Just a few of the kinder words posted when I beat the stampeding hordes and got myself invited to join the 'Bike' team for a week-long comparison test of the new Yamaha FZ1S Fazer, the also-new Honda CBF1000 and Yamaha's original FZS1000 Fazer.
I guess being an early rising, semi-retired pool guy living on the Costa Blanca has its advantages and being one hour ahead of the UK time zone is one of them. By the time most FOCCERs saw his invitation on the website, I'd already e-mailed Simon Hargreaves at 'Bike' and blagged my way into the job.
Sneakily, I persuaded Simon that he'd never find a standard Fazer 1000 via the FOC-U site, since I've had my grubby hands on most of them over the past 3 years, so a 2004 model was wangled out of the fine folks at DK Motorcycles. Being a PORG - Person Of Restricted Growth - was offset by the fact that I was cheap and available. Game on!
Cheeky? You bet, but as my old granny used to say "if you don't ask ." and that's how come 3 days later I find myself in the 'Bike' shed (sorry, office area) inside the mighty EMAP Automotive empire in Peterborough. I have to tell you that these guys take the idea of immersing themselves in their work literally. Every scrap of desk top and surrounding space is piled high and wide with boxes of bike goodies, riding gear, memorabilia and 'stuff' . lots of 'stuff'.
THE 'BIKE' SHED - JENNY IN THE FOREGROUND
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I find a crevice in the 'stuff' and the lovely Jenny Atyeo (officially the editor's assistant but I'm sure she runs the place, really) fixes me coffee and sorts out my expenses. I learn that Simon is currently at the BSD workshops trying to get the clutch replaced on the new FZ1S, his own long-term test bike for this year. Oh, and the EXUP on the old Fazer is sticking . well there's a surprise.
Simon calls from BSD to say 'hi' and to give me an update on events. I appreciated that . despite all the problems and the pressure to fix the bikes and keep the test on track, Simon went out of his way to make me feel included right from the very start. In fact, I can't speak highly enough of the welcome that everyone gave me and I had that feeling of being an integral part of the team every minute I was with them. Thanks, everyone!
I get to meet Simon in person not long after. Mark Brewin of BSD has assured him that both Fazers will be ready for the next morning, so Simon returns to the office. We chat for the rest of the afternoon about Fazers old and new, and the outline plan for the test. Simon's preference is to head north to Scotland but he says it all depends on the weather. "Fingers crossed - see you tomorrow at 8:00. Get a good night's sleep, you'll need it".
Tuesday morning can't come soon enough for me. I hook up with Simon and meet Pete Boast, road tester and all-round good bloke, in the EMAP car park. Kit thrown into the back of the van, and it's off to BSD to collect the bikes and our photographer, Kenny P.
Time for a few words about the professionals on this team and I have to say right off that I couldn't have wished for better company for this trip, on and off the road.
Simon Hargreaves has been a bike journalist for more than 15 years, cut his teeth with 'Performance Bikes', before moving on to 'Bike' where he's now a senior editor. Simon's passion for bikes and riding is immediately obvious; his skills as a rider and organiser of road tests become apparent soon after we hit the road. Anyone who thinks bike journos are - how can I put this delicately? - poorly informed poseurs who know jack about riding and owning bikes in the real world should meet Simon. I confidently predict he'd see off 99% of the riders on this forum. The other 1% would be taken care of by Pete Boast.
Boastie has been a national level road racer, has clocked a 20 mins lap round the IoM TT course, was a professional speedway rider, has toured the USA in a minivan racing in the dirt oval championships and is now a key man in British flat track racing. Boastie is brought in by 'Bike' on these tests because of his breadth and depth of riding experience, but a more modest and thoroughly likeable riding companion you couldn't hope to meet.
BOASTIE (LEFT) AND SIMON - JUST CHILLIN'
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Kenny P is a man whose surname has more consonants than vowels and he's been a professional motor photographer for many years. He worked with Simon during his 'Performance Bikes' days and Simon says he learned a lot about riding from Kenny, so he's clearly no slouch on two wheels. These days he gets his knee down in a turbo diesel Focus but I noticed we never had to wait long for him wherever we plotted up.
