The MotorBike Forum

Hi all,

I recently bought a Suzuki GS500 (02 reg) and I've been having problems with the battery. Initially I thought the battery was at fault however I've replaced this and still have issues.

If the bike is not used for a few days the battery has little charge left and when i go out for 20 miles rides it doesn't appear to be charging at all. Actually, the bike frequently cuts out towards the end of these rdies and then I can't get it started again due to dead battery.

I've followed the...

Hi again,

Just another quick question. Does anyone know the screw size for the battery floor cover? - tried loads from the pile I have and none seem to fit, too small or too big.

I don't know if they're all the same size but I'm specifically looking for screws for Sym Jet 4 125

Thanks :D

Many corroded fixings can be replaced with stainless steel replacements - but what about ‘ specials ‘ ?
The Cam cover bolts on the Trophy have slightly corroded heads and although still serviceable are unsightly - what solutions are available to get them shiny and protected from further corrosion?
I can’t see a plater being prepared to do 10 volts as a batch without paying through the nose for it.
Has anyone any other ideas?

Spotted this the other day.. looks like he might need new fork seals.
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Hello all,

Just a quick one, I had to change the right fairing today which involved disconnected the green and blue wire, replacing the fairing and then reconnecting. All the indicators work fine but as I went out tonight I noticed that I no longer get the blue light showing on the dash which indicators which one is on and which why I'm indicating.

Any ideas?

Hi all,

My (mostly) lovely missus has bought me a carbon finish Akrapovic end can (no link/mid pipe) - much like this one (I can't find the exact one) -

Being of limited mechanical competence, and my usual go-to mechanic has rudely decided to move to France (something to do with quality Family time, pfft), I stood there looking at my stock silencer on my 2001 CBR600 F4i then at my Akra, then back at the standard one (repeat for at least 20 minutes, with a Mr Bean type...

Hello , I currently playing around with a spare engine that I got cheap for my ER5. So far all my inspections have been very encouraging. I've got a good working gear box , good primary chain and everything seems clean and in good order. Today I had a look at the top end . When I turned the engine over I noticed that the cam chain went quite slack when one or the other piston was at TDC . I did a measurement of 20 links and they were just within service limits for stretch ( wear ) So I decided...

i have a ZX9r which had been standing for 2 years , well i have it up and running now starts ticks over fine , but when i try to ride it ,wont pull away ,so strip the carb down changed all the jets and pilots clean all carbs etc , put all back together same things run fine above 3000rpm , starts ,runs fine ,go well , but just struggling to pull away ?? anyone have any ideas wont wrong ?

Hi again,

I have a SYM Jet 4-125 and need to change the oils but I'm so lost. I am a complete newb and I apologise if my questions sound so silly but I don't want to get it wrong and completely wreck my bikes engine.

The user guide I downloaded says the bike is limited to use the following:

Engine Oil: SAE 10W-30 API SH/CD

Gear Oil: SAE 85W-140

I googled both and the gear oil seems simple enough to find but as for the engine oil I just don't know, can't find any with API SH/CD in...

Hey, sorry this is a bit long winded.
From the beginning, last year I had a Barnett spring clutch conversation and ebc heavy duty plates fitted.
Everything was fine up until a few weeks back when the clutch started binding and I was struggling to get neutral while she was running.
After lots of googling I pulled the clutch, turns out the wire clip that holds the rear two plates back had come out at one end and was hanging about between a steel and friction plate.
I refitted it, done an oil...

:?: WARNING: TOTAL NOOB :!:

Can anyone help me with a walk through for charging my battery please? Think it's at the end of it's life to be honest but I need it charging if possible so I can get it into the garage. Bought it 3rd hand after it had been stood for 6 months. Worked fine for about 4 days but now it's packed in.

PLEASE, don't take the mick...we all have to start sonewhere. :oops:

My son's Arizona 125 seems to be running ok but there is a rattling noise on the engine. I've noticed myself if I kick it over there is a rattle which seems to come from the electric starter once the bike starts up.
How does the electric starter work?
Is there some part of the mechanism permanently linked into the engine or should it fully disengage once the engine fires?

