Mississippi Bullfrog

I do about 5k a year. Half is short journeys for work. Half is playing out on my day off. But someone I know who bought a brand new Z900RS, lovely bike, just sold it two years old with only 450 miles on it. He just wasn't using it as it was such a nice bike he didn't want to get it wet and dirty. 75% of the rides I've arranged this year have been small numbers because guys with new bikes won't ride if it's raining. We're due out on Friday but the forecast is wet and I'm suspecting numbers will fall.

Does that still show the Berlin Wall in place?

Clean it up, refill the coolant, let it idle and watch for leaks. Keep an eye on the gauge. From the photo it looks like the cap is where it's coming from.

Bikes are designed to run in much hotter climates than ours. That sounds like you've got a problem which needs sorting out.

My phone is crap.

First thing I'd try is to add fresh fuel. It doesn't go off as badly as some people say but if you put E10 in it then with carbs it can be a bit iffy on choke with old fuel. If the problem is only on cold start and otherwise it runs OK it can't be anything major. Backfiring could just be unburnt fuel then getting ignited in the exhaust. On choke you're using a rich mix, if a stroke doesn't ignite and chucks that rich charge into the exhaust the next firing can make it go pop.

That looks like a cracking project. Part of the fun of a restoration in finding the parts - or at least I've always found it that way. Hope it goes well. Keep us updated on progress.

Nothing wrong with iridiums. I use them in my bikes. Leads don't last forever so no harm replacing them.

You going for rushes on the floor as well? It's looking good. I love older properties with character.

It looks like we're coming within N Wales and Mersey then. I cannot understand why they are allowed the charge different amounts for different regions.

I'll believe they can produce something intelligent when BMWs start to indicate before turning.

Maybe it's because we live in a rural area? Though I can't see that it makes that much difference to them.

OK, I tried British Gas. They're pretty much the same prices as Shell. Looks like I'm stuffed.

I'll think about trying British Gas. The only snag is I used to be with them and their customer service was dreadful. Mind you, it can't be any worse than Shell. When you ring you get a call centre in India who can only go off a prepared script that has no bearing on what you're asking.

I looked at other suppliers - like Octopus - they're doing the same. I've sent a message to OFGEM, will report what I hear back.

I mentioned thar our energy tariff with Shell exceeds the OFGEM price cap. I asked about this and their reply was that they are allowed to set different prices across different regions. When put together the average cost will be within the price cap. So it's all a con. They can ignore the price cap and charge whatever they like.

Check the plugs, see if one is looking different. That sounds like a fouled plug isn't firing the rich mix from start. The unburnt fuel is then backfiring, possibly through the carb.

Hope you a great time, and cake.

There is usually some drag on motorcycle clutches, but it shouldn't stall or be impossible to select gears. Check the cable adjustment to make sure that's within specifications - that the simplest first port of call. On some bikes if they stall in gear then getting it back into neutral can be a bit tricky. If rocking it slightly sorts it out then there's not a lot wrong. I've had bikes that do that. A cold engine is often prone to stalling so it depends how warm your bike is when you first engage gear. Is it fuel injection or carb? One of my bikes has carbs and first thing you need to be gentle with the clutch.

Congratulations.

Personally I don't zip my trousers to my jacket even when I'm wearing those that can be. Over the years I've gathered so many bits of kit for different weather conditions that I don't think many of them would anyway. If I was worried about that I'd wear one piece kit anyway.

It is a lovely area, often overlooked. 20 years ago I cycled Lands End to John O'Groats. Some great scenery on the way but the best by far was those parts of Lancashire. We were there a few weeks back and it's still largely undiscovered and therefore quiet.

They are a centrifugal clutch aren't they? Chances are it's seized. Sometimes getting them hot can free them off. So try leaving it running for a while before you start taking it to bits. The last one I freed that way took about an hour and a half. So be patient.

If safety is your number 1 priority consider getting an air vest. I wear a variety of jackets and trousers according to weather conditions. The air vest goes over whatever jacket I'm wearing and attaches to the bike with a cord. They aren't cheap, the Helite version was £500 a couple of years ago. But I prefer the simpler cord operated system over the battery powered types. Easier and cheaper to refill if it has gone off.

I knew that sounded wrong somehow.