The photographer is the guy under the greatest pressure on these tests. Poor pictures equal poor article and that means the freelance work offers soon dry up. Watching Kenny at work was a real pleasure and he never stopped smiling, even when he was bollocking us for stuffing his mobile office with our luggage and gear. Must remember . the boot of the photographer's motor is hallowed ground and is not to be desecrated with riding kit. :o
KENNY P - DIGITAL DEMON
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That's the team, what about the bikes? Ah, yes . that's why we're here, of course. I just wanted to set the scene a little, you understand.
Waiting for us at BSD that morning are Simon's newly clutched-up silver FZ1S Fazer, a silver Honda CBF1000 and an '04 FZS1000 Fazer in Mistral Grey. Each bike goes nicely with my hair. :lol
Simon takes his FZ1S, Boastie hops on the luggage-free Honda (he carries his kit in a rucksack) and I get the old Fazer, which is fine by me. It's been nearly 3 years since I last did more than just a few miles on a standard Fazer 1000 and I'm looking forward to refreshing my memory before comparing the old with the new. However, my eagerness is quenched somewhat when I notice the tyres . a brand new BT020 on the rear but the original MEZ4 on the front, its square profile testament to every one of the 8000 miles the old bike has on the clock. :eek Oh, joy of joys, my cup runneth over. I pray that the next 3 days stay dry but with Inverness our destination some 480 miles north, there's no time to wait for a reply from 'Upstairs'. We luggage up and head off to the filling station just up the road.
At the first roundabout, I'm the new boy trying to make a positive impression on his debut. Nudge the inside bar, shoulder in and lean, looking across to the 3rd exit and .. why are we still heading for the kerb straight ahead? Turn, you malevolent bastard! >: The squared-off front tyre makes the bike steer with all the precision and predictability of an Alicante airport baggage trolley. I shove some more and the front finally rolls onto the side of the tyre and the bike condescends to turn. Glancing back in their mirrors, Simon and Pete are probably wondering what they've let themselves in for - not many normal riders elect to square off roundabouts.
Gassed up and away again, a dozen roundabouts before the A1 give me chance to adjust to the bike and then we start hammering north. Straight away I appreciate the familiar comfort of the Fazer 1000 and that smooth, turbine-like power delivery seems somehow more impressive because the quiet standard end can. I've had 3 years of throaty Blueflame soundtrack accompanying every my every throttle movement. I still prefer it but I can see why some owners like to keep it quiet and stealthy.
The first fuel stop is dictated by the flashing reserve light on the new FZ1S about 130 miles after we set off. I'd guess that the Honda and the old Fazer are good for another 30 miles at this stage, but Simon is keeping precise records of fuel and distance for the test report. He'd better start recording oil consumption, too . his bike is leaking noticeably around the clutch housing. New clutch, old gasket. Still, the oil level is OK, so we decide to press on.
A minor navigation phaff sees us turning off for a brief excursion up the A66 instead of the A68 as planned. Only one number out, Simon, but just as well, because when we stop to retrace the route, we notice that the right side of his tyre is liberally oiled up. And the skies are darkening and threatening rain. Simon calls Kenny and arranges a meet at the Scotch Corner services. We contemplate trying to fix the leak with gasket goo but common sense prevails. A couple of phone calls later and Ian Bell Motorcycles in Bedlington agree to sort the problem for us as soon as we can get there. It's just under 60 miles but thankfully the clouds have blown by and we blow north again.
From making great progress in the first couple of hours, our schedule is rapidly going to pot but Ian Bell's do a terrific job and we're away again within 30 minutes of getting to their door. :thumbup I used to live and ride up this way for a few years, so I suggest a quick fuel and feed stop at Alnwick before nipping across country to pick up the A697 to Coldstream and then on to the A68. We have a plan and more to the point, at Alnwick I have my hands on the keys for the new FZ1S!
