I will keep it simple. I have completed 800 kms on my Fazer. I needed a bike to avoid my car for 2-3 days in a week. And I wanted it to be very stylish. Went for Yamaha Fazer and I am not disappointed. I get the attention from people - old and young alike - at signals, when I enter my office, parking lots, in apartments and in short everywhere.
Salient Points:
Performance is typically Yamaha.
Not heavy and has a good balance.
Handling is easy at higher speeds also. It doesnt vibrate or go out of control.
The sound of the engine is so pleasing to hear and a welcome break from Bajaj Pulsar which you see everywhere.
The back wheel is the widest and hence better road grip - compared to Apache, Pulsar, Honda dazzler, CBZ.(i took test drive of all)
Looks good from all the sides.
Mileage is - accept it - JUST 35 before 1st servicing and 40 after that. Dont trust anyone who says it gives more than 40. And Honda gives 40-45. Pulsar gives 45. CBZ around the same. So mileage wise Fazer and FZ-S gives least.
Biggest disappointment for those who like "Twin Lights on the front" - Only one of the twins will be ON when you drive. Left one is for low beam and right for High Beam. You need to tweak it to make both work at the same time. Even if you do that, it is very disappointing. In such cases, your Battery guarantee is forfeited. The lighting is NOT sufficient at all. Go for HID for improved lighting. It sucks.
Has kick starter and I have not seen any issue so far in winter.(I park it outside in cold)
The cost is 10K more than Pulsar and at least 8K more than Honda.
Posture is damn comfortable. You will understand what I mean if you had tried TVS Apache and did not like it.
Tubeless tires - No fear of it getting punctured.
Maintenance will be expensive. If there is a damage to the front cowl, you need to replace the whole and it may cost upto 8000. So, even a single fall will burn your pockets. This is where most think since the bike is exactly the same as FZ-16, other than the cowl.
As of Nov 2011, it comes in following colours: Red, While, Green, Black and Limited edition Midnight Gold. You dont have Blue or Yellow.
Summary:
If you want value for money consider Pulsar. If you want most stylish bike, something reliable and can afford 10K more - Yamaha Fazer is your only option.(R15 costs 1.2 Lakhs).
Yamaha fan will love it.