Date: 29-03-24  Time: 11:23 am

Author Topic: FZS600 first bike - advice?  (Read 6160 times)

Arfa

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #25 on: 30 January 2020, 01:46:55 pm »
Hmm £1100, I'd be really bargaining him down. Being sat stationary for 7 years, it's likely to have many niggles that'll need a very thorough service to sort out.

TBH, I'd be looking at a later 2002-2003 model (which are better spec'd) that has been used fairly regularly.
Check out this 2003 model on ebay, £1500 from a dealer with 28K on it. Mot history, shows it had a few hundred or thousand miles put on it each year. Mentions a binding back brake, so that'd prob need swapping. Also mention corrosion - probably the downpipes and that rear brake caliper strut. But at least it'll have 3 months warranty on it....
Another similar one here, 2002, 29k on it, £1450. Which again has had a thou miles put on it most years.

Extend your budget to £1.5k, get a later model, pick one that been maintained and used regularly, it'll be a much safer bet.

deanflyer

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #26 on: 30 January 2020, 05:10:55 pm »
To be honest I was only buying it as its my friends bike, and he was happy to keep it for me until I passed my test. Seems like theres a lot of love for the FZS600 on here and another friend had one as his first bike and thought it was ace. Im happy to spend money on the bike, although I know I wont necessarily get it back.


BTW I maybe a new rider, but ive just gone the wrong side of 50, so have a sensible(ish) attitude to learning and welcome any suggestions.


Money isnt really an issue, but thought having something like this for my first year riding would be a good idea.


Budget wise id be happy to spend 5-6K on a new bike if it was going to be a keeper, however im guessing whats suitable now may not be suitable once Ive got more experience.




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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #27 on: 30 January 2020, 05:55:18 pm »
This one looks like a real bargain at £1050 http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?topic=25891.0

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #28 on: 30 January 2020, 09:28:36 pm »
There’s not too many Fazers or other bikes at £1000 or less these days that don’t require a bit of work in my experience.

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #29 on: 31 January 2020, 05:33:06 pm »
If i were in your shoes i'd offer a lowball figure to your mate say £775 of course at 1st he might be a little miffed but sooner or later he will ponder the offer and may say £800 to which your still spending 1k once you get it all tidied up and the major points sorted.
If he doesnt move on price then jog on to the next one.... private sales are better for haggling.


Stealerships buy em cheap as a trade in say £5/600 give em a wash and a quick once over, a ride round the block and offer a token warranty but the price is now £15/1600


Go see as many as you can theres plenty around its a buyers market
« Last Edit: 31 January 2020, 05:34:49 pm by 74eldiablo »

mtread

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #30 on: 01 February 2020, 12:03:58 am »
Agree with what's said. If it's been stood for 7 years it's not worth over a grand.


Paying any more, and you're being charitable.


Have a serious conversation, as a mate. He would have trouble offloading it at the price he's asking.

darrsi

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #31 on: 01 February 2020, 07:50:57 am »
To be honest I was only buying it as its my friends bike, and he was happy to keep it for me until I passed my test. Seems like theres a lot of love for the FZS600 on here and another friend had one as his first bike and thought it was ace. Im happy to spend money on the bike, although I know I wont necessarily get it back.


BTW I maybe a new rider, but ive just gone the wrong side of 50, so have a sensible(ish) attitude to learning and welcome any suggestions.


Money isnt really an issue, but thought having something like this for my first year riding would be a good idea.


Budget wise id be happy to spend 5-6K on a new bike if it was going to be a keeper, however im guessing whats suitable now may not be suitable once Ive got more experience.


"...Seems like there's a lot of love for the FZS600 on here..."


Funny that, must be just a coincidence?  :lol
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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #32 on: 01 February 2020, 05:50:04 pm »
I rechecked the MOT history and he got it MOTd last year, but it only shows 70 miles difference from 2011 until last years MOT which expires on 5th Feb. I'm guessing this doesnt make much difference and comments ref price still stand?

Gnasher

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #33 on: 01 February 2020, 07:18:32 pm »
How long it's been off the road, matters little if the bike has been looked after.  I had mine off the road for almost 5 yrs, stored correctly, started, thoroughly warmed up couple times a year, it still had the same petrol in it, it would start first go every go.  When I put it back on the road, I checked the tyre pressure, top up the fuel tank, got it MOTd and away it went.


What matters is it's physical condition, I look after a few that have less than 10k on them, they're as new.       
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mtread

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #34 on: 01 February 2020, 11:45:20 pm »
I believe that you don't need to have a running engine to pass an MOT?

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #35 on: 02 February 2020, 10:07:33 am »
I believe that you don't need to have a running engine to pass an MOT?


No, the engine must run for them to check the exhaust system for noise, which would also expose leaks in it and in the fuel the system.
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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #36 on: 02 February 2020, 11:33:32 am »
Good point.

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #37 on: 05 February 2020, 09:31:02 am »
From my first hand experience:I bought 1999 Fazer last November. 16k miles on the clock and great condition, no dents or scratches anywhere. According to MOT history it's done 2k miles in last 4 years.I knew right away I'll have to replace downpipes by next MOT (leaking exhaust advisory), 160-180 quid if you can do it yourself.
Suspected I'll need new tyres, turned out correct - 180 for a pair of Michelin Pilot Power CT 2 (Roads were too expensive :) ).
Chain looks OK but lost fair bit of O-rings - replacement is around 100 quid if doing yourself.Brake lines have no bulges or leaks but I want to replace them anyway - another 100 for set if doing yourself.

