?

I have come to replace the headrace bearings on my C1 ZX-9R and have hit a problem.

Got the front end stripped down to just the yokes and I can't seem to get the top cap out.

It is a 12mm hex headed cap bolt and it will NOT budge! I've tried penetrating spray, an impact driver and a fairly long bar and it will still not remove. This means I can't replace the bearings (which are knackered)

Any ideas on how to remove a stuck topcap without demolishing the yokes?

Thanks,

Mike

Hi,

I have bought a Suzuki GP100 recently but it appears to have a speed issue.

It's a bit of a project bike really to go alongside my zx9r and I realise it is nowhere near as fast as that! But I feel it should be quicker than it is.

It runs sweet and ticks over fine, revs freely etc... But I can only get 55/60 out of it at max. I weigh 10.5/11 stone and the gearing is standard.

It has a k and n cone filter so could it be that it needs the carb upjetting a bit to suit? As I say, runs fine other than a slight speed deficiency...or maybe its me being picky with it?

Or could it just need something else? A top end rebuild perhaps?

Thanks for any advance you can give

--Mikey B--

Hi,

I serviced my bike a couple of weeks back and I changed the plugs as part of the this. I replaced NGK plugs for NGK plugs. The ones already in the bike were DR8ES-L and the ones I put in were DR8ES. Now then, the Haynes Manual and the Kawasaki Manual both state that DR8ES are the correct plugs to put in a 1991 GPZ500.

However, since changing the plugs it doesn't seem to tick over quite as 'strongly' as it did with the other plugs in. The new plugs were gapped and adjusted according to manufacturers spec and torqued up correctly. The HT leads were also put back on exactly the same.

Could there be a reason for this new behaviour and what is the difference between DR8ES plugs and DR8ES-L plugs - as other than the code, I couldn't spot a difference.

Any help would be much appreciated, thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

Hi there,

I currently ride a 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500 - the 16" wheel model. I was just wondering if it'd take much work and cost to fit the later models 17" wheels, and if it'd upset the cruising or handling ability?

The reason I ask is that it'd give me more tyre choice with the 17" wheels

Thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

Hi,

I know that a Reliant Robin/Rialto/Regal isn't really a car but bear with me on this one...

I currently hold a Full UK bike licence (restricted to 33bhp and 0.16kw/kg) and I passed in May '11. I was just wondering, out of interest, whether or not I could legally drive either a Reliant Robin, Regal or Rialto on the road in the UK with the correct vehicle roadworthiness & insurance, with my current bike licence?

Also, what engines would I be able to use if I could drive one on the road? Are there any that would fall under 33bhp? Or does that restriction not apply to 'trikes'?

Thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

Hi,

I am looking at replacing the rear tyre on my '91 Kawasaki GPZ500S. I currently have a Bridgestone BT45 fitted, and I'm looking at getting another - tyre size is 120/90-16.

However, I'm just wondering if there are any tyres that are similar in spec to the BT45 but for a little less money (I'm in the UK by the way) Also, would it be possible to upsize the width from say a 120-section to a 130-section, with no modifications apart from the wider tyre?

--Mikey B--

I have recently bought a '91 Kawasaki GPZ500 and the battery is in the battery box, but lying on it's side.

It holds it's charge, starts the bike no problem, all the wires connect with ample room, it's a sealed battery and isn't leaking. It also looks fairly new.

Is this something to cause concern? (or should I leave it on it's side and forget it's there?)

Thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

Hi,

I curently have a '97 Honda CG125. The rear shock/s have developed a squeak when they're compressed. Is this a UK MOT fail or advisory or nothing at all?

Also, how can I go about fixing the squeak? (The performance of the shock hasn't deteriorated by the way)

Thanks in advance

--MikeyB--

Hi,

I was just wondering why Honda made two CG125 styles alongside each other?

The regular CG:

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Honda%20C...

And then this style:

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/atlas%20honda/2000/2...

Any particular reason for this? And why did Honda decide to make and sell them both at the same time? Also, what is the 2nd style known as?

Thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

Hi,

I'm just wondering if adding a 'cone' air filter to my CG125 will make it faster, as I've seen one for just £5?! (I'm not wanting loads more, just a tad bit faster and combined with a +1 front sprocket)

Also, will it make the fuel consumption drastically worse? (that's both the change of sprocket and the air filter fitted seperately and then if they're fitted together)

Thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

Just another question regarding my '97 CG125, is what is the standard size of the front sprocket. I need to know this so that I can increase it by +1 tooth. I want to do this because I just want to make the revs lower at 50-60mph in 5th gear. This is just so really it cruises a little better.

Will going up +1 tooth make any noticeable difference? And do I have to drain the oil to remove the left hand engine casing to access the front sprocket?

Thanks again

--Mikey B--

What oil is recommended for use in my bike? I was thinking 10W40...but am I correct?

Thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

I'm thinking of getting a Suzuki GS500 and restricting it to 33bhp when I've passed my test. I am 17, and I cannot afford the outrageous rrp price of a Ninja 250 (or 2nd hand prices let alone the insurance)

This sounds like a silly question but will it be more economical than the standard, full power gs500? What sort of topspeed would I be looking to achieve?

Also, if my insurance company ask to see a restriction certificate, will I have to give one? Or could I convince them its restricted without one. Reason I ask, is because the bike I buy will be restricted but it may not have the certificate for it (if I need one, where could I get one for cheap from?) I've read that the certificate means nothing really so where do i stand with regards to the insurance company? Surely so longs as it's restricted, and can be proven restricted if it were crashed or whatever, they will be fine about it?

Thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

Hi,

Any advice on how to fit L-Plates to my Honda CG125?

I am aware that there is a law stating that the L-Plate has to be 7"x7" in size and no bigger or smaller. I have a rough idea of how to fit the rear one (bottom of numberplate) but how do i go about affixing the front one?

I cannot wrap it around the fork leg and by law I shouldn't cut it down and stick it to the front mudguard...so any suggestions?

--Mikey B--

Hi there,

I'm currently in the process of buying a '97 Honda CG125. I have offered him £580 and he's accepted, so I'm a little confused as to what to do next.

Basically, when I went to buy the bike yesterday, he hadn't checked it over before I got there, so I had a look at it and the rear tyre has got a puncture. He denies he knows what's caused it, as he claims it hasn't moved in the week since I saw it for the 1st time, but he plans to repair it ready for when I collect it again (the thing that has annoyed me the most, is that he hadn't even got it out of the garage and checked it over before I arrived, so that he could let me know of any problems before I got there).

So, are they tubed tyres or tubeless on a CG125 running a Metzeler or Heidenau rear tyre?

Now then, should I lower the price I've offered him, seeing as how he's messed me around a little bit or do I pay the £580? It's local to me, runs mint for a '97 with 17k miles and the bodywork is in pretty good nick. However, it could do with a new battery pretty soon as well. Could I factor that + the time-wasting into the lowered price, even though I've already offered him £580?

Thanks in advance

--Mikey B--

Just a quick, odd, theoretical question here, but If you travelled at the speed of light and looked behind you, what would you see? And if you looked in front of you, what would you see? The past, present, future or nothing at all?

--Mikey B--

Hi,

Right, it's coming upto winter rapidly fast and the temperatures are getting below 0-deg. all the time. I'm just wondering if there is a type of spray, other than wax-oiling, that I can use to protect the underside of my car. Particularly the exhaust system, from rust, salt, etc....

It needs to be able to be bought locally and applied whilst the car is at home on the drive. It also needs to be quite well priced (I'm talking £25 or less)

Any ideas? Would WD40 be okay to use on the exhaust, bottom of the engine, the underside of the bodywork + other 'hot' areas?

Also, what would be the best way to lift the car so I can spray it on? Using side jacks or...?

Any ideas/advice is much appreciated (I'm in the UK by the way)

--Mikey B--

Hi,

What bike would you suggest to someone who has just passed their full bike test in the UK?

They are 17, so insurance for a bigger bike is expensive, but they want to get rid of their 125 for something a little faster with more guts. Can you suggest any good step-up bikes...say a 250 etc...?

(Please remember that because they are in the UK and under the age of 21 they are restricted to bikes with a power output of no more than 33bhp. However, they can consider bikes that are slightly over this, upto about 36bhp, as the guidelines allow 10% over).

Their budget is around £800 for the bike, and insurance needs to be relatively cheap. I have considered a GS500 restricted to 33bhp, but again, the insurance is sooooooo much :/ Are there any older 250's? Because I cannot think of any.

Thanks,

--Mikey B--

Hi,

What bike would you suggest to someone who has just passed their full bike test in the UK? They are 17, so insurance for a bigger bike is very expensive. Can you suggest any good step-up bikes...say a 250 etc...? (Please remember that because they are under the age of 21 they are restricted to bikes with a power output of no more than 33bhp. However, they can consider bikes that are slightly over this, upto about 36bhp, as the guidelines allow 10% over).

Their budget is around £1200 for the bike, and insurance needs to be relatively cheap. I have considered a GS500 restricted to 33bhp, but again, the insurance is sooooooo much :/

Thanks,

--Mikey B--

Hi,

I've seen a Honda CG125 for sale near to me. It looks in good condition body work and wheels/tyres-wise. It is a '96 model on a 'P' plate. It appears to have been kept serviced regularly and washed quite often. All of the consumable parts are in good condition also.

However, it has around 55,600 miles. Would you consider buying it?? It seems so tempting as it's priced at £450!! Is it worth this much or? Is there anything I should watch out for? Would it accelerate or have a lower top end speed than a CG125 with less miles??

Thanks in advance,

--Mikey B--