This is what I came here for, the chance to ride the bike that inherited the Fazer 1000 name. A tough act to follow and a very loyal and dedicated band of followers to win over.
First impressions, the lower seat height lets me paddle out of the parking slot with feet virtually flat down and the bike is lighter to manoeuvre around. Instruments look neat and do funky stuff when the key is turned. The still-warm motor starts first press and gives out a raspy, subdued bark from that dog-ugly end can. I ease carefully off into Alnwick and then lead out of town via some narrow bumpy lanes and swooping, curving 'B' roads to pick up the A697 about 10 miles on.
From the off, it's obvious that new engine doesn't have the same smooth surge of torque as its predecessor from 2,000 rpm up to around 5,000 rpm. However, it pulls cleanly and is totally vice free in town traffic. The clutch is light and although the throttle action is heavier than the old bike it's nothing to complain about.
Around the bumpy lanes, the firmer suspension is evident but the bike doesn't bang back through the bars or jolt me out of the seat. Best of all, it steers really nicely. True, anything would feel good after stepping off the old MEZ4-shod bike, but I felt instantly comfortable with the riding position and steering of the FZ1S.
Bear in mind that these first impressions are being gleaned while leading two vastly more capable riders who were clearly itching to 'make some rapid progress'. I'm trying to navigate by memory, feel my way into a new bike and avoid making a total arse of myself in the process. I take it easy with the throttle and concentrate on keeping it smooth.
When we reach the A697, Simon pulls alongside and asks if I mind if he and Boastie 'have a bit of fun' . they'll wait for me about 15 miles up the road in Wooler. I'm more than happy to agree - no pressure to lead and set a pace. They wheelie away rapidly into the distance and leave me in peace to explore the new bike in my own time. I start to up the ante with the throttle and revs and above 5,000 rpm in the right gear, the bike is very rapid indeed. The gearbox is quick and precise, the lever throw shorter than the old bike. The brakes are superb, great bite and good feel at the lever. The front end allows brakes to be trailed into the turn much more readily than the old bike, which will stand up if asked to brake and turn simultaneously.
We rejoin in Wooler and the pace is upped again as we head towards Coldstream and beyond. I know this road well, it was my playground on a '99 R1 for 18 months and riding it again for the first time in 5 years on the new FZ1S, I feel very much at home. Working the new bike harder now to keep the other two in sight, I use the gears to keep the revs up where the real power lives. This engine vibrates at any revs and the way vibes are transmitted through the solid frame mounts reminds me of that R1. The vibes aren't coarse and obtrusive, nor high frequency and irritating. They just tell you that loads of parts are whirling around in that motor to make life fun for you. I doubt that they can be tuned out, but I'd have no difficulty living with them, just as I did with the R1.
The chassis is also taut and responsive like the R1 but with the upright riding position and wider bars, I find it easier to ride and less intimidating in character than a full-blooded sports bike. Being pulled along by the two hares in front of me, driving hard out of a third gear curve, still canted over, the bike hits a small rise and the front suddenly is airborne. Probably only for a few yards - where's the photographer when you really need him? - but it feels totally controlled and twitches only briefly on landing. Be warned, this bike comes with a built-in giggle factor and could see you regressing rapidly from responsible adult to juvenile deliquent. :lol
From the A697 to the A68 and our next fuel stop on the outskirts of Edinburgh seems to fly by and I reluctantly hand over the FZ1S to Boastie in exchange for the Honda. I really enjoyed that first experience of the new Fazer but I came away slightly disappointed that I wasn't as smooth in the way I rode it as I would have liked. Mark those words for later. :smokin
The Honda is an entirely different machine altogether. The adjustable seat was on its lowest position (more flat footing for me) and the screen at its highest. A very comfortable 'in the bike' riding position. Although 20kgs heavier than even the old Fazer 1000, the CBF1000 carries its weight low and is actually a very nimble bike at all speeds. I suspect the 160 profile rear tyre has something to do with the ease with which the Honda can be rolled into turns.
