The Bikeshite Thread

[brandersnatch]

1 hour ago, Cavcraft said:

It is crazy the money that Fizzy made, but it proves there's still life in that market.  You can of course get much bigger/newer/faster machines for the coin, and you could probably get a fully restored one for much less than that one will end up costing, but that's not the point.

Anyway, for absolutely no sane reason at all,  I bought this today...

If you're waiting for the rest of it, there isn't any.

Aerial Leader or some such?

[Stinkwheel]

2 hours ago, Cavcraft said:

It is crazy the money that Fizzy made, but it proves there's still life in that market.  You can of course get much bigger/newer/faster machines for the coin, and you could probably get a fully restored one for much less than that one will end up costing, but that's not the point.

Anyway, for absolutely no sane reason at all,  I bought this today...

If you're waiting for the rest of it, there isn't any.

Ariel leader? 

[Cavcraft]

Both bang on the money.

[Bmwdumptruck]

4 hours ago, Hawkeyethenoo said:

First thing I saw when it fired up. IT'S A F*CKING EV - THERE IS NOTHING TO BE SERVICED! ARRRGGGGHHHH! 

Oh they’ll create something for the stealers to do so they can earn/steal a crust from you.  

[Cavcraft]

9 hours ago, Bmwdumptruck said:

Oh they’ll create something for the stealers to do so they can earn/steal a crust from you.  

It's also 21,762 hours since he last had a hot drink.

[Hawkeyethenoo]

6 hours ago, Cavcraft said:

It's also 21,762 hours since he last had a hot drink.

Well spotted, somewhat parched me thinks! The service item in question is checking of the final drive oil and replacing that with fresh oil at 6000 miles I think. The nearest BMW dealer is 40 miles away in Dundee. Clarks who are sharks, the good news is that bike came with a bundled service plan so it won't cost me anything other than the time and leccy to get there and back. Planned for April. 

I was adjusting the Termoscud Pro fit again and decided to add the full winter side air-curtain which I'd left off previously. It helps keep things in place when on the move and offers more protection from the cold and wet weather which continues. Heated grips and seat does help on that front and they are set to on MAX all the time.  See that red tube, you inflate that like blowing up a balloon or into breathalizer and then close the valve to seal the air inside, works well. Makes getting off the bike a bit more tight for my right leg, but can still get either foot required out easily when I have to stop and only when I have to stop. 

[loserone]

On 19/12/2025 at 20:48, Hawkeyethenoo said:

Poor man's CT125. Coming Soon. 

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2025/december/ajs-imber-125/

Not coming anymore 

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2026/ajs-imber-production-cancelled-due-to-eu-regulation/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1773326247

 

[Cavcraft]

The lad doing my Fizzy discovered a couple of things. Firstly, why it didn't start...

It had been a while, hence why it looks like a 20 pints a night Tennent's Super drinker's piss.

The piston wasn't the best, either. This has done maybe 300 miles since it was fitted, along with the tune-up...

Next step is having the Athena kit fitted, and maybe another change of pipe. 

[Bren]

I went out on the busa on Tuesday. Throttle didn't feel right so I had a butcher's.

I noticed the upper cable - that closes - was binding. I oiled it and left it overnight - 

No cigar. Still binding. There's a reason for that - 

Snapped. I got on the phone to Robinsons in Canterbury. Throttle cables? No longer available.

Ebay came to the rescue. A pair of venhill cables for under £50.

The next owner will reap the benefit - sadly I find it uncomfortable to ride in my 50's. So it will be up for sale in next few weeks.

 

[martc]

Talking of servicing EV bikes, regular readers will remember that one of the Zero's belt adjustment blocks went AWOL. Well the replacement turned up and I fitted it yesterday. Of course the belt needed adjusting which is more complicated than it should really be....

The tension is adjusted in the same way as a chain - ie by turn the adjusters evenly, using markers on the swinging arm as a guide, until the correct tension is obtained using the special Gates 'Krikit' tool. But then you have to finely adjust the adjusters until there is a 1mm (yes 1mm) gap between the belt and the pulley rim. This involves a lot of turning the wheel several times, looking for the gap, adjusting, turning the wheel several times check the tension at different points on the belt. Adjust the tension, turn the wheel several times, check the gap. Tension. Gap. Tension. Gap. Until you finally get them both about right.

If you're up against the rim the edge of the belt wears and if you're too close to the other, rimless, side the belt can ride off. However, if they'd only made the pulley slightly wider you wouldn't need to fanny about looking for a 1mm clearance. This fine adjustment and no rim on the other side seems a safety oversight, which is a bit strange in the litigious USA.

