[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Twincam

Congratulations

Are you still restricted or can you ride her yet?

I'm on a restricted licence for 2 years but can ride her again now she has an MOT (it ran out on Sunday).. I seem to have cured the cutting out problem (fingers crossed) by removing the fuel pump until a new one arrives.. the fuel tank is currently connected directly to the carbs.. I know its not perfect but at least she is running.. I just have to remember to turn off my fuel at the tap whenever I stop or it will drain away thru the carbs as she is temporarily gravity fed..

[Twincam]

Im surprised you never went for the Direct Access (DAS) test, but when my son turns 17 he will be doing the same test as you, and like yourself probably buying a Honda (Either a 125 or a 400 with a 33BHP restrictor kit)

The gravity fed way of eliminating the fuel pump is becoming common now, how does it hold up when riding at high revs? Im just thinking whether a vacuum is formed as you ride pulling the fuel through quicker? Or does it just flow when ever it wants?

[LoopyLee]

I did do direct access last May, but found the weight of the 500cc bike too much for me on only my 2nd day of riding a bike.. I couldnt get to grips with the weight that fast and had no confidence in my ability to ride it.. I was terrified I was going to drop it and that knocked the little bit of confidance I had gained the previous day on the 125cc out of me.. So I went sensible and decided to go the 125 test route and be restricted for 2 years.. I dont mind as at least I passed my test and can still ride a bigger bike....

I have no idea how my Blade is going to be at high revs.. I only took the fuel pump out on Sunday and apart from riding round the block a few times on Sunday I have not ridden her any distance... The MOT ran out on Sunday and I have not been able to ride her until today once she had her new MOT..

I suppose the test will be how she manages when I ride her out to work for the 1st time.. possibly tomorrow or Saturday...

I'm absolutely gagging to ride her but need him indoors to be at home just in case she stops on me so he can come and rescue me!!!!!

[Surffrog]

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

my baby just sailed through her MOT.. woohoo

Congratulations Loopy. It's always a nice feeling to know that when you leave the test centre you don't have to dash around looking for parts

[Surffrog]

Originally Posted by Twincam

What do they actually test over there? For bikes it costs £27.15 and for cars is just under double that.

Well to be fair, Twin, they test very little. A little man comes along with the widest eyes you've ever seen - you've just made his day. Most of the time he tests Honda 50s, 70, 110s, 125s and, more often these days, CBR150s.
So, unless a bulb or the horn isn't working, you are going to pass. However, you will have to put up with him revving it up a fair bit under the pretext that he's warming it up for the gas analyser. They've always taken my bike straight in, so it's warm already... I guess he just likes the sound.

So, the list of things they check:

Chassis and engine numbers (If they don't match the book you won't get a pass - so they say)
All lights (including the brake lights)
The horn
The emissions (well, they stick the analyser up her pipe, but they must have it set-up for factory chimneys)
And that's it. He doesn't even visually inspect the brakes or tyres

[Surffrog]

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

I have no idea how my Blade is going to be at high revs.. I only took the fuel pump out on Sunday and apart from riding round the block a few times on Sunday I have not ridden her any distance... The MOT ran out on Sunday and I have not been able to ride her until today once she had her new MOT..

I suppose the test will be how she manages when I ride her out to work for the 1st time.. possibly tomorrow or Saturday...

I'm absolutely gagging to ride her but need him indoors to be at home just in case she stops on me so he can come and rescue me!!!!!

So, what's wrong with the fuel pump? I'm guessing it needs something more than just a quick rap with a hammer? They're pretty simple beasts though and a lot of the time they can be coaxed back into life with a good clean and blow through with compressed air.

Even though it runs without it, I personally wouldn't feel too comfortable knowing there's the possibility of flooding. That said, as long as you've got your knight in shining white armour (or whatever colour his leathers are) lying in wait to rescue you from the Demons of Poor Reliability and sweep you (once more) off your feet, then all should be well.

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Surffrog

So, what's wrong with the fuel pump? I'm guessing it needs something more than just a quick rap with a hammer? They're pretty simple beasts though and a lot of the time they can be coaxed back into life with a good clean and blow through with compressed air.

Even though it runs without it, I personally wouldn't feel too comfortable knowing there's the possibility of flooding. That said, as long as you've got your knight in shining white armour (or whatever colour his leathers are) lying in wait to rescue you from the Demons of Poor Reliability and sweep you (once more) off your feet, then all should be well.

Ermm... Surffrog are you sure you havent been reading those romantic novels again?!?

My knight in shining armour wears a black or grey jacket and black laced strides.. (well.. when I'm not wearing the trousers that is, luckily we take the same size and as i've ridden through the winter I've needed them more than him!!!) but he does drive a big white van!!!! (He's one of those white van men we hear so much about!!!)

