| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| On the road Yamaha FZ1 Fazer: a versatile motorcycleBy T. Groussin True to the Fazer concept, the new 1,000 cc version is closely derived from a superbike, the Yamaha R1. However, this half-faired street bike is comfortable and easygoing enough to envisage use on a daily basis or long journeys.  Less comfortable than the previous version, the new Fazer 1000 offers extremely precise road holding. A much sportier definition Using practically the same engine and chassis as the 2004 model R1, the new Yamaha FZ1 Fazer possesses all the attributes of a modern sports motorcycle. Its looks - much more aggressive than the old version - are immaculate, with an impressive gold coloured upside-down fork, a splendid die-cast aluminium frame (anodised blue on silver) and an original compact exhaust silencer... As ever with Yamaha, the care taken over the tiniest details commands admiration.Of course, with such equipment, the new Fazer's handling clearly supplants that of its precursor. With much sharper road holding, it places itself instinctively on the trajectory and offers a perfect compromise between stability and agility. Overall efficiency on the road even outdoes the R1, which proves much more demanding with respect to the skills of its rider. The Fazer's high handlebar makes for a natural riding position that is easy to get to grips with and pleasant for riding in built-up areas. Relatively easy to handle in heavy traffic, the Fazer 1000 suffers only as a result of its 190-mm rear tyre, which demands a certain effort on the handlebar to make it turn at slow speeds. The braking system, taken from the R1, is not assisted, even as an option. This is easy to do without considering the quality of the system, with progressiveness and perfect feeling at the front. But versatility is preserved Although you have to admit that the old version of the Fazer 1000 was more comfortable over long distances, the qualities of the new one are far from dreadful.Admittedly the seat is a little too hard and taller riders' legs are too bent, but the suspension takes big impacts very well and irons out small irregularities well enough. The available settings will also make it possible to adjust its reactions according to the rider's preferences. The protection offered by the half fairing is identical to that of the old version.
The R1's four-cylinder engine The Fazer 1000's motorisation is identical to that of the R1. Just a few details on this extremely high-performance engine (five valves per cylinder, exhaust valve.) have been modified to offer more torque at low and mid revs (camshaft, compression rate, increased crankshaft inertia.). Electronic injection replaces the carburettors of the old version, thereby satisfying Euro 3 emissions standards.Smooth and very flexible, this big four-cylinder engine offers remarkable riding pleasure from the lowest revs. When passing through villages at 50 kph (30 mph), it is possible to stay in sixth gear and forget about the gearbox, which is nevertheless very precise and well assisted by a smooth clutch. This very favourable picture is marred only by noticeable and unpleasant jolts, which occur at each burst of the throttle. A problem most probably due to injection, which could be corrected at the factory. The output is delivered in rather linear fashion on the French version, which is limited to 106 hp - more than enough considering the current repressive context. No doubt it's another story with the European version, which delivers 150 hp! Original offerInsofar as current superbikes have practically become reserved for use on circuits, Yamaha has understood the interest of offering road versions capable of giving pleasure at legal speeds, without suffering the disadvantages. The new Fazer 1000 fits the bill perfectly and shows itself to be one of the most sophisticated Sport-GT motorcycles of the moment.
Photographies : © Yamaha  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
