July 2002

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!  :eek :eek Third party only!  :eek :'( 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!

Bike mag 2003

Fitted goodridge rear line today and used a vacuum brake bleeder, its all clean fluid thats coming through and i also used the old fashioned method to let any air left in the system out, but the pedal is still soft, the brake is working but the pedal isnt firm as it should be, any hints n tips to get it firm again!

After 69.6miles today, and may more before that, it appears my speedo no longer wants to do it's job and is just sitting there at 0mph despite me being pretty sure I'm going faster than that.

I'm guessing first suspect is the pick-up thing in the front wheel, anyone know where's best to get one of them from online pronto?

Is there anything else I should look at too, hoping for a quick and cheap fix - ha!

Cheers,
Rob

This is what I've been up to with my new macro lens this weekend ;-)

As title suggests I'm getting weird noises coming from somewhere. Don't think it's the engine as it sounds fine when stationary. Usually starts happening at around 20mph. I thought the front mudguard may have come loose but it seems fine & there doesn't seem to be anything stuck under it. Chain guard hasn't come loose either. Can't think where else moving parts might not sit flush. The noise is getting louder & louder to the point where even pedestrians are turning round to look. Could it be a wheel bearing? There doesn't seem to be any adverse effect on handling at the moment but getting very worried about taking it out. Any ideas anyone?

Not been on the site for a while. Has changed quite a bit.  :eek

My 600 fazer is up for sale , link to the advert : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200982938326?s...1555.l2649

I was wondering if between everyone on here we could compile our own Top Ten Biking Roads of Britain? Or maybe you can each come up with your own 10. You might include some of your local ones if you think they deserve a spot high up on the list.
Obvious ones might include:
Cat & Fiddle road, Peak District
Snake Pass, Peak District
A87, Invergarry to Kyle of Loch Alsh (although you could probably carry on all the way to Portree and still add some really good bits).
Just about anything in mid Wales - anybody care to choose a favourite from this excellent biking area?

As well as giving you something to do on the long winter evenings, I thought it might be a help to those of us who like to get a bit further afield on our ride outs, or indeed help folk to plan a UK tour. Include thoughts about the scenery encountered, maybe interesting places to visit and good cafes/rest stops to be had along the way.

Don't worry if you can't come up with ten - just say what road/s you particularly love to ride and why.