Trouble getting neutral and long rear brake travel

[W0rp3D]

Just picked up my bike today and noticed 2 things, firstly its really hard to find neutral, a couple of times i sat at the lights for a whole light sequence and could not find neutral, i also noticed that some times it would not go into first, i would have to roll forward with my foot on the gear lever before it would go into first and even then i could not get neutral, am i doing some thing wrong or is it just the way it is?

Secondly there seems to be a long travel on the rear brake lever before the brakes start to work, the lever its self is positioned perfectly but because of the extra travel its hard to get any decent braking out of it.

 

[abyss1406]

sounds like it needs an oil change and maybe the clucth lever or clutch basket adjustment screw needs adjusting.

the second sounds like maybe air in the system or very worn break pads

 

[JT]

Just picked up my bike today and noticed 2 things, firstly its really hard to find neutral, a couple of times i sat at the lights for a whole light sequence and could not find neutral, i also noticed that some times it would not go into first, i would have to roll forward with my foot on the gear lever before it would go into first and even then i could not get neutral, am i doing some thing wrong or is it just the way it is?

Secondly there seems to be a long travel on the rear brake lever before the brakes start to work, the lever its self is positioned perfectly but because of the extra travel its hard to get any decent braking out of it.

did you buy used? I found this bike to be extremely easy as far as neutral and gears go in general. everybody complains about how noisy our transmitting is but that all. did you try searching this problems to see if others had it and how they resolved it???

I do agree with you on the rear brake... I always found a good amount of travel before it starts to act... although I don't think that's a bad thing once you are accustomed to it. don't forget that the rear is extremely easy to lock up and should never provide more then about 25% of your braking.

from experience it is way too easy too lock up the rear thus it is my assumption that the excessive travel may be on purpose

 

[abyss1406]

i just realized i didnt even bother to ask if he bought it used or not my bad

 

[JT]

sounds like it needs an oil change and maybe the clucth lever or clutch basket adjustment screw needs adjusting.

the second sounds like maybe air in the system or very worn break pads

oil change does help a ton!

i just realized i didnt even bother to ask if he bought it used or not my bad

I immediately assumed that because of his issues but figured id ask and rule things out

 

[TssTssTss]

...i also noticed that some times it would not go into first...

I sometimes have trouble getting it to go into first, but find that letting the clutch lever out, then pulling it back in solves the problem...

this happened more frequently prior to my adjusting the free play in the lever to spec.

 

[buzzbomb]

Just to add to what's been posted, if you're coming to a stop and then trying to downshift, neutral can be difficult to find. That's not uncommon with a motorcycle.

If that's the situation, then downshifting to a stop solves it. Otherwise, letting the clutch out just a little at the stop, as you go down through the gears will help them engage and make neutral easier to get into.

As for the rear brake travel? That's an issue. Assuming the reservoir is full, if it's out of adjustment or there is air in the lines, that's still an easy fix. Regardless, I wouldn't ride it until you've got it sorted out.

 

[W0rp3D]

Thanks for all the help guys, i did buy it used with 5000k's (about 3000 miles) on the clock, I have done some more riding since posting and have found that letting the clutch out a little helps, had a look through the service books (which i should have before i bought it) and found that there is no record of a service, i also cant find any recommended service intervals, it has them for dirt and commercially used vehicles but nothing for road bikes, so next thing is a full service, i would normally do it my self but since the adjustments are needed and the fact that it is under warranty till the end of the year i will take it back to yamaha.

 

[JT]

Thanks for all the help guys, i did buy it used with 5000k's (about 3000 miles) on the clock, I have done some more riding since posting and have found that letting the clutch out a little helps, had a look through the service books (which i should have before i bought it) and found that there is no record of a service, i also cant find any recommended service intervals, it has them for dirt and commercially used vehicles but nothing for road bikes, so next thing is a full service, i would normally do it my self but since the adjustments are needed and the fact that it is under warranty till the end of the year i will take it back to yamaha.

Send me your email I can send you the FZ6R service interval sheet

 

[W0rp3D]

Send me your email I can send you the FZ6R service interval sheet

My email is [email protected] thanks for your help.

 

[Scott_Thomas]

Yeah, have to agree with JT. Sounds like you need an oil change. Maybe switch over to synthetic. I also agree with the rear brake travel. I don't think it's super excessive, but it could be by design. Don't wanna lock up as soon as you tap the brake lever. Let us know how things turn out.

