christofeser

Wow this just got a whole lot more complicated Okay pretty much I stripped the bike down the other day to check the carb (which was, in turn, fine) so thats okay. Do I need to take carbs off - I didn't get this far (as didn't need to)? From what you've just said makes it seem a bit complex I have a friend who knows a bit about engines (not this one in particular) but could be able to help... although he works during the week. If I'm right from looking at the manual, it is a chain driven overhead... although I still don't have a scoobie what it all does/how it all works, and even if you tried to explain it I'm not the type to understand until looking at it myself... Why do I need head and base gaskets? Aren't they there already? Ach I'm so dumb Chris

Okay (sorry for double-posting) so I think I want to go ahead and try it myself. I emailed a yamaha dealership this morning to see if they could source some of the piston rings - anyone have an idea how much these would cost? Paul when are you starting yours? I'm looking to start VERY soon... It involves taking the engine out right?? That's explained in the service manual I think, and I MIGHT be able to manage it... I just want it fixed by next week (i dont mean monday! I mean the END OF NEXT WEEK LOL) Chris

Right... I really need it back on the road a.s.a.p so was tempted to just pay for a fix from a local mech (who usually quotes me half of what the garages do!) We think it's the rings because we put oil into the cylinder (to seal it around the rings) and that's what eventually got it just enough compression to get it started (instead of just trying to turn over)... I could also do a few things to it at the same time make it a bit sexier! I was thinking of doing a similar tank & fender paint job - matt black sorta look maybe? ANYWAY back to fixing the bike... I suppose I could try and do it - where would I get the piston rings from??? Cheers, Chris

Spent all day with a savvy-biker diagnosing it. We've come to the definitive conclusion that I'm not getting enough compression due to f**cked up piston rings... Also, that the oil is being funny. The oil levels have been rapidly declining due to being burnt (someone said they noticed smoke the other day) - which I forgot to check. This may be rather costly to repair, seeing as it's an engine problem...

Cut a long story short - had a breakdown yesterday about 100 miles from home on the A12 towards colchester... if anyone is from round there and kindly stopped to help me, thankyou so much Yet, I still had to get the AA to recover me (they took a long long time at a big big cost), because the bike wont start I discovered that it may be a fuel problem. The nature of my breakdown was similar to running out of fuel - i.e. full throttling it, yet, declining speed constantly... I was looking at the fuel tap this morning and took the second stage off to see if fuel was actually coming out. It didn't come out when on the "on" or "reserve" settings, yet comes out on the "prime" setting (I assume "pri" stands for prime?)... has anybody had this problem before and, if so, how do you fix it? Any suggestions? Regards Chris

Ahhhhhhh lovely. Well, somehow I came across some guy in chessington, surrey. I randomly stumbled across his website and it was pretty much along the lines of "yeah we fix bikes. yeah we service bikes. just slish it in and we'll do it". Turns out it's just some guy working out of the back of his garage near his house. Saying that, he quoted me half of wherever else I asked, he fixed it in 18 minutes dead, he did it over his lunch break just so I could get it back on the road, and then he gave me a load of great advice! Really really really nice guy. I would recommend him to anyone who lives in the area, it's just 5 minutes off the Ace of Spades roundabout (not to be confused with Ace Corner - north London)on the A3. Mind - is anyone on this forum even from near where I live?! Anyway yeah, fixed it yesterday, which was nice cos I rode out to Newlands Corner and Box Hill with my mate's mum (on her harley which is 10x's as powerful) and her husbands 4-seater, 3.5 litre, rover v8 engined, trike. Pretty much - my sound was drowned out and they smoked me at traffic lights. Was very nice to get back on it (even if I was only off for a day!) Anyway, if anyone wants this guy's contacts let us know and I'll PM them to ya. Chris

again thanks for the input. It's a slow, so I think I'm going to fill it up at home and then ride it to a garage nearby. I'm in Esher, Surrey. Anyone know anywhere cheap? I would take the wheel off myself, although I've only got the bike and it's silly little prop stand (which actually makes it look quite nice when parked up but is inconvenient when trying to get a wheel off and such), as it would be a good learning curve for me - yet as I said, I simply don't have the space or equipment (paddock stand) available to do so. I'll ring some garages this morning, and yeah, hopefully it wont cost a pretty penny. cheers again!

well all of this is irrelevant. Somehow I got a puncture today and a flat tire. Managed to roll it home somehow (after about 6 energy drinks!). I'm so gutted. really really really upset by it.

