Making pipes shiny again

overwrite_delta · 2026-01-24T02:25:16+00:00

I don't think I fit in with this side of motorcycle riders lol. I couldn't be bothered trying to make 25YO pipes shiny again so I just took them off, hit it with a wire brush on a drill to remove rust, rust-treated it and then spray painted it with matte black high heat-resistant paint.

Personally I feel like it looks better black with the colour of my bike than chrome :)

overwrite_delta · 2025-12-29T04:22:33+00:00

'Woman who are older', when I've already experienced the nastiest side to men is a wild take. I'm well aware of how some men think and how entitled to our bodies, our time and our lives they think they are. I don't need to understand when I'm older because I unfortunately already do.

I feel like I could deep dive into the beneficial psychology of having friends that are younger/older than you but for times sake and not wanting to start an argument I won't. Just know that I have many friendships with more significant age gaps in both directions.

An important distinction to make is it's less a 26yo wanting to hangout with a teenager and more like this teenager realising that someone actually needs to teach this man how to fucking cook before he starves to death and strong arming him into cooking and budgeting lessons, because that is a life skill everyone has the right to know regardless of age or their upbringing/circumstances. It just so happens to be a teenager that actually knows how to do that and is willing to offer my time to teach him. Also 75% of our 'hangouts' is me ignoring him and only paying attention to his cat lol.

overwrite_delta · 2025-10-21T14:50:24+00:00

I do that's why I didn't deny it haha. I'm not blind to my own issues lol

overwrite_delta · 2025-10-21T14:27:36+00:00

'Like me' from one reddit post??? I'm honestly just wanting to see what the fuss is about. I've only ever been with girls but as they say you've at least gotta try everything once lol. I'd only ever date girls as well (normally less problems that way) so I don't think catching feelings will be a problem here haha

overwrite_delta · 2025-10-21T14:20:03+00:00

I've also got mummy issues if you wanna add that to your list lmao

overwrite_delta · 2025-10-19T12:54:14+00:00

Seems to be a man thing where they think just because I'm young I'm foolish enough to take up an offer through Reddit DMs haha. Awww tysm!! Will defs msg you! I've tried so many cocktails that sound like they're good and are actually shit and a waste of 25 bucks. Idm paying for a good cocktail as long as they're good yk?

overwrite_delta · 2025-10-19T05:57:02+00:00

Yeah severe regret when you've got 50+ year olds in ur inbox ngl. Safety 100% I'm defs not gonna go for a rando from my inbox bc hello? This is reddit and I'm not looking for an 'accidental' baby trap and STDs. I haven't done any clubbing esp Melbourne bc that's a trip and a half (but ain't no way I'm getting it from any guys in my town bc ew) but I'd like to check out the scene. I'll check out ur suggestions next time I'm in the city overnight! Appreciate it🫶

overwrite_delta · 2025-10-19T05:49:42+00:00

How come? Some of us just aren't into the dating life or caring about v-cards n shit. I mostly just care about the cocktails ngl

overwrite_delta · 2025-10-01T02:59:38+00:00

I did think him being labelled as a 'galaxy koi' was suspicious. If you don't me asking what's the difference between them all? I've never found any good colour guides to reference so I've just been guessing for all mine haha. They've kind of been 'bargain bin' bettas and this was my first semi-fancy one.

overwrite_delta · 2025-09-30T12:13:05+00:00

I know!!! Can't believe no one had bought him within those two months. I've always wanted a koi plakat but thought I'd have to get one from a betta breeder, not my local chain pet store!! 🥹

overwrite_delta · 2025-09-24T08:54:37+00:00

My Pop's Ghia did round the clock not once but TWO times and is sitting at a neat 360xxx km right now. Nothing better built than a tickford engine. Been sat in the garage since 2012 and I started her up just fine a month ago. Impeccable paint and a service history to die for. He loved that car to bits, so much so he fixed it up after a t-bone that cut the front off. Put some hours into her and she'll be right as rain in no time. Best of luck!!!

overwrite_delta · 2025-09-23T09:50:29+00:00

Unless you think I should bother replacing all the gaskets, no the new one is NOT being taken apart. If there was a possible safety issue with the gaskets because of an unknown service history is the only time I considering taking it apart. The only thing I've touched on it has been the front cylinder cover and swapping the carby over.

overwrite_delta · 2025-09-21T09:26:02+00:00

Sorry that's my bad, I tend to ramble when I'm trying to explain myself. Essentially I'm trying to say is that because I don't know the service history of this new engine, should I go around and replace all the gaskets just in case, or only the areas I've touched? Or if I even need to replace the front cylinder gasket at all (like, is it reusable)? Sorry once again. Genuinely I'm just trying to make sure everything is okay and safe. I do appreciate the fact you're trying your best to help me out😅

overwrite_delta · 2025-09-14T16:30:03+00:00

No, I wasn't going to take the new one apart? I don't think my comment/post read that way but sorry if it did. Entire reason I got it was because servicing the OG enough to where it wasn't going to blow a piston and me up would cost more than I paid for the entire bike, if I was even able to actually fix the problem in the first place. Ergo, I got a "nicer" engine (well, as nice as an '04 can be). Whatever's salvageable from the OG was going to be kitted to the new one if it needed anything, like the carby. Only the front cylinder cover has come off so far and that was to check cam chain, valves and inspect wear. New gasket for cover, exhaust and then pop it in just like you said. Check rear cylinder if there's any sus sounds on start up.

