Pete

Bit too pricey for me! I'd rather live with the ball ache of negotiating the driveway!

Like Techno said I tend to notice "strange" noises when I'm not wearing my ear plugs! Like Matt said check the simple things first. I once took a whole day to get down to the valves to check them, and it only turned out to be a rusty exhaust jubilee clip that needed replacing! Does it happen more/less at a certain rev range? I.e. can you hear it more on idle or at 3,000 or 6,000 revs for example? It could be a multitude of things, but here are some ideas: - Cam chain could be loose - check cam chain tensioner - Exhaust rattle - check all bolts, jubilee clips and exhaust manifold bolts - Check service history to see when valve clearances were checked - Check generally across the bike for anything loose, including fairing and fairing bolts/screws - Check service history for last service - could be a loose spark plug rattling about Like I said, it could be a few things! But you can check a lot of that yourself pretty quickly. Things like valves need a Haynes manual or you might want to take it to "an expert" !

I used to do a lot of things by feel alone but for some things I've found a torque wrench is invaluable. I don't have a Snap On one, I have a cheap and cheerful (but very, very solidly and well built) one from Screwfix: http://www.screwfix.com/prods/18289/Han ... H-_-18289# It was only £13 when I got it and has obviously gone up, but I can't fault it. In my opinion expensive tools like Snap On, great though they are, are aimed at everyday mechanics who will be tossing them around a workshop and abusing them everyday. Ones like the one I have are perfect for occasional/infrequent use. I've used mine on wheel nuts and never had a problem. Read the reviews underneath on that page to see other people's comments.

A superb guide akey, nice one. I'm sure many people will find this very useful.

Cheers guys. Like I said it's just a case of playing the waiting game. Hopefully this time of year prices will drop a bit, but Blackbirds being the type of bike that gets used all year round might mean that doesn't drop so much. I may have to revert to cheeky naughty boy tactics of sending ebay sellers messages to see if they'll sell before the end! It's worth a try anyway! I do think though that if an ST4 came up for a good price I'd just have it...although I'm in no particular rush so could wait....hmmmmmmmm

I have thought about the Fazer rennie, yeah. I've also thought about the SV1000 and I think they're really great looking bikes but for some reason I just don't want one! I don't know why, there's just no chemistry I just got back from J&S and had a lovely sit on the 'bird. I couldn't believe how "right" it felt!!! After sitting on the ST4 and feeling nicely positioned with everything cupping me in the right places (hohoho!) I thought the 'bird'd feel cumbersome and almost cruiserish in comparison. How wrong I was! The fairing and tank seem to hold my legs in a great position and once upright it even feels so much lighter than my GSX600F even though it's over 2 stone heavier. I think the search is now on for a Blackbird folks! However if a cheapish ST4 came up in good nick I'd really have to think hard about it. I'm getting all excited at even the very thought of owning an 1100cc motorbike, that's insane! My dad took a pic of me on it so I could see how I look...not that looks are massively important, just that I don't want to be in the same position that I am now with my current bike where I look like a massive clown riding a Jack Russel. I won't put picks up because I'm wearing my scabby clothes and my hair isn't nice (!!), but it certainly "fits"

Tent's not a bad idea actually. If it were in the front garden then maybe you'd want something more secure, but for a back garden a tent would actually work well! What a nifty idea...and if I wasn't fortunate enough to have a 25 foot by 15 foot heated brick built garage with 3 cars parked infront every night and a locked door and windows I may even consider it myself! And yes, be nice!

Gosh it looks a lovely bike Jota! Mind you is it a 2005 reg? I'd be lucky to get a 2000 or even 1999 for the money I'm looking to spend! Although I hear they haven't changed the design all too much apart from the fuel injection and like someone else said that didn't even make much difference. I'm all set to get down to J&S Birmingham tomorrow to perv at the 'birds (pun intended) if they have any in. I hope I don't see anything else to add to the equation while I'm there!

