Motorcycle Forum

My valuation theory - am I right?

ArielMan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:58:59 GMT

It still may be next year until I have it ready to ride but I'm in possession of an Ariel Cyclone. Genuine, numbers-matching, as confirmed by the owners club.
I like it 'cuase it's simply a cool bike and generally, I can get my head easily around working on old British stuff.
Still, I'm also aware there are probably something less than 20 of these still around, making it awfully rare. That then makes me wonder what it's worth, even though I have no plans to sell!
I've reasoned it's gonna be somewhere beyond what a Benneville or Lightening, say, would fetch, due simply to its rarety. But would I be right to conclude that because there just aren't any others for sale at any given time, it's up to who ever owns one to put the value on it that they choose?
Heh heh...I know this makes me seem like one o' those pricks who makes it tough for the average joe to afford a cool bike (happens in the world of old guitars too, just so ya know...). But no! I'm merely curious as to what I'm sitting on here. As I mentioned, I'm not selling anyway, so this is purely academic. You'd be curious too, right?
Anyway, let me know what you think a fully restored Cyclone should be valued at.
Thanks.

engine oil white, opening throttle causes engine to die

Caiman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:19:51 GMT

Hello,
I've been riding a Kawasaki Ninja 250 for about a year now...

My engine oil became murky white. I think it's because it's been both rainy and cold (below freezing) so I would assume some water has gotten in there (by freezing around stuff, opening a few gaps somewhere, and then leaking in?) and hasn't been burned up yet. I'm not totally sure.

Worse, when I start the bike, I can't get the choke at a level where it's at the correct rpms anymore. It's either 6000 or the engine dies.

Finally, when trying to ride, the bike runs correctly for about 5 minutes, but then after that, opening the throttle causes the engine to cut out. Usually it kills the engine.

Where do I start? I think I'm going to just idle the bike for awhile to hopefully turn the oil back the right color, but then.. what do I check first?

Final notes: this bike never has any problems. Everything that has gone wrong is the direct result of my ignorance, so far.
In terms of maintenance: I have changed the oil, spark plugs (and tires), but otherwise I haven't really touched anything. It has 7000 miles on it.
I do own a bottle of Seafoam. Could that be helpful?

Thanks so much for your help!
Jon

Packin' heat?

AlphaZed — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:33:04 GMT

Hey y'all...

Speaking of guns (paintball or otherwise,) the discussion of how to legally carry a gun on a motorcycle came up the other day...

I was chatting with two LEO friends of mine, and neither knew what the proper way -- if any -- was to carry a gun on a bike.

Carrying a hand gun in your tank bag or under your coat, is obviously a concealed weapon. Wearing a holster is legal in some states, but Californian's tend to drop their quiche, spill their Stoli and get all "weirded-out" about weapons in plain sight.

Back in the day, I used to ride around with a rifle slung to my back and no one raised an eyebrow. Today, they'd deploy a SWAT team!

Anyone know what the law is?

This pic is what reminded me...

1997 Shadow Spirit Fluid Questions

tcanthonyii — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:21:11 GMT

I'm going in after work to get fluids for my Shadow and am not sure what I need to get for sure. IE what weight oil, antifreeze (red or green), and what type of trans fluid. If someone could point me in the correct direction it would be much appreciated.

T.C.

gsxr 600 fuel injection gear box ??

jjbango — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:57:46 GMT

shop says its going to be 1,100 for a new fuel injection gear box. then he is like you can still ride it but no guarntees that it wont damage the engine. what do i do??? thats alot of money. bike is a 2004 but in mint condition with 26k miles.

new to the forum!

rickybee — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:29:48 GMT

hello all, my name is Rick. i live in asheville north carolina, home of some of the most beautiful scenic highways in america. i ride a 73 honda cb500 4. its my first and only so far. so not only am i new to this forum, im green to motorcycles in general. i joined up here to learn more about my bike, and all its inner workings from people with far greater knowledge than myself. and, having read through some of the posts, i think im in the right place...

Powercommander

Heavy Metal Flyer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:27:29 GMT

what is it and what does it do?

1995 honda shadow vt600 vlx600 many parts available

ratsbybuster — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:21:46 GMT

Hey im selling the parts off my 1995 honda shadow vt600 if you need something let me know, right now only the exacust system has been sold off it. you name your fair price, pay for shipping and its yours within reason. call me at 386-313-6801

Bought my 3rd tonight but first streetable

tcanthonyii — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:01 GMT

First bike was a Honda Express 50cc scooter, free and then a Yamaha XS650 for free. The XS never ran. We wore the Honda out. rolled it a couple of times etc.

Snagged a 97 Shadow Spirit 1100 off of Clist tonight for $1200. 47000 miles. It needs some cosmetic work but mechanically seems to be sound. Needs front tire, handlebars (bent), rear or front blinkers (I think the rears are on the front on a light bar), battery, paint and a few other odds and ends. It runs and rides well. Forgive the rigged up battery int he picture. I had to provide a battery to get it to run. I guess this thing takes a special T shaped battery and no one had one so we snagged the one out of a friends bike. I don't think I did too bad. Anyone know where to get mounting brackets for the windshield?

A friend is going to give me a set of used slip on mufflers, leather bags off of a vstar, sissy bar and luggage rack off of a vstar if I can get them to fit, and front blinkers off of a vstar and then put the ones on the front onto the back.

Thanks guys.

T.C.

Notice the dent in the bottom right. There is one similar on the other side.

Notice the dent in the middle of the tank between the high side of the S and H.

Thrashed Pipes

It has a brand new seat!

Screwy paint on the fender. The front fender is similar.

I do have the chrome side cover to put back on over the battery when I get a good one.

Bad paint on tank. Looks worse in person. You can see the bent bars on the right side of the pic.

Anyone know where to get mounts for this? They lost them.

Threw the bags that came with it over the seat and set the windshield on for a pic

The other bag is worse. This one looks to be a harley bag. The other is identical but w/o the harley logo. they are basically junk if you ask me!

Note that it has never probably been polished!

2002 honda 919 guage question

A_lonestyle — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:49:20 GMT

I bought a 2002 honda 919 with no gauges because of aesthetic reasons of the previous owner. Is there any other bikes that have the same electronic hookup for speedo or tach. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Off Brand Motorcycle repair - Xtreme Motor Co Montana 250

weirdaljr — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:07:53 GMT

Hey guys, I am hoping some of you more experienced motorcycle mechanics might be able to give me some advice or point me in the right direction.

Backround story is: I am attempting to do some work on my wife's bike, and the main problem is it is a cheapo Asian made bike with no info available on it. It is a 2003 Xtreme Motor Co. Montana 250 (yeah LOL I know) and I can not find any service manuals or repair guide online. I have tried to contact the manufacturer by email along with 2 local dealers linked from there web site just to get repair / service information with no luck at all. I do plan to get rid of this bike next summer, and get her a bit more of a quality product, but in the mean time there are some things I want to repair before I sell it.

My current question is: (I am sure I will have a ton more things to figure out the more I get into it) I just removed the left side cover that was leaking oil and I was surprised to see it is a combo cover for the starter sprocket, chain, & stator. When I removed the cover a few more ounces of oil spilled out. I am assuming this is the oil to keep the starter chain & the stator lubricated. I plan to use some gasket maker to repair the seal and get rid of the leak, but when I do put the cover back on how do I know what kind of oil to use and how much? This dosen't look like regular motor oil, it seems to be some thick (90w maybe) gear oil, but I have no idea exactly nor how much should be there, because I do not know how much leaked out.

Any info is appreciated. I wish I could just but the service manual or even a 3rd party guide, but no such luck.

Thanks!

2nd Year rider - amateur mechanic

weirdaljr — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:35:32 GMT

Just wanted to say Hi to you all. I have been riding for 2 years, my wife and I started together. We each have our own bike, but planning to upgrade to one better one next year. I like learning and doing repairs myself, so I plan on stripping down our bikes over the winter for good cleaning and some minor repairs.

Came over from Barf

stav2201 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:10:51 GMT

Im a member at Barf and realized that its not a very good forum when it comes to learning how to repair a bike. So im just seeing if this site is a lil better, hopefully ill get what im looking for in here or maybe help anyone else with any problems they may have. :thumbsup:

Video Share.. Good advice shared in a cool way..

DavidLSI — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:11:12 GMT

+ YouTube Video
ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.

