34, 000km Update:
Well, over the years, one thing that has remained up to the mark for the Fazer is its build quality. I must say, Yamaha have put in great efforts to improve the Fazer over the months, however, I ride the 1st version, which also has been riding steadily without any fusses about build quality.
However, the nuances of the 1st version Fazers’ is evident in the fact that Yamaha have come with up the newer model and carefully erased out the flaws in the Fazer.
-ve’s
The seat! - The seat indeed is a pain the rear now! Long rides are indeed very uncomfortable! I am wondering if I can try to replace the seat with a more comfortable foam! The pillion comfort, well, lets just say, there isn’t any!
Fuel Efficiency: This one has taken a beating, despite regular services and sedate riding. Though, I may be harsh here, because my Fazer, still manages to return 40kmpl. Which i’d say is decent. however, a bit of highway riding/spirited riding sees that number climb down drastically.
Annoying chain rust: You have to care for it like a baby! It dries out rather quickly despite using a dry tip spray. Perhaps, this is also the main reason why MY Fazer isn’t doing all that great in pick up and mileage.
Hard Gear change lever: A few years ago, Yamaha had sent texts to customer’s who were called in to their workshops to get a free gear lever and spring changed on their bikes, I had received such similar texts as well. Upon visiting the workshop, I was told that the levers were out of stock and I would be contacted again once they are available. That day is yet to come.
Indeed, the gear lever at times is quite hard to operate, especially in stop-go traffic. Can’t do much!
Overall, she still is a head turner. and loves to be revved and is still good to go for a long way!
I hope the new FI version has its flaws ironed out and provides a rather cherishing ride to its owners!
Regards,
Siddharth. I’ll keep this simple, I got my Yamaha Fazer today, and have been hyperventilating ever since. A bit about my past bikes, previously owned a Yamaha Enticer, then a Unicorn now a Fazer. Always liked to cruise, I was never a speed demon. I had ridden a friend’s FZ-16 earlier, and ever since, was in love with this bike, however, I was tickled even more when Yamaha launched the Fazer. I decided ever since that I would buy it, though it took time. its finally here. It took time for me to gauge the front faring’s scope in Pune traffic, however, it didnt take much long to get accustomed to it. The engine, well, I was offered cheese spread. that’s the best that I can define Fazer/FZ engine, raring to go always, right from the word go. slick gearbox, precise gear changes, a frugal engine too, extracting approx 40-42kmpl at the moment, and a lovely "hum" of the midship muffler. I rode on. Accompanying me is my friend astride his R-15, both the Fazer and R-15 are blue. true blooded Yamaha-ians that we are. Anyway, I say, as a city tourer, its awesome, stress free ride, flickable, and not very finicky about parking space, thanks to a main stand, (the R-15 does have trouble in public parking), the good part is when you are on a highway, it just begs you to rev and cruise away to glory, the vibes are absolutely minimal and the handling is excellent thanks to the wide front and rear tyres. A great mountain ox too, climbs the ghats with ease and more importantly, takes care of the rider.
I’ll frankly tell you’ll that I have not purchased this bike to carry a pillion, even if Fazer came with a single seat option, I would have bought it without a second thought. So I don’t know how the pillion feels, sorry, No one is entertained either. Its things like the Yamaha logo, the blue colour, the feel, the fragrance of a new bike, the ride, the handling, the mutual respect on roads is unlike any other bike, (though the R-15 is a head turner than the Fazer, its not far behind), that makes you buy a Yamaha. These bikes do not need convincing, you must need to own a Yamaha to buy another or should be in love with the product and buy it the first time. There is a option which I had to select before I started writing this review, that is, "Would you recommend "Yamaha Fazer" to a friend?", seriously, if you feel it in your blood and guts, you’ll buy it, its that simple. I wish to travel the length and the width of our country, steadily. My friend’s R-15 and my Fazer have begun the journey. you guys can join in too.(I meant the ones who are buying an R-15 or a Fazer, or who already possess one). :)