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Eight steps for off-road readiness
By Daryll Young on 25/10/2007 14:40:33
Have you off-road machine ready to get dirty with this quick guide
1 Release the pinch bolts and set the bars so they're in a comfortable position when standing up. Re-tighten by nipping the bolts up, then torquing to the correct setting.2 Ditto the brake and clutch levers, and brush guards, if fitted. Don't over-tighten though - the levers and...
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12 steps to fitting new tyres
By Daryll Young on 22/11/2010 16:21:59
Avoid the labour costs and follow these 12 easy steps to change your own tyres
NB: Before starting read the in depth guide to tyre changing here to find out what you need1 Get your wheels out and check the direction of rotation. If there aren't rotation marks on the wheel itself, stick a bit of tape on it and mark the direction with an arrow.2 Position the ...
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D.I.Y: Removing bodywork
By Daryll Young on 25/08/2010 13:28:44
Removing bodywork sounds like a simple task but it can frustrate and confuse. Here's how to do it the easy way
a fuel tap make sure it's in the 'Off' position before removing the fuel lines. Most fuel injected machines are fitted with quick release fittings, removed by depressing a metal tab and pulling apart the two lines. Be careful not to damage the rubber
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D.I.Y: Wheel Removal
By Daryll Young on 10/11/2010 16:02:24
Cheap mail order tyres are all very well, but the cost of getting them fitted can offset the saving. By taking loose wheels to your local dealer you can slash the labour charge and be quids in. Here's how to get 'em out
.First thing to do is loosen off the front spindle pinch bolts (if you have them), the spindles themselves and the caliper bolts BEFORE putting the machine up on its stand(s). You don't want to be heaving with all your might on an over-tight spindle nut while
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D.I.Y: Tyre Change
By Daryll Young on 23/11/2010 09:39:08
Does your bike eat tyres for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea? Save time and money by fitting them yourself. Here's how to do it
machine and an all-singing, all-dancing wheel balancer, but the only tools you need are a bead breaker, some tyre levers and a basic static wheel balancer; abba offer a Tyre Change Package that includes all the relevant tools for £168.85.Once you have
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D.I.Y: Off-road preparation
By Daryll Young on 25/10/2007 20:12:38
Fettling a dirt bike ready for off-road fun isn't hard, but requires a dash of specialist knowledge. So here it is
bikes, the majority of off-road machines will have a foam air filter fitted. Almost all of these are washable, so replacement is rarely necessary. Regular washing and re-oiling is essential though, and must be done after every muddy or dusty ride
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D.I.Y: Help your carbs breath more easily
By Daryll Young on 29/10/2007 20:12:03
Is your carbed bike wheezing like a 60-a-day smoker after a 100m dash? Here's how to make your bike breathe more easily
-injection has really become common on bikes, so if you are looking at buying an older machine the chances are it will have carbs, and they may well need cleaning - especially if the bike has been off the road for a long period of time.Because it's a fiddly
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D.I.Y: Brake Maintenance
By Daryll Young on 10/11/2010 09:20:08
It's no good having the fastest bike in the world if you can't stop it when you need to. Brake maintenance is essential - here's how to change your own brake pads
Click here 10 Quick steps to changing brake padsBuy a brand new bike and you can put thoughts of changing consumables such as brake pads, chains and sprockets out of your mind for a good few thousand miles.But buy a second-hand machine
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D.I.Y: Pre-MoT check
By Daryll Young on 25/11/2010 11:19:40
It's a waste of time and money to fail an MoT on something you could have sorted yourself. Avoid it happening with a pre-MoT once-over
at the very back of the machine, hold each end of the wheel spindle firmly and move from side-to-side to check for play in the swingarm pivot bushes. Check the rear shock(s) for signs of leakage. Make sure the chain isn't too tight or loose
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D.I.Y: Sort electrical problems
By Daryll Young on 10/11/2010 11:55:57
For some the thought of tackling the most basic of electrical problems can be daunting
. Accessories such as heated clothing or even a higher-wattage headlight bulb could be the cause. Disconnect or remove suspect items and see if the problem goes away. Most modern machines are fitted with an electrical system capable of supporting a whole host
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