Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: manxie on May 22, 2016, 04:54:29 PM
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On another forum I use, they have this topic. If we`ve not already got it I thought I`d start one off, if we have...ooops, sorry.
Anyway, I took my MZ Skorp Sport for it`s maiden voyage today. Beautiful weather and loved it ;D Mine`s a tatty old thing and needs a little work. It`s not been on the road for a while and the brakes are sticking a bit but hopefully they`ll free up with use. It surprised me how nippy it is, up to 80 seems easy, goes round corners lovely. It`s not my usual riding position but I`m looking forward to getting out on it again and I`m sure I`ll get used to the position.....roll on the good weather 8)
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Evening Steve. Sounds like a decent thread idea to me, sounds like you had a cracking little ride out. Good weather, maiden ride out. Does life get much better?? I doubt it. What did I do on my bike today?? I fashioned up a footrest hanger out of 10mm ally plate (for the street tracker project) hard work with an arm that's still not fully repaired, very satisfying tho... oh and went to "see" big bro (propellor)
Cheers..Michael
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I had a run out on my other Thumper (aprilia strada ) tour de france route out to wards Ladybower on to Castleton Winnets Pass Edale then back over the Strines on into Penistone and home for 10.30 am popping and banging all the way :)]
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I cut some ali tube to make 2 spacers which were missing between the mudguard and associated brace mounts. Gaiters should arrive tomorrow, so sat trying to visualise what look a clubman bar would give.
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Having spent yesterday in the good company of the 'Irish Connection', getting wet, demolishing steak and Stornaway black pudding pies, with Tim and devouring RonXBR' crips under pain of "Insult"! ::) And covering a total of 160 miles on Sally. Today was spent on a wee donder up through eastern Perthshire, then a run along Glen Tummel to Kinloch Rannoch, with a return via the "Goat track" to Aberfeldy and then over the top to Glenalmond and home. Another 110 miles, between the sunny spells, whilst avoiding heavy showers, that turned thundery, as forecast, this afternoon.
Sally goes for MoT tomorrow, so a wee bit of fettling.
Hope the return home was incident free for the 'Irish Connection' as it was a pleasure, hope to repeat it sometime.
Steve, there's nowt wrong with "tatty", having been on a run with a "Vintage Motorcycle Club" and been surrounded by BMW GS, Triumph* and all sorts of other fuel injected, electric start, ABS controlled, squillion quid exotica, because the "Old bikes aren't reliable, need a kickstart, are an investment, this is much easier to ride......ZZzzzz!". The greasy cloth finish and mechanicaly sound, with a sprightly 50 - 60mph average pace down B and unclassified roads and the craic at 'fixing' something as a collective, if necessary, is infinitely preferable. ;D
My regards, Bill
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Evening Steve. Sounds like a decent thread idea to me, sounds like you had a cracking little ride out. Good weather, maiden ride out. Does life get much better?? I doubt it. What did I do on my bike today?? I fashioned up a footrest hanger out of 10mm ally plate (for the street tracker project) hard work with an arm that's still not fully repaired, very satisfying tho... oh and went to "see" big bro (propellor)
Cheers..Michael
Yeah, big thanks to Mick (and Joseph) for coming out to rescue me. Was out on the firestorm scrubbing in new set of bt023's. Ride was going well. Got out early doors to make sure of the dry spell forecast. Then the ignition cut out. Lifted the seat. Smoke coming off the battery. Stinking hot to touch. Battery goosed and in line fuse blown on extra wiring to a datatool immobilizer someone had fitted. Rang breakdown number provided by mce (pillocks). Was told I'm not covered.
It's a great motor and now handles well, but I'm beginning to wonder if selling the old Beemer to fund it was such a good idea.......
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I love the Firestorms but sounds like a nightmare of a ride out for you Prop :(
Hi Bill,
I always thought with the VMC they had to be bikes of a certain age for the ride outs (25yrs+?), rather than the riders being members...I think it`s that way over here anyway, I`m not a member so cant be 100% on that? Sounds like you had a good run out as did booxbr! At least when the bike`s a bit tatty you don`t spend an hour after the ride drying it of and cleaning it ;)
Let`s try and keep this thread going, it`s getting us all talking and keeping up with the "skeet". ;) Whether you`ve been working on your steed`s or riding them, it`s all good to hear!! :) :) :)
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On Sunday a small group from our Scottish trip, rode 180 miles on mainly minor roads to catch the ferry back to Belfast, finishing with a pint and grub at the harbour in Portpatrick. A fantastic trip, of 500 miles over the weekend, and the Enfield coped really well, even though it was like a BMW convention at times. It was great to meet Bill, and thanks for steak and black pudding pie, delicious, and also overtaking me so he could point out a particularly lumpy corner, which could have had me wobbling into a ditch.
It wasn't a VMCC event, but our annual joint trip of our Club, the 30s Club, so named because when it formed in 1965, you had to ride a bike over 30 years old, ie flat tankers, and the West of Scotland Vintage MCC. The event has been going for well well over forty years, and there were about eighty of us. Unfortunately over recent years, less and less older stuff comes out, which meant the pace increased, which meant even less people came on their old stuff, a kind of catch 22.
But, me and a few others are trying to turn it back round to older stuff. Its still always a great weekend though :)
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sorry I mis-read it.... it says .... a "Vintage Motorcycle Club" not a VMCC run :-[ ::)
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Went down to Kent to an XT660 meet.
550 miles over the weekend and some real good camping in a forest.
