First Yamaha FZS600 Fazer

[reddeviljp]

Looking at a very good example tomorrow morning and it could be the one for me, my first 'big bike'

Torch, gloves and multi-tool to hand and ready to go.
Anything to look out for or be wary of as I peruse her?
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Bike: 1993 CB400 SuperFour - 1999 Yamaha FZS600 - DAS passed 7/11/13 - Working my way towards a Yamaha FZ1.

[Cadbury]

2nd gear is often described as problematic, mine certainly requires a firm tap to get it past neutral, but that's (apparently) a Yamaha trait throughout.
For me, the rear brake has issues with sticking. Under-slung calliper attracts lots of dirt, again, apparently common enough (or so the garage that did some work on it say) keep on top of cleaning, and it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Other than that, my '98 first gen has been pretty reliable.

[gdj444]

Great bikes, have had four over the last ten years, if its been looked after and has some service history then shouldn't have too much to worry about, some issues around the front sprocket and 2nd gear and most have a crack or two in the fairing but that's about it, I didn't have any problems on any of mine, just don't pay too much, there are loads out there so you can be a bit picky, I sold my last one earlier this year for £1100, it was a 1999 model, with 17k miles and in very good condition for reference

The guys below will tell you all you need to know:

https://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?action=forum

Jonesy

[gdj444]

Oh, and down pipes rot for a pastime so have a very close look at them, budget a couple of hundred if they need doing, if its got stainless pipes then that it is a real bonus!

Jonesy

[yaigi]

Yayyy! Do it! That's what I've got as my first big bike too

Downpipes are prone to rusting - I bought mine and replaced them on it not long after as they developed a hole, so check what sort of state they're in, if they're looking worse for wear then might be worth trying to get some money knocked off so you can replace them.

As has been said, 2nd gear is a known issue (although I've had no issues with mine), and back brake can get sticky (I've had no issue with mine, but Mr Yaigi is currently hammering his before he gets on it every morning to loosen it's death grip haha.)

Other than that, they're pretty damn sturdy reliable bikes and a WHOLE lot of fun as your first bike, but even experienced riders like Mr Yaigi still get a thrill out of em. Love em. (See my quite recent thread about how great I think they are here: https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=278927&highlight=)
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What would you do in life, if you knew you could not fail?
Currently own - Fazer 600, 2000, Red. (But no riding as baby on board atm)

[Amber Phoenix]

Are a good bike.

Do be aware the later Foxeye version (2002-2003), had headlights that weren't shit, sticky out more mirrors that show more than your elbows (interchangeable between models mind) and bigger fuel tank.
If you do go for a Square eye model, consider some of the headlight mods you can do. Pop by foc-uk.co.uk for more info.

Original downpipes on my 2003 model are on way out. Full of holes in the 4 into 1 down at the bottom underneath bike. Pipes at front look fine mind. Decent Venom (from Motad factory) stainless pipes cost ~£160 from ebay shop.

Check fairing for cracks, under indicators and sides. Check fairing/clocks are straight. When dropped the bracket holding it in place can bend and it's a pain to get back straight again.

Gears can be clunky, Yamaha trait. Can be eased slightly by using a good Castrol Racing Power1 oil.

Other wise, usual stuff, check chain for rust, stuck links and hooked teeth on sprockets. Check brakes aren't sticking. Check forks, any pitting, seals leaking etc. Should have centre stand so check swinging arm for play too (probably be fine though).
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Beginner Biker Adventures Blog
Yamaha FZ6 S2 2007

[N cee thirty]

nothing wrong with second gear unless some complete spastic was let loose on it and tried to wheely, yam boxes are usually clunky anyway

my exhaust collector has started to pin hole, but exhaust could be 5/ 6 years old

carb rubbers crack, but don't let air in so just look shit, rubbish headlight for the old one.
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'00 Aprilia RS50 > '92 Honda CG > '99 Yamaha Fazer > '91 Yamaha RXS > '79 Suzuki X5 > 01' Honda Cg > 07' Honda Cg > 82' Kawasaki Z200 > suzuki gsxr 400 gk73a > honda vfr 400 NC30 Mod 2 Passed 09/06/2011

Jewlio Iglesias wrote: I actually did vote BNP once

[reddeviljp]

What a great list chaps, useful for anyone in future. I'll take it with me!
Yaigi, I'll have a read of your thread later but thanks very much.

