Please specify the brand, model and year in your question.
3
votes
2answers
87 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
45 views
Four-body carbs regulation.
I would like to adjust four-body carbs by myself, in order to avoid spent money every time. What are the basic rules, tools and secrets of many body carbs regulation?
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?
1
vote
1answer
125 views
Motorcycle battery - correct voltage running and stopped?
Hopefully a pretty straight forward one: I've been having trouble starting my bike. I checked the voltage on the battery when it was idling and got 12.9. Is this too low?
4
votes
2answers
196 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 ...
0
votes
3answers
67 views
Vintage motorcycle repair--where to find parts?
I'm thinking about picking up my first motorcycle. I'm looking at older bikes, 60s-80s, primarily Japanese bikes. I'm plenty handy around cars, so the maintenance tasks don't concern me, but I'm ...
6
votes
3answers
562 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, ...
0
votes
1answer
444 views
50cc Two Stroke Scooter/Motorcycle - Idle and start issues
this is my first motor-vehicle ever, a Simson s50 from 1976.
Things seem to be running fine, but there are two problems I need to figure out:
1) The engine dies unless rev'ed constantly - eg at a ...
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, ...
1
vote
2answers
89 views
Are engines of the same model bike identical?
I am planning to buy a Yamaha Crux from the showroom. I'd like to know how to compare the engines in each of the available bikes of the same model. Will they differ in any way? One mechanic I know ...
4
votes
2answers
315 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
715 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
182 views
Cold engine works on three out of four cylinders
When my Honda CBR900’s engine is cold, it works only on three cylinders. When the engine begins to warm, all goes fine and all the cylinders begin to work. What can cause this?
1
vote
2answers
329 views
Fuel usage change from 250 CC to 900 CC
I'm currently driving a Honda Hornet 250 CC (because it's the engine size limit on a provisional license in New Zealand). Once I get my full license I want to get something bigger, possibly a Honda ...
4
votes
2answers
269 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
388 views
What is wrong with my 99 gsxr 600 when my regulator keeps burning out?
I recently had my clutch replaced and a new battery put in. Within a month my regulator/rectifier burnt out of it. So, I purchased a new one. After 2 weeks that one burned out also. I replaced the ...
0
votes
0answers
88 views
XJ600 1994 Seca 2
I am wondering if anyone can shed light on an issue we are having with this particular bike. Basically, the bike starts fine cold and warms up and drives perfectly for about 15 minutes ( responsive to ...
1
vote
1answer
156 views
Honda Unicorn Electricals Problem due to water
I am using Honda CB Unicorn 150cc.
Last day I had to ride my bike through water, after which none of the electricals were working. Only Head lamp will work while the engine is on. After when I ...
1
vote
2answers
257 views
Motorcycle starter sometimes clicks, but doesn't start - tapping with hammer helps it start
It seems to happen particularly when the bike is hot. But sometimes when I go to start up the bike, the solenoid will click, but the starter won't turn over. Tapping the starter with a hammer always ...
2
votes
2answers
97 views
Maintainance of shock absorber
I have a 125cc bike. My cousin uses my bike more than me. He is more than 110 kg in weight. So I feel that my bike's shock absorbers will be break down soon because of my cousin. So is there any ...
-2
votes
2answers
99 views
What are the critical maintenance items for a new motorcycle?
I have purchased a new motor bike recently. What are the critical maintenance items that I should focus on? For example:
Is it true that we should not run new bikes on high rpm for some time?
What ...
1
vote
2answers
103 views
What minimum maintenance should I do to get my cycle to a shop where it can be looked over professionally?
It's been in the garage all winter. It starts, but I'm nervous about getting it to a mechanic (about 10 miles away). It's a 2007 Honda Rebel 250cc.
I have zero maintenance experience. None. A couple ...
1
vote
2answers
508 views
Aprillia Pegaso 650 won't start after cleaning carbs, what might be wrong?
I've got a '99 Pegaso 650 which has been sitting idle for about 7 years. The carbs were quite bad shape when I got it.
The first time I cleaned the carbs I was able to get the bike started but it ...
1
vote
2answers
215 views
Are the brake/clutch levers on a (pre-2008) Ninja 250 supposed to be symmetric?
I bought a used 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250R a couple months ago. I had a mechanic check it out first, and I've been riding it since with no issues. The other day I noticed that the brake lever seems to ...
1
vote
1answer
119 views
Frequency for servicing bike?
I have a Hero Honda air cooled single cylinder 4 stroke engine bike. It's about 5 years old, and I've done all the recommended servicing on time. I lost the servicing manual, but I remember that the ...
1
vote
1answer
142 views
How to let off the carburetors of a 1993 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 for winter storage?
My '93 Gixxer is in the shed for winter. I had it fully tanked, the shed is (moderately) warm, and every couple of weeks I attach a trickle charger to its battery.
However, I know that there is still ...
5
votes
3answers
570 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
How fast should a Honda CBR 600 F4i idle when the engine is cold
My CBR 600 F4i idles at about 3000 rpm when the engine is cold, after about 2 to 3 minutes when the engine warms up, it settles back down to regular idle speed of about 1300 rpm.
Is this normal for ...
10
votes
1answer
424 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
169 views
I am looking to buy a motorcycle which I can fully (or as close to fully) maintain and repair on my own. Which models should I look at?
Which motorcycles are well known for being easy to maintain and repair, and would be suited for a beginner to cut his teeth on? What are some features of motorcycles that I should look for, when ...
3
votes
2answers
631 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) ...
1
vote
1answer
483 views
Should motorcyle exhaust headers ever glow red hot
I've got a '99 Pegaso 650 which hasn't been running for about 7 years. It's was in a quite a deteriorated state when I got it, i.e. seized carbs, tank full of water, sump full of an ugly fuel/oil mix, ...
1
vote
3answers
89 views
Is it important to get “K” work done by a dealer?
Several of the line-items in my motorcycle's maintenance schedule are marked "K", for "Should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki Dealer".
Example items are "Brake fluid--change" and "Steering stem ...
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
2answers
623 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
198 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
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 ...
2
votes
1answer
260 views
Comparing v-twin with straight-four engines
This isn't really on-topic for "motor vehicle repair", but I figure it's kinda close.
A few months ago, I bought a 1983 Honda Nighthawk 550, which has a straight-four engine. A friend of mine was ...
1
vote
1answer
138 views
Changing motorcycle oil
How do I change the oil on my motorcycle? I can see where to check the level, but how do I drain it? It's a Honda CB400 2011 model
5
votes
4answers
493 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 ...
7
votes
3answers
731 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! ...
4
votes
1answer
607 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
318 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 ...
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 ...
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?
8
votes
1answer
376 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 ...
1
vote
0answers
121 views
Motorcycle Maintenance [closed]
What should you check/clean/replace on a Motorcycle every year?
I already:
Change the oil (10w40) and filter twice a year
Periodically check the tires for pressure, cracks, bumps (I forget the ...
2
votes
1answer
549 views
Burned regulator/rectifier
I have managed to completely fry regulator/rectifier on my Suzuki GSR600 (K7). I suspect that it happened when I blindly splashed into a big water pond, so some water probably got on connector. Thing ...
