4 Common Problems with the Yamaha FZ6!

In this video I go over the four most common issues I see with the Yamaha FZ6 platform including the S1 and S2 versions. After years of working on this bike as well as creating content on the bike I believe these are the most common points of trouble any owner may have with this otherwise very reliable machine.
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[@h4xi0rek]

When it comes to the tensioner - the easiest way to determine if it is the problem is to listen to it when you let go of the gas - it gets tensioned when you accelerate but it becomes loose when there is no power. If you hear any rattle or grinding noise when you let go of the throttle then that is clearly the issue.

[@Calvinm]

Good point 👍

[@luisnoronha79]

shouldn't be otherwise???, hear the rattle when throttle is off, because is lose??? and then stop hearing it once you push as is tensioned??... mine acts like that... once i start to push i stop hearing the rattle......

[@ischwhit6747]

@@luisnoronha79 it's a hydraulic tensioner, meaning it gets tension from oil pressure. on throttle, pressure goes up/tensioner tensions; off throttle, pressures drop/tensioner loosens.

[@richardrichard5409]

😂😂😂

[@Mcleod1523]

Thank you Calvin! I have a 2008 FZ6, With about 8,000 miles on it now. I absolutely love this bike. Just wanted to let you know that every FZ6 owner is blessed to have your shared knowledge amongst us. Much love to ya brother. HoldFast, God speed, and safe travels.

[@Calvinm]

Thanks for your kind words! 😁 happy to help. Ride safe

[@your_avgsquid]

I have the same exact thing but mine is running terribly

[@FlemNmzzzz]

Best channel for any FZ6 owner, hands down. Your channel is a Godsend, bro.

[@Calvinm]

Wow, thanks!

[@owenmattson2015]

Other than the tps, the fix for all my issues has been a delkevic exhaust with the baffles out. No chance of hearing the tick tick when you only hear vroom vroom!

[@allanrobinson621]

They are loud enough with the baffle in.🤣🤣🤣

[@adrianking8911]

That…….. is a very good idea ! 👍

[@kjcd0407]

Amen brother. The delkevic was my solution too 😂

[@Paulie1978100]

Calvin, your an amazing gift, to all FZ6 owners! thanks again for this excellent vid!! I'm just back from a ride and was wondering about the rattling.. Cheers for clearing up that its normal, big respect from Dublin Ireland 👍🏽, and as always... ride safe bro

[@Calvinm]

Thanks Paul! Really appreciate your kind words! Ride safe too 👍🏽

[@NC-xk1eg]

Of my 8 bikes this is far & away the best bike I've ever owned or even ridden! Very thorough video! Thank you.

[@user-ti9po5po6w]

Just bought used fz-6s from a friend of mine and it's so great that there is a channel that explaines all the maintenance stuff I need to do. Thanks for that great job yo've done!

[@Rubenfz6]

After 2 FZ6N (2005 s1 2007 s2) , 6/7 years owner, more than 65,000km, it's amazing bike. I agree with you.

[@Paulie1978100]

I love mine to bits man!! 6 years ownership too, mine is the semi faired, be safe!

[@peterbosch6326]

I've had my 2008 FZ6S S2 since new and love it too. All that I need to do it all. Has 64,000km and still going strong. Just need to replace original rear brake pads next year. Such a good machine!

[@bikesandbits1000]

Thanks for your videos. I have recently come across them and subscribed. I have today picked up an '08 FZ6N. Your videos will be very helpful.

[@Calvinm]

Glad you like them!

