UK Bike Forum / UK Bike Forum / Maintenance

Chain Issues

JimiB — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:43:06 GMT

Ok so far since christmas i have tightened my chain 3 times on a new bike. (senke125 chinese import 09) I have covered 1600 miles and haven't used any lube on the chain is it normal for it to stretch this much?

Thank you in advanced.

My New Bike! Shes got issues

Trick3003 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:49:58 GMT

Hi Guys!

I have my new bike now. She is gorgeous and has no tassells (Endo i know what your thinking!). However there are a couple of things which are niggling me about her and was wondering if you knew how to solve them.

First of all the gear lever is wobbly and i cant see a visable way to tighten it up. Also it seems to have loads more travel on it that my old bike. Not sure if this is something that can be altered.

Secondly my front brake is rubbing when the lever isn't pulled, does this indicate a new front disk/pads are needed?

Thirdly When i'm riding and the engine gets fairly high in revs there is a funny sounds. Its like one of them toy cars with a gyro wheel thing speeding up. Any ideas?

Thanks

Rich!!

Engine Oil

Wilftop — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:21:02 GMT

Hi Guys,

I am hoping it's nothing serious but I thought I'd ask before I take the bike to the garage & look like a total numpty girl.

I topped the bike up with engine oil last night as it was running a bit low, I put the whole 1ltr in. Riding into work this morning as soon as I pull in to the bike bay there is a trail of oil where I have been.

It seems to be dripping out of the chain area (closest to the engine) & gear stick (I know its not called that but I can't remember the bike term) closest to the engine. Small droplets. Is this becuase I've put too much engine oil in & it's just getting rid of the excess or have I got a more serious problem.

Thanks guys.

Hooked Sprockets

Roop — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:29:13 GMT

Chain came off at the weekend. Both sprockets look hooked.

Can I just flip them over the other way, so they're running the other direction? If not, why not?

Gold Fren brake pads

Black Dog — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:38:36 GMT

I've just fitted a set of Gold Fren brake pads to the XT (cheapest on eBay!). Some people have told that they are OK, but a quick Google search finds a lot of folk (all seem to be sportsbike riders) who have some horror stories about them. Anyone here with an opinion to offer?

I wouldn't risk anything cheapo on the Pan (stopping 300 Kg from 120 is not a trivial task), but the XT rarely goes over 60, and the engine braking is so good the brakes are amost an 'extra'. As long as they work reliably, that's all I ask of them. I know there are a few on here who have trade experience. Anyone had them, or have any info?

Tools

Trick3003 — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:01:10 GMT

Hi guys, I would like to point you to this set from halfords, seems to be a bargain! Only this weekend though as its for the bank holiday:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_232701_langId_-1_categoryId_165572

I dont have much of an idea about this sort of thing, if the items aren't worth the money let me know!

Rich

How best to protect your bike

Wilftop — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:23:17 GMT

Hi all,

Well I dont have a garage, can't get one unless we move home (getting tempting) the bike has an alarm but yet again it didn't stop two guys from kicking the bike over this morning at 07:30.

They wern't content in pushing & kicking it over into the car next to me they then wanted to jump on it, thankfully only minor damage & it's all sorted.

any idea's on how to protect it further. I am happily thinking of electifiying it! :0)

Mystery misfire

Black Dog — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:48:37 GMT

Bit of a puzzle to me, this one. The XT has been laid up for 3-4 weeks while I got the stuff to rebuild the rear wheel. Sunday I got it all together and had a successful test ride. Monday I set off to work and at the first junction it backfires and dies. I assumed it was running out of fuel, switched to reserve, restarted, and all was well. Work and back, all fine. Tuesday, work and back (25 miles) all OK. This morning, it seemed fine until I switched on the headlight in a bit of drizzle. Within half a mile it had started misfiring, backfiring and losing power big time. I switched my route to side roads away from the traffic and it stalled. It restarted fine, and idled away like nothing was wrong, but when I got going it could barely pull 20 mph in 2nd, with a really bad misfire and a lot of banging from the exhaust. It had no problem idling, but as soon as it was asked to do work it misfired badly. I was about to head for home when I decided to turn off the headlight. Within a few seconds the misfire cleared and it ran like a good'un, and I decided to head for work again. It got me there with no further problem - another 6-7 miles with the headlight off.