Unfortunately, the first thing I notice as we pull out of the filling station is a hesitation or misfire just off idle up to 2,000 rpm. Above that and up to 6,000 rpm the motor is a model of vibe-free civility and strong drive, well on a par with the old Fazer engine and by inference more flexible and grunty than the FZ1S. However, from 6,000 rpm upwards, the Honda suddenly starts to punt out some very harsh and unpleasant vibrations that make the high speed cruise up the A9 to Inverness a bit of a chore.
Easing back to 80mph drops the revs back into the smooth zone, and also reduces the mild buffeting I feel at head level, but we are men on a mission now. It's been a long day with the delays and diversions and that first beer is calling loud and clear over the summit of the Cairngorms. Up and over at well over the ton, the Honda is confidence-inspiring and totally vice free in the way it handles through the sweeping bends and high speed straights. The analogue dials and chrome handlebars are as up to date as flared trousers but I don't think this bike is aimed towards the cutting edge of style.
One final fuel stop in Aviemore and then it's a dirty dash down into Inverness, snow-capped mountains give way to cloud and rain on the final 40 miles or so. All things considered, though, a great day and a good first look at all the bikes on test over a variety of roads.
You won't want to read about the excellent dinner we enjoyed (paid for by 'Bike' subscribers, thank you all very much) and the non-stop bike talk over several beers, so I won't tell you about that. It were reet great, though.
Day Two begins for me around 6:00am when I swear I can hear strong winds and rain lashing against the hotel window. Thankfully, the wind noise is tinitus and the water sounds are coming from the central heating system! :lol Outside is clear and bright, but also cold and windy - this is Scotland in Spring, don't forget.
Over a Scottish breakfast (how come sausage, fried egg, baked beans, fried bread, black pudding and bacon suddenly became 'Scottish' as soon as we passed Edinburgh?), Simon and Kenny plan the day's route and likely photoshoot locations. Today the pressure is on Kenny to bag most of the key shots that will make or break this article. The weather looks reasonable and all we have to do is find a few nice curves with photogenic backgrounds that Simon and Boastie can strut their stuff against.
I get given the keys to the new Fazer again and after a quick search for the choke lever, I realise that the EFI system is going to take care of all of that for me. The motor starts instantly and settles down to a fast idle with no input from me at all. I feel quite left out, to be honest.
Out of the city and quickly onto the A9 heading north again, I'm torn between absorbing the scenery that's flashing past and concentrating on riding the bike. The bike wins . as it should . not least because Simon is leading us on at a good lick. I'm really into this new bike now and I concentrate particularly hard on how I use the throttle. I want to ride harder and smoother than I did yesterday and by the time this session in the FZ1S's saddle ends, I'm getting a better feel for the way the motor responds to the right hand.
After we refuel again, I hand over the keys reluctantly to Boastie and climb back aboard the old Fazer for the first time since we'd arrived at Alnwick the day before. The tyre-blighted steering feels even worse after jumping off the FZ1S but I'm pleased to be re-acquainted with the old lad's motor. Like the pair of middle-aged smoothies that we are, we follow on comfortably to the first photo location, a wide and well-surfaced uphill right with excellent visibility both ways.
While Kenny sets up his kit, Simon and Boastie put in a few sighting runs to warm the tyres and then for the next 30 mins they large it up for the camera. On the uphill exit, Boastie consistently crosses the white line on the left, using ever single bit of tarmac. Inch perfect repetition every pass. Impressive! :thumbup :woot
KENNY AT WORK
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Clouds have been looming and leaving all morning, so Kenny is keen to crack some more of his agenda while it's still dry. We track back to another location he'd spotted earlier on the ride up and the other two go to work again, this time on the old Fazer and the FZ1S. Knee down through the bend, pick it up, lock up the brakes, foot down motocross style U-turn and back for another pass. And repeat 30 or 40 times until Kenny calls a halt and we head back north again to find a wheelie shot venue.