I think I'll do it under the supervision of another biker I know who changes her oil and filters and sparks herself. Although, looking for a job at the moment, as I barely have petrol money! So I'll wait until my dad gives me my "allowance" next month On the note of petrol, how many miles are you getting out of yours on a full tank? Cheers Chris

Right thanks guys. I think I will give it a full on once-over (excluding sparks - I don't think I'm yet ready to start messing about with these) So yeah I'll have a little look on how/where to change everything. Thanks again. Chris

Cheers for all the advice. Right so is it costly to replace said things...? Or can I pick up filters on ebay cheapo? Will I get a noticable difference in performance from the bike if the air & oil filter is changed? Cheers Chris

thanks mate. very informative and good step-by-step. I don't think it needs more - I just think it needs a change. I didn't buy it long ago and haven't changed it yet... so I don't really know how long it's been. cheers still.

Okay so as many of you know I'm on a dragstar 125. I think it needs some oil. Can I use normal auto oil or do I have to buy motorcycle oil? Moreover, how do I change it? Any online guides/tips?? Chris

I'm always looking for new parts - just to think - "hmmm. I wonder what that would look/perform like on my bike" haha! so yeah I'll keep an eye out for 14mms. when im doing my searches.

Um I took a quick flick on ebay. A lot of shocks are on there - not specifically for an xvs125 yet I don't think it matters does it??? Or am I - yet again - quite simply wrong. e.g. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Suzuki-Kawasaki-Motorcycle-Rear-Shock-Absorbers-325mm-/350358317683?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item5192fbaa73#ht_3122wt_1137 if the glove fits then why not? Moreover - a lot of people simply list them as "rear shocks" with no dimensions - so I'm sure if you asked "the seller a question" they would respond. That is, if you didn't want 2nd hand ones. Regards Chris

ahhh I would bring it to yours. althought - it says you're in Derbyshire. I'm in London. Sorry matey I watched a video the other day on how to take the carbs off and re-jet. The main jet is the bigger one and the pilot is the smaller one next to it right??? I don't know much about it - but if I went to use 100's, will I get a "richer" fuel source and therefore get more power from my bike (just an assumption - more fuel combusted = more power) or am I wrong. So much for A level physics - I still don't know shit about an engine... haha! Okay so I mean - any more tips? I always feel like I'm raping the forum of information by asking SOO much - it just seems that I know SOO little cheers guys. Chris

Looks like you've done your work on this mate. One question - with regards to the rear shocks you were looking for... why do you need to change them from the originals?? Is it because you want a lower ride right? I really like the close-fit of the rear fender - and you made the seat as well?! I think what I'm going to do is keep my xvs125 until I've passed my test on it. Then I might make a bobber out of it, and buy a more powerful bike. In fact, I'm almost certain thats what I'll do. Well done mate! Chris

Oh right. As me and ttaskmaster discussed - the biggest problem is re-jetting. What price would I be looking to do that for (considering I don't know how to do it myself) Chris

Oh so it sounds like your proj. is going okay then? Anyway - post some pics when you've got some Chris.

Oh and if I were to slash-cut a different set of stock ones, as Paul suggested, what would be the best tool to cut em with? Chris

Wow cheers guys. I don't have the tools myself - but I know a friend who does! Moreover, he's just finished a motor sport engineering diploma, which may come in handy... Cheers for the responses though! Chris

Oh and thanks for the pic paul. I don't get it http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-DRAGSTAR-V-STAR-XVS650-XVS-650-WAVE-pipe-EXHAUST-/230482920984?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item35a9da4618#ht_1692wt_1137 pipes like that LOOK like they would fit the 125... why on earth wouldn't they???! I can't really afford a new set of pipes though - if I'm honest. Moreover, it's harder to find cheap pipes for the xvs125. Chris

oh wow. It's harder than i thought then.... I was pretty much planning on making the shell and fixing it on somehow haha silly me. I'll look into it. That fact that I'm building it is mainly due to me having a lack of money Chris.

Firstly all I want is the empty shell. I hate the style of the stock ones on an xvs125. Plus, will replacing them with an empty shell make it sound better too?? Moreover, how hard is it? Is it a case of perhaps getting the right materials? the right size pipe? the right fixings? will an empty-shell get hot? How hard is it to find chrome piping??? And then would it be possible to slash-cut it? hmm Brain storming please? Chris

Starting a new thread on it - not fair to take over this person's thread It's not the fact they don't hear you - it's the fact they don't care Anyway, let us know how your's turn out