My first thought was a blocked jet, but the fact that reducing the electrical load seems to have corrected it makes me think it's electrical. But what? There's plenty of juice in the battery to start it, so it's not a dead battery. But I can't think of any way that turning on the headlight should make this happen. Anyone got an idea?

Tyres for a TDM

Tissers — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:07:41 GMT

I own a '94 Yamaha TDM 850. I've got Continental Road Attacks fore and aft and I want a new set of tyres. Anyone out there with some advise? I use it mainly for commuting along country lanes and through Birmingham with the occasional fun run and a bit of touring. Let me know what's good and what's not.

Cheers,
Tissers.

Fazer Starting issues

Mazz — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:10:35 GMT

Hi guys! Long time no speak. I hope you're all well. My apologies for not being on here for what seems an eternity.

My Fazer is dead =(

for some strange reason it won't start... well, it will, but when I turn it off it won't turn on again... even with warm engine... I'll ellaborate.

This started last year. I was riding to and from work every day with no issues at all. Then one day, she won't start. Seemed very wierd as it hadn't given me any clues to anything being wrong. I turned it over and over but it still wouldn't catch. Eventually she would get going and it would be fine for another week or so. Then it would happen again... and so the cycle continued.

Now I have to keep trying to get her started for 10 mins before she starts running. I did it the other week. Played with the ile switch, thinking it was a mixture problem. Eventually I got her started and kept it running for about 10 mins. She was ticking oover like nothing had gone wrong. No peaks or troughs when she was idling, just sitting there, happy as larry to be running. I was as happy as larry too as I thought I had solved the problem. I went to don the apparel and thought 'What if she doesn't start again?' So, after 10mins, I turned her off... left her for a few mins... came back and..... nothing. the problem was back and this time with a vengence. Choke on, choke off it didn't matter. She just wasn't going to catch. I was churnign up the starter motor so I decided to leave it and give up. Downhearted and tearful, I walked away.

I spoke to my Dad about it (he has exactly the same bike) and he thought it could be the battery. It has enough juice to turn the starter motor but not spark the plugs. So we changed over the batteries. She started first time!! Tried to start Dads bike... that also started first time! So we deduced it's not the battery. We turned them both off, tried to start mine again... nothing... just the starter motor churning away again.

So now I come to you experts.... have you had this before? Do you know anyone who has had this issue before? Or do you know of a possible fix?

These are the things I have thought of...

Carbs... these need a clean or replacing. But then, surely she wouldn't start at all if these were wrong?

Plugs... Replace. Not all can go at the same time? And again, she wouldn't start at all if it were the plugs.

Air Filter... Perhaps a clean or replacment. Can't do any harm but I doubt it'll solve the issue.

Fuel Jets... A bit beyond my experience but if she can run then it would cause stuttering wouldn't it?

I really can't think what the problem is. My last ditch effort is to try and start her and take her to a garage and tell the guys to fix it.

I hope someone can shed some light on this issue because I'm missing out on all this great weather!!!

Yam SR125 - Problems

Trick3003 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:18:20 GMT

Hi guys,

been a while since i have been on here. I have passed my CBT and purchased a bike. Tis a '96 model SR 125 and looks to be in great condition.

The story is that before the dealer delivered it to me, the battery in the bike was knackered, so he replaced it with a new one. I'm not sure if it was fully charged when delievered.

The problem is that after a couple of days riding the bike has died. It will go for about 10 metres but then starts spluttering and konks out. All the electrics are dead. What i notice is that the lights (neutral light to be precise) flick on and off when walking it back to the drive way.

So when i get it back to the drive i try to start her up. Nothing happens. I leaver for an hour, then try and i get a mewling from the starter but it doesnt turn over.

The questions: Does it sounds like a dead battery to you?

If it is, why would it happen after ive been out and about?

How does the bike charge the battery when started? is it when the wheels are turning? or just when the engine is going?

Random one....Whats the best fuel for a 4 stroke 125?

Thanks

Rich

Arghh Bike keeps dying on me

Wilftop — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:56:32 GMT

Hi all,

Well it's been a while since the GN has been misbehaving, but just when I think all is ok... she goes again after getting through the rubbish winter daily riding.

It was really odd, started fine didn't sound dodgy then pulled into the car park at work just about to park up & the rev's start dropping , then getting irregular before she konks out. Well I've been through this before & yep the battery is stone cold dead, can't get the bike to fire up.