There's a stretch of the A9 just south of Helmsdale (midway between Inverness and John-o-Groats) that's ideal for wheelies off the crest. I'm tasked as the 'spotter', watching back down the road for a mile or so for inbound traffic. Kenny crouches in the middle of the road while Simon and Boastie wheelie past him, no more than 6 feet away at 50mph. In a 30 knot crosswind. Trusting soul is our Kenny. Personally, I'd be reaching for the long lens and staying back behind the Armco. :eek
Time for lunch yet, Kenny? It is 2 pm after all. Not yet, guys . let's do some tracking shots of the FZ1S and a few more side-on wheelie snaps. I get abandoned on the roadside to guard Kenny's kit while the others disappear up the road - Boastie at the wheel, Kenny in the boot and Simon on the bike.
TRACKING, TRACKING, TRACKING ...
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Half an hour later and they return. Kenny's camera data cards are full so we adjourn to a little café in Helmsdale for a quick 30 minute sandwich break and data dump. Mindful of the scarcity of filling stations in this part of the country, we fuel up (£1.06 per litre!) and set course for the far north coast of Sconnie Bottleland via the A897.
A word at this juncture about Scottish road classifications. Up in this part of the British Isles, an 'A' road isn't like we know it most other places. The A897 from Helmsdale to Melvich on the north coast is just under 40 miles of single-track, frost-damaged tarmac with passing places. The AA route planner says it should take a little under 2 hours to drive. We arrive in Melvich 40 minutes after leaving Helmsdale - well, Simon and Boastie do . I'm about 10 minutes behind them. "A man's gotta know his limitations".
From Melvich it's west towards Tongue on the A836, which alternates between single and twin lanes. The coastal scenery is unbelievably beautiful but Kenny's eye is cast inland towards mountain backdrops. We waste quite a bit of time going back over sections of this road in search of decent locations but nothing quite fits the bill. This aspect of the job is a bit of a pain because it stops us getting into the flow of riding. Eventually, the decision is made to head for the Kyle of Tongue and do the group static shots.
We reach the causeway across the Bay of Tongue around 5:30pm. First job is to clean the bikes - again. Every photo session is preceded by a wash down with sponges and cold water from a 5 litre container. Chamois leather next, then out with the Mr Sheen and polishing cloths. It's cold, the wind is gusting 30 knots and we're out here for the next 2 hours manhandling the bikes around on the stony causeway, positioning inch-perfect for Kenny's lens and waiting for the right light at the end of the evening. Glamourous job, this road testing, ain't it? Just remember this when you admire the magnificently moody group shots in the magazine.
FLASH GITS
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THE SOFT OPTIONS?
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MEAN AND MOODY - AND THAT'S JUST SIMON
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Kenny finally calls it quits just in time for us to get to the hotel for last orders in the restaurant. Another superb meal is followed by a review of the day's photos and more discussion about the bikes. Opinions are clearly forming and we get deep into debate about which part of the market each of the manufacturers is aiming for in the design of these bikes. So different in so many ways, yet with plenty of overlaps in capability. Thus ends another long, tiring but fascinating day . there's so much more to bike test journalism than I'd ever realised. Best get good night's kip, though, as it looks like tomorrow is going to be the longest day of them all.
Up at crack of sparrow fart, pack and load before breakfast. Slate grey scudding clouds shoved along our intented route by a right stiff breeze. On with the waterproofs and away, down another Highland 'autoroute', the A836 from Tongue to Lairg. A few miles south the road hugs the side of Loch Loyal and Kenny comes over all artistic. Time for some 'real world' touring shots, all Hein Gericke oversuits and Goretex rather than Alpinestars and Dainese.
Since we're not going for the knee-down stuff here, I get to play as well on the old Fazer. Back and forwards around the same wet bend, foot-paddling U-turns get tiring after 20 mins of this. I wish I had the low-slung Honda. Half way through one reverse, a minivan full of Iranian tourists stops to ask if they're on the right road for Inverness. "My dear chap, you're on the only road to Inverness - the A836 super highway, don't you know?" :lol
The rain starts to fall and Kenny lets us loose to outrun it if we can. We can't. It's still raining steadily when we reach Lairg, 40 miles and 40 mins later. In its own perverse way, that was fun and the next stretch along the A839 is better still. This road must be a belter in the dry because it was almost as good in the wet. I totally forget the shagged out MEZ4 up front and have a whale of a time. A small front end slide reminds me to treat grip as a precious and sometimes elusive commodity but the run from Lairg to Inverness in the wet is one of the riding highlights of the trip.
