Date: 28-03-24  Time: 12:22 pm

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Messages - Dave48

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1
General / Re: What did you do with whatever else you've got?
« on: 04 September 2023, 05:54:45 pm »
I assume you didn't get an owners instruction book with the car? They usually show you how to change bulbs. Otherwise why not try you tube? I have always found it useful for "how to" advice.. Good luck!

2
MT Models / Re: Another one on a modern Fazer
« on: 09 July 2023, 09:29:57 am »
I bought a  new2016 Tracer 700 for the then bargain price of £6300 OTR.
This has proved to be the best all-rounder I have ever owned.
Regarding Yamahas "basic" suspension-this has not been an issue for me nor my wife as we have a combined weight of 18 stone in old money speak.
Solo the rear suspension is fine for me on lowest setting whereas 2 up we set to position 3.
Having spoken  with a local suspension guru with many years experience he assures me that even some new bikes from other "quality" makers like Triumph and BMW come with barely adequate standard components and is a classic example of the bean counters getting the final say rather than the engineers!
I would be very annoyed to hand over £10-£20 grand and then find handling issues requiring more expense.
IMO you can't go far wrong with either the CP2 700 twin or the CP3 900 triple. The 2016/17 models are in abundant supply as many were bought on PCP deals before the present economic downturn.
I shan't be trading mine in for anything else as it does what it says on the tin for us anyway.

3
General / Re: Whoever posts last is best
« on: 09 July 2023, 08:25:55 am »
Just a thought.....depending on the type of driving you will be doing... local,narrow streets,parking issues,with longer distance journeys?
My money is on the Fiat Panda. I previously had  59 reg via the scrappage scheme -these were built inFiats Polish factory.I traded this in for a 2015 new style 1.2 litre popular model(built in Fiat's state of the art Turin robotic factory 2012 onwards). Build quality far better. Have done approx 60000 miles with change of timing belt kit/water pump(based on age rather than mileage). VED on the2015 model is £35. Mpg sometimes approaching 55/60 on longer runs, Light steering,good visibility,easy to get in and out. Amazingly good inside space with compact external dimensions. No wonder this is the second hand car with highest price retention at present.
The Panda is not perfect but extremely good at most things. Who needs a 2ton behemoth SUV in everyday conditions?  A bit like local commuting on a 150bhp superbike!
I am sure you are aware of the issues concerning warping of cylinder head on certain3 cylinder Skodas and my friend had the same electric door/window issues that you mention.
Good luck & take your time.
There is a useful Fiat Panda UK owners group on Facebook.

4
FZS600 Fazer / Re: Slow return to idle after closing the throttle
« on: 07 July 2022, 07:54:42 pm »
Don't see why they shouldn't be safe in an ultrasonic cleaner. Maybe use a mild detergent solution. I am more than happy with mine and it cleans some very delicate components no problem

5
General / Re: Panic buying pillocks...
« on: 28 September 2021, 05:24:55 pm »
That quote from John Redwood shows how detached from reality some of our so called leaders are. Even a small boy knows there's a big difference between driving a van( up to 3.5 tonnes if my memory is correct ) & a 44 tonne hgv particularly the non-rigid category.
It has also been  suggested  that the reversing parts of the have test could be dispensed with in an attempt to speed up process of getting new drivers "qualified" to drive these leviathans. This shows the complete lack of understanding of what is involved in the safe operation of these vehicles which requires a remarkable skill set in real world conditions.
Being a bit of a cynic it even crossed my mind that shortages of any  commodity always result in price increases so is it just possible so eone started the rumour of shortage to create a self-fulfilling prophecy thereby forcing prices sky high. Good news for the oil giants but bad for the rest of us.
Is there any particular reason why we have to employ workers from low wage economies when it suits our government  while we have high levels of poverty,deprivation and unemployment levels. It isn't good for people's mental health or physical well being to be trying to survive on state benefits. What is happening to our nation?
We can not survive as some sort of theme park for wealthy visitors from richer countries, all the while slipping down the slope towards 3rd world status.

6
General / Re: Panic buying pillocks...
« on: 26 September 2021, 04:41:24 pm »
I was born post war in 1948 and  we all had ration cards into the early 1950s.  I do remember my dad struggling to get enough petrol coupons at the time of the Suez shenanigans in 1956-he would purchase unwanted coupons from a couple of neighbours as he needed to travel around Kent, Sussex and part of Greater London for his work.
I know you can't compare the situation then with possibly 6 million private vehicles on our roads with the current estimated 36 million private cars etc.
The situation we find ourselves in is the result of decades of asset stripping, sell offs and the cultivation of selfish self seeking  attitudes from the top down.
The peak of the British Empire was around the time Victoria died and we have since paid the price of financing 2 catastrophic World wars.
Unfortunately elitism and the old boy network are  still very much alive and well in "great?" Britain today and all we are witnessing when we see panic buying and selfish greed is a reflection of the behaviour and attitudes of an inept and fundamentally incapable government -all these selfish hoarders simply copying our leaders behaviour.
Why do we still runour country as we did 100 years ago? We need professionally qualified leaders who understand the importance of security of energy supplies, proper  border controls and a benefit/welfare system that requires people to get out of bed when there are jobs to  be done.
I am ashamed to be British the way I see things going. I worry for my children and grandchildrens future.

