*TQ*

Yeah 31.6mph but you can't do that till you're 17. I'm struggling to see how they measured the top speed. What conditions were used (weight of rider, ambient air temp etc...)? As far as restricting it goes I'd find out how they were restricted in the first place and replicate that either by yourself or by purchasing the correct restrictor (there must be hundreds knocking about from all the derestricted peds!). Have a word with the lads at Readspeed Scooters. They'll be able to tell you how the bike was restricted in the first place and if it's just a washer or something you should be able to knock one up yourself, if not I'm sure they could sell you the bits you need.

I've only had the bike for a couple of weeks and I'm wondering if the following is normal. The bike won't start from cold with out either the choke on or some revs (or sometimes both). It then won't idle properly for a few minutes, when it does it seems to be idling slightly slowly (only slightly, about 1100 instead of 1200). I haven't managed to adjust the idle speed yet (will probably do it this weekend). The major problem I have is the idle speed when the choke is on, it seems to be between 3 and 4 thousand rpm. Is this normal? I think I'm really annoying the neighbours in the morning sitting on the drive with the bike idling at 4 grand waiting for it to warm up.

My bikes unfortunately missing the pillion footrests and I'm currently looking for a pair. Just got off the phone to a breakers but they want £40 + VAT which seems a bit steep to me. Does anyone know of anywhere I could get some aftermarket ones? Or the size I'd be looking for (not at home so can't measure the fixings). Cheers TQ

I would seriously think twice about buying a litre sports bike as your first bike. I wouldn't even recommend a 600 sports. I've just got my first "big bike" an XJ600N and it's plenty fast enough for me to develop my skills on. If you go from nothing to a 180mph superbike you're very likely to kill yourself and perhaps others.

Do you think on the receipt under total savings it'd say -£1?

Didn't go out in the end yesterday was just too wet. Done 50 miles this morning though and the bike's lovely!!

Thanks very much. Just got off the phone sorting out the insurance. Going to head out now :-)

On a side note just got home after passing my module two! Just waiting for the rain to stop and I can take my XJ out for the first time!!!!!

Did my module one last sunday, module two tomorrow morning. Mod 1's not as hard as people are making out. You do need to be in complete control of the bike to be able to pass it but in my opinion if you're not you shouldn't be out on the road. Are you familiar with what's required for module one? I'll post a quick run through for you or others who may not know exactly what's needed. 1. Park your bike in a coned off bay. Take the bike off the stand and push it backwards in a U shape into a second coned off bay. 2. Slalom through five cones then perform two laps of a figure of eight round two cones. 3. Hazard Avoidance. Ride through a sweeping bend at a speed round about 19mph, accelerate out of the bend and ride through a speed trap doing at least 32mph, swerve through two cones and stop the bike with the front wheel within a coned off square. 4. U - Turn. Pretty self explanatory. Perform a U Turn with in the coned off area without putting your foot down or losing control of the bike at any point. 5. Slow speed riding. The examiner will stand in front of you with his arm outstretched. You need to ride behind him as slowly as possible while he walks forward. 6. Emergency stop. Same route as hazard avoidance but go straight on instead of swerving. Perform an emergency stop then the examiner raises his hand.

Focus ST Orange looks really good, with or without orange wheels.

So I've just picked up a 1997 XJ600N and although it's in fairly good nick it good do with a bit of TLC to get it looking good. I'm fine with the chrome (chrome polish obviously). What's puzzling me is the engine. What should I use to get the air cooled engine a bit cleaner? It's obviously going to be a hard job (cleaning between the cooling fins etc...). The other problem I have is a slight bit of rust on the frame. I'm happy sanding it etc... but I'm unsure the best way to repaint it. First thing is will I be able to get the correct colour? Second is how to paint it without stripping the bike right down. Will it look ok painted with a pot of paint and a brush? If not will I be able to mask the bike and spray it (it's near the headstock so won't be easy)?

Oh Dear. Taxi for mervin.

Your other option is a nice four stroke 400. A bandit if you like the style or if you're more into sports bikes then maybe a VFR? I'm not sure about the power of these bikes but if they are over 33bhp then at least they're closer and so the restriction won't make as much difference.

I would if I was you mate as it'll invalidate your insurance not having it restricted. Not being funny but if you have an accident you're going royally fuck over anyone you hit because in essence you're "riding without insurance". As you say it's only 45bhp anyway so you won't notice losing 12 but it'll be worth it from a legal stand point.

Yeah doing it on a 500 so I can ride the XJ straight away without restricting it.

I have to say that's the bit I'm looking forward to least. Having lesson's every night next week though. I'd never ridden anything bigger than a 125 till yesterday (instructor let me take his CB500 round the carpark twice after I'd finished my CBT). I'm planning on getting a lot of practice in doing that bit of the test! Will do, as I say not picking it up till tomorrow but I'll get a few snaps when I can.

Well it seems to be the fashion around here to introduce yourself so here goes....... I'm TQ, I'm 21. I used to ride bikes a few years ago (Gilera DNA 50 and Honda NSR 125 between the ages of 16 and 17) but haven't for the last few years. I've wanted to get back on a bike ever since I sold the last one so recently I finally got round to it and booked some lessons. I did my CBT yesterday, got my Module 1 booked for the 15th and all going well will have my full license about a week after that. Picking up a 1997 XJ600N tomorrow which I'm going to have to just sit and look at for a couple of weeks before I pass my test but then I don't think you'll be able to keep me off it! I've been lurking on the forums for about a week and am suitably impressed with how active they are and the knowledge of most of the members. I look forward to many a good conversation about all things bike and even a few things not. I think that's enough for now so down to the big question..... you all alright or what?

I went a bit nuts with mine, 70cc Malossi kit, 21mm Carb, K&N filter, Leo Vince Exhaust, uprated variator, uprated clutch. Thing went like the clappers (would top out at about 70mph) fucking drank fuel though!

Good luck finding one as well! They're getting rarer and rarer by the day. If you want something that's quick but still under the 33bhp limit you will have to go with a two stroke. The problem with a two stroke is the obvious maintenance issue. They are harder and more costly to maintain than a four stroke and there is more chance of them blowing up.

Barwell's right. If you are going to restrict a bike it's better to get one which is close to 33bhp already.

I didn't find it too hard to be honest. I did my CBT on an auto 50 (Gilera DNA), rode that till I was 17 then bought a Honda NSR125. Didn't take me long to pick up riding with gears. You won't be too smooth at first but you'll get the hang of it. It helps if you've driven a car (knowing about biting points, smoothness with the clutch etc...)