Another new Shadow for 2010!

chaindad — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:56:37 GMT

The Phantom got my attention....I like it....this one.....ummmmmm....the jury is still out as far as I'm concerned....I don't think I like it....dubbed.....

rsShadow

Sits higher than my Shadow....Honda calls it more "athletic" seating (meaning no forward controls)....the teardrop tank....the ugly back end (where did the cool Shadow tail light go????)....the gauges are now on the handlebars....the saving grace for me is the Pearl White paint option.....sorry....everyone knows I'm red to the core but this Honda looks like a Harley wannabe & I HATE it (there I said it!) Thank goodness they still sell the Spirit & Aero!

Opinions please!

Warm Up times?

ljlukelj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:08:08 GMT

My 81' GS550L has only 1k miles, but the warm-up time to be fully ready is at least 10 minutes. This seems abnormal to me. It is always garaged. Maybe the carbs need cleaned?

Any advice?

someone offered to sell me a 1981 550 maxim for $100

rustydog — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:37:13 GMT

The bike looks like its spent a lot of time outside due to the rust,would probably need to be torn down to the frame and completely rebuilt.The owner hasnt started the bike in a long time.I need to spend some money on my silverado this winter so I have to pass on the maxim.

Need new set of knees

windchaser — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:42:29 GMT

It all started 46 years ago. Here's the list:
Mini-bike similar to the Mustang, Honda Passport, Honda 50 Sport, Honda 350, Harley Sprint 350, Honda 450, another Honda 350, Triumph Bonneville, Yamaha 250, Yamaha 750, Kawasaki Nomad, and my current ride is a Suzuki S40.

Anybody know if there's an aftermarket set of highway bars for the S40. The ones I made weren't very stable?

72 cb 350

bigpiglittlepig — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:30:58 GMT

I have a cb350 that keeps shearing off the cam sprocket bolts. Motor has been rebuilt and this issue has me lost. Any help would be great...

het a new new noob

bigpiglittlepig — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:24:08 GMT

hello all this forum looks great and has alot of info...I look forward to asking alot of questions. So thanks inadvance.. I have 3 bike a 07 xr650l a 03 xr250r and a 72 cb 350 with a issue. It keeps shearing of the cam sprocket bolts. Well thanks for reading

I'm retiring from motorcycling for awhile.

Wavefunction — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:27:55 GMT

Recently I decided to move from South Korea to Japan for better jobs and greener pastures (ask anyone who has spent time in Korea why it isn't the best place to be for the long term). I'm selling my motorcycle before the cold sets in and putting the money into an account to pay for my set up fees in Japan.

Sadly, I wish this was the only reason I was selling my motorcycle.

I have had a couple of close calls here. I guess its the price to pay for learning how to drive in one of the most congested countries on earth. I've recanted some of my horror stories here and in other places, such as the time that I almost smashed into the back of a woman's SUV because she stopped abruptly on a highway to yell something at someone at the bus stop. Or the time some idiot decided to jump off the sidewalk and bolt across the street, forcing me to hard brake and swerve. Or the time I was making a U-turn and some cager popped (literally, popped) their driver side door open to throw out some garbage and I fell off my bike trying to avoid the door. These are just *some* examples.

All that being said, I love motorcycling and had some great times but this is a terrible, terrible place to learn how to drive. If you know a Korean that learned to drive in Korea, take their license and cut it to pieces in front of them. Seriously. I see more dangerous driving here in one day than you might see in an entire month (and multiply that for the sheer numbers of vehicles on the roads... then you will know what I'm talking about).

The really sad part in all of this is that I decided to sell my motorcycle before the winter as opposed to after because something terrible has happened. An internet acquaintance of mine, an American English teacher who had lived in Korea for more than 10 years and who had really made a good name for himself, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Kangnam, Seoul. The news was posted on the Korean job forums and soon after 500 people offered their condolences. I have met this man a few times and he was a good person with a family of his own.

He was twice my age and a pro-active motorcycle enthusiast that took safety very seriously.

I thought about myself. I'm 25 years old and have a few months experience. If someone with as much experience as him can have something like that happen... that means I'm even more vulnerable. That means that while I do want to continue riding, I should not ride here and neither should a lot of other people.

On this internet forum I'm speaking of people started to bring up other foreigners who were killed by motorcycles in Korea. Its shocking. I started asking my Korean co-workers about it, too and they all know someone who was killed by a scooter or motorbike. At my friend's school a little girl was killed by a scooter as she was trying to get on a city bus, FFS.

Anyway, this is getting long but I guess I'm surprised at all this. Safety is very important to me and I knew that motorcycles were quite dangerous yet I rode one anyway. This accident hits too close to home. That could have been me.

I'm not done with riding for good. As I said, I'm moving to Japan. Japan is a much safer country to ride any kind of vehicle in than Korea is. If I live in a rural area I will definitely buy a bike in a year or two (Kawasaki Ninja 250 FTW!) But for now, my bike is for sale and should be sold in the next couple of weeks.

Farewell! It has been a lot of fun. I will ride again, someday. Somewhere safe.

Thanks to everyone for your sound words and encouragement when I started riding. You guys and 13mordeth videos taught me how to ride! Haha.

Longest 1/10 sec ride I ever took or deer vs bike

Peter Darby — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:09:36 GMT

This morning on the way to work in the dark I was coming off a curve doing about 40 and caught a flash of movement hurtling toward me from the right. I instinctively grabbed for it with my throttle hand while trying to raise my leg out of the way. Next thing I know is I am left with a confused image of a brown head twisted into my bike/leg, a sore finger and a calf that feels like someone took a swing at it with a baseball bat. But I am tracking straight and nothing feels wrong with the bike. I almost always have this kind of luck. Unlucky enough to get hit but my guardian angel arranged it for the least amount of damage.
1. Normally I would have my brights on for the peripheral light to spot deer, but I a was approaching several cars and had dimmed so I couldn't see much to the side. (probably a good thing since if I had seen it coming I might have braked and she would have hit the front tire or I might have hit her and I would have been down. 2. If the deer had seen it coming and tried to jump me, she might have swept me off the bike. 3. If I hadn't had that image of something coming she would have caught me in the knee. And maybe, but probably not, my slamming down with my hand helped her get her head turned a bit and lessened the impact. (I can tell you there is nothing soft about a deers head.) 4. Years of riding kept me from doing something stupid and bringing myself down (or I just got lucky) 5) The weight of a 1700 Nomad and a 200 pound rider meant that the deer just didn't have the impact to knock me over. Anyway, we all know it is dangerous to read the paper or text while riding but I can tell you wrestling deer isn't something you want to do either.

Tons of searching, I give up. Recommend a pant-jacket combo

tom10167 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:32:45 GMT

I guess the budget for both is around $600 max. More is alllowed if it's *that* much better, less is obviously good too. I like the idea of buying last year's stuff for 20% off, definitely don't need the latest/greatest.

I guess I want them to zip together? Will Alpinestar zip in to Icon stuff etc?

I have no idea what people dictate as 'hot' or 'cold' after living in Phoenix so here's my average monthly temperature chart I don't plan on riding those four hottest months of the year. Also, there's 0 humidity out here so I'd imagine that 'lowers' the temperature.

I ride a cruiser, I don't mind a tightish, 'sport' looking jacket, whatever. I completely refuse to wear assless chaps.

I definitely want a perforated leather jacket, but what about pants? Can anything be worn as overpants if you get it a size larger? Overpants seem very, very appealing to me as even kevlar denim seems like it won't offer as much on impact as something with armor.

Thanks, I know this seems long, there's a lot of stuff out there and I'm in need of help.

Been riding for 2 weeks

stoked — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:55:54 GMT

Hi,

I used to ride enduros back when I was between 12-16 years old. My Grandfather had a large piece of land in Montana that backed up against thousands of acres of mountains and wilderness.

I am 40 years old now. I recently decided to purchase a motorcycle. I eventually bought a brand new BMW G 650 X Country. I live in Hawaii and we have a lot of small roads with light traffic and of course the roads that skirt the outside of the island of Oahu. For the past 2 weeks, I get home from work, put my gear on and ride. Today I got sunburned pretty bad haha.

Anyways, the X Country is a sweet bike that gets looks of admiration everywhere I go. I has a ton of torque and a distinctive thumping sound. I am still breaking the bike in so I have been taking it pretty easy. The bike came with ABS. I have been caught in a torrential down pour or 2 already and I today I rode to the North Shore and watched people surf Pipeline.
If anyone wants a suggestion for a first bike, I can recommend it. It is so easy to ride and I can easily put both feet flat on the ground and bend my knees a little at 5'10". It weighs about 340 pounds so you can really throw it around.