A quick top-up in Inverness and on again to Aviemore, where Kenny and Simon want to do the tracking shots and individual statics. Arriving at the ski station above the town around 2:00pm, we grab a bite and a hot drink before Kenny shoos us out of the warm café into the whistling cold wind. Clean the bikes - again - then static shots and luggage shots to show how well a set of Oxford panniers fit on the bikes. They don't fit at all well on the FZ1S and the Honda just sneaks a win over the old Fazer by virtue of its faired-in rear indicators. Nice that the Honda came on top in at least one category, I suppose. :lol
CAIRNGORM LUGGAGE SHOOT
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Next up are tracking shots around the one way system atop the mountain. Kenny lets me take the FZ1S round and although I doubt I'll make the cover of 'Bike' next month, I'm promised copies for my memoirs.
We're now reaching the crunch point time-wise. Kenny still needs a few more action shots for insurance. Simon and Boastie both want to get back to Peterborough tonight. Me, I'm just along for the ride but not having done any serious night riding for a while, I'm secretly hoping that we over-run the 4:00pm deadline and elect to break the journey home.
A few miles down the mountain, Kenny sets out his stall for what he hopes will be the last time. Boastie and Simon click into the groove rapidly and 20 minutes later, "that's a wrap".
ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD
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Luggage up with a vengeance - half of Simon's riding kit had travelled up in Kenny's car but is coming home on the back of the FZ1S.
DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS?
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We say our farewells to Kenny and return to Aviemore for fuel. It's 5:00pm when we leave the pumps but we're going to Peterborough, that's clear to see in Simon's eyes. It's 450 miles to Peterborough, we've got a full tank of gas and a half bottle of Tizer. It's dusk and we're wearing dark visors. Hit it!
I've got the FZ1S again for the first real time today and I'm glad of the opportunity to check it out luggaged up and in touring mode. The extra weight on the rear doesn't really make a lot of difference to the suspension. If anything it softens the ride a little in the rear and I want to dial in a touch more compression damping - I can't, though, because the rear shock is adjustable for preload and rebound damping only.
I'm comfortable enough for the 125 miles run down to Edinburgh but my knees are starting to feel the cold from legs splayed out around the wider tank. I'm happy to swap bikes for the next stretch and gratefully tuck my knees in close to the warm air coming off the cylinder head on the old Fazer. It's not something I need to do in sunny Spain, believe me. The warmest thing on the FZ1S is Simon's luggage - although the throwovers aren't touching the can, the exhaust gases melt the rear of one bag.
Boastie launched off ahead on the Honda when we left Aviemore, so it's just Simon and me and the two Yamahas now. We agree to one more bike swap when we reach Jedburgh so that I can have a farewell hoon down the A68 and A696 to Newcastle.
I'm tiring now but more than up for this before settling down for the last long slog south on the A1. This is my final chance to decide what I think of the new bike in what I believe is its natural habitat. It can tour and you can bash out motorway miles on it if you must, but this bike belongs on the twisties where it excels. Except for one thing . that bloody fuel injection glitch. :evil
I knew all about this from the launch reports and subsequent road test evaluations but I so wanted it to be a minor issue, one that can be ridden around with a little care. However, I hate to say it but for me, this is a major issue and it lets an otherwise terrific bike down badly. :\
From Jedburgh to Newcastle, through virtually every bend, I feel the bike lurch as I transition from a closed or part-closed throttle to start driving through to the exit. I try carrying more throttle in a neutral position to the apex and still it snatches coming back on the gas. It unsettles the bike and it unsettles me . it makes me feel ham-fisted when I know I'm feathering the throttle as smooth as I know how.