'2nd gear'
'rear brake has issues with sticking'
'Under-slung calliper attracts lots of dirt'
'most have a crack or two in the fairing'
'front sprocket'
'down pipes rot for a pastime - budget a couple of hundred if they need doing'
'might be worth trying to get some money knocked off so you can replace them. '
'Decent Venom (from Motad factory) stainless pipes cost ~£160 from ebay shop. '
'Check fairing for cracks, under indicators and sides - Check fairing/clocks are straight'
'check chain for rust, stuck links and hooked teeth on sprockets. Check brakes aren't sticking. Check forks, any pitting, seals leaking etc. Should have centre stand so check swinging arm for play too (probably be fine though)'
'carb rubbers crack, but don't let air in so just look shit'

Anything I've missed?
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Bike: 1993 CB400 SuperFour - 1999 Yamaha FZS600 - DAS passed 7/11/13 - Working my way towards a Yamaha FZ1.

[andi]

yes the headlight is piss poor. Great bikes though!

Heres mine before I killed her.

https://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/andipicture/Fazer%20RIP/fazer004.jpg
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Before: Suzuki GT 185. Honda Superdream 250. Yamaha RD350LC. Suziki RG250. Yamaha FZS600. Honda CBR600F3
Now: Honda Fireblade 929

[Quornholio]

I like the look of the foxeye models.

[Andy_Pagin]

Gear changes sound and feel horrible compared to a Suzuki, don't be put off by it. If the back brake feels 'hard' rather than soft and progressive then it's probably in need of a wallop with an expertly wielded club hammer and new pads. That apart they're. Pretty bullet proof
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[Shinigami]

Headlight on mine (08) is fantastic, best headlight on a bike i've had yet

zero issues kicking into 2nd.

Love it,
Woman loves it

winner
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Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.

[reddeviljp]

Sorry about the late posting of this but what a beauty she is.
Thanks very much for all your advice which I drafted into a list. I've now bought it and the young bloke was generous to a fault and gave me a spare screen, brand new rear tyre, spare chain guard, three sets of brake pads, Oxford lock and chain and an Oxford Aquatex cover along with a 40litre Givi box and frame with two keys!

Anyhow, once I got her home I've made an absolute howler in that I turned the ignition to 'P' and I've drained out the battery! Unbelievable!

I've only got one photo that is worth showing at the moment and here she is. I think she looks a belter and I've landed a good one with, as I said above, plenty of extras for the price. 24 000 on the clock and a really good feel to it so I'm more than happy.
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Bike: 1993 CB400 SuperFour - 1999 Yamaha FZS600 - DAS passed 7/11/13 - Working my way towards a Yamaha FZ1.

[Amber Phoenix]

Looks nice. Top stuff.

To make use of the Givi box, you'll need the Givi 340F rack and M3 plate (I assume it's a Monokey box, and not the cheaper Monolock version). Set you back about £100 brand new.

I presume the spare screen is the original one. You've got a decent doublet bubble screen on there. Rear hugger too, always handy to keep crap down. And the crash bars, another handy extra.

Have fun on her! And pop by foc-uk.co.uk and join the rest of us Fazer owners.
____________________
Beginner Biker Adventures Blog
Yamaha FZ6 S2 2007

[Andy_Pagin]

Remember to blast the back brake with brake cleaner regularly.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[reddeviljp]

[Shinigami]

I should probably sign up to that site too. Still loving mine, just reached my first thou miles on it

Very concious of the parking light setting! luckily not drained the battery yet
____________________
Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.

[andi]

That looks very nice. Enjoy!
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Before: Suzuki GT 185. Honda Superdream 250. Yamaha RD350LC. Suziki RG250. Yamaha FZS600. Honda CBR600F3
Now: Honda Fireblade 929

[janner_10]

Good choice for a first bike - solid machines (headlights aside - although to do the both-on mod takes only 10 mins and well worth doing)
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1