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monkeyjim

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Everything posted by monkeyjim

  1. How about Hepco and Becker bars ?
  2. How about this............. When i got married 2 years ago my wife's insurance went down £62 ? So there you go boys , reckon you will need a sex change , change your name to Josie and get married ............ Simples ! Someone mentioned high scooter/moped insurance due to thefts . I got a on-line quote for a 1965 Raleigh Wasp , yes i know ............ Basically a glorified bicycle with a 50cc motor . It was £65 fully comp, £15 a year cheaper than cheapest quote for my 09 XJ6 ?
  3. Anyone got these fitted ? Particularly interested if they are on a XJ6 . Thanks
  4. monkeyjim

    Modified XJ6n

    Hi all . Other than the pics found in google images is anybody aware of images of modified XJ6n's ? There is a blue and white one that i believe is in Fiat sponsor GP colours and the stunt concept bike with its garish colours and crash bars , other than that its all exhausts and well , nothing really to inspire me to do anything similar with mine . Yes, got some ideas, had a look at other models of bike but it is always worth a look at what others have done to the model of bike you own . Basically.......mine is cloudy white, done over 32k , got cleaned of the winter muck by a valeter who told me he was using suitable solvents and promptly power washed off all the top shine from all fixings , fittings , brackets etc and some are going rusty now . So in a nutshell ......its not worth a rub (dealer estimated value £1500 last year ) , it needs a freshen up , a repaint and some new stainless bits . Was thinking about a differant shade of white , possibly adding blue decal in a modern toned down version of the black chequer decal you would find on a fizzy tank . May change colours of the silver plastics along with possibly adding colour to the matt black plastic bits , the forks need repainting and may change colour from the original silver , the wheels are fine but might change colour of those too. I quite like a form of crash bar but not as in ya face as the Renntec ones . There is a german company who make crash bars but cannot remember the name.......... it is a 2 word name . Other than the colour, the one off bars on the yamaha stunt bike are subtle as they look like part of the frame .........Just a thought . I would love to change the seat , it is starting to show that it has had 13 stone me sitting on it for 4 years plus arent they so dull and featureless . Could put a seat cowl on it ( anyone got a cheap used genuine one of those? ........ Silly question ) or put a contoured seat on it , these are not cheap either . I believe some fz6 owners were mucking about with 2 piece seats from another bike but not 100% about that and there is a issue I think with filling the gap between the 2 seat sections . Anyway , any sensible input welcomed on any of the above madness . Cheers .
  5. Sorry to hear about the fan motor . Were you able to keep using bike or did you ge it recovered home . Great place France for driving or riding , I make a few trips a year down to the Limousin in the dead centre of France. Not been on bike yet . They do like there Motos and i was at a village in June , the main road is shut for a bike show, night prosession ride outs etc , loads of open pipe Harley and Sportsbikes on the rev limiter . It would not be allowed over here , all the Honda Jazz owners would complain . Unfortunately if it is not table top smooth black tarmac ( definately on roads the tour de france will be using ) they do like there gravillon (gravel) to resurface the roads , you need to be carefull because off the riding line it can be a bit dangerous hence the caution gravillon signs. How did bike fair overall on the journey , how do did you do on bike ?
  6. monkeyjim

    XJ6 TYRES

    Yeah , I know what your saying . I have had a licence nearly 4 years and take advice when given , my mate at work has been riding since late 60's , so if he says It will be fine I will go with that . As I stated the tyre was off his gsxr750 and I know the mileage and history. I will try the Maxxis or the Pirelli's when I need the pair . A quick search found Pirelli at £150 . A lot cheaper than the 2 bt21 sets and the Avons I have got before. Would be interesting to see how far this rear Avon does go . I don't cane the bike but I do not poodle about either so I cannot understand why I get over 10k from a tyre when others say they get 3k on a xj6 with same Bridgestone I was using at one point . Reckon a nimble Street Triple is the thing to hoon around on not a xj6 . It's heavy compared to a ST . I can say that as I also own a Street Triple . It had done 3000miles when I bought i have not done a thousand miles, still has loads left on its Bridgestone Bt014 so cannot really say much about my tyre wear rate on that one.
  7. monkeyjim