[@kamn1]

Hi Calvin, thanks for making these videos its an absolute joy learning from them! I have a 2006 fz6ss with 53kkm and it developed the signature moderately fast ticking when warm at certain rpms between 2-5k rpm bad tensioner noise. I almost instantly ordered a mechanical one but eventually first took mine off for inspection. It wasnt a hydraulic one, maybe the s2 s is hydraulic or mine was replaced. Anyway it SEEMS to be fine but perhaps its gotten weak over the years but theres no way for me to measure that. The chain doesnt seem to be stretched much at all at least from what I could figure trough the tensioner hole on the block. My bike was serviced regularly all its life so the internals should be gucci. I havent really been able to compeltely isolate the ticking source even with the screwdriver method which is a great idea and works well. The chain area is definitely the loudest but it doesnt sound like theres aynthing wrong excatly. I'll have a good mechanic take a listen after the season is over or try a cheap manual tensioner from china and see if it makes a dif. Way too nice weather to not ride currently if it blows up so be it. Not even 3kkm ago this bike had a pinging noise from the top area of the engine and I was certain it was time to do the valves but then the noise just disappeared. I get its not a refined engine (thanks to you) and the bike is old and used but nonetheless these noises shouldnt come standard... although im starting to think they do and these engines are just trolling us.

[@CJTmedia]

Great information keep up the good work

[@Calvinm]

Thanks! Will do 👍

[@Dwall60s]

I've had mine since 2013 and I learnt some stuff about my bike today ....cheers mate 👍

[@Calvinm]

Good to hear 👍 thank you

[@stevewill3572]

I can’t believe he still has this bike, I bough one a few years ago and watched these vids for help, now I have a fz1 and triumph Daytona

[@wilhelmkanaris6150]

Amazing analysis friend, many thanks!!!!!!!!!

[@Calvinm]

My pleasure!

[@brendanp.3447]

Amazing video and content. We FZ6 owners thank you!

[@Calvinm]

Glad you like it!

[@justinavila8229]

Just bought a 2005 for 2k and found your channel. Thanks for the detailed explanations 👍

[@Calvinm]

Happy to help!

[@luisnoronha79]

BRO!!!!! THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!

[@Calvinm]

No problem!!

[@skyridercommendor6303]

Thank you soo much.! This simple brillant !! on my way to swap out my GSF650 with a FZ6 :) Soo this come in handy ;-) Regards PMO Denmark

[@bigwave_dave8468]

Great Content!

[@Calvinm]

Thank you!

[@tjdjultima]

Great video! Learned a lot from this and others. Sincere thanks from a paranoid owner 😅

[@Calvinm]

😂 Glad it was helpful!

[@souhailshamaissem7564]

Top video mate

[@Calvinm]

Thanks!

[@TUXmotovlog]

I changed the tensioner with another model which is manual! From my point of view this is the best way to replace the automatic tensioner if you have a sensible ear and you can identify the issue! 😅 Ride on, rock on! ✌️✌️

[@nickless777]

very nice video! Thank you very much Sir.

[@Calvinm]

Most welcome! 😄

[@flaviocorrea1606]

Parabéns 👏, muito bom os seus vídeos, aqui do Brasil

[@jasoncaribou9530]

great stuff

[@rc2634]

Your videos are great

[@Calvinm]

Thank you! 👍 Happy to help

[@hunterman600cc]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd be interested in seeing you hammer out the coil on plug ignition. That seems like a very interesting prospect, and I wonder if it would change torque or power delivery noticeably.

[@Calvinm]

It's a tempting project. I don't think it would change torque or power delivery by any observable amount.

[@lesevickv]

Hi Calvin, like youre videos because it has sense... i own fz6, and know a lot about the bike and i do my on mechanic like you. One of very few things that i couldn't figure out is Adjusting Fuel using the CO adjustment.. CO1 and CO2. i have an idea how it works an find on some forums that CO1 should be around 8-10 and CO2 around 15. I run my bike stock, nothing modified... If you know something about this please comment or make video. Also if somebody changes this parameter should bike be mapped professionally on computer and dyno... or just change CO values? Thanks and sorry about my English, i hope u understand what i wanted to know.

[@tommyg599]

Thanks for all your advice and great videos. I have an fz6 s2, and the cluster lights aren't working at night. Everything else on the dash is fine I.e MPH etc. Do you have any suggestions?

