ANDYROSE

Sounds like us the other day. We were sweltering in blazing hot sun while all the East coast was blanketed! I wonder what sort things bumping in the night they are listening for Probably better not to know Andy

so how did some you feel,when you passed your cbt???, Hmmmmm Some of us are too old to have had to take a CBT (thank goodness, I don't know if I could pass!) thank you. However, passing the test for a full licence is something never to be forgotten Andy

Sounds good to me Too many forums suffer disruption from individuals like that so it's nice to see it nipped in the bud Cheers, Andy

Very many congratulations indeed Not many feelings surpass hearing those words 'You have passed' be it for a bike, car or whatever. Now just take it steady on that Hornet as you have some adjusting to do and a lot more to learn and it takes a bit of time. Well done again Andy

Looks a bit murky Merv, couldn't you pick a sunny morning to go for a ride? It's true enough that not so many years ago taking such a picture could have got you arrested, so the authorities could destroy the film and deny that such a place existed. Of course, it wouldn't happen now would it? Would it? Has anyone heard from Mervin recently? Cheers, Andy

Well I would certainly say that it is a classic bike, but like Mervin I have no idea if they are sought after in Spain which is what would give it any value. I should think that Spanish bike workshops are the same as British ones, they probably won't know anything about it due to it's age. You need to find someone who rode Japanese bikes in the 70's when these were common. My advice would be to give it a good clean and then post some pictures for us to see. Andy

Congrats & well done Now get on and get riding and have fun, but take care, there's a lot of idiots out there (and not just on four wheels either ) Andy

Too many to choose from, but (in no real order)... Mike Hailwood Joey Dunlop Kenny Roberts Barry Sheene Phil Read Giacomo Agostini Jarno Saarrinen Ivan Mauger Barry Briggs Sammy Miller All a bit obvious and from the more popular forms of bike sport perhaps, but how can you measure them all, it's got to be a subjective process Andy

Hi John (& no cracks about the surname ) & welcome. The SR seems a popular learner bike so I should think you find it an OK ride? Do you have a date for your test? Not that it matters as the 125 is enough to gain a lot of experience on, and that is far more valuable than any piece of paper which says you can ride Cheers, Andy

DON'T even think about not wearing protective gear, it is the kiss of death and even a minor spill will be a horrible event . The others have summed it up in their post's so nothing to add beyond that Andy

Hi there & welcome. I couldn't keep up with your R1 on my Divvy even if we could get together for a ride out but I hope you enjoy the forum and do meet up with some other riders. Cheers, Andy

Hi there, I wonder if the neutral light switch has gone u/s? I have no idea where it would be located on your bike but I would look for a couple of wires coming out of the top of the gearbox and try to trace them to see where they go, then maybe try and see if they have any current passing through them. Andy

And let me add my best wishes too, though be warned that when you are as old as me you will look back and try and remember what 26 felt like Many happy returns Andy

Let the beast see the light! Nice to see your RD again Scott. It's a shame when they have to be put on one side, but better that than using it for your commute at the moment, and she looks to be safe and sound Andy

So, where are you located Blue2, anywhere around the Inverness area like me? Andy

Hi Andy & welcome. Congrats on passing the test and getting your first bike, I have heard that the Thundercat is quite a decent bike so I hope you get on OK with yours. This might make me sound like a boring old fart but....I have to agree with Scott, ride as much as possible and get mileage on the clock (yours, not the bikes!) but keep the speed down for a while. Without being disparaging to either you or your local instruction centre, I would also consider taking further training. If your local police run a 'Bikesafe' scheme then get on it as everyone speaks very highly of the tuition available from very experienced and knowlegdeable police officers. Otherwise places which run CBT's often seem to do more training as well. One thing I would say not to do is start riding in company unless you know them well and know their approach to riding and capablilites, and they know and respect your level too. One of the most common causes of accidents is people in groups trying to stay with each other. One person's pace will be very different from another's and if you happen to be riding with someone who has a lot of experience, at some point they will inevitably be going faster than you are safe to do. It isn't just about speed, or corner speed, but overall situations. Their experience will have taught them that they can overtake that lorry and car and get back in comfortably and safely. Your lack of experience is likely to fool you into thinking that 'if they can do it then I can too', and it's easy to come unstuck. Don't be embarrassed by admitting that you are a novice, we were all there once and most people will respect you for being honest and sensible. If they don't, they ain't worth knowing! Now go and ride, and have fun! Cheers, Andy

I wonder if the carbs need to be balanced? have they been done at all? Otherwise it sounds as though you are running too rich so possibly the choke is not shutting off correctly. You might want to visit this forum for more Divvy knowledge... www.bikersoracle.com/yamahadiversion/forum Cheers, Andy

Hi there Captain, Welcome on board. I can't answer your question myself and as Divvy's are not that commonly owned on here I am not too sure if anyone else will be able to. However, if you have no luck try this site. www.bikersoracle.com/yamahadiversion/forum Sorry the link will not work but copy & paste it into your browser and you should be OK. Cheers, Andy

Many happy returns Scott! You are nearly as old as me Have a good day, with a little 'refreshment' perhaps, or a blast up into 'them thar hills'? Cheers, Andy

Sorry guys, If you want to see exciting bike racing then tune in to Men & Motors (Sky channel 131) TT coverage. It hardly does it all justice, but watch that and you will realise that racing on circuits is not the place where the best racing happens. Cheers, Andy

I know nothing about these but a quick look in the Used Bike Guide (a pre re-vamp issue when they still rated lots of bikes by manufacturer and engine size instead of a much smaller area in sections of 'Tourers', 'Sportsbikes' etc) found this in their guide.. "XTZ's five valve thumper single bunged into a road chassis with extravagent styling. Sharp handling. comfort passable, useful up to 90mph. Overwhelmed by pillions and /or touring duties. Some bargains around and lots of thrills for little spend. An unsung budget bike hero. " 1998: C1 £1800, C2 £1500, C3 £900 1997: C1 £1600, C2 £1100, C3 £550 1996: C1 £1550, C2 £1000, C3 £450 Doesn't sound too bad to me if those details fit the bill for you. The only thing that I might find off putting would be the question of parts. Bikes which do not sell in large numbers and/or have short sales runs sometimes can be difficult to trace parts for. Hope that helps. Andy

Nice one Alan, Good to hear you are mobile on two wheels again . Andy

Backfiring is usually caused by excess fuel passing into the pipes and then igniting, or an air leak which assists the normal exhaust gases to ignite in the pipe, or a combination of the two. So, if I were you I would first of all chat with the guy who supplied the pipes to see if any rejetting is required which I would have thought was most likely. If not, check the seal of the pipes at the head for any leaks. Cheers, Andy

Have to agree with you there Scott, both races produced some cracking entertainment and excitement. Probably the best I have seen anywhere yet this year! Having said that I was watching the Irish road racing on Sky TV last night and that is something else too though I doubt you get to see it over there! Imagine riding a full on 600 or 1000 against similar machinery along public roads (lanes) wide enough for 1 vehicle in places. It's fantastic stuff. The North West 200 is on tonight, and of course TT fortnight has started now as well. Real road racing! Cheers, Andy PS Tom, why on earth would you want to waste your time watching Formula Bore (One)? No action or overtaking, cars with so many high tech aids that the driver is semi-redundant and the most exciting parts are the pitstops (can they change his tyres quicker than his rival). Oh, and the politics of course

That book, or whatever it used to be called, was often recommended reading many years ago (20+ years too!) and is obviously still valid on todays roads. Shame no one promotes it any more, thanks for the tip Andy