So I've got the battery on charge in the office as I type. Got my multimeter out so when I re-install the battery I can test to see if the Reg/ Rec or Gen has gone again. I'll be miffed if it's any of those two as I had them both replaced last year (18th Jan 08) when the bike first started doing it. So the parts are not under warrenty anymore, will have to stump up to have them replaced if either have gone again.

Spoke to the garage as I had the bike serviced last week & had the valves cleaned, Bike was sounding & running great. They can test them for me but I can do it myself (or get hubby to assist/ take over if I feel girly). I've now found a good one in Brighton who I like & do a great job, I am having my chain & sprocket replaced on the 20th so if I find out whats wrong they'll fix it on the day too.

Sorry had to rant as it's really got me miffed. I can't believe either of those 2 parts may have gone again. (the battery is newish brought the same time as the rec /rec & gen were replaced last year).

It can only get better.....:0)

Timing on my kymco zing

Dave D — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:39:13 GMT

How do me bike wont start i'm getting a spark and i'm getting fuel to the engine but nothings happening i'm guessing the timings out but i've not set the timing before how do you it?

Argh...speedo cable

KH_2008 — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:06:25 GMT

I think this goes here!

Well my speedometer stopped working working after i crashed my bike, new speedo cables are pretty cheap so i ordered one. When it came it wasn't exactly the same but very close (the end that goes into the speedometer is metal not plastic) so i thought it would be OK. Unfourtunately it isn't, got my dad to fit it and i don't know exactly how but he basically just tried to force it in and i think the bit the cable goes into is now broken. The speedo itself seems to work but is now stuck on 40mph. It will move if you turn the other end of the cable, but to get it back to 0 you have to tighten the tope end and then it won't move at all...if that makes sense?? O

New tyre

rebelman — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:10:24 GMT

So you guy's might have seen I got a screw in the rear tyre of the RS during the week and I had this horrible feeling it was going to cost a fortune and with this in mind primed Ruth with "It's probably only going to be about £180.00 or so!". I will not go into detail but she was not amused. Imagine my delight (and hers) when the bill came in at £113.00 for a bridgestone. Nice to be back out there and I can understand why they cost so much, "It's the bloody compound thats why Ruth!" LOL

Excellent Workshop in Sussex

hall1070 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:30:05 GMT

We have a guy that services our bikes that is absoutely excellent! Can't fault him - good VFM too. I have just *got* to recommend him...

Moton were based in Bexhill but have now moved to bigger premises in St Leonards on Sea! Pete has just "tweaked" the ZZR and it goes like stink now

check out moton.co.uk or call them on 01424 717242 if you are in East Sussex there isnt much they can't do...

need a new carb

Dave D — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:27:03 GMT

Hi I need a new carb for me bike because mine is trashed i've found 2 that'll fit 1 off a 50cc scooter which looks pretty much the same as my carb and 1 off a Zongshen zs 250 gs which looks like mine but the throttle is on the wrong side and it hasn't got a auto choke I'm askin which one would be better because I've put a K & N filter on and a bigger exhaust and my engine is runnin to lean

Anti Corrosion Sprays

Scottoiler — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:31:50 GMT

hi everyone,

Scottoiler are the famous market leaders for automatic chain lubrications systems, however we also have a little gem of a product called FS 365 this has even been acknowledged by MCN who proclaimed at as one of their products of the year!!

FS 365 Protector Spray is a blend of mineral oil, surfactant, anti-corrosion additives and water which forms a stable micro-solution that can only be separated by evaporation. FS 365 is water soluble and therefore inherently biodegradable, it clings to all surfaces lubricating and preventing the onset of rust.

come visit us at www.scottoiler.com

aPRILIA ATLANTIC 125

hkhksh — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:30:33 GMT

Hi all

My son wants to know can his bike a Aprilia Atlantic 125 can be dereestricted

Good Brighton Bike garage

Wilftop — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:40:10 GMT

Hi all,

Can anyone recomend a decent garage in or around the Brighton area. I really don't trust the one's I used to use now.