7
General / Re: Advice for removal of scratches on headlamp lens please!
« on: 16 September 2021, 10:57:04 pm »
Thanks for your advice guys. Will try what you suggest.

8
General / Advice for removal of scratches on headlamp lens please!
« on: 13 September 2021, 12:01:56 pm »
I have restricted access down a narrow path to get my bike in and out and recently caught the headlamp lens on a rough cast concrete post.
The bike is a Tracer 700 and I assume the lens is made of some type of plastic. Tried polishing out scratches with Farecla polishing com pound but this had little effect as scratches are quite deep. Hopefully this won't be an MOT issue?
Any ideas/suggestions welcome. (I have since "bubblewrapped" offending post).


 

9
General / Re: the fazers' got to go,what to get next ?
« on: 16 July 2021, 02:24:01 pm »
Have previously owned FZS 600 & 1000 and FZ6. Now 73 and bought Tracer 700 new in 2016when they were value for money £6300 OTR. IMO you must decide between the benefits of the fzs 600 the best all rounder for the money with the in line4 motor and carbs. And the Tracer with its offset firing order twin cylinder. Both excellent bikes but different. Servicing access on  Tracer eg spark plugs bit of a pain whether you do your own work or be prepared to pay dealer labour rates. FAZER EASIER ACCESS-LESS TO REMOVE PANEL WISE. I love both bikes but will be sticking with Tracer til I stop riding 6now.

10
General / Re: Making up a cleaning kit
« on: 04 June 2021, 10:44:13 pm »
Dudeofrude-the ebay window cleaning products seller is called Wintecs-Cornwall based if memory serves me right?. Their chamois leather was about£7 for a generous size cloth of good quality.

11
General / Re: Making up a cleaning kit
« on: 03 June 2021, 07:28:49 pm »
PS 4L Paraffin from B&Q, Motul factory line chain lube. WURTH  chain cleaning brush.

12
General / Re: Making up a cleaning kit
« on: 03 June 2021, 07:24:58 pm »
Any old towels-bath,hand,tea also cotton sheets torn up into manageable size pieces. Cheap maxi size kitchen rolls, Old toothbrushes etc.
I use cheap car wash eg 5L size Carplan off ebay. Sponges comefromPoundland, Scourerpads from Aldi.
Decent chamois leather from Window cleaning supplies off eBay.(Not Halfords-far too dear).
GT 85 spray on offer in Aldi orWilko.
Autoglym polish from bestpricedeal online.
Once bike really deep cleaned then protect all surfaces with polish/spray whatever. The GT85 is good on electrics and metal also plastic panels where  studs and o rings are used to join together.
The really dear products like ACF50 are worth the cost for all season protection.
I find bike cleaning very therapeutic but have a bit of OCD in this area!

13
General / Re: The Covid thread
« on: 25 May 2021, 01:25:12 pm »
Unfortunately government lacks the will to act in good time to actual threats. If the new Indian variant is so contagious then why allow flights into UK airports from the sub Continent?. While the government acted well over the vaccination program there has been a lack of simple but effective information and advice. which in some cases has been contradictory.
It is very upsetting for those of us who have followed the guidelines to hear on a daily basis of people breaking the rules and "interpreting" these to suit their own selfish motives.

14
FZS600 Fazer / Re: steam powered boxeye ?
« on: 13 April 2021, 07:35:17 am »
Was only joking! Bike looks "proper" RED in your photo. Both my favourite Fazers were RED(well known by the cognoscenti to be the best!). Rhondda Red the Foxeye 600 & Big Red the mighty thou. Enjoy the Redness. Dont tell anyone but my current bike the Tracer is b**e! :lol

15
FZS600 Fazer / Re: steam powered boxeye ?
« on: 12 April 2021, 07:22:42 am »
Glad you enjoyed the test ride of "new" engine. Summer gloves! You're brave. It was 2 degreesC here yesterday am coupled with odd sleet showers.
Yes from the sound of it I would thoroughly flush out the cooling system and add some nice "Pink" OAT coolant to colour match the bike!......Sorry I know its Red really! :lol

16
FZS600 Fazer / Re: steam powered boxeye ?
« on: 11 April 2021, 05:33:44 pm »
Its great to get out again and rediscover what we first found out all those years ago: 2 wheels move the soul! Enjoy

17
FZS600 Fazer / Re: misfire @ 5k - 8k rpm
« on: 11 April 2021, 10:09:12 am »
Just a couple of thoughts:
When you put your bike away in the autumn did you add any fuel stabiliser to the tank?
When you press the starter button does the engine turn over at normal speed or slowly & reluctantly?
If you can rule out degraded fuel- modern petrol doesnt last long unused-and your battery is in good condition then I would suspect spark plug LEADS & CAPS. Depending on the age of these thenyour sparksmay be tracking or earthing out rather than firing the cylinders.
Damp conditions in storage may aggravate this problem.