If you are over 6 feet tall, or do a lot of open freeway driving, I would not recommend it for you. The bike is made for twisty hills and mountains as well as darting through town. I can handle freeways no problem but I would say there are better bikes for cruising long distances with.

Dec 10, I take the course to get my license. I have already put 500 miles on the BMW on a island that is 26 miles long.

Happy trails.

Kawasaki 550GPZ 82-83, What fits

Frank_Beverly — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:51:44 GMT

Found a decent deal for a Kawasaki 550GPZ 1983, and 1983. I was wondering the parts for these models are close enough related to be interchangeable.

Both bikes haven't been started in some time, and it might make sense spare parts, but what is the point if none them fit together. But then again, it isn't hard to find parts for these bikes.

New guy looking to ride

tcanthonyii — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:38:01 GMT

Hey all. My name is T.C. and I'm a motor head.

I've been riding on and off for nearly 15 years but never had a license and always rode rode around on a small dirt track or gravel roads when I was a kid. Learned on an xl75 and also rode a cl360 and a Yamaha thumper. I have rode regularly since I was 16 so I've really not done much in nearly 10 years save take my dad's small "mascot" bike down the street and his old Guzzi when it had it down the block after we got it running again.

My dad and step mom ride and are heavily involved in Black Sheep. Most of my friends ride and have Harley's, Yamaha's, Honda's and Kawasaki's.

Currently going through a divorce after being married only 2.5 years but being together for over 9. I'm a computer/server/phone guy by trade for a top 10 trucking company here in the US.

Anyway Hello!

'75 cb200t rebuild

dminer — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:33:32 GMT

I am currently trying to get a '75 cb200t into running condition, hopefully better than just running, and I am having some problems.

The bikes story, at least the important bits:

The bike has been sitting for two years on a front porch in northwest arkansas, lots of muggy, humid weather. The last rider had started to stealth the wires and only got as far as unhooking about half of the connectors. The electric starter button had gone out and so he had pulled the wires from behind the headlight to touch together and thats how it started. During the two years after this that it sat on the porch the dog chewed off one of the spark plug wires and about a third of each foot peg rubber.

Fast forward to my brothers girlfriend buying it for $300 and asking me to hook up the starter button so it will run. I say, "Sure, that's not going to be a problem," not being privy to all the above info until after they drop off the bike and I begin to take things apart and notice the chain is completely orange from rust, the kick start spindle looks to have had a hacksaw taken to it just outside the engine block, the front caliper is rustier on the inside than the chain, the front forks have a gap under the upper seals and rust on the inside, the tank is spotty with rust, and I haven't had the guts to open up the carbs or look inside the head. On the bright side it has a 'hand painted' flame job, blue and purple.

Now, I know you are probably thinking, who would buy a bike in that condition, but its her first bike and she thought it looked cool and that the price was good. That's neither here nor there 'cause it's my brothers girlfriend.

If anyone has any of the afore mentioned missing/mutilated parts mentioned above or any hints on where to get them I would be much appreciated. I'll post some pic's soonish pending privileges of my noobish account.

Thanks, Drew

Advice for a newbie on buying a 1997 vt1100c Shadow Spirit

tcanthonyii — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:32:05 GMT

Gents,

Looking to get my license here in the next couple of weeks. Just started going through a divorce and she was the only thing keeping me from riding and owning a bike. I've been riding on and off since I was 12 (Now I'm 27) but have been off for a number of years. All of my friends ride. Mostly Harley's and Yamaha's. My dad and step mother ride Harley's as well so I'll kind of be an odd ball out if I buy this bike.

Anyway I came across a 1997 Honda Shadow Spirit 1100. It's got 44k on it. It was dumped once and the tank had one decent sized dent in the front right corner and that whole side is a little wavy. Paint on the tank has seen better days but given the millage it's not bad. Has a brand new seat, good rear tire, windshield (not mounted) and nylon Harley bags also not mounted. The battery needs replaced and the front tire should follow soon. It's also missing the rear blinkers. It starts up and runs well. The wiring has been messed with a little. The guy said that a couple of wires had shorted and he went in and replced them but never tucked them back into the wiring harness. Front blinkers work as does the radiator fan. The price is $1200 firm. They won't go down at all. It's listed as being brown and white but I think it's actually a shade of black and white. Similar to this one

I usually buy off of gut feeling and my gut isn't telling me to walk away. Similar bikes in good shape that need no work are selling here for 2500 to 3000. I'm thinking I'm going to snag it but what do you all think?

I won't be taking the test on it. I'm borrowing a friends vstar 650 for that. As far as fixes go I figure approx $100 for blinkers, $100 for a new tire (i can mount it) and 100 for a battery. Then if I paint it another 200 or so as I have a whole slew of friends that paint. So I could be into it for 500 plus general maintenance items and that would put me at 1700 which I don't think I could get hurt on it.

Opinions?

Thanks Gents.

T.C.

Group Riding Guidlines

Reel Image Artist — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:30:06 GMT

I belong to a riding club called SCRC or Southern Cruisers Riding Club where all makes of bike are welcome, in fact we have more Honda's, Kawasaki's, Yamaha's, and Suzuki's than Harley's. This info is about group riding, and it can relate to any situation that comes along where you will be riding with a few friends, or in a big group. This is for everyone out there in Motorcycle land that has an itch to go on a group ride, and for those of you who already ride together, this material is great for safety and general info. It is by no means a strict guideline everyone must adhere to at all times, it is just for general purpose safety, and will fill the newbies in on some group riding do's, and dont's.

Just click on this link http://www.facebook.com/note.php?sav...d=178238478281

1952 Triumph Thunderbird 650 F/S

ken hosford — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:06:16 GMT

Triumph 650 rigid for sale it has later internals in engine $4500 in south eastern Michigan

Attached Images

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Do you have to pay insurance for a bike you don't plan to ride for a while?

Calintz333 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:03:46 GMT

Basically If I buy a bike today from a private seller, and register it under my name and do all the paperwork.

Do I have to pay insurance if I plan to keep it in the garage for 3-6 months? Couldn't I just start paying the insurance when I use it?

Is there a law that forces you to pay for something you don't use?

Honda CX parts

Gunther47 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:37:32 GMT

anyone know where i can get Honda CX parts, mainly pistons? i will even buy a bigger racing piston if i can i just blew it up this summer. had to call the father in law, fun . anyway i need pistons, stock or aftermarket and a cam chain and a cam chain tensioner because its the older cx 500 with the tensioner issues.

Hi New Guy Here- 250cc

roran1234 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:05:11 GMT

though not new to forums and how they work.

Hi, I'm Oliver, I am seventeen years of age and I would like a motorcycle.
I orginally wanted, naturally, a sportbike, a Kawasaki ninja 250, which if I got; lets face it, I wouldn't be writing this message. After talking to my boss's husband who rode a kawasaki 250 when he was 17 and has been riding for 22 years, I decided against a sport bike with 80% of all motocycle crashes occuring on such bikes it seemed logical to settle on a cruiser. Furthermore after reading "The Hurt Report" I started thinking logically.

So currently I am looking for the best 250cc cruiser, I'm in Canada with a budget of $4000 realistically I would like to get a bike and gear for that cost, of course i'm only looking at used bikes.

When a person first starts looking at 250cc cruisers they realize that there isn't exactly alot of choice, at first glance one is confronted with three, the Honda Rebel, the Suzuki Marauder, and the Yamaha V-Star. Well out of these, from the research I have conducted thus far is that the Yamaha is the best out of these.

Now taking a closer look one begins to find smaller bike companies, two in particular are, Hyosung, and Kymco. The Kymco Venox 250, the biggest bike in the catagory seemed pretty darn cool, though it became apparant that the engineers focused more on looks than build quality. The Hyosung Aquila 250 is apparantly the best 250cc cruiser out there. I have found one used with 24,000KM really close by for $2900. This seems to be the best bike, but forums are filled with people who have knowledge others do not possess.

So are there any other 250cc cruisers out there?

This is all in the air at the moment, I have to convince my parents to let me get a bike, any idea's on that front? I find it very frustrating when people won't listen to statistics. Are there any other studies or statistics worth looking at?

Thanks,
Ollie

New Honda Crusiers

kabory — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:54:19 GMT

Any thoughts on Honda's new cruisers?

Hi New Guy Here- 250cc

roran1234 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:45:32 GMT

1972 Voskhod-2 Finest Example in the World?

ForbesMotorcycles — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:52:16 GMT

I have a 1972 Voskhod-2 and have no idea how to sell it... Its probably the only one in the United States and probably the finest example left in the world (its part of a private collection). If anyone would be interested please contact me.

