New to everything. FZ6 Clean up.

[djp622]

I have come accros a 2004 yamaha Fz6 for super cheap. Its been sitting outdoors under an awning for almost 2 years. I'm located in Utah so winters are rough and summers are hot. When I first got the bike I gave the battery a charge and it started right up. Sputtered a bit but it was the first time the bike had been started for over 7 months. The oil pump cover (might be wrong part) had a very small hole in it were oil would leak out of the bike was on its side too much. I am now on a deployment as I type this and before I left I had to drive the bike to my storage unit about 12 miles away. I changed the oil out and covered the hole with a flat piece of rubber held on by duck tape. Not the greatest Idea but I couldn't get my hands on a truck at the time. The first few miles went very well. The bike obviously rode like it had been sitting for quite sometime. The clutch was lose feeling, the engine had less response then I'm use to on other bikes, but the bike moved along comfortably at 75mph. After about 6 miles the bike just completely shut off. All my electronics were still there. I tried to start her again and she fired right up. I got back on the road and not that far after it did the same thing. It did this for the next few miles and eventually she just wouldn't start again. So my question is this. When I get back from this deployment what would you recommend I do? I wanna have this bike for a while and know it is safe to ride. Is there a way to bring it to a dealership and have a common "x"-point inspection?? What does a bike usually have to go through in order to be back to good working order once its been sitting for this long. I'm new to this and am yearning to learn. If there is any suggestions, recommendations, tips, tricks, and anything else to help me do the right things to this bike when I get back from the desert I would much appreciate it. My goal is to make it naked, and drive it to work everyday. My learning starts here, with this computer, and this forum. Thank you.

Dan.

P.S. sorry if its too long this is the first time I've been on a forum and I am really anxious to get this thing rolling.

 

[pookamatic]

For the engine cutoff issue, the suspect is the cutoff switch. They go bad and cause problems like you describe. Another would be the side stand switch.

Get the oil leak fixed properly, inspect the tank for rust, and tires for dry rot. If you're not mechanically inclined, it might be best to take it to a trusted bike mechanic or dealer and pay for 1/2 hour labor to go over it.

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service.

 

[Xavias]

For the engine cutoff issue, the suspect is the cutoff switch. They go bad and cause problems like you describe. Another would be the side stand switch.

Get the oil leak fixed properly, inspect the tank for rust, and tires for dry rot. If you're not mechanically inclined, it might be best to take it to a trusted bike mechanic or dealer and pay for 1/2 hour labor to go over it.

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service.

Seconded.

Ride safe!

 

[Yasko]

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service.

+1 :welcome:

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

:welcome: and thank you for serving!

+1 on the handlebar kill switch being the issue, not un-common at all. It can be by passed altoghter when you get home.

If you didn't leave the gas tank topped off with fuel, if you can get someone to do that along with Seafoam (or another fuel stabilizer) would be good. The inside of the tank tends to rust if left partially full leading to other problems.

Is the hole in the right side or left side of the engine? If the chain was over lubed, oil will drip by the front sprocket. Goo also likes to collect there over time...

I'll send you a PM re maintainance...

 

[djp622]

I left the gas tank as full as could be and put two bottles of iso-heet in the tank. Will that be fine? I do have a buddy lookin over the storage unit. If i needed to I could have him check it out. Which he should be doing every few weeks or so. The whole is on the right side of the bike. Is there more to converting to naked then just buying the streetfighter headlight unit and throwing it on there? Also, have you guys ever heard of anyone powder coating rims on a motorcycle. I wanna find a way to make my rims a matte white color without going out and buying a whole new set. Just a couple questions that popped up in my head. Thanks for the welcomes!!! Being on the forum for two days and its already been a big help.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

From what I've read re iso-heat:

The #1 brand for fast cold weather starts year-round & water removal. Absorbs 5 times more water than regular gas-line antifreeze. Recommended for fuel-injection engines. Safe for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. Use in all engines including 2-cycle or diesel engines.
Features & Benefits
•Prevents Fuel-Line Freeze-Ups
•Prevents Rust & Corrosion
•For Quick Winter Starts

It doesn't mention being a fuel stabilizer. IMHO, I'd add a good dose of Seafoam(for fuel stabilizing) and top off the tank.

You can powdercoat the wheels but you'll have to strip them down compleatly, (seals, bearings, etc) and cover up anything you don't want powdercoated (where bearings would seat, etc)

As for the streetfighter mod, I've never done one but from what I've read here on the forum, the hardest part is hiding the wires and if going to one headlight, some wiring changes. Do a search, its been done a bunch of tmes..

And if the bike will start, run it for a bit and get the Seafoam into the injectors so it can help clean and keep them from varnishing up..