startup and idling problems

marrkyb — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:05:04 GMT

HI, thankyou to all for your help that you have given to me previously, it has been very useful to me and has helped me to get my gilera into a much better condition

i recently fitted a new battery and spark plug, and topped up the oil with the usual 2 stroke synthetic engine oil, and the scooter ran perfectly fine. me and my dad have left it in the garage for a week and last night when i went to take it out for a run i had a lot of trouble getting it started, with the engine spluttering alot and a lower rev sound. after about 45 minutes of trying to get it started, we finally got it running and took it out for a short while, however, when the bike was left idling, the revs dropped down and the engine cut out, and when we tried to restart it the bike made the same spluttering sound when we attempted both the electric and kick start.

any help would be appreciated.

thanks

Chituma 125 indicator flashing quickly

knighty274 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:35:06 GMT

I have a Chituma 125 04 reg that has developed quick flashing indicators, all 4 indicators flash but quickly, I thought maybe a short or bad earth and have stripped each indicator down and cleaned all connections and have removed the headlight and cleaned the terminators behind the headlight. The only thing left as far as I can tell is the flasher unit itself but that is located under the petrol tank and I can get at it, any ideas?

Funny noise

Wilftop — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:55:29 GMT

Hi All,

My GN is making a funny noise when I am slowing down. There is a strange rattling noise, it's not there when I idle, pull off or change gear only when I am slowing down. It sounds like it's comming from the engine.

Any ideas??

I had the bike serviced 6 weeks ago and it has been fine until now, but rattling now. Bit worrying as I am commuting quite far every few weeks for work for a couple of days.

Gilera Runner 50cc Electric Start?

marrkyb — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:26:00 GMT

Hi,

The electric start button on my gilera runner 50cc SP is not working, kick start is fine and i am just wondering any possible causes for this could be?

thanks

gilera runner 50cc Carburettor?

marrkyb — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:56:27 GMT

hi,

i have recently purchased a gilera runner 50cc and the previous owner recommended that i clean out the carburettor/buy a new one...

i would appreciate it if anybody could give me a few tips on where to find it and how to clean it - as i am very new to bikes and am not sure what to do...

thanks

Changing my air filter

Dave D — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:07:20 GMT

I want to change my Air filter from stock to a K and N conical filter but it says I have to re-jet what does it mean. I don'twant to mess with my carbs and knacker them.

chain maintenance

lukid — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:20:58 GMT

CAMELEON OILER
(Electronic chain oiler)

Having a chain is no longer a hassel thanks to the Cameleon Oiler, this electronic device works as soon as you start your engine. This progammable oiler works every 3.45 minutes on cycle keeping your chain perfectly saturated and clean. The Cameleon is very durable and a top quality product which is waterproof and well tested in all areas. Owning an oiler extends the life of your chain up to four times its regular life or up to 60 000miles. WOW save money on cans and chain kits and not have to worry about your chain. Thats what makes our product efficient and ingenious. Other resons why its unique….
-Programmable up to 30 seconds of oiling ex.(3 sec for a touring and 25 for dirt bike or atv) Great for all chains.
-A led light with 12 color selections to match your bike used as the oil indicator.

-Easy to install on frame with a hidden tube oil reservoir, leaving the Cameleon visible due to its nice look and colored lights.
-Clean system with 100% synthetic oil. (Antifriction)

Check out the website at www.cameleonoiler.com or www.webbikeworld.com for videos.

Advice please

Wilftop — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:25:23 GMT

Hi All,

I put my 125 up for sale this week and got this e-mail back.

"HOW ARE YOU TODAY? THANKS FOR THE MAIL AND YOUR HONEST, AM MAKING AND OFFER OF £900 IF YOU CAN KEEP THE BIKE FOR ME. I HAVE A RELIABLE SHIPPING COMPANY WHO WILL COME FOR THE PICK UP AFTER PAYMENT HAVE BEEN MADE SO YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN BY NEXT WEEK ON A MISSIONARY TRIP SO WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO COME AROUND AND CHECK IT OUT, BUT IMMEDIATELY I GOT YOUR EMAIL I QUICKLY CALLED AN ASSOCIATE OF MINE IN THE UK TO ISSUE YOU A CHEQUE . I ALSO CONTACTED MY SHIPPING AGENT THAT HANDLES MY SHIPPING AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PICK UP. I WILL NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE HERE, MY ASSOCIATE WILL BE ISSUING YOU A CHEQUE OF £4,000. WHICH WILL COVER THE COST OF THE BIKE AND THE SHIPPING AS WELL, SO I WILL NEED A LITTLE ASSISTANCE FROM YOU WHICH IS , AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE CHEQUE AND HAVE CLEARED YOUR ACCOUNT I WILL LIKE YOU TO DEDUCT YOUR MONEY FROM IT AND HELP ME TRANSFER THE REMAINING FUNDS TO MY SHIPPING COMPANY SO THAT THEY CAN COME FOR THE PICK FROM YOUR LOCATION. I WILL REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF YOU CAN FEED ME WITH ALL NECCESARY DETAILS I NEED AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE THIS MAIL. I WILL NEED THE INFO BELOW.