Earlier today I was riding along and my bike started getting coughy and spluttery as if I was running out of fuel (I was nowhere near it) - As I approached a roundabout I slowed down and let off the throttle, and the bike just killed itself, wouldn't start for the couple of seconds that I tried, so I pushed it off the side and tried again after about 30 seconds of looking around seeing if there were any issues, the bike started, ran completely fine no problems. Got told by a friend that when it...

Hey guys first post on the forum,

Having an issue with my bike it's a derbi gpr 125 4 stroke (don't mock me). About 7 weeks ago I reported that the oil pressure light came on at idle once the bike was warm but cleared once it was over 2300 rpm to the dealership I got it from. As it was under warranty at the time of the issue occurring the first time.

So far we have had a pressure test done 7psi at idle and 45psi when revved up. They have also changed the oil pressure switch and done a service...

I am new to biking so forgive my ignorance. I am slowly learning how to maintain my bike and already thinking about winter. Question is what is the best thing to use to protect the electrics for winter. I was thinking of using an electrical grease on the connectors etc. Would this be ok or is there something more specific to protect the electrics?
Cheers in advance Dave

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and just looking for some advice. My CB125F has had a massive problem with the piston and cylinder bore I'm looking for parts but can't find a thing! I see that the cbf125 has a similar bore size to the cb125f (GLR125) which is 52.4mm and I was just wondering how much of a different it would make if I just used the part from that instead of struggling to find the exact part! I've searched high and low on the internet and I'm thinking that there could be a...

Hello groovy gang.
As mentioned in another post I have a new Chinese made bike. I want to give myself the best chance of it lasting and want to follow the advice I was given to look after it. I shall buy a Haynes manual to how to do stuff but would like to know what to do? What should I do to look after a bike, how often etc? Thanks in advance

Hi all looking for assistance.

I've got a Honda varadero 125, v twin. 2006 carburetor model.

All runs fine, no obvious problems, other than the choke lever doesn't stay out fully, it'll retract about a 1/3 of the way back in, and the idle screw I'd stuck. This appears to be in a rod rusted in it's housing rather than a little brass affair direct on the body.

My issue is regarding startling the bike.

First thing in a morning after an all night stand, I pull out the choke, and start the bike,...

After my ride to day I parked my bike in the garage .As I was getting the bits off the bike I noticed that there was some small droplets of oil on the tank . (I'm doing some respray work on the bike so the tank don't have any lacquer on it ) so the wee spots was shiny looking . Then i spotter the front of the engine was covered in a very fine layer of oil and the fins on the side again thing spray of oil . So I wiped it all off and the rag is black with oil .so I checked the oil level and its...

Hi all,

Am new on here and to biking so hope this question isn't too obvious.
I've recently passed my test and am using an 02 bmw r1150 r to commute on which is perfect for what I needed.
My only concern is that the biting point in the clutch is right at the end of the lever, it isn't slipping or anything but I know on cars this can be a sign of the clutch on its way out.
It has 25000 on the clock and has full bmw service history, hope you can help, thanks in advance. 👍

No drama!! Nothing broken yet. :D

I'm just anticipating some trouble with the sump nut when I change the oil next. I wanted to do a proper job and remove the sump to fix/replace the thread. But I need to remove the exhaust first which means removing the header nuts.

HIOWEVER, they look like this, pretty mangled and I cant even get sockets on them. Is there any way to tackle these or is this maybe a job too far?

Thanks all

the cable on the vt is a push pull mechanism, I didn't realise that the return cable 'push' side was rusted until I changed the bars because it seemed to be working fine. the regular pull cable that you find on single cable throttles in In tact and I assume the spring in the carb is good because it snaps back shut afterwards. my question is would it be ok to solder the pull cable back together as it split pretty clean because the part right now is out of stock so I don't know how long that...

Hi Newbie looking for advice please,Can anyone tell me what other exhaust will fit on a Honda cityfly 125 clr 1998,struggling to get an original.many thanks for any advice please

I’ve had the cam cover of the Trophy powder coated.
I’m now using a sharpening stone to remove the coating on the fins and the text. ( see pic where I have done the Triumph text ) 4DF76716-D529-4916-AFCE-F2871D2FF701.jpeg
The trouble I’ve got is that the sharpening stone has become clogged up - does anyone know how to clean the ally swarf out of the stone ? I’ve tried a brass wire brush.
Also having exposed the ally can I lacquer the complete cover to prevent it corroding?