I cannot post links because I just joined, please contact me and I'll send a link with pictures.

Thanks,

Jon

1995 Honda CB1000 for sale

cycleman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:50:04 GMT

Hi,
I am selling my 1995 Honda CB1000. It is traditional Honda red and has about 12,000 miles. It is all original and in mint condition. I know these bikes are quite rare since they were only available in the United States in 1994 (black) and in 1995 (red). If anyone's interested in purchasing it, please let me know. I'm asking $3995. I would be happy to send pictures or answer any questions you might have. Thanks, David (located in Flushing, Michigan)

My 3 year old son on his Honda Mini-Moto

cycleman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:43:41 GMT

Hi everyone. Since I'm new, I guess this is the only place I can post until I get 3 posts? Anyway, I have a funny story about my son I wanted to share.

We received an 18 volt Honda Mini-Moto from a friend whose kids were too big for it. My three year old son couldn't leave it alone even though it didn't have training wheels (and, yes, he needed training wheels). He would just sit on it and scoot it around on it (I didn't give him the key). Even though he still needed training wheels for his bicycle, he was scooting around the driveway on this little motorcycle pretty good so I decided to give him the key. When I did, he pretty much took right off. After a few days of dragging his feet he was zipping all over the place with his feet on the pegs and NO TRAINING WHEELS. He was only 3 years and 5 months old! So, this October he decided to be a dragon for Halloween. Even though Halloween wasn't going to be here for 3 or 4 weeks he wouldn't take his dragon costume off. As you can guess, he combined his two favorite things. His motorcycle and his dragon costume. Have you ever seen a 3 year old dressed in a dragon costume from head to toe riding an 18 volt Honda Mini-Moto? It was definitly one of the funniest things I had ever seen!:D

Looking to buy this bike. Would really appreciate your opinion.

Dee Jay Flic — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:11:03 GMT

Let me know what you all think. Here's the link to the add.

phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/1471288184.html

I know it's a project bike. I feel I could learn how to fix it while I fix it. I am rookie as far as motorcycles go. But I am very persistent when it comes to learning new things and I have been researching for almost a year now before making any purchases. I think this looks like a good place to start.

The bike could sell at any moment, so if I'm gonna get it, I will probable get it tonight.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Another new member

cycleman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:38:44 GMT

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum. I live in Michigan and I currently have a 1995 Honda CB1000 that I'm thinking of selling (I've owned it for 8 years). I'm hopefull that the experts here can help me figure out what it's worth and also find out what fellow riders think about this model bike. I know that there are not many of them here in the United States.

new to forum

dminer — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:08:10 GMT

Hello. I'm new. My brothers girlfriend talked me into fixing the starter on a '75 cb200 last week and that put the motorcycle bug in me and i went out and bought a '77 550f that needs the wiring harness replaced. I'm hoping I can get a bit of info and support from here on how to go about some of the things I'm finding on the 200 especially.

I am learning a lot about how '75 200cc bike parts like to rust and then not have replacements. What I originally thought was going to be a quick rewire has turned into a new chain, rusty sprockets, gas tank cleaning, front caliper rebuild, probably rear drum as well, sawed off kick start, and i havent even opened the carbs yet. I'm planning on opening a rebuild thread for the bikes so you all can agonize along with me.

HID Conversion kit

Cavero — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:22:05 GMT

Does anyone know if they make kits to convert old sealed beam headlights, as on, lets say...an 82 Sabre...to HID (xenon)? I just ran through a conversion on my car which was really easy to do (and makes a huge difference --brighter and less power), but the car had Halogen bulbs that went into the reflector assembly, where as the bike has a one-peice headlight (glass and all has to be replaced when it goes out).

And if I cant get a conversion kit for the headlight, then does anyone know where I can get auxillary lights?

K&N Air Filter for VF750S...adjust carbs??

Cavero — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:14:51 GMT

I just found a set of K&N air filters to fit my 82 VF750S (V45 Sabre). This may sound like a dumb question but, if I get these, would I need to adjust the carbs to account for the higher flow filters? Are the K&N filters actually higher flow than the stock foam filters? The k&N only flow from the sides whereas the foam flows from all around, but its still possible they flow better. Sorry, I'm not an idiot, but I also know almost nothing about carbuerators.

Here is a pic of the K&N:

and the stock air filter (seen from the back)

Need new fuel tank gasket

Cavero — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:05:15 GMT

I've got an 82 V45 Sabre (VF750S), that's leaking from the fuel filler cap. The gasket is definitely rotted and needs to be replaced. Problem is, I can't find just the gasket online. I've tried eBay, bike bandit, and hondapartshouse.com and can only ever seem to find the entire fuel cap assembly for $70. I don't want to spend that much just to get a gasket. So, anyone have any idea of where I can find it? THanks in advance

so, i thought i found the problem.

mitchberry — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:52:27 GMT

hey guys, I'M BACK!!!

For the record, i think this is more of a rant / rave / blog post rather than questions... but input is definitely appreciated..

So, as per my last post, it was deduced by you guys that i probably had some sort of a leak in the crank case, or bad compression, so, i tried to change out the piston rings on the bad cylinder i had.

in the process of doing so, i broke the pin bearing in HALF on the crank side, which meant i ended up having to take the entire bike apart, and swap out the entire crank shaft with another i had sitting around.

That in itself was a pain in the ass, and a story that i'll save you the time of having to read.. lets just say that it was an adventure..

after a few days of work, purchasing several tools i didn't have including a tap and die set, i finally got the motor back together and last night re-mounted the motor and re-wired it.. Tonight i put everything else back on it including the carbs, which if you remember, i freshly rebuilt....

so... i got it all back together, turned the key on and went to kicking (after priming the motor up with a fresh coat of oil on all of the essential parts that need it.

first of all, it didn't start...

it didn't even so much as catch... no backfires, no NOTHING... no combustion whatsoever. the plugs are getting spark to them, but i didn't take the time to make sure the plugs themselves were arcing for two reasons.

1. my girlfriend wanted her part of the garage back so she could park outside. supposedly it's going to freeze tonight..

2. after a few seconds of the petcock being in the on position, i noticed GAS running out on the ground!!!!!!!!! it was coming from the "overflow" hoses attached to the carbs that keep it from flooding.

Jesus......

so.. i turned the petcock off and let the gas drain out of the hose and kept kicking knowing that whatever gas was in there should at LEAST cause a "flicker" if not run for a short while until the gas has completely drained if i keep kicking it.

i noticed that the motor sounds physically different now while kicking it.. it sounds a LOT more muffled than it did before.

i have NO IDEA what is causing this. it's not just 1 cylinder. it's both.. the sound from the engine itself is more muffled.. not the mufflers.

for what it's worth, i used silicone high temperature gasket sealer on the motor.... after i put it all together, i realized that people who build car motors don't use gasket sealer on the heads.. they just put them together from what i've noticed. i may be wrong.

Maybe that's causing the motor to sound muffled? i really don't know.

everything IS in as it should be, and there IS compression... brand new piston rings... anything that i knew was important that shouldn't be blocked i left silicone free so as not to chance it.

anyway,

i turned the pet **** back on, and watched the carbs... i mentioned in another post that the TOP of the carbs were getting gas on them too, and there was speculation as to how that was happening. i found the source.... and it's leaking like a sieve now.. i didn't touch it when rebuilding the carbs.

it's a little brass post sticking out of the side of the carb, and for some reason there's gas gushing out of it onto the top of the motor. it has no real reason for being there, it's non adjustable, it's just... a plug i guess. there's nothing about it in the manuals.

as far as why it's flooding the carbs and leaking out of the overflow hoses, i'm at a loss for that too. it didn't do it before i tore the motor apart. i had these carbs rebuilt and installed prior to tearing the motor apart. it ran ... sort of....

it's a new development..

maybe the float is sticking?

anyway, i have pics of the bike torn apart. i'll upload them later..

any thoughts?

A battery w/a broken terminal

Angus — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:36:51 GMT

I just tried to remove my battery, but the bolt on the terminal was stuck. With all the wrenching that followed, I wound up breaking off the terminal. What can I do about this in the spring when I want to put it back in?

Fuel leak (86 Shadow)

subhuman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:53:52 GMT

Hey guys

So my buddy has an 86 Shadow VT700c, he got it for about 2 grand and its in good shape (IMO he paid too much) The handlebars seem to be turned slightly the wrong way, if you're going straight it feels like your hands are pointed slightly to the left. I laughed at him for a while and we added it to the list of things that need to be fixed. However, after we got it home we noticed it was leaking fuel. Badly. Major bummer. Its not from the tank and the fuel lines to the carbs are dry. We can't seem to find the source of the leak...I think it might be a reserve tank although I'm no expert and I'm %100 sure it has a reserve tank. I'm looking for ideas as to how we can go about fixing this.

