pilninggas

I would think you could just go sole trader; HMRC will issue you with a self-employment ticket (whatever it is called these days), you will have to submit a self assessment (and will even when you 'finish' for some time). You should be able to get insurance as a sole trader with tradex - but they do expect you to have a paper trail (to prevent people just getting trade insurance and driving whatever). You'll be able to claim back expenses on a sliding scale (an accountant or tax advisor is useful and not that expensive). I'm not sure how things stand these days, but i ended up paying NI as an employee and 'class 1' contributions (i think) and paid a lot in NI.

I own a 2010 FZ1S Fazer. They are very powerful, agile motorcycles. Reliability wise, the engine is a detuned R1 motor with a lower rev ceiling - the tech is all pretty standard and providing it has had regular servicing I can't see any reason why they can't significant mileage. Fuelling - there is so much crap said about 1000Fazer fuelling it is laugahable - they fuel excellently; like any EFI bike you don't shut the throttle mid turn [shouldn't on any bike really] as it cuts the fuel. Compared to my old carbed FZR it's creamy and smooth. Downsides: tank range is poor with an 18L tank (130-180miles), as with any big bike they eat tyres and brake pads. I'd advise riding one, see if you like it - i'd also suggest a) looking to push for a hefty discount if buying new or buy used (i did and paid £4500 less for a bike with accessories and only 5000miles on it).

i rebalanced a front tyre the other day - same as you, the shop didn't do it right. rears are harder to get right and can depend on the addition of spacers, cush drive etc for outcome. Loose pinch-bolt isn't good enough and is why i take in loose wheels and never ride-in, ride-out. Are you going to name and shame?

You'll probably find you need to go to the new members area and introduce yourself properly, if you want answers to these issues.

Funny really, in thise age of electric-everything the idea of a very mechanical failure was mentioned by nobody. On a car, if someone said it was running hot and the fan was not kicking in, the first thing i'd check (after the fuse) is the fan and the blades. glad your trip was a success, stone-aside.

breaking the bead on tubeless tyres can be fun, but i have done it a number of times (google beadbreaker 2x4). A mate and I are seriously thinking of buying a proper bead breaker, one of those ballancers that go in a paddock stand and never paying anyone ever again to do tyres.

I wouldn't worry about the helmet reflectors [unless you want them], the consensus seems to be the gendarmerie don't give a hoot. I haven't been that way for years, but i do like La Rochelle (The Old Town and the Ile de Re are worth a look) and Concarneau. I always pack a hiviz vest, not because you have too, but if you breakdown on motorways at night it might help to keep you safe.

Google 'welsh bikers', they have a big forum, with tons of local rides and meets. There is a lot of stuff in south wales, you have some of the best roads in the Uk too.

All this sort of information is only in the workshop manual. I have a copy i should be able to email to you if you need it. The relay, I think, will be under the seat. Your best bet is to bypass it all and jury-rig a switch on the handle bar. I think one side of the fan is 12v when the main ignition (key) is on, so if you can locate this the other terminal can be connected to earth by a switch (a so-called 'switched earth' device) and you can turn it on and off when the temperature is too high.

The rad fan fuse is 20A, it is also possible the relay has broken. If you can't get it working and think it might be the sensor or the relay, you could improvise with some wires, a fuse holder and switch mounted on the bars, with you turning the fan on above 97 degrees. As I said on another post, these things are very much the bread and butter of motorcycle touring, keep on touring!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-Adjustable-Racing-Brake-Clutch-Levers-Yamaha-YZF-600-Thunder-Cat-1997-2007-/271114810728?hash=item3f1fb3b568 I have set of these. Very well made.

Cock-ups like this are very much the bread-and-butter of motorcycle touring. It goes with the territory of having everything either under the seat, in the luggage or in your pockets. Everytime I go touring I have at least one mishap; it's character building.

