I REMEMBER when a budget bike used to be something mainstream with all the good bits taken off.

Today, manufacturers design no frills motor cycles from the ground up and the result is something affordable which is rather good.

Yamaha's Fazer is such a machine and while the price is right there's nothing cheap and nasty about it. Powered by a variant of the Thundercat's 600cc four cylinder, the FZS600S is more than capable in all departments.

The 95bhp motor is nice and tractable allowing you to pootle along at 20mph in sixth if you feel like it. But it's also happy being thrashed to within an inch of its 12,500rpm red line.

So the Fazer will stun you with its performance but it will also tour all day long two up if asked to. Fat rubber and excellent forks and rear shocker make for safe and quick handling and the upright riding position helps your confidence because forward vision is so good from its imperious saddle.

The bikini fairing not only looks good it is remarkably effective at keeping any wind blast at bay. It also houses neat clocks, including speedo, rev counter and fuel gauge.

The brakes are superb, similar to those of the class leading R1, and they will stop you on a sixpence as the four piston callipers bite the twin 298mm floating front discs.

New are the colour schemes, rubber rear footpegs to keep pillion vibe-free and happy, better grab handle, thick, more comfortable seat, bigger fuel tank and hazard warning lights.

Weighing in at just 189kg and with a seat height of just 790mm, the Fazer is of more than manageable proportions making it ideal for shorties, women and starters.

But don't be fooled, this is one serious motor cycle for any rider.