Got my infill panel yesterday - 2 weeks to get here, I'm ok with that. Good service and panel looks the job.

There was a note attached saying import duty to be paid before delivery, but it got here ok so am assuming that's been sorted by deliver company? Guess I'll find out if they follow up

PM left

I wonder if Andy bought a Fazer in the end. His original post was approx. 18 months ago...

still had it up to September 14, have you sold it mate?

http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,14679.msg167612.html#msg167612

Sorry for the late reply, I was just mooching around the site again and came across your posts.

I'm 54 and there's nothing wrong with the old skool attitude of your CB (and the Gen 1), yours is looking good by the way - as is the Busa!! Hope you sold it ok - a mate had one and had to sell, I think he saw where it was all going to end up. I know the throttle goes both ways but we're only human.

Still fancy the 1050, I will arrange a demo I think and see if the less comfy, shorter range, lack of space to bungy, wind blasted approach settles a few things. Its the lure of the new.

Ah, Mr Boxer you are the moral of the story, the example of where I fear to tread. Having made mine so she fits the bill, what's the point in ditch n switch?

The Full Monty option scares the beejasus out of me but braided lines and sussies might be the way forward. Certainly a cheaper option particularly as I've had to spend my available cash on a new car instead. I'll keep trawling eBay for inspiration, thanks for your help guys.

As thread says, I've been a happy Fazer FZS1000 owner for 5 years, put 20,000 miles on her all round N-E and Scotland. The good bits - she's quick enough, fast enough (there's a difference) and stage 1 Ivanised. She tours and scratches, I get over 200 miles to a tank, all day comfortable for me anyway, takes panniers and soft baggage no problem.  She has heated grips, double bubble, pazzo's and is sooo reliable. I've made her my own over the years with sensible add ons and nothing extreme.
 
But we all get a bit bored now and then and am thinking of a change. however I really want to avoid instantly regretting getting rid of the old girl as I could very easily stay with her for a while yet.
 
I've always had respect for the 1050 engined Speed triple and am lured by the promise of oceans of torque. I used to have a 885 Sprint until the nephew binned it last year, so I have an idea of what triples deliver. I'm assuming the Speed 1050 just gives a lot more! I've even come to prefer the Dame Edna version over the round headlights. But wind protection is a concern as is economy and I would have to aim for a low slung exhaust.
 
 If money were no object I think the Tiger Sport is the straight replacement for the Fazer - but then I'd be looking at more exotic machinery anyway and its a bit tall. I've got a budget of around £6k inc trade in but am in no hurry. I can easily wait until next Feb when the market is flat to do a deal.
 
 I would really appreciate any comments on gains and losses going the 1050 way - especially from someone who moved to/from a FZS1000 from a Speed. Alternatively I often see FZ1's under 10k miles that are £2k cheaper than the 1050, saving dosh and keeping things in the family. In both cases I'm thinking the trade off is poorer range/comfort but sportier and better suspended.

Or do I simply throw better suspension on FZS, a zaust and braided lines and keep the difference?

Found this to be a bit of an eye opener gives you an idea of why cagers look but don't see.
 

http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/

if I knew the King of England was a fiddler I would be shouting about it until someone heard me (as an adult, not a frightened child).

Which is why a number of people are asking why the alleged victims didn't speak up when they became adults and when he was alive..and when there was a chance to hold him to account?. Or their parents, or family, siblings, friends, etc etc - no one?

And while the focus is currently on the BBC's conduct, what about the rest of the media? I find it hard to believe the unlamented News of the World among others were intimidated into silence. Pretty sure they'd have had a field day on this.

Not defending him but just asking - where was the shouting?

Up to 200 miles and all is ok with one fuel stop but shortly after that the ache starts to kick in.

Using cycling shorts is a good tip so I must give that a try but I'm guessing it will feel fecking strange at first. I'm hoping to get down to France next May so that could be the answer to get me from Durham to Dover in one hit.

In fact I'll get out next weekend and give it a shot to see if they keep the twins snug.

Alpinestars Polar Motorcycle Gloves - a short racer style glove, fully waterproof with knuckle armour. I can vouch for the waterproof-ness after a v.wet Scotland holiday. If interested I'd check Fleabay for bargains, which is where I got mine. Despite not being top of the range gloves they are high enough up there to be too expensive in the shops 

see this review at Revzilla:

Alpinestars Polar Gore-Tex Gloves Review at RevZilla.com

The alternative were Dianese Scout Gore-tex, both were around £100. Happy with my final choice.

I've got Oxford heated grips fitted and have read that with them switched on, the gore-tex membrane reverses and lets water in?? I can't say that's ever happened to me mind. A mate has heated gloves and reckons they are the dogs...bit bulky like.

I mostly take mine off when filling up as I'm not worried about a couple of minutes extra in the process and if staff are told to enforce it, then it all becomes a bit of an arse-ache and spoils the ride. So I do it and no-one dies as a result

BUT - and maybe I'm getting a bit Victor Meldrew about it - the side effect is someone else (usually in a car) has to wait a bit, but that's their problem. What I don't understand is why - when there's a group of us out - do my mates push their bike to the side to let a cager step in? WTF? One one hand we've got riders ball-aching about helmets and another set virtually apologising for taking up a bit of space at the pump.

I've as much right to get served as other road users, if they want helmets off then johnny cager sits there till I'm done. I don't stand there eating a sandwich or owt, I just get ready for the next stretch of road.

Its a bit of a laugh really watching the lads do it though 

I changed from 600 (5 years) to my current Thou (4 years). Have to echo what's been said, although the extra expense isn't huge and is outweighed by the increase in power and torque, resulting in less gear changing and a more flexible drive.

I've had mine Ivanised - stage 1 only - and to me it felt like it brought a bit more mid-range torque that finds you at unexpected speed. The ease with which the engine achieves this is why I think some (non-owners) have commented that its a bit anonymous. Some people aren't impressed unless they are bouncing off the limiter with a big can on, advertising it to the world and his wife. Keen on having their nuts anodised as well  But if you appreciate stealthy speed, achieved with no fuss, no drama then the Thou is the one for you.

While you shouldn't try to keep up, I found that I had to work the 600 too hard when doing so. Not so with the 1000, I had a week in Scotland with RED riders and for a balls out blast I had no problems. My usual pace is below-red, cruising (comfortably) at 80 and I average 50 mpg but with those red boys, 42.

I wouldn't change back again but if I only wanted a commuter and the odd Sunday run then the 600 is fine. However I like having the extra oomph and think the costs are worth it. You should really get a test ride and see what I mean

Hope this helps.