Anyone else got a belt driven bike, is the rear pulley one sided?

As I mentioned in an earlier post the belt can be replaced without removing the swinging arm as the drive pulley is outside the swinging arm.

The belt is supposed to last at least 20,000 miles, I've done around 6,500. But they are not fool proof, stones catching in the teeth can break it and I have read about someone getting their back wheel stuck in a pothole and, when they opened the throttle to pull out of it, the wheel didn't turn fast enough to match the motor's pulley speed snapping the belt. I think I'll have a look at keep a new one as a spare.

[brandersnatch]

Double sided pulleys on Harley Davidsons. As long as they’re properly tensioned a belt should last many tens of thousands of miles. I’ve never had to replace a belt on any of mine. I sold my previous one on over 70k still on the original belt. 

[martc]

10 hours ago, brandersnatch said:

Double sided pulleys on Harley Davidsons. As long as they’re properly tensioned a belt should last many tens of thousands of miles. I’ve never had to replace a belt on any of mine. I sold my previous one on over 70k still on the original belt. 

A double sided pulley makes sense from a safety and adjustment point of view, and litigation... I've no idea why Zero opted for a single sided one.

[UltraWomble]

So Ive made the decision to flog the Royal Alloy - its not getting the use due to my change in job last year its too small for the miles I do.

After a bit of a hunt off and on for a couple of weeks I spotted this being advertised at £800 yesterday & paid £700 for it. Delivered today.

28K miles, but seems to be OK and straight.

Another Shitehawk, this will be my 3rd.

Not the fastest, but light, comfy and should do my 25 miles each way without grumbling

[Somerset Suffolk]

Auction Honda

 

At auction - looks lovely 

[Somerset Suffolk]

last seen in November and buried behind all this crap , junk cleared and nice ride out yester day to Sheppys Cider Taunton/Wellington with the Triumph Owners club - forgot to take pictures plus there was a fantastic Bristol 400 something in the car park - no pics of that either ! 

[Shandylegs]

Anyone have any experience of the K1200 or K1300R?

Enjoyed riding the TL1000 last year, but really struggled with the riding position. The K BMW's look much more upright, with a lower peg height. I know the looks are challenging and I'll get much more buffeting with there being no fairing, but I quite like them in an ugly duckling way!

Are they any good?

[Stinkwheel]

20 minutes ago, Shandylegs said:

Anyone have any experience of the K1200 or K1300R?

Enjoyed riding the TL1000 last year, but really struggled with the riding position. The K BMW's look much more upright, with a lower peg height. I know the looks are challenging and I'll get much more buffeting with there being no fairing, but I quite like them in an ugly duckling way!

Are they any good?

Only k1200 I’ve any experience with are the first of the K1200RS with the last of the  lay down flying brick type engine. As per below,

 

Dont know if you have any K series experience at all,  but these are like the ultimate revision of the K1100RS 16v. Stable, fast and relatively heavy.  Performance is more than adequate. They are better than the average road test of the time would have you believe in my opinion though. I absolutely detested the K1200LT tourer version, just toooo damn big. 
 

You probably mean the later bikes though 

[Shandylegs]

1 hour ago, Stinkwheel said:

Only k1200 I’ve any experience with are the first of the K1200RS with the last of the  lay down flying brick type engine. As per below,

 

Dont know if you have any K series experience at all,  but these are like the ultimate revision of the K1100RS 16v. Stable, fast and relatively heavy.  Performance is more than adequate. They are better than the average road test of the time would have you believe in my opinion though. I absolutely detested the K1200LT tourer version, just toooo damn big. 
 

You probably mean the later bikes though 

Cheers, but yes you're right, it's the later offerings from circa 2005 onwards yes across the frame four ala

[martc]

2 hours ago, Shandylegs said:

Anyone have any experience of the K1200 or K1300R?

Enjoyed riding the TL1000 last year, but really struggled with the riding position. The K BMW's look much more upright, with a lower peg height. I know the looks are challenging and I'll get much more buffeting with there being no fairing, but I quite like them in an ugly duckling way!

Are they any good?

I have no direct experience of the later ones, the ones with the cross frame engines, but I do know they were riddled with faults, including safety recalls. They are not BMW's finest hour.

Info from here - https://www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk/recall-type/vehicle/make . You can downloaded all the recalls as a spreadsheet.

The spreadsheet also has several entries as 'K Series', but it is not clear which series they are, but judging by most of the dates of recall I think they may be the more recent ones. The K1600, it's replacement, was an even bigger dog, and has plenty of it's own recalls. I won't bore you with snips of these, they're all on the spreadsheet.

