KaiBosh

I have a Yamaha FZR600R and a month ago fitted little neon lights. No problems there. Recently had heated grips fitted too. It went fine for 20 miles or so, then cut out on the motorway. No warning, no spluttering, just zero engine power. I pulled onto the hard shoulder and tried restarting the engine. The starter motor was very perky and the lights were on full beam i.e the battery was not flat - it just wouldn't start as if I had no petrol (full tank before you ask). I called the RAC and the guy tested the battery. With the lights and hotgrips on there was only 12.7V at the battery which is one whole volt less than it needs. He jump-started it and it went fine (hot grips unplugged). Straightforward, right? Just too much of a draw and the bike runs at a loss? No! This is the bit I don't understand: it wasn't just too much of a draw because this would have run my battery down but my battery wasn't run down at all - there was still loads of life left. Why is this and what can I do? The grips are advertised as having an EXTREMELY low current drain - less than 2A apparently. But again, it's not that my battery ran flat, it still had practically full charge. Am I right in thinking that the coil sends a spark to the HT leads and perhaps, even though there was enough charge to turn the starter motor, the spark takes more? I can't believe that... can someone confirm? Alternatively, is there a device or a replacement part - a more powerful alternator perhaps - that would allow me to have my headlamps, neons AND heated grips on?

Alright Gooey? Good choice on your bike mate - I love the FZRs - mine's a 1994 FZR600R. You can get the items you need cheaper than anywhere else on ebay. I've had loads of bits off there over the last few months, including brand new bar ends for £3.99 (+£1.50 postage) - bargain! Footpegs come up frequently on ebay too, usually from breakers but you can clean 'em up good as new. Good for 15-20 quid. For chain and sprockets I'd go somewhere like demontweeks or bikebandit.com - get the fatter heavy-duty chain and cogs though mate - the standard one on the FZR is a bit of a funny size. They'll cost 100-150 quid but worth it. Welcome to the crew by the way! KaiBosh

Hello folks, I have a late 1994 M-Reg UK Yamaha FZR600R Foxeye Does anyone know what model number this is? I need a new swinging arm as mine is rusted to buggery and they're cheap on ebay but I need to make sure it will fit before I buy. Some on there say things like 3he, 4jh - what is mine? Will the swinging arm be the same as, for example, a 1991 FZR600? How can I find out? Also, anyone know where I can get a swinging arm as cheap as ebay? Cheers KaiBosh

Ello peeps I was looking for a new pair of wheels and stumbled across this place - it's nice to see other bikers waxing lyrical about their pride and joy - makes me feel a bit less obsessive about my own little beauty. Here she is: DynoJet stage 1, K&N filter, Scorpion can; will consume for breakfast ANY other 600 I come across. I'm very much looking forward to picking all your brains for tuning tips and cheap parts! Peace KaiBosh