Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer (2000 - 2005)

FishOnTwoWheels
Reviewed: 08 August 2012

Best all rounder bar none! I'm on my third one and keep coming back to them every time I try something else.

Great all round capabilities. Short trips or long, takes them all in its stride. Brakes are the best I've had on any bikle and that engine is a joy to have!

Like most people, I have found the suspenders on these bikes to be adequate rather than good. Tighten up that and things improve. I raised the rear end to put more focus on the front and that helped, but it CAN feel vague at higher speeds if the suspension is left on standard.
I did have the Exup valve seize on one of mine, so promise to watch out for that this time. It turns a pocket rocket into a bland four cylinder, so take care of it.

I am NOT a fan of the fuel injected models of this bike and will stick with the carbs for as long as I can as it is a great bike. I owned one from 2001 to 2005, then 2006 to 2010 and then back again from 2011 to present. I don't stay away from them for long (despite twice trying two competitors bikes and can thoroughly support them.

Nahuna
Reviewed: 23 May 2011

The first 'do it all bike'that would make sportsbike riders think twice about riding anything else.

I really love the styling of the Fazer. It looks mean and has a solid feel to it. The turbine smooth engine is an absolute missile with two distinct steps in the power, one at 6000rpm and another (as if you needed it) at 9000rpm. It belies the size of the bike. It has all day riding comfort with the short screen doing a great job of keeping wind blast at bay. Although being tall I have swapped mine for a Genuine Yamaha taller screen which works a treat.

The suspension. It's the weakest link in the entire bike as it's is armchair soft. Great for soaking up bumps, but does nothing for corner confidence. I swapped the rear spring for a K-tech spring and the difference was immediate. The rear felt higher and more composed. The other weak point is the Exup valve. It's very prone to sticking/seizing if not looked after properly. I have already had it seize on me once. If I was really picky I would say there's not much storage under the seat, but enough for a disc lock. Other than that it's a very well made motorcycle.

It's a great bike which is why I've had mine now for over three years. I'm always looking to replace it but find it hard to find a bike that compares in every area.

Fazer11
Reviewed: 25 February 2011

Excellent allrounder

Good Engine,Brakes and plenty of aftermarket parts

Wouldn't want anything else

silly simon
Reviewed: 02 November 2010

WOW !! What can you say about the Fazer 1000

The engine pull's like a twist and go scooter from 30mph in top without any effort at all,Its comfy enough to tour two up,and as for after market parts ? the worlds your oyster :)

Brakes are from the R1 of the generation and are more than upto the job.

Guages are readily to hand and a fuel guage to boot.

The suspension is adaquet I would say for most people but if you are the more serious rider a change both up front and rear is needed to get the most out of the engine

I would say it is the best all rounder ever produced.. Nuff said

Marcus Marsh
Reviewed: 26 July 2010

A superb fast road bike.

Fast, good handling and comfortable.

I have had my 2005 Fazer for almost four years now. I was looking for a machine in this class after selling a BMW1150GS. (At the risk of upsetting all the BMW fans out there I'll say that, although it was the most comfortable and most efficient bike I have owned, it was sooo BORING!! Sorry, just didn't do it for me.) The choices at the time we machines such as the Suzuki Bandit, which was a little too old school, and the Honda Hornet 900. The Fazer seemed to be the best overall package as the motor at 145BHP had more stomp than the others, it had the suspension lifted from the Thunderace, brakes from the R1 and it had a modern look. I found mine in the MCN classifieds and purchased it as an 18 month old machine with only 1100 miles on it. It was if it had just come out of the crate.

So what's it like to own - great! It's a fast and easy bike to ride. The engine is smooth and picks up really well from almost any revs. It's actually a little more modified than the 'detuned R1 engine' label tends to suggest. Amongst other subtle modifications is a heavier flywheel which makes the engine more tractable from low RPM. The carbs are also smaller which give better mid-range. I have not ridden an R1 so can't comment on how much stomp the motor has lost at the top end of the rev range but, take my word for it, it's fast enough!

The suspension often comes in for criticism as being too soft and past its best by 10,000 miles. I have increased the pre-load at both ends a little and the result is a bike that handles very well and is still comfortable. With 5,000 miles now showing the suspension shows no signs of fading yet. (Yes, I know I have only put 4,000 miles on it but I am lucky enough to own more than one bike - see my VFR800 review on this site) As and when the suspension shows signs of fading I'll upgrade it because, as with the VFR, I intend to keep this bike long term.

There's probably no need to comment on the brakes - R1 stuff so enough said.

The riding position is day long comfortable and the controls are light and easy. The switchgear is standard Yamaha fare so no problems there. I usually get around 150 miles to the tank in general use with 170+ on a run. Starting is a first time affair as long as you never use full choke. Even in the coldest weather on half choke is needed or the bike coughs and dies. A lot of the time there is no need to use the choke at all. I have had it checked and no, the bike is not running rich. My machine is also fitted with a Scorpion end can which sounds fantastic; even with the baffles still in. The OE Metzler tyres are not to my liking and will soon be changes to my preferred choice - Bridgestone BT021's. I am sure that this will improve the bike even further. The half fairing is very effective, particularly with a slightly taller screen. I have a double bubble on mine and cruising at three figure speeds is no problem.

The build quality looks good although to be honest it hasn't really been tested as this machine is only used in the dry. It's used year round but only on dry roads. There are no stone chips on the paintwork and even the paint on the engine, so often a weak spot, is immaculate. The only mark is on the tail fairing where is caught it a few times with my boot getting on and off the bike. (Well, I am only 5'9")
The only let down with this bike so far has been my local Yamaha dealer but I won't go into details. Perhaps I have been spoilt having dealt almost exclusively with Honda dealers in recent years. However, I now use Woking Yamaha for my servicing and they boys down there are top guys.
So, there you have it; a good all round machine. When I purchased mine they were still a little under rated so they were a bit of a bargain. You don't see too many for sale and I think that's because, when you own one, you tend to hang onto it when you realize what a good bike this is. How's that for a recommendation? I have seen the described as 'The thinking man's sportsbike' and whilst I don't fully agree with that it's not completely untrue either. Buy one and enjoy.