18
Fazer 1000/FZ1 corner / Re: FZS1000 or FZ1
« on: 11 April 2021, 09:53:45 am »
I have no experience of the FZ1 but have owned a fair number of bikes over the years, including both incarnations of the FZS Fazer namely 600(Boxeye & Foxeye) & 1000.
The ONLY reason I sold the thou was my advancing years & increasing difficulty getting the bike down a narrow side path with right angle bend to rear of my house.
Every time I look at photos of that lovely red bike I wish I was 20 years younger and still experience that adrenaline rush on opening the throttle at any road speed coupled with its absolutely ability to trickle along at 30-35mph in 6th gear 2 up with luggage. Granted the bike had the"full monty" ivanised treatment.
For me the FZS 1000 representedthebest of all worlds- performance,comfort,tank range,road presence,and with suspension upgrades and good rubber on the wheels, and blue spots maintained in A1 condition she would give many "sports bikes" a run fortheir money. Couldbeseenas a bit of awolf in sheeps clothing! Happy memories.

19
FZS600 Fazer / Re: steam powered boxeye ?
« on: 06 April 2021, 09:16:21 am »
Enjoyed reading the whole story from beginning through your discoveries,trials and tribulations of furlough &  lockdown. Also the really difficult decision you had to make regarding your Mum.
Now get out and reap the rewards of your hard work knowing  you have done a proper job.
I retaxed the Tracer from 1st April but didn't ridetil thenextdayas weather here was very cold wind on the 1st. Did a short 12 miles then followed up Saturday when wife & I  did 55milesaround Worcestershire countryside in Spring sunshine. Sogood for our mental well being & reminderwhywe all ride!

20
FZS600 Fazer / Re: Cooling system flush and refill
« on: 04 April 2021, 10:23:33 am »
If there was no obvious contamination and no overheating or other issues I would simply run the water through the top filler until water emerged clear at drain plug. I have used Radflush as Darrsi suggests where there has been rust flakes etc or residue from products like Radweld.
Quite possibly OAT coolant is good for 5 years- I was just going by Yamaha recommendations-they may of course be referring to the "old school" ethylene glycol type antifreeze.
I think some owners have issues where previously cooling system has been diluted down with tap water as a top up measure especially in hard water areas. Just my thoughts.

21
FZS600 Fazer / Re: Cooling system flush and refill
« on: 03 April 2021, 07:20:15 pm »
If your cooling system is not contaminated  in any way simply flush out system with garden hose and then refill with  Pink OAT coolant from motor factor rather than expensive bike brands.Its basically all the same stuff - why pay morethanyouhave to? Should be good for 36 months which is recommended change interval.

22
General / Re: The Covid thread incl a poll
« on: 18 March 2021, 03:07:09 pm »
Both my wife & I had our first jab on 7th Jan & our 2nd one yesterday, 17th March.
The health centre wasn't particularly busy yesterday-straight in and out after the15 minute wait to check  no adverse reaction.
Well organised here in Birmingham.

23
FZS600 Fazer / Re: brake lever feel
« on: 25 February 2021, 05:37:42 pm »
I know Yamaha always state change brake hoses & all rubber seals both in the master cylinder and on the brake Pistons at 4 yearly intervals. This might be a bit OTT but after 20 years there will be deterioration in all these components. From past experience of the blue spot brakes both on the 600 & 1000 FZS Fazers I always found the brakes to be light,sensitive and powerful in action with plenty of rider "feedback" through the lever.
If it was my bike I would be looking to do a complete brake overhaul and then you will have confidence & peace of mind. I use to buy the overhaul kits from Powerhouse Automotive and the braided lines can be had on a forum users discount if memory serves me right?

24
General / Re: POLL Will you take the Vax
« on: 10 January 2021, 03:02:54 pm »
No side effects yet apart from the usual minor bruising at injection site. It looks as though the UK is doing comparatively well with the vaccination program when looking at how some other so-called advanced countries are performing.
However we don't have any false sense of security and will continue with our shielding precautions-the vaccine is one tool in the fight against the virus.

25
General / Re: POLL Will you take the Vax
« on: 09 January 2021, 10:32:59 pm »
Had a phone call Wed teatime asking if I would like the vaccine Thurs afternoon at a local health centre. They also asked my wife if she would like the vaccine at the same time. We both said yes asI am classed as clinically extremely vulnerable and my wife has had  serious health issues. We both turned up and all went smoothly. We just had to wait for 15 mins afterwards to make sure we had no adverse reaction to the vaccine. Apart from a slight bruise at injection site we are both fine (so far).
My view is that we owe our lives to the skills of men and women working in the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry-I wouldn't be alive to write this without them. Yes it's a pain not being able to do things we used to take for granted but if we all do our bit we can come out the other side. We would rather suffer the inconveniences of the present lockdown than be an unnecessary burden on the health service when they are faced with an unprecedented emergency.


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