If torque is your priority then an inline 4 cylinder engine is not the place to be looking as these *generally* produce their power higher up the rev range than engines with fewer cylinders. For out-and-out low down grunt you should be looking at a big twin for example an Aprilia Tuono or KTM SuperMoto would offer loads of low down pull with excellent handling to produce a package bound to leave you with a grin on your face, other options are available from Ducati / BMW etc. If however you find a large twin a bit too 'agricultural' then an inline triple offers probably the best compromise, smoother delivery than a big twin with more low down torque and less top end bias than an inline 4, so I'd also definitely consider something like the Triumph Speed Triple.
However as has been said before, the early Gen1 (2001-2005) is probably the best all rounder you can get and many people have come back to Fazer ownership after brief interludes with other bikes. They offer proven reliability, ease of maintenance, all round practicality for solo hooning or two-up touring and more than enough performance for the road. I'd definitely add-one to your test ride list along with a Tuono and Speed Triple.
/Edit: Bar risers come in different lengths, some like the Genuine Yamaha (GYTR) bar risers actually lower the position of the bars offering a slightly more aggressive position placing slightly more weight over the front of the bike, so if a bike has aftermarket bar risers fitted this doesn't mean to say that the bars are higher than standard. I have the GYTR Risers and Renthal 758 bars which are wider and lower than the originals, Over the OEM setup I find this gives a better compromise between relaxed riding and when the red mist rises being able to drop my weight down over the front and accurately countersteer through corners.
However as has been said before, the early Gen1 (2001-2005) is probably the best all rounder you can get and many people have come back to Fazer ownership after brief interludes with other bikes. They offer proven reliability, ease of maintenance, all round practicality for solo hooning or two-up touring and more than enough performance for the road. I'd definitely add-one to your test ride list along with a Tuono and Speed Triple.
/Edit: Bar risers come in different lengths, some like the Genuine Yamaha (GYTR) bar risers actually lower the position of the bars offering a slightly more aggressive position placing slightly more weight over the front of the bike, so if a bike has aftermarket bar risers fitted this doesn't mean to say that the bars are higher than standard. I have the GYTR Risers and Renthal 758 bars which are wider and lower than the originals, Over the OEM setup I find this gives a better compromise between relaxed riding and when the red mist rises being able to drop my weight down over the front and accurately countersteer through corners.