Recent content by Paul Sutton

Today it is fine but a little cool in Wales UK: I made my trip to the Elan Valley's lower dam - Approximately a 170 mile round trip. Not a drop of rain was seen, unlike Yesterday.

The weather did not hold out. I ran into rain near Merthyr and only went as far as Pen-y-Fan. It is quite common to be fine in Cardiff and wet when you get up into the hills and valleys.

Cardiff Wales UK: Blue sky today but a cool wind. I gave the Virago an oil change so ready for tomorrow's blue sky. I used a 20w50 but hope someone can suggest something better?

Did a little search and found the following: You have to use non synthetic dextron II, the synthetic dex III will not mix at all with acetone. Another person suggested adding a Basil Leaf.

Try changing gears on a little ride, say a 100 metre ride. After being stored for so long it will take a little time for the clutch to free up completely. The alternative would be to sit on the bike while on centre stand with engine running and change through the gears with a slight load on the...

On the gear selector star behind the clutch assembly there are two springs. If these break, as they do, does this prevent gears 2 to 5 from being selected, or does it just result in the gear jumping out unpredictably?

Just an observation: NGK plugs have a shiny metal plating to help release the threads when unscrewing. When heated the plating burns away as you commonly see on the ground electrode. Photo taken from Entry #8: The plating is heat stained/burnt halfway up the threaded region. This is an...

There are several available washer sizes and these are referred to as "Forms". The "M3 Form A Washer" is the one with the 0.5mm thickness. M3 Form A Internal Diameter - 3.2mm Outside Diameter - 7mm Thickness - 0.5mm

With engine running spray WD40 or Carb Cleaner carefully around the carbs to locate any leaks, especially around the rubber boots where the carbs connect to the intake ports. The WD40 or Carb Cleaner will temporarily seal a fine leak or get sucked in and burnt as extra fuel. The engine with...

I went to get my bike MOT today and decided to wear my old open face helmet for the first time in years. It was really strange wearing it and seemed a part of me was missing. On the return ride my brain had already re-adjusted and the helmet felt great with all that open space...:hump:

Member "Teecat" did a single carb conversion way back. If you search his name you will find his discussion. His issue was fitting the single carb with the frame in the way. Not an issue for you, just make sure you create enough space when modifying the frame. Try the following link...

I think "Plastic Jesus" is a good summary...:thumbsup:

For years I rode in jeans and a light shower proof coat. I invested in boots because an A&E nurse told me that foot/ankle injuries where very common. I wore leather gloves because that just seemed sensible. Now I wear bike gear with shoulder, elbow, hip and knee pads because these pointy parts...

Welcome...:hump: There is no shame in making a hardtail. In fact there are a couple of "very" regulars to this website who are currently working on highly modified XS bikes. The XS engine is one of the best looking for building hardtails/Boppers/Choppers. Is the engine currently working...

This Winter has been so wet in Cardiff Wales that I found a few drops of water in the carb bowls. Also, the damp lead to all the cables being tight, especially the throttle, so spent some time forcing a 50/50 oil/petrol down them. It's still raining and we are at the end of March. Wish I had a...