Q: In a world of no centrestands do you measure chain tension on the sidestand when travelling? Anon A: The obvious answer here is that if the bike was sold when new with only a
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1960s Honda timing
Q: I would like to be advised of the correct procedure for setting the valve and ignition timing. I have a ‘confusing’ Honda manual as a guide but with flames coming from the near side
Read more1989 Honda CBR1000F-K scuffed cover
Q: I have a 1989 Honda CBR1000F-K and its looks are spoiled by a scuffed round right-hand engine cover. It appears not to have a part number that I can find anywhere, even my Haynes
Read more1980 Yamaha XS400SE sooted plug
Q: Well I’m truly stumped with this bike, I have no idea what is going on with it or what is causing the sooted plug on the left-hand pot and which I think goes hand-in-hand
Read moreBenelli 250cc 2C Phantom piston rings
Q: I am having problems trying to find a set of standard piston rings for a Benelli 250cc 2C Phantom. I have tried several websites with no luck. Can anybody out there help? Harry Duffield
Read more1982 Suzuki GN400 component finishing
Q: I’m currently restoring my 1982 Suzuki GN400 after recently retiring and having some time on my hands. I am looking for some advice on the best way to finish my cylinder, cylinder head and
Read moreOxford Aqua B25 Backpack
A biking backpack that doesn’t intrude on your riding is a thing of pure joy. Decent shoulder and waist straps with padding and a chest strap means it is easily 300-mile comfortable, if not overloaded
Read moreShim-shimmeny!
Laser Tools have just added a number of valve shim tools to its growing range of motorcycle maintenance tools. These tools are indispensable when carrying out adjustment or overhaul of engine valves with solid shim-type
Read moreWorkshop: Kawasaki W1 overhaul
Kawa’s W1 is the 650 twin Blighty never built The bike is a total anathema to what we all suppose is standard Japanese industry process, right-hand gearchange, left-hand rear brake, push rod motor, separate engine
Read moreWorkshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 3
Kawasaki Z400 engine rebuild We left off last month in a bit of a quandary after discovering how much it would cost to re-bore Steve’s Kawasaki Z400 twin engine and fit genuine new pistons. Apparently
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