    XJ6 TYRES

    Shown a couple of biker mates my tyres and they say just put a front on , I have that much rear tread left . One of them had a good front Pirelli diablo he took off his bike when he put a new pair on because the rear had worn out . I know this is not ideal but i do know its history and mileage, thought it would be a good runner till the back goes , then I will buy a new pair . This part worn Pirelli in the dry is far better to ride on than i remember the Avon Storm was new . The Avon was better than the Bt021 in all weathers and temperatures by the way . Will see what it is like in the rain . Should have some rain due as Wimbledon is starting shortly .
  8. Remember this 37 mile reserve I managed to get was on MY typical commute at the speeds I have stated I ride at on that commute ....... Obviously if the light starts flashing when your doing 30mph or 70mph I would not like to say you will get a further 37 miles at that speed before it runs out . Don't want to blamed for people running out of fuel . Btw Not trying to brag and show off by saying I am doing so and so mileage , just thought I would see what i would get if I ran tank from dry to dry. I reckon, normally when I put fuel in before reserve reaches 20 miles I would get around the 180 mile figure . . Happy with that considering the mileage .
  9. Although this may not be the right topic for it I have seen xj6 posts regarding fuel consumption . Had to see what I am getting per tank now the bike is getting on a bit . I do 48 miles a day commuting, about 5 miles is around 30mph the rest is country and dual carriageway at 50 to 70mph depending on traffic . I got it low enough to put just over 16 litres of fuel in , we have a 17 litre tank as you know . Reset the trip and ran it 33 miles into the reserve flashing on . 208 miles clocked . I did do about 10 miles at 70 plus last night so I may well of got more without that . I have ran it 35 miles into the flashing reserve before and promptly ran out of fuel on the drive . Lucky . Before I put the above 16 litres in it managed 37 miles in reserve and did not run out before I refuelled.
  10. monkeyjim

    XJ6 TYRES

    Going to order some new tyres . Front needs replacing and back is starting to flatten off but has plenty left . Best go for a pair . Original set from when bike was new were Bridgestone BT021 , they were replaced by another set of 21's and now I am on a pair of Avon Storms . All sets manage 10,000 miles , I reckon the Avons are better than the Bridgestones . I am thinking of going for some Pirelli's this time . Feel like a change from sensible hard wearing all rounders that I have been using . What are your experiences with Pirelli tyres ? Cheers , Dave.
  11. Guess what ........ I had to put number 4 on .
  12. Nice looking version of the Xj6 . Done 31 thousand miles on my 09 model. My first bike and had from new . Only problem has been the brake light switch on the brake lever . Think I am on number 4 now Despite trying to weatherproof them . Other than that had no problems what so ever . Very reliable . Yes ..... Gearboxes are clunky , sometimes selecting first is very Victorian Industrial revolution in operation but on the move its ok. I get a vibe around the 7000 rpm mark in top . Feel it through pegs . Occasionally the ignition key wont turn but have heard its a yamaha normal , have learnt to get round that though by light downward pressure upon turning key. Hope you continue to enjoy the bike .
  13. monkeyjim

    XJ6 TYRES

    Hi , all Reckon the Avons have done 10k now . Still got loads on the rear but the front is very close to the limit . The rear is showing signs of cracking around its circumference close to the rim , not a feature worn Bridgestones have . Happy with dry and wet grip levels . Anyone with great knowledge on bike handling and tyres tell me why it is always the front tyres I wear out first ? I keep tyre pressures maintained and will admit to being a late heavy breaker when traffic and conditions allow..........having said that the bike has loads left on its second set of brake pads and it's done 31,000 miles. I replaced the original set with EBC green. Cheers
  14. monkeyjim

