I owned a couple of bikes before, last one was a Triumph Sprint ST 955cc 2001, nice motor (3 cyl), good position, but frame not rigid enough and therefore a fast curve over 160km/hr was getting wobbly, more of a sport touring than sport streetfighter, so I was looking for more power and that 4cyl hi rev F1 sound alike...Also owned a Yam FJ 1200cc 1986, great bike loved it for many yearsand 52,000km! Also had a Kawi KZ 750 1984, stability problem with that one, frame were not rigid enough back then. Also owned a Yam 650cc 1977 parallel twin, great bike back for the days.
So anyway, I wanted something mean with lots of power, very stable, also good for commuting and for occasionnal long trips. So I considered some sport touring, Yam FJ 1300, but too heavy not sporty enough, the new Kawi 1400cc concours, tried it, fantastic but big, heavy and hot, but awesome powerband. Tried Honda VFR 800cc, not enough power to my taste and didn't like that V4 feeling. Tried the Triumph Tiger 2008, great motor but center of gravity way too high and high saddle for my hight 5'7", Then I tried the new 2008 Triumph sprint ST 1050cc, great bike much more rigid than previous generation, excellent for long trips, power and confort were there but not as agile as the FZ1 and no possibility of wheelies or you know...Wanted to try the Triump street triple, powerfull and all but no wind protection at all, so the FZ1 seemed to be the best compromise of all...
Only I was afraid the Fazer would not offer enough wind protection and comfort still. Anyway after trying a Gen I and then a Gen II, I decided to go for it and got the 2008 charcoal version. I also got a good deal at $10,500 CDN, I thought it was a steal. I have not regretted it since.
Great bike, lots of power and hyper stable, pretty light and agile at 200kg. All I need to do now is to change the saddle for more comfort, only I don't know if I should get the Corbin, the Sargent or the Yamaha comfort gel??? And I changed my windshield for a tall GIVI, better than stock but a bit of turbulence around the helmet so I'm looking into getting a PUIG.
Oh! and last, My wife spoiled me with a GPS Garmin Zumo 550 for X-Mas, (got it from GPS central refurbished for $729 CDN, good price after much research on the net) so now Ican't wait to get this thing on the handlebars and go for adventure...
Enjoy your Fazer guys...
Isn't this a beauty... and then one from my previous Sprint St and then next picture is nice too...