Thinking of buying a fazer???

[Graham53]

I don't recall welding it open , I've read about leaving it open and taking off the cables, and I think you'll find that opinion is divided as to why you would disconnect it with some saying it makes no noticeable difference and some that it does and as to welding it why would you ? You're a bit knackered after if you don't like it . my own opinion is that Yamaha developed it first and then everyone else seemed to copy it so there's got to be some benefit to having it.
do a search for exup valve and you'll see what I mean
By the sounds of it you seem to be leaning to the 1000