Cycleops

That's a rather odd attitude. They can't service it because they don't have the expertise or just can't be bothered to fix older machines? No great loss as there are plenty of independents around who won't rip you off with exhorbitant prices and probably offer a better and more friendly service.

I make no apologies for this old motorcycle joke told to me by a neighbour when I lived in N.London who rode a Vincent Comet? 500. A man was suffering from wind and went to his doctor. But worse, every time he farted the noise that came out sounded like 'Honda'. The doctor carried out an endoscopy and reported to the man had an abscess. 'But why does the fart sound like Honda doc?'. The doctor replied, 'Don't you know the saying 'Abcess makes the fart go Honda'. (Absence makes the heart grow fonder). Sorry.

No idea about it's previous life @S-Westerly as it came straight from Japan . All I know about him is that he has small hands as he'd fitted it with variable reach levers. Just wondering if this sort of crash protection is popular.

The bike is in immaculate condition, no signs of any crash damage or abuse. What is in a questionable state?

But why are they only on the RHS?

There's also this on the front wheel: Also a crash protector? So maybe better off than on?

This is attached to the frame of my newly bought Honda VTR250. No idea what it's for. Im sure you well informed riders know.

Thanks for that. Unfortunately Halfords think I'm part of a bot farm because of my web address and won't let me look at their website If you could post a screenshot of the set and the sizes therein I'd be grateful. I just want to get an idea of the sizes as I can only find individual ones here

You can get most. There's a site which sells loads of Chinese tools and even bike parts. You'd be surprised as lots which you'd find under the Sealey etc label are here and at a cheaper price.

Can anyone tell me what sizes of JIS are commonly used on Japanese motorbikes?

Thanks guys. I've had a look at the Hornet now and looks pretty dodgy. It's evidently been abused. Wheels are all chipped so ridden over kerbs. A lot of wear generally and a dent in the tank. The seller's brother brought it over and said he was a dispatch rider so I think that's what it's been used for. People here don't seem to want to look after their machines and treat them anyhow which is sad. The cruiser is a Honda Shadow 250 from my research. May try to have a look at it. Going for £600. The best one I've found so far is a Honda VTR 250 fresh from Japan, 1998, 14300km so the locals haven't had a chance to wreck it. Very nice overall condition and original. Don't think this model came to Europe. Looks like a Ducati Monster but in mini form. Quite light compared to the Hornet so better for me.

I'm looking to buy a bike at the moment and was wondering if using one of these service providers proved useful.

Don't know if you saw my introduction post but I'm in Ghana. Bikes here seem to be quite cheap but many have been abused. Case of checking them over very carefully I guess.

Honda Hornet 600 of indeterminate age, perhaps someone could help out with that. Mileage not known as the LCD screen has gone blank. Guy want about 1k for it. Are they reliable bikes? Thought they may be as it's a Honda. While I'm at it can anyone tell me what this bike is? Advertised as a Hornet but don't think so.

Thanks @Nick the wanderer. Useful thought. I was also after what they might be like to maintain and any known issues. How about what to look out for when inspecting?

I'm in Ghana and looking for a bike to get back into motorcycling after a long gap. Getting on in years and just over 6ft tall. Found these advertised locally and would appreciate some advice. Mileage varies and cannot be guaranteed to be correct nor other info. The VTR odometer screen is blank. Advertised as a 2018 but must be around 2000 from online search. Any worth considering? Thanks

Thanks for all the replies. There is a lot of motorcycle use here but it's mainly Chinese bikes. These are all copies of the venerable Honda CG125 which I'm sure you're all familiar with. There is also a 150cc version and is available in various forms. There are a few companies producing what looks like the same basic bike, it's very popular and cheap. This is a Royal. There is a Yamaha dealer here but they sell small capacity bikes only I think. For other Japanese models you have to look used which are imported. I've found a few which are not too bad and I'll be asking for advice on those very soon. For spares it's the used market again, although I could buy specific parts from the UK and courier it here. Theft can be a problem so will be using a good lock but generally there is not too much criminality here unlike Nigeria or SA.

I'm an old guy now living in Ghana but previously from the UK. BiTD I had quite a few bikes including a Commando, Suzuki Kettle, Ducati Darmah and Honda CB250. Now wanting to get back into it after riding cycles here. Finding something here that hasn't been abused is not easy so I'll be looking for buying advice. Looking forward to meeting you online very soon.