i just bought my fzr and want to know how the switch on the left fairing works. also what are the common faults.

which side does what?

im just leaving it at the moment

It's the reserve switch. There's no actual reserve on the bike, the fuel sender in the tank senses when the level is low and cuts the spark to two cylinders to let you know you're low on fuel. I can't remember which way is which though, sorry.

Common faults? The fuel senders can fail. The EXUP valve can seize. The cam cover gaskets can weep oil. Just keep an eye on it. You could do worse than give it a good wash down and look over before you trust it to get you to where you want to be.

Have fun, but be careful!

"fuel on" switch down (towards your left knee)
"res" switch up (towards clip-on)

these bike are getting a bit old now but with careful maintenance there's no reason they can't go on for a lot longer yet, trouble is peeps get them for a "first big bike" and only keep em for a couple of years and generally don't do a lot of maintenance on em.
that's not dissing you it's just the way it is
i'd download the manual then give it a good service, not all these jobs will need doing but it don't hurt to check as servicing is always cheaper than repairing, check the brakes (lines, pads, calipers) wheel bearings, headstock bearings, swingarm bushes, rear suspension linkage and bushes, chain & sprockets whilst you've got the L/H casing off (drive sprocket) check the clutch mechanism is clean and well adjusted, change all the fluids, oil + filter, coolant and break fluid and also the air filter.
slightly more involved is the valve clearances and carbi balancing but it will make a hole lot of difference if it needs doing and a good idea to check anyway

as kayla said be careful and enjoy, these are awesome little bikes

Hogdigerdy Dog wrote:"fuel on" switch down (towards your left knee)
"res" switch up (towards clip-on)

Thanks!

Clean and lube the chain