Like a rather shameful family secret, the three of us have avoided raising this topic much during the week but I know it bugs Simon because he's deep into investigating the cause and potential cures. Back in Tongue, we'd reset the CO levels using the onboard diagnostics but it made no difference. Boastie had quietly mentioned it after his first session on the bike. The problem is not really noticeable at lower revs but rolling off and on above 5,000 rpm you can't help but notice it. It's the new bike's Achilles Heel and it would have to be sorted before I would be happy owning one.
By the time we reach Newcastle and change bikes for the final time, I'm ready to be cosseted home by the old Fazer. We press on at a good lick and 2 fuel stops later, I wave Simon off as cuts across country through Newark. The final 40 miles on my own goes surprisingly quickly and I pull into the Express Inn just before midnight. Call it just under 600 miles today, many hours spent dead-heading as we nailed the final photos. I'm knackered, cold and glad to be at journey's end. I'd turn round tomorrow, though, and do it all over again.
For me, a fantastic 4 days ended as it began, back in the offices of 'Bike' on Friday morning. Simon and I spent a couple of hours reviewing the test and he noted down all my opinions of the 3 bikes. Naturally, he saved the $64,000 question until last . given my choice of the bikes on test, which would I choose.
The Honda, pleasant and capable enough as it is, isn't my type of bike. Safe, vice-free and confidence-inspiring, unfortunately confidence is the only thing it does inspire in me. I need a little vice every now and then. The whole package was put through the blander before it was released from the factory. I also wonder about the build quality. Accepting that the misfire and vibration at higher revs on our test bike aren't typical, the corrosion staining on the exhaust header system after just 1800 miles was not what I'd come to expect from Honda. A bike made by accountants for accountants.
The old Fazer 1000 was handicapped by an appalling set of tyres that disguised its true steering characteristics. That didn't stop Simon and Boastie from grounding it out on a regular basis, though, and my rainy blast to Inverness belied the concerns I had over it's roadholding. The motor was as smooth and powerful in the mid range as every standard Thou and it had the new bike over a barrel until 7,500 rpm. Softish suspension and a comfy seat make for relaxed mile-munching. There isn't a better allrounder out there but of course, it won't be long before used versions will be all that you can buy. So long, old bad lad . you will be missed. :\
Which brings me to the new FZ1S Fazer. For those who've clamoured for the R1 engine in a more sporty chassis, Yamaha have built this bike for you. The chassis is a delight and the looks progressively wormed their way into my affections over the 4 days I spent riding and looking at it. You can tour on it but it's harder and fuel stops come around sooner.
The reward for the dimished touring comfort and range is greater agility when you shrug off the luggage and go out to play. The engine, though not as smooth and linear in delivery as its predecessor, fair rips once it gets going. The more peaky power characteristics I could adapt to, but like I said before, the snatchy fuel injection would have to be sorted before I could live happily with this bike.
So . make mine a Lava Red one but pass me the Akrapovic and Power Commander catalogues, please.
Although I 'fessed up to preferring the new Fazer over the old, I had to add one final caveat for Simon. I asked him to give me 48 hours to get home and ride my own well-modified '02 Fazer 1000 after which I'd tell him whether I'd trade my bike for a new one. I can tell you that I did that just a few hours ago but I think I'll save the answer there for another discussion .
Bled dry of my thoughts and feelings on the bikes and the week, it was time to throw the kit in the rental car and take my leave. After 4 days totally immersed in riding, talking, eating and sleeping bikes it was really strange to be alone in a rental car, mind still buzzing with the week's events. It may sound a little odd but rejoining the normal world took me a couple of days, that's how engrossed I'd become in everything we did. A fantastic experience that I enjoyed immensely from start to finish.
I can't remember who said it, but they were right. "I was a lucky, lucky bastard!" :lol
Mike
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PS. Simon, Boastie and Kenny - I hope you get to read this. Thanks a million, guys!
New clutch, old gasket. Still, the oil level is OK, so we decide to press on. 