Yamaha 1000 FAZER FZS 2005

The concept is not new but the realization is tempting: the thunderous heat of the hyper sports R1 in a Fazer. What rediscover the joys of sports without its exclusive side. The inspiring 600 Fazer is widely known for its ideal versatility. She superbly combines motorbike-work-sleep, weekend outings, and even a little arsouille with the friends.

So imagine this potential with a 1000 … Bold pretensions rhyme with seductive plumage. The fork crown is much prettier and more aggressive than that of the 600, giving the stylistic identity of the Fazer 1000. Same observation for the rear part, with its two small round lights, very close to the R1. The frame is a double cradle made of sturdy steel tubes 48.5 mm in diameter in which is housed the reworked mill of the R1. To adapt it to more road use, we changed the intake ducts and carbs, exchanged some magnesium components for aluminum, made the crankshaft heavier, modified the clutch, part of the transmission, etc. etc … Result: 143 hp, but above all a more exploitable and accessible use.

The Fazer is for the road, not for the racetrack; and without mastery, power is nothing! To the chagrin of fans of sensation, the block has significantly lost the explosive side of the track. The colossal sensation-giving power has calmed down, but has not vanished. The low-speed potato wakes up later but the potential is there. The flexibility of the 4 legs turns into a generous thrust towards 3500 trs to become mean after 5000. It is not the violence of the R1 but it remains damn expressive. How will the chassis handle it? But wonderfully! Well installed in a pleasant position slightly tilted to the front, you guide the bike with serenity, efficiency, and ease. With suspensions of good quality and adjustable from everywhere, the Fazer plays with traps. it turns and it twirls? The imposing and available couple is responsible for pulling you out of the turns with glee. it tightens? No problem. Braking is simply that of the R1, with only different pads. The handling and the healthy-looking chassis will take care of the rest. Comfort has not been forgotten. Convincing on this machine, it certainly does not offer the softness of an XJR 1300 (which can not boast of such dynamic qualities), but the suspensions agree perfectly on the tables of handling and complacency of the pilot. Where we moan, it’s on the saddle and the bubble, Cute but more symbolic than protective. For the posterior, the seat is firm, and it could be restrictive if you decide to prune the terminal. The tank mistreats the thighs a bit in addition to spreading them apart – this is the fault of the FZS. What also grieves is the average finish of the machine. After you put the engine on, it looks like the engineers weren’t sure where to cram everything else. For the rest, it is the Fazer spirit: easy to learn, complete dashboard, Yam gearbox (therefore "not worse but not great), versatility and playful spirit.

M.B
(inspired by the article by L. Cochet – Moto-journal n ° 1 457
manufacturer photos)