1)Run it without - the ecu only references the o2 when cruising or get an o2 eliminator (or make one if you are handy with electronics and a 555 timer chip). i ran without and the bike did not switch on the MIL. 2) get an 02 boss welded on - they are only a few pounds on ebay, be sure to get the right size, can't remember for sure maybe M14.

Worth contacting the local press, might provide a lead. Hope you feel better soon.

I wouldn't like to say; the 03-05 header definitely fit, because the engine is externally identical and because I actually did it (the pipes have to be a little dented to clear the sump, but it's just a little, careful hammer work).

You got 4 options: 1) Knock the guts out of the original catalyst/silencer unit - it's been done, but is not advisable (you can't do much if you don't like it/it's too loud). 2) Buy a stubby end can, that bolts on, something like: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silencer-Silencer-Exhaust-LeoVince-Tromboncino-Yamaha-XJ6-09-12-8240-/160927312255?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item257803e97f it won't be that loud as it bolts on, but it is easy to do. Also won't be lighter. This route is popular as it doesn't create unknowns. 3) Buy a full system, like: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-XJ6-Exhaust-System-by-GPR-road-legal-/130813349262?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item1e75154d8e , not cheap, but pukka and much lighter than stock. Might need a power commander - but unlikely. 4) Fit R6 headers (from an 03-05 R6) and an end can of your choice (i actually did this on my first XJ6) like:http://www.fz6r-forum.com/forum/f89/modified-06-r6-exhaust-09-6r-19670/ note: the american FZ6R and the XJ6 are pretty much the same bike. HTH by the way, please go to the new members area and introduce yourself - it's good manners, cheers.

Nothing wrong with running a new rear with a partially worn front. There are a mass a myths about bike tyres, many of which are just plain BS - for instance i've ran mismatched front and rears many times, on a few different bikes, with no problems. At the moment I have a set of CST Adrenos on my FZ1 [£100/pair] and they seem great- and I ride quite hard; allegedly they are chinese junk, but they come from the same factories as Maxxis and use seemingly a decent sport-touring compound. The XJ6 should give decent mileages even on stickier stuff - btw I had 021s on my first XJ6 and found the rear slidey in the wet, I believe this was due to the very, very round profile.

Haha, a mate's mate was telling me last year how he was a "prospect and this and that". I just took the piss something merciless about his little club - all sounds a bit ginger beer to me - a load of blokes stood round in leather. I said asked him when he was "actually going to a ride a motorcycle", he just looked befuddled. Some of these 'outfits' have sod all to do with motorcycles and everything to do with wanting social acceptance.

Well Alright - Blind Faith Mersey Paradise - The Stone Roses Bernadette - The Four Tops Big in Japan - Alphaville Only God can Judge Me - Tupac Shakur and 4Tay.

Old Xj6s are quality, a mates dad had one, went like a train. btw can't see you registered on there DDT.

Don't worry it is being upgraded soon, and will look better. If you think it can be improved please tell me.

I have a builder's trailer. I use two ramps: one for me to walk up or down and one for the track of the bike. I can't beleive these idiots think they can ride up a 30degree ramp on a harley (doing it on a trials bike would need experience, let alone 400lbs of iron). I always look at these if i need a laugh.

Riding with a rucksack which is anything more than light is dangerous and should be avoided. I had hard luggage on my both my XJ6s and it is awesome, over on the XJ6 forum Dan is selling his hard luggage - he is in oxfordshire. A topbox and rack are great investments, there usually some s/hand on ebay too. But for occasional use tankbags or tailpacks are okay.

Sorry S-M-R Schelde-Meuse-Rhine.

I'd go more coastal - inland Netherlands is similar to the UK roads-wise; the polderdash across the dykes closest to the coast is very cool. When I did it I really enjoyed. Yes there are industrial zones (the S-M-D delta is one of the most industrialised zones in the world), but the little coastal towns are very picturesque and the coffee is far better than the rubbish sold off the motorways. Do it and come back via the motorways, you'll be able to compare and see what i mean.