The Bar

Hello I've recently purchased a naked XJ6 and want to change the spark plugs. I've taken the side panels to see if I can access the plugs, but there doesn't seem to be any room, so I tried to manoeuvre radiator out of the way without disconnecting the hoses but with out much luck. After abut half an hour I gave up and put panels back on. Any help will be much appreciated. Anyway, I hope you all had a great Christmas.

Chris 'Hampo' Hampshire had his two bikes stolen from round the back of his appartment in Newcastle last night. It would be great if you could all keep your eyes out and also post this on any other forums you go on. I know the chances of getting them back are slim but there is always hope. The details I have are as follows; Yamaha RD350YPVS Reg number D50KJT, frame and engine number 1WT004499 Yamaha RD500LC Reg number A538MWD frame and engine number 57x The 500 was immaculate, the 350 had nearly 70,000 miles on the clock and was his much loved, well travelled old faithful.

Hey guys, me again. I'm trying to find this indicator lens/unit, as this is the set I have on my bike, only I'm having a bit of trouble finding it available to buy not as part of a wholesale. I have bought this indicator as an interim replacement, but if I can actually find the lens to the unit I have, that'd be great. Is it an idea to ask in a Yamaha dealer to see if they can get hold of it? Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.

If you want to know how much quicker a DT175 is compared to XL185 you must own both. Although its 2 stroke vs 4 stroke its still amazing how much quicker the DT is...runs rings around the XL. Won`t get the good fuel consumption though.

Finally my bike has come and it was worth the wait. I'm really happy with it and it has lived up to my expectations. WhT a great feeling it is riding a brand new machine.

I brought my bike initially for commuting and to escape the ridiculous price of public transport. I did a practice run today to and from work, with my boyfriend driving in front/behind (acting as my wing man), and apart from a few minor things, I was doing really well (for someone who has only had about 4 days of riding experience). Pretty confident with my gear shifts, stopping & starting, slow riding in traffic and hazard perception - all were basically spot on. I was almost home, and I got up to some lights, and I must have forgotten to check my gears (I must have been in third gear, I think) as when the lights went green, I added some throttle and the bike…

I hope the bar is the right place for this thread. I have got four jackets and several trousers as safety gear. Somehow the mastermind behind those clothes does not have a key to his house and he always pays using credit cards. Why I assume that? Because there is no pocket in the pants (or it's so small even a pocket watch would fall out) and/or the jacket lacks a for my wallet. So, I always have to do the same: Remove the bench, but the wallet there, but the bench back on the bike. Short stop for fuel, sth. to eat -> same procedure again. I am not the only one with that (tiny) problem, so someone in a german bulletin board posted his solution: He…

just wondering if its advised or not to clean a motorbike with a power washer? I ask because I know its not advisable to power wash a mountain bike because it strips all the lubricants off the bike etc.. (something ive learn the hard way) is it the same with motorbikes?? will a soft sponge and soapy water suffice?

hi only just purchased my xj6 (abs) and as im waiting on getting my mod 2 sorted I haven't been out on it yet. my query is that on the frame by the forks is a sticker that says "power reduced by Yamaha 25kw!! ..now when I looked up the spec on my bike it says it should be 55.8kw...does this mean its been restricted?? before I get intouch with the guy ive purchased it off(he didn't say anything about it being restricted) I thought id post the question here to see what the crack is? thanks

hi, just all got a midnight star 1300, great bike but a bit too quiet for me, now should I just drill out the baffles or get some slip ons. If I go for slip ons what should I go for? I don't need loads of noise but a little more would be great,any advice or comments would be welcome.

Does anyone remember what the name of the silver color used on the forklegs and fenders on 1970's era AT1B's? Yamaha doesn't seem to have a record! Thanks, Tony.

Hi all, I've just upgraded from a virago 535 to a xvs1300 midnight star, its in mint condition with 3k on the clock. I've Been looking at www.allyearbiker.co.uk with a view to haveing them treat my bike. Was wondering if any of you have ever used them. Thanks

Ok doing the EBAY thing and saw a good deal on ebay, next thing you know I now own a FJ1200, just got to tell the wife , that's not a conversation you will want to hear about. So going to pick it up during the week in Macclesfield just got to hire a van and go and get it, seems ok and the guy selling it says it's alright but will have to give it the once over when I get there, thanks to Tasky (thanks again mate) I now know what to look for and at least I will not be buying blind as the FJ website has all the "what to look for" bit's and bob's laid out, so as soon as I get it home will get some photos up for you all to look at, wish me luck please as I might be sleeping …

Hi guys and gals, As you may know, I got bashed off my bike a couple of weeks ago. The wreckage has been inspected and given a Cat-C write-off (too costly to repair), with the recompense valuation being insanely low - I couldn't even buy half of an FJ with what the Glass guide supposedly says. My own insurance obviously will be pushing for a payment that would get me a replacement vehicle, but needs evidence of actual market costs. I'm having trouble finding many for sale myself, so does anyone know of any similar bikes going? Needs to be an FJ1200 3XW model 1992 onwards, ideally with mileage around the 45K mark. Many thanks, Tasky.

I've just received my parking permit, but I have no idea where to show it on my bike without it getting stolen. It's currently hanging on my back wheel under my cover by a piece of string. I'll be honest, I'm not holding out much hope that it'll be there when I get back.

ever since the starter clutch went on my bike ive lost power. I replaced the starter clutch and she cranked up 1st time. Idle seems ok but when i go through the gears it feels like its chugging along. when in top gear if i try to hit full throttle it starts to chug. Ive had the carbs cleaned just to be on the safe side as initially i could barely get 20 mph. now im hitting 55 mph but its still chugging. I will check the spark plugs and have ordered an engine compression test kit as well as only cheap Have also ordered a new fuel filted as i havent replaced that since ive had the bike ( 18 months ) but havent really done many miles. Any advice and tips will…

My yamaha decided to pack up suddenly, i have stripped it and i sill cannot find what is causing the lack of spark, im not sure how to test the coil and its been mentioned about a CDI unit but i really have no idea, can someone help

just out of interest, seen it on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YAMAHA-MOTORBIKE-PROJECT-2-STROKE-BARN-FIND-1971-CAFE-RACER-STYLE-/200993290100?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2ecc223774

Hello All My clutch is nearing it's end on my xj6n. when it does finally give up, I want to have a go at replacing it myself. Can I get away with just changing the friction plates or will I have to change steel plates as well.

Well i picked up this little twist a go last night, the guy (well little boy) i got it off of was a bit of a cock, 18 yrs old but going on 28 in a street gang type! but kept every thing civil. Took me out to his back garden pointed and said its over there and went to walk back in, but i said i wanted him to tell me about it etc etc. Any way after getting it in the car and having a quick look over it while taking it through the house i gets it home to the cave for a much better looking over. I have bits and bobs in tins and ice cream tubs (with rain water) engines not siezed but im taking the head off tonight to see if the piston has punched its way throught the to…