An owners forum has a list of common faults for the K1300, beyond the recalls -

https://www.k-bikes.com/threads/all-k1300gt-known-issues.40209/

1) Hot start issue - faced by most owner after a gas stop - workaround is wait at least 15mins for bike to cool down a little. Possible causes and solutions:
a) under-dimensioned battery to starter wire which after heating changes its resistance and prevents the start. Solution: retrofit kit/supplemental harness code 16148549916 or 12418532735; sometimes a new improved starter relay is installed also
b) in some cases a new battery solves the issue (mainly a specific Odissey model)
c) some say latest ECU software solves or helps in solving it
d) others claim it's related to fuel quality; better fuel and cleaning (in the service) the throttle bodies/flaps

2) cam chain issues:
a) possible jump of chain could destroy the engine; a plastic jump-guard needs to be installed PLUS the re-designed tensioner;
b) another issue related to the 'gear which begins to come off the end of the cam and the cam mechanism falls apart due to a broken flange that the gear bolts onto' - is this so common, any workaround?!

3) Idle stall or during gear down-shift - solutions:
a) ECU software update - unfortunately this affects severely the engine braking
b) better fuel and cleaning (in the service) the throttle bodies/flaps
c) throttle sensor recalibration

4) Fuel leakage:
a) install new fuel pump flange (in some cases even new pump)
b) reinforce the old model fuel flange (DIY work)

5) Rear wheel aluminium flange cracks due to bolts over-tighten:
a) install new steel flange
b) keep using the aluminium one if it's in good state but carefully tighten bolts with dialed wrench and use locking compounds (although I think I read somewhere that Loctite does not get along well with aluminium)

6) Famous handlebar switches: failed left one won't allow using the indicators, winshield adjustment, cruise-control etc; when the right one fails the engine won't start.
a) apparently the issues are caused by some resin (which seals/isolates the 2 overlapped PCBs inside the switch) which melts after bike stayed too much in direct sun on a hot day - in some cases it helped to take the bike away from direct sun for some time. This also sounds similar to issue 1) - don't know if in case 1) the starter is activated but too 'weak' and in case 5) the starter is not engaged at all?! On-the-spot workaround is push-start the bike. Permanent solution - switches replacement.

7) sidecases - retaining straps on the pannier cover get weak and allow the cover to touch the ground after opening. A cable tie in the hole where the plastic tab goes will help in preventing the issue.

Final drive bearings failure:
a) final drive assembly replacement (very expensive)
b) final drive rebuild (some did it DIY successfully)

Brake fluid foaming issues (don't have too many details) - there is a recall for this also

9) clutch issues 'expensive to solve' - details here would be welcome

10) Stuck fuel gauge - fuel strip installation solves it?!

11) throttle on-off jerkiness (general issue faced by most modern fuel-injected bikes) - easily solved by installing booster-plug or similar devices. 

You can look here for a similar long list of faults with the K1200 -

https://www.k-bikes.com/threads/major-k-1200-r-problems.5662/

Full disclosure I've never been a fan of BMW motorbikes and I may be a bit biased, but I'd be looking elsewhere if  I where you...

PS I did know someone with a K75 and that was actually a very decent bike.

[AltheJazzman]

This is now for sale, anybody here interested? I could be completely wrong on the price too, so I'm open to feedback. Here's my eBay listing: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/227241676334

So I've replaced loads of missing bits on the Suzuki since buying it:

• That unusually complicated gear linkage
• A front mudguard that actually extends low enough to stop the engine and my feet getting covered in road spray
• Engine badges
• Speedometer cover
• Found a suitable luggage rack too.

So I took it on a decently long journey - to see my Grandad, an overnight with a mate, a ride to Loomies bike cafe the next day, and back home again. All in, about 200 miles. First problem: I ran out of petrol because I had misjudged when I reset the trip meter and didn't know if the vacuum fuel tap worked properly. Fortunately I broke down pushing distance from a garage in a major town, not in the middle of the countryside!

Secondly, the clutch started to slip, but would still work sufficiently, so I carried on. I tried to adjust it at my mate's house, but it didn't make any difference. I was still confident I was going to make it home, but climbing the long hill from junction 10 to 9 on the M25 I lost all drive, and had to wait to be recovered home.

When I next had a chance, I tried adjusting the cable and pushrod but nothing made any difference. I still haven't had time to pull it all apart and investigate, but I did make it prettier:

• Sanded and painted some of the frame tubes where it was chipped and starting to rust
• Removed the tank badges, sprayed them black, and wiped off the surface leaving a nice infill in the outlines
• Polished the chrome

[5speedracer]

Took the Benelli TRK702 out of the garage on Sat, set the tyre pressures and started it. All good so far but the amount of salt on the road is disgraceful, there is a roundabout not far that must have at least 1.5cm of salt piled up against the inside kerb. The bike is not going out for a ride until it rains a bit (lot) to wash the roads.

