Eagerly anticipated but horrendously expensive on its launch, the Fazer needed a price cut before gaining the popularity it deserved. But what about a used one?
When it was launched back in 2001, the Fazer 1000 was being touted as a sports bike alternative. In reality it was very close to a sports bike, but mainly on price: a whopping £8100, or nearly £1900 dearer than the Bandit 1200! An R1 was only a grand more. A year later Yamaha took the hint and lowered the price to a 'mere' £7234. Suddenly, it all made more sense and the bike began to pick up a good following.
It was still pricier than the Suzuki Bandit, but it was more modern and higher-spec. It also offered a few more creature comforts than the Honda Hornet 900. But it was never really an alternative to a sports bike - the Fazer was always a bit wibbly-wobbly at speed to be that - but there's much you can do to pep-up the handling and the motor.
The Fazer 1000's been popular and its success is something it may take the new poorly-fueled FZ1/Fazer a while to emulate because for much of 2006 buyers voted with their feet and the old Fazer was outselling the new model two to one...
Engine: Derived from the early YZF-R1 motor, this powerplant is probably one of the finest carburated motors ever. Smooth, like a turbine, the power builds effortlessly after a little dip at 5500rpm to take off towards a rear wheel figure of around 120bhp. With a top end approaching 160mph, the Fazer is easily tuneable to 130-140bhp without major problems. Servicing intervals are every 4000 miles.
Oil levels: Oil consumpion isn't in Daytona 675 territory, but thrashed motors burn oil in a similar way to older Yamahas. Nothing to worry about but needs watching.
Clutch: Sadly, the beefy R1 clutch didn't make it over to the Fazer, which gets a smaller one. This means mildly-tuned Fazers can burn out clutches in swift order.
Continue the Yamaha Fazer FZS1000 used review