FULL NAME :
ADDRESS :
CONTACT NUMBER:

I WANT YOU TO SEND ME THE DETAILS SO THAT THE PAYMENT CAN BE CARRY OUT TO YOUR LOCATION THIS WEEK. LOOKING FORWARD TO READ FROM YOU."

Now is it just me or does this sound really dodgy? Has anybody else had these kind of e-mails?

Thanks for any advice in advance!

lost bike keys

readingboy — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:40:53 GMT

HELP I LOST MY BIKE KEYS HAVE NO KEYS DO ANYONE NO WHAT I CAN DO AS MY YAHAMA YBR125CC HAS SEC BOLTS IS THERE ANYONE NO WHAT I CAN DO OR TAKE IT IN BRIGHTON

Bike Parts

Dave D — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:22:48 GMT

I've just bought a 98 Kymco Zing 125 which needs a little work doing to it and I can't find anyone that does parts for it or a service manual. Is there any web sites that can help me or are there any bikes that use the same parts

engine case lacquer

bikemadbaz — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:20:04 GMT

I have niticed that my engine cases are starting to corrode at the edges. the weather is getting under the lacquer. does anyone know of a good place to get them re-lacquered at a decent price?

thanks. Bazza.

Champ 125 ?

Reb — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:55:29 GMT

Hi All
My stepson just managed to get a champ xt125 road bike recently. Looked a real tidy bike until started to look at it a little closer. I've been riding bikes quite a few years and got a good knowledge of bikes (well so I think). The main problem is that the bike isn't charging. I traced the problem back to the regulator rectifier (burnt out). The next problem is I cant find one to replace it. AT a wild guess after looking around it seems the engine is a honda cg125, but when I looked about for a reg rec I found one for a honda ns125 with the same amount of wires and even the same colored wires. Does anyone have any insight as to whether the ns reg rec will work on the champ which I'm now nick naming Chump.

De-Restricting a Honda NRS125R

Simplezi — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 22:33:36 GMT

Hi there, finally got my bike last week then yesterday got my CBT so now on the road all legal etc. Just wondering, how easy is it to de-restrict a NSR125R and does it make alot of difference??

Do you recomend taking it into a garage or is it easy enough to do it yourself?

Many Thanks

Simon

Potential Clutch Problem

Mazz — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:51:15 GMT

I've noticed a 'Chattering' in the engine when I release the clutch lever in neutral. Someone said it could be the clutch bearings going. It has had a knock (before I bought it) and I think a new clutch lever etc was needed.

Any ideas?

Tales from a garage in uptown Sussex

roadhoover — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 10:51:00 GMT

It might be long haul this one!!!

Back on the road again, The smell of car fumes, creaking leather the satisfaction of sailing past endless jams of traffic, the view of the Downs and the splat of new born bugs.

I took the venerable Nine off the road to treat it to some well deserved TLC. I finally had to admit defeat, stop ignoring the growing deterioration of my machine the grim ride and worn out components.

Most of us if we were honest with ourselves would have to admit that running a bike on a daily basis is an expensive habit to feed. 100 miles a day for most of the previous 5 months had taken its toll on my bike. The car had taken the strain; the CD player eased the pain, roll ups could be smoked, the same amount of fuel burnt. But God how tedious, especially when I espie other 'do as you liker’s' slipping through the stagnant hot air fug of the latest traffic Jam.

The list included a thorough front end overhaul. New fork seals, bushes and oil, grease up the headstock bearings, remove and clean front brake callipers, fit new pads. Applying copper slip to all bolts when replaced. And lastly a new front tyre

Now I could have paid a dealer to do it and have the bike returned within a day or so, but being a tad boracic lint I decided to do as much of the work as possible myself to save a few bob, plus of course to test myself. I mean for goodness sake, it can’t be that hard, muster all tools, and work in an uninterrupted methodical and logical manner. Take my time, enjoy the calm of the garage alone with my bike, smoking roll ups and contemplating my strategy.

