YAMAHA’S Fazer 1000 is an important bike that’s been moving on with advances like anti-lock brakes and new colours.

And that means there’s some great deals out there to counter the impact of exchange rates.

For example Dearden’s, Southampton’s Yamaha main dealer, has a few faired 2008 machines that are technically identical to the latest off the line but with different colour schemes.

You don’t really notice the colour when you’re riding, so how about enjoying the 150mph machine on the latest ’59 plate for £1,300 or so less.

That’s £7,720 instead of £9,020 for the Fazer, and £8,020 instead of £9,370 for the Fazer ABS.

And of course these machines come with two years’ unlimited mileage parts and labour warranty plus a year’s RAC roadside assistance.

Jane Omorogbe reviewed – in the wet – the naked FZ1 and the Fazer which for £600 more comes with its bikini fairing, extended pillion grab rails and an extra 5kg of bike to muscle round the bends.

She pointed out, not that it takes that much effort – both Yamahas have sharp steering and throwing them into the twisties (on the occasional dry patch of tarmac) provided me with a very welcome grin factor.

Assuming the suspension set up is correct for your body weight and riding style, the bikes handle remarkably well, thanks to the modern ‘forward mass’ religion. But on one of the bikes I rode during my test, the front forks were way too stiff.

I later rode a different bike and it told a different story. I still felt as though I couldn’t fully commit, but the ride was fun and spirited.

The Fazer is designed to be an all rounder. It looks its best when it’s not standing next to the squat, mean-looking FZ1. It’s intended to be a commuter and tourer and, as such, it has a comfortable riding position.

The tall screen deflects the wind well enough and the extra weight of the fairing meant the front felt more secure when I had the opportunity to play around a bit.

As you move through the high rev range, the power suddenly surges with true supersport attitude. With those long gears, it feels as though you’re literally about to take off – which I did a couple of times on the naked FZ1. There’s a manic rush of power, with surprisingly little input from your right hand.

Where you’d use the 150bhp top end power, even remotely legally, I have no idea, especially on the aggressively styled FZ1 roadster with its lack of wind protection, but surely that’s the case with so many bikes in today’s motorcycle climate, faired or not.