Well, tomorrow, I retrieve the ZX-4. I fear the worst.

The good news is that water DIDN'T make it into my oil - the milkiness was just condensation (so my mechanic reckons). He also reckons the head gasket is OK!

The BAD news is that the fan is completely fucked. Half the vanes gone, and what's left is partially melted. Might have been something as daft as a blocked pipe. Either way, I won't be happy until I've given the bike a full stripdown and inspection...

The fairing is in a bad way, that will take up a lot of time. Not sure whether to fix it with ABS plastic, carbon fibre (if work let me use it), or just bog standard glass fibre. The rear will need a lot of TLC, and a new screen goes withou saying. The main bastard is going to be finding the parts!

Watch this space...

Well, it had to happen sooner or later!

Bought my new cage today. That's what will be lugging my backside in and out of work whilst I fix up my ZX... 

It's a Peugeot 106, 1.5L diesel. In speedy silver....

Photos tomorrow (if I can be arsed). So if you see a Peugeot 106 on the road, for foc's sake, be careful, it might be me!! 

And now the fucker has blown up on me! The RAC guy reckons it's either a compression ring or a cylinder liner. Either way, it's bad and certainly expensive. What have I done to deserve this THIS time?

Hi all!

Well, turns out my ferry which I though was sailing at 10am isn't leaving till 11pm tonight! Bollocks! Anyone in Weymouth who fancies a cuppa and a chat in the ferry terminal cafe?

Hope to see some of you Suvven Foccers! 

Hi all,

An "accidental" purchase off ebay, this! I have an R6 titanium exhaust for sale, pretty clean, a few minor dings but nothing major, the EXUP is nice and free, and in general good nick.

£30 + postage please! 

NB: Will go on Ebay in the next few days too.

Hello hello

I have a question about exhausts.

How big an end can can I stick on my ZX400? Because it's a grey import, and a 1988 model (!) there is next to nothing out there for it. Also, I have a bit of a thing for Akrapovic carbon cans - a proper carbon subbie looks gorgeous.

However. My bike is only a 400cc. My question is, how big a can can I stick on before it gets ridiculous? I suspect a can designed for an R6 would sort of work, but the one designed for the VFR1200 would be over the top. Or doesn't it matter? Help?

BTW, I'm talking about gas flow here rather than physical size!

I found this on the ZXR forum. The fairing repaired may interest some... 

EDIT: Pics reuploaded

Anyone else notice that the Trebor extra strong mints aren't as strong as they used to be? They used to hit like a sledgehammer, now they're more like a disappointing Polo. 

Right, time for an unusual (and unfortunate) request:

Anyone know what bike I should get?

My US placement fell through before even starting, so I'm back in the UK, desperately looking for another job. And transport (once I get a job + money). However, due to my penchant for attacking Mercedes from the rear, insurance on an FZS600 is prohibitive. Last year, it was £750, now I can't find cheaper than £1,300!  Third party only!  Plus, while determined work and scrimping etc may raise that sum of cash, all the non-God-awful Fazers on the interwebs are well over my cap of £1000. So, I need an alternative, until I can get back to the Fazer scene.

A few important points before suggestions roll in:

--> I refuse to ride a scooter. I can't turn up to LoFos on a Vespa!!

--> The bike must be cheap to insure

--> Preferably good for a spot of fun too to keep up with the lads on LoFos etc

--> Cannot cost more than £1,000

--> Must be man enough to lug me + luggage down to France. I would consider 125s, but they're a menace on the road (too slow to keep up with traffic!)

--> Age, mileage, colour, brand: I don't mind. As long as it runs, and is reasonably mechanically sound

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

As most people have probably seen, today's Google has a pinata game! Best score?

I got 169, who can beat that? 

And remember -  . Scores aren't accepted without screenshots with proof of it being yours too. 

As all are probably aware, my Fazer 600 had a bit of a prang last weekend. And as I'm going to the US in October, I have no time (or money) to repair it. So, sadly, I have to break for spares.

The bike is currently with RED98, please post which parts you want below to confirm availability / existence. As a rule of thumb, if it's behind the bars, it's probably OK!

The engine and carbs are in good condition, but please allow a few days for the postal service to get the spare key to Red98!

Special/non stock parts for sale:

- Towbar (consider it a rear end safety device - will protect in rear end shunts, and save the rear fairing!). Heavy duty, and bolts straight on to an FZS600 (will need a Rentec rack, or the earlier grabrail): £200

 - Stainless steel downpipes (for long footpegs). In decent condition, slight dent to middle pipe, purely cosmetic. £80

 - Blueflame can and link pipe. Both clean, but a tad scruffy. Link pipe probably better suited for models with the shorter footrests. Will fit longer footrests with spacers. Baffles are currently removed, but will be included when they're found (I think they're either in the spares box in the trailer, or under the seat - will confirm). £40

- Rear hugger. Has a minor repair on the left hand side where it fixes to the bike. Apart from that, in reasonable condition. £20

- Rentec rack. A bit scruffy, but no visible dammage to it. Was happy lugging a 42L topbox down the motorway. Due to condition, would accept £30

- FAZER radiator guard. A rare model, I've only ever seen two like it. Mine, and one on a different project bike. Very sturdy, looks very nice. Stainless steel, I think. In excellent condition. Due to rarity and condition, £50


Sales of parts are paying off the insurance excess, and what's left will go towards a bike in the US, and travel costs.

I was at Tesco earlier, and a noticed a familiar looking bike outside. A blue Fazer Thou (with some unusual mods). Looking at it, I thought the engine looked a bit different, so when the rider appeared (and after I told him about FOC-U), he told me he'd fitted an R1 engine into the Thou (not the detuned jobbie you chaps have - from a bona fide R1)!

Anyone else done this? Apart from some corrosion on the block, it looked pretty neat!