 

[JT]

It's been twice when I hit an unexpected speed bump or sudden stop I'd lock up the rear brake. I purposely adjusted it to make it hard for me to lock it up. But if its still not to your liking take it in to the dealer and have them adjust it. Or read the service manual I sent you for the rear brake

 

[buzzbomb]

It's been twice when I hit an unexpected speed bump or sudden stop I'd lock up the rear brake. I purposely adjusted it to make it hard for me to lock it up.

Maybe you didn't write that like you think you wrote it. You're adjusting your rear brake so it doesn't lock when you hit a speed bump you didn't see? You actually adjusted your rear brake so that when you panic stop, it doesn't work?

I've too many problems with that post to list. Perhaps you weren't typing what you were actually thinking.

You stepped up to the plate, Moderator. Let's see you hit the ball!

Edit: Don't feel bad. JK is next, I just haven't seen a post from him!

 

[nismos14]

Maybe you didn't write that like you think you wrote it. You're adjusting your rear brake so it doesn't lock when you hit a speed bump you didn't see? You actually adjusted your rear brake so that when you panic stop, it doesn't work?

I've too many problems with that post to list. Perhaps you weren't typing what you were actually thinking.

You stepped up to the plate, Moderator. Let's see you hit the ball!

Edit: Don't feel bad. JK is next, I just haven't seen a post from him!

I think he means the force of the speed bump causes his foot to dig down deeper since he's pressing down on the brake anyway, and it causes the rear brake to lock it up!

 

[buzzbomb]

I think he means the force of the speed bump causes his foot to dig down deeper since he's pressing down on the brake anyway, and it causes the rear brake to lock it up!

Hmmm. Nope.

 

[W0rp3D]

Yeah, have to agree with JT. Sounds like you need an oil change. Maybe switch over to synthetic. I also agree with the rear brake travel. I don't think it's super excessive, but it could be by design. Don't wanna lock up as soon as you tap the brake lever. Let us know how things turn out.

I have booked it in for a service on wednesday, the guy i spoke to said that i should be blipping the throttle on down changes, does this sound right? i drive a truck so i know all about driving a road ranger but this is my first bike and never heard of that, never really hear any other biker do it either (for the last have of today that i have listening for it (its 6pm monday here)).

 

[nismos14]

I have booked it in for a service on wednesday, the guy i spoke to said that i should be blipping the throttle on down changes, does this sound right? i drive a truck so i know all about driving a road ranger but this is my first bike and never heard of that, never really hear any other biker do it either (for the last have of today that i have listening for it (its 6pm monday here)).

It should not be necessary for the sake of just FINDING the gear, dunno what that guy is talking about. :wtfgun:

 

[W0rp3D]

It turns out that the gear lever is bent (most probably dropped by a previous owner) and it hits the stand, they bent it out but its still not right so i guess i need a new lever.

I dont really like the long arm that hols the pillion pegs and i have no intention of carrying a passenger so was wondering if i could use an FZ1 or FZ8 set up to replace it?

 

[JT]

Maybe you didn't write that like you think you wrote it. You're adjusting your rear brake so it doesn't lock when you hit a speed bump you didn't see? You actually adjusted your rear brake so that when you panic stop, it doesn't work?

I've too many problems with that post to list. Perhaps you weren't typing what you were actually thinking.

You stepped up to the plate, Moderator. Let's see you hit the ball!

Edit: Don't feel bad. JK is next, I just haven't seen a post from him!

you are right! I was on my cell out and about, tend to be distracted and not so clear.

In other words I found myself locking up to brakes too often and yes most of them more of a panic situation more than normal stop and go. regardless it got to the point where I would not use my rear brake so I slightly adjusting the rear brakes so that occurs less often is all . I have tested it out and using rear brake only I have found that it still provides a decent amount of braking but even if I did it in there I have yet to lock up the rear again.
Anyways that just me on my bike I am no bike guru nor pro mechanic

 

[Anthony]

It turns out that the gear lever is bent (most probably dropped by a previous owner) and it hits the stand, they bent it out but its still not right so i guess i need a new lever.

I dont really like the long arm that hols the pillion pegs and i have no intention of carrying a passenger so was wondering if i could use an FZ1 or FZ8 set up to replace it?

I don't know the answer to you're question but am glad that you now know what the problem was.