Nope, Not Tempted

[AyJay]

With all the talk about the new MT10, and folks "moving on" from here to ZX10s, MT09s etc, here's a list of bikes I'm not tempted to replace my Fazer with:


BMW S1000R
GSX1000S
ZX10SX
FZ1
MT09
Tracer
Speed Triple
MT10
CB1000R (don't make me laugh!)
CBF1000 (now you're just taking the piss!)
Triumph Tiger 1050 (in any guise)


I'm sure somebody'll get there one day.


So why not then? Well, the Fazer (Ivanised, Full Monty) has plenty of power for me. I don't find the weight to be an issue. Handles beautifully and predictably with the mods it has, and no more need be spent on this. Tank range is pretty good, never feel the need for more. Fuel consumption seems reasonable when not caned. I don't feel the need for gadgets, having not experienced most of them (ABS, TC etc). Easy to pile on the luggage for touring, and still the bike handles well and performance barely affected. Comfortable over long distances - I don't even find the standard seat much of an issue on longer rides, and it seems to suit my 6' 2'' frame well.


So is it still the best all-rounder ever, bearing in mind whatever else you buy, you'll likely do some mods to? And if you are one of those who has moved on but still lingers around here, what were you looking for when you traded your Fazer for a new shiny thing? Did you find it?


Or maybe I'm more easily satisfied these days. I bought the Striple because I felt the need to try something newer, and there were so many people raving about how good they are. The idea was to have it for a year or so, then trade it for something else again, but I really don't know that I can be bothered now I have it. I find myself more inclined to just jump on the Fazer, although when my mood is right, the Triumph is still fun. But I can always get along with Old Faithful. And there's still no doubt, if I could only keep one of them, it'd be bye bye Street Triple!


Perhaps I've just got boring, and the Fazer makes for a comfortable "pipe and slippers" solution? Although I find it anything but boring to ride. Still puts a smile on my face every time I go out on it, be it a blast to a local cafe, a day in the hills or a tour taking in 1000s of miles and varied roads.


Nope, not tempted to trade in for a newer model yet 

It's not a pipe and slippers solution, Hedgetrimmer, it is still the best all rounder. If you test ride newer bikes you can feel the advances, some are much better handling, some have better engines, but I can't think of anything which has the reliability, simplicity of maintenance, comfort, speed and mile eating ability of the Gen 1. If only it didn't have an EXUP (!) and USD forks from new, it would be perfect.


Having said all that, sit on an MT-10 and you'll find the riding position is identical to the Gen 1... funny old world ... but then again, it is a Yamaha.


As far as riding aids go, get into the 20th century, grandad! Have you never locked up a front wheel when braking in the wet? Have you never had the rear wheel let go in the wet? Why on earth would not want a system that stabilised the bike for you in those situations? Certainly, the earlier ABS and traction control systems were crap, and I think a lot of the moaning about the new technology was because they were crap, but they're bloody excellent these days. It's just not an issue any more.


I just bought another Gen 1 because the current bike is 150k old and there's nothing out there that gets close. I'm keeping both for ever. I'm considering selling the ZZR because although it is light years ahead in certain ways (speed for one, rigidity for another) it isn't as rideable as the Gen 1. That'll leave room for the MT-10....