The Bar

I was in town buying a can of engine gunk and I got thinking about how one would degrease a bike in ye old days. Say in the 40's-50's or such when such products where difficult to find, how would you clean grease and oil from an engine? Some household method or would you just use a rag and deal with it? Anyone have any ideas?

Hi all I spent today watching the BBC coverage of the North West 200. I love watching the road racing the TT the northwest the ulster but after more than one red flag incident I started to feel uneasy about watching it. we love to see the speed and danger but are the riders taking to much of a risk. Then heartbreakingly the day ended with the death of a twenty year old lad. R.I.P Malachi Mitchell-Thomas I just wanted to know what every ones thoughts are about racing on the roads nige

My XJ600 was 25 this week, and celebrated by passing its MOT.

I had to bin my pinlock insert the other other day. My first one was clear and it was spot on. My second was a tinted one because it was a lot cheaper to buy an insert than an actual tinted visor. Not that it would be a very sensible thing to use now the weather is turning into winter and darkness is upon us. I'm just unsure whether to get a clear one or a yellow one. I fancy getting a yellow one but to be honest I'm not even sure what they are used for? I'm under the impression they are anti glare or something, so will be safe to use in the dark? Does anyone else use one?

Hi people, I've been creeping round the forum for ages but never needed to post, thanks for all your ideas before and hopefully someone has some yamamagic tips lol.... bought a non runner 08 xt125r, did the top end rebuild using all genuine parts... the barrel was within spec and not warped. only thing I noticed was the second ring gap was about 0.05 mm too small, but hey I installed it anyway.... had reset the carb to stock settings... new oil... she fired up straight away, 75psi compression, but after going ride for about 5 mins it felt crazy hot so came home checked temp it was 130C.... now ive set the pilot mix 2.5 turns …

Hi guys i am new to this forum i bought 2013 yamaha xj6n last for good price but i notice while riding when i am turning handlebar feel stiff hard doesnt turn smoothly is there a way to fix?

I just bought a 1980 GS550 on eBay, gonna go view/buy it tomorrow, anyone know about any specifics you should look out for on these, all I could find was usual stuff, didn't see anything about specific known issues. Can't wait to go see it, just hope it's not a dud, but from what I've heard they're the definition of bulletproof, this is the bike in question: Ignore the horrible gold paint, that's be re-done the second I get it home

Hi boys & girls my son has bought me a pair of these for father's day, not arrived yet but looking forward to trying them out after some really hot days last year, Just wondered if anyone else has tried them, I'll get back to update after I've given them a go next week

Rearsuspension collapse when driving ,,maby somthing for yamaha mt 01 drivers to check

Guys /gals ,just had to get this off my chest : Certain Scottish motorcycle dealer's appalling behaviour. Now, I'm new to this forum and I'm well-versed in the ways of libel law-suits,but here goes Friend of the neighbours' son took his XVS250 Dragstar to a certain Scottish dealer .Symptoms:bike starts and runs ok until throttle opened up,then starts 'bogging'. (Obviously it's a coil failing,but to continue.....) Remember,this is a young lad who knows nowt about bikes. Dealer asks him 'How much are you willing to spend on us doing diagnostic checks?' ' Well,I've got about £200' The bill came to (surprise,surprise £195 ) - for 'diag…

Ok folks just a quick question, I am thinking of putting a new set of rear view mirrors on the FJR, I would like to use some with the indicator built in but the ones I want to use are LCD and the ones on the bike (front fairing and rear) are bulbs, so my question is will it matter if I just bung them on and connect them or do I have to use anything else to make them work? I know it's a silly question but I am stumped as to whether it needs a controller in the circuit or not. Thanks folks.

I've had enough of listening to the droning noise from the akropovic on my commutes and have just ordered some 'better' foam ear plugs (Hearos Xtreme Protection NRR 33). I'm now thinking I should have gone down the custom route, is anyone using them?

Can anyone recommend a UK based bike transporter. I am well into negotiations with a guy from Gillingham in Dorset and will be looking to get the bike transported up to my place

Hi everyone, i've just bought an early model tzr 125 and while i may also soon be posting asking for help on obscure knowledge for how to get it running perfectly, it should be manageable... (im going to regret saying that) So in short im wondering if anyone remembers the best ways to squeeze reliable power out of the 2rk (i need to check exact engine codes tomorrow) motor and if there are any reliable specialists still about. Also a more specific question i have about my new purchase; do the later model (4dl etc) servo motors for the ypvs valves fit straight onto the earlier models? As i have a U.K restricted model i assume making the YPVS work as intended is …

Hi there so my ongoing project with the XTR has one thing left the front brake. When I got the bike the brake would build up pressure and then overnight would lose it again. I cant see any liquid dripping out of the caliper so i assumed that was ok and bought a master cylinder kit. Now my boy who the bike is for gets impatient and says let me take the bike into work and I'll get it fixed in my lunches. fast forward a month or two and it comes back to me with no work done at all but in the kit for the master cylinder there is now a ball bearing which I dont remember taking out of anywhere, is the ball a one way valve that I've overlooked. Ive checked the service manual and…

🎅 Well folks another year rapidly draws to a close! Here's wishing you ALL a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.🎅 A special thank you to Alex for keeping the website up and running and to all the mods who keep the site in order. The site wouldn't be what it is though without YOU the members, old and new, paid members and free. (of which after 10 years I have decided to become a paid member!) So to all you visitors, don't be shy and post the occasional reply or start a new topic, because without you we would have nothing to read! All the best for next year NE0

Just a quick post to say hi to everyone and introduce myself as I don't think I bothered when I registered! I am $hando a 33 year old jock shanghaid from the motherland (Jockistan) to live amongst the southern shandy drinking, dungaree wearing sasenachs (not really true as just about everyone in London is from elsewhere :? ). Just recently got back into bikes after a long absence (last bike was when I was a spotty youth of 18). Anyway, came to the conclusion that my life would not be complete without a bike so decided to go for me test and get legal and my missus got me a 04 R6, as a result I must "put out" on demand :shock: So I guess it's true that there's no such…

Have any of you lot got a ritual that you do conciously or otherwise before you go out for a ride?I ask because I always wear my fish bone pendant when I go for a ride ,an I'm not even sure why.but i won't go without it....also does this mean I'm goin nutz. :?

Found out today that a mate of mine died on friday, he was en route to a meet down south, traffic was slowin for a roundabout when a truck came up behind him too fast,,did'nt stand a chance. :cry:

Well, actually just one track. Is anyone out there able to tell me the name of the track at the end of Kung Pow: Enter the fist ??? (2002). It's a techno type track that's pretty cool. It's also used in the 2000 version of 'Get Carter' just before Carter (Sly Stallone) says 'you should finish what you started' and then beats up and (suggested although you don't see it) kills Eric in the disco. It's doing my nut it - anyone with the answer pleeeezeeeee Cheers - J