Yamaha FZ6 (2004-2009, including S2) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Yamaha FZ6. It as also known as the FZ-6S Fazer when it came with a fairing.
The Yamaha FZ6 is an upright sport bike based on the Yamaha YZF-R6 Superbike. The Yamaha FZ6 was first released in 2004, based on the 2003 YZF-R6 (2nd gen) engine, but tuned for more low-down grunt (without sacrificing too much off the top end).
From the first model of the Yamaha FZ6 through to the last in 2009, the FZ6 was powered by a 599cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected 4-cylinder engine that made around 70 kW or 95 hp, though it depends on the source. But generally, it’s a top-end kind of motorcycle that satisfies people with sporty intentions. It’s a worthy little sibling to the fuel-injected 2nd gen Yamaha FZ1!
The original 2004-2006 Yamaha FZ6 was very revvy, but In 2007, the FZ6 was updated significantly, becoming what fans call the Yamaha FZ6 S2. The FZ6 S2 has new brakes, a revised engine with new fuelling (for more low-down torque), and a revised fairing. After this point, there were no more revisions until the Fazer was retired in 2009.
Despite these changes, the FZ6 remained fundamentally the same internally, and maintenance is nearly the same, other than for different brake parts.
After 2009, the Yamaha FZ6 was retired in favour of the Yamaha FZ8 a.k.a. the FAZER8.
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Yamaha FZ6 Service Intervals
Like most Yamaha motorcycles, there is a difference between the US and European maintenance schedules.
- In the US, basic service intervals for the FZ6 are every 4,000 miles or 6,000 km, or 6 months.
- In Europe, service intervals are every 10 000 km or 6 000 miles, or 12 months.
At every service, change the oil, and do a full basic run-over of the bike.
The valve service interval is 26,600 miles or 40 000 km in Europe.
Make sure you keep it generally lubricated, and change the brake fluid and coolant periodically (every 2-3 years depending on the schedule).
What you need to service a Yamaha FZ6
To service a Yamaha FZ6 you will need the following parts and consumables.
Part/consumable | Yamaha FZ6 specification and links |
---|---|
Engine oil | Yamaha recommends using their own motor oil, which is affordable and good. Yamalube 10W-50 covers a huge range of operating temperatures, from below freezing to above 100 degrees F / 40 degrees C. |
Oil filter | All model years of FZ6 use the same dimension oil filter. Many FZ6 owners use a Hiflofiltro HF204RC for easy replacement (you can use a normal wrench). |
Spark plugs | You need four spark plugs for the Yamaha FZ6, NGK CR9EK for all model years. |
Air filter | The K&N air filter YA-6004 is a drop-in replacement that’s easy to obtain online. |
Brake pads | The brakes updated in 2007, so there are two sets of brake pads for the front brake FZ6 04-06 (2-piston calliper): EBC FA199HH, 2 pairs FZ6 S2 07-09 (4-piston calliper): EBC FA252HH, 2 pairs Rear brake: FA174HH, 1 pair (both models) |
Brake fluid | A highly recommended brake fluid is Castrol DOT 4, a premium synthetic. |
Chain lubricant | A really popular chain lubricant that’s low-mess and highly effective is Motul chain paste. |
Cable lubricant | Keeping good clutch action depends on having a well-lubricated cable. You can use engine oil, but Protect All Cable Life is an affordable and well-used staple of maintenance. |
Mechanical grease | It’s important to grease moving parts, like the sidestand and sometimes bearings, to keep them from getting notchy or seizing. Valvoline moly-fortified grease meets a lot of needs. |
Yamaha FZ6 Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha FZ6.
It’s the same maintenance for all years of the FZ6. As mentioned above, the only significant thing to change is the part for the front brake.
Notes:
- The manuals for the Yamaha FZ6 from Europe and the US have slightly different maintenance schedules. Both are shown below.
- Where there’s a distance AND time-based interval, follow the earlier of the two. Note that some items have just a distance (e.g. valves) or just a time based (e.g. brake fluid) interval.
- After the end of the maintenance schedule, follow the schedule in the same pattern every. Most things are either every one, two, or four services.
- Since the Yamaha FZ6 is no longer sold new, the break-in service is omitted below.
- Yamaha recommends you get things that affect emissions or vehicle safety done by a professional mechanic.
North America Maintenance Schedule for the Yamaha FZ6
Below is the maintenance schedule from the North American manuals.
