Yamaha FZS600 Fazer Bike Overview
The original Yamaha Fazer was the FZX750, and there was also a 250 Fazer in Japan, but it is the FZS600 model which really hit the big time for the tuning fork firm.
Launched in 1998, it went up against two massive performers – Honda’s Hornet 600 and the Suzuki Bandit 600, which were coining it in in the middleweight naked roadster sector. And it was an instant hit – with a better engine, far stronger brakes and a useful half-fairing putting it well ahead of the class.
That engine was based on the solid Yamaha Thundercat supersports bike, which had been around for a year or so. Engineers moved the cylinder block more upright, used sidedraught carbs and provided a modest re-tune of the top end for more low-down urge.
This new engine was wrapped inside an all-new chassis, with steel tube frame, aluminium monoshock swingarm, conventional forks, and the same excellent Sumitomo blue spot calipers as the Thundercat, R1, R6 and Fazer 1000.
That chassis a little on the bouncy side, and the tyres are skinnier than on full sports bikes, but the handling is great, and the Fazer is a treat on the road: it even works well for the odd trackday.
The best model is the last carburetted one – which has a ‘fox-eye’ headlight design, larger fuel tank and a stainless steel exhaust as standard. That fixed the worst problems on the original ‘box-eye’models, which had rubbish square headlights, smaller tank and a black-painted mild-steel exhaust system.
Yamaha FZS600 Fazer Bike Spec
- Top speed135mph
- Weight205kg
- Average fuel consumption55mpg
- Capacity599cc
- Seat height790mm
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC, 4v
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Owner Reviews
Pros
Best thing is that it keeps starting:) Worse thing is it's not a GS1200:(
Cons
Make and model
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My legs are a little long for the seat height (I'm 6') so on long runs it can get a bit.cramped + even though I have reasonably long arms, the handlebars are still too far away. (GS 1200 for Xmas please Santa 🎅)
I'm giving it a 4 because it's built cheap, as a cheap courier weapon with cheap readily available parts. Its never let me down.
Could do with an upgrade on the front end.
Great engine very smooth but needs a larger front wheel for stability in the corners + uprated front shocks for better flickability. Not an overly overweight bike but like all of us, could always benefit from a little streamlining.
For what it is it's a Great little engine that Will Keep pulling and make you smile.
Very good.
Pros
Probably one of the best bikes Yamaha have produced
Cons
The wind noise could maybe improved with a touring screen but that's about it.
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I am 74 and can ride this lovely bike all day.
Owned this bike for sixteen years,always garaged ,still beautiful in my eyes,loved it from day 1.Been abroad and all round this country with only one problem,one coil failed,but the bike only misfired at low revs so no problem getting home.
Same front brakes as the r 1 blue calipers.very powerful,especially for an 18 year old bike
Rides great but is a heavy bike.The weight disappears when moving and corners very well
For a 600 cc machine producing 98 or more bhp it's very powerful
Cheap insurance (could be to do with my age and 20 years no claims). So good on fuel I never give it a thought.
Pros
I love the look of it and its got a great riding position and plenty of power when needed.
Cons
The headlight could be brighter.
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Its my first big bike and I find it a dream to ride.
No build issues have been found.
Stops very well due to having big brakes taken from the R1.
I'm not a fast rider but I can't fault the handling of this bike.
nice midrange power and is happy sitting at 70mph with no problems
£20 to fill the tank and a 180 mile range i can't grumble with that.
Pros
good for everyday and trips out
Cons
hard to pick
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Smooth
Does everything I need it to do
hard to pick
Still good after all these years
Starts and stops very well
Pros
A very good all rounder for all types of rider.
Cons
Probably lighting
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Still a good all rounder in and out of the bends
A good 600cc engine
Probably lighting
No issues in almost 17 years
Over and above what is required, reliable
Pros
Not too quick for a beginner rider and comfortable enough to ride long journeys! Great all round bike, super fun to learn on and ride.
Cons
The gears could be made smoother when changing and the power could be felt more at lower revs for that extra boost in tricky situations!
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Generally smooth but gears can be clunky
Slugghish in the lower revs but when you get passed 7k it comes alive!
The gears could be made smoother when changing and the power could be felt more at lower revs for that extra boost in tricky situations!
All rounder good bike, stable and strong with everything you need!
Standard brakes, I had mine upgraded to braided lines which made a tremendous difference! The stock ones are averafe
Pros
Good bike for a second bike (this 600cc is strong) good advice using counter sterring when you ride on bike
Cons
I recommend this bike for person with hobby and trip explorators good idea it is install a top box for your stuff
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200kg of weight, but really light steering bike
95 BHP makes good acceleration
I recommend this bike for person with hobby and trip explorators good idea it is install a top box for your stuff
Good frame and suspension, nice brake and good engine good quality of elements.
2brake disc on front, 2 calippers with 2cylinders on one element on rear disc brake with one but realy strong brake
Pros
Great middle weight bike extremely good value does everything one can expect from a bike of its era.
Cons
Could do with better lighting
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Quite reasonable handling
More powerful then a lot of later bikes of similar size
Could do with better lighting
Good paintwork and chrome no rust even still has original exhausts not bad for a bike over 16 years old
For a budget bike very good
Pros
Braking and speed
Cons
Its too tall for me, and the headlight brightness is quite poor
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Its great at cornering an is smooth, however it's a very heavy bike espeically with a pillion
I can't fully comment on the performance as I have it restricted, however its very fast compared to what Im used to
It uses a lot more fuel than what Im used to. About £18 for 120miles
Everything that is stock about the bike has been excellent and hasnt broken down on me. Ive had a restriction kit fitted and it doesnt seem to like it very much. Ive also had an exhaust leak but is understandable considering its 21 years old
Very good braking system, double piston on the front and single piston on the rear, however ive upgraded my rear to a 2 piston caliper so I cant comment on the effectiveness of the stock rear brakes