Hi folks
I’ve had my Gen 1 fazer for the last 15 years. It’s now 20 years old and I’d been thinking of replacing with an MT10 or something similar.
After having a good think, I’ve decided to change it aesthetically. I love the bike and it’s been well looked after. I just fancied giving it a bit of a face lift. Maybe some vinyl y wrap. Change the headlights, fairing etc.
I’ve seen a few nice jobs out there, I just wondered if anyone else here has done similar to their bike?
Thanks in advance
Mark
It's very difficult to improve on something that is already extremely good, Yamaha themselves found that out when they stopped making the FZS600/1000. The bikes that have followed sold less well, perform no better in the real world, often worse in many circumstances, the FZS's were pretty much right straight out of the box.
Personally I'd aim to make your as close to OE looking and as clean as possible that way you'll hold its value and in time quite possibly increase it. Doing anything to a standard OE spec will not add value cost a arm an leg and often can degrade the riding experience. Yes some mods are good Ivans, up rated rear shock, front end damping mods for example. Yes fitting a R1 front end will improve the handling, but not to a point where it's hugely better, this side of a race track.
My advice keep what you've got apply the well known mods that don't change how the bike looks and go ride and enjoy one of the best bikes ever made.
Later
Thanks for the input
You are quite right about trying to re-engineer something that works well. I agree with that, although its more aesthetic (beauty is in the eye of the beholder). Whilst it isn't an unpleasant looking bike, there are a few things I fancy changing looks wise.
The rear shock has been on the list for a while now. I had heard of the Ivan's upgrade.
Could you point me in the direction of anyone who has done the R1 front end upgrade? Is it a direct fit?
Mark
Get in touch with member RMT1983 for info on Ivan's kits and fitting. He can also fit you up with an R6 shock with the necessary mods to fit the Thou. In fact, I think he's listing one on the FB Fazer group right now.
I've done a couple of R1 front ends. It's not a direct fit and there are several ways of doing it using different model year R1 forks. I also believe I've seen Suzuki and Kwak forks fitted but most go with Yamaha options. You may need to change the fork springs to suit the weight of the Fazer and/or yourself. Also the brake lines and possibly the front wheel if you go for later model R1 forks.
Like I said, not a simple swap and FWIW, apart from the looks you'd be better served getting your Fazer forks re-valved and re-sprung by K-tech. I actually preferred that option on my bike over the two different R1 fork set-ups I had.
