My last bike was 10 years ago, a Honda VF500. That was a v4 four stroke and reasonably powerfull at the time. I had to sell to buy a house and regretted it just about every day since then.
Last year I remembered a 15 year old insurance policy and thought I'd find out what it was worth. When I found out it was enough for a new bike and change, that was it, policy cashed - ker-ching.
I used uk.rec.motorcycles to get some idea of what bike to get, and of course all the bike mags. Originally I was thinking of a GPZ500 (cheapish to run, not too powerfull) but when I tried one out it was a bit too small for me (6' 2). The Fazer kept coming out top of the bike mags Hooligan 600 group tests, and when I found I could get one for just £500 more than a GPZ500 that was it, Bike ordered!
Getting back aboard was no problem, just like falling off a log. Because the bike was new I had to run it in which probably helped. By the time it had been run in I was ready for the extra power. Things certainly have moved on in 10 years! The engine may not be quite as smooth as I remember the old v4 (no surprise) but it has plenty more power. The handling is better than I'll push it to need to be. I'm getting about 55 mpg which is also well up on the v4 and the c*r.
Ride position is very comfortable, this not being a "sports" bike. There is a bit of wind buffetting at high speeds, but I'm tall and I guess a double-bubble screen would cure that. There is now a clock and low fuel light and (wow) space under the seat to stow a set of waterproofs.
Looks - well I have heard "bag of spanners" but I'm not worried about how it looks, I can't see it when I'm on it.
Reliability - 100% in the year I've had it.
The one complaint I can make is the paintwork (frame etc, not fairing/tank). Having been out on the odd wet winter day the salt has taken paint off the exhausts and a bit of frame. It cleaned up OK but it looks like very regular winter washing is required. The old bike was fully faired and a Honda so I've never had this problem before. I notice the 2002 models have stainless steel downpipes to solve this problem.
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I think you've summed up the Fazer pretty well.
It's certainly not the best looking or fastest 600 around,but it more than makes up for it in it's character.
When I ride mine I feel like I can do virtually anything on it and still it will never get out of shape.
It is definitely a cult bike of the future,if not already!
Sep 26th, 2002
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