Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Yep, I'd go with XS650 too, possibly in a Champion frame. The tiny rear sprocket is a bit of a signature for them, they've got very short primary gearing so the back sprocket always has to be small even when they're being used on dirt.

Red Max Speed Shop do some smart bits for converting them for flat track, not necessarily the cheapest of projects but if you wanted to buy something to gradually do up whilst riding it it's not a bad choice.

Problem discovered before I took the bike to Burwins. Exhaust has corroded and is blowing from the mid pipe so it’s making it sound like a tractor.

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Question now is whether the mid pipe that comes with the black widow exhausts will cover this or whether the corroded bit is part of the headers and I’ll need the whole thing replacing
I think I can just get a set of used stock headers for sub 100 so may just do that

Although not cheap if you have to replace the headers atleast the noise can be explained, and it's not something more sinister internally?

Not the most in depth, but enjoyed watching this nonetheless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_PILET26VE

Saw a dude on an RSV in central yesterday. Thought it might be you but it wasn’t nearly as clean as yours.
Christ though it’s a beast. Couldn’t hear my own engine whatsoever when we set off from the lights together

Great watch, thanks!

Never ride into central really, from Hertfordshire I normally head north. Don't think my Arrows unbaffled are that bad, but the neighbors might say otherwise.

Shoreditch ways? Saw one today as well and thought it might have been @jambon

No, right in central. Around Holborn. He was wearing a khaki parka

The clothes were coming off in the shed today. There's a small oil leak, coming from the oil filter cover plate or the sump bolt as the copper washer has been over torqued and cracked. Have cleaned everything and placed cardboard underneath to see if it helps the diagnosis, but either way have some gaskets for peace of mind.

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I found talcum powder super helpful for finding my leaks. Clean everything spotlessly, then talc it, then run the engine and watch close for the leak.

Never knew this was a thing until a few days ago after searching online. My main route of investigation is the repaired oil tank, I thought it was okay but there was seepage under the repair today. Would ordinarily buy new but looking at prices will see how much welding it up is.

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What's been repaired on it?

The KTM oil tank bolt threads went (aluminium tank), so I took it to a machinist and he helicoil'd them all for me, sorted that issue.

Aluminium is hard to weld, so you'll need to find someone good.

The yellow resin patch is the repair. The oil tank is steel too which should make it easier to weld hopefully.

ah I wondered what that was, has it been down the road?

Easy repair (as steel) if that's where the leak is from, easy to test with a little talc.

Thankfully not, it's one of the known issues with these bikes that the oil tank is delicate. I suspect it's from rubbing on the fairing but not really sure, strange as the whole bike is mint apart from this.

That does look odd. Maybe a fault in manufacturing, and the added heating and cooling of the oil got to the weak point?

Good point, that doesn't sound too far fetched. Very satisfying to see this drip after meticulously cleaning everything last night. Have a local guy who welded up a rusty petrol tank years ago so will give him a ring in the new year.

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I’ve a hankering for a bmw K75/K100 cafe project.
Just need a damn garage

Inspecting the bike again tonight after cleaning it all meticulously, the clutch slave cylinder is very obviously leaking. Italian bike ownership is living up to the stereotype so far! Unfortunately for me the bike is 1 day out of its dealer warranty, but have emailed them anyway, although expecting it be a polite no. These issues are annoying, but kind of glad they've been discovered at least. Also it's an excuse to upgrade some parts while I'm at it - well that's what I'm telling myself.

Apologies for spamming the thread

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Like you say, Italian bikes innit.... Lovely when they work. There's always Honda when you're done with the exotics!!

Please don't fuck with a decent BMW to turn it into a mental designer jobby like that though.

Meh, bikes are for riding and enjoying. Not showing in a museum.
But anyway, I’ve not got the skill, tools, space nor money to build something like that so it won’t happen anyway

Don’t get a 100 - the 75 is a much better engine, smoother and more balanced, and doesn’t drink half as much as the 100.

Used to have a fleet of K75’s I rented out to couriers back in the day, great bikes.