[Bren]

These arrived today for the busa. Hopefully make a start later on.

[Bren]

On 17/03/2026 at 13:18, Bren said:

These arrived today for the busa. Hopefully make a start later on.

Fitted. Normal service resumed.

Question - anybody know much about Ducati streetfighter?

[5speedracer]

14 hours ago, Bren said:

Fitted. Normal service resumed.

Question - anybody know much about Ducati streetfighter?

They haven't been short of "Streetfighter" models over the years. https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/ducati/streetfighter/

I presume like any Ducati, history is king.

[Cavcraft]

On 15/03/2026 at 17:23, AltheJazzman said:

This is now for sale, anybody here interested? I could be completely wrong on the price too, so I'm open to feedback. Here's my eBay listing: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/227241676334

So I've replaced loads of missing bits on the Suzuki since buying it:

• That unusually complicated gear linkage
• A front mudguard that actually extends low enough to stop the engine and my feet getting covered in road spray
• Engine badges
• Speedometer cover
• Found a suitable luggage rack too.

So I took it on a decently long journey - to see my Grandad, an overnight with a mate, a ride to Loomies bike cafe the next day, and back home again. All in, about 200 miles. First problem: I ran out of petrol because I had misjudged when I reset the trip meter and didn't know if the vacuum fuel tap worked properly. Fortunately I broke down pushing distance from a garage in a major town, not in the middle of the countryside!

Secondly, the clutch started to slip, but would still work sufficiently, so I carried on. I tried to adjust it at my mate's house, but it didn't make any difference. I was still confident I was going to make it home, but climbing the long hill from junction 10 to 9 on the M25 I lost all drive, and had to wait to be recovered home.

When I next had a chance, I tried adjusting the cable and pushrod but nothing made any difference. I still haven't had time to pull it all apart and investigate, but I did make it prettier:

• Sanded and painted some of the frame tubes where it was chipped and starting to rust
• Removed the tank badges, sprayed them black, and wiped off the surface leaving a nice infill in the outlines
• Polished the chrome

That SR is ace, but the exhaust and the fact it's an import will put some people off.

[AltheJazzman]

On 3/19/2026 at 9:10 AM, Cavcraft said:

That SR is ace, but the exhaust and the fact it's an import will put some people off.

That's useful to know, thanks. The exhaust silencer is a necessity as the originals aren't available, but the aftermarket downpipe is quite desirable. I think I'm going auction it as it's getting in the way.

[Stinkwheel]

5 minutes ago, AltheJazzman said:

That's useful to know, thanks. The exhaust silencer is a necessity as the originals aren't available, but the aftermarket downpipe is quite desirable. I think I'm going auction it as it's getting in the way.

To be honest your SR250 would be perfect for my dad. Only problem is now he is a poor pensioner he can’t do a purchase outright but would be looking to swap his Honda CB400N - don’t suppose you want a 400 Superdream at all do you? 

[UltraWomble]

On 15/03/2026 at 17:23, AltheJazzman said:

This is now for sale, anybody here interested? I could be completely wrong on the price too, so I'm open to feedback

Looks ace. About a week too late for me as I've filled that local commuter 250 gap with the Shitehawk. 

I'm going to get the RA MOTd on Monday then will probably put it up for sale for a bag or thereabouts. 

I like it a lot but it's not turned a wheel since last November and is too small for the trip to and from work so really can't justify keeping it as a shed ornament 

 

[AltheJazzman]

24 minutes ago, Stinkwheel said:

To be honest your SR250 would be perfect for my dad. Only problem is now he is a poor pensioner he can’t do a purchase outright but would be looking to swap his Honda CB400N - don’t suppose you want a 400 Superdream at all do you? 

I definitely don't need more bikes, but thanks for the offer.

[Cavcraft]

On 20/03/2026 at 12:22, UltraWomble said:

Looks ace. About a week too late for me as I've filled that local commuter 250 gap with the Shitehawk. 

I'm going to get the RA MOTd on Monday then will probably put it up for sale for a bag or thereabouts. 

I like it a lot but it's not turned a wheel since last November and is too small for the trip to and from work so really can't justify keeping it as a shed ornament 

 

That is surely well worth a G, M.  My mate has an absolutely dog rough one he's after £800 for and it looks like it's done about 3,000,000 miles most of which along the bottom of the Manchester Ship Canal.