Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider - Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of my series about the different modifications that are available for the Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle. It seems like every time I turn around I find something new that can be done to my FZ6. In Part 1 of this series I discussed the aftermarket possibilities of upgraded exhaust, windscreens, and seats. In Part 2 I will give an overview of the options available for new grips, levers, and rear sets. In contrast to a powertrain modification, these are mostly aesthetic and comfort rather than performance enhancements. Let's get to it.

* Grips - There are a couple of reasons to consider getting new grips for the Yamaha FZ6. One reason is comfort. Some find that the grips on the FZ6 are too small and not comfortable enough for long rides. Increasing the size of the grips, for some, increases their comfort and puts less strain on the hands and wrist. In addition, there are grips that contain gel which will, for obvious reasons, increase grip comfort. Another reason to consider new grips is for their aesthetic value. The grips that come stock with the FZ6 are black and very nondescript. Many grips are available that have bright colors and logos that display brand loyalty among other things. Being one of the least expensive modifications, this would be a good one to consider if it is of any interest to you at all.

* Levers - The levers that come on the Yamaha FZ6 are pretty standard and similar to what you'd see on any other stock motorcycle. They are long, silver, and have a larger ball-looking end on them. They are fine for what they were designed for, but there is something to be gained by switching to after-market levers.. The same two reasons for replacing grips applies to levers. Changing grips can provide a comfort enhancement as well as an aesthetic enhancement. Additionally, though, some levers provide some added convenience features that make them easier to adjust than stock. Many after-market levers are a bit shorter than the stock versions and allow the use of two or three fingers for shifting and braking without the extra length of the lever pinching the remaining fingers. As riders get more advanced and confident with shifting and braking, shorter levers can be much more comfortable and easy to use. Aesthetically speaking, after-market levers are available in a variety of colors and styles that can be used to highlight or contrast the bike's color and design. Lastly, many levers come now with the ability to adjust lever position on-the-fly to account for brake fade and clutch adjustments. This can be a great help as compared with the stock levers that require more work to make the same adjustments. Some levers also include the ability to "fold" the levers near their pivot points. This can certainly come in handy if excessive pressure is applied to the ends of the levers. Rather than breaking something more critical, the lever simply "folds" up.

* Rearsets - Rearsets make up the rider's footpegs, shifting lever, and rear brake lever. I haven't seen as much about rearsets for the Yamaha FZ6 as I have other modifications, but they are out there and worth mentioning. Some of the reasons for replacing the rearsets are similar to the other modifications I've mentioned. There is comfort/usability and aesthetics. After-market rearsets typically have the ability to be adjusted forward, backward, up, and down. This is a definite advantage when seeking additional comfort and improved riding position. In addition to adjustability, after-market rearsets are typically of higher quality than original equipment. Many note that the shifting is much crisper and cleaner feeling, and braking is also more positive. Some drawbacks are that many rearset pegs are fixed, and therefore will not fold up in case of a crash, or anything catching on it. This could be detrimental to the mechanisms attached to the pegs if the force on them is great enough. Some rearsets that I really like the looks of are the Rizoma rearsets (pictured). One thing to note, though, is that they're built for the European FZ6 which doesn't have a built-in center stand like the U.S. version, and they interfere with each other. Slight modification is necessary to get them to fit properly.

Stay tuned to my Yamaha FZ6 Modifications to Consider series. We still have a number of items to cover:

* FE kit

* Mirrors

* Turn signals

* Brake lines

* Brake pads

* Frame Sliders

* Air Filter

Preventive Maintenance Tips to Check and Troubleshoot the Repair of Document Scanner Problems

Maintenance and care of equipment is essential to prevent costly repairs and to save unnecessary service calls. In most cases, malfunctions are resolved by operator checks and corrective action. Your wallet will thank you, when the operator has properly checked to determine why devices are not functioning and avoids calling for service to repair or replace a working device.

Before operating the unit, read the manual that was included in the box or download it from the manufacturer website. Otherwise, you may risk damaging the device or voiding the warranty.

PMCS - Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services

Cleaning is the most important step to keep your device working properly. Clean dirty brake rollers, feed rollers, pads, glass, shading plates with a manufacturer cleaning kit or isopropyl alcohol, a lint free cloth, and Q-tips. Also make sure that the paper path is clean and free of debris.

Depending on the condition of documents and environment, the equipment may require a periodic disassembly to fully clean debris, paper clips, staples, dust, etc. that may have worked its way into the insides of the mechanism. The debris can cause a motor to stop running and rollers and belts to jam. Use a shop-vac to vacuum whatever dirt or foreign objects that have worked their way inside the main and side covers. Generally, it is not recommended to blow the scanner out using a compressed can of air. The reason is that the compressed air leaves film on the glass, does not remove the dirt (just blows it around), may break seals and cold air could damage a hot sensor.

CDD (Charge-coupled device) Cameras and CIS (Contact Image Sensor Assembly) Reader

Upon disassembly, the cameras units on devices with CCD cameras should be cleaned. Care should be taken not to damage the cameras as they are usually quite expensive. Canon products are equipped with CIS reader assemblies with a LED light source and the reader assemblies should not be removed or disassembled to avoid damage.

Consumable Replacement

Separator pads and pick rollers should be replaced when worn or according to manufacturer schedule. Shading plates and glass should be inspected and replaced as required. Fluorescent lamps usually require replacement between 500 to 1000 hours of use according to manufacturer guide recommendations. Canon uses a LED light source that usually does not require periodic replacement.

The Scanner System

Systems include not only the scanning devices, but also the computer and operating system as well as the software. There is a tendency to think that problems are mechanical. This is not always the case. In order to resolve the troubles, users may require technical competency. A+ skills and practices should be employed to troubleshoot the system before a service call. The technician is hired to fix the hardware. It is not his job to diagnose computer systems. This is your job or the job your IT department.

Hardware Feed Issues and Poor Scan Quality

Feed issues and poor scan quality are usually corrected through cleaning and replacing worn consumables. Brake and pick rollers should be checked to ensue that they are properly installed. The paper path should also be inspected and any foreign objects removed.

Scanning Software

Common are issues with drivers not found or installed. Re-install the software or make sure that the driver is recognized. Outdated firmware may also cause the equipment to not operate properly. Install the latest firmware. But note installation of incorrect firmware in some cases could permanently damage the main control board. Also, recheck the scan settings to assure that they are set properly.

PC Computer and Operating System

You must assign each SCSI device a separate SCSI ID to avoid an ID conflict. USB and fire wire devices need proper privileges and security rights when connected to a network. The best method to check for problems with the operating system is to swap the computer with another that you know to be working properly.

Troubleshooting and Repair

You can find minor parts that you can fix without too much technical knowledge. For instance check for broken parts and the tension of springs and flat springs. A parts manual can help you identify a problem. Some companies provide diagnostic software. The Canon quma tool provides diagnostic checks of motors, sensors, solenoids and other essential parts.

If you do not have the technical ability, you can buy a service agreement for your scanner. The warranty covers the maintenance and repairs rather than risking a breakdown and costly time and material repairs. Another option is depot repair where you send the equipment to the repair facility which is less costly than on-site services. Some manufacturers only provide a 90 day warranty and the purchase of an extended warranty is recommended.