Three weeks ago it was the 600's turn to go out for the day. As usual starting first turn of the starter after a few weeks of standing. To the petrol station i went, filled her up and i was on my way. No!!! Started ok, accellerated away nicely for about 30 seconds. Then Bang. Engine to full stop, then turned again, ran popping, and Bang again, then nothing. Could not restart her but the engine was turning over. Luckily I was uphill from home so it just rolled back most of the way.
Checked plug, no spark. Changed plug, no spark. Checked the coil, dead. There is the problem, I thought. Got a new coil (ordered one on line which was the wrong one although listed for the Ten, worked but far too big and nowhere to attach!), spark now but won't fire. Garage smelled of petrol so i assumed she is getting fuel.
I then removed the plastic center plug on the left cover to check the rotor is not loose (happened to me before on another bike) and turned the engine over. To my horror the crankshaft end was turning off centre. This is more serious than I thought. My wife then casually said:'You have not filled her with Diesel by mistake?' Guess what?? Yes i did. After emtying and cleaning the tank and carbs I put some real petrol in and she ran straight away. Took her to Thor Motorcycles outside Bodmin for advice. When i got there the head was leaking badly as well.
Due to the sudden stop the crank weights had shifted and the head gasket was blown to bits. They actually managed to straighten the crank without taking the engine to bits and I am having steel threads inserted into the cylinder to torque the head down properly. Loss of spark was just coincidental.
Went there last Tuesday and parked next to her was another 600 Tenere in white. This was an 85 model with the bigger tank and no engine issues. After asking whose it was i was told it is for sale. It is in excellent nick with genuine 10K miles on the clock and one owner from new. Spent most of its life in a barn but was MOTed every year. Only thing is they restoed the tank to a standard better than new. Cost �480 to do.
Here my problem, make a silly offer or not? If only they hadn't painted that tank.
Anyway, stay away from Diesel!!

Rob