    XJ6 TYRES

    I have now got 8 thousand miles out of my Avon storm 2's . Quite pleased with that , the rear has loads left on it but the front is getting low but still legal .
  15. "Regularly remove clean up and lube the crappy brake lever switches. I am on my third now ! " Oops , despite practising what I preached in a earlier post the 3rd crappy Genuine Yamaha brake lever switch has packed up !! Not amused . I will try and resurrect it before I put my spare genuine one on , yes I now keep a spare . Why are they so bad despite trying to look after them?
  16. A front fog lamp illumination device would also be worth considering . Anyone else think they are a menace , especially in the rain on a bike at night . You just see stars . If the car driver could see what we see ( or don't see) I am sure they would turn them off . Working in the motor trade I know that all cars have fog warning lights glaring away if the fogs are on . No excuse. Sorry to move away from the original screen topic. David
  17. I bought one piece waterproofs when I started riding , they were such a nightmare I would not entertain a one piece ever again . My Mate at work also got given a jacket from Unipart and up until he stopped riding for the winter he used to wear his when it was raining . I think I will buy new jacket and trousers because my current ones are worn out and invest in some good waterproof over-trousers rather than trying to find textile jacket and trozzies that will keep me dry and that would cost me hundreds and hundreds so I would much rather look like a trawlerman for £15 . Will give Unipart a call Monday , if they can't get matching ones to their jacket it's off to Screwfix .
  18. Now to me the red glow implies there is a option with the screen that enables the operation of a missile tracking system head up display with red graphics that can help you to nail the nob in the Audi who has just pulled out in front of you on a roundabout .
  19. Or they will not reply at all .............. Which is the case it seems. I read about the RST Paragon jacket on MCN way down in the clothing review section . The tester reckoned a sieve would be better at keeping water out . It would seam though that one mans sieve is another man's ( or women's , sorry bippo ) never let water in waterproof jacket. The sailor gear is not so daft . I work in the motor trade and have been given a fluorescent quilted jacket by my local Unipart dealer . I actually use it when it is cold over my FT bike jacket . It keeps the wind out , keeps me warm because its quilt lined and it keeps me dry , it does not even leak through to my normal bike jacket underneath. . Ok It's not a bike garment on its own but it bloody works . I will ask if they can find some trousers to match. As for looking daft wearing it all , I rate a race rep bike and logo'd one piece leathers higher in the looking like a wally department .
  20. I have emailed RST and Moto direct who are the parent company to RST and other well known brands to see what they say about waterproof clothing that is not waterproof and fit for the purpose it was purchased for and also mentioned the suggestion of waterproof ratings . Doubt will get anywhere but you never know , might get a reply .
  21. To be honest I will still have a waterproof rain jacket and trousers in my rucksack if rain is forecast . I am annoyed the frank Thomas waterproof overtrousers let water in around my crutch already, meaning the water goes through 6 layers of fabric before the old man gets damp, 2 layers are waterproof supposedly . Why is it so hard for the manufacturers to make something that does not leak even in light rain without having to spend £800 plus on it all . I would love to know how much of the gear is actually given to riders to evaluate on the road . The RST paragon jacket has a 150g fleece lining , some only have 75 and most do not say what they are . I have goretex Dianese boots and I think boots with goretex or one of the many goretex alternatives is a must. I had a new pair of RST waterproof boots and found feet getting damp 20 miles into my 25 mile commute. I swapped them for another pair and they did the same . Gave them back and bought the Dianese pair , a little bit more, think they cost nearly £130 but had dry feet for just over 2 years now. I had a cheap pair before that as my first riding boots , Oxford or a similar brand , they were also goretex and kept me dry until they just worn out . I also have a balaclava of the windstopper variety , worked fine but its performance seems to reduce after being washed . Going back to goretex I believe that i read something about it should be left to dry naturally , so instead of putting your gloves on the rad to dry out, let them dry naturally . You will have to look that up to get the lowdown on that one . My bikers goretex gloves are not as good as they used to be , unfortunately I read about drying them out naturally long after i first got them and they had been on the rad a few times to dry. Any views on new jacket and trousers ?
  22. I know what you mean about hi-viz stuff , occasionally when it is really cold I wear a large hi-viz jacket over all my gear . Just had a look at the RST Paragon 3 jacket and the spec is good .
  23. Hi all, I am thinking about some new winter riding gear . It's starting to get a bit cold and damp on my XJ6 recently. I have had Frank Thomas textiles for nearly 4 years and they are getting past it . Got a 3 layer jacket : outer , so called windproof/waterproof and thermal antifreeze linings . but the inner lining zips have gone and this is drafty in the winter , the outer zip pull has broken and I now have a key ring on it. Plus my balls get wet when it rains despite the 3 piece construction of the trousers , you have all been there I am sure . Taken to using a plastic throw away car seat cover from workshop stuffed down my waterproof rain over trousers like a bloody nappy . Yes my waterproofs leak too. The textiles were my first set when I started riding so suppose I can't complain too much. The waterproofs are just out of warranty , don't buy frank Thomas water proof rain trousers . What do you guys recommend ? That is a silly question really as one persons rst pants will leak the other guys won't etc etc so I am leaving myself open to contradicting reviews I guess . Who rides all year round and in the weather we are experiencing in the uk now , ie. cold and wet . Budget is £300 max for jacket and trozzies . I also have a Street Triple and whilst looking through there website at the new version I came across triumph adventure jacket and trousers . I thought they looked just the ticket and spec seams reasonable at the price . It is the style of gear you would ride a tiger or a BMW gs in and that to me implies all weathers and climates . Cannot be worse than my Ft stuff and that was to my newbie riders eyes up to the job when I first bought them. It's a bargain price at the moment and a email from Triumph tells me they are year round garments but can I find a review of the stuff by someone who uses it all year round and does not live in California or Sydney , nope . Tiger forum won't let me register for some reason so no joy there. Look forward to hearing what you have to say. Cheers .
