1998 Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer

Make Model	Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer
Year	1998 - 99
Engine	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Capacity	599 cc / 36.5 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	62 x 49.6 mm
Compression Ratio	12.0:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Lubrication	Wet sump
Engine Oil	Mineral, 10W/40
Induction	4x 38mm Mikuni BDSR carburetors
Ignition	TCI (transistor controlled Ignition)
Starting	Electric
Max Power	95 hp / 69.3 kW @ 11500 rpm (83.8hp @ 11.000rpm)
Max Power Rear Tyre	83.8 hp / 62.4 kW @ 11.000rpm
Max Torque	61.2 Nm / 45.8 lb-ft @ 9500 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Steel, Double cradle frame
Front Suspension	41mm adjustable. forks preload adjustable
Front Wheel Travel	120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension	Monoshock: adjustable preload
Front Brakes	2x 298mm discs 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 245mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	110/70-17
Rear Tyre	160/60-17
Dimensions	Length 2080 mm / 81.8 in Width 710 mm / 27.9 in Height 1180 mm / 46.4 in
Wheelbase	1415 mm / 55.7 in
Seat Height	790 mm / 31.1 in
Dry Weight	189 kg / 416.6 lbs
Wet Weight	205 kg / 452 lbs
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0	13.1 m / 38.3 m
Standing ¼ Mile	11.4 sec /191.6 km/h
Top Speed	226 km/h

"Yamaha's Fazer looked like a straightforward budget offering when it first

M. appeared in 1997. Styled like the Japanese-market Fazer 400, the Fazer 600 used a re-tuned version of the Thundercat engine, in a steel-tube frame. But the high-performance front brake calipers - shared with the Rl superbike - and aluminium monoshock rear suspension hinted at sportier performance than the likes of Suzuki's Bandit 600, the budget 600 market leader at the time.

On the road, the Fazer is an excellent performer. The 599cc engine is fitted with smaller carburettors than on the Thundercat, providing the Fazer with superior low-down and mid-range torque for effortless, fast progress. The maximum speed of around 232km/h (145mph) quickly appears, but it is the friendly, easy delivery of the power that most impresses.

The basic but capable chassis blends remarkable sporting prowess with the comfort and usability of a long-distance machine, while the brakes provide the best performance in its class, by a long chalk. Power, feel and progression are all present, and the Fazer's low weight makes the brakes even more impressive.

Unlike the Bandit or Hornet, the Fazer comes only as a half-faired model. The small twin headlight unit provides impressive wind- and weather-protection, although its styling wasn't initially to everyone's taste, and the headlights performed rather poorly at night.

For 2000, the Fazer received a minor update, in the shape of a larger-capacity fuel tank, up 2 liters (0.4 gaT) to 20 liters (4.4 gaT), while the dash received a new digital clock and the forks gained preload adjusters. The extra tank capacity further improved the already impressive range, making the Fazer even more user-friendly.

In 2002, the Fazer saw a more significant revision. A new fairing, based around the FZS1000 Fazer 1000 design updated its styling and markedly improved headlight performance. The tank also received another capacity increase to 22 liters (4.8 gal): easily enough for 320km (200 miles) between fill-ups.