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

[Phil]

Just wondering why did you need more than the 600 and in what way does the 800 do that?

I do a lot of touring so a decent amount of torque low down helps. Its fun thrashing a 600 for a blast, but after a long day thats not always what I want to do. I'm not saying you cant tour in a 600, its just easier on a bike with a bit more poke lower down. I went away on a Street Triple once.
The Fazer8 also has better wind protection than the 600/1000.

I also get 55mpg quite regularly. I've never seen less than 50mpg. I guess a lot depends on how and where you ride. I dont do much around town stuff and am fairly smooth. I dont hammer along and brake hard into corners, but ease off a bit earlier. I rarely take it over 10,000 rpm, theres no point on the rides. My front brake pads are just over 1/2 worn at 38,000 miles.
In contrast, the GSXR1000 I had did 25mpg at trackdays and got through front pads every 4 trackdays when I used 'performance' ones, so quickly changed back to standard.

http://www.mivv.it/risorse/8/187/340/dyn...015SC2.pdf 

http://www.mivv.it/risorse/8/713/943/dyn...033LGX.pdf