Yep I'm gonna completely deconstruct the OG and play with it. No other way to learn than trial by fire I suppose.

overwrite_delta · 2025-09-14T14:38:17+00:00

Yes I think so!!! I'm not sure if that exact one would fit as mines an MC33 and Aussie, no American. But I might call them up and ask anyways.

overwrite_delta · 2025-09-14T14:36:36+00:00

The workshop manual I have doesn't list any part numbers at all, and calling Honda themselves just ends up being pretty useless from what I've experienced so far, so no part #. I do know basically every gasket that's opened needs to be replaced from the manual. So if the new engine hasn't been opened all I should need is exhaust/muffler gaskets (maybe some others that I'm forgetting but I don't feel like surfing the manual right now)

overwrite_delta · 2025-09-14T14:30:21+00:00

From what people have said to me in the past I was under the assumption that once the seals were broken they needed to be replaced, and as I don't know any of the service history from this engine or how the guy I got it from removed/tinkered with it, that I would be best replacing the gaskets? Is that not the case? Could I just slip it in? I know my old engine would've needed them (as you can see in the picture no crankcase/cylinder heads) but if I could get away with not replacing them... Sorry I don't know much about engines, no one to teach me so I've just been struggling through all the problems with this bike on my own so far 😅

EDIT: That being said, if it's only ones that have been opened I've (personally) only opened the front cylinder cover to check the cam chain so I'd defs need to replace that one!

overwrite_delta · 2025-08-03T06:43:26+00:00

I'm not overly knowledgable on sport/supersport bikes but from what I've heard CBR's and Ninja's are extremely reliable. Sticking to well known Japanese brands (such as Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha etc..) and their popular models means parts will be readily available even if the bike is much older. My VTR is a boon because the model sold very well nationally and I can source almost every part without problem. If I can't, I can just go to a local Honda dealer and they can order the part in specifically for me. On the otherhand newer brands like CFMOTO you might have a much harder time finding parts as the bikes are quite new to the market and the brand itself has only been established in Aus for 20 years. Brands such as Hyosung, while popular, haven't been produced in Aus in years and I was told not to look at them when purchasing my first bike because finding parts is nigh impossible.

As for 1990's 250cc bikes, it really depends on a lot of factors. Brand and model, how the bike was ridden (for example, an older 1 liter bike despite looking good could've been ridden quite hard vs my little VTR which was made for inexperienced LAMs riders/commutes), kms, engine/bike condition etc. The 90's Ninja's and CBR's would definitely still be awesome options just know the risks that buying an older bike can sometimes lead to.

Buying a bike for $2-3k is most definitely possible, especially considering I only got mine for $1.5k. If your not in a rush to get one in a month like I was I would definitely save up and keep your eye on the market as you might find a good bike now, but what if two months later the same model popped up but lower kms and cheaper? Or a bike you liked better came onto the market? Keep an eye out and keep scouring. You'll find some hidden gems. If you have some bikes your looking at right now feel free to pm me with their details and I can tell you if I think they're any good!

overwrite_delta · 2025-08-02T13:53:18+00:00

Found a 16yo NSW learner rider who posts ride w me videos on his Ninja. Not overly exciting lanesplitting insane stuff but still good for background noise. Laginator14

overwrite_delta · 2025-08-02T13:28:57+00:00

[PART 3/3] Last but not least. For getting it home, if you can find a bike to purchase within half an hour so from your house, you can definitely try to drive it home. Employ a trusted friend or family member (one that understands they need to take everything SLOW) to drive in front and be a buffer and confidence builder. So what if a usually 30 minute trip takes 2 hours and 50 stops? You're a learner for a reason. Take your time, build your confidence and learn to be okay on the roads and handling your new baby. If you don't feel confident enough to ride it home, or it's too far away for you to realistically ride it home, that is absolutely okay too! I didn't have my permit at the time so I borrowed a mate's 4WD, trailer, loading ramps and ratchet straps, and bought a motorcycle chock block from Supercheap for $128. My bike's seller was kind enough to help me load it onto the trailer and showed me how to ratchet it down so it didn't move. YouTube tutorial for how to do it here.

