I've wanted a bike for ages, used to ride scramblers as a teenager but never got around to getting one on the road till last year.
It was simple really, wife has a baby and I decide to get a bike (and rid myself of disappointing Golf GTi in the process - see separate opinion!).
I spent about 2 months doing my CBT then Direct Access training, all the while looking at the magazines and wandering around the local showrooms, my first intention was to get a SuzukiSV650S, great looking bike, but at just over 6ft tall maybe a little small for me.
It was the magazine reviews and the suggestion of my instructor that the Fazer would suit me best, and after a quick test ride I was sold.
Now, if you are reading this while doing or thing of doing your DAS training and in a similar predicament I cannot begin to explain how more responsive a middleweight 4 cylinder bike is compared to any car costing less that 60k or how smooth the engine feels compared to the twin cylinder 500cc bikes that most instructors use, you'll just have to wait and find out yourselves.
On top of that its a comfortable bike with a good range that will easily allow you to ride for 2 hours without feeling the need to stop (although at 70mph that is about the most you'll get out of the adequate tank range).
While it is an easy bike to manage, it will do an indicated 140 and reach 60 in under 4 seconds so restraint is needed if you don't want to lose your license or worse - however it never is a handful and the smoothness of the power and handling mean it won't scare you if you don't want it too.
I've had no problem out-riding a Honda Firestorm for example although a GSX-R1000 will eat it for breakfast!
All bikes need TLC much more so than cars, Yamaha's are not renowned for the quality of the finish and the Fazer is no exception, infrequent cleaning especially in winter will result in a very shabby bike in no time. The forks, exhaust down-pipes and engine especially benefit from special attention. The paint finish is not bad, but will scratch quite easily if you are not careful with keys, luggage or zips on clothing.
As a first big bike its a winner, I am looking to change it for something else now, not because I don't like it, but just feel the need to try something new, maybe an Aprilla Falco or even a BMW 1150GS!
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Jan 8th, 2003
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