Has my engine buzz gotten worse?

[Pondrat]

Hi folks,

Everyone knows that the FZ6 has a distinctive buzz around 5500rpm and it's never been much of a problem for me. I've always thought of it as a "tactile tachometer" letting me know through the bars precisely when she passed through 5500ish rpms.

BUT, I just got back from a ride and my hands are numb. This has been getting worse for the last several weeks. Also, the buzz range has expanded (I think) to 5100-6300rpm where before it was just around 5500.

Is my engine buzz really getting worse? Maybe I'm just getting more in tune with my new toy? Has anyone else had this problem? Are there ways to minimize this, ie. something needs to be tightened, engine adjusted, new handlebar risers, shock absorbers, etc?

As always, thanks in advance for the excellent feedback I'm about to get from this great crew.

Peace,
Mike

[dako81]

When's the last time you changed your oil and how many miles do you have? Mine buzzed a little bit before I got it broken in real good. I wrang its neck a little bit and it runs smooth as can be now.

[Pondrat]

I changed the oil less than 1000miles ago and the bike has around 7300mi. This is FZ6inNH's old baby so I'm guessing he did a good job of breaking it in for me.

Actually, cranking it up a bit was one of my worries. I recently went on a hard ride with my crazy boss and got it up towards the 12-13k range a few times. A couple times because I went into neutral from 1st when meaning to go to second (another thread for another time). Could I have hurt my innocent FZ6 by accident??

[wrightme43]

Most likely not. I have hit neutral by mistake and rammed up into the limiter, mine still works. LOL

Now you should check all your bolts for tightness. That may be your problem.

[FZ6inNH]

Originally Posted by Pondrat

I changed the oil less than 1000miles ago and the bike has around 7300mi. This is FZ6inNH's old baby so I'm guessing he did a good job of breaking it in for me.

Actually, cranking it up a bit was one of my worries. I recently went on a hard ride with my crazy boss and got it up towards the 12-13k range a few times. A couple times because I went into neutral from 1st when meaning to go to second (another thread for another time). Could I have hurt my innocent FZ6 by accident??

Well, yes, she was certainly broke in right and taken care of well.

I doubt you've hurt it at all. The FZ6 has a rev limiter in it that won't let you do harm.

What I'm guessing is perhaps your posture and grip on the bike? Maybe you've relaxed a bit and your resting your weight on the handlebars rather than keeping the elbows bent and arms relaxed? Gripping too tight? Try sliding forward on the seat, hugging the tank with your knees and concentrate on keeping the elbows bent and a looser grip. Keep the arms a bit relaxed and make sure you're not leaning into the handlebars at all.

Then, vary the gears and RPM range.

Check the tire pressures, check the oil level. Check the chain free play. Make sure everything is torqued down properly. If you can see a nut or bolt, check the PDF service manual and tighten to specs. Get to know her more intimately.

[chicken_strip]

Checking the engine mounting fastners is the definite first step, as this is easiest. If that doesn't improve things, you should consider looking at the throttle body balance. Often a slight imbalance here will cause an increase in preceived vibration. It's not hard to do, if you have a balancer (carb-stick, twin-max, poor-man's manometer, etc) or have your dealer do it... It is part of the scheduled maintenance after all...

[cashcrzzy]

This "buzz " you are talking about , can you get the buzz to happen in neutral and revving it up to 5500 rpm ??
If so try grabbing and moving the clutch cable at the 90 degree elbow just at the lever !! my clutch cable buzzes at 8k rpm and I have taken it back to dealer on Wednesday 6-11-08 and they ordered a new cable and are calling Yamaha about the problem I will see if that new cable fixes it
Greg A.

[grumpy1luvs2eat]

This a problem for me, as well. Any info would be good. THX, Grumpy

[FZ6inNH]

Originally Posted by cashcrzzy

This "buzz " you are talking about , can you get the buzz to happen in neutral and revving it up to 5500 rpm ??
If so try grabbing and moving the clutch cable at the 90 degree elbow just at the lever !! my clutch cable buzzes at 8k rpm and I have taken it back to dealer on Wednesday 6-11-08 and they ordered a new cable and are calling Yamaha about the problem I will see if that new cable fixes it
Greg A.

Any word yet? Please let us know of this solves your issue. It could help many others.

My '08 doesn't have this problem but the OP's '05 used to be my bike. So I have a sentimental investment in this thread.

[bluenova]

Mine tends to get better and worse at times too. I haven't really pinned down what makes it better or worse, but I'm thinking it could be heat or humidity. I do find it feels smoother after I've been riding for a few hours on a sunny day, and buzzyer on cold/wet days but that could just be how the conditions are making me feel.