Failed Mot, downpipe question about replacement

[Andy Smith FZS]

Hello,

I was going to give the Yamaha dealer a call tomorrow to ask if the thundercat downpipes are a potential replacement.
Forgot to ask earlyier when I was speaking to one of the guys waiting for the mot results.. In my eagerness to get the bike mot'd, I failed to notice both brakes were binding slightly (why the bike seemed super heavy), one footrest needed tightened up and the blowing collector pipe on the exhaust.  So really should have checked this before, put new battery, oil and filters in a week ago but I'm 30 quid lighter and abit red in the face.

Had a look on the forum but couldn't see anything.

Cheers

Andy (FZS 600 2003)

[Dead Eye]

From what I've seen on here before, the Thundercat pipes won't fit due to the angle at which the engine is mounted comparatively

[Andy Smith FZS]

I noticed the part numbers were different online,
http://www.motad.co.uk/product.php?prod=...ctor+Unit.
http://www.motad.co.uk/product.php?prod=...ector+Unit

I take it would be more than a quick fab job to work.

There's one on eBay for 150 so half price on the new fsz one.

Cheers for the reply.

[His Dudeness]

foxwood has a good looking original set here http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,6967.0.html

[Andy Smith FZS]

I had a look at them before posting this thread. From what's happened to my oem one, what I've read online, looking for a decent stainless steel set and fork out the money but try and save abit at the same time...

[NotAnotherHill]

Sandybikespares do good replacement downpipes at a good price. Popular replacements for the standard OEM pipes. I put them on mine last year.


http://stores.ebay.co.uk/sandybikespares

[Dead Eye]

+1 for Sandy Spares - they can even survive a fire and polish up looking nice again

[DryRob]

You might be able to get away with gobbing up the hole with exhaust putty to get you through the test

[Buzz]

+1 for the putty, I've got some Granville stuff and it sets like iron.  I covered a 3cm x 3mm split along the collector which has held solid for the last 3 months, should get me through the MOT in May just fine. 


As long as you sand back the rust so it's not flaky and wet the area with your finger you're good to go, slap it on and leave it for 24 hours.  It advises to idle the engine to increase drying and bonding but I found that just blows a hole in the wet putty, easier to run the bike before you start to get the pipes hot.  Also make sure you wear some latex gloves as that stuff is NASTY to wash off!

[Andy Smith FZS]

Putty idea wasn't something I had considered for cheers for the advice. 

On the Sandy Spares side of things, anyone got any to say about the full system they offer for just under 300 quid.  Yam Dealer advised me to get the motad ones but I can't seem to justify that.  The guy in the dealer mentioned a full exhaust system probably wouldn't give me any performance gain.  So apart from the shiney, shiney factor I dont know if its worth getting a full system or downpipes the now and possibly new can and link pipe down the line.

Need to get the brake calipers off over the weekend.  Might give them a lick of paint.  Blue fazer with yellow/high vis rim tape.  Any ideas for colours, yellow/high vis calipers might be abit over the top.

I'm dreading take the header bolts out when it comes to that.  Got a blowtorch in the garage, several cans of WD40, bolts look abit flakey so I'm not confident but dont the garage to see it as an open cheque book job.    :'(

[Buzz]

I've gotta do my headers soon but am going down the dremel, cold chisel route as per this thread...looks like more work but much safer than snapping the studs off.

[Andy Smith FZS]

Cheers Buzz, looked through a few threads already but must have missed this one.  Might be a job for the weekend,  dont think my dad's got a dremel so it might be a trip to screwfix.  Is it the nut or nut and bolt people change to s/s so it doesnt rust.  People mention something about an M6 size bolt on another thread.

Bit of newbie when it comes to this stuff,  did my first service the other week which was very easy (with the right tools), bled the brakes (again easy) brakes to be stripped (should be pretty easy) then the new exhaust which I'm hoping will be easier than expected.

Cheers again for the advice. 

[Dead Eye]

Most change the nut only and try to clean up the stud. If the studs are in good condition you may be able to remove them and replace them, but in my opinion its not worth the hassle as if you snap one then its basically an engine out job to get someone to drill it out and re-tap the head...

Just take it steady and don't apply too much torque, but if you are cutting the nuts off then you should have less of a problem. I'd suggest you start spraying them liberally with penetrating fluid like WD40 now and give it a few days to soak in. First set I did practically fell off without any drama... the second time (different bike) every single stud snapped bar one and 2 snapped off flush with the head

[gerkin]

http://www.motad.co.uk/product.php?prod=...ector+Unit

these can be had on ebay for 150 inc p/p from motad direct

[gerkin]

here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FAZER-600-FZS6...51aa62aaff

[bandit]

As gerkin said give Motad a ring & quote ebay price & thats what your pay, yamaha dealer is correct Motad pipes are prefered as have the little balance pipes like OEM. Bike will need a carb balance after fitting. Their endcans are good to. Patching if poss will get you through mot in short term.   

[Andy Smith FZS]

The eBay listing you posted was ended. I'm guessing an email to motard with that attached would do after a quick phone call.
Looks like that's 25 pound saved and a better product.  Might even try getting a decent price on a full system. 

Thanks for the advice.

Anyone painted calipers before or know any decent brands that sell suitable coloured paint without spending silly money.  Also brake discs look abit dirty so a good scrub with brake cleaner should help unless anyone has any other suggestions

Cheers

Andy

[bandit]

Hi just give them a call they are nice guys, as said £150 inc postage if you ring them early morning they send out on next day delivery don't worry if not on their Ebay site they will have them in stock.    

[gerkin]

[Dead Eye]

Oooohh shiney  8)