Mr Fro

Custom stuff is usually not that cheap - can you get one that nearly fits and do a bit of modification?

In which case make sure your jeans go over the top of your boots, not tuck in to them (lesson learned age 17)!

Wow, they look a lot like my Forma boots - a good bit cheaper too! It'll be interesting to see how they work out for you.

I heard a bloke down the pub say you should always ise 70:30... I know the same bloke down the pub that claims never to use his rear brake. Never seen him on his bike though. The guy with the 200mph CB500?

Ouch! Look like it's a bit beyond honing from the pics! New cylinder and piston set and you're ready to go.

I heard a bloke down the pub say you should always ise 70:30...

Dude, if it's a Halfords battery (or Bosch) they have a manufacture date code stamp on the lip at the top. If it's from Halfords they will read off the code from the stamp and swap it out if it's a dud one.

If you've checked everything else (don't worry about the sprockets for now) and you've still got the problem then your carbs will be iffy. What does it feel like after 5k? If it's boggy then you're running rich and if it runs out of puff then you're lean. Also, is there any difference from cold to warm? 5k+ will be main jets or needle height depending on your red line. Before you start fiddling with jets and such, just double check that they're really clean and dunk them in a sonicator if you can. Ooh, check that you're getting full range of movement on the throttle and that the butterflies are opening all the way (made that mistake before!).

I agree with GoG although you have to be mighty quick (and brave) with the melty type adhesive and you only get one go at where it ends up before it's on there for life! I've used electrical tape to beef up the diameter of bars before - adding a couple of mm to the diameter using duct tape might be a bit too much. Personally, I prefer an interference fit to any kind of adhesive - much easier to adjust and change if need be.

Sounds about right. You should use a hefty bias to the front during normal riding as this will give you better stopping power. My knowledge of the new testing etc is hazy but in the olden days you would been failed if you didn't use the rear at all. Just get out and do a bit of riding. Slow speed stuff i.e. in and out of cones type thing is good for learning how to use the back brake, clutch, etc effectively. For me, the right foot starts braking as the left foot is thinking about going down when I come to a halt.

Seen better days old bean. Is that a load of swarf on the top of the piston? Also, what does the head look like - are the valves alright?

As I gaze in to the ether I see a bent valve...

Hmm... From my experience of restoring old cars and bikes (they don't even have to be old TBH), it's a bit hit and miss. I don't think I've ever made a loss on a project but then I've not always made a profit either... My worst case - an old Reliant Scimitar which I bought for a couple of hundred - turned out to be a money pit and I just about broke even. My best case - An old Goldwing that I paid 800 for, did a bit of tinkering, rode it around for a year then sold it for 2k. If you've got an eye for something desirable that needs minimal work and you can snap it up at a good price then you may well be quids in. The pitfalls are numerous - you might buy something that turns out to be an old dog, something that no-one else wants or something less than legal. I've always got something on the go but now I buy stuff that I want and will use until I get bored then pass on to someone else. If I can get my money back (including TAX/MOT/insurance/parts etc) so I get effectively free motoring then I'm chuffed. Just like any investment, don't risk more money than you can afford to lose!

Is that alright on the O-rings?

Fire up those pipe and slippers, this man is on his way to the home!

Could be the original ones if it's the back brake on a 2008 bike without squillions of miles on the clock.

I know what you mean, it can be quite addictive! I am considering parting company with my track bike (ZXR750) with spare wheels, spare tank and trailer...

Cheers doc, I'll give it a whirl.

Same here, I'd rather use a shop as I prefer the personal touch. Also, it keeps them in business and I'd much rather be able to nip down there to grab something than fanny about on the internet. I agree i personally couldn't go to a shop to try out clothing and spend time with an assistant to find the right size and then just leave and buy it cheaper online. Its worth paying the extra to check the fitting in store and get a feel of the item.

I've got major toothache which kept me up all night - phoned the dentist for an appointment and the earliest they can fit me in is 27th. Aaaaaaarrrrrgh f**k it!

Ta muchly.

x2 for me today... Firstly the kiddiwink on his scootypuff who was spraying tyre shine on his wheels to make them nice and slippy. When I politely informed him of his error he bacame very aggressive and told me I didn't know what I was talking about. I honestly feel he would have had a pop if he wasn't 6" shorter than me and had a bit more meat on him than a KFC wing. Secondly, the ultra retarded tagnut who opened their car door on to mine and took a chunk of paint off of my new car. RAAAA, I WILL DESTROY YOU* *If I ever find out who you are which I probably won't so you're pretty much in the clear.

Where abouts in this wonderful land is it anyway? Can I clarify my choice to the sunny one please?

Either or for me!

The bits on the battery terminals? Shouldn't cause any probs so long as there are no dangly metal bits near them. You can always grab some more from eBay for a few pennies.