FZ1, suspension & power upgrade
I understand where Impostor1981 is coming from. After passing my test I test-rode 3 bikes: BMW F800ST, Yamaha FZ1-N, Yamaha FZ8-N.
After BMW I realised 2 cylinder wasn't for me. FZ1 was crazy power for first big bike. Even with chest slammed on tank felt like I was about to take off! FZ8 was just right for me. Went for faired version Fazer8 with ABS, mainly for the added weather protection (welcome to Scotland!) and have loved the bike ever since. Basically, as Impostor1981 says, the bike is better looking than FZ1, although shares same chassis. The nose, particularly, of the Fazer1000 is ugly in comparison with the Fazer8. The Fazer8 is still turning heads of GSXR, R1, ZXR riders - they're not exactly sure what it is but that's the beauty - it's not a big selling or common bike and yet it looks and sounds fantastic. I've also removed the Fazer side stickers on mine to make it look even more anonymous and stealth-like. Now that I have ridden it for 6 months and covered 4-5k miles I can now see the suspension limitations particularly with the front forks. They are way too soft.
After speaking to Maxton, I was a little disappointed to find that most customers use the postal service to send and return front forks, and just get a rear shock delivered also. To leave the bike there would cost more and be quite an inconvenience. Although you state your weight and riding style to help them build the parts, obviously they aren't able to re-balance the bike physically if you use the postal route. Also, this being NW200, TT, etc time-of-year they are fully booked until after Summer. May go down the Nitron route like Impostor1981 or just get front forks resprung and oiled to start off.
Further update to follow ...
On the power upgrade / retuning - I also agree, now after 6 months of riding Fazer8. I'm fitting a Yoshi R77 and removing some excess weight from the bike which together will improve the response and torque curve. Even without that, I'm still buzzing with the bike's power especially if you kick up at 10,000 rpm!!! Beyond 7,000 rpm the bike becomes a different beast.
Impostor1981 please leave feedback on Nitron when you get it thanks.
All I can say is the only issue I have with the bike is that it's sometimes too nimble just a slight breeze and it makes the bike change its trajectory (though I read putting a larger rear tire fixes this). That said I push it pretty hard and feel the stock suspensions are a really good balance between sporty and comfy. I had a 2009 Speed Triple with the stock suspension tuned by a specialist, and handling on the FZ8 is even better, just slightly less stable in it's trajectory when pushing hard (I did adjust the rear suspension to make it a bit stiffer).
