Please specify the brand, model and year in your question.
10
votes
1answer
431 views
What is the technical reason the engineer decided the motorcycle gear pattern as follows?
The gear pattern is selected by clicking a lever with your left foot, and is typically laid out as follows:
6th gear (if applicable)
5th gear
4th gear
3rd gear
2nd gear
NEUTRAL
1st gear
What ...
8
votes
4answers
513 views
Gasoline is dripping out of a rubber tube outputting on the bottom of my motorcycle - is this normal, or is it a problem?
What bike?
A BMW 650, 1996 model.
What's the problem?
I noticed a slow, but steady, drip of gasoline from one of two rubber tubes that output to the bottom of the bike. I think the other rubber ...
8
votes
2answers
922 views
Why is my motorcycle losing power when accelerating?
I ride a Honda Rebel 250 motorcycle and over the past few days I find that the bike is losing power when accelerating fast.
When I twist the throttle to accelerate quickly (in any gear) I hear the ...
8
votes
1answer
379 views
How do I drain the brake fluid for a 1999 BMW K1200RS?
I need to drain the brake fluid for my 1999 BMW K1200RS with ABS in order to do some minor service on the Master Cylinder, but I don't have a service manual for the bike. How should I go about doing ...
7
votes
3answers
734 views
How do you get the carburetors out of a 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000 P?
It's a 4-cylinder engine, and the carbs are really wedged in there. The best way I know is to loosen the boots on both sides, pull the carbs back, and try to slip them out sideways, but what a pain! ...
6
votes
3answers
578 views
How to stiffen up a loose ball & socket joint for a motorcycle mirror?
I have bar-end mirrors on my Buell 1125CR. They're fairly heavy anodized aluminum pieces that pivot on a ball & socket joint for adjusting the angle of view.
One of them fits snugly on the joint, ...
5
votes
4answers
495 views
Preventing visor from fogging
How do you prevent your visor from fogging?
I ordered a pinlock today for my HJC helmet, but had read some good things about NEC pinkstick (some kind of wax for visor). Usually I just keep the visor ...
5
votes
3answers
573 views
Is it OK to skip gears?
I'm not sure if this is on topic, but I'd like to know the answer before it comes a repair question.
I have a Y2K Triumph Speed Triple - great bike. First gear comfortably takes to 90km/h. Needless ...
5
votes
5answers
2k views
How to Clean a Paper Air Filter
I have a 1989 Yamaha FZX 750, and I can't find a replacement air filter for it. What's the best method to clean the air filter?
5
votes
2answers
167 views
Why won't my Honda Rebel shift when idling?
I recently ( and successfully ) rebuilt the engine of my '09 Honda Rebel; she's running well but doesn't want to change gears when idling.
If I'm moving she shifts gears without any hanging, ...
5
votes
2answers
74 views
What are the causes of fluctuating intake manifold vacuum
I have a 2005 Honda CBR600 F4i which suffers from occasional hesitation at low rpm when accelerating. I also get occasional fault codes from the ECU indicating a vacuum leak.
Today I connected a ...
4
votes
2answers
670 views
Why should the fuel petcock valve be turned to “Off” position when not using the vehicle?
It’s mentioned in the user manual of my motorbike, that when not using the vehicle, I should turn the petrol tap (the one that has three positions “On”, “Off” and “Reserve”) to “Off” position. I don’t ...
4
votes
2answers
149 views
How might I fix a dent in a Honda Rebel fuel tank?
In a silly move during an engine overhaul, I dropped my Honda Rebel's fuel tank and put a dent in the top side.
Is it possible to pull this dent out? I've heard there is a method using heat and ice ...
4
votes
1answer
115 views
What does the 'cc' mean on a motorcycle?
I'm relatively new to motorcycles, my flat mate taught me how to drive his two Royal Enfields around New Delhi, and for the past year and a half I've been taking care of them as they break down ;)
...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Can a motorcycle's brake lever be bent back into shape?
I recently had a low speed spill on my bike leaving the brake lever rather bent. Can I bend it back (roughly) straight or it is likely to just break? Given that it is cast aluminium, I suspect is will ...
4
votes
2answers
317 views
Why isn't it allowed to ride a new motorcycle too fast?
I bought a new motorcycle. The manual says that for the first 500 km, I should not twist the throttle more than half. And for the first 1800km, should not twist it more than 75%. Why isn't it allowed ...