[@PastiladeTouringbyNick]

Just "discovered" your channel-very useful info. FZ6 Fazer S2 owner here, so definitely interested! I have a metallic noise at 11-12 k rpm s (but usually I don't go there, I ride on 8-9-10 k rpms ), I know I was very stressed about this,but now it's more clear. Anyway I'll do the valve adjustment at around 40 000 km, as I usually do the things "by the book"

[@Calvinm]

Glad you found the channel! If you’re close to 40k km’s you may find the noise you’re hearing around 11k goes away after adjusting the valve clearance. A couple out of spec valves can make for some odd noise. Best of luck!

[@PastiladeTouringbyNick]

@@Calvinm I am around 27 000 km, but I'll do it at 30 000 km :)

[@magendranponnuthurai1703]

Thanks brother.❤

[@Calvinm]

You are welcome! ❤️

[@SamCyanide]

Only problem I've had was when I let the spark plugs go like 4,000 mi over the interval for changing them. One of my cylinders was down, swapped out the plugs and it was perfect again

[@mitchkey9747]

I'm an FZ1 person with a desire to follow your threads...Great video and keep them coming. I have a 07 FZ1 with about 4,500 miles on it - yep - 4,500 miles. I bought it last year with 1,700 miles. I have enjoyed the ride. I bought my first FZ1 in 2002, right after it debuted. I loved it but my wife wanted to ride so I sold it and I bought an FJR1300.... I missed it terribly.....I found another one last year with only 1700 miles on it and was amazed.....I have it now and it needs plugs I'm sure. It doesn't have a miss, it's just sluggish in the first two gears. I'm trying to understand the best route to take - just plugs (myself) or a new ignition system to depart from the batch system on these bikes. Do you have any advice?

[@DufkoM]

Hi! Could you make a video of how to instal gear indicator? Thanks!

[@joshhartman7420]

Thanks for the info. Just picked up an 06 with 51k for $1500. Done all fluids and still have plugs to do. I'll be looking at your channel alot more.

[@user-ll6js7bc2o]

How's it been holding up? Looking at one now

[@joshhartman7420]

@user-ll6js7bc2o just sold it the only problem i had was cam tensioner sticking. Otherwise purring like a kitten

[@hsuchaoyang1334]

a problem of fz6 in Taiwan, it`s the relays. Because of wet weather i think , they usually will change it into other bikes` relay like majesty 250. The problem 1 and 2 are common in Taiwan too

[@dontcrossm3]

Love your videos just wish you had the parts used and part numbers listed in the video discription. You dont always show part numbers.

[@rampager9583]

Thanks appreciate it

[@PCDoctorUSA]

Happy to report my '04 with 42k miles has none of the issues...yet.

[@johnkiss5988]

I’m about to buy a 05 fz6 and this vid was awesome info. do 05’s have diagnostic mode I’m now wondering

[@Calvinm]

Yes the 2005 year will have diagnostic mode too. Thanks for the kind comment 👍

[@CarlosMiranda-vp1vo]

Hola saludos yo tengo el mismo problema en mi Moto que es una Yamaha fz6 tiene un pequeño ruido a veces cómo lo comentas en el video que pudiera ser ya muchos dicen que es la cadena de distribución espero me pidas ayudar con esa duda gracias

[@lucamarcio4110]

Hi! Wonderful video, as usual. For me the front fork is too soft, the bike "sinks" too much while breaking: since there is no way to regulate the fork the only way is to change oil and/or springs...I'm thinking of changing my 2006 with something lighter and easier to handle, I like the Ducati Scrambler (we will see...). Thanks!

[@oldrageface8706]

I have the same issue, and I've just changed the oil to do something about it. It feels much bouncier now, I still have to see if I prefer it this way... but as far as I can tell, a viable mod seems to be to get the rsu-forks from a 2002-2004 (?) R6 and swap them in, keeping the triclamps as is. This provides you with adjustable forks, as well as much better front brakes.

[@Petr_Kos]

Super, bro)! Hello from Ukraine 🇺🇦!

[@Calvinm]

Thank you!

[@David-mu5rv]

I would add to the list the oil level sensor. Talk about paranoia. This issue sent me thinking the worst. Apparently they just fail. Thanks for these vids!!

