Hello from near Brampton, Cumbria

[gasmenace]

Hi

Just joined. I've had the same 02 plate FZS1000, bought ex-demo from J&L Carlisle, since 2003.



Prior to that it was FJ1200s.

As you can see, I don't keep it too clean! Also, I'm useless mechanically, so get it serviced at J&L every year.

As I'm an old fart, a hopefully soon to be retired hospital doctor, I mostly use the car, so it is a pretty low mileage bike at 15k. I have commuted and toured on it in the past, and hope to tour again when I retire. My riding style is what might be described as "sedate", so I square off all tyres long before I wear them out.

So far (touch wood) it's been reliable, with only new batteries occasionally needed. It came with the belly pan, and the only mods fitted are a taller screen, Scottoiler and the Givi kit.

As it is the bike's 10th birthday this year, and since I've no plans or need to change (never ridden anything I like better), I'm considering spending some money on a bit of a spa treatment for it this year, assuming costs can be kept reasonable,  the idea being to make it last for another 10 years of maximal reliability and hopefully minimal cleaning!

As well as a full service and total fluid etc change, it could really do with a thorough tear down of bodywork (hopefully the low mileage engine won't need much doing) and close inspection, with everything that's become corroded replaced, everything loose tightened, and everything that has stuck together freed!

It could maybe do with new/improved chain/sprockets maybe, new clutch and choke cables, and some sensible upgrades like braided brake lines. Maybe a deep cycle battery and the like too. I'd also like a bar riser fitted, as my neck really hurts after a few hours - down to posture, not wind buffeting. 

Basically I want a "feels like new" (don't care about "looks like new"!) bike at rock bottom price.  Hopefully J&L might be able to help me, but if they can't, anyone know of anyone in Cumbria or S Scotland... ?

Anyway, I'd find all suggestions and advice from the group welcome, and I'm hoping to enjoy membership of this group!

Colin

[manuel32]

Hello there, glad you dropped in,nice bike and with those miles it will last thirty years, just change the worn,stuck bits.


Billy.

[D4Delta]

Hi Colin - welcome. Bike looks nice in spite of what you say. Reliability is the main thing and yours sounds good. Hope all the things you want to do don't set you back too much.


Hope your retirement plans go according to plan. In my experience you are almost as busy after retirement as before. Would be great to have more time for the bike.


Very best wishes & safe driving.


David. 

[Rusty]

Hello Colin, nice bike with plenty of life left in it.

[gasmenace]

Thanks for the welcome gents.

Now I'll need to work through the old forum posts to see what I need to be doing to the bike to set it up for the next 10 years.

Colin

[Dave48]

Welcome to the forum & I hope you will soon be able to enjoy the bike more frequently once you are out of the " world of work"!
Like yourself I have a 52 plate(2001 model) with 3 previous owners-only one of whom did any real mileage in his ownership but when I bought  her last August it was clear that time & money had been lavished on her. However service history is ok as far as it goes but very few dealers/repairers will carry out any of the non-routine service items without asking, so for peace of mind I started with a clean sheet so to speak & started to do the lot-it became apparent that items like the exup valve had been overlooked-this winter will be doing the steering and swing arm bearings & the valve clearance check(25k miles).
Your engine should be fine @ 15k miles-just regular oil& filter changes. I try to look at the different SYSTEMS that make up a motorcycle(bit like a doctor checking patient!) & check everything related to their function. I would be looking @ refreshing your suspension & replacing all brake system seals(including master cylinders) & definitely change the rubber brake hoses for braided. Just by removing various body parts you will be able to access a lot of stuff-eg wiring connectors for cleanliness/security.
I appreciate you may not have the mechanical knowledge/confidence to tackle some of the work but its very satisfying learning new skills with a knowledgeable friend to help/advise. Mostly its common sense. Am sure you will find lots of help here. Good luck! :lol

[gasmenace]

Thanks all who replied. I'm hoping to pick up some tips as to how this bike and I can live out what time we have left together, with the minimum of replacement parts (for me, that is)!

Good starting point for the overhaul too Dave48 - I will definitely do what you suggested. I think I'll start a thread asking for advice in the appropriate section - in fact, I'll do it now!

Colin