I have a couple, the first was letting it run out completely, letting it dry, juice it up and try to find the source of the leak so we can JB weld it.

The second was to figure out a way to bypass the reserve tank.

Any thoughts?

first time buyer.

matt_SLM — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:20:44 GMT

I am looking on craigslist for my first bike and found 2004 kawasaki vulcan for $2000. This is a copy of the ad. "need to sale 2004 kawsaki vulcan great starter bike 805cc new paint solo seat cobra pipes hd grips new mirrors very nice bike wish i didnt have to sell it but need the money its got 21000 miles." Does this ad sound like the bike has been dropped or crashed. I mean it is only 5 years old and it has new paint, pipes, grips, mirrors, and seat. Everything i have read says that these are the things you should look at for signs it has been dropped or crashed. I sent an email to the seller asking if it has any mechanical problems or if it has been dropped. He answered back that it has no problems. I am going to look at it this weekend. Is there any way of knowing if it has been crashed.

Engine Drive Sprocket ? -- CB350

LWRider — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:10:55 GMT

Hi All,

I was hoping someone who has had some experience with the Honda CB350 engine could give me some info. I took the back wheel off my bike to get the wheel bearings replaced. Honda will be doing that work as buying the bearings locally are four times as expensive as the Honda NOS and getting the bearing retainer off requires a special tool which I do not have (I did give it a go by improvising, but it would not budge). While I have the wheel off I thought I would pull and clean the chain. When I got it off I noticed that the drive sprocket on the engine driving the chain is a little "loose." It seems to be tightened down well by the two bolts and not going to come off by any means, but you can wiggle the sprocket a slight bit by hand. Is this normal or do I need to pull it off and see what's going on?

TIA

Mike

free manuals!

benny hedges — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:06:20 GMT

found this great site with free downloads of owners manuals, parts lists and workshop manuals for stacks of popular bikes.

have a look - donate if you feel guilty for taking something for nothing lol
:thumbsup:
http://www.carlsalter.com/motorcycle-manuals.asp

they are good manuals!

also from superbikeforum, a list of links to others - cant guarantee they all work
http://www.superbikeforums.co.uk/ind...ic=1108.0;wap2

any other links to FREE manuals, please post below - dont forget to name the source.
gratitude goes a long way :)

Posting For Posterity....

drd17 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:04:04 GMT

HELLO RIDERS,

I am posting, though I have been riding motorcycles for 40 years and my BMW K100RS for 15 years, to reach my 3 post eligibility to ask my question about maintenance on my old bike.

What the heck, I'll ask it anyway.

My BMW is a 1985 K100RS. I want to know if the oil change on my bike, it has 65k miles on it, will still be better off with synthetic oil or if that is just a waste of money?

Are there other maintenance tips for an older bike such as mine that will be helpful?

Thank you, Blue Alaska

New to the Forum

PyroTechie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:28:08 GMT

Hi,

My name is Mark (Pyro is my nickname). I'm just getting started restoring a couple of old bikes and was looking for a place to get some information and share stories. I have a 1981 Honda CB650 Custom and a 1982 Suzuki GS650EX. Both are sitting waiting for me to work on them but I'm new to restoring bikes. I also have a Harley that I ride regularly (which is why I'm not under any pressure to work on the older bikes). Anyway I hope to get a chance to chat with some of you and share stories about thes grand old bikes.

Keep it between the ditches,
Mark

FS: Tornado Thunder Intake:Yamaha Warrior

BJMartin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:37:10 GMT

I have this Tornado Thunder Air Intake on my Warrior now but I am looking to get a new right side cover. The Thunder site has this air Intake listed for $216. Since I am using this for Cosmetic uses only, the filter has not been maintained. Infact, I think its painted red if I recall. If you wanna use it for its ACTUAL purpose, you will need a new filter. $40 on the same site. I am asking $100. Make a better offer if ya think it'll work for me!:71baldboy:
E-Mail me at typical_guy_22@hotmail.com

Broke down twice on my way to work....

MikeK77 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:47:38 GMT

Riding down major street, bike felt like it was out of gas..pulled into gas station, still has 1/2 tank...bike stalls...put choke on, nothing, wont start....put it in prime, and starts up after couple trys....put back to on, headed home.....about a mile later, stalls out again....put in prime, starts up, and got home.....i have it idling right now (about 10mins), and it idles fine, once I start going, it dies....

Any suggestions???

The stupidity that is HD.

bdavison — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:32:39 GMT

Everyone knows by now about the whole Erik Buell getting hosed by HD stuff...

Aside from HD, screwing not only Erik Buell, but the entire sportbike community over because they cant pull their heads out of the sand...and them bricking perfectly good Blasts..

Here's the latest in the saga of how HD SUCKS.

Before HD decided to show Erik Buell the door.....he was working on this.

A 1199cc sportbike that now is gone forever.

and if that doesnt just chap your hide.....

Look at what Hardley did with all the Buell stock...

For a company with financial problems to dump potential revenue into a dumpster is pathetic. Those bikes should have been sold, or if your gonna trash them...DONATE THEM to charity.

HD has just lost all respect with me.

oleh! finally able to upload my vids.

chrisw — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:21:55 GMT

Finally my internet has been strong enough to upload my vids to youtube. This is just to show that a Yoshi on a Hyosung doesn't sound as bad as everyone keeps saying. pity my microphone isn't very good quality :(

Soundcheck of the hyosung with the Yoshi-pipe;

+ YouTube Video
ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.

Just a short ride since revving at standstill isn't a good show of how it typically sounds;

+ YouTube Video
ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.

Decisions decisions...

Frank_Beverly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:56:45 GMT

Looking to start a winter project, and have a few different options. If anyone can give me some advice on the few options I have.

I've been scouring the internet over the last few weeks looking for something what would catch my eye. Put out a ad, had a few bites. First off I wouldn't mind a powerful bike, but due I want to keep it simple and not play an arm and leg for insurance.

The first up is a 1978-9 Suzuki 400cc GS. Interesting bike, don't have a lot of information on the condition. Owner is asking around 400 dollars for it. It might be a good deal, or it could be more trouble for it's worth. It appear to be pretty easy to get parts, might have to keep an eye on this one.

Second up is a 1983 kawazaki 550 gpz, needs a starter and a clutch cable. Asking for 400. With the other parts, it will end up costing around 650 in total. If the carb doesn't need replacement parts or the clutch needs replacing, it might be worth it.

Then there is always what if the tires need replacing and other things along those lines. Those are the two less expensive ones I've looked up, there are other's around 1000 what could just use paint. I have to weigh my options. Anyone want to offer imput?

What's the difference?

Lostboixd — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:23:41 GMT

So apparently my smart ass mechanic decides that I'd have an SL350 engine on my cb350 when I ordered my vintage. What's the difference between engines? I'm assuming there's just a difference in torque, right?

One more mouth to feed

Frank_Beverly — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:11:50 GMT

Howdy, I'm a college student in my first year of school. I've tried drinking, and partying during since the beginning of school and have found myself falling behind in a few courses. Seen I need to make a change to the way I spend my time and money. Always wanted one but never needed one, and now I'm going to invest in a bike.

Always have been decent with my hands, so starting with a bike for under 500 dollars seems like a good idea. Hopefully I'll be able to get some advice and guidance as I tackle this project of mine.

Frank

'73 Cb450

guineapig — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:45:49 GMT

well I gotta line on a Cb450...

73, 21K miles but only 8K on the motor.
in VERY nice shape, started and ran a few months ago, but it needs some work.
comes with a complete and almost totally original parts bike.
Gonna pick it up for about $600 I think.

I'm wondering, what tires SPECIFICALLY would I put on this?
the front is a 3.25 � 19 (4 PR)
and the back is 3.50 � 18 (4 PR)

now judging from this chart
http://www.cb450stuff.com/tires/

I need a 90/90-19 for the front and a
100/100, 100/90, 90/100, or 90/90 for the back 18.

What tires am I looking for here? They need to be tubed...
you can use tubes in tubless tires without a problem, right?
Pix to follow very shortly.