mi x 1000 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
km x 1000 | 7 | 13 | 19 | 25 | 31 | |
Months | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | Every |
Change engine oil (warm engine before draining) (Yamalube 10W-50) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Change oil filter | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Check spark plugs. Adjust gap and clean. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Replace spark plugs | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Check and adjust valve clearance when engine is cold | 26600 mi (42000 km) | |||||
Check and adjust engine idle speed and fuel injector synchronization. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Replace air filter. | 24000 mi (37000 km), or more often after riding in dust / rain | |||||
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Replace brake hoses. | 4 years | |||||
Replace brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinder / calipers | 2 years | |||||
Check cooling hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Change coolant (Ethylene glycol pre-mix) | 2 years | |||||
Lubricate control cables thoroughly (Protect all cable life). | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check throttle operation, adjust the throttle cable free play if necessary, and lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check operation of lights, signals, and switches. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Adjust headlight beam. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check wheels for runout and for damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check tyre tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check swingarm pivot bearing assemblies for looseness. | ✓ | |||||
Moderately repack swingarm pivot bearings with lithium-soap-based grease. | ✓ | |||||
Check drive chain slack/ alignment and condition. Adjust and lubricate (Motul chain paste) | 500 mi (800km) or after chain gets wet / dirty | |||||
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Moderately repack steering bearing with lithium-soap-based grease. | 12000 mi (19000 km) | |||||
Check all chassis fitting and fasteners. Correct if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Lubricate brake lever pivot with silicone grease lightly. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal with lithium soap-based grease lightly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check centerstand and sidestand. Apply lithium-soap-based grease lightly. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check sidestand switch operation and replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check fork operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary or rebuild if possible. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check front and rear brake switches for correct operation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check exhaust for leakage. Tighten if necessary, and / or replace gaskets. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Check air induction cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for damage. Replace any damaged parts. | ✓ | ✓ |
Europe Maintenance Schedule for Yamaha FZ6
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha FZ6 from the European manuals. Service intervals are 10000 km or 6000 mi, or every year.
km x 1000 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
mi x 1000 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | Every |
Change engine oil (warm engine before draining) (Yamalube 10W-50) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Change oil filter | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Check spark plugs. Adjust gap and clean. | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Replace spark plugs | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Check and adjust valve clearance when engine is cold | 40000 km (24000 mi) | ||||
Check and adjust engine idle speed and fuel injector synchronization. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Replace air filter. | 40000 km (24000 mi), or more after riding in the dust / rain | ||||
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Replace brake hoses. | 4 years | ||||
Replace brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinder / calipers | 2 years | ||||
Check cooling hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Change coolant (Ethylene glycol pre-mix) | ✓ | 2 years | |||
Lubricate control cables thoroughly (Protect all cable life). | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check throttle operation, adjust the throttle cable free play if necessary, and lubricate the throttle grip housing and cable. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Check operation of lights, signals, and switches. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Adjust headlight beam. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Check wheels for runout and for damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check tyre tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check swingarm pivot bearing assemblies for looseness. | ✓ | ||||
Moderately repack swingarm pivot bearings with lithium-soap-based grease. | 50000 km (30000 mi) | ||||
Check drive chain slack/ alignment and condition. Adjust and lubricate (Motul chain paste) | 800 km (500 mi) or after chain gets wet / dirty | ||||
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness. | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Moderately repack steering bearing with lithium-soap-based grease. | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Check all chassis fitting and fasteners. Correct if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Lubricate brake lever pivot with silicone grease lightly. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal with lithium soap-based grease lightly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check centerstand and sidestand. Apply lithium-soap-based grease lightly. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Check sidestand switch operation and replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Check fork operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary or rebuild if possible. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check front and rear brake switches for correct operation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check exhaust for leakage. Tighten if necessary, and / or replace gaskets. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ||||
Check air induction cut-off valve, reed valve, and hose for damage. Replace any damaged parts. | ✓ | Year |
About the Yamaha FZ6 and FZ6-S
The Yamaha FZ6 is a (slightly) de-tuned, road-focused, more comfortable version of the Yamaha R6… but it still absolutely rips. With an easy-to-control chassis, nearly 100 hp on tap from a high-revving engine, and good suspension and braking components, it’s not a motorcycle that anyone who just rides streets would describe as “not fast enough”.
The FZ6’s delight is that it’s not just fast and easy to ride, it’s also incredibly reliable. Being a de-tuned race bike, it rarely suffers from internal failures (unless it’s just abused, which people are wont to do). Of course, a lot of that reliability stems from it simply being a Yamaha — a brand of motorcycles that most people crash before the engine fails.
The FZ6 was a great bike for its time, and still stands up as a great bike today, partly because there’s no actual direct competition. It’s a standard bike which in faired form has a windshield, a light fairing, and a sporty engine that makes 100 hp. The only thing close is the older CBR650F, which didn’t make as much power, or a modern naked bike, which lacks the fairing. Modern motorcycles are also more likely to come with fewer cylinders.
Because the FZ6 has a sportbike engine and hasn’t had a displacement change, even revised tuning can’t help the fact that you have to rev it quite high, just like you do a sport bike. This was particularly true of the earlier 2001-2006 models, but the 2007-2009 got revised mapping which gave it more low-down torque.
The FZ6 and FZ6-S Fazer’s handling is great. It has a solid chassis, fat tyres, wide bars, and decent suspension. This is despite the fact that the forks are non-adjustable, and the rear shock mounts directly to the frame and swingarm without linkages.
The brakes, twin 298mm discs with just twin-pot sliding calipers, may seem inadequate but they’re up to the task. That said, an upgrade to EBC brake pads would be a good one to prevent fade and improve overall performance. You can also attach brakes from other Yamaha motorcycles without too much fuss.
Manual for the Yamaha FZ6
The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2009 Yamaha FZ6. The schedule is the same for all model years of the Yamaha FZ6.
You can download it from Yamaha’s website here.
The European schedule is available from Europe’s website, here.