A fully international flavour to the week at mono motorcycles. The Italian’s made their presence known, with a Ducati Monster M600 & Aprilia RSV 1000 turning up the volume in the workshop. A Kawasaki Z1000, Yamaha YZF125R, Yamaha DT125, Suzuki GS125 & Harley Sportster; added another layer to the international themed week at mono motorcycles.

We started the week with an urgent call from a friend of mono motorcycles, regarding an issue with an exhaust on a Yamaha YZF 125 R. In the process of trying to fit a new exhaust elsewhere, a bolt had been sheared off. mono motorcycles managed to get the motorcycle in to the workshop first thing Monday morning & within the hour, Daniel Morris had fitted the new exhaust.

Our weekly review continues with two Italian motorcycles which have both not been ridden in some years. The Aprilia RSV 1000 has been garaged for 6 years & the Ducati Monster M600, for 5 years.

The Aprilia RSV 1000 was brought to mono motorcycles for ignition switch failure, a full service & MOT. Once the wiring had been addressed, the full service allowed Daniel Morris of mono motorcycles to ensure there were no other underlying issues. When a motorcycle has stood for so long, it is essential to complete full safety checks before returning to the customer.

With the service complete, the Aprilia was ridden to the MOT station & passed with flying colours. The only advisory noted was the age of the tyres, as they were dated 26/09. As the tyres were 8 years old, it is always advisable to change them, as the rubber compound deteriorates over time. 

The Ducati Monster M600, was brought to mono motorcycles after having been sat for 5 years! Her owner, who has an eclectic selection of other motorcycles, was very keen to get the Ducati back on the road.

Once Daniel Morris had stripped the Ducati, he set about bleeding the clutch through, as it was unresponsive. As the Ducati had been sat for so long, the fluid was almost black when it was bled through.

Clutch fluid & brake fluid should be replaced every two years. Brake fluid is hydroscopic & therefore absorbs water. If the fluid is left too long, it will break down & become ineffective.  The same applies for clutch fluid.

Once the clutch was bled through, the carbs were ultrasonically cleaned to remove the old fuel,  which had gone off in the tank & to remove any residual debris.

With a new battery fitted, new cambelts, full service & new fuel running through her veins, the Ducati, with some initial hesitance, growled into life. To make the moment even more exciting, our customer had popped in on route to work & witnessed her breathe once again, after being sat for 5 long & quiet years.

Once the exhausts have been changed & the MOT next week, the Ducati Monster M600 will be going home.

Our Italian contingent, were joined by an international group of other motorcycles this week.

The Kawasaki Z1000, which was brought to mono motorcycles for clutch & gear box issues, was stripped & prepped in a day by Daniel Morris.

Once the engine was apart & the gear box removed, it was found to have wear on the selector forks & some wear to the edge of the gears. Having consulted with our customer & given him three options for rebuilding the gear box; he decided to go with all new components.

With some of the gearing being sourced from America & other parts in Europe, we now await the parts to be able to bring the Kawasaki round from her sheltered snooze in our workshop.

Yamaha joined us again at mono motorcycles in the shape of a DT125. The 2 stroke Supermoto was originally brought to mono motorcycles, as the indicators didn’t work. When Daniel Morris had undertaken a full pre-MOT assessment; it was discovered that a few more issues would have prevented it getting through the MOT.

The Yamaha DT125 had some extensive rewiring undertaken, to ensure all of the electrical circuits were functioning. The exhaust had it’s front gaskets replaced,  head stock bearings were replaced , missing bolts replaced, front brake sorted & NOW she is ready for an MOT.

If you are unsure about the expectations of a motorcycles MOT, it is always advisable to speak to a professional.

Suzuki came to the mono motorcycles international week ins the shape of a GS125. A regular customer of mono motorcycles, the GS was in need of some new tyres, a new battery & the front brake light switch was rewired.

The American flavour of the week was in the shape of a Harley Sportster 883. The Sportster’s owner asked mono motorcycles to undertake a full machine detail for the Sportster. With the un-seasonal rain appearing mid week, the GTECHNIQ Ceramic Seal worked it’s magic & the water simply beaded of the paint work.

Our next breakfast club is only a few weeks away & Katy is still gathering a Classic Motorcycle display to go alongside the collection for SERV Wessex Blood Runners. Our August breakfast club, is Sunday 26th August 8.30-11.30am.

For all your motorcycling needs contact Daniel or Katy on 01243 576212 / 07899 654446 or contact us through our contact page.