Thanks.

A few months ago the bike died after being stuck at high temp on a hot day. I stalled outside my house and it wouldn’t start again, the bike would then start again when cold. Eventually it wouldn’t start at all as the battery went flat after a few of these cycles, I could get off after a long run and it was dead on the button. I checked the charging voltages and it was all good. I even stripped off the R/R and it passed a diode test.

Bike ran fine after fully charging the battery for a small...

Just a quick one ( I hope )
Can I use silicone grease to reassemble my Triumph Trophy clutch master cylinder?
I have heard that you should not use an oil based lubricant but don’t know if Silicone grease falls into this category.
Thanks

hi guys i am new here.yesterday i install the after market exhaust on my bike whick is xj6n 2013.this morning when i start the engine the temperature keep going up while i am riding it goes up and down somwtime goes to 122 and again 120 again goes up and the header gets so hot n coolant light comes up?any help would be great.i think its to do with header cause when i take out to stud and flange bolt from stock exhaust 2 of the them where broken half.when i install new one two of them i couldnt...

Update: Fixed :) The rear brake switch had a frayed wire. Thanks for the help!

Hey all.
I'm having some issues with my Motorbike and was hoping some of you might be able to help me out.

My Motorbike seems to be breaking a lot recently. First it was a dead battery, then it was a problem with power (or more specifically no power at all) - turned out my 30a main fuse had blown. After replacing that my power burst back into life. I now have two more problems:

1. My rear brake light is showing...

Ok so I have a long spell off work and may not even be able to ride again, real bad times, but to keep active I'm going to continue to tinker with my bike.

I have a new motobatt battery to fit. I have a factory fitted yahama alarm, is there anything I need to take into consideration before changing the battery or is it a simple case of negative off, positive off swap battery and reconnect??

Thanks all

DSC_0617.JPG If anybody is thinking of stripping their wet clutch, here what my GSX1100 ET one looks like. Most are similar. DSC_0618.JPG
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Hi All,

Just done the oil change and now it comes to Coolant...

I though it will be easy to choose one, but it gives me a bit of a headache...

My manual says if original coolant is not available please use- Glycol base antifreeze compatible wit aluminium radiators...

So far I have found and bough ''TRIPLE QX Blue Ready Mixed'' description below.

Ready Mix Ethylene Glycol based Antifreeze with Winter Protection up to -36 C upon dilution
Blue Ready Mixed Antifreeze/Coolant - 5ltr
Suitable...

I've just bought Fazer fzs600 ,2001.
I only have one ignition key.
Does the MK1 FZS, have ordinary keys?
I know later models have a chip in them.
Does the MK1 key have a chip?

Hi all - I'm guessing this is asked all the time but after having serious issues with my 2008 GN125 I'm almost there...I think.

The bike came with a knackered carb (fuel mix screw minced down tight and no pilot jet) so I bought a Chinese copy. Turns out there were small differences between the two so I've managed to use all the parts from about 3 old mikunis to get it back to stock. The bike runs better than it ever has but is stumbling on the pilot circuit and has black sooty plugs.

From the...

Morning ladies and gents. A friend of mine as yamaha R1, with a strange problem. We can kick into all the gears but the bike doesn't move. Taken it to a few garages who claim theyve never seen anything like it. If anyone has experienced this problem or even point us in the right direction would be a great help. Can click into all gears. But chain goes nowhere almost like the bike is in neutral. Cheers. Any help will be much appreciated.

Hi, just wondering if anyone could offer any advice for some problems I’m having on my bike,

I bought it about eight months ago, it’s a 2010 YBR 125cc (Custom but I believe mechanically it’s the same as the YBR)

Couple issues:
1 - When I try to pull away in first gear the engine stutters as if its about to stall out, but then it recovers. It’s hard to describe, but it’s easily noticed if you get on it and ride it. This only seems to happen after the bike has warmed up after a few mins and it...

Hello everyone, so long story short my YBR's top end is just a bit lacking. It will happily sit at 50mph and will push to 60mph. I would prefer if it could happily sit at 60mph and push to 70mph. The only real mod I could find for this bike without spending serious money was an eBay 150cc kit for around 80euro. I think it will probably be a bad idea to buy it but kind of hoping I'm wrong, so if anyone more knowledgeable than me could shed some light that would be great :)

I also don't want to...