What size bike for me?

hondahonas — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:38:37 GMT

Hi. I am a 17 year old looking to get a new bike in the spring. Im 6'3 and 175 pounds. Right now I have an 8'4 nighthawk 650 that i fully restored starting last summer and just finally finished in the last couple months. New paint, tires, carbs, blinkers, forks, brakes and everything else that could have been wrong with it was. I am very comfortable with my riding ability. I fell like i am riding a little toy when on my bike and it is very cramped. I have drove my dads Harley Heritage Softail a couple of times and I was pretty comfortable on it, just alot more weight to handle. I have pretty long legs, 36 inseam, and just looking for a bike that will fit me better than the honda. I am open for any suggestions. My price range is from 0-4000 dollars, if not a little more. Thanks.

Confusion about oil filters

Angus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:28:48 GMT

I'm looking at http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/FilterXRef.html for a new oil filter, and when I took that list of filters down to the local NAPA Autoparts store, the guy there told me that the only brands he has are WIX. I told him that the one I wanted was WIX 51334, and he handed me a 21334 and told me that it is the same thing. Well I got this filter home and it doesn't fit. It seems that my previous filter had a male attachment which mated to the bike, and this WIX 21334 has a female attachment. Who did wrong? Was it the web site, the clerk, or did I miss something?

Checking the oil question?

thehairlessone! — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:50:04 GMT

I got a ? i was hoping someone can answer for me. I think I already know the answer but want to make sure.

Should you be able to see oil thru the little window while the bike is running and if so how much?

It appears to have plenty while not running but when it is running you can barely see any. Just wanted to make this is normal.

anyone?

rick

Advice Needed Quickly!

Koda Coyote — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:40:19 GMT

I know next to nothing about Suzuki's. I have always been a Yamaha and Honda fan. My brother is looking at a 1986 Suzuki GS450L with 12K miles on it for $550 (His friend is giving him a deal). According to him it runs well, tires are about 75% and it just has some cosmetic issues - one being the left cover is missing and I can probably turn one up. I have not seen the bike personally so I cannot say how well it actually does run. It is a good acquaintance of his and apparently the carbs have been gone through, rejetted and its tuned up.

My main question is how good are these bikes in general and is there anything to look out for regarding this bike in particular? The cosmetic and basic stuff I am going to help him take care of no matter what he buys but I want something that will be reliable and a good first street bike for him.

Any thoughts are appreciated as he is going back tomorrow night to more than likely buy it. I won't have the time to drive over 2 hours to go look at it with him and he doesn't know beans about motorcycles.

Here is the Craigslist for it:

http://dayton.craigslist.org/mcy/1461240538.html

Thanks!

75 gt250 speedometer

twnhll — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:20:01 GMT

Any ideas where I can get a new speedometer assembly? Mine does not work.The tachometer is working,not sure if you can replace 1 side or not. It's a Suzuki.

Winterization

golmschenk — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:51:33 GMT

I got my first motorcycle about two months ago, but I live in Minnesota and winter is almost here. What all do I need to do to winterize my bike?

I know I need to get a battery tender for the battery, and that I can't just leave gas inside it the way it is. One of the main questions I have is which is better for the motorcycle: Run all the gas out of it or put gas stabilizer in it? Anything else I need to do to winterize it? It's currently sitting on concrete. Should I move it on top of boards or anything?

Thanks!

Scored Cylinder?

rodgeml1 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:33:32 GMT

Hi all. I'm new to the whole motorcycle scene and have obtained a 1997 Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100C. The previous owner indicated that there was a problem with the starter relay but that the bike was in good working order beyond that. I have a friend of the family who is a shade-tree mechanic who is working it over to get it into good working order.

While troublshooting he noticed there there was a "rough" spot in the stroke when he was manually turning the pistons.

Does this sound like a scored cyclinder? If so, about how much would it cost to have it fixed?

I'd appreciate any advice y'all can offer. Thanks!

Rumble on the Ridge, Lake Wales--Pics

LWRider — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:04:01 GMT

This past weekend, Lake Wales hosted its first bike fest. The main event was held downtown on Saturday, with Chalet Suzanne hosting on Friday and Sunday. This is new to Lake Wales, and they definitely need to work out the kinks if they want to make it work better next year. While the festivities downtown brought quite a few bikers, the Chalet Suzanne events, which were supposed to be music (they did have a band), burnout pit, and mud wrestling, did not go as planned due to poor turnout. But Saturday downtown went pretty well with a drive-in bike show (even I won a trophy!), lots of good food and of course beer, pinup contest, and a couple killer bands, the main one being Bounty Hunter. Thought ya'll might like to see a few pics.

One fellow brought several vintage bikes (can you guess who won the trophy for "Old School": bike? Hint: It wasn't me.).

My brother, Tim, with one of the Harleys.

Some of the bikes entered in the bike contest.

A big scoot.

Lunch at the Arcade Diner.

Looking down Park Avenue, one of two downtown streets closed off for all but bike traffic.

My son, Jacob, taking a rest on my CB350.

My wife, Andrea, and daughter, Tess, waiting for the judging of the bikes to begin.

Da Posse. I heard a lot of people yelling, "Hey, Ozzy!" on Saturday for some reason.

Radical Randy on the stage. Randy did Rat's Hole in Daytona this year.

Bounty Hunter.

Met up with Nick Lee, "The Burnout King," and hung out chatting with him Saturday night and Sunday. He's got quite a rig for traveling to all the shows he does--97 foot long he said. The RV pulling his trailer is built around a Freightliner. Duro tires is one of his sponsors.

After saying good-bye to Nick on Sunday, we headed down to Fuzzy's where the barmaid had her picture taken with "Ozzy." (Looking like Oz does have its benefits! :wink: )

Although attendance was low, I think those who did come for the downtown fest had a good time and hopefully, word of mouth will spread and we will see a bigger turnout next year, but all in all it was a fun weekend.

Cheers,

Mike

What is the loudest m/c horn

Plumcrazy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:56:28 GMT

130db would be great...what do you have?

Wayne S

Thumbs up review of an AMA benefit...

DavidLSI — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:56:59 GMT

I had a problem on Sunday morning and could not get the bike started.

I am a member of the American Motorcycle Association and on my membership card there is a number for Roadside service. I called it and a nice lady walked me through the towing request, she quoted 45 minutes or so. The tow truck guy called me about 20 minutes later to confirm my location and let me know he was on the way. Said he was coming in from Kenosha, and arrived at almost exactly 45 minutes from when I hung up with the AMA lady. While he was hooking up my bike the AMA service's auto responder called me to ask if the service provider was there, and did I require anything additional.

Not bad for a free service I was offered for allowing for auto renewal of my AMA dues on my credit card

I do not know what this would have cost if I had to arrange for it on my own. The only cost this time was the five spot I tipped the guy.

Props also to the service company
Mc Devitt's Svc Center
(262) 657-2190
2205 Roosevelt Rd, Kenosha, WI

I was not expecting a standard tow truck to show up, so out came the video camera to capture and share how they accomplished the tow.

+ YouTube Video
ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.

I found it interesting so this video is about 4 minutes long, on a not really exciting topic. But if you have not seen this you may find interesting too.

SeeYa
DavidLSI

Honda 125 Carb Differences

Macon ACE — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:56:26 GMT

Not sure if my bike is Vintage - if not, would a moderator please move this thread to the appropriate forum?

It's a '74 Honda CL 125 S. I've been looking at carbs on ebay and other places, and the prices and fitments are all over the place. A new one specifically for my bike is $120 on ebay, but for CB models for other years, new ones start at $15 for a knock-off and $75 for "OEM."

What in the world is the difference? How can I tell what carb will fit my bike (other than the ones specified)?

Any help appreciated.

~ Rob

Anyone have experience with DieHard Gold battery?

ccRider246 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:14:03 GMT

I finally got around to load testing the battery yesterday. I have been keeping it on a tender each night and it has tested well but if it sits outside at school at night for 3 or 4 hours it doesn't like to restart. I have to pop the clutch. So I took it over to AutoZone and had them do a load test on it. History.
I went to Sears for a DieHard (I hope that wasn't a mistake). It was the only place available yesterday that had a decent battery in stock. After adding the electrolyte and charging the battery it took me about an hour to get that darn thing into the battery holder. Man, that's a tight fit on my bike. I hope I don't have to do that again for a few years. Hopefully, there are no charging issues but I might find that out tonight when I ride it to school. It will probably be mid 30's when I get out.

just picked up a old bike!

subaru-king — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:22:02 GMT

Just picked up a 1981 honda cm400c and im looking to make it a little faster and also looking for a good place to online to buy oem parts if you can help me out anyone??? or any upgrades that make it look more sweet!! let me know! i got the bike for free so im going to restore it and just open to ideas!

