“Excellent bike, handles very well, good mpg if ridden moderately. rode two thousand miles around spain in 2013 fully loaded and enjoyed every mile on the FZS1000, also trip to the TT last year, did everything brilliantly. Another trip to Portugal and Spain planned this year.
Brilliant bike.”
“ive always been a biker. ive had hundreds of bikes most of them big kwaks, however im 6ft 3 and the trend of most bike builders seems to be heading towards making bikes for the shorter gentleman, or just pocket rockets.i also have a bad back and knackerd knees due to riding in all weathers for most of my life the fazer 1000 took my eye a few years ago but i had enough projects and fun bikes,so i never bought one, but after i started falling to bits i sold my blackbird and bought a 53 plate fazer. its the best decision ive ever made this is quite frankly the best all round motorcycle ive ever ridden it has great riding position for most riders one of my mates is 5ft 5 and another is 6ft 8 both feel comfortable on my bike. the power is smooth and always there on tap.but if you want to ring its neck it turns into a monster.you point and squirt hold on and the fazer will pull you out of most situations.take it from an old school biker.the fazer 1000 is awsome.10/10.”
“I've owned 2 Fazers over the past 6-7 years and loving every minute I'm out on the bike. It still puts a smile on my face, comfort mixed with sport performance, what more could you ask for.”
“My bike is a black 2001 model with 26,000 miles. I had the 600cc version for a couple of years, then moved up to this one 5 years ago. It is fast, smooth, fairly quiet, very tractable and a pleasure to ride. I can trickle along at 30mph in top gear, or lift the front wheel on acceleration in the lower gears. The handelbars allow a sit up riding position, but I can still tuck in behind the half fairing, if needbe. Ridden gently, I get 50+ mpg, else, ridden by a hooligan, it can drop into the 30s. I love this bike, having had 2 Yamaha 600 Diversions, then the 600 Fazer. I prefer the pre- fuel injection models.
It has a Scott chainoiler that makes it good for touring. Fairing mounted mirrors are good and clear. The seat height is a bit tall for short riders but OK for most. The gearbox and clutch allow for the sweetest of gear changes. It starts first time, every time. Lights are good. Overall finish is good and general wear and tear are good for its age.
I would buy another if I had to. Tyre wear is not bad, compared with sports bikes. Suspension is a bit soft now, but a new rear shock would sort it out.
Ron aged 67.”
“After riding sports bikes for many years I decided it was soon going to be time for a change of machine style. I managed a go on the big Fazer when my friend had one on short term loan way back when they first came out. Another friend is on his 2nd 1st Generation model. As soon as I had a good few shots I knew it was the bike I was going to end up owning. The only problem I had was finding one in my price range. Eventually, 2 years ago I found a stunning black 02 model in a dealers, all standard apart from a nice carbon tri-oval can. The change of bike style at that point meant I was riding a SV1000 but it just wasn't the bike for me. One brilliant trade-in deal later and the Fazer was mine.
It's a silver engine model so there is a little paint flaking off around the very front of the engine behind the header pipes, but nothing bad. I tidied up the generator cover myself and managed to get the cam cover tidied while I was having some engine work done (more on that later). The finish on the bodywork is brilliant, the deep gloss black still looks good now (14 years old) and with no rust anywhere else on the bike I can't complain. I've re-finished the wheels as the paint had been chipped due to lot's of tyre changes but that's hard to avoid. There's a liitle bit of rubbing been happening where my boots/leathers have been in contact with the frame rails but a couple of Alph-dot security stickers cover that and also prevent more rubbing.
The bikes ergonomics are almost perfect for me at 5 ft 8. Peg, seat, bar reach is nearly spot on and I've had no problem clocking up 14,000 miles in just over 2 years. All I added was a set of SW Motech up and back bar risers (just over a inch higher and pulled back the same) and a adjustable Vario touring screen. Although I could live without them, I also think they look good fitted. I even bought a full set pf Givi hard luggage with all fitting for the trips with my wife. never done that with any of my bike before
For a big heavy bike the handling is good enough I reckon. Clearly no sports bike but I've adjusted the suspension to suit my riding style aswell as fitting a 25mm jack up kit to lift the rear and bringing the fork legs through the yokes by 10mm. Much quicker turn in but the higher bars dont let the bike feel it's got a arse up, head down stance. Braking is very good too. Blue spot calipers coupled with stainless hoses all round and HH sintered pads in the front pull the bike up just aswell as the set up on my R1 when I had that despite the Fazer being so much heavier.
It's as easy on tyres or as hard on tyres as you make it. Personal favourites are Brigestone 021 or 023. fantastic combination of life and grip
Fuel economy is like the tyres. I've seen 200 miles from the tank while bimbling around doing a spot of touring. I've also seen a lot less while I've been enjoying myself too much.
Now, the engine. I really liked the way it was so smooth and tractable all the way through the rev range (no doubt helped by the Exup valve) and even today I think the original R1 and this model of Fazer 1000 have the best carb set up I've used as standard. I just love the feel of carb fed bikes. However, when I took it to a local Bike Guru/Tuner for a simple carb overhaul I ended up with a bit more of everything. My Christmas bonus was burning a hole in my pocket and I already had a set of plugs to fit myself and intended on doing the oil and filter but I wanted the carbs set up. 2 months later I took the bike back and for just a few quid more than the price of a full dealer service I had a the head skimmed and some porting work done, brand new genuine Yamaha head gasket fitted (of course) AIS removed (no extra power gained but it sharpens up the feel from the throttle!!) and also gives much easier access to the plugs at service time, carbs set up and balanced properly aswell as the oil, plugs air and oil filters changed and Exup checked which saved me doing it. Result? 138bhp at the rear wheel (more than the original R1) and a load more torque. I can't believe how much sharper the motor feels and I never had any problems with it before. Dropping a tooth on the front sprocket makes that even better.
Before and after that work, the bike has been faultless with no mechanical or electrical issues at all. The only thing that annoys me everytime I start it is the rattle from the worn Exup valve but my both my mates Fazers did it aswell and I believe it to be a common fault. The noise can't really be heard on the move but it's a niggle.
A few other small cosmetic upgrade including a MotoGrafix number board/bodywork protection kit make make a good looking bike even more pleasing to the eye. this is the only bike I have intended keeping long term. At the moment I can't think of anything I'd swap it for.”
“I've owned CB500, VFR 800 VTEC, ZZR1400, Sprint ST 1050, this is the best bike I've owned by a mile. Great handling and cornering, enough oomph but not too much. Very useable and practical. It's a practical useable sports bike. Great bike.”
“GOOD ALL ROUND BIKE, HAD A 600 FAZER AND NOW 1000 WHICH IS MUCH SMOOTHER ALTHOUGH THE 600 WAS A GREAT BIKE TOO AND A LITTLE BIT LIGHTER, NEVER MANAGED TO OPEN FULL THROTTLE ON 1000 WHICH I COULD DO ON 600, BOTH GREAT BIKES AND PRETTY MUCH TOTALLY TROUBLE FREE.”
