Yamaha 600 FAZER parts

The Yamaha FAZER 600 is the kind of bike that tied an entire generation of riders to Yamaha. Drawing from the supersport stable of the YZF600R Thundercat, the FZS600 was given a detuned engine in 1998 that delivered mid-range pull instead of breathtaking top-end power. That choice made the Fazer 600 not only a pleasant daily rider, but also a favourite for commuting in traffic, touring and beginners who wanted a taste of what a four-cylinder could do. At Motorparts-online.com you'll find a broad range of new and used parts for all model years from 1998 through 2009.

Supersport genes in a middleweight: why the Fazer 600 became a cult

Under the fairings of the first FZS600 Fazer sat a 599 cc four-cylinder that came straight from the YZF600R Thundercat. Yamaha gave the engine different carburettors and a different camshaft setup to bring the power band down. The result: 95 hp at 11,500 rpm and a smooth mid-range that felt right at home on any B-road. The R1 front brake calipers, popularly known as the "blue spots", delivered braking performance that was rare in this class at the time.

Add to that Yamaha's steel double-cradle frame, an upright riding position and a civilised price tag, and you have the recipe for what many riders consider the all-round middleweight of its era. In 1999 the Fazer 600 was the best-selling bike in its segment, and by 2002 more than 83,000 units had been sold across Europe. Within the total Yamaha parts range, this model therefore remains a steady performer.

Two eras, one family name: FZS600 and FZ6 Fazer

A lot changed in 2004: the steel FZS600 with its Thundercat engine was replaced by the new FZ6 Fazer, built around the supersport R6 engine in an aluminium frame. The character shifted noticeably, from smooth-on-torque to revvy-and-punchy.

Motorparts-online.com groups all these variants under a single model page, because searchers usually treat them as one family. For actual part compatibility, however, the distinction is sharp: a mudguard from an FZ6 doesn't fit an FZS600, and the front brake caliper differs between the 2004-2006 and the 2007-2009 FZ6. Unsure which generation your bike belongs to? Always mention the model year and preferably the model code in your search query.

Parts on every Fazer owner's shortlist

Older Fazers have been accumulating wear and tear for two decades now. That leads to predictable parts that demand attention:

• Exhaust headers: the steel downpipes on the pre-2002 FZS600 rust from the inside out, whereas the stainless steel versions from 2002 onwards hold up considerably better


• Chain, front and rear sprocket: on a middleweight with strong mid-range torque, the drivetrain wears faster than many owners expect


• Rear shock absorber: both the FZS600 and the FZ6 Fazer use a non-rebuildable unit that can lose its damping around 30,000 kilometres


• Headlight and fairing parts: the foxeye front from 2002-2003 and the R1-look headlight of the FZ6 each have their own housings and stock levels


• Carburettor set and TPS sensor: the FZS600 runs on Mikuni carburettors that need periodic balancing, while the FZ6 suffers throttle position sensor faults at high mileage

Through the Motorparts-online.com network, which stocks over 220,000 parts and is replenished weekly, most of these parts are directly available. On restoration projects, the front mudguard is another item that regularly makes the list.

Notorious weak points: from front sprocket nut to leaking shock absorber

Loosening front sprocket nut

This is the most famous weakness of the FZS600. The nut that clamps the front sprocket onto the output shaft could work itself loose. In the worst case, the sprocket came free of the shaft and destroyed the surrounding metal. Yamaha later released a replacement nut with deeper threads. Regular inspection and the use of thread-locking compound prevent a lot of misery.

Steel downpipes up to 2001

On models with the rectangular headlight, the exhaust manifold is made of standard steel. Over the years these rust from the inside out, especially on bikes ridden through winter. From 2002 Yamaha switched to stainless steel headers, something that only becomes clearly visible during a visual inspection of an older Fazer.

Stiff gearbox and grabby clutch

Both the FZS600 and the FZ6 Fazer are known for a slightly rough gearbox, particularly in the shift from 1st to 2nd. On the FZ6, owners also complained about a clutch that doesn't engage gradually but in jerky steps. It wasn't until the successor, the XJ6, that Yamaha fully eliminated this trait.

Rear shock absorber losing its damping

The rear shock is non-rebuildable and often goes soft around 30,000 to 40,000 kilometres. Do you notice the bike wobbling for a long time after a bump, or diving unusually far forward under braking? Then a replacement unit is in order, and it doesn't have to be an expensive affair.

Did you know that if you're unsure you can always get in touch with the specialists at Motorparts-online.com? That way you're certain the right part matches your exact model year, and the money-back guarantee provides extra peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the Yamaha FAZER 600 and the FZ6 Fazer?

The name Fazer 600 is used for both the FZS600 (1998-2003) and its successor, the FZ6 Fazer (2004-2009). They are two very different bikes: the FZS600 has a Thundercat base with a steel frame, while the FZ6 Fazer uses an R6-based engine in an aluminium frame. Parts between these two families are almost never interchangeable.

Which parts are interchangeable between the FZS600 and the FZ6 Fazer?

Almost none. Despite sharing a family name, the engine, frame, exhaust system, electrical system and bodywork are fundamentally different. Generic wear parts such as batteries, certain bulbs and some standard components are occasionally suitable for both. Always check the specific model year in the search filter.

How do I recognise the model year of my FAZER 600?

The quickest visual check: a rectangular headlight points to the 1998-2001 FZS600, foxeye headlights to the 2002-2003 FZS600, an under-seat exhaust to the FZ6 Fazer, and a black frame to the 2007-2009 FZ6 Fazer S2. The chassis number on the steering head plate gives the definitive answer. When in doubt, model codes such as 5DM and 5RT (FZS600) and 2DM and 10S (FZ6) are useful indicators.

Does the front sprocket nut come loose on every FZS600?

Not on every FZS600, but the risk is real enough to stay alert. At every service it's wise to check the nut and preferably apply a thread-locking compound. The revised nut with deeper threads that Yamaha later made available reduces the risk considerably. A sprocket that has worked itself loose can cause substantial damage to the shaft and housing.

Is a Yamaha FAZER 600 suitable as a first big bike?

Yes, the Fazer 600 has been known for decades as an accessible middleweight. The upright riding position, the predictable torque delivery and the relatively low seat height make it forgiving for newer riders. When buying a used example, the weak points mentioned above do deserve attention, so that unexpected repair costs stay within bounds.