Uncle Meat

Thanks for the advice megawatt but I still think the valve is the way to go. If I degrease well and then some more, sand the surfaces to make good contact I think all will be hunky dory. The thread is reasonably intact so all should be ok.

Ok having given it much delibaration I have decided the best way to go is to A Stahlbus Oil Drain Valve (see link last post) and chemicaly weld it into/onto the sump. It doesn't need to come out as you drain it from the end via a drain tube. No chance of drilling at the wrong angle, no chance of swarf getting into the engine either. I don't even technically have to drain the oil if I lay the bike on it's side. They don't list my bike but as my nut is an M12 x 1.5 and they sell M12 x 1.5 then I don't see a problem? Does anyone else? If the chemical weld leaks (which I hope it won't) I suppose I could always have it welded on. Would that be argon welding? I will have to wait until I have a day off (ages yet) but will take pics and let everyone know how it go's...

Just reading on the net. Some bikers are using these (even before they have problems) - http://aggracing.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=75 I could chemical weld it in place and never have to remove it again... Just drain via a tube directly into an old oil can. ebay listing for the above - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stahlbus-Oil-Drain-Valve-M12-x-1-5mm-Thread-/190726555023?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2c6830458f

Cool thanks.

How would I change oil in the future then? Weld the nut over the hole, to allow a bolt to be screwed in and out for oil changes. So find a nut and bolt, place nut over hole, apply loads of chemical metal around the nut to bond it to the sump - no drilling, no chance of swarf falling into the engine... Not heard of that one before? anyone else tried this?

How would I change oil in the future then? I've heard helicoiling ain't so bad to carry out? Can anyone tell me if the kit I mentioned above will do the job? Can I use the same size bolt after?

Sadly not.

I hear what you are saying but I was worried about getting the hole drilled straight. Maybe the best bet would be to start the drilling with the bike on its side and then stand it up to finish the job. What do you think?

Well it's finally happened... Whilst doing a basic oil change the other day the sodding drain plug bolt went loose when I tightened it. I don't need to eloborate any further. None of the local bike shops will touch it so I have to attempt a helicoil myself... So just to reassure me can I just double check things with you fine people. Its a 2007 ybr 125 and I have assertained that the drain bolt is an M12 x 1.5 Does this sound Correct? I have sourced this kit off fleabay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15-Piece-Thread-Repair-Kit-M12-x-1-5-x-16-3mm-Helicoil-Type-/260920878571?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cc018a5eb Will this do the job? I have watched all the youtube videos and read all the availiable bumf on the net and feel ready(ish) to tackle the job. It seems to me the main points are - 1. Make sure you drill straight. 2. Make sure the tang doesn't fall into the engine. 3.use grease at all stages to catch stray swarf. As you've guessed im doing it with the engine assembled as splitting the casings is well beyond me. and I think if i'm methodical and do an oil change right after I should be ok. I will drain the oil and lie the bike as flat as I can to do the job and intend to fit a new magnetic drain plug once finished. Have I forgotten anything? Many thanks in advance.

I have Heine Gericke Pathan Evo 5 finger version and as yet have stayed dry. On sale at the moment in Hein Gericke for £41.

You could fit a small goldfish bowl inside it so you could see the fish through the open visor? How about a hanging basket? Somewhere to keep your pennies and loose change? A biscuit barrel?

This has been my regime - Breakfast (08:00) - 2 x toast with marg and a green tea. Lunch (15:00) - 2 x tortillas with tuna and salad or a bit of fish and veggies. 3 litres of water and 3 x green teas spread over the day. Thats it for the day. No potatoes, rice, pasta or beer. Well a few pints every couple of weeks. I use a site called 'My fitness Pal' to check calorie and protein levels. They have a great database of food.

I started my diet on August 8th and thus far have lost 46lbs (3.3 stone). Only 1 more stone to go to hit my target weight of 13. At my present rate this will be achieved before christmas and as I am working all over christmas there will be no christmas dinner to tempt me...

ACF50 for me. Just coated the bike from head to foot. ***Warning*** Keep it well away from the brakes, tyres and the foot rests...!!!

Next time they leave their kids with you dye their hair red. That should stop the lazy buggers from bringing them round.

Quote - "Bike was serviced 2 days before I bought the bike and had an oil change". Did you buy it from a shop? Warranty...

Sounds like a load of bull to me.

Congratulations...

Ordered it in the end from fleabay for £14.40. Thanks for all the replies.

Thanks, i'll check out Evans and the like.

Anyone know where I can buy a can in south London? I have searced online for a stockist - halfords, hein gericke and the like but cant find one! I have a day off tomorrow and want to spray my bike. I can order from fleabay if need be. Many thanks in advance.

I bought the Turcano Urbano ones for my YBR 125 they work great. Look a bit naff but I don't give a hoot as my hands are warmer and dry.

I'm going to get some of those silk under gloves tomorrow.

Wow they look like they could work really with the dreaded wind chill. Just checked their 'what fits my bike' page and they don't have any for my bike.

I bought my Yammy ybr 125 off a guy at work for £200 (he was mad and now realises it lol) it saves me £14 a day in fares so has become invaluable to me. I wouldn't spend 8k on a car these days even if I could afford it! If I needed one it would be a cheap runaround as mentioned by many others. Things can be done on the cheap with a bit of luck and planning and save you a fortune to spend on other nice things like holidays. I won't waste money these days as like many others I can't afford to throw it away.