New owner 2001 FZS1000

[Rusty]

Hello all.


I'm using my first post to seek advice.


I recently acquired a 2001 Fazer 1000 which has done 34k miles. The bike is a one owner machine and is in very good condition. The previous owner has certainly looked after it, and the 34k mileage was accrued 2 weeks each summer on 3k mile European holidays, which I know to be true.


The service history is stamped up for the first 16k or so then the owner said he did it himself after that. Having asked what he meant by that he replied that oil was changed (fully synthetic) once a year - so every 3k miles, chain and sprockets air and oil filters etc all done by him. I took it from that to mean the valve clearances haven't been checked in this time.  The bike runs well however, with no untoward noises or rattles etc.


So on to my question.  I've ridden the bike for the last month or so and in that time have got a feel for it. I'm not a fast rider so for me the handling is still adequate, but I do suffer from a lot of high frequency vibration through the handlebars at 4-5k revs, so much so in fact that my hands get pins and needles after just 30 odd miles at around 80mph.  I'm sure there are a number of possibilities for this, not least the carbs may need balancing, but I've been shocked by the cost of a full service running at around £500.00  The gearbox is also very clattery when compared to my 1200 Suzuki Bandit.


Otherwise the bike is in such good condition I thought of it as a keeper, but now I'm unsure if spending £500 on a service for an eleven year old bike is wise? What do you guys think my options are?

[Dave48]

Interesting questions! I acquired a 2002 FZS 1000 last summer which, had  in the hands of its prev owners covered 21000m. Service history was more or less complete until 2 years ago. I have reasonable mechanical skills so over the autumn I "started from scratch" with the service items. This included replacing the brake seals in callipers & master cylinders-bike already had braided hoses fitted. Some jobs are fiddly but there are a lot of friendly& knowledgeable people on our forum. The larger part of service costs @ dealer is labour charge & VAT plus all consumables charged @ full RRP. I have now got 23500 miles up & this yearor next will belooking @ having the valves checked. BUT if I use the dealer thats all I will ask them to do. Your vibration issue may be carb imbalance-not a difficult job to do with a set of gauges. A haynes manual is helpful also you can download the workshop manual on this forum. Good luck!

[karlo]

Firstly I would shop around and get more prices on the service, as to vibrations as said a carb balance tho' you may like to have a read here http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,74.msg244.html#msg244 or do a search on "Carb mod" there's plenty for you to read on the subject and Mike (Falcon 269) is the guru to speak to on that subject.

[kebab19]

The big money is for the big valve clearance check, only due every 24000 miles. Highly unlikely (but not impossible) that they'll need adjusted. Shop around for cheaper quotes

As stated, vibes may well be the carbs out of balance

[Rusty]

Thanks fella's.
I think I should have also mentioned that my mechanical aptitude, let alone ability is around zero.  


I will do a little more shopping around then.

I have heard of Ivanising in relation to Fazers as it's now creeping into some Bandit owner's vocabulary too. Having ridden the fazer this last month I'm very impressed with its comfort and all round capability so I would like to keep it, but I thought I'd check with other owners in case they had any tips on how to keep those initial costs down.  Do the carb's go out of balance often?


For example rather than pay a garage to balance the carbs might it be better to put that money toward the Ivanising?  Also I've read that the shims don't often need replacing and a Yamaha dealer confirmed that but I guess at 34k they are likely needing at least a check for peace of mind.  I suppose what I'm asking is if  I commit to keeping it and therefore commit to spending several hundred quid on it, what would be the wisest way to spend that money?

[karlo]

rather than pay a garage to balance the carbs might it be better to put that money toward the Ivanising?

Definitely "full monty" is the way, but then I may just be a wee bit biased  , speak to Mike he will point you right fella!

[BIG MAC]

They should be bomb proof mechanically if kept serviced

[Tmation]

Where abouts are you in the country?


Some people on here are willing to help or know a decent home/independent mechanic.


Checking your own valve clearances isn't too hard, just make sure every thing is clean before pulling valve cover off.

[mcyoungy]

If you're near me I'll gladly help out.


Gear change is hugely improved by fitting the R1 shift arm. I couldn't believe how much better it became - like a bike should be, not the stock pudding stirrer.


Get your carbs balanced and relax your grip on the bars. At 34k the carbs will be way off.


I was quite happy to leave the valve check at 24k til it's got twice that on it..... can't see it being needed.

[Rusty]

I'm up north, near Preston.


I'd like to know more about the R1 gear shift mod.  Apart from the vibration the clunky gearshift the only thing that spoils the bike, especially in comparison with the slick Suzuki gearbox on my other bike.  I'm happy to leave the valves for another few thousand if necessary, I don't thrash it, in fact it's rare I go over 7-8k rpm.


Think I'll get the carbs balanced for now then until Mike is next in the area again then I'll go for Ivanising.

[Dave48]

BEFORE you go for the gear shift mod its worth checking the adjustment of the gear change linkage & greasing the two joints(each end of rod under rubber boot). Daresay theres members close to you in North West willing to help with advice/servicing. Just by having everything adjusted & set up right you will be pleasantly surprised what a difference it all makes to the enjoyment.
Fazer Thou worth spending money on?.......well youd have to go a long way to find a bike with similar all round competence...Sure things will wear & go out of tune slightly but these are seriously good bikes & you wont regret ownership if youre like the rest of us! [size=78%] [/size]

[mcyoungy]

Fitting an early R1 shift arm reduces the gear lever travel from some 3" to less than 2". It's the piece between the shift shaft and link rod.


Items 10 and 11:


http://www.yamahamotorcyclespares.co.uk/spares/epc2.asp?modelID=9753&PageiD=19&m=YAMAHA+FZS1000+FAZER+2002++2002+SHIFT+SHAFT&uID=0


You can pick up the whole thing on Ebay for a tenner.

[dekker555]

Hi Rusty, As you say" I don't thrash it, in fact it's rare I go over 7-8k rpm." I, and Mike will doubtless agree, a slip-on Ivan's conversion will suit you fine, as I am a similar rider to yourself, and found it fantastic. If you would like the R1 gear change conversion, if you send me a £12 cheque, you are welcome to mine (I found it a bit heavy on my left boot) so I have now removed it. I am not anxious to sell it, but if you would like it, you are welcome to it.

[Rusty]

dekker you're PM'd.


Can anyone give me a ball park figure for the cost to supply and fit the Ivan's kit?  The bike is currently fitted with a blue flame end can will that be compatible?  These bikes must be fairly torquey as it is because I'm continually going for 'seventh' gear, but big mid range is what I like which is why I enjoyed the 1200 bandit so much.


I'll do a search now for the most common mods. 

[Falcon 269]

Shoot me a PM, Rusty, including your e-mail address and I'll get back to you with info on 'Ivanising' options.

Mike

[ghostbiker]

i have a blue flame on mine and it works best i find with 1 of the 2 baffels in. but works well in any config of baffels etc.

[Rusty]

i have a blue flame on mine and it works best i find with 1 of the 2 baffels in. but works well in any config of baffels etc.

Yes mine has just one baffle in the bottom (I think?) There's also a blanking plug for the top but that isn't currently fitted. 

[dekker555]

Rusty, please contact me through my PROFILE.

[ZiggyCol]

Dekker - pm sent