FZ 1, 6 or 8 ??

[Doomsnite]

After a year on the hornet I think I'm due a change. It's starting to feel a bit cramped on the legs and not keen on the wind blast especially as the crapper weather approaching, although I do like nakeds.

Narrowed it down to the fazers I think but not sure which one to go for apart from the differences in price. Looks wise I prefer the white half faired FZ8 but which are the better bike? Would the litre be too much for me at first?

Really looking for a half/full faired, upright, do it all bike that will mainly keep me entertained on twisties at the weekends but useful for the occasional 15mile commute on the motorway and comfortable for any long distance trips I want to do next year. Opinions please Also do any other bikes fit this category?
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Triumph Street Triple-R
Sold: Honda Hornet CB600F-Y / Yamaha YBR125

[P.addy]

Can't see an issue with an FZ1. You won't die.

The FZ8 sounds more appealing to me...

[Matt B]

FZ6 - wouldn't bother now after the Hornet, you need to go bigger.

FZ8 - why bother when you can have an FZ1?

FZ1 - best choice of the 3. Relatively overlooked bike meaning you are getting a lot for your money. I always liked them and having been out with Doovy a few times on his new one I decided I like them even more. I have nothing but praise for them - comfy, do everything well including blasts and commuting, decent mpg, could easily tour. I was also shocked at how quick the FZ1 was down the 1/4 mile at Santa Pod when we went. Recommended

Apart from that, forget the faired bit and buy a 1200 Bandit
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[Copycat73]

had a ride on a 10 year old example last week-end .. wear valley up to hartside café .. decent enough protection from the half fairing even in the very up right riding position.. gearbox required little in put and pulled clean in the top gears , quick and fast enough without the aggression of a YZF R1..
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Whatever I post I have no citation and no intention of providing one..
caveat emptor

[Ben90]

Another vote for the fz8. It picks up where the fz6 left off and gave it much more midrange and different forks, two things it sorely needed. Can't comment on the FZ1 but I'm sure it's good.

The fz6 would be almost the same as the hornet.
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Yamaha FZ6 S2

[Beehive Bedlam]

Bigger the better my next bike is more than likely going to be an FZS 1000.

[winz]

After stepping up to an 1100 from a 600 Hornet, I would say go bigger. Only go as fast as you let them, but when you do it's like Christmas has come early.

No point in another 600 as they will be pretty similar, unless you specifically wanted to stay at 600.

Can't comment on the bikes though as I haven't ridden any of them.
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Current Bikes: BMW K1200S
Previous: Honda CBR929RR, Honda CBR1100XX, Honda CB600F

[andys675]

I found the 8 underpowered, was expecting much more than the 6 and it wasn't
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Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.

[Val]

Gettin Fazer is the best thing you could do and the right direction

It depends what do you want/like.

FZ8 - no point really its the same FZ1 frame, heavy bike with smaller engine, so you get all the disadvantages of litre bike without the power.

FZ1 if you prefer to have more power in lower revs, it will give you more relaxed ride and possibly more oomph. Disadvantages - less sharp steering, heavier, 42mpg. Note there are three litre Fazers - FZS1000, FZ1 and FZ1S. Some people prefer FZS1000. Lets leave it there.

Now I have Fazer FZS600. IMO better engine than Fazer FZ6, definitely better brakes. If you go FZ6 choose S2 model after 2007. It has been improved still the old Fazer is better

You can find FZ6 S2 with ABS. Major advantage to not potato yourself.

FZS600 has better suspension than FZ6 and you can regulate both front and back. Having said that the suspension always can be upgraded on any bike.

Both 600 Fazers 50 over mpg, razor sharp steering.

Now the bit I like most. You may not. 600 are more revvy bikes which for me is a bonus. Compared to FZ1 you need to do screaming banshee to get in the power band after 7000. You need to work more gears. Still can do 130mph if you want to.

Some people do not like it and get FZ1. I like it and prefer lighter bike with better steering and got 600. 600s obviously are the better town/London commuters.

FZS600 has the best seat from all of them. It can do anything including long touring except if you have a pillion you need litre bike.

Check the foccers, Fazer owners club - unofficial forum if you need any advice on any Fazer:

https://foc-u.co.uk/

Ta Da
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Adrian Monk: Unless I'm wrong, which, you know, I'm not...
Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900

[RhynoCZ]

If you want something new, buy a superbike or a supersport. If you get yet another naked bike with a in-line four cylinder of the same displacement as the bike you had before you won't get the ''wow I've got a new bike'' feel.

So, I'd say go bigger, or sportier, to experience something new.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[Doomsnite]

Cheers all. Good reviews. I have to say aesthetics plays a factor so don't think I would be looking at an fzs600.. 2007 onwards if I went for the 6. I still like my hornet, it's just not comfortable anymore so wouldn't mind it being similar with more protection. Don't think I've quite mastered the craft fully yet.

Couldn't go for a sports bike as I just wouldn't be comfortable, although I look the look of a VFR.
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Triumph Street Triple-R
Sold: Honda Hornet CB600F-Y / Yamaha YBR125

[Slacker24seve...]

I seem to remember the FZ8 getting fairly middling reviews from the comics when it came out?

Agree with the above, the only 600 worth considering is an STR as that is in a different league to your current bike. No protection though. How about a Tiger 1050?

As for sportsbike comfort, I would suggest you take a test ride and find out what you're missing. Gixxer 600s and ZX6Rs (B1H excepted) aren't uncomfortable; if you're small a CBR600RR may be too.
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Triumph Daytona 675 track bike + girlfriend's Honda Hornet 600
Selling a hack/winter bike for less than a grand? PM me.
Banger rallies are ace

[Doomsnite]

Yeah it would be the STR if staying naked. Good ratings from the triples in general so would love a Tracer if funds allowed as its a great size for me but new baby says no

Only sports bike I've sat on is a Panigale at the excel show to be honest and it made me cry as soon as I reached for the bars
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Triumph Street Triple-R
Sold: Honda Hornet CB600F-Y / Yamaha YBR125

[Ben90]