Was reading a letter in the Telegraph motoring supplement from a reader asking why the Government doesnt operate such a scheme to ensure ongoing competence/fitness to drive. "Honest Johns" reply was that since about 50% of British residents hold a driving licence such a scheme would be unworkable. I would have thought that say a 10 year assessment neednt be too costly to implement and might go some way to improving the generally very poor standard of driving we all see & unfortunately sometimes suffer from. This could address a multitude of sins from defective uncorrected vision to dangerous habits/practices-but I suppose any benefits from such a scheme wouldnt be immediately apparent in the road safety/casualty stats so would probably be dismissed out of hand,whereas speed cameras can be a nice little earner for govenment,insurers(via increased premiums) etc. I would like to know how many are on the road with the wrong type of licence as witnessed in Police TV progs where theyre always nicking someone with a strange foreign provisional licence!

Hi guys. After getting too up close and personal with a badger i find myself requiring a new front fairing. Too many pieces missing to bother trying to repair it. Does anyone have one lying about they want to get rid of? Not worried about colour or scratches. Just dont want to be spending a fortune either. Any help would be grest. Thanks.

I do the basic servicing myself, check chain and adjust, change oil and filter, plugs, air filter, balance carbs but was thinking about treating the bike to a main dealer service before the winter sets in.  It's just coming up to 24000 miles, I've had it for 12000 of those miles and have only ever done the basic things and don't know what was done before I got it.

What extra things aparet from those mentioned above should I expect from a top of the range service for a bike that's done 24k miles at my local Yamaha dealer?  I'm thinking wheel bearings, suspension check, stearing head bearings, swing arm lube, brakes (obviously) any thing else?  Am I along the right lines?

Cheers in advance.

I needs a back brake caliper aaaaa akakakakakakakakakakakakak
For my 1998 FZS600, in reasonable condition. Or one from a stinky wee tena pants Gen 1 thou.
I could swap it for a back wheel, or pay for it.

Anyone tried these tyres? How well do they behave on dry pavement, how long do they last? The thread doesn't promise grip in the rain, but I don't ride faster than a wounded snail in the rain so no problems.

Since my current gloves, despite being called 'Bone Dry', let in more water than the Titanic I'm after a new pair.  I don't want to spend a silly amount but I want a pair that actually keep my hands dry and warm.  Bearing in mind it's coming up to winter and I was thinking of getting some heated grips soon also, has anyone got/used heated gloves?  Are they any good?  I wouldn't mind spending more on the gloves if it saved me getting the grips...

Ta very much  :thumbup

hi all,

I’m starting to prepare for the winter months of riding my 70 mile round trip commute and have found these http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/produ...e81eb8c020 and was wondering if anyone has had any experience of this type of heated grip. Do the existing grips come off in a way that they can be put back on or will I have to buy new grips after trying for ages and then going at them with a Stanley knife out of frustration?! Also how effective are they versus the full change of grip to Oxfords?

I don’t really want to have to go for Oxford Hot Grips as I like the look of the standard grips and they seem a little more streamlined and low key (the switch is tiny compared to the oxfords bar mounted affair)

Second question is; can anyone recommend a decent heated vest / thin jacket that runs off the battery and doesn’t cost the earth? I’ve been looking at safenwarm but they are just too expensive at the moment (new baby is draining the funds!)

And thirdly… I decided to buy a cheepo long john top for about £4 from Go Outdoors to see how well it would cope with the colder weather, it works a dream, makes a mockery of any more expensive technical wear I’ve had before, I just look like my grandad / a hillbilly in it, but as its under my jacket no one needs to know…apart from you guys!

Hi folks

I've owned the same '02 Gen-1 since I bought it as an ex-demo in 2003. It came with a hugger and belly thingy fitted. Total mileage about 15k (I know!). I plan to keep riding it, as I doubt I'd find a better bike.

History: I haven't modified it to date apart from fitting a Scottoiler and Givi kit. It has been dealer serviced annually (I'm useless with spanners) and the EXUP valve has been checked and lubed at my request at each service. So far it has only needed a battery or two replacing, and its only breakdown was due to a dead battery. I don't thrash the engine, but it doesn't get routinely adjusted/checked/topped up/cleaned very often (ever?); I do mostly summer miles, wet and dry. I'm XXL+ size, so the suspension (it's been set up to suit me and seems fine) probably gets well tested.

Current blemishes: bit of bubbling on some of the metal engine detachable cover plates, otherwise it's pretty much rust free, but dirty (still has last year's flies on the screen).

Over the winter, I'd like to have it brought back to "feels like new" or even "feels better than new!" condition ("looks like new" would be nice too, but much less important), and set it up for another 10 hopefully trouble free years. I'm not keen for any mods that might put my insurance up, but am I right in thinking I can now get "classic" insurance on it?

Already on the list (the first five are courtesy of advice already received hereabouts) are:

• full suspension overhaul/upgrade/replacement (all input on the best route welcome!) (R6 unit ordered from Devilsyam)
  
• full brake seal overhaul, with new master cylinders (any useful "improvements" to braking to be made? an aftermarket ABS would be nice!)
  
• braided hoses (which are the best? source?) (Hel kit ordered)
  
• wiring loom check for corrosion/security/contact
  
• louder horn (already ordered!)
  
• new chain/sprockets if needed
  
• new cables if needed
  
• replace rusty bolts/connectors
  
• New tyres (I've always had Bridgestones, but is there a better choice nowadays for a sedate, upright, low mileage type rider!?) (Bridgestones ordered)
  
• bar riser (type? source?) as my neck now kills me after a few hours
  
• heated grips (type/source?) (not going to bother)
  
• headlight lighting upgrade (is there one?)
  
• comfy replacement seat (type? source? numb arse syndrome worsening)
  
• a modest tune-up perhaps, aiming for smoothness, rather than power increase, as I'm definitely no racer or track day god (what and how?)
  
• umm... that's all I can think of
  

Hi Folks,

Looking for a Tail tidy and Bellypan for a 2005 Fazer 1000
Bellypan ideally in Blue although as long as it fits I can have it painted, same applies to scuffs etc.
If anyone can help please PM me ........... Cheers 

up for grab's is  a HowellA Performance high quality stainless steel stubby exhaust  was manufactured for my Yamaha Fzs 600  1998

The exhaust  is a highly polished . this will fit other bikes the exhaust is  slightly  baffled but are still loud too loud to use at 4 am going to work for me and too loud for me . One high quality exhausts had it on the bike for two days I would like to get some of my money back for it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320992764762?

and have got one or two over  bits for sale