1998 Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

Summary:

A quick, comfortable, sweet-handling bike... the perfect all-rounder

Faults:

The speedometer sender unit failed at about 30,000 miles, but the replacement has worked fine since then.

The thread for the front sprocket nut is too fine and strips occasionally, this allows the sprocket to move about enough to cause damage to the chain if you don't notice the problem immediately. I've taken to welding the nut on, but Yamaha have acknowledged the problem and will replace the shaft free of charge if the thread is badly damaged.

I did have a front brake disc warp at 35,000 miles, but it was pretty close to the wear limit anyway.

General Comments:

This has proved to be the ideal bike for my purposes. It's comfortable and reliable with confidence inspiring handling and, if you're prepared to keep the revs over 8000rpm, it's extremely quick.

The only downside I've found is that the headlights are not very good. After a minor wiring alteration, so that both beams come on when in dipped mode, the results are a lot better, The Fazer Owners Club (Unofficial) has a page on their site to show how to do this mod.

Cosmetically, the bike is looking reasonable, despite being well into a ninth winter of rain and road salt. The alloy of the fork lowers is looking rather scabby, but other than that, the finish has held up well.

The reliability of the machine has been a revelation, previous bikes I've owned have all suffered from electrical problems in the ignition systems... the Fazer has done nothing worse than exhibit an occasional misfire in the heaviest rain.

Most of all though, the bike has just been fun. Acceleration, cornering and braking are all simply brilliant, the times when I've fancied a bit more power are few and outweighed by the number of times I've been glad of it's gentle power delivery at lower revs when on wet, greasy roads.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th February, 2007

1998 Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

Summary:

A brilliant bike, does everything you want

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

Great all rounder, would buy another any day.

Plenty of power and quite a torquey motor.

Great for commuting, and even better on country roads.

Ridden daily throughout the summer. Comfy, and the nose fairing keeps the wind off.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2006

2003 Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

Summary:

Usable flexible power, good brakes, comfortable - good all-rounder

Faults:

1.0 Running roughly - Spark plug leads were shorting - corrected by dealer.

2.0 Mixture adjusted incorrectly by the main dealer at the second service. Several attempts to correct - failed - Carbs balanced correctly by non-franchised workshop. Back to how she used to be.

General Comments:

Best bike I've owned as it suits my needs. It's quick enough, handles well and has really good brakes.

Bodywork has covered 9k and is still good - plenty of WD 40.

Exhaust downpipes were a problem on older models, but were improved for the 03 bike. I believe they are mostly stainless steel, so pleased about that.

Front and back tyres changed at 5k with the replacement front being a wider section. Now at 9k these will also need to be changed shortly. The bike is ridden sensibly, but road surface is poor. I've read of other people getting 10k out of their tyres, so I must be doing something wrong.

Engine is fantastic - really usable mid range, which suits me. I love it. It's a real pleasure when I'm out on the bike, I wish the journeys were longer.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2005

29th Oct 2005, 06:55

A bike I still miss after selling it for something bigger 3 years ago.

Cheap and easy to ride, with real character. Good strong engine (early type), and cruised back from the Alps to the UK at almost 100mph all the way, while doing 50 mpg!

Watch out for worn out rear shocks and seized brakes.

28th Jun 2008, 17:15

I have got to agree with other FZS600 riders, the machine is simply perfect. I have bought one today and find it a pleasure to ride, even though I have only traveled from Leeds to Wolverhampton.

It is a six year old bike ,02 plate, but looks like new, can't fault it in any way.

1999 Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

Summary:

A great all rounder that's not too scary for the new rider

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Ideal first bike.

Easy to get on with.

Very reliable.

Not too big.

Easy to maintain.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2005

2001 Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

Summary:

Perfect bike to commute and scratch

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Very reliable.

Quick.

Easy to ride.

Great all rounder.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th June, 2005