European sources provide the following information and photographs on Yamaha’s much-anticipated R1-based sports tourer/standard. Essentially, the Fazer 1000 (as it will be known in Europe) packages an R1 motor (slightly de-tuned from 150 horsepower at the crank to 140 horsepower at the crank) in a steel frame with relaxed ergos (more upright seating position with a shorter reach to the bars and a longer distance between seat and footpegs) and a taller bikini fairing.
With 140 horsepower at the crank (approximately 122 horsepower at the rear wheel), and a dry weight of approximately 450 pounds, the Fazer will set new standards in its category. The manufacturers of its competition, like Suzuki’s Bandit 1200 and Kawasaki’s ZRX1100, should be nervous, indeed. With fully adjustable suspension (compression, rebound and preload) both front and rear, and the full-spec R1 motor (featuring the updates to the 2000 R1 motor, such as improved cam lubrication), the Fazer is no ordinary “bargain bike”.
With Yamaha’s EXUP exhaust valve, combined with the slightly softer cams, the Fazer has even more low-end torque than the R1 … yikes!
With the shorter R1 motor installed, the steel framed Fazer features an R1-style, extra long swingarm for improved weight distribution and handling. The steel frame transmits less vibration to the rider, and, coupled with the relaxed ergonomics, provides a smooth, sports tourer-type ride, but it is still capable of holding its own in the twisties.
Exact dry weight is not available at this point, but is expected to be in the neighborhood of 450 pounds — significantly lighter than the Suzuki Bandit 1200, for example. Some of the weight increase over the R1 can be attributed to the steel frame, a stainless steel exhaust (rather than titanium), larger capacity fuel tank, steel dirt-bike style bars (versus clip-ons), and aluminum substituted for some of the R1’s magnesium engine pieces (such as the clutch cover).
Since this is European information regarding a European model, we can’t say for sure whether it will be available in the U.S. next year — Yamaha’s introduction of its U.S. models is just a week or so away. Don’t disappoint us Yamaha — we need this bike!
By the way, if you want to get up close and personal with the Fazer 1000, here are two high resolution images — right and left profiles of the bike (just click to enlarge).
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