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.

Okay guys thanks for the replies. I'm sure it was clear to most people but I just couldn't get it straight in my head. Barcud

Hi all, if you go and see a used bike or car with a view to buying, and you decide to buy it, is there such a thing as drive or ride away? Wouldn't you have to pay for it, take all the details, go away and sort out tax and insurance, and then go back to pick it up? Or am I missing something? With the new tax laws you couldn't ride anything away anyway could you? Barcud

Hi, I think I may be being too careful! But who wants to travel half way across the country to discover a bike for sale is a wreck! I am only looking at bikes close to North Wales where I live and so my choice is limited anyway. Replies to my emails would be helpful hence my post asking you guys. thanks for the reply.

Hi all, do any of you guys buy your bikes over the internet on fleabay e.t.c.? I have spotted a few bikes for sale and have emailed 7 or 8 without any replies! Surely if bikes are advertised they are still for sale? Barcud

Thanks again guys.

Cheers, that's nothing too complicated then. I might take a closer look at the bike then. Barcud

Hi, I've been looking at a 500cc bike for sale that is fitted with a restrictor. It also comes with the parts to de-restrict it. Firstly, why are bikes like this restricted? And is it difficult to put it back to full power? thanks