October

Do my Fireblade's fork seals need replacing?

27 October 2010 by MCN

Q. I was advised at my MoT that one fork seal on my ’04 Fireblade was worn (there was slight misting of oil on the fork). The garage said they could replace just the one, but when I rang the main...

Why is my RF600R shooting flames?!

26 October 2010 by MCN

Q. I got on my Suzuki RF600R today to go home from work, and the first thing it did when I tried to start it was backfire and shoot flames. I thought what the hell, maybe these things happen. When I...

youngest to have a full bike licence?

22 October 2010 by richard summers

I thought i would drop you this email, to let you know if interested that I was 17 on the 2nd october, where i pre booked my theory and passed then got a cancelation for mod 1 then passed, and took...

Best tyres for a Kawasaki ZX-9R

21 October 2010 by MCN

I need some new tyres for my 2003 Kawasaki ZX-9R. It’s currently fitted with Bridgestone BT-014s, I’m mainly an easy road rider, but I like to get it over in the bends occasionally, so could do with...

Can I fit an injected motor to a carbed bike?

21 October 2010 by MCN

I have a 1994 Suzuki Slingshot streetfighter which I love the look of, but getting the carbs balanced is costly. So I would like to fit a more modern fuel-injected engine, or can I get away with a new...

New Rider passes DAS then Rides straight to Pitstop Diner MCN Top bike spot

19 October 2010 by David Connor

I am so proud, Suzanne McLean my partner passed her Direct Access Today, then rode straight to bike night at MCN Top bike spot the Pitstop diner, A dauting task infront of all those bikers, but she...

Nerves and the bike test

16 October 2010 by Dave Neale

I have ridden bikes on and off since 1964. I took the old style test in 1967 and failed on 2 minor’ish points. I did not take it again regrettably. As I did not want to carry a pillion passenger and my 250 was quick enough at the time. Each decade since, I have gone back to bikes but unfortunately 125. I have always had an ambition to gain my full licence. So in May this year I did the CBT, and...

Repairing damaged wheels

15 October 2010 by MCN

If you’ve kerbed a car wheel you’ll know what sort of mess it does to the rims, but you can keep driving most of the time. Damage an alloy wheel on a bike and it will ruin the bike’s handling and...

Tubes and tubeless tyres

07 October 2010 by MCN

Tubeless tyres have several advantages over tubed tyres and are far more numerous on today’s bikes. Among those advantages are that they run cooler, so can cope with higher performance and give longer...

Does my Hornet need a Power Commander?

07 October 2010 by MCN

Q. I have a 2008 ABS Honda Hornet which has an Akrapovic megaphone end can fitted. At the moment the bike doesn’t run smoothly at certain points. Would this need to be fixed by a Power Commander? Or...

Where can I buy Triumph paint?

07 October 2010 by MCN

Q. I just wondered if any other readers have had the same problem with Triumph paint as I have. I am the owner of an ’09 Sprint 1050 ABS in Phantom Black which I sadly managed to drop in a paddock...

Are tyres responsible for FireBlades's juddering?

07 October 2010 by MCN

Q. I have a problem with my 1995 Fireblade. When I brake heavily I get violent front end judder. I do track days and it is making it unrideable. Save £££s on motorcycle tyres The discs and pads are...

Getting into motorcycles, aged 43

04 October 2010 by John Finningham

My Biking experience is fairly new. At the tender age of 43 after just passing my DAS test I bought a 650 Bandit (new) and have at the time of writing this done just 211 miles. My previous biking history stems back to when I was around 14 upon joining a school motorcycle club. Trial sidecar. I learnt to ride on an old Francis Barnet and those school memories are the only ones I enjoy. A few...

Jacket review: Aerostich Falstaff

01 October 2010 by Simon Relph

Falstaff jacket, $397 (£258) Miles covered/time: 4200/13 months What’s good? The closest you can come to putting on your favourite slippers, this jacket immediately feels that you have owned it for...

Big bike tips for the vertically challenged

01 October 2010 by MCN

Getting your first big bike can be a daunting experience, especially if you are below average height. Once you’ve gained confidence on big bikes the need to get both feet flat on the floor is largely...