Recent content by Plymothian

In the UK we've just been told by one of the major chains that you're not allowed to fill up whilst on the bike - not sure if any laws have changed but they said it was a national "rule". I usually get off anyway, put on the centre stand and fill up from whichever side the pump is on, doesn't...

What service interval are you at? Most servicing is easy to do yourself, it will save you a wad of money. I've never had any of my bikes serviced at a garage - the only thing I don't fancy doing on the Fazer is valve clearance checks which I have been quoted £150 for, which I don't mind...

Thought I'd do a price comparison for anyone who is wondering. Mine is not due a valve clearance check for another 12000 miles, but I was quoted 150GBP (224 USD) a couple of weeks ago by my local private garage. That's including shims (if needed), labour and tax. For the amount of time it...

I just ordered a magnetic sump plug from Wemoto - cost about 6GBP so next oil change I will compare magnet strength and post back. I'm not really concerned about it that much, but needed new crush washer anyway and the original plug is a bit chewed (from previous owner, honest guv)

I had a few beers the other night and then got bored. A stupid part of my brain said "it'll be a good idea to wash the bike now". So I did. I got it out of the garage, lost my balance and the bike went over on it's side. Thankfully there was no damage (which is amazing because it took me a...

In the UK there is a website that tells you how many of X make and model are REGISTERED on the road, not quite what you want but maybe it's a start if you have something like that in the US? https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=yamaha+fz6

My commute is 4 miles each way, sometimes I stop in the shops, so that would be 2 x starts over a 4 mile journey. Plus it's in traffic so a lot of slow riding (I don't get above 35mph usually, unless I'm late and ride like a tit). Especially in the winter it starts a lot better when it's kept...

Not sure about batteries in the US, but I use a Yuasa. I'd also recommend a trickle charger/optimiser if you have somewhere to plug it in. Mine goes on pretty much any time when the bike is in the garage (as I do short trips to work), it will probably pay for itself after a few years due to it...

uk model - I also have these and wondered what they are for. As has been said, it has nothing to do with rear lights as all of mine are stock and all work. My only guess would be maybe it's for some sort of diagnostic?

Thanks for the replies - I need to bleed the system soon so while I'm at it I will probably fit new seals and SS lines. It's interesting to hear people's methods of brake bleeding, as there seem to be lots of ways to do it. MCN released a video of how to do this, but it attracted lots of...

Thanks everyone - good job I asked about greasing the pistons. In that case I will order some new seals and see how that goes, I'd guess they haven't been done for a while anyway. If that doesn't improve things (with fresh brake fluid as well) then at least i know the system is well...

Good advice there, thanks. Yes they are all seated correctly, there was no problem getting them in and out, and everything was clean and not corroded. The wheel bearings seem fine from an untrained eye, wheel spins nice and free with the brakes off. I'm guessing that the pistons are the...

Sorry for another brake thread, but I have a couple of questions. I've just done the winter maintenance on my 2004 FZ6. OEM pads still had 3/4 left so i put them back in. I cleaned pistons, and scraped some crud from the side of the pads (didn't touch the surface though). My holder plates...

I haven't seen anyone comment on the "drilled out stock" option yet. Or is this a can of worms?! It would appeal to me if it made a slightly louder sound and no loss in performance, but some say it sounds too tinny?

I did think about soft luggage, namely a DryBag, but as I'll probably end up using it for work it's in my experience quicker to have a top box. Thanks for the help anyway - I don't know why there aren't more aftermarket options other than the Givi arms and bracket? Maybe the FZ6 is not...