So paddock stand the rear swing arm, keep side stand down, remove belly pan and side fairings with V-piece, try and remember what bolts and screws go where and place somewhere safe so I can’t lose them.

Next strategically place two car jacks beneath the bared sump as wide apart as possible with short stout plank across the two. Proceed to jack up bike by degrees winding both jacks at once for an even keel (tricky)!!

Find appropriate Allen key and sockets to loosen wheel spindle pinch bolts and axle before off the ground. Once suitable (perilously) elevated, lash very strong rope around top yoke and through rafters in the garage in the vain hope that if the whole lash up takes a tumble the rope may save a complete fall from grace to the hard and unforgiving garage floor.

Undo front spindle utilising a melange of mongreled tools. (Must get myself a pukka non chocolate Allen key set), Finally crack the internal hex nut and pull out spindle (which is dry). Remove brake line fender clips. Remove callipers from fork legs. Remove front fender. All bolts recalcitrant, scummed with filth and a pain in the ***. Mental note to coppaslip the hell out of them when replacing in the reverse process.

Smoke roll up and survey the scene. Not bad so far, bike steady even though precarious looking. Hands not too filthy and no rounded off bolts or screws. Result so far.

As I hadn’t removed the top fairing, the bottom yoke pinch bolts were a pain to get too and tight, ring spannered off after again cracking the seal on the bolts, same on the top yoke clamp and clip on. Wind the forks out, slick with oil.

Wipe them over, check for pitting. Smoke roll up, wrap in rag and then down to the local bike shop to replace the seals, bushes and oil. £37.50 plus Vat for the labour only as I supplied the parts.

A week later I pick them up sorted, they had even finished cleaning them

OK reverse process, Bob is indeed my uncle and should be a piece of cake.

Oh no! Things are never simple and straightforward for the home mechanic and his mongrel collection of tools.

Centre yoke nut released, castle nut banged round, location of spacer, seal and bearing noted, brake line junction box removed and bottom yoke slipped out. Quite dry bearings, clean and pack with grease slide back in and do back up. (hope that the existing bearings will relax into the new grease and operate in a smoother fashion to whqat they had been doing.

Slide forks back into yoke and proceed to nip pinch bolts starting from the top to ensure each leg is level with the other. Decide to drop them a couple of mm in the process to see if it actually does make any difference to the handling. Wheel spindle replaced without the wheel to again check level. All bolts copper greased up and starting to tighten, bottom yoke four pinch bolts in criss cross fashion by degrees.

The last one, my eleventh hour, the dash to my dream inevitably happened, unpredicted, and uncalled for. I heard a loud snapping sound, with a sinking heart I inspected the bolt I was gradually tightening to find that it had nipped up and the whole casting around the pinch bolt had cracked.

The sound of bouncing spanners resounded around the garage compound and I swore a lot.

A new bottom yoke was only £231 plus vat, probably wise to actually replace the bearings and lower seal at the same time, Oh only another £60. There was no way Jose, this unwarranted extra drain on my breadline credit limit could not be sustained, another way had to be found.

A week later utilising the Partsearch service (bloody brilliant) I managed to find a new yoke, (straight) plus bearings and seal all in perfect nick for a Cheshire smile inducing £25 plus carriage. Utter result.

Bearings still had the original grease around them and looked significantly better than the incumbent ones,, three hours later, four roll ups and stinking foully of grease and GT85, all was back in one piece resembling a motorcycle with a front end. Triple checked all bolts for tightness and then wiped down, cables routed correctly, ignition still working, wheels and forks straight and no lumpiness in steering lock. The bike hadn’t even toppled over.

A swift trip to my fave dealer resulted in a brand new Bridgestone BT020 with correct pressure. Next and final task to fit the new Ferodo Platinum sintered pads.

Naturally nothing is ever as simple as it should be. The stinky worn out to a paper thinner than a silver Rizla skin pads dropped out of the callipers revealing 12 gummed up barely moving pistons caked in 7,000 miles worth of shite and road grime.

Two hours later and the last resort of flat jawed mole grips enlisted each piston actually moved in and out. New pads emplaced with coppaslipped back plates to prevent squeal and bolted back onto fork legs. The brake lever worked and the pads were biting.

