I simply HATE Fazer! Roads in my country are so poor that after each ride I curse it and think to myself why haven't I bought a nice enduro (Transalp, Versys etc). It is better for poor roads and it doesn't make you want to go fast. The problem is, Fazer is just perfect for everything and whichever bike I've tried, it is either too dull, too sporty or just plain ugly. So FZS boxey for a few more years it seams.
It is decent on comfort, decent on handling, excellent acceleration, excellent brakes and just perfect looks for my liking that is. Fuel consumption is also excellent - less than any other bike my mates have, with similar number of HP.
Not to forget the build quality. Been helping some mates with GS Suzukis, Yamaha Tenere, TDMs, Transalps. Fazer seems as good, or better in most parts, plus it seems like the most practical one. On Fazer it is easier (compared to the above mentioned) to change fuel, filters, brake pads, clean calipers, change spark plugs. All those things that are more likely to be done at a roadside in case of something going wrong (which so far never has on the trusty one
).
Just wish they made a model with some 20 hp less, some 20 kg less and a few more cm of suspension travel for our minefield roads. Then it would be 100% perfect.