Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Well I spoke too soon. The SV just sold. Back to looking

Now that looks lovely.

Note the front fork...

There was a place in herne hill, behind olleys fish and chip shop.

EDIT: Think they are all gone from there

I go by those same rules for buying bikes now as well. Alas, I don't think they work for all bikes and as @BrickMan said, it depends on previous owners and how they feel about regular maintenance.
I do find Japanese bikes fare better over the long run.

Hence my 'looked after'.

Anyone want the blackbird? 62k miles, bit rough around edges and needs new tyres, but runs perfect.

Installed heated grips this evening, which started off simple but escalated somewhat. Turns out there is zero space for wiring between the airbox and tank and not an awful lot anywhere else.
Also had a look in the airbox whilst it was all open and there was a strange sticky brown residue on top of the filter at the front. I cleaned it off but can’t quite put my finger on the smell... Could it have come out of the recess at the front (tube underneath runs into it)?

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What's the colour and year of yours ?

Installed heated grips this evening, which started off simple but escalated somewhat. Turns out there is zero space for wiring between the airbox and tank and not an awful lot anywhere else.
Also had a look in the airbox whilst it was all open and there was a strange sticky brown residue on top of the filter at the front. I cleaned it off but can’t quite put my finger on the smell... Could it have come out of the recess at the front (tube underneath runs into it)?

Engine breather vents into the airbox so likely some oil mist that's collected. I wouldn't be concerned.

Black, 2001 fi.

Ah ok cheers, everything runs ok still so I won't worry!

Xmax 250 collected this afternoon, might be a bit of time to get used to riding a scooter again. Seems quite swift round the south circular, comfortable and has heated grips!
Haven’t managed to find a taker for my Kawasaki and my wife isn’t going to be keen on a front garden full of bikes, might just sell it to a scrapper to get shot of it

My hazards kill the indicators until I turn off the ignition and back on. Was the same on my old bike strangely. Short somewhere?

Anyone interested in an alpinestars waterproof smock? Half zip up front. Size large. £25

Post at cost If outside London

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Anyone know who can repair Sidi boots? The soles are flapping on mine.

Could try these folks - http://lancashiresportsrepairs.co.uk/

With light fading and now back after a week away I insured the RSV and went for a blast. Took it easy but very different to the inline 4's I've had. The throttle is super sensitive and engine braking is more of 'a thing' so will take some getting used to. After 15mins felt I was getting a feel for it and quite reasuring knowing you've got so much torque. Also the fuel light came on, which I've never had before so very exciting! There's no doubt the bike feels more comfortable above the speed limit but think it will mostly be hibernating for the next few months. Lovely way to wrap up the weekend.

What a shit night.

To do list:

• replace rear disc to fix slight pad rubbing
  
• change oil and filter
  
• drain and replace fuel
  
• run bike
  
  

Wheel took a couple of minutes to get off and hours to get back on. Those fucking spacers!

The rubbing is still there and I have no energy / motivation left to properly check the wheel alignment.

Draining the oil was easy with my oil drain can - these are brilliant. Even remembered to put the washer on first time. Went to replace the filter and the oil filter wrench couldn't get a grip and then dented the old filter. Oh well just a waste of oil... except I forgot a chunky screw driver and was stumped by triumph's fucking ridiculous oil filler cap... which I swore last time I'd replace with a sensible one... But obviously didn't.

The fuel is literally the only thing that's gone right.

My optimate seems to have vannished somewhere between my folks and my mate.

So I have an air cooled bike with no oil and no way of filling with oil plus a flat battery with no recharger.

Go for a new battery...

Hooked the new battery up yesterday and bike fired right up.

Have pulled the fuse on the positive lead, realised it should probably be inside in a holder but instead has just been flapping about under the seat so may have been shorting against the frame or something.

Have some little insulated blade fuses and holder on the way and will run one down to behind a side panel so I can pull it when bike is not in use.

Bit of a long shot, but does anyone have a battery charger / optimate and work near Liverpool Street or Farringdon?

Cheers.

Yes optimate...I think

Can drop it to you after work? Well time dependant.

That would be amazing!

I'll drop you a PM. I'm not sure I have the correct mobile number for you anymore.

I’ve got optimate in Beckenham.

Cheers. Unfortunately it's a bit far in the wrong direction.

did you get one sorted?

No, unfortunately didn't manage to pick up lynx's one yesterday.

Wondering if I should just buy another one. I searched high and low in my folks place. I'm absolutely convinced my mate has it, but he has no recollection and there is a limit as to how pushy you can be with someone who's put your bike up free for a year.