A key item on the regular service schedule is the replacement of the air filter. On my FZS600 2003, this is due every 6000 miles or every year (whichever is the soonest). This year, however, I decided to fit a K&N reusable filter, slightly more expensive but it should pay for itself after a couple of years. The Fazer 600 is known to run slightly on the rich side, so the increased airflow from a K&N should balance this out.
Here’s a quick video run-through of how to replace the filter. It’s an easy task that you all should be able to tackle, don’t be put off by having to remove the fuel tank.
Tools required are minimal: an 8mm socket, T30 Torx socket/alan key, Philips screwdriver and some needle pliers (to unclip fuel pipe).
Tips as you go along:
- Ensure you only have a small amount of fuel in the tank to keep it light when removing.
- Have some tissues/rags to mop up the drop of petrol that’s left in the loose fuel pipe.
- Don’t forget to turn back on the fuel tap before bolting down the tank afterwards!
The stock rear brake caliper on the FZS600 is a bit rubbish. It’s an old design and very commonly seizes up, which is exactly what I recently found when getting some new pads fitted. Rather than going down the route of stripping it down and cleaning it on a regular basis, I opted for the popular upgrade of the Fazer 1000 rear brake caliper. This is a ‘blue spot’ caliper, on par with the excellent front brakes I have and the same as the R6.
On Sunday 25 May, Paris bore witness to an unusual sight: 200 motorcycle riders revving their vintage and customised bikes through the streets, leaving the city with a noisy crescendo that turned the heads of all around.
