I've had all three , 2x 600 1x vfr 800 but have kept the fzs1000 the longest that's got to tell you something , try and blag a ride on vfr great on the move but ride in stop start town traffic you'll want a 1000 without doubt
Just to throw a spanner in the works, if you want a 'grown up' Fazer 600 buy a CBF 1000. I've a 600 Foxeye, have had a 1000 (which I regret selling, a late model beauty) at the same time but the CBF (borrowed from a mate) was more like my 600 than the 1000 was. The thou is immensely fast between 60 and 110. Wish I'd kept mine, have I said that often enough ?

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It's easier to get more money than it is a day of your life back.
600's are great bikes. The thou is even better. You don't have to work the engine so hard for overtakes, far less gear changing in all conditions and a more planted feel when cornering. Yes it is slightly less nimble than a 600 but after you've got used to the Thou you won't want to go back. I've got the Gen 1 and I can't really fault it. So great to ride fast or slow. Nice comfy seat so you can ride for long distances.
As for the VFR... like others have said it is a Honda. Great bike but seems to do everything so well it becomes boring. You know it's going to be reliable if it's looked after. The paintwork and mechanics will be good because it's a Honda. I've not owned one but I have ridden one. I liked it but not enough to buy it.
19-08-18, 01:28 AM
(This post was last modified: 19-08-18, 01:29 AM by tommyardin.)
Interesting post to read.
Really glad I still have my baby FZS 2003 Foxeye, I was thinking about selling it at the beginning of the summer but the Mrs talked me out of it, glad she did.
Someone mentioned that the FZS 600 was not, or, did not feel as planted as the big boys Fazers, don't know never ridden one (I am not a Big Boy)
An FZS 600 with a Nitron R1 shock on back and Ohlins linears in the front along with YSS cartridge emulators makes it really planted.
It is an expensive exercise, but, so is throwing the bike up the road because it let go or ran wide on a bend, mine turns in fast and can be flicked about happily.
Again as someone else mentioned you have to really be hooning to push the 600 engine to the limits on the road.
I was thinking about an early 1K Fazer as a winter project last year, but ended up with a Honda C90 :lol not quite the same I know but still a lot of fun and that fun last much longer, well it take an age to get anywhere. :groan
It's merely the difference between a 600 and a heavier 1000 Tommy.
If I wanted a bike purely for scratching around the back lanes I would choose the 600.
I know this is not a new topic but have just seen it. I own both 2003 VFR800 Vtec and a 2003 Fazer 600. I have to say that the Fazer is far easier for short trips (hop on hop off) and fun to ride twisty roads but the VFR is way better and more comfortable for longer distance at high speed (I have risers to help the wrist problem at low speeds). The VFR just eats up the miles and works well on the back roads but is somehow a mission to take to the local shops so just hop on the Fazer.
I test rode a 2021 VFR 800, very nice bike, just too small. Im 5'8" and 31" inside leg.