Need Help What needs to be done on this bike?

[Intrepidflow]

Hey there,

I own a 2012 FZ6R with about 180 miles on it

It’s been sitting at my folks place since 2012 basically and hasn’t been run or turned on.

I’m looking to bring it back home and begin riding it regularly and I wanted to know what things I need to do to ensure that it’s safe to ride.

I assume I’ll have to get all fluids changed out, and get it inspected to be sure everything is right. I’ve recently read that tires actually need to be changed out after a certain amount of years. The tires were brand new and only have the 180 miles on them. The bike has sat outside for the last several years under a tarp.

let me know your thoughts and how much all this might end up costing me. Thank you!

Edit: I should add that I am the first and only owner, I put the miles on it, and it’s been stored in a garage for about 9 years and outside under a tarp for about 3. No accidents in it - it’s essentially hasn’t been ridden.

 

[Jerzee55]

Probably a good idea to replace the brake lines too, preferably with steel lined, something like Galfer, Check fuel line, replace tires, clean and lube cables, clean chain and make sure all links move freely, and re-lube. Make certain brake pads move freely, and rotors are clean. Tires should be replaced.... kind of old. I did that on my 2009 when I got it.. lol Probably a good idea to check and lube bearings...

 

[Intrepidflow]

Probably a good idea to replace the brake lines too, preferably with steel lined, something like Galfer, Check fuel line, replace tires, clean and lube cables, clean chain and make sure all links move freely, and re-lube. Make certain brake pads move freely, and rotors are clean. Tires should be replaced.... kind of old. I did that on my 2009 when I got it.. lol Probably a good idea to check and lube bearings...

Is there a way to tell if my tires are okay? Or can a shop identify their usability? Or would I just be risking my life on the tires just from pure age, even if they look pristine? Lol

thanks for the advise on the rest of it! I’ll look into it!

 

[Jerzee55]

Talk with a shop, but keep in mind they have a vested interest in selling tires. Tires, have a 'lifespan', you can do google searches on this. Your life is worth having good, safe tires though, no matter how wonderful the original tires look. If you look at the shop manual, they may also say something about tire life. The definitely do talk about brake lines and fluid. ) Best of luck with your 'new to you' bike!

 

[acedeuce802]

My opinion is that tires that old just aren't worth it. My FZ6r came with a worn front tire and a "barely ridden" rear tire, checked the date codes and both were 2008. I decided to replace both rather than try to find a front that matched the fully treaded but old rear. Not sure how much influence was from going from old to new tire, or maybe old to new technology, or just going to a different tire, but man the new tires feel so much more confident than the old. Real old tires harden up and can break down internally.

 

[srholdren]

Hello Everyone!!! I also have just got at 2014 FZ6R with 2752 miles on it. Installed a battery and fresh gas and adjusted chain. Oil looked good so I started it up and it seems to be fine. The back tire has a plug in it. I should have it legal sometime in the next couple of months. Other than the fluids, which by reading this post I didn't check the radiator or reservoir...., what should I do with this bike? I have been watching some videos of half click up, I think it was and he has done all kinds of things to his bike. But what should I do first? Tires, brakes, and fluids and normal maintenance. He changed the sprockets and the mirrors will be for sure and something about advancing the timing 4 degrees.... Wonder if there is a list of some sort on here about what things to change or adjust for best ride. I will be changing the oil to Motul even though it looks new. Maybe the exhaust? I've rode it just in the subdivision and can't open it up as there isn't enough space without getting management called on. This is just a commuter bike. No long trips

 

[jjmaine]

100% get the basics done first. Brake fluid/pads, chain and sprocket (if needed), tires etc. and ride it. It'll come to you in time on how you want to modify the bike. My bike is modified pretty good but I started with all those things I mentioned when I bought it. Enjoy it, these are sweet bikes and IMO very underrated.

 

[Jerzee55]

Hello Everyone!!! I also have just got at 2014 FZ6R with 2752 miles on it. Installed a battery and fresh gas and adjusted chain. Oil looked good so I started it up and it seems to be fine. The back tire has a plug in it. I should have it legal sometime in the next couple of months. Other than the fluids, which by reading this post I didn't check the radiator or reservoir...., what should I do with this bike? I have been watching some videos of half click up, I think it was and he has done all kinds of things to his bike. But what should I do first? Tires, brakes, and fluids and normal maintenance. He changed the sprockets and the mirrors will be for sure and something about advancing the timing 4 degrees.... Wonder if there is a list of some sort on here about what things to change or adjust for best ride. I will be changing the oil to Motul even though it looks new. Maybe the exhaust? I've rode it just in the subdivision and can't open it up as there isn't enough space without getting management called on. This is just a commuter bike. No long trips

Consider replacing brake lines, upgrading with braided steel, and check your masters / slaves for wear / rubber rot. Definitely replace the patched tire, and it makes sense to get a set, the tires may be past their safe life time by now... Oil, filter, check air filter to make sure the mice have not been busy.. Once you get the stock bike solid, then consider the 'upgrades'. Get it safe, smooth, and have a baseline to work from. Pretty solid bike stock out of the crates.

 

[srholdren]

I can't get it legal until September so I got time to build my list of items. Seems like it would be best to do all the work at one time since the fairing and stuff needs to come off.

 

[jjmaine]

The fairings are dead easy to take off just so you know. The hardest part is unplugging the blinkers so I wouldn't let that stop you from digging in. I would encourage everyone to work on their own bike because it's very rewarding, not difficult and let's face it, if you take it to a shop or dealer they may not treat it as nice as you would have.

Some times I think there's something wrong with me because I swear I like tinkering on my bike more than riding it lol.

 

[srholdren]

I just want to ride it!!!! It's tough just looking at it. I've thought about the bare minimum I'd need to just ride and the tires for sure need replaced. I'm not sure on the rest. I got to check the coolant and working 3 jobs right now it's impossible to go to the shed and do anything.

 

[jjmaine]

I get it for sure. With the coolant, just shine a light down in behind your right side fairing and make sure the overflow bottle has coolant in it and you are good to go. Unless it's absolutely filthy, nasty and rust colored it will be fine for a while until you get a chance to change it. Spark plugs and valves will be fine as well as long as the bike runs great. I'd focus on oil, brake fluid, chain and sprockets and tires (all the things that will kill you and/or the bike if they are bad lol). As long as those check out, let her sing!!!