Rob Taylor

I reckon it's the small gap in the inlet rubber you mentioned, getting incorrect air mix to start hot. I had the same issue with a cb250 years back but cannot remember at all what the problem was.

Stripped the other fork. Stripped and cleaned the handle bar switches, removed handlebar for spraying and oiled my control cables.

I did my test before all these changes, but what I did was cbt, bought a cheap yamaha sr125, poodled round on that every day getting some confidence, took my standard test then carried on with the 125 till the two years were up then climbed slowly from then. 250, 500, 750 then 900s (which I'm happy to stick at). You come across as very sensible and your plan sounds good. Get a 125 that you'll be happy to ride for a while rather than just trying to get the biggest, fastest bike you can as soon as possible. It's much better to make all of your early on mistakes on a cheaper low powered bije, and your riding skills will only improve.

Nice. I've not long moved to the area (Highworth) so may take a run up to Burford Hills soon. Looks lovely.

Stripped leaky fork and resprayed the indicators. Waiting for parts now.

Check the plugs first off. Sounds like a fuel issue, but I'm not familiar with your bike. Does it have an external fuel filter? Check the easy and cheap things first then go from there. Check the cylinder compression too. Do you have a manual for it? It will make your life much easier.

I couldn't care less about what other people are wearing. I've got better things to be doing.

I have these (or similar) on my vulcan. Squeeze the back tabs together with some needle nose pliers to remove the whole clip, or just twist a flat blade screw driver in the lip on the top if you just want to release the brake line. They're only cheap if you do manage to break it, but they are pretty flexible.

Intended to get the near complete project out for a few miles. Came back 80 miles later then wiped off the fork oil that had sprayed all down the right hand side of the bike! Seals on order, a job for the weekend.

Make sure you ride it first. Some cruisers have forward foot controls, so although you can touch the ground easily with both feet, you may not be able to comfortably ride it. My vn900 custom has forward controls and it's just about right for me and I'm 5'10.

Some sort of low rider cruiser style for your height I reckon. Honda and yamaha do plenty from 125 upwards and suitable for shorter riders. Not sure if you are restricted to 125 or not but I had a friend just under 5'02 and he had a yamaha xv535. I liked it so much that I ended up buying one and had it for a couple of years.

I have a copy in pdf somewhere but never read it. I may dig it out.

I've had a large one for years and they are fantastic. Really quick at boiling a lot of water. Too big for my bike though so I use a small trangia for bike trips.

Just looks like a project bike mate. Don't waste your money. I've never bought new, but try and get bikes that are as close to original as possible. There are some crazy people out there who do some crazy things to perfectly good machines. Especially wiring. Have a good look at the wiring loom and connectors before you part with any cash, there are too many people out there who think electrical tape and LEDs are the way forward.

Good all rounder bikes, like cb500s. I personally love them and they accelerate as good as any other similar type of bike with a good top speed. Well built and cheap to maintain.