Has anyone got one of the new Fazer 600s (the '04 model with underseat exhausts)? I'm planning to buy my first bike in the next couple of weeks and I've short-listed the Fazer 600 and the SV650S.

At the moment I prefer the Fazer because, although I like both bikes, I've been more impressed with my local Yamaha dealer (in Woking) and getting the right relationship with the dealer is pretty important in my experience.... but is the new Fazer any good? I've read some criticism of the brakes and the engine being a bit peaky...?

Also, who would you recommend for insurance? And should I go 3rd party F&T or fully comp....?

the new fazer will suit you well-although theres nothing wrong with the old model-is there Mally?

On a new bike you may not have the option of TPFT ins, Yamaha were doing deals a while back with their own ins.
i suppose it comes down to what kind of power delivery your used to, the inline 4 is peaky whilst the v twin has torque.
the SV is a nice bike, ..................












but is of course a Girlie bike
DP sits back & awaits the flack

Take Cover Mr Manwaring

BTW- I'd get the new FZ6... Like a Fazer but without the Fairing
Gorgeous!

The only advice on insurance that I can give is to shop around. Get a couple of quotes and have the companies compete for your business.

I've heard of some companies being cheap for folk but when I go, I can always get better deals elsewhere.

Phone up and get a quote, then tell them you'll think about it. They may say okay but you might find that some will drop their prices to try and get you to sign up there and then. They must seem to think that if you can get off the phone, they've lost you. It's worked for me, when I wasn't even trying.

If you're a new biker with a new bike on a loan - get fully comp! Cos if you bin it, you'll be paying for ever with no bike to show for it!

The new fazer is a good bike, quite new though so it is hard to get an oppinion yet as i havent heard any feed back from any owners.

It is not my cup of tea, i dont like the new tank and the headstock seems to be realy low down. But that is just me.

I have a friend who had an SV650 for just over a year and loved it, but she just changed it for a new Kawasaki Z750 and she loves it even more, it is black and looks quite mean. She recons it is more responsive than the SV.

I my old fazer to bits. 1st bike was a GS500 which i dropped twice in a year. My fazer is the model before the reshped front end so has the oblong lights. Plenty fast enuff for me and handles ner 2 bad. I am told the brakes are not the same for stopping as the old ones as they are not of the r6. I can't make my mind up on the new styling. Bit like a shrunken TDM and althoughj the under seat pipesadd looks it is really spoilt by the keeping of the old swingarm. Now a rsv mille swingarm (very stylish) Never rode a sv650s but riding position of the bars felt uncomfortable when i sat on one at the nec.
Word of warning whilst i'm on, a friend just got fined for not declaring his scooter was off the rd and not taxed. Its been in his shed since October. So far weather ok for Sat so probs out Sat morn. Sat nite i'm at a burns nite do at the local squash club so btaying put on Sunday. Cheers MAlly

[GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .......

its not its mine!!!!

My dealer loaned me a new Fazer while my bike was in the workshops today. I now have an FJR but I used to have a 2002 Fazer so was interested to see waht the new bike was like. Here are my comments:

Good Points
Engine much more flexible than old Fazer
Gearbox changes nicely without clunks
Brakes as good as ever
Great styling - love those exhausts under the seat
Fuel injection - no fiddling with choke

Bad Points
Instruments appalling - give me decent dials any day
Crap headlights like old Fazer - only one headlight working on dipped beam
Sidestand tricky - main footpeg in the way

On the whole, I thought it was an improvement. If I was looking for a bike in 600 market, I'd give it serious consideration.

David

hey devil im curious why u said the SV is a girlie bike. i also read that on Super Bike Mag or Fast bikes cant remember. i´ve no clue why is that

It was mainly a "friendly " dig at the sv owner/past owners on the forum.
they are seen as a girlie bike by some,(not me actually)because of their size & general lack of power-that & the very fact they are compact seems to appeal to the ladies. the sv seems to be the no1 choice of most of my female test pass students. Most of the blokes i know raved about the handling, but sold them within months of ownership(although TBF one sold his because the riding position was crippling him)-but you could say that about any bike, if you dont fit it in the 1st place!

Well considering a new bike also and the Fazer is on the short list


Went yesterday to the opening of George White, London Yamaha shop,,,,


and on looks ,, it is


spoke to the chap in there and he said I just have to give him a call to arrange a Test ride.........


Down points is,,,,,, no underseat space, and I can't see where I can strap anything at the back,,,,,
some said it is to peaky,,, but I guess that might be down to individual riding style...etc



You can find it New at very good prices too

but for almost the same ££, you can get a Bandit1200S.....

I really like the looks and...
I know for sure I can strap my bag etc , since I have a Bandit 600,
is better for 2 up according to reviews

but is heavier,,,,,, and a bit of a old style, but i like it..

will try to get a Test Ride in one too.....

When I was out with DP yesterday, there was a lass on a new fazer and she was no problems keeping up with the bigger bikes. There was DP's zzr1100, Mally's Fazer600, a Fazer1000 and her new fazer 600.

I was offered a go on the new fazer and declined. I don't like riding other peoples bikes, when I don't have my own there but I'm sorry I didn't have a go.

The bike also looks fantastic. I'd go for one myself. Saying that, so does the fazer 1000 but I think they're still holding their used price well.