Termites.

[AllanB]

My old NV400 is having problems again, this time caused by termites (or similar). I took the carb off for a few weeks waiting for new float valve seat, which never arrived and found concrete nests in both ends of a breather tube and one jamming one of the needle valve sliders.

Okay my own stupid fault for leaving the carb and parts outside, as the Mrs wouldn't allow them in the house, but this worries me when the bike is back together and left when we go away.

There are quite a few breather tubes on the bike and in the past these concrete nests have appeared in the brake caliper, drum actuator and parts of the frame, which are clearly visible and in the carb breather which wasn't. But what about all the other tubes, which could affect the running of the bike if they became blocked by this concrete?

Does anyone have any remedies for deterring such nest building, or other ways of avoiding such problems?

Does anyone else have the same problem when they leave their bike for a while?

[ATF]

Buy a bike that's not made out of wood.

[yankee99]

First you need a new wife! Ok j/k

Personally i have my property treated monthly for pests and it works. The best 8,500 a year i spend. Are you sure they are termites? Pics

Edited June 13, 2014 by yankee99

[VocalNeal]

Allan,

They are probably mud wasps. I was once given a little 50cc scooter that wouldn't run. Had been to the local mechanics twice as it would not run. I took the exhaust off and it started just fine. Cause? Mud wasps blockage in the end of the muffler

Just soak everything in water it will all come off.

[AllanB]

Allan,

They are probably mud wasps. I was once given a little 50cc scooter that wouldn't run. Had been to the local mechanics twice as it would not run. I took the exhaust off and it started just fine. Cause? Mud wasps blockage in the end of the muffler

Just soak everything in water it will all come off.

Yes, that rings a bell, someone mentioned mud wasps a while back...

[moe666]

Allan,

They are probably mud wasps. I was once given a little 50cc scooter that wouldn't run. Had been to the local mechanics twice as it would not run. I took the exhaust off and it started just fine. Cause? Mud wasps blockage in the end of the muffler

Just soak everything in water it will all come off.

Yes, that rings a bell, someone mentioned mud wasps a while back...

I believe termites have there nest mostly underground.

[AllanB]

Allan,

They are probably mud wasps. I was once given a little 50cc scooter that wouldn't run. Had been to the local mechanics twice as it would not run. I took the exhaust off and it started just fine. Cause? Mud wasps blockage in the end of the muffler

Just soak everything in water it will all come off.

Yes, that rings a bell, someone mentioned mud wasps a while back...

I believe termites have there nest mostly underground.

Yes, my mistake, though I was waiting to be corrected, couldn't find anything on the internet and had to call them something. Anyway I would like to learn about how to keep them at bay, especially on things like breathers, which are an open invitation.

[ktm jeff]

AllenB Buy yourself a HORNET - (Honda) - sorry , 555.Treating for pests is a good idea , and you could keep the bike in a fully enclosed zipped cover (Have these in England , to keep out moisture).You ride the bike into/over and zip it around/over the bike.

[Gonsalviz]

AllenB Buy yourself a HORNET - (Honda) - sorry , 555.Treating for pests is a good idea , and you could keep the bike in a fully enclosed zipped cover (Have these in England , to keep out moisture).You ride the bike into/over and zip it around/over the bike.

Got to get it dry inside the bag first or corrosion will set in.

[ktm jeff]

Good point, If using the bag , you can use absorbent crystal " socks" to absorb damp. May come with the bag.

[BSJ]

Up the village an old soft drink bottle with the the end cut of does for mufflers.

[AllanB]

Up the village an old soft drink bottle with the the end cut of does for mufflers.

Yes, good idea and about moth-balling the bike when we go away, the breathers with tape should do the job. I did think about a fine spray of oil over everything too, keep the rust away during this very damp season ahead. Shouldn't think the mud wasps like oil too much.

[The Deerhunter]

Allan,

They are probably mud wasps. I was once given a little 50cc scooter that wouldn't run. Had been to the local mechanics twice as it would not run. I took the exhaust off and it started just fine. Cause? Mud wasps blockage in the end of the muffler

Just soak everything in water it will all come off.

Yes, that rings a bell, someone mentioned mud wasps a while back...

Mud wasps, also called "Mason Bees" They entomb live caterpillars & grubs in long mud tubes with an egg laid in each cell. They are everywhere in LOS!