I’m thinking of replacing all the visible fairing and side panel bolts/screws.


Do I go via Fowlers or has anyone got any better suggestions?
 

On the spur of the moment I’ve decided to visit the Northwest 200 and wondered if anyone has been and could offer some advice to save me wasting valuable time?
I’m going with my two (adult) boys who have very little interest in bikes so don’t want to tie myself into the inner circuit.

I’ve got a noise like a stone rattling around in a plastic box coming from what sounds like the front end.
It’s not a mechanical noise but I can hear it until about 50mph. Above that it’s drowned out by the wind. Trouble is that now I’ve heard it I can’t ignore it!

After much playing I believe it’s nothing to do with the engine (noise is still there with the engine switched off and coasting).
It’s not the brakes as applying makes no difference.
I’ve had all the fairing panels off and applied tape at the joints.


It does however seem to be related to road surface, even though it doesn’t change pitch with speed. The coarser the surface the louder it seems to be. Looking on line it seems the tyres, Metz z6 roadtecs have a reputation for being noisey
So I thought I’d remove the front mudguard to see if it was amplifying the noise from the tyre.
I’ve just been out for a ride and thought I’d cracked it. The noise was absent, so went for a ride well pleased with myself.
Came back after a couple of miles and it made the same noise on the same road I’d been on not 5 miles earlier! The odd thing is that it was quiet after I’d already been out on a 5-10 mile run so the tyres shouldn’t have been appreciably warmer on the second lap.
I don’t believe it’s wheel bearings as it was only mot’d yesterday. The chains freshly oiled too.


It’s been put back in the garage and I’m having a sulk. Anyone have any ideas?

I took the side panels off a month or so ago whilst I did a bit of tinkering.
Went to refit them and noticed that both of the top rubbers are missing.
Looking at the exploded diagram on Fowler’s website it shows the rubbers at the bottom but the top is shown as being attached to the air box cover not the frame.
Does anyone know if the top rubbers are the same as the bottom?

I used to be able to rummage about under the bike, but with the advancing years. I’m finding it more difficult to actually get up afterwards!
I’ve therefore decided that a Worksop lift stand is required.
Looking around there seems to be a baffling array of stands ranging from cheap eBay lifts to expensive tailor made air powered jobbies.
There’s also variations on a Skylift theme with a single pole giving front/back wheel up poses or level with the use of straps.


I’ve never been able to make a decision so wondered if you guys had any advice?


I’m drawn to something like the Clarke CML3, but I’m open to suggestions.
I’d really like to buy used (cause I’m a tight) but they seem to be as rare as hens teeth!

I’m about to have a go at changing the Coolant.
Any advice, suggestions, gotchas etc..?


Had a look on Pats page and a search of YouTube but there doesn’t seem to be anything around.
Maybe it’s dead easy then?


Looking at the drain bolt it looks like a right b’stard part to refit.

Just giving the bike a good seeing to ready for when the sun comes out.
Decided to check the TPS for the first time (only had the bike for 10 years!) and following the advice elsewhere I got a  steady 10k reading.
Initially I couldn’t get it to move to a steady 5k - was bouncing between 5k & 10k until I twiddled with the tickover adjuster. I read elsewhere this is normal.


The question I have is that during this the cooling fan came on!!


I hadn’t started the engine and it was bloody cold in the garage so I was a little surprised to say the least.
Is this normal when in TPS set up mode?


Also, how would you set it up? As I said I’ve got it so it just sticks at 5k, but I’ve read elsewhere it should bounce between 5k & 10k.

I’ve got a 2005 FZS1000S (9500 miles) which was stored in a dry garage for about 3 years whilst I did other things.
I’ve just put it back on the road and it feels like its running out of fuel below 3k (sounds like a Subaru) before sort of clearing its throat.
It goes up to about 80mph OK but doesn’t feel like its as powerful as it used to be.
I’ve changed the plugs, serviced the EXUP (the valve was sticking so I hoped that was the problem, but it wasn’t).
I’ve let the fuel drain down and added some fresh fuel and that didn’t make any difference and I removed the air filter and sprayed some carb cleaner into air box again making no difference.
All the hoses seem in good condition and theres nothing obviously wrong.
I’ve decided I’m not really getting anywhere so plan to let a workshop have a look at it.


Does anyone have a recommendation of a workshop in the Bristol area ?
I live in Thornbury and I’d prefer them to pick up too if possible.