Joe Rkt 101 Carbon vs HJC FS-15 CARBON??

phatjoe — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:56:17 GMT

Hello:

I'm looking to upgrade my helmet, and only interested in purchasing a carbon fiber/light weight helmet.

I've had the opportunity to try on the Joe Rkt and HJC, but at different stores at different times. Both felt good.

Does anyone know if one is lighter than the other? I can't find the weight for the Joe Rkt 101 Carbon.

I've read that HJC provides the helmets for Joe Rkt, so I'm wondering if they are one and the same. Any opinions?

Anyone else purchase a carbon fiber/light weight helmet? Which one?

Thanks!! :icon_cool:

Gearbox Inspection Plug Leak

Urabggr — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:58:43 GMT

I'm having some trouble with a few minor oil leaks on my 1974 Moto Guzzi 850T, but the only one of which I've actually located yet is with the inspection plug on the gearbox. It only seems to occur during operation (first noticed due to some oil splatter marks on my right boot after a long ride) and I'm not really sure how to go about fixing it. The rubber plug seems to be in perfect condition but apparently doesn't make a perfect seal. Is there supposed to be a washer of some sort to go along with an inspection plug? Also (a shot in the dark), is there anything in particular to look for in terms of unknown oil leak... my guess is that some of the washers need to be replaced. Anything else that might cause a general oil seepage? Thanks for any help and let me know if any other info is needed.

I found this GREAT motorcycle online but it has a few catches...need advice!

Calintz333 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:59:23 GMT

Hey guys I fond this awesome Virago 250 deal online for $1600

I have been looking for that bike for over 6 months now finally one is up online and from the pictures and from what the guy told me on the phone the bike is in wonderful conditions, it is his wife's bike. They are selling it because they are both getting bigger bikes.

The bike is not without its buts though. For $1600 you get a perfectly working running Virago 250cc motorcycle, Registration records, and "some" Bike history.

What worries me

#1 I don't know what kind of paperwork I should ask for when / if I buy it. Can some one please tell me???

#2 The bike has 28,600 miles on it. For a 250cc thats equivalent of a car with about 130,000 miles or so. I have seen 250cc bikes last up to around 70,000 but thats it. So I assume the bike is at least 30% done with its life span.

so what do you recommend I do in terms of this deal, I like the bike and the virago 250 is for SURE the bike I want to own. I plan to use it for daily trips to the store, bank, work, school, basic everyday stuff with very little to no highway use. (I don't need a lecture on 250s are not enough bike).

Is the deal fair if the bike is really in good conditions after running a checklist once im there?

Immediately red hot exhaust pipe/header

biaxident — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:08:57 GMT

Hi--

When my son starts his bike the exhaust pipe/header(?) immediately becomes extremely hot and within about 60 seconds it is red hot. I have read on the forum that bluing or yellowing can be the result of lean mixture, stuck or burnt valve, etc. With the heat this extreme, this fast, can the problem be narrowed down? Thank You for your input.

1972 Suzuki GT750

Smokerider — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:06:43 GMT

Here is my restoration project. A 1972 Suzuki GT750: 6983 origional miles, Candy Lavender (pink) original paint. I have a Florida Antique tag on it and JUST got it running right today. I am now going to mov to the brakes, then suspension, electronics and then cosmetics. This has been in my family since it was bought new in 1972 by my grandfather in PA. Then my great uncle had it for a decade or so, then my uncle had it for a number of years and now it has been passed down to me afte sitting under a tarp in my uncle's garage for close to 8 years. Please give me your ideas, opinions and any tips you might have. Thanks, enjoy!

Attached Images

GT750.jpg (37.2 KB)

Hondamatics

Plumcrazy — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:30:26 GMT

I am looking at a vintage Hondamatic CM400.
From what I understand, it has two gears, Hi and Lo and no clutch (that's a parking brake on the left side) as an upgrade for the missus CM250

The bike has the same frame as her CM250 and I think that I could lower this one the same way I lowered it before and put her shaved seat on this bike.
What kind of trouble am I looking at and what are the downside to these?

Opinions and revelations please

Wayne S

Modest cargo trailer for cruiser

vito — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:44:25 GMT

I'm looking into buying a cruiser (because I like that style of riding and the seating position on a cruiser) but realize that even with decent saddlebags I will need more storage space for two-up touring. Any recommendations on cargo trailers? How does a trailer affect handling and safety (since I've mever used one) amd jpw easy is it to detach and re-attach?

2001Ultra Classic question

SRSterling — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:13:48 GMT

I recently traded my Sportster for a 2001 Ultra Classic and have probably what is dumb question. But since I have not invested in a Service Manual yet, the only way to learn is by asking questions and the help I have received so far from here has been great.

My question is - There is a domed-shaped cover on top of the transmission with what appears to be a wired sensor (speedo, I'm guessing) and a rubber vent tube attached. Can someone tell me what this is and what it is venting? The reason I am asking is that I notice a very small drop of fluid on the floor and it is in the vicinity of the vent tube. There also appears to be a fair amount of built-up grime in the same area.

Thanks in advance

Field Trip to AMA Motorcycle Museum (if you plan on going don't look)

4Raven — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:04:19 GMT

Went to the Museum on a whim yesterday....my little gas ass that I am!
280 miles, one breakfast buffet, my bike ran out of gas on 70 West near Columbus...guess it doesn't get 140 miles on the highway...so a few gas stops, donut, coffee, and chat with some other travelers stopping off the highway. Had a blast. Here is the link to the pics (this is the first time I have done this hope it works; you can slow it down or click on the full screen (bottom right corner))
http://s975.photobucket.com/albums/a...view=slideshow

:71baldboy:

New guy

Smokerider — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:59:39 GMT

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum. I ride a '07 Harley Street Bob andam in the process of restoring a 192 Suzuki GT750 (Water Buffalo). It has less than 7000 origional miles and has been in my family since new in '72.

Right now I am having carburetor nightmares but am slowly working through the details and tryingto figure out what is going on; orwhat's NOT going on.

I will be posting some pictures soon and more than likely asking some carb. related questions.

I am looking forward to talking with you and sharing info, tips and tricks.
Keep the shiney side up!

Carbie drama

chrisw — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:37:20 GMT

Ok so heres the low down. The bike runs fine, but theres a vacuum line from the carburettor to the fuel tap. When this gets a bit of suction it allows the gas to flow. When you suck on it, the bike runs well, but there is no vacuum coming from the carbs, nothing at all.

for the reference pictures ive labeled them parts A, B, C and D.

Part A = the nozzle that the vacuum line connects to, from the fuel tap.

Part B = a nozzle that connects the left carbie to the right carbie with a line.

Part C = a channel that goes to the float bowls connected to part A and B

Part D = the same channel as Part C, but in the float bowl of the right carbie.

Now, i broke the carbies down a fair bit and had a look. air flows freely from Part A to the channel in the carbie attached to Part A.

However, the channel and nozzle (parts A and C) dont flow to the hose inbetween each carbie (part B).

Part D flows easily to the connecting hose inbetween the carbies.

I know this sounds a bit all over the place, but basically, im getting flow from Part A to the left carbie bowl, but no flow between the joining carbie bowls. Could this be causing the lack of suction? or is there another reason that you could imagine that there is no vaccum going to this line, unless the vacuum lines were connected wrongly.

images for reference.

Mikuni BDS30 or similar for reference, ill grab the actual models soon.

'take a moment to visit our sponsor' popup

benny hedges — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:17:47 GMT

'take a moment to visit our sponsor' popup
i get this very annoying popup for 'cartoon you' popping up every time i click a post here.
doesnt happen on any other sites, just here - surely the majority of bikers aren't interested in cartoon pictures of themselves, and having to reg details & email address on a spam site.

is anyone else having this issue, or is it just something to do with my routing from uk?
i have used several antispyware / adware apps and my pc is clean as a whistle.

New member

Alberto Pires — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:02:20 GMT

Hi,

I like racing bikes, and now, old racing bikes. In the last 25 years I've test bikes for a magazine, and I still doing that. This forum look's good for get informations and world experiences.
Best regards

Alberto

Good websites for parts...

subhuman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:09:49 GMT

Hey now

I got a 25 year old shadow and I live on an island with like 2 motorcycle shops, one is literally a garage and the other deals in brand new harleys. It is a PAIN to find parts for my bike out here! I tried bikebandit.com...they've got good customer service but their part selection is limited.

If any of you guys get parts online and want to share your favorite website (besides ebay haha) I'd really appreciate it.

thanks!!!

User Profile questions and wierdness.