I accepted that when buying 20 years old bike that hasn't done many miles in last few years I will have to spend at least 500 quid for consumables. But I intend to keep it for a few years and I'm using it daily for commute, so I'm willing to do it all.
My take on it is: Buy cheap and spend extra doing stuff yourself or pay more hoping it's been done already - works out the same in price so I'll do it myself and spread the cost over few months as well.



Heated grips - I've spent 3 hours on mine because I got distracted with fitting USB charger, checking air filter, checking oil, coolant and generally rummaging around under the tank (it was off for wiring grips so why not :). Doing just grips would be under 1 hour I think.



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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #38 on: 11 December 2023, 04:52:17 pm »
Their Achilles heel, is the rear shock on all models, as standard they last no more than 8k and the rear caliper. 


Sorry to dig this up, but I am thinking of buying a used Fazer 600 and see many models with 40k + kilometres on the clock. Do I really need to change the rear suspension shortly after my purchase? Because they are quite costly (300€+), money I do not really wanna spend on such an old bike.
« Last Edit: 11 December 2023, 05:20:59 pm by hobbicon »

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #39 on: 11 December 2023, 05:13:38 pm »
Yes.  It depends on quite a few factors, but even a well looked after bike.  The shock at 15k miles ish will have lost its edge at least, most will have stopped damping in any predictable manner.  That said one of the factors is how and where you ride, a past it's best shock my not be noticed by you.

Don't let the shock issue put you off as long as the rest is fine.  Shocks come in many guises, most quality AM second hand can be rebuilt and picked up for £100 or so.  Factor in a rebuild approx the same cost, will give you a a quality replacement.

Often quality AM can snapped up for a little more needing no work at all.




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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #40 on: 11 December 2023, 05:23:25 pm »
Yes.  It depends on quite a few factors, but even a well looked after bike.  The shock at 15k miles ish will have lost its edge at least, most will have stopped damping in any predictable manner.  That said one of the factors is how and where you ride, a past it's best shock my not be noticed by you.



Thanks for the quick answer, I did not expect you to reply.
So technically I can ride on without having to upgrade the rear suspension? It's just not a great experience I guess.

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #41 on: 11 December 2023, 05:48:59 pm »
Possibly, depends how bad or not to you shock is.  What do you ride currently?
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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #42 on: 11 December 2023, 05:51:43 pm »
Possibly, depends how bad or not to you shock is.  What do you ride currently?


Currently nothing, sold my PD06 Hond Transalp a few months ago. I am looking for a solid but inexpensive learner bike for 2 or 3 years.
A local dealer (Germany, sold with one year of warranty) has offered me a Fazer 600 (2001) with 20k km in very good condition for a bit over 2000€.

But I am not sure if I should not spend a few Euros more on a CB500X, if I have to upgrade the rear suspension and possibly the exhaust manifold of the Fazer.



« Last Edit: 11 December 2023, 05:56:42 pm by hobbicon »

Gnasher

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #43 on: 11 December 2023, 06:01:03 pm »
Transalps have more suspension travel compared to a Fazer.

That and depending on how good the shock on the Alp was, could we'll make the Fazer for you a sports feel.  Try it and take a view. To be honest most owners don't push their bikes hard enough (solo) to notice a under damped shock, providing it's not really bad.
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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #44 on: 12 December 2023, 09:30:00 am »
sorry to jump on this tread, there was mention of magnet test for the headers, mine is 2001 model boy eye, the down pipes are stainless manky but stainless and magnets do not stick, the only magnet part is the link pipe attached to the end can, the can itself has stainless outer at least, but the pipe going into as said is black mild steel. Down pipes up to the joint are stainless.


is this an oem set up? the end can is oem, going by the seized and sheared exhaust bolts i think its original as well?

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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #45 on: 12 December 2023, 09:35:04 am »
Not sure what you're asking?  OEM for your model year is stainless headers/down tubes, with a mild steel link pipe/ end can fitted with an outer stainless sleeve. 



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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #46 on: 12 December 2023, 10:39:49 am »
yes just checking if that is right as some said mild steel down pipes.
Actually looks decent grade stainless ie no damage magnet will not stick to it and seems to clean up ok, unless big performance gain see no need to change it then? take it link pipe and end can all needed to have full stainless system?


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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #47 on: 12 December 2023, 07:15:37 pm »
Ok got you now.  ;)  To correct myself, your model yr 01 should have mild steel double skin down tubes.  It's very likely you've got aftermarket stainless steel replacements on your bike.  OE stainless weren't fitted until 02 and they aren't that good. 
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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #48 on: 14 December 2023, 11:32:19 am »
plot thickens. might be non oem down pipes then but been there long enough to seize so badly the studs shear off.


Ah well when i get time over the festive break will clean it up and see about a stainless can and link pipe if i ever get the studs fixed


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Re: FZS600 first bike - advice?
« Reply #49 on: 15 December 2023, 04:56:23 pm »
Adding to his question abot the exhaust pipes.
The dealer sent me pictures of it, looks a bit rusty, but does it need immediate replacement?


Exhaust pipe
Exhaust pipe


The first picture looked fine.


Exhaust pipe
Exhaust pipe
« Last Edit: 15 December 2023, 05:00:45 pm by hobbicon »