2002 Yamaha FZS600 0.6L Petrol · FE02 AJU

A recurring exhaust leak is the defining mechanical thread in this FZS600's record, flagged as a minor leak of exhaust gases at both the June 2022 and June 2023 tests before disappearing from subsequent certificates. Beyond that, the history is notably clean: eight consecutive passes with no failures recorded, and the latest test on 29 August 2026 resulted in a pass with a single new advisory for a steering head bearing that is slightly stiff or notchy. That steering note is worth attention because it is a fresh finding rather than a long-standing one, suggesting wear that has developed recently rather than a chronic condition the tester has been monitoring for years. At 34,395 miles over roughly 24 years, the bike has averaged only around 1,433 miles annually, which is low for a middleweight sports-tourer of this type. The testing pattern is consistent, with annual MOTs each spring or summer and no unexplained multi-year gaps, so the low total appears to reflect genuinely light seasonal use rather than extended untested lay-ups. Light use of this kind means less wear on consumables such as chain, sprockets, brake pads and tyres, but it does not exempt age-related deterioration of rubber components, bearings and seals, which degrade with time regardless of mileage. The steering head bearing advisory at this age and mileage is entirely consistent with that pattern. The exhaust leak advisories from 2022 and 2023 warrant a close physical inspection even though they have not reappeared. On a 24-year-old FZS600, minor leaks typically originate at the downpipe-to-cylinder-head joints, the collector box, or corroded header pipes, and a past leak that has gone quiet may have been sealed with paste or a new gasket, or may simply have been borderline on the day. With the engine cold, run a hand (not touching) around the downpipes and collector while the engine idles to feel for pulsing gas, and listen for a ticking or puffing note on light throttle that changes as the exhaust warms. Check the headers for rust-through, particularly at the lowest point of the collector where condensation collects. On the test ride, the steering head bearing is the priority check. At walking pace with the bars turned lock to lock, feel for a notch or detent at the straight-ahead position, and at speed note any tendency for the bike to hold a line reluctantly or weave gently on deceleration, both classic signs of brinelled bearing races. Also apply the front brake firmly at low speed and feel for a clunk through the headstock indicating play. Given the otherwise clean record, a bike that passes these checks with a smooth, leak-free exhaust would present a reasonable proposition, though a buyer should factor in the cost of a head bearing replacement, which is a labour-intensive job on this model, if any notchiness is confirmed.