2012

Year: 2012

Month: ALL

Do I really need a motorcycle alarm?

02 February 2012 by MCN

Q. My insurance policy is demanding an alarm is fitted to my Suzuki GSX-R750 but I’m no fan of them as, in my experience, they always seem to go wrong, drain the battery and no one takes any notice of...

How long will my helmet last?

02 February 2012 by MCN

Q. My crash helmet is a few years old but remains very comfortable. It was in absolutely tip-top condition until it rolled off the petrol tank a little while ago onto the petrol station forecourt’s...

Boot review: Sidi Vertigo Gore-Tex

26 January 2012 by Liam Marsden

Sidi Vertigo Gore-Tex boots, from £207 at www.mcnshop.com Miles covered/time: 15,000/four years What’s good: These boots have seen four winters and many more miles in mostly terrible weather (and...

Can I replace BMW R1200R tyre pressure sensors?

26 January 2012 by MCN

Q. I have recently bought a 2008 BMW R1200R which has the tyre pressure sensors fitted. I am not keen on the sensors and have a couple of queries regarding them. Can I have normal rubber type tyre...

Can magnesium wheels be powdercoated?

26 January 2012 by MCN

Q. Is it possible to powdercoat the wheels on my 2005 Aprilia Tuono Factory? A mate told me they can’t be done because they are magnesium. Airm8, MCN forums A. Magnesium wheels weigh 30% less than...

Best tyres for a CCM FT35

20 January 2012 by MCN

Q. I have a CCM FT35-S, the 400cc Suzuki-engined supermoto with a 120/70 x 17 front tyre and a 150/70 x 17 rear. What choices do I have in replacement rubber? Nick Scarr, email A. First off, the...

How long will my leathers last?

20 January 2012 by MCN

Q. We all know that manufacturers put a life expectancy on helmets of roughly five years but is there a life expectancy on leathers? I know we should replace any kit if it has been involved in a high...

Death of home servicing?

20 January 2012 by MCN

Q. I own a 2008 Yamaha Fazer 600S2 which I plan on keeping for a few years. I like to do my own maintenance, but the bike has electronic fuel injection, ECU and a factory immobilizer, which is all...

Nicked for a bike in bits

20 January 2012 by MCN

Q. I have just received a fixed penalty notice for my Yamaha XJR1300, the bike is still taxed, but it’s been in bits since July so I let the insurance lapse. I thought that if the bike was taxed you...

Why is my GSX-R750 running wide?

11 January 2012 by MCN

I’ve got a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R750 which I love the look and power of. The problem is that when I open the throttle up in the second part of a corner while the bike is still cranked over, it starts to...

Why is my Kawasaki VN800 Classic not starting?

11 January 2012 by MCN

I’ve had a Kawasaki VN800 Classic for over 15 months now, and it had been running beautifully every day until a few months ago when it would just not start on the button, clicking loudly instead. I...

Best way to paint Hornet’s wheels

11 January 2012 by MCN

My wheels are looking a bit tatty on my Hornet and I’m considering spraying them myself. However the wheels take a lot of crap from the road and I am worried it won’t be durable. Cairnsie13, MCN...

Do I need special tool to remove Fireblade swingarm?

11 January 2012 by MCN

I am going to take the swingarm off my Honda Fireblade RRX so that I can get it polished but I have read in the Haynes manual that I require a special tool to refit the swingarm pivot bolt/nut. Is...

Which bobbins for my Kawasaki Z1000SX?

03 January 2012 by MCN

Q. I’ve got a Kawasaki Z1000SX and I’m looking at getting a paddock stand for it. Rather than one that lifts it at the rear wheel spindle, I want to use the two threaded holes in the swingarm and two...