I agree, the ideal solution is to get the official tool. I've been trawling the web looking for posts on the cable tie method (zip tie really as they're American), of which there are quite a few and a youtube, trying to find a post that said don't do it because.... I can't. There seems to be 2 risks...

Germany but Z Power sell them

Just came across an old post on KZR about changing shims using a cable tie. Beefy cable tie bent in half and crimped with pliers then put a bend in the doubled over end. Open the valve and having removed the spark plug slide the 'special tool' between the open valve and the seat via the spark plug h...

Thanks Rob very much.

1st question. I'm checking my valve clearances, book says 0.05 to 0.15. I didn't exactly follow the book and just pointed the lobes 180 degs away from the valve. I'm hoping this is fine? 2nd question. Fitting of billet half moons. I was going to apply a little RTV to the head, place the half moons, ...

Thanks both. What temps do you use Rob for sweating and curing, along the lines of Stusco's?

I've now painted (Tough Black) various engine parts and have other engine and general ally parts ready for paint. I had painted the barrels before I put the liners back in. When I put them back in the oven (weeks later) some paint came off in places. I have read on here that although the ally was co...

And the footpeg hangers? On Deka's they look gloss or maybe that's the light?
Any other gloss bits?
Cheers

No, it's not the same, similar though. Notice the squareness around the reflector. With the ST frame being pretty much bespoke I'd put money on it having many other differences that are hidden.

I've seen the stickers and presumed they must have been for certain variants as mine really looks not like a sticker. If it is I'm guessing they are ally and reasonably thick as the recess is 0.25mm deep. I'm glad this has been mentioned because I was about to blast it back to bare metal. 1746459032...

Thanks Deka for the info and also for the photo.Cheers John.

Thanks John. The headlamp surround I'm referring to is the bit that screws to the glass, not the bowl. Mine is metal....and a bit rusty. Cheers for the ther info.

Trying to sort some bits out on the A1 and would like confirmation regarding bits that are painted gloss black. So far I've got ( I think) Calipers Master cylinders Passenger grab handles x3 Outer engine cases Headlight surround Airbox side covers I presume the forks but they're already Tough Black ...

I've got a very old one on my ST, can't commemt on sound, PO cut the baffle in 1/2, loud when reaching the higher rpms. Still got the centre stand but need to take it off for an oil anf filter change.

It's always easier for people to help if you stick some photos up