Hi, first post:been shopping and thought I had an FZ6..

[grcamna7]

I know a trusted dealership parts guy in WA. and he tells me automotive coolant doesn't have the good additives that motorcycle engines/water pumps need;I believe him.

Recommend any coolant which is 'motorcycle/Powersport-specific' that's affordable,or on sale ?
The stuff in these stores here in CA. look to be +$8 or more on everything.

 

[Gary in NJ]

I don’t believe him. I’ve been running Prestone In every water cooled (street and dirt) bike I’ve owned.

 

[grcamna7]

I don’t believe him. I’ve been running Prestone In every water cooled (street and dirt) bike I’ve owned.

I have also put Prestone green in the few watercooled bikes I've owned..

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Very sharp, un-altered bike! Congrates!

Might want to think about aftermarket pipes.
It'll sound as good as it looks!


.

 

[grcamna7]

Do you think the damage on the tank is possible to be repaired ?

 

[Gary in NJ]

There are a couple of methods to fix/repair the dent. One is to heat it with a torch and introduce a few psi of compressed air, using the torch to encourage movement where needed. The other is bringing it to a dent repair guy that uses suction cups. The problem with both methods is that it’s a double walled tank, so the repair will may or may not work.

I have a fuel tank on a custom motorcycle that was reshaped by cutting it in half, removing a section, and then rewelding the tank together. The tank had a good dent, but it was repaired to perfection. Before and after photos attached for reference.

 

[tuning-forks]

Nice bike, and looks to be all stock which is what I always look for.
Coolant that is motorcycle specific is more expensive, so I would say there are no 'affordable' versions. The owners manual does not call for anything motorcycle specific, so I don't worry about it.
They call for a 'high-quality ethylene-glycol anti-freeze with corrosion inhibitors for aluminum engines', that's it.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Plus 1 on Prestone pre-mixed as well. No issues...

As for the tank, it's not double walled (pic taken from where the fuel pump resides:

 

[grcamna7]

Plus 1 on Prestone pre-mixed as well. No issues...

As for the tank, it's not double walled (pic taken from where the fuel pump resides:

I see

 

[grcamna7]

I'll be changing my coolant.
I will be installing Prestone Platinum;I checked all the requirements of it,and it meets them.
I believe it's the blue;do I need to completely flush my cooling system out a couple times before I add this coolant ?

 

[grcamna7]

This is what I found under the seat of my FZ6: what tools am I missing from the kit ?

 

[Gary in NJ]

A radiator flush is always a good idea. You could have the original fluid in the system…you have no way of knowing.

Tool kit looks complete. I hope that’s not your only source for tools.

 

[grcamna7]

A radiator flush is always a good idea. You could have the original fluid in the system…you have no way of knowing.

Tool kit looks complete. I hope that’s not your only source for tools.

Gary, especially the coolant,yes;my guess is that the bike hadn't had anything like the coolant changed,plugs,etc. I plan to give this bike everything it needs.

I imagine I have most of the tools,although a pair of pliers,etc? might be missing

I have plenty of other tools to work on it;I hope I don't need to adjust the valves just yet;14,500miles.
Where is the fuel filter located ?

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

The fuel filter is attached to the fuel pump INSIDE the gas tank...

.

 

[Gary in NJ]

Gary, especially the coolant,yes;my guess is that the bike hadn't had anything like the coolant changed,plugs,etc. I plan to give this bike everything it needs.

I imagine I have most of the tools,although a pair of pliers,etc? might be missing

I have plenty of other tools to work on it;I hope I don't need to adjust the valves just yet;14,500miles.
Where is the fuel filter located ?

Valve service is at 25,000 miles.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

.

 

[grcamna7]

The fuel filter is attached to the fuel pump INSIDE the gas tank...

.

I have a Service book on the way,should give me more info on service items;the PO didn't keep-up with it,but I'm going to turn that around w/ my bike ownership.
I'm looking for the proper Yamaha model # so I can get the correct paper copy OEM Owner's Manual.
Can I get the exact model # of my FZ6 if I call a dealer and give them my VIN # ?


I was looking at your signature on the post and noticed you have a custom luggage rack on your FZ6.
How does it work for you ?

 

[grcamna7]

There are a couple of methods to fix/repair the dent. One is to heat it with a torch and introduce a few psi of compressed air, using the torch to encourage movement where needed. The other is bringing it to a dent repair guy that uses suction cups. The problem with both methods is that it’s a double walled tank, so the repair will may or may not work.

I have a fuel tank on a custom motorcycle that was reshaped by cutting it in half, removing a section, and then rewelding the tank together. The tank had a good dent, but it was repaired to perfection. Before and after photos attached for reference. View attachment 93630View attachment 93631

Gary, I like your Suzuki Savage Race Replica.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

I was looking at your signature on the post and noticed you have a custom luggage rack.
How does it work for you ?

The "main" unit itself is from Europe and is a genuine Yamaha product that
clamps around the grab rail- NO drilling. It's meant for a top box that
I guess would snap on to the bracket.

I had to order this from across the pond many, many moons ago.

Once installed I fabbed up, out 1/8" aluminum the below plate. I wanted it to
use the space wisely, not look goofy and function with just using bungee cords..
The finish is black truck bed liner paint so it can easily be re-sprayed.
Attaching the plate to the bracket are 4 "dished (not the right word) SS bolts
with SS (nylon) locking nuts. That took some careful measuring before drilling
all holes so all were dead nuts on.

Does it work? Very, very well. I can/have bungee(d) Pizza's, card board box with groceries,
chain saw's, weed eaters, most anything under about 20 lbs. For very odd shapes, use more
cords and wrap up around the item so as not to come loose..

I also have a black, plastic, milk carton container (which milk is shipped to stores in) that'll bolt to the plate.
I don't use that often, that doesn't look so good (but does work well).

 

[grcamna7]

The "main" unit itself is from Europe and is a genuine Yamaha product that
clamps around the grab rail- NO drilling. It's meant for a top box that
I guess would snap on to the bracket.

I had to order this from across the pond many, many moons ago.

Once installed I fabbed up, out 1/8" aluminum the below plate. I wanted it to
use the space wisely, not look goofy and function with just using bungee cords..
The finish is black truck bed liner paint so it can easily be re-sprayed.
Attaching the plate to the bracket are 4 "dished (not the right word) SS bolts
with SS (nylon) locking nuts. That took some careful measuring before drilling
all holes so all were dead nuts on.

Does it work? Very, very well. I can/have bungee(d) Pizza's, card board box with groceries,
chain saw's, weed eaters, most anything under about 20 lbs. For very odd shapes, use more
cords and wrap up around the item so as not to come loose..

I also have a black, plastic, milk carton container (which milk is shipped to stores in) that'll bolt to the plate.
I don't use that often, that doesn't look so good (but does work well).

I like that Very Much
I'm considering a 3-piece luggage system with large hardbags that're sturdy;I would like to find a good combination of lower racks for the bags and a mount for the top case which I can install a top-plate exactly like yours. I really enjoy running 2 wheels 98% of the time and making full use of the luggage carrying capacity of a solid luggage rack.