My first day riding the 9 back to work was a satisfying experience. Smugly I shimmered past the metal snakes growing longer every second. The bike dropped into corners smartly, the tyre needs a bit of scrubbing in as do the pads but what a difference the whole effort has made, the front end works and gives me confidence again. The forks are operating perfectly, it makes me realise what a parlous state the bike was in prior to my handiwork. The Downs look great today, might go the long way home tonight.

I could have ridden the bike into my dealer, accepted the jibes of negligence and shame and coughed up a second mortgage for them to shoulder all the aggro, but hey, how satisfying is it to realise you’ve managed to complete the whole operation yourself and the bike feels like it has come from a dealer when back in the saddle and there is money left in the bin to score a bottle of wine, a large curry and some fresh Golden Virginia.

RH 11.6.07

how to make a honda h100s alittle bit faster

the sheepdog — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:30:42 GMT

hi my kid brother as a honda h100s . i know its as a little engine but its a bit flat how can he put a bit extra life in it ?. he wants to keep and not change it for a bigger bike . the bike is in mint con. thanks a lot

Thunderace Carb info

JH — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:50:33 GMT

Can anyone tell me what size the chokes and main jets are please?

Thanks

Roadside running repairs.

roadhoover — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:12:36 GMT

For you wayfarers and travellers on the black top next time you go out for a spin check your fuse stash and make sure you have spares.

I was proceeding home last Thursday at 7.45 just as the light was beginning to fail. The roads were empty and I was giving the mighty Nine it's head.

I kept getting flashed by the occasional car driver (there's an opener lady P) I then realised that instead of concentrating where I was going I should have looked at the clocks. They were black all black, I then noticed a lack of headlight reflection on the car in front, Yep all the lights had suddenly gone, left alone at high speed in the Sussex gloaming I realised time was short, I knew there was a service station about ten miles away so before it got very dark indeed I hoofed it rapid like whereupon I vowed to check the scenario out.

Obviously fuse related as everything else worked fine. So after taking lid off, removing gloves, releasing rucksack, rummaged for glasses, seat cowl off, tool kit out, front seat spannered off, locate fuse box, check inside lid for appropriate fuse connection and replace with spare. Piece of ****, I'd be home before my wine got too warm.

The lid was labelled upside down and the fuses refused to come out with just pinch pressure. (broke one of my nails don't you know (opener number 2 Lady P), levered fuses out individually with trusty penknife and found the melted miscreant.

Lo, there was no spare, ok I thought bung the fan switch one in there. Did so, reverse fitted everything back to shining example of aforesaid mighty Nine, clambered on board and booted it back out onto the black top. quarter of a mile later the lights pinged out again, by which time it was Stygian, there were no stars. Right then on with the indicators and limp the feckless thing to the next svce station only another five miles away.

Pulled in, repeated the same process - again lights were in evidence, clambered on board, started engine, engaged first gear and the lights blinked out again.

I swore alot and vowed to buy a Honda (It was an extreme situation) and once more pulled the bike apart, but there were no fuses left, thank feck for small mercies the Esso 'sells everything to convert the average car driver to an obese pauper' service station actually sold motoring orientated supplies in a dusty corner of their capacious coffee shop emporium.

Got any blade fuses quoth I to the vapid looking assistant with empty eyes and no doubt a soul to match. I ascertained from her gutteral response that sure enough the aforementioned dust rimed corner indeed was furnished with the requisite items at £1.95 a pack of three (opener number 3) after popping all 10 amp options I decided to bung a 15 in there and hope for the best. Needless to say it did, I landed in Chez Hoover and thoroughly disgusted with the whole evening stamped home, bloody wine was warm, dinner was in the cat and the kids were in bed, The missus though worried took me to task for not informing her of my dilemma etc hence tardiness.

Moral. Know where your fuse box is and carry a shit load of spares, fickle little things they are and no mistake

honda bali sj50 scooter

tirval — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:54:39 GMT

hi can anyone help

my honda bali sj50 scooter has no spark,

starter works good but no spark . have changed the coil and the cdi unit wiring loom looks good . i have run a new earth to the engine with no joy .

does anyone know what to try next

thanks tirval

Mirrors

Jimbob — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:00:54 GMT

The mirrors on my CBR 600F are nextto useless in that i am constantly having to shift my position to see anything in them. Anybody have any ideas on replacements which would give a clearer view of my rear? (no pun intended)