Why did you choose a Fazer8 / FZ8 over either a 600 or 1000

[Slaninar]

<rant mode>

I have a FZS600, and am looking to change, but love my bike, but it needs money spending on it,

So instead of fixing the good old FZS600, you'll still spend money on the new bike, that will also need spending? 
There are no more bikes being made like the old 600, if you've got a decent one, hold on to it - it's a very reliable, low maintenance and FUN motorcycle. Everything else will cost more money or be dull. Or both if you go for a Honda. 

and it doesn't get on with cold cold days, (I know how it feels!)

How's that? Mine works sweet in any temp. I don't ride in minus 10 C, but around zero and above it runs sweet.

If I spend the money, I won't get it back, and I'd quite like something newer and safer (ABS) and non carbs.

Carbs are safe. Just make sure they're clean and tuned - shouldn't be a problem unless you ride at -10C or so.  ABS is nice, OK, but I wouldn't spend money on it, unless I was already looking for a bike... and there were no FZS600 in decent condition, but since you already have one...

I wish it was a simple as;

600 Good
800 Better
1000 Even Better

Bikes are about passion, so no one can choose except you.




I recommend you fix the old 600 and spend the rest of the money on fuel, beer and easy women. Decent motorcycles were made before 2004 Euro emmision laws - peak being second half of 90s, to beggining of 2000. Be happy you're not living in 2050, or 1900 and ride the best there is - fun, money, maintenance and even performance wise.  Those funny new exhausts with 100 filter layers and their balls cut off to satisfy Euro 4 emission laws... 


</rant mode>