He reckons he more like a knight in rusty armour wielding an oil can!!!!

[Twincam]

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

He reckons he more like a knight in rusty armour wielding an oil can!!!!

Sounds like something my wife would call me

[Surffrog]

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

Ermm... Surffrog are you sure you havent been reading those romantic novels again?!?

My knight in shining armour wears a black or grey jacket and black laced strides.. (well.. when I'm not wearing the trousers that is, luckily we take the same size and as i've ridden through the winter I've needed them more than him!!!) but he does drive a big white van!!!! (He's one of those white van men we hear so much about!!!)

He reckons he more like a knight in rusty armour wielding an oil can!!!!

Nobody can bring a man down to size like a woman! Btw, goes your husband post on the forum?

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Surffrog

Nobody can bring a man down to size like a woman! Btw, goes your husband post on the forum?

Yes, he's Sideshow Bob...

[Lush_Puppy]

Hello! iv had such a laugh reading your posts! First day of being a member and I'm a complete and utter novice. I'm *extremely* interested in buying a bike as I dont have one yet. I've wanted one for years but never had the capital but now im all big and grown up I do! So I've been researching for a long while and have decided on a cbr 400 for my first bike. My only worry was would it be suitable. To be honest I've no interest in a 125 and only moderately in a 250. Heard the 400 has a low seat and would be suitable for a novice like me. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Also, im a lady

[Twincam]

Lush, Loopy is your woman! Loopy....?

[Lush_Puppy]

yeah i saw that! very impressed. shes definitely in need of a !! im itching to get one id almost sell my left kidney.

[Surffrog]

Originally Posted by Lush_Puppy

yeah i saw that! very impressed. shes definitely in need of a !! im itching to get one id almost sell my left kidney.

Well, I don't think you need to go that far. But they are a great first bike. There's power available (certainly enough to get you into trouble if you're silly with it), but it is controllable. The ride height is low, the size of the bike is good for shorter people, they're certainly easier to control than the bigger bikes, yet they prepare you well to be able to handle those better when the time comes.

If looked after, they're pretty reliable as day to day transport. Mine's nearly (if not already) 17 years old and I DO use it everyday.

[Lush_Puppy]

sold sold and sold!! so can i do the trainer course without owning a bike or do i have to buy it first? Im in ireland but im pretty sure the training system is the same as in england . .

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Lush_Puppy

Hello! iv had such a laugh reading your posts! First day of being a member and I'm a complete and utter novice. I'm *extremely* interested in buying a bike as I dont have one yet. I've wanted one for years but never had the capital but now im all big and grown up I do! So I've been researching for a long while and have decided on a cbr 400 for my first bike. My only worry was would it be suitable. To be honest I've no interest in a 125 and only moderately in a 250. Heard the 400 has a low seat and would be suitable for a novice like me. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Also, im a lady

Hiya.. and to the forum.......

The CBR400 is perfect for us girlies (and those who are new to biking and short people!!!).. I spent time deciding which bike I wanted as well, height and weight were things I had to consider as well as fact that I'm new to bike riding.. I'm only 5'4" and under 8 stone and can manage her perfectly... the seat height is low enough for me to put both feet flat on the floor, the power is perfect for a new rider and very easy to control as Surffrog said.. the shorter length and lower center of gravity makes for nice cornering.. accelleration is good as I found out on my way home yesterday..

Parts are fairly easy to come by, I have found a firm in the UK which does practically everything for Evie, they may have to order things in sometimes as they dont carry them as normal stock but they are still available.. Plus there is always ebay and I have found a breakers which does parts at VERY reasonable prices (I got original airducts, in silver just as I wanted for £10 )

When you go looking at bikes take someone with you who knows a bit about bikes, your dad sound like he might be a good bet, to give it a good look over.. As most of them are older now, mines 16 years old, check everything, make sure you hear her running and see if the owner will let you, or the person with you, take it for a test run. As you have seen from my posts on the site I have had problems with my fuel pump, which didnt show up on the test run.. Sometimes things like intermittant faults dont show up when you first look at a bike but its sorted enough for her to run while I wait for payday and my new fuel pump and relay.. Make sure you buy a manual for your bike so if anything does go wrong you can try to figure out what the problem is.. plus you can post a plea for help on here, we are full to the brim with helpfullness

Cost wise Baby Blades are going here in the UK for between £1200 and £1600 at the moment, I paid £1390 for mine.. Dont forget though that the prices are going to start going up now as summer is just round the corner (it happens every year).. I bought mine while the weather was still fairly cr*p and I think I got her for a good price..
Dont buy the first one you see, if there is anything wrong with it, just because you want one.. It took me about 4-5 weeks to find one which was in pretty good nick and the right sort of price.. Take your time and be patient (something i'm not good at!!!) and you will find the right bike for you.. Good luck..

