Advice on replacing my much loved FZS600

[stevedev]

I owned and enjoyed the same FZS600 (2002 foxeye) for 24 years.  It was stolen yesterday evening in Cambridge.  I'm gutted and expect it will probably turn up crashed and written off.  I'm trying to get it over it by looking at replacements.  Where to start??

I loved the Fazer as it suited my needs so perfectly.  Mostly a run-around with occasional motorway and A road day tours, and very occasional week long tour.  I've thought about getting another FZS600 - but I doubt I will find anything that was in as good nick as my own and feel depressed about needing to replace all the extras I had (including getting it uorated for ULEZ). So I'm thinking about a new bike.  Obviously the FZ6 is an option.  I like the look of the S2 and it is probably the closest thing to the FZS600.  I'm in my 50s and not a sporty rider and was also thinking about the FZ8.  Opinions on here seem to be mixed about it - although I think it looks great and probably a good fit for me.  Hope to stay in the Fazer family but am also reading reviews of Tracer 700 - and various others and then the thread starts unravelling and I find myself looking at Hondas.  Hopefully the forum will get me back on track :-)

My budget is ideally <4000 - but would stretch for something that I knew I'd keep for a long time.  I imagine this question gets asked all the time on this forum and I apologize in advance for that.  I would really appreciate any advice on where best to source bikes these days (its been 24 years since I was in the market !).  Ebay/MCN/Autotrader ?  Also if anyone has recommendations for local dealer in Cambridge area I'd appreciate it.

[Grahamm]

I would say the FZ6-S2 ABS would be a great option.

I have the S1 model which was the first version, they're both fuel injected, but for the S2 they remapped the ECU and put an O2 sensor in the exhaust for better power delivery, improved the brakes, tweaked the suspension and updated the instruments to make them more readable.

If I was to lose my bike, I'd probably go for the S2, from what I understand the FZ8 was an attempt to make a compromise between the 600 and 1000, but they didn't really get it right.

Other people may have different opinions, of course...

[BBROWN1664]

MT-07 and MT09 are worth looking at too if you want something newer. I have the MT-09 Tracer and whilst its physically bigger than my FZS600 its just as flickable and has so much more torque. The MT-07 is physically smaller than the 09 and felt more cramped than the FZS - i am only 5'10" tall.
Alternatively, keep an eye out for another FZS600 - they do come up now and then. I know my son hasnt used his for a few years and may be selling it in the next year and my dad is looking to sell his soon as he is nearly 80 now and rarely rides it.

[Faze2]

Gutted for you , I feel your pain after losing mine to a numpty car driver recently, a bike I'd looked after for a long time. 
I toyed with the newer options for a little while but enjoyed the 600  too much and not one for too much tech interference so went from a 99 to a 02 and whilst I loved the Boxeye the obvious improvements in the Foxeye were too good not to give a go.
Your budget would buy a mint 600 although they are getting rarer. Good luck with your search whichever you choose.

[b1k3rdude]

Alternatively, keep an eye out for another FZS600 - they do come up now and then.

@stevedev - https://foc-u.co.uk/mybb/showthread.php?tid=84001

[stevedev]

Thanks to amazing support from Facebook Stolen Motorcycles UK group - My Fazer has been found!

Its in the Police pound in Cambridge and plan to collect today.  Hopefully not written off.  People saw couplf teeenagers haring around North Cambridge area without helmets.  Some very kind and brave person then saw it parked up with a cover, photographed the reg and informed me and the police.  My faith in humanity is restored !

Looks like I'll be riding it for a few more years.  I'll continue to ponder a long term replacement - but will take my time.  (Maybe 10 years :-)

[Grahamm]

Excellent news!

Now install two trackers: One that's easy to find so any scrotes can disable it and think themselves safe, the second well concealed so you can get it back

[Faze2]

Yay to the nice people  keep on Fazin

[RMT1983]

Shout up if you need anything! Glad to hear it's back :-)