September

Choosing the right bike for the right test

30 September 2010 by MCN

If you are looking for a bike to pass your test on, make sure that you purchase the right bike for the category of test you want to pass, or you could find yourself restricted to a 125 with only an A1...

What’s causing my mystery puncture?

29 September 2010 by MCN

Q. I was riding on the M54 tonight and the front tyre on my 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R went flat really quickly, I struggled over to the hard shoulder and got recovered back home. Find a used Kawasaki...

How can I improve my Speed Triple’s rear brake?

29 September 2010 by MCN

Q. I have a Triumph Speed Triple 955i on a 2000 plate. My back brake is virtually none existent. I have had it checked and have been told that everything is OK, and that it’s just a common thing with...

Fitting a new chain

24 September 2010 by Chris Dabbs

If you are thinking of changing your chain there are a few things you should consider. You can get more out of it, if you keep it scrupulously lubricated and adjusted through its life, ideally with...

New rider: Parallel twins explained

24 September 2010 by Chris Dabbs

The parallel twin cylinder engine has a long history of use in motorcycles, being the mainstay of the British motorcycle industry for 50 years until the smoother, more sophisticated four-cylinder...

Why won't my Honda CBF500's lights come on?

22 September 2010 by Marc Abbott

When I start my Honda CBF500 up the headlight should come on automatically. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. However, after riding for a few minutes it comes on and stays on. Neither dip nor main...

What does mystery XJR error code mean?

21 September 2010 by MCN

I have a friend who has a 2008 Yamaha XJR1300. He has a problem with a code that keeps coming up on the warning panel – when you switch the ignition on, the code that shows up is “20”. If the engine...

New Rider: Why triples rock

17 September 2010 by Chris Dabbs

The first ‘modern’ three-cylinder engine was an inline design built by the Triumph/BSA conglomerate back in the 1969 using their existing twin-cylinder motors, as a response to Honda’s revolutionary...

Help! GPZ instrument lights have stopped working

17 September 2010 by MCN

The instrument panel lights have all gone on my 1994 Kawasaki GPZ500S and I need to know if I need capless or mini bayonet type bulbs to replace them? I know they need to be 12 volt/3.4 watt. ...

Pre-2001 Licence categories

10 September 2010 by MCN

Vehicle tests have become more complex over the years with several modules and more extensive theory tests. Full motorcycle licence holders who’ve held their licences pre-2001, also have a B1 classification which allows them to use “Motor tricycles / quad cycles, 3 or 4 wheeled vehicles with an un-laden weight not exceeding 550kg”. Armed with this category they do not have to take the car theory...

New rider engine layouts: Singles

10 September 2010 by MCN

The simplest bike engine design is the single cylinder and it’s what’s fuelled generations of young and new bikers’ love affair with two wheels, as well as keeping the masses moving in poorer...

Why is my 2007 R1 ticking?

10 September 2010 by MCN

Q. I have a 2007 R1 with just over 7000 miles on it. I noticed that there was a ticking noise coming from the right hand side of the bike and so took it to a dealer who thought there was no problem. I...

How to buy leathers that fit

10 September 2010 by MCN

Q. I have just bought a set of two-piece leathers and have a question about the fit. I am a 40/41-inch chest and so ordered the size 42 after speaking to the salesman. The sleeves end at just above...

Advice: Why is my ZX-6R cutting out?

07 September 2010 by MCN

horuson1: I have a ZX-6R C1H (2005). When I go for a ride it seems to be running hotter than it should then if I stop it cuts out unless I rev it. If it cuts out it won’t restart for about 15 minutes...

New rider engine layouts: V-twins

03 September 2010 by MCN

The V-twin engine has a long and noble history in motorcycling as it was adopted early on by manufacturers like Harley and Indian because it allowed two cylinders to be bolted into the narrow,...

Properly fitting a set of leathers

03 September 2010 by MCN

A set of leathers is a major investment, so it’s important that they fit you well. Although leathers will give a little bit over time, they aren’t as flexible as textile garments, so the makers cut...

How to know it's time to change your tyres

03 September 2010 by MCN

Q. I am on a very tight budget as a poor student (bloody tuition fees), so I can’t afford to change my tyres until I absolutely have to. Save cash on motorcycle tyres Apart from a lack of tread,...

How to tie a bike down on a ferry

03 September 2010 by MCN

Q. I’m taking my bike over to Spain next month and I wondered what’s the best way to tether the bike with the ratchet straps I have just purchased. I have a centrestand-free Kawasaki ZRX1200S and I...

Why are my ZX-6R's lights blowing?

03 September 2010 by MCN

Q. I own a 2004 Kawasaki ZX-6R. When I go out with my lights on, it blows the stop/tail fuse within a mile or so. If I leave the lights off, I can ride all day with no problems. I changed the bulbs...