Yamaha FZS600 Fazer (1998-2004)

My '98 Fazer is just about to hit 40,000 miles, and still she never complains. I've ridden it all through the winter with no problems what so ever. She starts first time every day and is always keen whatever the weather. Great allrounder, great fun!

My 2001 Fazer is the ultimate commuter. She never complains and never bites - only demanding a regular oil change. 95bhp (85bhp at the wheel) is a lot for a 600. Its a lot of bike for the price. Possibly a future classic (Did you see them on Kill Bill?)

This is my first bike since passing my test a month ago. Looked at a few different bikes but kept returning to this! I've been lucky as the people who have owned it have looked after it. It's got 16500 miles on the clock but is excellent condition. It was a bit more powerful than I expected when I pulled away from the shop!! Ridden to work on it aswell as having a three and a half hour ride non stop to get some miles under my belt. Didn't ache or feel tired. The fuel consumption has been really good and is easy to control at low and higher speeds. Ridden on motorways, A roads and town roads and haven't been disappointed at all. Would highly recommend the bike to anyone considering a versatile, comfortable and easy to ride bike.

I needed to get my commuting time down - 20 miles motorway, 10 miles rush hour filtering on London's North Circular and 5 miles 'town' riding. Brilliant all rounder. Has the power when I need it, comfort for long commute and control for filtering. Haven't managed to master the very low speed cornering yet - the throttle seems a bit snatchy. I reckon I get better mpg than the 'average' figures given.

Believe it or not previous to owning this bike I had owned two (different times) FZS1000's.. they are brilliant bikes. This is my sons Fazer. We toured EU together with other two sons and one of their partners. On Fazers, Andy on my present bike, Matt on an 02 Fazer (virtually identical cept for Yamaha logo on the tank). Martin was on a newer FZ6S, me on the FZS1000 and Anna (Matts partner) GSX600. I think the GSX was worst for comfort overall and also frustration in usable to useable power also hairpins at slow speed (due to dangers). Next the FZS1000 best for comfort again frustrating in power usage, both too powerful however on a good safe bend!!!WOWWW But the two bikes that got there pegs down and whos riders had the biggest permanent grin were the two FZS600's. Yeah.. no match to the others the power is sooooo usable on the 600 fazer. I can really vouch for that as unfortunately had to part with the thou and due to even sadder reasons now have the 600. Strengths: Usable power, handling, overall quality. Weaknesses: Only the seat but with after market seat....100% strength.

Bought this bike despite all the bad press I read about the lack of mid range power, and I don't regret it for a minute. When I am commuting I can be lazy with the revs and its easy to ride. When I'm having a blast at the weekend, I pick up the revs and it feels like a rocket ship. (trained on a CBF500 which I thought was slow after 2 days). Looks wise its a Batmobile from the front (my neighbours 12 yr old says)and sporty from the rear - love the twin exhaust under the seat. I was thinking of buying a Suzuki Bandit 650 or a kawasaki er6-n, don't even want to ride them now. Getting 200 miles from the tank so I am pleased with the range as well. The ride is excellent and the position is comfy. At 80 mph you feel completely stable thanks to the half faring. At night the lights on dipped or main are brilliant they light up the whole road and the dials look very cool and are easy to read. Strengths: Soon as I get used to the performance I can start to take it into the 9000 - 13500 rpm range where apparently it starts to get really serious - Can't wait. I feel as though I have a bike a can really grow into. Weaknesses: First gear to second feels a bit notchy if you don't get the revs right - maybe my clutch control is still not right, but I have heard others say the same.

I commute a 30 mile round trip that goes from motorway to close quarter filtering through traffic. The Fazer is narrow and slips through the gaps like a scooter. The power and fairing come in handy for the long roads and I have done some weekend touring in Ireland with a pillion. She goes like stink too (the bike that is!) and can sit comfortably at 220km/h. Strengths: You get the best of both worlds - a fast paced sportsbike on the motorways with a comfortable riding position, yet nimble enough for the realities of city riding. You can buy a secondhand bike for very little and they are super reliable. Weaknesses: Looks of the 2001 Fazer are dated. She also needs to get about 7000 rpm before the power kicks in. But apparently the new Fazer is even more revvy. The downpipes and general finish on the engine are poor - showing definite signs of cost cutting.