Stikkerman

Does anyone know if the side panels from a TT 350 will fit the XT ????? Thanks.

Hi Robert, Your problem could stem from one or more of dozens of reasons. I would employ the process of elimination. If the bikes been stood for that length of time, depending if its been inside or out, i'm not surprised at the lack of a spark. To start, as a matter of course i'd go out and buy a new spark plug, they do perish after that sort of time passage as would the H.T. lead, and for how little it'll cost i'd replace that too. Then rob the battery off your Honda for a bit and try the new plug. Failing that were going to be looking at following the line and getting technical until it goes. Try these initial steps first and see how ya go. When you attach the donor battery, dont forget to check any and all in line fuses! P.S. I think it may be too late now, but after the bike standing for so long, did you drop some light oil down the plug hole before ya kicked it ? Good luck ! Martin.

If you've not got a coil, where does the H.T. lead go to ? Thats the cable that has a cap on it that fits on top of the spark plug. Martin.

Has anyone dared to red line the bike in top gear? Never mind the manufacturers stats, lets have it from the people who know ! I know what mine can do but i'd like to hear your stories, just as a matter of interest. Me, i tested the bike with all standard factory equipment to start with and then changed things. Any tune up tips to enhance performance of the bike or any reliability/ safety mods would be gratefully received by me and i'm sure every other XT runner, barring the obvious like sprocket changes. You know what i mean! I'll start it off by recommending you ditch the standard exhaust can and strap a Micron on, for such a simple procedure, the difference is quite surprising, as i'm sure you'd agree if you've done it. Secondly i find oil changing at 1 to 1 1/2k intervals using FULLY SYNTHETIC is a good idea and does make a lot of difference. I've had the old girl for 12 years now, and although shes mainly been a backup bike and served me very well in this role, i feel the need to treat her a bit, you know how it is. M1 motorway southbound, weather clear and fine, slight headwind, lowered my head, lit my arse and.......... P.S. I've started work on reproducing the decals on mine, its the '87 model but i'm changin them to the '91s cos i think they look better. If you're struggling to get decals for yours, standard or not, drop me a line and i'll help you out wherever i can. (my login name's a giveaway int it ?) For obvious copyright reasons, they will NOT be exact replicas. When i've done mine i'll post a couple of before and after pics. Keep safe. Martin.

There was nothing wrong with my first bike, the NSU Quickly was a good bike........ What?

Eyup Pete, any chance you can post me a couple of close up pics of your tank and side panel graphics ? Iv'e got a '87 model and i want to change my old style graphics for the better lookin newer ones. If you can do this for me i will re create them and customise them for my bike. (its what i do, checkout the login name!) Would be grateful, Thanks Martin.

Eyup John, i know ya problem well, i see it a lot in my line of business. Its called "blooming". The stanley knife things ok but is time consuming and the results can be a bit rough !? Depending on the depth of the bloom, try using coarse or medium wire wool to start, working down to the fine grade to polish it off. If you take your time the results should be excellent and it will save you the stress of trying to find replacements cos your right, they're like rockin horse poo. Once you've done the wire wool thing, you can finish it off with a couple of coats of bumper restorer spray or suchlike. If you're of tree huggin ilk, you can use olive oil, it has the same effect and can last longer than the bumper spray. This method wont make them look like new, but if ya take ya time and do it right i think you'll agree it comes a close second !? Good luck. Let me know how it goes. Martin. P.S. Be VERY CAREFUL when using chemicals on plastics. Some will rot plastic. If you bear in mind that most plastic starts life as oil, and take it from there. Thats why the olive oil thing works !

There was no need for that ! Here am i sat here early on a Saturday morning, sporting the mother of all hangovers, you made me laugh so much i've got to go back to bed.