4
votes
2answers
201 views
What may happen if I do not replace my motorcycle's chain
I have a aging (y2k) motorcycle with not too many Ks on the clock. I have been told by a mechanic that I need to replace my sprockets and chain. This seems reasonable since the chain has been poorly ...
4
votes
2answers
272 views
What problems to look for when buying used motorcycle
I'm planning to buy a used Honda Goldwing. Researching the prices, my budget will allow me to get something in the range up to year '95-96 models.
As this is going to be my first bike, I have no idea ...
4
votes
1answer
323 views
Motorcycle chewing through too many front tyres
Hey, I have a Y2K Triumph Speed Triple that has an excessive appetite for front tyres. It eats two front tyres for each rear tyre. This is reverse what it should be. I run the tyres at about 38 PSI ...
4
votes
3answers
195 views
Motorcycle: Puncture in tubeless tire. OK to plug yourself?
I got a nail in my tire the other day. Its wedged in the tire so tightly that the tire isnt actually losing pressure. A friend told me I could fix it myself by using a kind of volcanised rubber glue ...
4
votes
2answers
627 views
Motorcycle Leaking Fuel (1999 CBR600 F4)
Just fired up my motorcycle after 3 years in storage. Changed the oil and replaced the fuel in the tank. It starts easily. It is leaking fuel from somewhere under the gas tank. The engine has a ...
4
votes
1answer
612 views
My motorcycle is refusing to start, which common problems should I look for?
I've just taken my motorcycle out of storage, I rode her around the block once, parked her, and now she is refusing to turn over. The starter seems to be running fine. I've just filled the tank with ...
4
votes
1answer
72 views
Solution against motorcycle gasoline theft?
During these last few weeks, somebody has been stealing gas from my motorcycle.
It's a Honda Vt 125 Shadow, and since all the wires and hoses are apparent, it's pretty easy to unplug the hose and ...
4
votes
2answers
139 views
What is the best practice to maintain a bike?
I have an Avenger 180cc bike, I want to maintain the bike without much help from the service
center, external help etc.
What would be the best practice methods?
4
votes
1answer
110 views
Fuel leaking out of drain tube
I just purchased a 1985 Suzuki gs300l. When I put gas in the tank it immediately started pouring out the drain tube that is connected to the air box. What is wrong and how can I fix it?
3
votes
2answers
88 views
Removing a nail from my tyre
I have a 2" nail in the side of my rear tyre on my motorcycle. The nail is fairly firmly stuck in the tyre but I'm not sure if it has actually penetrated it (it has gone in sideways). The damage is ...
3
votes
2answers
131 views
How can I add tension to a motorcycle chain?
I have 2008 Yamaha Scorpio 225, and the chain is looking a bit loose. I've had a good look around, and I really can't find a way to tighten it.
Does anyone have any idea where to look? Is there a ...
3
votes
2answers
86 views
How do I handle scarring on a cylinder head?
A few weeks ago, my Rebel 250 blew a piston, allowing the piston rod to beat on the top of the cylinder and the valves.
There's some scarring there now, as well as a jagged protrusion or two. What ...
3
votes
2answers
383 views
Motorcycle popping on acceleration
I have a 1975 Honda XL250 that I bought earlier this summer. Up until recently its been running great. It was leaking a little gas, but nothing too serious. When it started to get worse, I opened up ...
3
votes
2answers
119 views
Repairing a motorcycle tire puncture. With heat or without heat?
Asked a local mechanic for the charge of repairing a puncture and he says he'd charge a certain amount for simply taking a piece of rubber tube and sticking it over the puncture, or if I would pay him ...
3
votes
1answer
96 views
Wet battery durability based on how we start a motorbike engine
I have a motorbike with a wet battery. I use its electric starter to start the engine.
Is there any research done by others before to prove which one of the following makes the durability of the wet ...
3
votes
1answer
73 views
Proper fuel for motorcycles?
I've heard that regular petrol (92 octane ULP) from some fuel companies is not good for motorbikes as it is intended for cars only. Is this just an old wives tale?
3
votes
2answers
199 views
Motorcycle mud-guard hit and broken; any chance of repair, or is this something best addressed with replacement parts?
The front mudguard, built out of what seems to be flexible plastic material, recently cracked and needs to be either repaired or replaced.
A friend of mine works at a car body-shop, and offered to ...
