May

Differences between bike and car engines

28 May 2010 by MCN

If you have come from the four-wheeled world it is easy to forget that motorcycle engines need more care and attention than car engines as they rev a lot higher with much greater power to capacity...

Suspension set-up for a 2002 CBR600F

25 May 2010 by MCN

Q. What suspension settings are best for solo riding on a CBR600F, 2002 model? I weigh 88kg in full riding kit and ride on the road with the odd track day. I also carry a pillion and luggage a couple...

Can I get new wheels under warranty?

25 May 2010 by MCN

Q. At the weekend, while cleaning my 2010 Kawasaki GTR1400, I noticed the rear wheel was bent on the right-hand side of the rim, where you’d expect to place a tyre lever. Save £££s on motorcycle...

Adjusting to the bike riding experience

21 May 2010 by MCN

If you are coming from four wheels to two for the first time, the differences can seem daunting. Cars deliver their responses to you through a myriad of different systems that use complicated...

Fizing a seized lock

21 May 2010 by MCN

Turning the ignition on with your bike’s key should be such a simple action that will have you winging down the road in seconds. But what do you do if the key won’t turn? You don’t dare force it for fear of it snapping off in the lock, but you really, really need to get going NOW. You may need to add some lubrication, and a good lube is pencil lead. Rub the graphite up and down the key several...

Remember to SORN your bike

21 May 2010 by MCN

These days there is more and more paperwork attached to owning a bike whether it’s on the road or not. If you do decide to take your bike off the road you have to register it as off the road with the...

How to extract a GT550’s rear shocks

18 May 2010 by MCN

Q. I’ve bought myself a project bike – a 1988 Kawasaki GT550. It was completely dead but everyone’s help on the MCN forums has got it through the MoT, so firstly thanks to all. I now have a bit of a...

How do I know my brake pads will suit my discs?

11 May 2010 by Chris Dabbs

I would like to fit Ferodo Sintergrip road ST HH brake pads to my 2000 Yamaha R6. But Ferodo say the discs must be stainless steel or cast iron for their pads to be suitable. I have emailed Yamaha UK,...

Troubleshooting: Why won't my 2002 Thunderbird go?

11 May 2010 by Chris Dabbs

GCollins: I have a 2002 Triumph Thunderbird with 17,000 miles on it and in good condition. Lately the engine has started to fade and then cut out, this happens after about 30 miles often after a stop...

Steering dampers can help on bumpy roads

07 May 2010 by MCN

Bikes are designed to have very different handling characteristics, from slow, lazy steering and high stability on customs and out-and-out tourers, to fast steering, agile sports bikes. Those sports...

How to clean a Speedfight head and barrel

07 May 2010 by MCN

Q. I’ve just stripped down the head and barrel on my Peugeot Speedfight and the piston is coked up with black crap. What’s the best way to clean it without damaging it? Fred1021, MCN forums A. Most...

Diagnose a cush drive fault

07 May 2010 by MCN

Q. I have a 2005 Yamaha Dragstar 125 with 3000 miles on the clock and I have excessive free play in the drive system when throttling off. The engine goes from driving the bike to the bike driving the...

How to extract a seized front wheel spindle

05 May 2010 by MCN

Assuming the spindle is seized to the bearings or the spacer between the bearings, remove the tyre, tube and rim tape then soak the wheel overnight in diesel or paraffin. If you have a stout leakproof...