PhoenixTsunami — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:54:40 GMT

Is the "Private Messages" link the primary way to get to the detailed profile editing page?

Also, a moderator informed me "once you reach verified you can set your custom user title in your User CPU under Edit Your Details"...HOWEVER, tho I think mine is still supposed to be noob, it seems to have magically changed to "TRIKEDRIVER"...I can't even see the User CPU option on my Edit Your Details page to do anything about it. It's not really a big deal...but I DON'T ride a trike. :)

Salvage or parts shops in the San Diego area?

PhoenixTsunami — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:36:17 GMT

I got a long list from Google, BUT most of the numbers I got were no good or they didn't deal in parts/salvage anymore. [Grrr...google fail.] Until I get my bike running better, I'm stuck relying on public transportation so I can't get very far from home. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on a "brick & mortar" (non-online) place to shop for parts for an 83 Honda VT500FT in the San Diego, CA area? The only place I could find was Stockers in Chula Vista. I'm working on a pretty tight budget and would like to be able to shop around if I can.

Thanks.

perfect day!

benny hedges — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:33:30 GMT

dont know if you saw this UK safety video before - i saw it in the police station reception the other week (dont ask), found it on you tube.

message is very true - if only....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWaUllYSmQs

Salvage or parts shops in the San Diego area?

PhoenixTsunami — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:14:52 GMT

I got a long list from Google, BUT most of the numbers I got were no good or they didn't deal in parts/salvage anymore. [Grrr...google fail.] Until I get my bike running better, I'm stuck relying on public transportation so I can't get very far from home. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on places to shop for parts for an 83 Honda VT500FT in the San Diego, CA area? The only place I could find was Stockers in Chula Vista. I'm working on a pretty tight budget and would like to be able to shop around if I can.

Thanks.

New Member.. Old Bike.. Wont Start .. Hey Guys!

jiigan — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:13:30 GMT

Hi everybody,
Brand new to the forum and motorcycles in general.
My brother gave me his 1994 Suzuki RF600R that has been sitting for the last year.

I will be in the process of trying to make it run and would appreciate any help from anybody that is mechanically inclined.

So far I drained the fuel and put in new gas with some seafoam, hoping I would not need to clean the carbs. The bike turns over and starts on full choke for about 5 seconds and then dies.
What should be my next step?

Thanks.

Attached Images

DSC01804.jpg (73.4 KB)

1976 750cc honda good title

sierraxr4 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:37:36 GMT

1976 750 honda for sale for 100$. The bike is complete but has a froze motor. If anyone is interested email me at xr4titurbo at hotmail or call 847 343 1977 and ask for bob. we also have a Sears motorcycle and older honda 100cc

Alpinestar Recon - no plastic, enough protection?

tom10167 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:44:26 GMT

I went to a shop today to get some boots for my MSF class on Monday. I pulled out my iphone and started googling and saw that these got good reviews

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...s-recon-boots/ after reading the summary at the bottom

They were $120 or so and they felt very stiff which I liked. Turns out there's no plastic in them. Is this going to offer me enough protection? I'd really rather not go with a full-length boot. These weren't exactly great for walking but I don't really want them to be *too* good to walk around in.

Should I return these and get a different pair? Brick and Mortar selection is rather lacking. :(

Hey all!

hobitopia — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:50:46 GMT

New to the forum here, a little about myself. I learned to ride when I was 12-13 on my dads '77 ts250. I got my motorcycle endorsement when I was 16, and have logged most my road miles on that 250. I just got done with a two hiatus while I've been stationed in Okinawa (at my rank we weren't allowed to own motorcycles.) Once I got back to the states I found out that my uncle left me his 'cycle when he passed. It's a '96 vl800. It's in great shape considering it's got over 45k on it. I put almost 1k on it during the week I got to spend at home before moving on to my next station. :)

But that bike is back in WI, and I'm stationed in NC now. I'm planning on a buying a smaller Japanese standard to get me through the winter, and either bringing the intruder down here in the spring, or buying a used Harley (if I can save up some cash by then :))

2008 GSX650F For sale: 2 Miles!!!

spotlessdetail — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:54:56 GMT

I have an 08 GSX 650F if you want it. It has 2 miles on it!. It was driven home by the buyer and dropped. It messed up the tank, front tire/wheel, all fairings, brake mstr. cyl, left controls, gauges, and I think that's pretty much it. For that reason Allstate issued it an NC salvage title. I bought the bike a few weeks ago and put new fairings on it, painted it, and did all the other stuff. I'm just waiting on the front tire (should come today in the mail) a left blinker, and an upper stay bracket to hold the front cowling on as mine is bent. It runs perfect and looks better than any stock one. Its all black with silver flake. If you or anyone is interested feel free to call me. Thanks I'm asking $3,800

704-280-7084

Not sure how to put pics on here sorry. I can email them though.

Ride up to Laguna Seca for MotoGP '10 (ride only) 7/23/10

LukexHuff — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:44:10 GMT

This is the thread for the ride only. There's other threads to discuss tickets, lodging, cannary row, rides you may want to go on during the weekend up there, bbqs, blah blah blah.

I'm planning on riding up on Friday, July 23rd, 2010. I'll be riding the usual route that Jeremy (from Hollywood Bikenight) has laid out for the past few years. Slight deviations may occur and when we're at least into 2010, I'll post a more detailed route. Basically meeting around the greater LA area and riding up through backroads/canyons all the way to Monterey.

The ride will leave EARLY Friday morning so we can arrive in the daylight with some time left to relax and still be able to go out Fri night. Please eat your breakfast, check your tire pressure / tire life left / fluids / etc BEFORE arriving at the meet-up spot.

We'll plan on having a chase truck or two, along with any other people that want to brave the canyons in their car all the way up there. This way we'll never be left on the side of the road for hours if there's any breakdowns, crashes, etc. Also, if someone is injured, this will hopefully speed up the process of getting them medical attention.

We'll be using the usual chatterbox channel and I'd really REALLY promote the idea of everyone having a chatterbox if at all possible for this ride.

We'll implement the usual head-count process and split the group into different skill levels with each group having their own leader and sweep if the group is large enough. In that case, I'll ask that each leader pass out their number to the riders in your group in case of emergency.

We'll have scheduled gas stops and we expect the group to gas up, use the restroom, and move on. We'll have a designated lunch stop in the Atascadero / Paso Robles area (location tba).

As usual, we can't be responsible for every choice you make. I'll hand out a detailed turn-by-turn directions with my number on it to every rider. If you're in the middle of the pack somewhere and you decide to turn off the route, we won't be able to turn around and try and hunt you down. We'll assume you have other plans and you're choosing to leave the group. If you have a problem and need to stop, simply let the leader of your group know over the chatterbox, or carefully pull over in a highly visable/safe area so the riders behind you will see that you need assistance and they can radio ahead to the leader and/or sweep.

I'm sure most of the riders deciding to go on this ride either have been on a similar ride to Laguna Seca, or are somewhat experienced riders. Unfortunately, I would NOT recommend this ride for beginners. It's simply too great of a distance on unfamiliar roads with a large group. Too many variables that will likely have bad results. I would however recommend to beginners to take a truck up with their bike in the back so you can ride around while up there. You need not be a highly skilled rider or own a quick sport bike to participate, all I ask is you have experience riding in a large group and long distance.

I'll keep a running list of those who plan on riding together with our group.
(FYI, I'm posting this on a few forums since I know there's different forum posters who've ridden up together in the past)((Oh, and I know it's a long ways away. No need to post up a million "maybe"s. Just let us know if you definitely want to go.))

Riders:
Luke (me)
Kat (KateriDesigns - HollywoodBikenight.com)
David (DavidSFC - R1-forum.com)

Chase vehicles (following the group on Fri):

Chase vehicles (departing at different times):
(bunnyrbt - r1-forum.com) {offering to take gear/clothes/whatever up on a weekday before race weekend; most likely Wed July 21st.}

hooray!

LukexHuff — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:51:17 GMT

I just wanted to post up a big ridfe for NEXT year to Laguna Seca, but I need 3 posts apparently. New to this forum, hopefully I'll be a regular.

Wife tries to hit me with broom

edog200 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:17:15 GMT

Couldln't get out in the foreston the big bikes, so we turned to the mini and made a circuit around our small suburban block.

Wife wasn't happy, tried to hit me with a broom!

+ YouTube Video
ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.

Think Ninja 250s are slow?

primalmu — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:15:06 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2HnEld-z3Q

I've been browsing YouTube and came across this video. Sure, the Ninja get smoked in the straits, but look at how it makes mince meat of those inline-4s in the turns!