Sorry for my bad memory Mr M but what bike is it again?! If it were me I'd take the fuel tank off completely to gain access to the sparks, that way there's more room to work. If you've not taken the fuel tank off before then make sure you have a full fire proof outfit, including oven gloves, tin foil around your head and a large fire extinguisher to hand.........just kidding. It's easy, just take the seat off, unscrew the bolts holding it down, lift it up about half a foot or so and put a block of wood or similar (I use a paint pot) underneath to hold the tank in place, then remove all the tubes (leave the actual fuel line until last, have a bit of kitchen paper/old rag ready to catch a bit of petrol...not much mind, about a tablespoon-sized amount) remembering what goes where (and don't forget to unclip the fuel sensor lead if you have one). After that you can lift the tank off and set it to one side (I put mine on top of a bucket!) and get to work on the sparks. That's a guide for my bike anyway and I imagine it'd be pretty similar for most bikes. Mine isn't naked so all the nause of taking the fairing off would come first!

I like that idea...it's an idea that I like. You could keep your existing headlights and have HID secondary ones...interesting. But then there's the other 'problem' of overloading the electrics I guess. Unless relays were used of course. Why not try the Philips BlueVision bulbs that worked for me? I don't even think about my headlights now, the Philips ones are immense (certainly not HID brightness, but rival a cars headlights)!

Thanks again guys, particularly TC1474 I appreciate the detailed response. I think I'm going to dissapear for a few hours over the weekend to try the 'bird on for size at some dealers. Last time I was up at J&S Birmingham they had a couple in so they might let me have a sit on. I'm also a tall chap at 6'4'' so size isn't too much of a problem (well it would be if I was looking at an all out sport bike!). I'm surprised it yields that many miles from a single fill up, and the all day comfort sound marvellous after getting what seems like temporary arthritis in my knees, neck and bum (if you can get it there) from my current bike. Mr M I'll be up Alnwick way visiting my RAF buddies from Friday 2nd until Sunday 4th October so I'll PM you closer to the time! If I do go for the 'bird then bringing a tool kit in tow won't be too much of a problem!! I must say when I started this thread yesterday I expected some Ducati bashing but also thought more people would be of the opinion that a Blackbird would be far too big and clumsy for a mere 24 year old. So thanks for the constructive thoughts and opinions, you useful lot

Still some interesting responses to consider, thanks. It's interesting what Jota said about going for the ST4 as my one and only bike, even after owning both a Duke and a 'Bird you'd still go for the Duke. But I do like the sound of those servicing costs (on the 'bird I could probably do it myself more easily than on the Duke...at first anyway. I'm sure the timing belts on the Duke can't be THAT hard...... ). I'm not liking the idea of the weight of the 'bird at lower speeds mind. I think I really need to decide if I want all day motorway comfort with the 'bird or OK comfort but great handling 'round the twisties on the Duke...hmmmmm! I have got a trip up to Alnwick in a couple of weeks, but I may take the winding roads back, let's see what bike I go for first! I don't mind the look of the ST4, I think the more time you spend with it the better it looks...definately a grower. The front headlights aren't the most pretty but who cares? The fairing is better than my GSX600F at the moment, and it's a very comfy riding position. Also I'd get an open clutch cover and be constantly fascinated watching it spinnin' up! I've found quite a few ST4's going for £2,000 or less also, I think it's just a case of playing the waiting game. There was one on ebay a month or so back, FSH, immaculate, only done 9,000 miles...but I didn't have the cash at the time and now it's gone !!

Cuz I'd probably break it and then realise I don't want it!

I'd be interested on the opinions of anyone that's ridden a Blackbird around town/in slow moving traffic. I know the centre of gravity is very low but also what's it like with filtering, etc.?

I can't really afford either the new Sprint (though if I could then that'd win hands down!) or the ST3. I don't really like the newer shape of the ST3 either Sure you don't mean it has a 992 engine? I know the ST4s has a 996 engine and the ST4 has a 916 engine (confusing name, should have made it a bit more different than just one letter!), both 4 valves whereas the ST3 is a 3 valve cylinder (2 inlet and 1 slightly bigger exhaust). Anyway, I can't afford it! It'll have to be an ST4! But it'd have to have a FSH ideally and have had the belts done recently because when I buy it I'm thinking I won't really be able to spend money doing it up at all so it has to be right straight away for me to trust it. Whereas the 'bird would have a bit more leeway as it's more trustworth. Ooooooh decision decisions! I want something that'll let me buzz up and down the country in relative comfort, but also something that'll let me throw it round the twisties with ease and be as flickable as a bogey in double maths!

