In 2003, the Japanese maker launched the Yamaha FZS600 Fazer, a sports motorcycle in the Yamaha range since 1998. The 2004 model was the last FZS600 Fazer manufactured due to European emission standards, which the bike did not pass.
The Yamaha FZS600 Fazer debuted at the 1987 Paris Auto Show and shared many components from other Yamaha motorcycles, like the engine from the YZF600R in a detuned version that delivered more mid-range power and the front blue brake calipers with discs from the YZF-R1.
Over its production period, the FZS600 Fazer underwent various technical and visual modifications, like the 2000 FZS600 Fazer S that introduced a more comfortable passenger seat, a larger fuel tank, and a front fork with preload adjustment.
In 2001, Yamaha introduced more cosmetic changes, such as a carbon-look instrument cluster and painted front fork sliders. In 2002, the machine featured a new front fairing with a fox eye headlight design similar to the one on the FZS1000 model, a new instrument panel, and a sculpted fuel tank.
The double-cradle steel frame held all the parts together, including a 41 mm telescopic fork with preload adjustability handling the front suspension and a preload-adjustable shock absorber operating the rear suspension.
A 599cc four-stroke liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine gave life to the 2003 Yamaha FZS600 Fazer, boasting 95 hp with peak force at 11,500 rpm and 61 Nm (46 lb-ft) of torque at 9,500 rpm.