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Here in Florida the Winter days may start out cold, but can warm up +20 degF by afternoon. Luckily that equates riding all year. However, I have noticed when the temp is below about 36 degF, I cannot keep my faceshield from fogging up. So that is pretty much my limit. Plus I won't ride when...

I sure hope it's OK. I know the manual calls for Yamalube 20w-40. The dealer had none when I went to get oil for my first change. They told me to use 20w-50. And that is what I have been using. I decided to try a synthetic/ mineral blend now that the engine has about 4000 miles on it. I live in...

I just use some kerosine and a nylon brush to clean mine. The center stand makes this very easy. I have a removable master link on my dirt bike and I do this after every ride. But I only do the FZ chain about every 3 or 4 weeks or when I wash it. I do not remove the chain, just rotate the tire...

I haven't done mine yet either, but I am quite sure that some, if not all, the bearings on most motorcycles were not properly greased from the initial assembly. When I do decide to tackle it, I think maybe I'll replace the oil in the forks for a better feel as well. Look at it as an opportunity...

I fall down at least once on my dirt bike on every trail ride. I'm hoping that satisfies the Falling Bike Karma gods. But my FZ has never tipped over and touched the ground. Having said that, it will probably happen now. Of course I'm not stupersticious (as long as I can find a way home now...

I only had some experience with minibikes. I talked my wife into taking the course so we could ride dirt bikes (dual sport). I purchased an XT225 and I passed the course with no problems and got my license. When my wife took the class (2.5 days), she started out very well, but when they started...

My thought would be, "It depends". If the gas mileage is related to rpm's of the engine, then it may diminish your mpg, IF you gear down. That is to say, if you gear down to get more torque. You will spin the engine faster at your favorite cruising speed. My bike, with stock gearing, turns about...

Since you just installed new tires. I would probably guess that's what it is.

Has anyone chosen a seat material that may be less 'slippery'? The website shows how the different materials will look, but doesn't really mention what they are. Or perhaps the seat materials are the same, just different textures? I am definately interested in one of these TS seats. Right now...

Well, here is an update. I just can't stand the thought of replacing these tires. They only have 2000 miles on them. They are stock (Dunlops). I took it to this motorbike place near my house and asked them to put a plug patch on it, from the inside. He said they don't like to do that, because...

Since it is a fairly new bike, I wouldn't start out replacing the brake lines and exhaust system. Make sure you have the best riding gear you can afford for the conditions you ride. Frame sliders are good. A decent service manual, if you are going to do any wrenching yourself. Good tires if...

I think I got my original post wrong. I think maybe the Yamalube may just have some ester stuff "blended" in and probably isn't a true grp V oil. Though I'm sure it would be a fine oil to use. Better than the 20W -50 I'm using now. Just not worth the extra cost.

Got to work this morning and found a nail in my rear tire. Only have about 2000 miles on the bike. After reading some of the threads on tire repairs, I concur that it really isn't safe to rely on a repair. I use the bike exclusively for commuting. No weekend romps, track days, etc. I commute 60...

My MOM says to avoid "prolonged" operation above 7000 rpm for the first 600 miles. And then to avoid "prolonged" operation above 8400 rpm from 600 to 1000 miles. I could not find a sentence in the manual that said "keep it low". When I'm cruising at 70 mph, my tach is reading less than 6000 rpm...

I see Yamalube is marketing a new Grp V oil. Is there an advantage to using an ester based oil over other Grp lV oils, such as Amsoil or Mobil 1? I was just wondering if this is just a new ploy to sell more expensive oil. Or perhaps it may have advantages for racing applications that isn't...

Helmets are very subjective. Find one that feels good on your head. I have a Scorpion for dirt bike riding. It's OK and it was cheap. For the street, I use a Shoei. Twice the price, but I love it. I can wear it all day. It is that comfortable. I use the Cortech tail bag. I use my FZ as a...

Yes, that would be the Service Manual. Not the Owner's manual. There is one available for download. I just ordered a printed book from Haynes. I'll let you know how it compares to the online version. But I'm sure it will be the best $40 I can spend on this bike. I'm not sure if the 2008 service...

Re: Another OIL question I guess I'm still on the fence about switching to a synthetic. The biggest advantage, it seems to me, is a longer oil change interval. Truth is that I like to do preventative maintenance on my bikes. So changing the synth oil every 3000 miles would be a kind of waste of...

Re: oil grade My MOM says to use 10W-30 from 10 - 70 degF and 20W-40 from 50 - 110 degF. The Yamaha dealer doesn't sell 20W-40. They said 20W-50 is fine and that is what they sold to me when I purchased my 2008 FZ6. I live in Florida, so it is probably just fine. However, the morning lows are...

Re: how many miles do you change your oil They don't sell the recommended (20W-40) at my local Yamaha place, so I bought 2 gallons of Yamalube 20W-50 (plus I had a few quarts of unused 20W-40 left over from my XT225 and (4) oil filters when I purchased the bike a couple months ago. I have 1000...