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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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  #1  
Old 10 Jan 2009
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with the valves ask around on fazer forums (must be one or two) see if they normally need doing. ive got a gsx1400, the valves get done every 15k BUT very few people ever need to change the shims until over 60k.

or for about £100-120 you can get a box of shims from motorsport type suppliers, get someone to post it to you when you get to that mileage. then you've got the shims if you need them, with dealer prices its probably a good idea anyway.

EDIT: oh fuel, isnt the fazer lower compression than the R6? which should make it less picky for fuel quality.
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Old 10 Jan 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooli View Post
EDIT: oh fuel, isnt the fazer lower compression than the R6? which should make it less picky for fuel quality.
Yeah I'm pretty sure the even the newer fazers are de-tuned versions of thier sports bike brothers. Lower compression, valve spring rates, exhaust.etc.

I think engine temperature would be your major concern in an off road situ.

Just a thought, what did the guy that took the R1 round the world do to his bike ? I haven't read the book or seen the DVDs.
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Old 10 Jan 2009
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Fazer

The Fazer is powerful, offers good speed and light off-road ability. It is much lighter than the big beemers and way more fuel efficient, when it falls over you need to be able to pick it up again.
You already own the bike and are comfortable riding it two-up, this is most important on a long trip. 4 cylinders makes for less vibration, therefore a more comfortable long ride. Enjoy the trip.
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Old 13 Jan 2009
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cheers for the votes of confidence chaps!

has anyone any experience with the new tenere 2up? it has the same torque as my fazer so might be reasonably strong enough to pull us along upto 70mph?
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  #5  
Old 14 Jan 2009
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The carrying capacity of the FZ6 would be your biggest problem.

The computer system almost never causes problems but it has been known to have other niggles.

You need to get out together for 2 or 3 weeks with all your gear and then make the call for yourselves.

I sent you a PM but got no reply.

Steve
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  #6  
Old 21 Feb 2009
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Hi all,

My 1st post....

The FZ6 is a great bike, but the compression ratio (although lower than the R6 at >13:1) is still 12.2:1. Would re-mapping it help?

There are lots of luggage options available, so I don't see that as a problem. The issue I see with 2-up is the fact that the passenger would get pretty toasty (the muffler is right under the rear seat). My personal peeve is with the lack of electrical output for gadgets. If you run both headlights on low-beam and a pair grip heaters, you're almost out of juice.

It is a very low maintanence bike - valves are good for well over 24000 miles without a check and everything is easy to get to because there is little plastic in the way.

With some crash bars and something to protect the headers/rad (easy to do) I think it would be a good ride.
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Old 31 May 2015
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Recovering an old thread, hope its better than starting a new one? Maybe there will be more opinions...

I'm facing the same dilemma as the OP. I own and ride Fazer 600 2006, took her for a bit of touring around Europe (but paved road, like Pyrenees and Norway). However, next year I'm planning to set off on the solo RTW adventure for a year or so. I do not intend to do any serious off-road and the vast majority of the roads will probably be paved. So my options are:

1) Keep the Fazer.
Pros:
- I already own this bike. I love it and I know it.
- I owned it for a couple of years and didn't have any significant issues. I've put some extras that I need already.
- I've researched a bit about equipping it for RTW and looks like I can get most of the items for it, e.g. handguards, hard cases, suspension, e.t.c. Bashplate seems to be an issue but if worst comes to worst I'll build a custom one.
- Its fairly low value which is good for Carnet purpose (and its not super-shiny-new so hopefully less chance of having it nicked).

Cons:
- Limited off-road ability (pretty much next to none, apart from basic gravel and firetracks)
- Limited range of accessories (e.g. when comes to panniers, the only rack for hard panniers I've found was from HB),
- Sensitivity to crap fuel as mentioned by some.

2) Sell Fazer and buy something more suitable e.g. VStrom.
Pros:
- Wider range of touring accessories available,
- More off-road ability.
Cons:
- Its a new bike that I don't really know,
- Its likely to be more expensive for Carnet.

I'm thinking about it for good few weeks now (well, not constantly ), so wanted to grasp some more opinions if possible.

Thanks so much in advance!
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