New here

[mickvp]

Hello, my name is Greg, 60yrs  old, I live in Durham and am currently wanting to buy a Fazer 1000.
I have an Aprilia RSVR that I use for track days and short rides but want a Fazer for longer stuff and touring. I've just sold a Blackbird as I was no longer comfortable on it.
I've been to see a really nice '03 Fazer (19,000 miles) but was put off buying as the exup valve was rattling loudly, question.....do they all do this ? is it repairable ? is it expensive to repair ? what other options are there i.e. remove it, custom system, jam it open etc?
I would appreciate your input,
thanks,
Greg

Hi Greg,

In answer to your questions (welcome to the forum, by the way )) most will be rattling if they have not been properly maintained or serviced. Mines rattles a little, but it's not so bad or loud as to be a cause for concern. There are a few guides on the site if you search which take you step by step through servicing them, and also checking the cables are setup correctly, which goes some way to reducing or eliminating the rattle.

If the expulsion fails completely (depending on how it has failed - normally they seize or bend) then they can either be repaired or new units are needed. If you need a new unit, then it can be very costly if you buy new - so try and source a good used one on eBay or in our for sale section which will normally be cheaper.

Jamming it open is not advised as you will lose a lot of the character of the engine, and a chunk of low end torque will disappear. There are systems to remove it entirely (replacement headers) but these are difficult to get "right" and cheap 4-2-1 systems will also result in a loss of low end torque. A 4-1 system with horizontal collector plate is what your after if possible, but not many places make these now and they are expensive.

So long as the valve is free and the cables are in good condition then you should be able to service it regularly and not have too many problems.