Thanks folks! Keep the opinions coming! Strangely I never thought I'd own a 'bird for a good few years but the opportunity has come up and after riding a Duke ST4 I have to make a decision! I think it'll come down to what deals come up over the next month or so...this time of year I'm hoping there should be quite a few. Cheers for the tip on Ride mag Stu, I'll have to pick up a copy.

So it's new bike hunting as from next week! I have about £2,000 to spend so will need to keep an eye out for bargains! Do I go for the feel, handling and V-twin throb of the Duke, or the all day comfort and supreme wowness of owning a Blackbird? Remember though that the Duke has expensive service costs and a reputation for unreliability but the 'bird won't be the most easy to work with around town... To be honest I think it's flip a coin time!

Stumbled upon this little leaflet on tyre information and thought it might be useful/interesting for someone. http://www.tyresafe.org/data/files/Tyre ... rcycle.pdf

For just over £6 you could give it a go! Or why not get a 12 on the front and drop a couple from the back? Sneaky sneaky.

Hi Craig! I don't think it'll be to do with the zorst. More like a fueling problem or the air filter. If it's anything like mt GSX600f the air filter can be checked by removing the tank, tank support bracket and then just unscrew the air filter to have a look. Carbs could also be gummed up if it's an older bike and may benefit from a clean, but seems weird that it only happens when warm...Frankie will be here soon to shed some light on it I'm sure! I had the exhaust off my GSXf the other day (can and link pipe, kept downpipes on), made a flipping sweet noise! Nearly made my brain dribble out my ears which was surprisingly nice But it ran fine, no stalling which is what makes me think your zorst isn't the problem...

Yep Tech Wash to give it a thorough cleaning then a second wash with a Nikwax reproofer like TX Direct http://www.nikwax.co.uk/en-gb/activity/ ... OTORBIKING

Got fuel?

- Does it try and start but just doesn't quite get there? Try blipping the throttle a bit to give it an initial bit of juice. Also take the clutch in so there's less resistance. - Try semi-bumping it. You probably won't bump a V-twin with pistons the size of your head but make it cough and it could be the kick up the arse it needs. Get on, turn ignition to on, kick it up to 2nd gear and keep clutch held in. Get someone to push you along (your mum or girlfriend works well - or use a hill to roll down...just get them to push you back up) and slowly let the clutch out. If that doesn't get it going (like I said it probably won't) kick it back into neutral and try and start it from the button. - Check the fuel petcock. Shouldn't make any difference with a full tank but make sure it's set to ON. - Turn off all lights, heated grips, any electrical shit you might have plugged in at the time. Having lights switched on takes power away from the starter motor. Also, if you have a battery charger like an Optimate fitted then leave it connected when you try and start it up then when it's running unplug it. - Before trying to turn it over turn the choke on FULLY. You should do this anyway if you're going to use the choke. I never turn the choke to halfway. When it fires up and over revs just turn it down until it's at about 2,000 while it warms up. After a couple of minutes shut the choke off fully. Like others have said if you turn the choke up while it's running it'll flood the engine. Hope that helps.

Same as everyone else has said really, make sure you put some non-slip matting/towel down so you don't scratch the paintwork. With mine I have 2 velcro straps and a nylon strap and buckle in the middle. I put the nylon one under the seat and the two velcro ones over it. A mate of mine gets a bit cocky when he sees me attaching it like that saying "they're throwovers, not UNDERS you nob...", but as long as they're secure it doesn't matter. Mine have a loop underneath each one that I've put bungy cord through. I then wrap one end 'round the pillion footrest/whatever looks sturdy, and wrap the other end 'round some metal bit on the other side after going under the tail (leaving clearance for the wheel to bounce around). I'd take a picture but they're not on at the minute and I'm getting the bike ready to sell. I've covered about 4000 miles with them on in total and not had one problem with that method.

Nice one, I like the one from last in orange... http://www.motorcycleshow.co.uk/mci2009 ... girls.html