First opinions (Yamaha Fazer FZS600)

Member Name: brice5

Product:	Yamaha Fazer FZS600
Date:	20/07/01 (4848 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Low running costs, Great looks, all-rounder

Disadvantages: Bad lights, too quiet, needs bigger screen

for me a new job meant a new motorcycle. After spending a few weeks reading all the mags, reviews asking around in the shops I had shortlisted my choice down to just three bikes - the Faser, the Hornet and the Bandit. As I use the bike for commuting and will possibly have to ride through another harsh Winter I plumbed for the bike with the best features that cover all-round riding. The Faser came out tops in handling, and equipment. It may lose out to the Hornet in terms of finish but after a couple of months of high milage (I cover 90 miles a day) this is no discrace.
After the first week I had the bike 'run-in'. I was surprised as the bikes speed even at such low revs as it is regarded as lacking in grunt at low revs (something of a feature when riding in the wet or on ice) when past the 6k revs range it is difficult to be within legal speed limits. In top gear (6th) at 6k revs the bike will rides at 70mph. It doesn't actually hit peak power until 10.5k revs!! All this speed and power put the Faser in a high insurance bracket - something I didn't consider too deeply when purchasing. I'm paying far more than I ever have for insurance with very high excess. Fortunately, as the bike does not have a full fairing a low speed crash shouldn't be too expensive.
I've had the bike for six weeks now and have reached about 2,000 miles. I'm more than happy with the performance and as we are in Summer (I've only had three rainy days) the bike still looks brand new. I opted for the two tone red/black model that is featured in all the advertising. In hindsight the gold and black looks better and is a little more unusual. There are many things that should come as standard on the bike that nearly all owners fit - louder exaust, taller screen, radiator cover, rear hugger etc. I will be fitting these over time but they do add expense to what is (in it's range) the most expensive bike. the extras aren't 100% necessa
ry but they do finish the bike off to be something approaching 'perfect' for a commuter machine. In time I'll work out what the true costs are in terms of mpg - initially I seems to be getting something on the better side of 40. As the wet weather comes that'll rise as they'll be less oportunity to open the throttle.

Summary: