Yamaha FZ6 Fazer Import Guide UK: Cost, Shipping & Registration | AWA Auction

The Yamaha FZ6 Fazer is one of the most balanced middleweights ever produced — a 600cc inline-four with enough performance to satisfy experienced riders, smooth enough for daily commuting, and half-faired enough to take on motorways without fighting the wind. In the UK, clean examples command £3,000–£5,500. In Japan, the same bikes sell at auction for £1,200–£2,800.

That gap is why importing a Yamaha FZ6 Fazer from Japan to the UK has become increasingly popular. With the FZ6 running from 2004 to 2010, every model is now well over ten years old — which means no MSVA test required, and a straightforward path to UK registration.

This guide covers everything: total landed cost, step-by-step import process, which FZ6 variants to target, common faults to watch for at auction, and whether importing makes financial sense for your situation.

Why Import a Yamaha FZ6 Fazer from Japan?

Japan is the world’s largest source of well-maintained used motorcycles. Bikes are serviced regularly, ridden predominantly on clean roads, and subjected to Japanese vehicle inspections that keep owners motivated to maintain them properly. The FZ6 — sold as the Fazer 6 in the UK — was equally popular in Japan, which means strong and consistent auction supply.

The value argument is compelling. A Grade 3.5 FZ6 Fazer with 20,000–35,000 km typically sells at BDS (Japan’s dedicated motorcycle auction) for ¥200,000–¥350,000 (£1,100–£1,900). Add shipping, import duty, VAT, and UK registration, and you’re looking at a total landed cost of approximately £3,200–£4,600 — comparable to mid-range UK private sales, but with a known auction history and verified mileage.

For buyers willing to search for higher-mileage or cosmetically worn examples, the savings widen considerably. A Grade 3 FZ6 at ¥150,000 (£820) can land in the UK for £2,600–£3,200 — well below any comparable UK listing. Read our Japanese motorcycle auction guide for a full explanation of how the BDS auction system works.

How Much Does It Cost to Import a Yamaha FZ6 from Japan to the UK?

The total cost of importing a Yamaha FZ6 Fazer from Japan breaks down across four main stages: purchase, shipping, import taxes, and UK registration.

Purchase Price at Japanese Auction

FZ6 Fazer prices at Japanese auction vary by model year, condition grade, and mileage. The S1 (2004–2006) and the updated S2 (2007–2010) command slightly different prices, with S2 models typically fetching a modest premium.

Model Year	Grade	Mileage	Typical Auction Price	Approx. GBP
2004–2006 (S1)	3	30,000–50,000 km	¥120,000–¥200,000	£650–£1,100
2004–2006 (S1)	3.5	15,000–35,000 km	¥180,000–¥280,000	£980–£1,520
2007–2010 (S2)	3	25,000–45,000 km	¥150,000–¥240,000	£820–£1,300
2007–2010 (S2)	3.5	15,000–30,000 km	¥220,000–¥340,000	£1,200–£1,850
2007–2010 (S2)	4	10,000–20,000 km	¥300,000–¥500,000	£1,630–£2,720

Exchange rates fluctuate — the figures above use an approximate £1 = ¥184 rate. All auction prices are hammer price only; buyer’s commission and domestic Japan transport add approximately ¥30,000–¥60,000 (£165–£330).

Shipping Costs

Most Yamaha FZ6 Fazer imports ship via RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) — the most cost-effective method for individual motorcycle imports. Bikes are transported from ports like Yokohama or Osaka to Southampton or Grimsby. RoRo shipping currently costs approximately £450–£750 for a single motorcycle with a 5–7 week transit time.

See our container vs RoRo shipping comparison for a detailed analysis of both shipping options.

Import Duty and VAT

• Import duty: 6.7% of the CIF value (bike price + shipping cost)
• VAT: 20% of the combined CIF value plus import duty

Using a £1,500 purchase price plus £600 shipping: CIF = £2,100, duty = £141, VAT on £2,241 = £448. Total import taxes: approximately £589. Customs clearance agent fee adds £150–£250. For full detail, see our UK motorcycle import duty and tax guide.

UK Registration Costs

Every imported motorcycle must go through NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) — free to submit, 5–10 working days. Then MOT (£30–55), and DVLA registration (£55). Budget £85–£120 for this stage.

Is the Yamaha FZ6 MSVA Exempt?

Yes — all Yamaha FZ6 Fazer models are MSVA exempt for UK import in 2026. MSVA is only required for motorcycles manufactured within the last 10 years. The FZ6 was produced from 2004 to 2010 — the newest possible example is 16 years old. Every model clears the threshold comfortably, saving you the cost and complexity of MSVA testing (£250–£400).

Step-by-Step Import Process

Importing a Yamaha FZ6 Fazer from Japan involves six stages. AWA handles stages 1–4 on your behalf; stages 5–6 are completed after the bike arrives in the UK.

1. Bid and win at Japanese auction — AWA accesses BDS weekly. You set a maximum bid in GBP; AWA handles the Yen conversion and auction process.
2. Post-auction inspection — Additional photos taken at the collecting agent’s yard confirm the bike matches the auction sheet.
3. Export documentation — Japanese title transferred and export certificate issued. Typically 1–2 weeks.
4. Shipping and transit — Bike loaded at Japanese port, shipped to Southampton or Grimsby via RoRo. Transit: 5–7 weeks.
5. UK customs clearance — Import agent clears the bike through HMRC, paying duty and VAT on your behalf.
6. NOVA, MOT, and DVLA registration — Submit NOVA online, book MOT, apply to DVLA with V55/5 form. Total: 2–3 weeks from port arrival.

End-to-end: 10–14 weeks from auction win to UK road use. See our full import timeline guide for a week-by-week breakdown.

Which Yamaha FZ6 Model Should You Import?

FZ6 Fazer S1 (2004–2006)

The original FZ6 Fazer used a detuned YZF-R6 engine producing 98hp with carburettors, conventional forks, and a straightforward mechanical setup. At auction today, S1 models are priced £200–£400 below comparable S2 examples — the logical choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the S2’s refinements.

FZ6 Fazer S2 (2007–2010)

The 2007 update brought fuel injection, a revised Deltabox II frame, wider fairing, uprated radial-mount front brakes, and a slipper clutch on later models. Fuel injection delivers smoother power and better cold-start reliability — particularly relevant for UK weather. If budget allows, the S2 is the better import target. A 2008–2010 S2 in Grade 3.5 is the sweet spot: all the updates, strong auction availability, sensible pricing.

Model	Years	Engine	Key Feature	Best For
FZ6 Fazer S1	2004–2006	598cc, carburettor	Simple, proven, lower cost	Budget buyers
FZ6 Fazer S2	2007–2010	598cc, fuel injected	Slipper clutch, radial brakes	Best overall choice
FZ6 S (naked)	2004–2009	598cc, carb or FI	No fairing	Naked preference only

Common Problems and What to Avoid

Cam Chain Tensioner

The FZ6’s cam chain tensioner (CCT) is the most-discussed concern. On high-mileage examples above 35,000 km, the CCT can develop slack and cause rattling on cold start. An aftermarket manual CCT resolves the issue permanently for £40–70 fitted. Request cold-start video footage at auction — a clean, quiet cold idle is a strong positive signal.

Stator and Charging System

Some FZ6 owners report stator failures, more common on older S1 models with high mileage. Replacement costs £80–£150 including labour. Check auction sheets for electrical notes; a recently replaced battery can occasionally indicate a stator issue masked by the previous owner.

Fairing Wear

The half-fairing is the most common source of Grade 3.5 or 3 markings. Small scratches on lower fairing panels and scuffs to the screen are purely cosmetic. Replacement panels cost £80–£180 each. Do not let cosmetic fairing wear discourage you from a mechanically sound bike — factor the repair cost into your maximum bid.

Throttle Body Synchronisation (S2)

S2 fuel-injected models benefit from periodic throttle body sync — often overlooked by private owners. Out-of-sync throttle bodies cause uneven power delivery and a rough idle. Any Yamaha workshop can correct this for £60–£100.

How the FZ6 Compares to Import Alternatives

Model	Engine	Power	Character	Typical Landed Cost
Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2	598cc I4	98hp	Balanced, touring-friendly	£3,200–£4,600
Honda CB600F Hornet	599cc I4	100hp	Light, flickable, naked	£2,800–£4,200
Kawasaki Z750	748cc I4	106hp	More torque, bigger feel	£2,800–£4,400
Suzuki GSX-R600 (K6–K8)	599cc I4	120hp	Track-focused, aggressive	£3,400–£5,200
Kawasaki Z650	649cc twin	68hp	Easy, lightweight, modern	£3,800–£5,500

Against the Hornet: the FZ6 Fazer’s half-fairing makes it significantly more capable for motorway riding — a meaningful advantage for UK conditions. Against the Z750: the FZ6 is lighter (191kg vs 199kg dry) and revs more freely; the Z750 delivers more torque lower in the range. Both are strong imports — choose by character preference. Against the GSX-R600: the FZ6 is a real-world all-rounder versus a track-focused machine — far more liveable as a daily ride.

Is Importing a Yamaha FZ6 Fazer Worth It?

For Grade 3–3.5 examples in the £1,200–£1,800 auction range, the savings are real: expect to land a solid, rideable FZ6 Fazer for £500–£1,500 less than a comparable UK private sale — while knowing exactly what you are getting via the auction sheet and BDS inspection report.

The import makes most sense when you want documented condition transparency, a specific S2 model year that’s hard to find clean in the UK, or simply the best value for money in the 600cc middleweight class. For a detailed cost comparison, see our complete UK motorcycle import cost breakdown.

Ready to source your FZ6 Fazer? Browse current AWA listings or contact the AWA team to discuss your requirements before the next auction session.

Related guides: Import Timeline Guide · NOVA Registration Guide · Japanese Auction Buyers Guide