2000 Fazer (Yamaha Fazer FZS600)

Member Name: reb151

Product:	Yamaha Fazer FZS600
Date:	04/09/00 (3665 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Performance & Handling

Disadvantages: Poor Headlights

I have had my 2000 Fazer for about 2 months now. The Fazer is a very different animal to the Kawasaki ER5 I owned previously. Its engine is so quick to respond that during the running in period it is a nightmare to keep below 5,000rpm. This is the limit for the first 600mls and is 60mph, for between 600 - 1,000mls the limit is 6,000rpm 72mph. This is where I am at the moment.
The riding postion is not bad. It is not as straight up as many tourers but niether are you stretched accross the tank attempting to reach the bars. My wrists had to get used to having more weight on them after riding the the ER5. I do find however I need regular stops to "loosen up".
The engine/gearbox scream like a demented banshee even at these revs. Once on the move the wind noise drowns out all sound of the bike, this makes changing down and matching revs a little difficult as you only need to breathe on the throttle and it revs quite high so matching the next gear without hearing the engine takes some mastering (I don't think I have yet).
I find the gearchange  not so easy as the ER5 as the travel is quite long and going from 1st to 2nd has produced neutral on more than one occasion. The box is also is also quite "clunky" below 3rd gear going up or down.

The Fazer has twin headlights. The unusual thing is that one is used for dip and the other only lights for mainbeam. Weird!
On dip unless the light is adjusted properly (which it wasn't on delivery) seeing in the dark at speed can be "interesting" Even adjusted properly the light is not as good as the ER5. Mainbeam is fine again if adjusted correctly. I can see why people complain about them. If only both lights were set up for both mainbeam and dip I am sure all would be fine. The mirrors do not allow you to see directly behind you without moving your arm out of the way. There is a wonderful view down each side (not much use). Style has won out over practicality there!


The front forks (as well as the rear shocker) are adjustable for preload. I find this really handy as whilst running in I set them softer than standard as I have with the rear and the ride is like a Rolls Royce. I have now stiffened it all up to 1 notch harder than standard and although it may be a little hard for our horrid urban roads it is great for cornering. One area where the Fazer is outstanding is braking, both brakes are exremely powerful and progressive. I would imagine a "panic" grab of the front brakes would easily produce a locked front wheel with "interesting" results.

Surprisingly there is actually a useable storage space under the seat big enough to take my disc lock and a one piece rainsuit. The ER5 has room under the seat for -- -- well -- -- nothing really!

The Fazer is now run in and WOW! does it go. A quick twist of the throttle and 100mph is passed before you know it and it does not seem to be trying! Although I am no Grand Prix rider cornering is very good and with the power available coming out of corners is great fun.

Any niggles are limited to.

1. The exhaust is far too quiet. (aftermarket can fitted now)

2. Very whiny gearbox.

3. Poor lighting.

Summary: