Nick the wanderer

E5 petrol is made up of 95 per cent unleaded petrol plus 5 per cent ethanol (which is why it's named 'E5'). E10 petrol is much more beneficial to the environment, containing 10% ethanol and 90% regular unleaded petrol – and was introduced to help the government meet its climate change targets. The Gov.uk website gives you a good idea, look up E10 Fuel Compatibility and it will tell you. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e10-petrol-explained#compatibility

Hi, yeah the MOT history leaves a bit to be desired. When did you have the bikes?

Makes a difference what you do for a living, plus being male..

Hi, even E10 fuel will keep a few months, l leave my fuel on the low side so l can easily run fresh through. Keep the bike as dry as possible, moisture will rot and corrode stuff. I use a solar battery tender to keep the battery topped up and in good shape. Winter is shit and as soon as they salt the roads that will rip the finish of any nice bike. Cold and wet and ice on top? I'd rather take the missis shoe shopping, yes l hate it that much.

Hi, if you want to do your own maintenance Haynes manuals are an old school book that shows you how to do most things, they are model specific and are good for having a browse. That and YouTube. I haven't watched this all the way through but you get the idea.

Hi, I am someone who has never had heated grips ever. I'm figuring I might like to try some in my older age. Anything I should look out for?

Hi, don't forget the oil filter, best to do them together, your engine will appreciate you for it. A 30 second search on ebay reveals... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125422432121?fits=UKM_Make%3AYamaha&hash=item1d33c26f79:g:dsEAAOSw84ZiN5bw&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8E8LB5Bm5KgeU0fDaIA2MyELiNqsMFwO1T

Hi, there must be loads of folk who use heated grips on here. Anyone tried these? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133222680965?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=pN-TCH1tRhi&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=pLABYxG-S8G&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

https://www.suzukicycles.org/GSX-series/index.html?adressfield-GSX-series.shtml~adressfield There are some bits on here but not by any means exhaustive if you search through it.

The paint is not the best on the steel swingarm which can rust. It's not gonna fall apart under you by any means, just something to keep your eye on. Most parts are plastic or coated alloy. The engines go forever, over 100 thousand miles forever with regular servicing.

And even though the motor on those is great the finish on the Yamaha is a budget deal. Check around the swingarm too.

Hi, It can be confusing. You need insurance first, once that is done you can ride to a pre booked MOT. When the bike has passed it's MOT you can then tax it, NOT before it has an MOT. When the bike passes the MOT the tester will add it to the DVLA system. You can then tax it with the info you have on your V5. With the tax they will start it from the start of the month, so if you MOT at the end of the month you may want to wait until the next month starts, it's up to you but you shouldn't use it until it is taxed, you could get a fine. Taxing the bike is easy on the website.

If you don't mind poisoning the ground, salt is even cheaper than that. Or get a yard brush and sharp sand.

Copied that from Morebikes. I've had one of these for a few years now and they truly are a cracking bike.

Bike Guide: Yamaha XSR700 (2015-2021) Posted 18 November 2023 by Mark Lancaster The XSR is a cracking bike. That should come as no surprise, because it’s essentially a reworked version of Yamaha’s massively-popular MT-07. It features the same 689cc parallel-twin engine and lightweight chassis – but gets some stylish extras to help it stand apart from its slightly more aggressive middleweight naked sibling. It’s light, easy to handle and an absolute hoot to ride, though the suspension (particularly at the rear) can be a limiting factor if you’re looking to push on. Some owners have uprated to an Yamaha-provided Ohlins unit, so if you can find a model with one of them, that’d be the best choice. Other than that, it’s really hard to find fault with the first generation of Yamaha’s retro roadster. It looks good, goes well and has a proven track record for being reliable, sturdy and easy to look after. As modern retros go, the XSR 700 is right up there.

Ofgem is not fit for purpose, scores 1 out of 5 on trustpilot, if you believe trustpilot. They are giving you lip service and that's it, you should be used to it by now..

I used to love a good rally. They range from something like the MAG Farmyard to a field in the middle of nowhere. Basically a bunch of folk turn up, camp and get pissed and wasted. For me the better ones have a band and a bar and decent facilities, but you can have a great time in a field sat around a fire talking bollocks. Not sure what one would be like at this time of year, I guess it would all come down to the set up. Most bikers are a very friendly bunch. The only time I really saw any bother was when patch clubs were around, they have this whole weird tribal thing going on, best avoided.

Hi, no problems with oxford products for me, l use the solar powered optimiser. Highly recommended for the price of fish and chips and a can of pop twice please. https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/206242

Confidence helps with these things. The more you do it the more comfortable you become.( Like riding your horse) I'd be looking at some more advanced lessons to gain the skills and confidence you need.

Hi, welcome to the forum, you will get plenty of advice on here for sure. Do you drive a car?

Hi, l can't comment on these products but l can comment on marketing. The latest and best item is always more money than an older version, you must get the latest kit!

Or better still find someone who can do them for you.

well you could always go old school and alter them yourself. Get the sewing machine out, what's the worst that could happen?

Yep clear sunny days for me too.. you'll be a weather forecaster before you know it..

Hi never used them but you either get stuff altered or get bespoke from the likes of BKS https://www.bksleather.co.uk/