Have you ever tried a FAZER S2?

[rideslikean00...]

In an unfortunate series of events that involved a road with black ice that didn't have the best grip in the first place, swerving to avoid a transit and the ever-so-enjoyable sight of your bike spinning down the road knocking mud from the sides as you bump on your arse behind it my XJ-6 is currently in the shop pending repairs paid by my insurance company. Looks like fully comp + roadside was worth the money after all... IF it's approved. If not I guess I can work something out with GAP insurance from the finance company for something of similar value to when I bought it.

Anyway that's not the point, in the meantime I was lent this as a courtesy bike.

https://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww21/crazy_zeke/IMAG0047_zpsn2prjyxq.jpg
2007 Yamaha FAZER FZ-6 S2

From the reading I've done this was arguably the best model year before the power got knocked from 98BHP and some other changes detrimental to the fun factor were made. Classic Yammy racing blue colour scheme as well.

I must say, I quite like it. It's not quite as well-tuned for low end torque as the XJ-6 and the handling requires a little more finesse, plus the suspension is set too stiff but these things aside I'm thoroughly enjoying this bike.

I'd take the gearbox on this over the XJ-6, it's easier to handle for slow control stuff and the engine sounds less busy. The more I ride it the closer it comes to making me like it more than the other bike, certainly makes me feel like I'm learning more as a rider and respecting the road too - the fact it's been wet and greasy a lot again recently probably helps. The extra power really becomes apparent when pushing over 8K and it really does seem to handle better when it's working hard, better engine note than the Divvy as well. Tank range from first full load I put in there was 171 miles before it hit the reserve, although a lot of that was motorway riding for work rather than the usual back road stuff that made me lose the Divvy so I guess that factors in.

So yeah. Genuinely impressed, and can see why there's already 28K on the clock before I got my grubby mitts on it. Any experiences from those who own or have ridden these? I understand they have quite a loyal following and I'm beginning to see why, slightly twitchy back end and typically clunky change from 2nd down to 1st common to all the Yamaha bikes I've ridden aside.
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Previous/Current Bikes
2013 Yamaha YBR-125ED -> 1997 Yamaha YZF-1000R Thunderace -> 2009 Yamaha XJ-6 Diversion -> 2007 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2

[Bloggsy]

Ive got a 2008 model, had it for 7 years a cracking bike tried the XJ6 and found it was not such a good bike cos it was down on power, collect a MT09 next month.

[Supermoto_Fan]

What 09 you picking up

/threadhijack
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[johnakay]

I had the last carb model 03 a brilliant bike.
bought it new and had it 4 years...
should've kept it

https://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l200/jmk151151/DSC00633_zpse58df5bf.jpg
https://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l200/jmk151151/DSC00634_zpsda10bb2a.jpg
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If I wanted to make a life-long career out of
working with the mentally retarded I would
have opened a Harley Davidson Dealership

[rideslikean00...]

[Nash GT]

Bought a 2006 last year as my first big bike and we bonded straight away, I trained on an XJ6, but find the fz6 a more enjoyable all rounder, very forgiving bike, whilst remaining able to deliver some fun at higher speeds.

The kick comes in at round 8k that's when the scorpions start screaming too

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/gtinash/FZ/289B5BE1-C744-46AA-8003-E7DCB432C37D_zpskknpl7g7.jpg
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Suzuki GSF600N

[Bloggsy]

[Bloggsy]

[rideslikean00...]

[rideslikean00...]

Yep. Ride back from work on my favourite uncrowded back roads cemented it, I have to keep this bike. I feel more in control, every so often I look down at the speedometer and it's a little higher round certain corners yet the bike is much more stable and easier to lean with, it's really improving my ability to counter steer while leaning more weight on the appropriate peg. Also I've not knocked it out of gear yet whereas on the Divvy that'd happen at least once or twice per hours worth of riding.
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Previous/Current Bikes
2013 Yamaha YBR-125ED -> 1997 Yamaha YZF-1000R Thunderace -> 2009 Yamaha XJ-6 Diversion -> 2007 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2

[wr6133]

Check insurance before you think about buying it, if you are claiming on your fully comp for an at fault you may be getting premium raped for a while.

[Tungtvann]

I think all S2 bikes were 98hp. I'm sure my 09 is.

I rode an XJ6 for my DAS and then the FZ6 was my first bike, I much preferred it. Quicker of course and the handling feels sharper than the XJ6. The XJ6 felt more solid, which was good as a learner, but I like the nimbleness from corner to corner that I feel with the FZ6.

I'm still riding the FZ6 actually, might be another year before I even think about getting a replacement.

[rideslikean00...]

[rideslikean00...]

Success! At the dealership now sorting paperwork out. Finance agreement has been transferred just gotta wait a bit for a new key to be cut & coded/suspension adjusted/seat adjusted, then book in the service/valve clearance (free of charge as part of the sale, very nice) and fitting of crash bungs and possibly new tyres. From the observations by people here and bikers I know in person the smart choice for me seems to be the Pilot Road 2s or 3s. Probably the 3s for better cornering.

Here's a pic taken at work yesterday just as the sun was coming out. She's a looker. If you fold the mirrors in and look from the front it looks like a cats head which amuses me.

https://i702.photobucket.com/albums/ww21/crazy_zeke/IMAG0051_zpsjcb95njw.jpg
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Previous/Current Bikes
2013 Yamaha YBR-125ED -> 1997 Yamaha YZF-1000R Thunderace -> 2009 Yamaha XJ-6 Diversion -> 2007 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2