[@smoke05s]

There's an oil level sensor? Do you mean the dipstick? I have trouble with those too. is it supposed to be on the center stand or not? Do you screw it all the way in or not to take the reading? Should it be done cold or hot? If hot exactly how long after turning off the engine do you take the reading? Does the answer of any of these questions vary with oil grade and ambient temp?

[@Michael-ed8kp]

@@smoke05s Are you serious!

[@Calvinm]

@Christopher Young You measure the oil on centre stand after the bike has hit operating temperature on a level surface. You don't screw it in at all just push until the plastic threads meet then pull out. Oil grade and ambient temp won't affect these readings. The bike should be off but at operating temp when checked. Allow the bike to sit for a minute before taking the oil level measurement. Good luck!

[@StarFox31]

Switching to iridium plugs before this next summer! Question on the tensioner and listening with a screwdriver part. If it was the tensioner going bad I assume that noise should only be heard when the tip of the screw driver is by it? Rather than throughout the rest of the listening points?

[@Calvinm]

Yes you're correct about the screw driver method. You will hear it the loudest when the screw driver is on the tensioner or close to it. If it is bad of course.

[@thedude8526]

I went from a Kawasaki KLR650 to this bike. It felt like it barely vibrated in comparison so I cant relate to people that say this bike isn't smooth.

[@user-ul2ck9kq3j]

Hello, tell me such a problem happened, the clutch friction disc collapsed on the fz 6, I replaced it, cleaned the oil pan from the pieces, but there was a rattling sound similar to a timing chain, what could be the problem?

[@Grainsauce]

Do you happen to have or know of the chart for diagnostic mode for a fz6r I imagine it's gonna be the same as the fz6

[@usb8778]

I have a fz6n S2 2009 with 31.000 km I need help, I have fine vibrations in the throttle grip that numb my hand from 3000 or 4000 rpm to the red line and I can't see anything in the mirror, everything is blurred, could it be the chain tensioner? spark plug caps? engine mount bolts? a greeting

[@TheRusty966]

my bike is uncomfortably vibrating at 5000rpms no matter what gear i switch into. what should i do/what is wrong?

[@bruceforster3709]

If you have a 2004 FZ6, will the TPS Sensor from an 07 or newer fit the 04 without any modifications?

[@k4mso623]

I have a question whats the size/dimensions of the 2 bolts with the washer that hold the tank gas. Thanks 😊

[@MrStanopolak]

Iam personally currently experiencing issues with my fz6n/04, last couple months it was only low idle rpm but now its the bike even dies after couple seconds/ for some reason engine temp spikes for split second and revs go to almost 0 but sometimes i can either rev and revive it from dying or it just dies, rpm before dying are around 1700 so no problem there,my tps sensor reads 15/16-99 so i suspect its not faulty yet..by my friends advice i suspect coolant temperature sensor,already ordered a new one,anyone encountered this issue? cant even do my technical because i cant literally come to the tech control.PS: no error showing up in diagnostics after it dies..

[@alexismirandadarias3102]

Cual es el error si da 13, la señal del acelerador?

[@tdf2972]

Hi fella I got a fz6 yesterday were did you get the decathlon pipe from please

[@martinwong3513]

Hi my fazer600 fuel pump wont prime cause i just washed the bike can you help?? Please

[@themasterorigami1562]

it's normal when rpm increase i listen a sound like metallic that comes from the engine? ok paranoid, but the sound of my fz6 it's kinda strange, please help me

[@adolfshitler]

Ive seen an Fz6 with 120k miles on it!

[@vincentburkhalter9715]

the yzf r6 has the same enginee crank asembly but dieerent head but the timing chani tensioner is the same

[@anthonyfeiga5899]

I have a 05 fz6 I bought 3 months ago for 1,000 nd love it very reliable bike only issues iv had is more electrical problems other than that the bike is solid nd the bike is a loud asf

[@Paulie1978100]

What pipes you got on it man? I've Dominator on mine, with DB'S out ..... loud, but love it :)

[@anthonyfeiga5899]

I have SC projects exhaust and it screams and he was def right about the engine it's not a quite 4 cylinder you really hear the clutch and everything

[@garyrivers4738]

Hi can you help I’ve got fx6 s2 2008 dash display has gone off

[@wolfweyr4990]

Broke one in half a few days ago swapping motors. Took me a minute to figure out how to compress it lol

[@Calvinm]

Yikes! Rough go!

