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 behind after 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 a 2007 Yamaha Fazer S2 as a courtesy bike. 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.

I have owned my '08 naked S2 for just two days, and i love it. Im not into superbike speed, i want an all rounder, and i really beleive i have bought the right bike. Gear shifting seems to happen too quickly. Though im sure i will be used to it soon. Love the looks, love the nippy engine, love the cost and cheap insurance. Im a happy biker :-)

passed my test only 2 years ago and this is my third bike, owned 2 thundercats previously. this bike much more refined and predictable than the thundercat and has a much more comfortable riding position. As well as being comfortable this bike goes like a rocket and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Looks great too. Do thrash the bike now and then but always returns mid 40's mpg. Only gripe is that headlight isnt that effective on an unlit road. Awesome bike-definitely a keeper, more than enough poke for me.

Bought one of the last 6oo fazer's and i must say was disapointed with the performance.Don't get me wrong it is fast but you have to ring it's neck,no low down grunt at all.Took it to the lakes one day and meeting a hill you would perhaps just need to drop a cog with say my last bike a bonneville,with this you need to go down three or four cogs to keep that engine racing and if you have a pillion it can be dangerous if you are caught out.This got really tiresome for me,but perhaps it would be better on flat terrain.
Good build quality,nice finnish as this is what attracted me,the only niggle,s was the notchey gearbox and a tingle through the pegs at 70mph

Bought one of the last 6oo fazer's and i must say was disapointed with the performance.Don't get me wrong it is fast but you have to ring it's neck,no low down grunt at all.Took it to the lakes one day and meeting a hill you would perhaps just need to drop a cog with say my last bike a bonneville,with this you need to go down three or four cogs to keep that engine racing and if you have a pillion it can be dangerous if you are caught out.This got really tiresome for me,but perhaps it would be better on flat terrain.
Good build quality,nice finnish as this is what attracted me,the only niggle,s was the notchey gearbox and a tingle through the pegs at 70mph

This bike is the perfect balance of performence, tecnology and value. My first long ride on this bike was 650 kms. Of twisty roads, at speeds of 130-150 kph. Stunning performance, super smooth ride, a rocket from 6000-11000rpm and a perfect, comfortable and athletic seating position. As a 52 year old with a bad back, I still partied that evening! Yet riding in the city, the bike performs so well, you'd think that's what it was designed for. But at a hundred kmh. Plus, is where this bike really dances.
I put a Puig wind shield on it, which helped get rid of the higher speed wind buffering. And with some practice, the gear shifting can be very smooth.
After 2 years, I still get a big smile on my face when I'm 50 meters from my driveway.
Bottom line: This is a bike that does everything very well. Its easy riding, and very predictable, suited for beginner and expert alike. I can't see myself ever tiring of this bike.

I've owned over a dozen bikes over the years but I'll be keeping this one for a while.
Why??
Because it's FUN!
I've had faster bikes, I've had more comfortable bikes, but I haven't had so much fun on 2 wheels since I got my first 250, twenty odd years ago.
Bad points? Well, the gear change is horribly clunky, the seat's a bit hard, the tacho takes some getting used to and the ignition key is a pain to get in. But none of that matters when you are blasting round the twisties on a sunny day.
The handling is nice & predictable, but the engine is a real Jekyl and Hyde affair. Keep the revs below 6 grand and the Fz is as docile as any commuter. Wind the throttle open, grit your teeth and let the revs get close to the red line and it takes off like a scalded cat. As a naked bike I've never felt it was short of power in any way.
You can get lots of stuff to tart up your Fz if you like, but I've never bothered because I love the way it looks as standard.
Conclusion? Fast when you want it to be, docile when you don't, great handling and a silly grin whenever you ride it.

Great bike to own and run.
Mines got quite a few extras,belly pan,bikini fairing,Scorpion pipes etc
After riding bigger bikes,this strangely reminds me of the LC's I used to ride (which isn't a bad thing!)

Best in size class hands down. No need to look further.
Handling, power, and balance is superb for it's size class. Center stand for easy maintenance. Excellent fuel capacity. More comfortable seating position due to handle bar positioning. Reasonable pricing. Great for experienced or beginners.
Seat height ok for 5'7" or taller. Shorter riders - not the best choice.

Mine is an 08 model in silver. Looks very sharp. When opened up the exhausts growl and the engine just sounds better the faster you go. Must do the headlight modification and have the two on at the same time.

Might want to spread out the gear ratios....on the six speed a lil bit.