  24. cam7777 , what make of screen is fitted to yours , it looks ok . Does it help with wind deflection ? I know it's a bit late with this answer ( not been on forum for months ) but regarding the question about when I use mine and what to look out for deterioration wise on the bike ? I can say that I do use it all year round not so much since mid December 2012 , think I have used it once since then and not at all this year. That is partly due to the fact it has been so cold this winter . Common sense prevails with ice and snow about . Quite often the A roads in East Sussex are ok and council has been brilliant with gritting in the north of the county but I am more likely to have a off in the frost covered lane on the way up to the gritted roads. I can't wait to get back on bike though as the traffic on my 25 mile commute to the coast is very temperamental , sometimes I am late to work other days I get there 20minutes early , even if I leave at the same time from home! As for things to look out for that deteriorate on the bike : At time of writing mine has now done just over 28,000 miles going ok but not worth a rub , been offered £1500 as a px . Clutch cable can seize and fray , keep it lubed up. Don't buy a copy one , my genuine dealer one cost £17 . Keep the temperamental ignition lock lubed. Regularly remove clean up and lube the crappy brake lever switches. I am on my third now ! Paint comes off the mirror stalks , going to spray mine with Unipart satin black and lacquer. Used it on my street triple mirrors and they look brilliant . Keep brake and clutch lever pivots lubricated . Shock absorber paint starting to deteriorate . Paint comes off the front forks , vulnerable down there so it's not that surprising . Last year at end of winter I gave the brakes a going over , removed pads , carriers and calipers. Removed pistons from calipers cleaned up everything and re-assembled , bled out brakes/carried out brake fluid change and adjusted foot brake . Despite looking rough, once cleaned up everything was looking fine and I was suprised the calipers pistons were free to move easily. I did replace the pads all round latter in the year with Ebc green as they were worn out by then. Might be a good idea to go over the brakes or get someone else too if you not confident to do it . Safety first. The frame has 2 rust spots where the paint had started to flake off at the beginning of a long weld on the frame. I treated it and painted ...... Up near the frame number sticker there is a 2inch hole the wiring passes through , slightly under that and back down the frame there is a long run of weld that disappears out of site , that run of weld has a strip of square edged metal welded to it , starts near the rad rubber top mounts . The corresponding area on the nearside of the bike started to flake too. Bit hard to describe the area as my bike is buried in the shed at mo , sorry. Wheels always appear to be in good condition , rear is covered in grease from regular chain lube which helps. The brackets and levers at point the throttle and clutch cables are connected engine end loose there patina as do some other fittings . As I have said in a previous post somewhere , a idiot car cleaner used too harsh a mix of wash when he spivved the bike after last winter, so that attacked the coatings on the fittings and has not helped things through this winter despite lashings of spray grease, which has helped in previous years . Was using acf50 but it was starting to cost with regular coatings I needed. The front mudguard main cross head fixing screws located on either side of the mudguard corrode. I cleaned up , lubed the threads and painted the tops of mine last year , despite not over tightening the screws last time I put the mudguard on following cleaning , the cross head failed when I tried to undo it before christmas . As for rest of it ........... As I said it has just over 28 on it now , reckon i put the Ebc pads in at about 25 thousand or so . The set replaced were the original set from new so happy they lasted that long,. will replace the discs next pad change. The front tyre is getting low on tread and the rear has loads of life . Guess i have done 9 thousand on the Avons now . A mate of mine i work with who has been on bikes over 40 years reckons its my late heavy braking . Maybe, reckon that's down to me driving minis for nearly 25 years and chucking them into corners at silly speeds , it has rubbed off on my motorcycling . The Evotech tail tidy is a good bit of kit and glad I fitted that . Recommend these. I am also thinking about a colour change , i fell off at about 15 mph on wet leaves when bike and my big bike riding experiance was only 2 months old and subsequently dented the tank with the bars . The bars are also now very slightly bent, not obviously to the naked eye but they are . Guys at work thought they were ok to look at and were ok when sitting on the bike but the riding position does not seem right to me . A couple of months ago I took them off to sort rust on the bars that started as a scratch next to the right hand riser. The scratch was caused when the bars rotated in there risers whilst i was riding a few days after collecting the bike from new . As you can imagine i was not best pleased with the dealer , the bars just rotated and i had no control as the levers were out of reach . 2 days in on my first big bike , shit me up......... Anyway back to the bent bars , once off dealing with the rust and repainting in Unipart wheel silver we measured the bars against a flat surface and confirmed they were bent . The dent has been bugging me for over 3 years as are the bars now, hence my wish to paint bike and am now also thinking about Rizomo bars too. May spray it a completely different colour or in a brighter white like my Street Triple . Will be spraying the standard belly pan to match . I am also looking out for a Yamaha seat cowl , does not matter what colour it is . Not paying out for a brand new one though.
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