[@mariosnikolaou5212]

Legend, thank you very much.I have a 2006 s1 and it has 60K on the clock.I haven't checked the valves, should i do it asap?How important is it? Thanks.

[@mariosnikolaou5212]

Also my bike can't read fuel level, i have disassembled the tank, checked the float with a multimeter and i guess there is something wrong with the wiring, any ideas?(i have checked that there is correct voltage coming to the connector)

[@Calvinm]

Ya I would check the valves. My first adjustment at 32k km’s required adjusting the lash on half the valves but since then they have stayed in spec. It’s rather important. The fuel level issues sounds odd. Maybe there’s a bad connection at the terminal that goes through the plastic bottom of the tank. Not sure

[@Paulie1978100]

Yes the dude in a legend! :)

[@Anonymous-ed8om]

Just got an fz6r and I hear a rattle at around 55-65 and 5-6k rpm, what is that?

[@giuseppeaccardo8580]

Where is the link for the chain tensioner replacement? Can't I just unscrew the bolt, insert a flat tip screwdriver and turn a bit anticlockwise to tension the tensioner a bit more to remove the annoying chain noise? I know the chain is in good condition as I changed it not long ago

[@Calvinm]

Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJnPp6mOiNeBeJo I think you could add more pressure on the chain with that method but it will shorten the life of your chain with the added tension.

[@georgepourikkou]

Kindly advise if there is any heat coming out from exhaust at the passenger seat that makes it uncomfortable to ride with. Thank you in advance.

[@Calvinm]

My passengers are always wearing pants so the heat isn’t much of an issue but it might get a little warm for someone wearing shorts. Nothing unbearable though

[@guillermotomasini]

thanks for the data!!!! anyway, any harley vibrates much more than the fz6 :-)

[@your_avgsquid]

Dude, my bike is running so bad and I don’t think it’s any of this. Is there anyway I could send you a video and you tell me what it is

[@TheWhole36]

Just bought one and it won’t idle any ideas ?

[@aranaumm]

I ve got all that, dont know what else to do with this bike mate, its the S2 2009. I ve replaced the spark plugs, the caps, the leads, the coils, I ve check the coils connectors, I ve checked the earth wire from the battery to the frame, all good, and now I ve just done your TPS test and nothing wrong with it, I dont know what else to do mate, any suggestions before I take to the garage? Today it got to a point that I cannot ride it anymore, I'm sure sooner or later I'm gonna breakdown somewhere 😢 I'm really disappointed with this bike... and the worst thing is I sold my 1st one because of this and I went and bought another one, how stupid am I 🤦‍♂️

[@westondifranco9313]

Why do you think you should replace the automatic tensioner with another automatic tensioner? Yamaha has had this issue with bad automatic tensioners on quite a few models. In theory a manual tensioner will not fail but rather reach the end of its adjustment period. I mean no disrespect but I'd like more info as I've wondered about this for a while.

[@Calvinm]

Ya it’s a personal choice at the end of the day. With a manual tensioner you have the chance of over tensioning the chain and causing premature wear on your chain guides. I also think manually tensioning the timing chain is a bit beyond most diy mechanics. I know that if I was to install one I would second guess the adjustment often with every noise I heard. It’s something that requires a gentle touch because it’s easy to over to under tension. I would rather replace with an oem tensioner twice rather than worry about my adjustment of a manual one. Just my 2 cents.

[@westondifranco9313]

@@Calvinm Thanks for the insight. I currently have an 03 FZ1 that uses the same tensioner as the FZ6. And over the winter I'm thinking about installing it before it goes bad. With manual tensioner iv seen that you want to start loose and tighten until the ticking goes away.

[@slobodanfilipovic2577]

Hi calvin, I'm planning to buy a yamaha fz6s, but there is one problem, there is a rattling sound when I step on the gas, should I ignore it and buy the motor or should I bypass the motor?

