Mechanics is the magazine that keeps you on the road. Our Technical Experts Can help you with most of your problems. Sorry, we can't solve problems over the phone.
ROD GIBSON
Worked in Kawasaki, BMW
and Triumph dealerships before starting his own restoration business.
BOB H
Technical officer of the Suzuki's Owners Club, experienced with both two-strokes and GS, GSX and GSXR series.
Problem solver with Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Magazine
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Re-Dial UK did a cracking job on our Katana clocks.
The rev counter face on my Kawasaki Z1300 is damaged, and I’m looking for a print to remake the face. Do you know anyone who could help?
Guy, Western Cape,
South Africa
Try Re-Dial UK, who did such a cracking job on our Katana project clock faces last year. They can supply and fit custom clock faces to your design. Give them a call on +44 (0) 1245 320608. RG
I've looked at this US imported Suzuki GS550L for a friend. It used to stop when it got hot. I found a lack of spark so I replaced and insulated the coils and all was well. I also cleaned, checked and balanced the carbs and it ran really well. But apparently it now won't restart when hot. Yet I'm told there's still a spark.Admittedly, my tests were all done in the cool of the evening and I didn't experience any traffic queues. I did wonder about mischievous condensers but it's one of the first GS engines with the CDI so nothing to fiddle with or test there. I'm not sure where to go with it now. Apparently once it's cool it starts and runs normally again.
Richard McCann, Olney,
Milton Keynes
First check the valve clearances, these will tighten up when warm and prevent a restart, before opening up again as the engine cools and allowing the correct compression for the engine to start. Failing that, you need to be measuring the resistance of the stator coils once the engine has stopped. Virtually impossible, I will agree, but having been there a few times myself I find the need to strap a multimeter to the coils of the ignition is a must. Electronics always work better when cool and, if damaged, heat will cause a break in a wire to get larger, which is what I reckon is the problem, hence the cool down and restart. CP
When I bought my bike it was registered on a Q plate. As I am in the process of renovation I would like to get an age related number plate for it. I don't know anything about its history so have no idea as to why it is on a ‘Q’, possibly a stolen recovered? Hope you can help.
James Bruce,
Banbury, Oxon
Q plates are issued in the UK for several reasons, stolen/recovered and ‘special build’ being the two most common. Once the DVLA have registered the bike on a Q it will be difficult to change it – unless you take the trouble to rebuild it into another frame with its own V5C. If the bike genuinely qualifies as a classic you may have a case for an age-related number. Joining a specialist club and/or the VJMC and applying for a dating certificate would be a good starting point, then approach your local DVLA office for advice. The people who man the DVLA office are usually helpful if approached in the right manner and with the correct paperwork, so prepare well. RG
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