Snakebite68

That appears to be a custom plate. Take it off, there may be something underneath it...

What did the plugs look like when you took them out? The valves weren't out nearly as much as mine were (there was basically NO gap at all on all my intake valves!), so I'm dubious that that is what's sorted it (although, just trimming everything up and doing the full oil change would help (and there's always the chance that one or more of them were a little sticky)). I can't see the throttle cable causing it, but replacing it was a good thing, which is where you'll have gained the extra response. So it must have been the carbs... What does the goo smell/feel like?

Does it look like this? YAMAHA XS750 XS850 GAUGE INDICATOR PILOT LIGHT PLASTIC COVER 1977 1978 - 1981 | eBay If so, it's the oil light...

Welcome in!

Hihi, welcome in!

'We' still don't know what the engine is...

From what I can see, it looks like a simple bolt/lock nut fitting. Mirror screws into the mount, nut winds down to your chosen fixing point, second nut winds down to lock it into place. Unless you have a custom mirror (and mount), it should just be a case of loosening the bolts and winding it out. There's always the possibility that a previous owner has wound it all the way down before leaning on the lock nuts, in which case brute strength and ignorance should win the day (top nut first...).

Would need to know the bike...

Turned the tank tap back on? I've fallen for this...

Nothing new about my bike!

Yeah, I had the same issue doing my speedo cable! Back in the days of doing my bicycles we'd spray down the cable outers with no problem, what's the deal with the overpressure doing it on motorbikes??? lol

Well, that all sounds suspicious... However, I may not be much of a mechanic myself, but I do know a few things about sealing, and I've gotta say this... Yes, you might get lucky and find an o-ring that's an apparent perfect match, but not all o-rings are made equal! It may be a perfect size and profile, but it may not be a match chemically (for example it may not be able to take heat or vibration or whatever like the original). As much as I object to £9 for a bit of 'rubber', it's a small price to pay for something that will then last another 20 years as opposed to something that may last 2-3 years and not do a proper job for that time anyway! Long story short, my advice is buy a proper one! lol Oh, and use the specified grease too (be it lithium or red rubber grease (on inspection, as we speak, my tube is gently leaking in a pool on my computer desk, damnit)!

Don't get me wrong, I love the freedom, but although I'm only 52, I'm pretty damaged (and not particularly fit anymore). Damaged back, neck, shoulder, knee, onset of arthritis, just generally creaky! Strangely, it takes more effort to get all my gear on, unlock the bike, put it to bed afterwards then leaver my gear off than it does to actually ride the damn thing! But I don't intend to give it up until I'm incapable... lol. I've always 'been' a 'biker', just most of it has been the old 'biker without a bike'! I see it as more being a mentality rather than anything else (although a bike helps!).

ROFL! If I'd seen it first, that would have been me... lol

Valve gaps...

Hihi! Hmmm, I remember DTs..!

How many miles are on the cat?

Hope I'm still biking in 20 years!

Welcome in!

All my problems seem to be stupid stuff, like failing an MOT for a left grip that twists a bit on the outer end (but can't slip off because of huge bar weights) and dodgy bearings lol. The only time the Thunderace hasn't started, it was because I failed to turn the fuel tap back on!

I should just point out that at best, I'm an amateur mechanic. Things I say should be taken with a pinch of common sense! I just work through stuff in a progression (usually cheap to expensive! lol).

Now I've had a good look at it... Just... No...

Cheers, I've stuck in a join request!

So, what's the facebook address?

Tis a strange ad indeed! I hate it when they flick from one clip to another, you can't get a decent look at the bike they're actually trying to sell you! lol