & STAMPS, MOT'S & TAX HISTORY, NEW BACK TIRE LAST MONTH
 
Bike Location : NORTH LONDON
 
Any Other Relevant Info :
[font=]I have for sale my FZS600 Fazer, 99 T reg, Black, taxed and tested till March 2012, very low miles for year at just under14k, in really excellent condition for year. Sensible extras include fender extender, chrome rad cover and black crash bars all unmarked. [/font]
[font=]I have owned her since she was 4 months old (with 300 miles on the clock). Full Yamaha (1 Honda) dealer service history (all receipts and stamps) original invoice, owner’s manual,. Full MOT and road tax history. Just put brand new Bridgestone 020 (£136) on the back and this has done just 60miles. Spent over £600 on a service, new fork seal and major carb clean out this year. Extremely rare to find an original one as good as this with ALL paperwork. [/font]
[font=]Dealers would love to have this on the forecourt at £1995/£2195 as they don't come up very often with this mileage and in such excellent condition. and they sell quickly. I would rather sell privately so a FOC member does not have to pay dealer mark up.[/font]
[font=]Recent August tour to Isle of Man- 1,000 incident free miles- didn’t miss a beat as always.[/font]
 
[font=]Why am I selling? Am 50 years old and want to buy a Gen 1 Fazer 1000 before I get too old![/font]
 
[font=]Looking for £1500 based on condition, mileage, full dealer history and ownership. [/font]

Contact details: 077 030 66 715 or PM via foc-uk
Thanks for looking, Neil

Hi All,   Still have my '99 FZS and maybe I always will,Why not?
With all the great advice here it should go forever.

Why not indeed