So, I picked up this Yamaha FZ6, the 2009 model, a little while back. It wasn’t mint, had seen some road, but felt pretty decent overall. I decided it was time to really get into it, give it a proper going-over myself, you know, learn its quirks.
Getting Started: The Once-Over
First thing, just walked around it. Gave it a good, long look. The chain immediately caught my eye – looked dirty, maybe a bit loose. Tires seemed to hold air, but I knew I’d need to check the pressure properly. Usual road grime collected in places. Nothing looked seriously broken, which was good. I figured I’d start with the essential checks and cleaning.
Rolled it into the garage space I use. Got my basic tools ready. Started with the simple stuff:
- Checked the oil level through that little sight glass. It looked dark, definitely due for a change.
- Pulled the seat off. Looked at the battery terminals. They seemed okay, but I wiped them down anyway, just to be sure.
- Checked the coolant level in the reservoir. Looked alright.
- Checked the brake fluid levels, front and rear. Also seemed fine for now.
This gave me a baseline, a starting point for what needed doing first.
The Actual Work: Oil and Chain
Decided the oil change was priority number one. Fired up the engine, let it run for a few minutes. Helps the old oil drain out better when it’s warm. Positioned my drain pan underneath – always tricky not to make a mess. Loosened the drain plug, let the old, dark oil pour out. Yep, definitely needed changing.
While it was draining, I tackled the oil filter. Sometimes these are a real pain to get off, and this one put up a bit of a fight. Needed the filter wrench to persuade it. Finally got it off. Cleaned the mating surface on the engine block. Took the new filter, put a little fresh oil on the rubber gasket – helps it seal properly. Spun the new filter on by hand until it seated, then gave it just a little extra turn with the wrench, not too tight though. Put the drain plug back in, torqued it carefully. Then, filled it up with the correct grade and amount of new oil. Started the engine briefly, let it settle, then double-checked the level in the sight glass. Spot on.
Next, that grubby chain. Got the bike up on its center stand – makes this job way easier. Grabbed my can of chain cleaner and a stiff brush. Sprayed the cleaner onto a section of the chain, scrubbed off all the built-up muck. Rotated the wheel, did the next section. Repeated this all the way around. It’s messy work, always is. Wiped it all down with some old rags until it looked clean.
Then, the chain lube. Slowly rotated the rear wheel again, spraying the lube onto the inside plates of the chain, making sure to get it into the rollers. Let it sit and soak in for a bit. While I was there, I checked the chain tension. It was a bit loose, like I thought. Used the adjuster bolts on the swingarm to get the right amount of slack – usually check the manual for the spec, you don’t want it too tight or too loose. Took a few tries to get both sides even.
Finishing Up (For Now)
The oil filter was definitely the most annoying part this time around. And cleaning the chain always leaves grime everywhere. But seeing that clean chain and knowing there’s fresh oil in the engine feels good. Makes a difference.
Took it for a quick ride down the street and back. Engine felt a bit smoother, maybe quieter. Gear shifts felt a little nicer too, probably the clean and lubed chain helping there. It’s just basic maintenance, but it’s important stuff. Still got a few more things on my list, like checking brake pads and maybe flushing the brake fluid later. But for now, it’s running better and I know it’s been looked after. Ready for some proper rides now.