[@Calvinm]

Only if you’re willing to fix the problem right away. I’m sure you’ll be able to find the source of the problem between my videos and the information on the forums 👍 good luck!

[@MegaScott1985]

I have 2007 fz6 and all of a sudden it seems to run lumpy and holds back on acceleration

[@saggyface1796]

I have a 03 ford escort, I'm not worried about vibrations😅😅

[@EvilSl0th]

I want to put a hydrolic clutch on my fz6

[@notmirelnam248]

Huh. I didn't know these bikes could get issues. Mine is still like factory condition at 40,000 miles and only basic, slightly neglectful maintenance. Aside from the battery terminals being unreasonable difficult to access, my only complaint is with the upper bikini fairing and windscreen. It seems purpose built to make your helmet as loud as possible. I bet the issue would get better with a shorter windscreen, no windscreen, or a FAR, FAR larger windscreen. I run a Shoei RF-1200 and it doesn't help. I make do by wearing Plugfones, but I have to turn the volume up more than I'd like. Does anybody have any experience with those clip-on windshield extenders that run a more aggressive wind deflection pitch?

[@garethstarkey7560]

Thank you for putting me at easy about it been noisy as I am coming from a bmw r1150rs, so it is just me. But one thing I have noticed is I don't like michelin road 5 too vibe and noisy I prefer gpr300 just my opinion.

[@peterbosch6326]

Try running your front tyre at 36psi and rear at 42psi and that should lessen the noise.

[@garethstarkey7560]

@@peterbosch6326 have been running them at 37 and 40 but I'll try those. Thanks

[@garethstarkey7560]

Just finished a tour of about 2500kms and I really dislike Michelin road 5 doesn't matter what psi is in them they vibey and and get a constant humming noise from them. And no my bearing are fine. So I'll either go pirelli angel gt or Dunlop gpr 300.

[@peterbosch6326]

@@garethstarkey7560 Yes, I think I'll go back to Pirelli Angel GT's as I had my rear bearings replaced before I found out it was the Michelins and I'm always getting a hum over 80kmph and it's annoying. Heard Bridgestone B-46's might be worth a look too.

[@garethstarkey7560]

The only time I had a small bit of relief was when I was on the A roads in France going 130kmh and it only slightly quietened down mainly as the bike wanted to keep going either than that not a hope.

[@villacorna]

My throttle reads 102 wide open throttle closed 17

[@your_avgsquid]

Mine shows 17 and 103 is that bad

[@christianferreris9927]

Hey man, would you get a 2009 FZ6 with 23,000 miles on it today in 2022?

[@Calvinm]

Yes I would. I would just ask if the valve lash service has been done because it isn’t cheap to a have a shop do.

[@E101goaway]

So you say Toyota Corolla of bikes... And mine just caused me big problems Monday that I'm still trying to figure out what's all wrong

[@Calvinm]

Even a corolla gets a problem from time to time. Best of luck in solving the problem! 👍🔧

[@invisman2230]

Vibrations?)) They don't use Ducati)

[@KWNKING]

9 out of 10 of this bike have sticky ignition switch. Regularly lubricate the switch.

[@saintsrow2631]

that is not s1 this is s2 version..

[@davidmocny1561]

just bought fz6 s2 and i had the first problem xdd🥶

[@Calvinm]

Yikes! Hope you fix it soon!

[@richardrichard5409]

Think I'll keep my Suzuki V Strom, these look like grief.

[@sstde7969]

spanish please!!

[@theenzoferrari458]

What about FZ1. I got a 07 fz1.

[@muratcansayg6276]

wonderful

[@Calvinm]

Thank you!

[@DavidBossBiker]

I hear a tic on one of my cylinders I guess.... but I think its called Yamaha tic and is it supposed to be normal ? My dad says its about cylinder sync but its ok... what do u think Calvin ?

[@Calvinm]

Ya these bikes have many tics from their design. You could investigate to see if it is coming from your cam chain tensioner. If it’s just a general tic, sometimes those come and go… It could be a cylinder sync issue but I haven’t done that service myself or heard of people have cylinder sync issues so I can’t really speak to that.