Yamaha Fazer FZS600

Yamaha's 600 Fazer mk1, mk2 and mk3 (1998-2003) are regarded as five star bikes by Bike magazine and are slowly becoming classics. Strange really, because the original 600 Fazer was a cheapo parts bin special cobbled together to compete with Honda's Hornet and Suzuki's Bandit, but somehow the mongrel worked brilliantly and was an instant success. The engine was nicked from Yamaha's Thundercat, detuned to 95bhp (smaller carbs), bolted to a basic steel frame, and fitted with a front brake from the R1 parts bin. Negatives include the 9mm front sprocket nut which was prone to coming undone with dire consequences (Yamaha advised a 12mm replacement), a cheapo exhaust system (excluding silencer) which quickly rotted away when exposed to the winter elements, a dipped single headlight that was almost useless in the dark and a badly positioned rear brake caliper that was exposed to road spray, salt, mud, horse poo, etc. The mk3 Fazer (2003) had a few minor modifications but wasn't as highly regarded as the original. This was the last of the 'real' Fazers which were eventually killed off by Euro emissions and noise regulations. The mk4 (04-05) was powered by the buzzier, harsher, revvier R6 engine and "isn't as good as the old bike as a day-in, day-out commuter". ( 1999 Fazer FZS600 pictured.)