Yamaha FZ6 600 FAZER S2 2008 — Specifications

When Yamaha has a best-seller on its hands, the Iwata manufacturer proceeds with the caution of a watchmaker. Since its launch, the FZ6 Fazer has established itself as the ultimate all-rounder in the 600 segment, the bike you recommend without hesitation to any rider who wants to do everything without breaking the bank. So for the 2008 model year, there's no question of tearing it all up. The evolution bears a discreet code name, S2, and focuses on targeted tweaks rather than a ground-up redesign. A cautious strategy, but not without good sense.

The 600 cc inline four-cylinder, directly derived from the R6 engine, remains unchanged in its fundamentals. It still pumps out 98 horsepower at 12,000 rpm with 63.2 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm — figures that place the Fazer at the top of the class against the likes of a Suzuki GSR 600 or a Honda CBF 600. The real novelty lies in the electronics: Yamaha has revised the fuel injection mapping and fitted an exhaust system with different internal components. On paper, it promises better mid-range response, right where the original Fazer could feel slightly hollow. A clever detail: the previous version stays in the lineup, restricted to 78 horsepower, offering a gentler entry point for newly licensed riders. Two Fazers for two rider profiles — Yamaha casts a wide net.

On the chassis side, the die-cast aluminum perimeter frame hasn't moved a millimeter, but the swingarm gets a makeover. Now featuring a hexagonal cross-section, cast and extruded, it aims for a gain in rigidity without adding weight. The 207 kg wet weight remains reasonable for a semi-faired sport-tourer equipped with a 19.4-liter tank, ensuring comfortable range on long rides. The 43 mm telescopic fork and mono-shock retain their 130 mm of travel, a compromise between road comfort and composure on twisty roads. The braking system inherits monoblock four-piston calipers on the two 298 mm front discs — components reminiscent of the R1 before its switch to radial mounting. A genuine step forward from the previous generation.

The bodywork sees the most visible changes. The fairing around the headstock has been redesigned with raised side panels that expose the top of the radiator, the windscreen is new, and so is the front fender. Behind the screen, the dashboard ditches the old hard-to-read round gauge in favor of instrumentation borrowed from the FZ1, which is significantly clearer. The seat has been reworked with different foam and upholstery to improve comfort on long hauls. Yamaha also addressed a flaw frequently flagged by owners: the passenger footpegs, previously welded to the rear subframe, are now bolted on with standard hardware. Lower, fitted with rubber pads, they're easy to replace after a spill. A small detail, but one that matters in everyday use.

At €6,990, the FZ6 Fazer S2 remains positioned as a massively appealing weapon for the versatile rider. City, highway, weekend rides with mates, even first track days for the more daring thanks to its low 795 mm seat height and natural agility. It doesn't claim to rival a pure sportbike, and that's precisely its strength. Against the more accessible Kawasaki ER-6f or the more refined Bandit 650, the Fazer plays the card of tamed sporting temperament. This S2 doesn't revolutionize anything, but it polishes an already well-cut diamond. For anyone seeking a reliable, high-performing 600 with no nasty surprises, it remains a rock-solid choice.