FZ6 Achilles heel

[FZ6-ZN]

Being a previous owner of a KLR650, I quickly learnt that the Balancer Idler Lever, AKA “doohickey” is commonly considered a weak point on the KLR and its premature failure has resulted in catastrophic engine failure.( the weld fails or the collar breaks so the lever is no longer attached to the idler shaft and pieces fall into the oil sump below)

What would you consider the FZ6 Achilles heel to be?

I’ll start with….

1) steering head bearings, failed within 2000km – FZ6-ZN
2) No problem - rent-a-reaper
3) No problem - wrightme43
4) No problem - fz6nick

 

[rent-a-reaper]

I have never had a problem with my fz and have owned it since it was new in 2004 :rockon:

 

[wrightme43]

zero problems 2007 23400 miles.

 

[fz6nick]

Ive averaged almost 2k miles a month since i bought it may 30th.

The only problem is its begging to be ridden more. (wouldnt call that a problem)

 

[Raid The Revenge]

The newer ones don't come in red?

 

[Wavex]

The only negative things about the FZ that I remember are:

- stock steering head bearings suck... they should be tapered and better sealed
- very average stock suspension (front and rear)
- 7k-8k vibration buzz

 

[bmccrary]

TPS in the older ones.

-bryan

 

[Hellgate]

As others have said, headset bearings and unimpressive stock suspension. The bike is really rock solid.

 

[ant_mb]

The only real problem I have had is with the fan. A rock got lodged between the fan and radiator and blew the fan motor.

 

[xj750_Pete]

The only real problem I have had is with the fan. A rock got lodged between the fan and radiator and blew the fan motor.

+1 on the fan

 

[Botch]

My tires keep wearing out...

 

[CanadianFZ6]

Left turning cars???

 

[OZXJR]

Left turning cars???

Right turning cars

 

[damnpoor]

Buzzing clutch cables.

 

[Sawblade]

Lack of underseat space.

 

[nimzotech]

I too would add suspension as only midiocre. The plastic exhaust cover was lackluster too, but then again what do you expect for a sportbike costing ~$7K.

 

[Wolfman]

The only negative things about the FZ that I remember are:

- stock steering head bearings suck... they should be tapered and better sealed
- very average stock suspension (front and rear)
- 7k-8k vibration buzz

Right on the money...although the vibes have never bothered me.

But the OEM suspension...........Hmmmmmmm.....:spank:

 

[greenthumb]

Lack of underseat space.

ive often wondered if its a some sort of joke that they put a weight rating sticker in there. i think you couldnt fit enough lead in that space to overload it.

 

[fast blue one]

syock suspension is average and underseat storage is small to be expecte with exhaust.

Being a previous owner of a KLR650, I quickly learnt that the Balancer Idler Lever, AKA “doohickey” is commonly considered a weak point on the KLR and its premature failure has resulted in catastrophic engine failure.( the weld fails or the collar breaks so the lever is no longer attached to the idler shaft and pieces fall into the oil sump below)

Had a KLR as a courtesy bike last week and it rode like a pig. Couldn't wait to get the Fazer back.

 

[Raid The Revenge]

Oh wait! I finally got one. I'm surprised nobody mentioned this!

The FUEL TANK. You need to lift that thing up in order to do practically ANYTHING! Even the battery! You need to lift the fuel tank. Fortunately, this forum has perfected many different techniques to take shortcuts with it.

Hep! The problem is so minor now, we forgot to mention it!