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Dave Blendell files a long-term review of his 2001 FZS600 Fazer

Dave with his 2001 Fazer - age and wear has not dimmed the looks... not that it ever had much in the way of looks to begin with! One thing I rarely do is keep any motorcycle for more than 12 months so the very fact that this is a report of two years and 18,000 miles on my 2001 Fazer says a lot. With most bikes I've had the initial euphoria and "shiny bike syndrome"… which has lasted for as long as it's taken to scrape the cash together for a new toy.

Actually that's not totally correct, I can't afford expensive toys and my bikes have to earn their keep as well as provide the fun, and the Fazer fits the bill perfectly. You won't find any amazing revelations in this write-up because my ownership has been incident-free, she has been 100% reliable, everything still works as it should and the finish has stood up to time as well as a Hornet or Bandit of the same age. Aided by Scottoiler's wonder-spray, FS365, even the worst of Britain's weather hasn't managed to turn her into a furry, decaying heap in true Yamaha tradition, well that and the yearly clean.

If anything the motor has got smoother, still no sign of the "Fazer Buzz" most others seem to suffer from. Still starts first time every time, bit of throttle, no choke needed, and ticks over sweetly almost immediately, who needs fuel-injection? And what a motor it is. The acceleration still takes my breath away - on the few occasions I've really caned it recently. Despite this, the same engine is happy lugging along coastal roads in 5th while I take in the view or trickling through traffic, a real Jack of all trades without the rest of that saying tagged on.

Two years on the only signs of wear are spongier brakes, regularly serviced but by now a set of braided hoses called for I suspect. The rest is all as it should be, no soggy suspension, no leaks, knocks or rattles and while I don't neglect my bikes they certainly don't get pampered either.

Hooning down some Devon B road or tip-toeing along icy city streets, the Fazer takes all in it's stride, an exceptionally well-balanced and adaptable motorcycle.

There have been complaints from many about wind-blast from the too-low screen hitting riders square in the chest, mines got a chopped seat, about 2 inches lower than standard and the wind goes over my head just like it was supposed to. This also means I sit "in" the bike rather than feeling perched on top, something the standard seat pleads guilty to. Of course there's a downside to this mod and on trips over 100 miles sore-arse syndrome can set in, mind you I prefer that to sore-wallet syndrome that cuts in on the 600 Hornet as time for yet another fuel stop looms.

Tyres last me about 6000 miles a set, one bad point is that front tyre wear is heavy and both need to be replaced at the same time for safety's sake. I use Bridgestone 020`s mainly because they're so good in the wet… and we get a lot of wet in this country.

Only other niggle is the dismal headlights, despite mine being modded to both work on dipped beam they're still pretty useless and this winter will see a long-overdue bulb up-grade. Chain and Sprocket wear was odd, got to 13,000 miles with 4 minor adjustments then everything seemed to wear out overnight. Bearing in mind my all-weather riding I was quite happy with that but the Fazer is very sensitive to chain tension, even slightly slacker than as per the handbook and the gearbox can become distinctly unpleasant. Keep on top of it and it's as slick as anything else, clutchless upward changes are smooth and free from sounds of impending carnage.

Apart from 10 minutes with a tin of Halfords exhaust paint and another 5 touching up the engine paint (you wouldn't believe how much difference a tenner can make to the appearance of a bike), I've spent nothing on her apart from service items and I'm very impressed all-round. I'm not tempted by the new model, ironically Kawasaki's Z750 is closer to the "Fazer Spirit" than Yamaha's new smoothie.

Verdict: If you want something that is as quick as most of us need, economical, reliable and flexible put the Fazer on your list, all in all a very impressive budget machine. You can ride it to work, embarrass numpty sports bike-riding summer riders with ease, chuck it about, do stunts on it and it won't break the bank.

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