Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Ah yes. Previous owner ran without baffle and therefore had an advisory on his last MOT. I run with baffle in most of the time.
Guys that did my MOT are proper bikers who make customs, I don't honestly think they would have given two hoots if I'd gone in wothout the baffle.
Apparently 'loud' exhausts are not an MOT fail unless the noise is because of a hole/defect/damage?

Modifying it (removing baffles) is a fail. Unless the tester is cool, and realises you would only put them back in for test.
It's 'excessive noise' that is a fail.

My local independent were telling me about a cruiser type thing that had straight though pipes (looked like steel drain pipes) in for an MOT.
It was so loud they couldn't start it in the workshop because it hurt their ears too much.
Failed it and insisted on baffles being installed. Still bloody loud.

They were saying they let loud exhausts through, generally, especially if it was removable baffles, as they can just be popped in and out.
Like previously mentioned, if it was a faulty exhaust they would fail it.

my brain couldn't process that video :/

took my Striple in for service this morning - sat on a 2016 Speed Triple R - big mistake!

#instawant

Ronnie PICKERING!

Testers discretion.

The comment about baffles is wrong.

Not for road use/ is still a no no, if the MOT tester cares.

Which comment? Removing baffles is a fail, as it's excessive noise?

http://www.motuk.co.uk/mcmanual_710.htm

I forgot about my baffles when I last had an MOT, and got in a bit of a panic at the test centre when I remembered.
The tester just said "That's what a motorbike is supposed to sound like."
I guess it depends on the tester.

Noise is down to the testers discretion, a removal baffle or dbkiller not being there is not an integral part of the exhaust.

What should I be worried about if I bought a bike that hasn't done much in the last 5 yrs?

Looking at an 02 XJR1300 from a dealer.
Last serviced at around 5000 miles in 2008, currently sitting on 6200 miles.
Said it would have a service and fresh MOT when sold, but should I be worrying about things that might not be fixed by a quick service?
It's a long time to have not done much.

Also not 100% sold on the bike, it will be a daily commuter doing about 800 miles a month.
Replacing my current TransAlp, want something a bit bigger than the 680cc twin than I currently have.

Also been eyeing up zzr1400 but might be a tad excessive...

What are the dates on the tyres?

Just an oil a filter change?

Carbs or injection?

My MoT is booked for tomorrow. First time I've ever had to MoT anything! Need to replace rear suspension tonight. Fingers crossed for the rest.

Brake fluid usually needs replacing every few years. My R1150 was a similar story and it rode like a new bike, very good value considering it was over 10 years old. I always look for low mileage now regardless of age.

Same with my bandit, it had been sitting in a warehouse for a few years, was over 10 years old, had 4000 miles on it. Great bike.

Personally, Seems like every new, to me bike, will get slowly stripped as and when things need doing. But then I do buy bikes with issues so a quick strip and check of all the bearings and moveable bits to make sure they are all greased and free. Makes a bike handle better as I have always found dry bearings and bit of marine grease never hurt. Not as if there is much to do, and an excuse to clean the bike too.

Any recommendations for armour? That won't break the bank!? There's loads on eBay but it all looks like some sort of techno fetish cosplay rather than actual body armour...

...nothing?

knox? - bit spendy

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_group/armour

Where for, knees, elbow hips back?

I wear an old Dainese leather jacket with built in elbows and these days a forcefield back protector. I've got a couple of different armour vests for MX which are too bulky for the road.

In all honesty, the parts of me that have taken the worst hammering over the years in crashes have been knees and hips, which go entirely unprotected unless I'm in full leathers. I only really wear those for pissing around in the canyons.

That doesn't help much I know!

Ha, no all good advice cheers. Knees and hips, yeah tbh hips were the last things I was thinking of. Also, hope I'm being paranoid but clocked a kid on a ped yesterday at the lights near where I live, he sort of circled me and did a u turn. Today I got home, did a loop round the block wheeled bike up on the pavement, same kid rides past, from the direction I've just come from... Hundred percent sure it was the same kid. It's locked up on a side alley by my house, locked behind a tall gate. Still not got a proper lock, got a few bike locks on it and it's wedged against the fate with a lock on that. So would be a bit of an undertaking for them to get at it...

I've suddenly become a big fan of knee and hip armour since my accident! Like most bikers when you've not had an accident for a while you figure the risks in your head, when the unexpected happens it doesn't always pan out the way you figured. Knee injuries are always complicated so it makes sense to have some armour there.

I think I'll drop some cash on the Knox armour for under un-armoured jackets, I've got plenty of armoured gear but there are a few jackets in my cupboard I'd like to wear that don't have any. For about £120 it seems reasonable but not cheap. Not sure if their knee armour would be comfortable.

Can lend you an almax.

I rate hiprotec armour from Hein Gericke and hip armour is a good thing. Also knee armour.

Alarm disc lock? That way you'll hear if someone moves it.
Got an old iPhone, I used manything.com app as a CCTV. Used to to catch a guy steal my cover. It's decent app.