Adam

Now you've just got to remember where everything goes so you can put it back together Once you've finished and the weather picks up and I'm down at my mum's we'll have to go for a blast. Keep us updated.

As Rennie said it sounds like a bent gear lever with a bit of luck. Glad you're okay though lesson learned, avoid manhole covers and road markings like the plague.

That would be something I'd be interested in but it would need a ground anchor or somewhere to fit a ground anchor because a plastic box isn't going to stop anyone. What sort security would it have? An alarm, lock, padlock? Also on the doors I'd be happier if they had one of those 3 point locks so when you lock it it goes into a hole in the floor and into the roof of the barn as well as the other door. I think the main thing for most of us is security, because thieves seem to think it's okay to steal bikes and although you can't always stop them you can make it as awkward and difficult as possible. Would the plastic have any sort of reinforcement? How about a light for night time?

Looks identical to the fuel pipe on my bike

I'd say breather pipes as well, all bikes have them. My bike doesn't like starting in the cold it can be low charge in the battery and some batteries don't like the cold and won't perform as well because of it.

I have a sparkplug spanner I bought from eBay for under £5 but also in my socket set I have a sparkplug socket which attached with one of those flexible attachments works as well. Just remember you'll always need one so you might as well invest in the correct tools and then you can use them on your 1000cc bike in the future! Let's us know how you get.

With it being a 2 stroke you'll need to change your sparkplug more regularly it's a 2 minute job, you unscrew the old one and screw in the New one it's that simple. The air filter will just need the foam removing, cleaning and 're-oiling it will say which oil to use in your bikes manual, mine for example was a specific gear oil. Your brake pads should be simple as well, all I had to do was remove the safety clip then undo the pin, the old brake pads will fall out then you should clean the piston before pushing it back into the caliper and replacing the brake pads then you just need to pump the brake and take it easy the first time you use them. Everything I know I've learnt from being on this forum and YouTube, Google etc and EastAnglianBiker who has helped me loads!

I've had the same problems with my NSR, make sure you let the bike warm up properly and clean your sparkplug with some wd40. Try opening the fuel cap before trying to start the bike it could be that there's a vacuum stopping the fuel from flowing, water and gunk can block the breather in the tank. If it still won't start try pouring a little fuel directly into the engine via the sparkplug hole and try to start it, if she fires up then you know it's the fuel not getting to the engine.

I would check the valve before taking everything off, maybe the pin got jammed or something. The nut is meant to be tight but all it does it keep the valve where it's meant to be. Otherwise follow the advice above and good luck!

STORM in a teacup - Red Hot Chili Peppers

I've had this before on my NSR, as said above its probably because you aren't clicking all the way up or down. What shoes or boots do you wear whilst riding and how new are they?

providing your fuel is getting through to the engine I'd be checking your sparkplugs what colour are they, are they actually sparking?

my nob of the day goes to the Blackbird rider who had filtered to the front of the traffic lights across the white line in the middle of the road, what's the problem I hear you say.. Well there was him in full leathers gloves boots the whole sheebang and on the back was a girl can't have been over 12 in leggings and a cardigan with a helmet that looked miles too big!! that really grinds my bones, the fact he's made sure in the event of an off that he'll be fine but the poor girl will come off worst.

what sort of indicators are they regular or led? you may need to fit some inline resistors or a new indicator relay. it's an easy problem to solve and shouldn't cost much.

when my chain came off my WR it tore an earth wire that was just below the side stand I don't really know much about the XR's but it could be the same sort or thing. if you can't find the problem visually you'll have to get a multi-meter and check your wiring loom

I don't have anything to add to this thread but I'd like to show my appreciation to your forum name it's genius!!!! Welldone you.

Fabsil it is then! I know it won't be 100% waterproof but anything has got to be an improvement. Sound advice thanks everyone

Hello all I went for a ride to look at a bike Wednesday only around 12 miles in light to medium rain and by the time I got there I was wet through in places. I know you can get waterproofing spray and such but what is the best product? Any experience of certain products or recommendations? Ta

The basics would be oil change, coolant change, air filter, brake pads, chain tension, chain lubing, tyre pressures, and just general cleaning. I'm sure someone will add to that list!

Well done mate, told you it was easy. That's one more thing you can add to your book of knowledge. Standard handle bars are pretty much the same just a bit more of a pain to get the controls off so if you ever need to do it again don't worry.

yeah you definitely need them quick! While you're at it check the front ones as well. Now I'm just waiting for the post on how to change them it is easy so don't worry.

I have Kyoto front and back because they were the cheapest and at the time I didn't have much money, but they stop me just fine don't have any complaints about them. Plus you get a free sticker with them!!!!!!!!

Believe it or not the little bit that goes into the handlebar holds it in place along with the bolts, that's it!

You need to remove the screws completely so you'll be able to lift the controls away from the bar because there's a little piece of plastic/metal that sits in the holes you can see on the new clip on. Then just simply remove the old one fit the new one and put it all back together again, it's really easy.

If you do buy a new battery go for a gel on they're better for cold starts. I'd highly recommend Motobatt gel batteries they're slightly more expensive than acid ones but well worth it.