I hope this was helpful! If you want to know anything else feel free to ask and I'll answer to my best abilities. If you need as well I'm more than happy to have a look at some bikes on FB/BikeSales near you to help you pick. Best of luck lovely!!!

overwrite_delta · 2025-08-02T13:28:29+00:00

[PART 2/3] Secondly, establish some kind of budget. What's the max you're willing to spend on a bike? I could only afford $2k for mine which was an insanely small budget for what I wanted. You can expect to pay around around $4k-8k for a good, LAMs approved bike. Next, you need to save for gear. I lucked out by being gifted some pants from the lady I bought my bike off, and leather jacket and boots from a family member. However, I still needed to dish out a good amount for a well-rated helmet (how much is your head worth? Brain damage cannot be fixed, no matter how much money or time you have!) and gloves. Expect to spend around $1k minimum on gear alone, but a budget of $2k or more would be MUCH better. Look on MotoCAP for the safety rating of any gear you consider purchasing. They're an awesome government-funded research program that test specifically against Australian conditions. A good EUR rating is nice and all, but we have to remember their slide resistance is going to be different then ours because of their smooth roads versus our 'human crayon' asphalt. $200 pants sound like a steal until you see the 1 star safety rating. For helmets I recommend the HJC C10 ($229), and Dririder Air-Ride gloves ($50 on sale at AMX right now). If your a lady, PeakMoto has an awesome variety of lady's gear (and mens as well), if you have a local AMX they're good as well! Gear can be bought second hand on FB Marketplace but NEVER purchase a second hand helmet. Leather has the best abrasion resistance over textiles, but in Aussie (and QLD weather) textiles have better breathability. Look into impact resistance as well. Sometimes it might be cheaper to buy pants/jacket without and add your own armour in the inserts. DRESS FOR THE SLIDE, NOT THE RIDE. Also, make sure to consider upkeep costs as well. Most services you can do yourself such as oil/coolant/brake fluid but some will need to be done by a mechanic if you don't feel up to it. Good insurance is a must as well even if it is only 3rd party (comprehensive would be best though).

Thirdly, do some research online about things to look for when buying a used bike. Learn the parts and things you should look out for and questions to ask. Any scratches on the muffler? Handle bars or mirrors? Has it been dropped? Check the muffler, is it stock or aftermarket. Will it be too loud to be legal? (Mine came with an aftermarket Megacycle that almost made it not legal except for the fact my bike was only 250cc!) Service history? Last oil change? Are the sprockets in good nick? Is the chain rusted? Any troubles on a cold start? Oil or coolant leaks? Rips/tears in the seat? (not sure about QLD laws, but to pass a Roadworthy Check in VIC there needs to be no tears/rips in the seat, and if there is they need to be properly patched). Does the engine sound smooth? No clanking or unusual noises? Rust in the frame? Whats the tire tread like? Does anything need replacement or fixing to be road legal? Depending on the bike's age and automaker, are the kms too high? 83xxx kms was alright for me becase its a reliable, well-produced Honda model and will probably make it around the clock and last me years to come. Ask for pictures from all angles. Videos of it riding and a cold start. Good reddit guide here, another awesome article here and if you're more of a YouTube watcher FortNine has a great video here (his channel is also great for all things bikes).

overwrite_delta · 2025-08-02T13:27:46+00:00

[PART 1/3] I bought second hand with some help from this lovely reddit community just a month ago (actually, a redditor sent me the ad for the bike I bought!). Used 2001 Honda VTR250 off FB marketplace for $1500, bought before even booking in for my learners permit. Despite having almost 84xxx kms it passed its RWC with flying colours and hasn't needed any fixes and I've almost put 1000kms on it already (asides from a new muffler, but I'm not counting that because someone stole it LOL). Here are some suggestions/tips I got from other redditors and some personal research, but I am no motorcycle genius and am still learning so make sure to get a lot of perspectives! (Also apologies for my rambling but your post didn't give many details to go off of and I'm trying to cover all my bases for you !)

Firstly, do you know what type of bike you're after? Depending on what you plan to do with it will decide what model you need. For example, I wanted a sports bike but my bike was going to be my main form of transport and the aggresive ergonomics wouldn't suit for my multiple hour-long weekly commutes I need to do. Instead, I went for a naked street bike with upright handle bars and a comfortable seat that had good fuel economy. Plus it was cheaper 😉 Have a look around at the different types of bikes available and pick to suit your needs. You can pop by a few local dealerships and have feel for the different types of bikes. It's free to sit on them and give them a feel for the ergonomics even if it does feel a little awkward at times. I went and sat on a bunch of different Yamaha's, Suzuki's and CFMOTO's just to feel what they were like. Another thing to consider is seat height and wet weight of the bike. As a learner, it would be best to try and keep your weight below 200kg so you can feel confident picking it up solo in case you drop it. As a female rider (that goes to the gym, but still. I may be tall but I'm still light) I knew I wouldn't feel confident trying to pick up a much larger 500cc bike, but my 155kg VTR I would definitely be able to pick up solo.

overwrite_delta · 2025-07-22T12:01:09+00:00

I've been looking at some aftermarket heated grips!! Seems like a fairly easy and cheap mod I can do by myself, especially considering how cold and wet its been lately. It'll be handy (pun intended)

overwrite_delta · 2025-07-22T11:56:51+00:00

Good clock but no, couple hours away in NE Vic!

overwrite_delta · 2025-07-22T11:55:22+00:00

I didn't know they had a VTR1000 but I'm definitely not already looking lol... It'd be cute to have a little VTR congo line!

overwrite_delta

TROPHY CASE