3
votes
1answer
321 views
What should I look for in a basic motorcycle maintenance toolkit?
I'm looking to do more of my motorcycle maintenance myself, and am wondering what I should be investing in, when it comes to tools/devices. What are the basic tools that I'd need when starting to do ...
3
votes
1answer
35 views
1980 Suzuki GS 850 trouble at high rpms
I have a 1980 Suzuki GS 850 and I am having a problem where the rpms spike when I really get on the throttle. If I slowly accelerate there is no problem, everything runs smoothly. When I'm on the ...
3
votes
1answer
89 views
What are good techniques for cleaning metal filings out of a crank case?
My Honda Rebel managed to beat one of the pistons into a billion pieces and bend the offending piston rod. I've identified all the damaged parts and ordered replacements, or had them repaired ( ...
3
votes
1answer
79 views
Mileage problem in motor cycle
I am using Honda CD 100 ss 100 cc two wheeler. If I increase the head light bulb watts little bit, will the mileage per liter of fuel reduce? and if so, any relationship?
3
votes
1answer
76 views
Play in motorcycle chain - how much is ok?
Riding to day I could hear a rhythmic tapping sound. I occurs when I ease off the throttle. I think it is the chain tapping against the plastic chain guard when tension on the chain from accelerating ...
3
votes
1answer
94 views
Motorcycles: Way to maintain shiny chrome on exhaust outlets?
I have a motorcycle that has chromed exhaust pipes. I am worried that there will eventually be discolouration where the pipes join the engine, due to the heat. Is there a way to treat the pipes so ...
3
votes
2answers
718 views
2001 Suzuki Katana 750 won't start after jump start and new battery.
Bike has been running just fine. Recently left the lights on while at work, completely draining the battery. Couldn't get it push started there, but was able to get it jumped. I thought no biggie ...
3
votes
2answers
635 views
Ducati Monster M600 - Engine Vibration/Cold Cylinder
I have a 1995 Ducati Monster M600. Recently I noticed an engine vibration and whilst trying to figure it out I noticed that the horizontal cylinder exhaust is hot (hot enough to burn leather gloves) ...
2
votes
2answers
231 views
is motorcycle chain lubrication absolutely necessary?
Lubricating your chain is certainly one of the easiest maintainance tasks for a motorcycle owner, however I frequently wonder how necessary it really is.
Are there any negative effects which can come ...
2
votes
2answers
64 views
What do these compression figures mean
This is a follow up question to What are the causes of fluctuating intake manifold vacuum
I have a 2005 Honda CBR600 F4i which suffers from occasional hesitation at low rpm when accelerating.
After ...
2
votes
2answers
66 views
Should I grease an axle when I replace it on my motorcycle
I have a taken the front wheel out of my motorcycle to replace the tyre. When I put the axle back in is it a good idea to grease it? If so what type of grease should I use?
2
votes
2answers
80 views
breaking in (running in) a very small engine
I just bought a new 110 cc Honda motorcycle. It's waay underpowered, so I spend a lot of time at wide open throttle.
Being brand new, this seems likely to cause damage. The manual recommends not to ...
2
votes
1answer
65 views
Damaged frame on my motorbike
My 10 year old Yamaha Super Tenere 750 has been off the road for a while as when I got it I learned it had had a bad crash which bent the frame. The rest all works, so I plan to take it to a garage to ...
2
votes
1answer
185 views
Installing Tachometer on bike
I have 1997 model Kawasaki 4s champion (100cc 4 stroke bike). It have no tachometer . is it possible to install new tachometer on my bike. can anyone give some advise ?. thanks in advance
2
votes
2answers
201 views
Honda Unicorn missing during rain and cold weather
I have a 2009 model Honda unicorn motorcycle. It's very difficult to ride during rain or cold weather, because of missing. I asked service center but they did not do anything. I have changed the CDI, ...
2
votes
1answer
56 views
Motorcycle: Way to stop plastics fading?
I have a 13yo motorcycle that has a black plastic instrument panel. Although it is not regularly exposed to the sun the black plastic is fading to a chalky white.
I was wondering if anyone knew of a ...
2
votes
2answers
275 views
Squeaking brakes on motorcycle - an issue or not?
The front disc on my motorcycle emits a low pitch squeaking noise when I'm pulling up to a complete stop (almost like the sound train brakes make when pulling up to a station). This only happens when ...
