Road test of YamahaFZ6 600 FAZER 2004 The tempete Fazer

Press test carried out in collaboration
with the YAMAHA GRENOBLE MOTO dealership

to get to Chamrousse, you first have to tackle a boulevard lined with red lights and cashiers. A game for the Fazer. The riding position is very relaxed: sitting upright on a firm seat, legs slightly bent but not excessively so, you squeeze the machine, surprised by the extreme slenderness of the tank indentation. Twirling between the cars honors the supple engine and lively steering. The mirrors show 3/4 of what's going on behind you and only a small part of your forearms. Good, because it's usually the other way around... The mirrors are well above those of the cars, but exactly at the same height as the Kangoo - so watch out when you drive past the vans. At red lights, the seat height is close to ideal: you can put your feet on the ground without any problems. Green light! Without necessarily making the engine howl, a generous trickle of throttle is needed to get the machine off the ground; well, mostly to keep it from hiccupping after a few meters - the R6's mill has kept its little character. The road clears, the curves lengthen, the adrenalin rushes through the veins... The boiler grows impatient. Its sound evolves with the melodies. At low revs, its vocals express themselves in a pleasantly cavernous sound. As revs rise, a few vibrations set in but don't really disturb, and the engine begins to push quietly at around 4,000 rpm, mewing at around 6,000... At 8,000 rpm, the fiery watts turn the road into a rider's playground. It's a serious blast all the way to the red zone, with a howl that reminds you that you've got the mill of a pistarde between your legs. In sport riding, it lacks 1,000 trs of extension, but at that point, you're entitled to wonder whether you shouldn't go for the R6 cousin.

Lightweight and ultra-agile, the machine can be controlled with one hand, and positioned effortlessly. The suspension absorbs minor shocks without flinching, sparing your spine while ensuring flawless roadholding. The lack of torque and high horsepower means you can put the handlebars in the corner without restraint at the exit of the hairpin. Younger riders will appreciate this. The Fazer lost the R6 's calipers in its transformation. The new ones do the job with gusto. Power and bite are as effective as you could wish for, without the aggressiveness of the sportbike's clamps, which can sometimes be confusing for neophytes. Sorry, but I just can't get used to this digital rev counter. It's readable, but much less so than a good old-fashioned needle. Never mind, the ear provides much better and quicker information on revs. The selection buttons are physical to operate, so you have to press hard!
The assault on the pass is calmed by the wet road, covered in treacherous leaves. Half-turn... in a handkerchief! It's amazing how hard you can turn! You could almost turn back without maneuvering on a trail. Back home; boulevard, cars, and this agility, I love it. Arrival at Yam's. Attempt to grab the kickstand, try again... Moderately practical - lacks a little lug to grab it the first time. OK, I quibble.

the 2004 Fazer? The same, only better and more beautiful. As versatile as ever, ready to play anywhere and everything. Immediately at ease, the rider benefits from a machine that's easy to ride, rigorous, and has everything it takes to stay at the top of the sales charts. But be warned, the R-series lineage is very much present: while it retains the "Fazer" spirit and homogeneity, it has become a little sportier than before.

M.B - manufacturer's photos