Some advice please. I’ve never cleaned or lubed my bike chain. How often should this be done and is it the same as a bicycle- puts some cleaner on, give it a scrub, rinse it off and spray some lube on?

Hey, my bike is now complete, lokoing to get it in for MOT within the week, but the LOOM is bugging me.... We stripped it back and took loads of unused wires off, rebandaged it, then chopped some more, tucked some here, forced some here and you get the picture, now left with a load big chunk of a loom, it's ok, but feel it could be better... not confident it's water tight.

I don't think I am confident enough to make a new on my own, I know I'd start it, think I was doing well then relaise I...

I have a second hand lexmoto zsx 125 it had not been looked after that well but when it turned up it was running so fort that's fine I can fix it up. Know the problem is I have had it running every know and again then it starts to not tick over or the digital screen goes of so I fort lack of power so got a new battery and spark plug just to be safe. Started up was like get in know it seem all the same problems have come back this all happened on the same day. Changed the oil as well and new...

Hi am . As you see its been a very hot day today .. so me and my bro in law went for a fast blast on the bikes . .I'm on CB750 he's on a FJR1300 and like to go fast .so we goes up to the Brecon beacons and he said he's found a new road to ride so we been on the road good 2hrs . And we came to the last section he said got a lot of twists and turns ..... So off we go I'm doing my best to keep up with him . Then about the last few miles I'm going.round this hair pin bend goes to.slow down ready to...

Hi there.

I have a year 2000 cb500. Just recently i have noticed a quiet, random ticking noise coming from the engine.
Its not a knocking and doesnt seem to be affecting performance. It is not there when in neutral or with the clutch in.
It sort of sounds like there is a small stone inside getting kicked about. I can hear it in 1st and 2nd but after 2 and a half thousand revs i suspect the engine noise covers it over.
I have checked oil level, i have cleaned and checked the chain. Both are...

Hi all.
I've been pokeing around here for a bit but now I've finally got my CBT and a bike I need a wee bit of help getting up and running.
I managed to secure myself a Suzuki marauder 125 as an MOT failure due to a flat spotted rear tyre and a leaky front fork. Neither job should be too much trouble and I have the haynes Suzuki single manual to hand.
My issue is that my bike is the gz125hs. This seems to be a bit of a rarity and I'm having trouble getting hold of the specs.
For example,...

I need to strip apart the forks on the Trophy, apparently this requires a 30mm external AF drive on the end of a long bar to remove the damping rod.
I do not possess such a thing or do I possess anything with a 30mm external hex.
Anyone got any ( sensible) ideas?
Ta.

Hi one and all just wondering if anyone has seen this gadget advertised in MCN lately, It's a metal bar supposedly made of some special alloy that will give your bike a new lease of life basically?? Well at least more MPG and faster acceleration etc.... Now I'm not the gullible type, really I'm not but I did buy one the same time as a work colleague just in case it may work!
Anyway I hoped some well educated biker would have some info on this gadget and would be so kind to as to pass on their...

First off i know a lot of this is my own fault but its been a little hectic lately

i bought a yamaha R125 2 years ago from a business seller on ebay, its always been a perfect bike but a year ago i moved and didnt need to use it so while i taxed it (was only 15 quid and i didnt know if id be using it again soon) but i never got around to getting the MOT redone. since then ive moved twice and somewhere along the way ive lost the V5, i also havent updated the address details on it, it was only...

Ok folks, here's a good one for you all...

My girlfriends 2008 (injected) YBR.

Symptoms :
Absolutely fine when cold. Once warned up after 2 minutes or so, it dies when the throttle is released, not when it is backed off but released back to it's start point. The bike hasn't actually stalled electrically, the engine doesn't completely stall until you come to a stop as normal, but there is no power at all. When it has died trying to get it going with the clutch is worthless and to get it...

Recently got myself slightly confused and hope some of you boffins can clear things up for me.

On the CBR and other Hondas the CamChain Tensioner is known to become faulty after time - this is the part people replace

However on here item 3 is listen as the CCT, and item 4 - the one people replace is the CCT Lifter.

Are people changing the correct part and not using the correct name, or does item 3 need changing too?