Harri

Hi, at first I read this as JAP bike owners. Which I thought was JAP engined bikes. Now I'm thinking it might be Japanese bikes from the 70's? Which one is it? If it's japanese bikes from the 70's I'm in for a chat.

Yeh, the 600 is the bigger brother. The Japanese got it wrong at the time apparently and thought the Brit's would rush out to buy British bike influenced singles. The bikes didn't seem to sell that well. The brit's DID have nostalgia for single cylinder motorcycles, but for British made single cylinders! Check out the Classic motorcycle mechanics this month if you like singles and take a look at the Suzuki Goose. Or, there are 2 bikes featured so I guess it is check out the geese

I've seen a few of these about in various stages from immaculate, to needing lots and lots of t l c. Along with the SRX mentioned earlier these bikes turn in mpg that's unheard of today. That can't be a bad thing. And they represent something bikes were invented for, FUN

Hey Pete, they're out there man Depends on what condition you would accept and what you would want to pay. Have you had one before? p.s. that is one cool SRX on youtube. Is it modified with the cooler or was that standard on later models?

Hey rantmachine. I contacted someone about a BMW the same as yours last week. Been sold! It looks a really solid bike. I've never owned a BMW but that model certainly looks the part and reviews are really positive. From your pic it looks like you travel a bit with yours which is what it was designed for I guess. !14 yrs old, spring chicken Am I right in saying it is a rotary engine? So the servicing of the bike is like any other but it's once you need to get at the internals it's different, yes?

That should read, old, taken and single I think Any of you guys riding and looking after older single cylinder bikes? I came across a Yamaha SRX400 yesterday that took me back to my Honda SL125 days. Okay different bikes entirely but single cylinders. There are some obscure Japanese bikes that are no longer around that looked nice. Would be good to hear who's got what, restoring e.t.c.

Thanks a lot guys, lots of useful info. Barcud

Hi, yes I watch the wanted/for sale bikes. If one of you would like to come around and ask my wife if I can buy that bike I'll eat my shorts if she says yes!!! Barcud

Thanks, sounds like most things are do-able. 'carb balancing' is something I keep seeing. I'm guessing there are some modern bikes though that are best left to mechanics who have all the equipment. I reckon I could do most things on a twin. Had a CB550 that tested my servicing abilities. Bikes? so far I've been chasing Suzuki sv650 early model, suzuki bandit, kawasaki er. Most things in the 400-600cc group, but only around £900 to spend. I've said in other threads the biggest stumbling block is most bikes are so far away. Travelling hundreds of miles to see a bike I might not even and up buying could be a costly exercise! Barcud

Hi all, I'm still bike hunting so I have a question about servicing. I used to do my own general servicing on my Honda twins. We're talking 1980's here! What is the situation these days? I have been specifically looking at twin engines as I'm guessing they will be easier/cheaper to maintain. 2 carbs to service as opposed to 4 e.t.c. And cheaper to put right should anything go wrong. Are any of you guys servicing your own bikes or is the service book/stamp important? cheers.

Thanks for the replies guys, interesting.

Hi. I've been trawling through fleabay in a search for a bike. (no luck so far!) I've seen quite a few bikes here and on other selling sites where a bike ad has stated that the bike jumps out of second gear! Firstly, is there a particular reason why it always seems to be second gear? And what would be the likeliest cause and remedy? cheers.

Nah, not mega cheap! no MOT!

Hi all and thanks. I guess if I knew the problem was 'definitely' this or that, then I could consider the options. But as the problem 'might be' this or that, then you're right, best leave alone. cheers

Hi guys, this post relates to a bike that was for sale. I fancy the bike but as a relative novice I don't want to take on a bike that becomes a big fix job! I'm told the bike was okay a few months back but trying to start it now isn't happening because of a flat battery. The battery has been charged, the bike turns but it sounds as if the battery fails to keep the turnover going. I could hire a van, take it away, buy a battery, and the bike still won't start! Then clean the carb's and still a problem! Is it a case of taking a gamble or not? cheers.

Thanks guys. If need be I'm sure I could clean the carb's on a twin which the bike in question is. Barcud

Hi and thanks. Would that mean a carb' clean then?

Hi all, if a bike was laid up for a few months, that had been a runner before then, and struggled to start with the original battery, would you suspect the battery? If not the battery, what would be the next thing to look at bearing in mind it was running fine before being laid up? thanks.

Thanks, good points.

Hi, all I know is the bike is a 1999, so the yearly mileage isn't that much is it? Me and my wife have a car so our main traveling is done in these. The bike wouldn't do too much as I'd only use it for fun, lot's of nice roads around here. I suppose the question is a non starter really. The 2 bikes are totally different and can't be compared. Harri

Hi all. I've been scouring all the websites looking at what's on offer regarding CB honda's. In particular I've been looking at 250's and been getting some good info from here. Someone contacted me with a CB500 twin for sale for around the same price as I have been looking at older 250's. The difference being, as well as the obvious, is that the 500 has done around 67.000 miles. While the 250's I have been looking at have not been that high. Is there a reference point at which a bike has too high a mileage to consider? For example, £600 for a Honda CB500 twin (the newer model) with 67 on the clock. And a 76 or later Honda Cb250 with 27 on the clock, is the 500 gonna die before the 250? Or does the bigger engine capacity make a difference? Hope this makes sense? Harri

Thanks a lot. Lots of good info and thanks for the links. Looks like the bike itself can be picked up for around £500-600. As long as it's not a major restoration I should be okay. It will be good to get my hands on a CB again. Thanks again. Harri

Hi again,what models has your mate got if you don't mind me asking? What kind of prices did he pay? Cheers.

Thanks for things to look out for. The CB 250 I was looking at was just over £800 coming down from nearly a grand and is said to have a very good engine. Not totally original but 'runs well'. I was hoping for around £500+ for a runner in 'good' condition. Lots of later models around which might be worth looking at. thanks again.

Thanks, I've searched and found the thread and will go through it tonight. I'm hoping to buy a runner that just needs servicing and renewing of parts when needed rather than a restoration. From what I saw briefly of Polecats thread it looks really interesting. Cheers for the shout.