XJR 1300

[Gnasher]

Having never ridden one, I can imagine handling is worse but that they're more comfortable?

Yes they're, seat is bigger, softer and foot pegs are further forward or at least it feels that way.

They only make about 98hp from more than two times the engine size, but obviously a lot more torque. Are they actually any quicker than a Fazer though, just thinking about all that extra bulk?

[size=1em]I'd say[/size] they're evenly matched XJR's produce about 108bhp at the crank so about 98ish at the rear wheel as against the FZS 87bhp at the rear wheel.  Factor in the weight difference of about 45kg and no firing for the XJR the power advantage disappears, but with something like double the torque it gives the impression of more power.       

[size=1em]Obviously top gear roll on is a no contest but normal 0-60 or 40-70 how close would it be?[/size]

In my opinion the XJR will win both.  Remember these are two very different bikes with over two decades design difference between them, the XJR being late 70's platform all be it tweaked to cater for the born again/retro biker of the late 90's and the FSZ being late 90's street fighter.  I my opinion if you want a day to day do anything bike that's value for money it's the FZS.  If you want a sunny day 2 up bike with loads of attitude that you want to pop to the coast or up the high street it's the XJR.