Yamaha Fazer Page (cont)

I scanned around the "net" before buying the Fazer to see if the machine had any glaring faults. What came to light was the whinning of the gearbox and complaints about the headlights.

As you can see the Fazer has twin headlights. The unusual thing is that one is used for dip and the other only lights for mainbeam. Weird!

On dip unless the light is adjusted properly (which it wasn't on delivery) seeing in the dark at speed can be "interesting" Even adjusted properly the light is not as good as the ER5. Mainbeam is fine again if adjusted correctly. I can see why people complain about them. If only both lights were set up for both mainbeam and dip I am sure all would be fine. The mirrors do not allow you to see directly behind you without moving your arm out of the way. There is a wonderful view down each side (not much use). Style has won out over practicality there!

The front forks (as well as the rear shocker) are adjustable for preload. I find this really handy as whilst running in I've set them softer than standard as I have with the rear and the ride is like a Rolls Royce. I will have to stiffen it all up if I intend to carry a passenger or I want to corner aggressively but for now it's very nice.

One area where the Fazer is outstanding is braking, both brakes are exremely powerful and progressive. I would imagine a "panic" grab of the front brakes would easily produce a locked front wheel with "interesting" results.

Surprisingly there is actually a useable storage space under the seat. Nothing of the order of the scooters of course but big enough to take my disc lock and a one piece rainsuit. The ER5 has room under the seat for -- -- well -- -- nothing really!

I cannot wait until the oddometer reaches 1,000mls and I can open the Fazer up. It has a top speed reputed to be between 140 - 145mph. I won't be doing that! The acceleration is nothing short of phenominal only limited by the speed at which you can change gear.

From riding the Fazer I can understand why the insurance category is so high. I am sure there is great potential to "overcook" this machine and end up in an unhappy situation. This is no sedate tourer.

I am considering buying an after market exhaust for the Fazer to see if It makes life easier changing down so that I can hear the engine speed. I am a little dubious about this as I can find no definitive answer as to whether the carbs should be re-jetted or not for this. I am not about to start stripping carbs and re-jetting, changing the air filter etc. just so I can hear the thing. I am not bothered about any increase in performance as the bike already has more than I will ever need. Could that be famous last words in view of what has happened this year!!

I will add to the page if If I do fit one and give my opinion.

Well I ordered an ART Race Pro alloy and after ART really screwing up the order 3 TIMES after nearly two weeks it finally arrived. I would have cancelled but they seem to be the only manufacturer to provide a can that fits the existing 4 into 1 pipes with a proper connecting piece that has the "stop" for the centre stand as the original. I could be wrong on this but from searching the web it would appear to be so.

The alloy ART looks really good on the Fazer. The connecting pipe is chrome (or stainless not sure). Fitting was not too difficult except the 10mm nut and bolt from the original silencer would not fit. The original nut is captive.

A quick trip for a new longer 10mm bolt and the can was fitted.

The can is not secured at all to the origin 4 into 1. The connecting pipe is simply a very good fit.

The ART is not too loud on tick over or with small throttle openings but is perhaps too loud when really accelerating but as this is generally out on the open road then it is manageable.

Changing down is now much easier as I can hear the revs.

The performance of the bike does not seem altered. However if there are any gains I would expect them to be marginal. What I was worried about was if there would be adverse effects because of requiring re-jetting.

The Fazer is now run in and WOW! does it go. A quick twist of the throttle and 100mph is passed before you know it and it does not seem to be trying! Although I am no Grand Prix rider cornering is very good and with the power available coming out of corners is great fun.

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