Fazer Thou.

I've got one of these for a few days whilst the R1 is having some work done. I have to say I really quite like it.

1000cc - same motor as the R1 but tuned for low down torque rather than screaming top end. I have read that early FZ1s had awful fuelling. This model has definitely resolved that. Really nice throttle response from zero mph and plenty of get up and go. Easy to make the front wheel go light, but it doesn't feel flighty at all. It has really linear drive all the way up to the top of the rev range.

I've been used to sports bikes for 5 or 6 years now, but in that time I have ridden a couple of bikes which are this sort of style. They have all felt a bit like a wet noodle in comparison to the 600RR and the R1. Comedy handling where the front wheel feels like it is connected to the handle bars by rubber bands.

This is most certainly not the case with the Fazer. The handling is absolutely superb. Really composed. Get it in to a corner - helped by the wide bars and it is a steady as a rock. You can feel the grip from both ends. Extremely nimble - very much more so than my R1, which hates slow, tight radius, nadgery corners.

The seating position is very commanding. You are sat upright and this gives an excellent view over the traffic. The mirrors are wide set and very good for seeing behind you - instead of looking at your elbows. They are a bit of a stretch (for me) to reach whilst sat in the saddle though.

The seat is spongy, but I didn't find it very comfortable. Seemed to press in the wrong places. I'm used to a more crouched position though. I also found that the front of the rear seat pressed against my coccyx. I ride with my toes on the pegs, but if you do this on the Fazer your right heel rests on the exhaust heatshield and your left foot rests on the centre stand. It's OK if you ride with your arch on the pegs, but I'd have to get used to that.

This particular model has quite a large screen which I thought would take away some of the buffeting. It does to some extent, but it redirects to your head. It made riding at 90+ very loud and uncomfortable for extended periods at this speed.

So - like the engine, power delivery, handling, poise. Not so keen on the seat and riding position although this is a minor niggle and I would probably adapt and get used to it. Didn't like the wind noise at 90+. Overall, a solid 7 out of 10 for me.

In all honestly I have always liked the styling of the Fazers, and especially the new shape, they are rather tasty. A great write up too thanks mate, one for people to refer to.

[_Stretchie_]

Good write up mate, I'd to have a go on one of these recent Fazers.

I'm liking the idea of naked/semi naked bikes now.

All that's left to ask is.....


Does it have any storage and charging facilities for a tazer???

Originally Posted by plowsie

Way to go, send Alpinestarhero into exhaust raping mode

Anyway, FZ1S's...niiice bikes, i would love one, i really really would. expensive for me though, but who knows, give it a few years.

Originally Posted by Alpinestarhero

Anyway, FZ1S's...niiice bikes, i would love one, i really really would. expensive for me though, but who knows, give it a few years.

After your constant lust for Fazers, I thought this would set you off. Obviously wrong. Comment removed.

Originally Posted by _Stretchie_

Does it have any storage and charging facilities for a tazer???

...another down side!

Update.

Brakes are more than edequate and heavy braking is very controlled. There is a bit of suspension dive under braking but nothing that alarms.

The ride seems compliant on the whole, but sharp edged bumps and ripples tend to get transmitted through the suspension. I don't know how adjustable it all is, but the high speed compression circuit seems a bit over damped as standard.

I would say real world riding is quicker on this than on the R1. The R1 is faster (no surprise there) but it demands more focus, commitment and rider input to ride it fast. The Fazer just leaves you brimming with confidence. It just doesn't have that Banzai side that the R1 does which really get the juices flowing.

....still like it though.

[Skip]

I have ridden my mates one a few times and concur with all what you say there Scoobs - I personally find the riding position a bit too "Raleigh Shopper" - I prefer to be just leaning forwards a little more.

Originally Posted by Skip

I personally find the riding position a bit too "Raleigh Shopper" - I prefer to be just leaning forwards a little more.

Yep. Same.

Really love the looks of this bike. I've been drooling over it for some time and can't wait to get my hands on one to try it out (although the sv pretty much does the job for me right now).
Thanks for the writeup.

Btw, how was the torque (I mean compared to an sv, not the R1..)?

[Skip]

Originally Posted by andreis

Btw, how was the torque (I mean compared to an sv, not the R1..)?

There are globs of it! You can ride around in the midrange all day long and it will feel waaaaaay faster and torquier than an SV - rev it hard and it really flies. Great engine