I'm looking for some paint to clean up my bikes a bit.  I've found from searching the Yamaha codes (SM1 and S1), but was wondering if anyone has found any close matches in car paints (easier to get hold of and generally cheaper).

Just been to look at a potential purchase.  Overall not too bad, but the biggest concern are the upper forks.  As you can see in these pics(n.b. the pictures don't really do them justice, they look rougher in real life.), the uppers are pitting quite badly.  It is well above the travel, so won't affect the seals, however, how quickly are these likely to deteriorate?  Is this something that should be a reason not to buy the bike?








On a related note, would the uppers from my boxeye swap directly with these?

I'm looking to upgrade my box eye to a fox eye.  I've seen an ideal bike - right year, good mileage, loaded with extras worth having, good colour and most importantly at the right price.

The problem I have is that it's too far away to travel just to look at it.

I'm now in a quandary,  as I dont like buying unseen, however this does look like a cracking deal, and it is being sold by a dealer.

What do you think?  Should I throw caution to the wind and go for it or be more sensible and maybe regret it if I don't find one that looks as good?

Riding home today and my clutch suddenly went from a couple of mm play in the lever to almost all travel.  When I got home and investigated I found 1 (lower) bolt missing and 3 others loose and almost out too, allowing the cover to flex out when pulling the clutch in.  I've tightened them all back up and will get a replacement for the missing one, but I am concerned as to why this has happened all of a sudden. 

Has anyone had this before, or is this a rare occurrence?

BTW the bolts were last touched when I changed the chain - about 11K miles ago.

I hope someone can help me identify what year this gear lever is from. 


The spring on the footrest broke, so I bought a complete footrest/gear lever/heel guard assembly off ebay, choosing one from a 2000 bike that matches my own.


When fitting it, I found it wouldn't fit as the gear lever is straight, whereas my one is slightly S shaped.


I've looked on ebay for more examples, but it's a bit of a minefield of mis-information. It looks like the S lever is from Gen2 bikes, but then why is it on my Gen1?


Does anyone know what years/models the straight lever is from, so I can resell it with an accurate description?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=281494155483


Thanks for looking


(sorry, this should have been posted in the For Sale section - can a Mod please move it for me? - thanks)

Apart from the obvious (fairing, lights, tank) are there any parts from a boxeye that cannot be swapped onto a fox?


I'm looking at upgrading, but on a budget.  I've found a fox that's a bit rough and needs some tidying up, and am hoping to be able to swap stuff from my current box eye. 


For example, can I direct swap - wheels, brakes(discs and/or calipers), hugger, seat and more?

For sale, rear wheel from a box-eye FZS600, but I believe that it will fit the fox-eye as well, and possibly other bikes too.


Generally in good condition, apart from one dent on the rim - see the pictures.  With the tyre off as it is at the moment, it probably won't take too much to straighten it out a bit.  The tyre was sealing properly on the rim, with no leaking.


As pictured, no disc or sprocket carrier.  Bearings look to be in good condition.


Postage is £12, or collect from Luton or Hemel Hempstead.


Open to offers - Proceeds go to the original owner - ChristoT.

I had a trip into London yesterday, coming in from the M4, cut down into Chelsea, across the bridge and past Battersea and onto Stockwell via Vauxhall.  From there, back up across the River and up to White City.  All in rush hour.


I have to say, it was a challenge. Enjoyable, but tough going. I certainly wouldn't want to do it every day, it would knacker me out.

This is my first bike that I have been mechanically minded on, and those before it were 20 odd years ago.  I'm not sure what the correct feel on the clutch lever is, and want to find out if I have a problem looming, or if what I'm getting is normal.


I've adjusted the clutch cable a few times, at the lever end, as described by the manuals, so that there is about 1mm of slack before the lever starts to pull.  Over time, presumably due to cable stretch, the amount of slack has increased and I have to pull the lever a bit further to disengage the clutch.


Of late, it seems that the bite point is getting further away rather than closer to me.  There isn't much slack, but I barely touch the lever and the clutch is free.  I've not noticed any slip (yet), so I'm not sure if the clutch is wearing out and due an overhaul or not.


I've not looked at the lower end of the adjustment, I assumed that it was just another cable adjustment , just at the other end.  Is this right, or would adjusting it at that end move the bite point?


Any help and advice greatfully received.

Having a go at my first chain and sprocket change this afternoon, but as I pulled the rear wheel out, the left spacer fell out and exposed a totally knackered bearing.

It will obviously need to be replaced, but this is another job of which I have zero experience. I'm looking for as much info and advice as I can get before I attack this in a few days time.

Are these bearings ones that are best replaced with OEM, or would Wemoto parts or similar be OK?

Thanks in advance,

Jamie

Been having some really odd noises coming from down on the left side.  Having read lots of posts, I have pulled the sprocket cover (found a nut  ) and checked the sprocket. There is ever so slight indication of 'shark tooth', so I am assuming this is shot and needs replacing. 


The rear sprocket looks good and the chain looks to have lots of adjustment left, based on there being more alignment lines behind the axle and in the front of it.  That said, I followed the Haynes guide and measured 10 links.  It measured 154mm, which is 3mm more than the suggested maximum stretch, so I am assuming that is shot too, and I really should be looking to replace all three.


I think I read somewhere that the genuine Yamaha front sprocket is sufficiently superior to aftermarket ones to make it a good purchase, but what about the rear - does it make much difference what make/type you get?


I'm also looking for advice on what chain to get.  I am an all weather Mon-Fri commuter, so want something that will last.  I'm not bothered about bling and cost isn't too much of an issue. I don't mind paying more for a decent product.


What can you tell me?  Thanks in advance...