I will post a photo of her later in the photo thread.. She's not perfect (yet) but she's my baby and I her..

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Lush_Puppy

sold sold and sold!! so can i do the trainer course without owning a bike or do i have to buy it first? Im in ireland but im pretty sure the training system is the same as in england . .

Presuming its the same in Ireland, you will need to do the CBT and bike test to ride a CBR400.. Check out your local training schools and see what courses they offer.. If they do the 5 day intensive courses with the test at the end that is one option, either on a 125 or the 500cc Direct Access Course.. or you could take your CBT and get a 125 and ride for a few months and then take your test (bearing in mind bike test is getting harder from October this year)... Only you will know whats best for you..

[Surffrog]

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

When you go looking at bikes take someone with you who knows a bit about bikes, your dad sound like he might be a good bet, to give it a good look over.. As most of them are older now, mines 16 years old, check everything, make sure you hear her running and see if the owner will let you, or the person with you, take it for a test run. As you have seen from my posts on the site I have had problems with my fuel pump, which didnt show up on the test run.. Sometimes things like intermittant faults dont show up when you first look at a bike but its sorted enough for her to run while I wait for payday and my new fuel pump and relay.. Make sure you buy a manual for your bike so if anything does go wrong you can try to figure out what the problem is.. plus you can post a plea for help on here, we are full to the brim with helpfullness

Cost wise Baby Blades are going here in the UK for between £1200 and £1600 at the moment, I paid £1390 for mine.. Dont forget though that the prices are going to start going up now as summer is just round the corner (it happens every year).. I bought mine while the weather was still fairly cr*p and I think I got her for a good price..
Dont buy the first one you see, if there is anything wrong with it, just because you want one.. It took me about 4-5 weeks to find one which was in pretty good nick and the right sort of price.. Take your time and be patient (something i'm not good at!!!) and you will find the right bike for you.. Good luck..

I will post a photo of her later in the photo thread.. She's not perfect (yet) but she's my baby and I her..

Basically everything Loopy Lee said is spot on. But if I could just add one or two things:

Check the tyres. Is the rear tyre bald down the middle? If so, they do burnouts, which puts a lot of strain on the clutch and drivetrain, not to mention the engine. Walk away.

Tell whoever it is whose selling the bike that you want to hear it warm up from cold. When you get there, put your hand on the engine. Is it warm? If so, they maybe trying to hide a big end bearing knock.

Another good way to tell if they've started it before you get there (and you should do this anyway) is to check the dip stick. Undo it, wipe it down then just place it back in without screwing it in. This is the way to check the oil on them. Don't screw it back in and then pull it out to check. Rub the oil from the stick between your fingers. Does it feel gritty? If so, walk away. If, doing everything correctly, the oil still doesn't show up on the stick for a couple of minutes, you know they've pre-started it.

If, after a couple of minutes more the oil still doesn't show, walk away. They don't look after it.

Get them to take off the radiator cap and then start her up. While this is happening, listen to the engine for any unusual knocking or whining noises. Obviously, any knocking will mean expensive repairs - walk away.

When the bike's idling, is there a rusty scum rising to the surface or lots of little bubbles when you rev it up? If so, the head gasket's going to need replacing. Walk away.

If all else is good, check the chain. Is it clean? This is something a lot of people can't be bothered with because it's by its very nature a dirty job. If it's dirty, it will give you an indication as to how the bike has been treated. If they can't be bothered to clean the chain, what else couldn't they be bothered to do?
Hope this helps and good luck!

[Surffrog]

Oh, btw, I forgot to say that it took me a year and half to find a decent one in Thailand. But then I only spent about £800 buying it

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by Surffrog

If all else is good, check the chain. Is it clean? This is something a lot of people can't be bothered with because it's by its very nature a dirty job. If it's dirty, it will give you an indication as to how the bike has been treated. If they can't be bothered to clean the chain, what else couldn't they be bothered to do?
Hope this helps and good luck!

I knew my bike probably hadnt had its chain looked for at least 6 months when I bought it.. It had stood outside, unused.. Oiling the chain was one of the 1st things I did to her when I got home.. When I have the available cash I will be buying and fitting a Scotoiler to her..

[LoopyLee]

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

I will post a photo of her later in the photo thread.. She's not perfect (yet) but she's my baby and I her..

Photos posted ..

[Lush_Puppy]

ye have been a world of help thanks so much! i love ur bike by the way loopy, im very jealous !! im gona do some more research into training schools locally and hopefully il have good news to report back im so glad theres a cbr 400 forum, woo!

[LoopyLee]

I'm glad there's a specific forum for the baby blade as well.. I asked about one a few weeks ago and was told if there was enough interest they may start one up.. obviously there is the interest there

I'm glad we have been of help to you.. we do our best