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af71/Teneheric/184_zpsfmqmbxhn.jpg) (http://s995.photobucket.com/user/Teneheric/media/184_zpsfmqmbxhn.jpg.html)
Glamping
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af71/Teneheric/169_zps9arrljty.jpg) (http://s995.photobucket.com/user/Teneheric/media/169_zps9arrljty.jpg.html)
Weather protection : WIND
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af71/Teneheric/175_zpss6ovaesp.jpg) (http://s995.photobucket.com/user/Teneheric/media/175_zpss6ovaesp.jpg.html)
Weather protection : RAIN / DRIZZLE
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af71/Teneheric/187_zpsxaqhm0nj.jpg) (http://s995.photobucket.com/user/Teneheric/media/187_zpsxaqhm0nj.jpg.html)
Tenere's
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af71/Teneheric/181_zpscttoywtx.jpg) (http://s995.photobucket.com/user/Teneheric/media/181_zpscttoywtx.jpg.html)
(http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af71/Teneheric/193_zpsupi0xbnc.jpg) (http://s995.photobucket.com/user/Teneheric/media/193_zpsupi0xbnc.jpg.html)
.............................and a good time was had by all. Roll on the TC Annual rally.
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That looks like one cool campsite Steve :)
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Today, I;
Put risers on;
Took risers off (immediately)
Risers now up for grabs.
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That looks like one cool campsite Steve :)
Oi Timbo, check this out, you would be in your element, and they take dogs (the four legged variety!) :o
http://badgellswoodcamping.co.uk/
How about a bit of bushcraft or sleeping in hammocks?
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Met up with Bill (Themoudie), during the Saturday run of our Scottish Weekend. Pleasure to talk to. Nice SRX, a riders bike, well used and maintained, some bits added on to improve matters. Bit like the owner really. ;) On Sunday rode from Aberfoyle to Gatehouse of Fleet with a mate to visit his friend, then to the ferry at Cairnryan. XBR performed well. Total mileage for the weekend 489.
Ron.
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Cheers Ron, I hope the road 'repairs' between Thornhill and Moniave didn't catch you unawares. When I came through from Gatehouse of Fleet northwards, the roller had managed to leave a diesal slick across the road on an already greasy 130° corner! ???
Sally passed her MoT today. ;D
Hammocks are fine Steve, just as long as you have insulation behind your back, otherwise the kidneys get cold and it takes a while to warm up. 2007 camping trip with Smudge and Simon after Jethro's Beemer had a gearbox malfunction and had to be trollied home. :( Trouble can be many camp sites don't have sufficient trees of good size and if the drip isn't right you can get very wet from both trunks! ::)
My regards, Bill
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Yeah I agree Bill, but this is an old WW1, yes I mean WW1 site. There are trenches everywhere as it was first line defence aginst you know who if they came across the channell. Used for training in WW2 but all buildings now removed. Loads of foot trails and small concrete paths around but well grown over with loads of now unruly coppiced trees. Some are now too big to be of any commercial value but loads are there that you could hang a hammocck between. They intend to start the coppicing again but will take a long time to get back to a normal routine.
Cheers Steve.
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I planted my garden out with trees fifteen years ago, and they're now hammock size :)
Last time I slept in a hammock, was on a jungle survival course in deepest darkest Belize, nearly thirty years ago :-\
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Today.... I re-fitted my freshly painted GB tank...fantastic job by my mates down at the body shop (pics on the "project" GB IOM thread) put fresh fuel in it, choke on, a couple of twists of the throttle and fired first try on the button ;D ;D It was a bit spluttery at first but soon cleared. Ran it up and down our street a couple of times, checked the oil and fitted mirrors. Next step is the IOM test and registration ??? Very pleased over all, it`ll be after the TT before it goes for its test but have the Skorp to play on for the time being ;D ;D :)
Just added picture of the GB back together :)
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Fkn gorgeous mate, health to use. I love this thread. So today, I tried to cut a fin off a scrap Matchless barrel, and fit it to a good barrel with a broken fin. Its a mega bodge, details to follow ;) I also ordered some 5mm ball bearings for Minnie the Minsk's headrace, and got carried away, and ordered a set of digital verniers, and a set of screw thread gauges from the same company :-\
This evening I took my father in law to a toy fair, where we each had a table. I basically sold sweet FA, but found a a set of Ace Trump Cards in the bottom of my stuff, British Cars v French Cars. Anyway, I couldn't part with them, and have now just bought a set off eBay, Light Motorcycles :)
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Speaking of Top Trumps;
Having put the front back on with new tyre and gaiters, plus forks through top yoke as far as bars allow, I was feeling chuffed and took this snap, got on the site to post on this thread, only to be greeted by manxie's GB with Skorp lurking in background for good measure! Off to do some scrubbing in tomorrow😁
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160525_145607_zpsooypm2bk.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160525_145607_zpsooypm2bk.jpg.html)
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Bike looks great, but what is going on with rear of seat? It definitely needs cut down or chopped IMHO
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New Chain and Sprockets on the Skorpion.
Tomorrow I intend to fit a replacement head light, get it MOT'd and renew the insurance. The ride it to our new local 'Bike Night' at the Brynog Arms in Felinfach.
Tomorrow (if you hadn't guessed) is a day off :-)
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Bike looks great, but what is going on with rear of seat? It definitely needs cut down or chopped IMHO
Needs flattening out, you're right.
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The GB certainly looks better in photos than in the flesh, there are a few marks on it that could do with looking at?
Hey Timbo, a toy fair? I`d love to go to one of them, never seen one over here ??? I`m often looking on internet for "old toys"...... Tonka, Scalextric, Evil, ect .... love it :-[ :)
Great picture of your bike Matt, looking ace! 8) If you`re going to take Mrs Matt pillion, I`d be asking her before altering anything on the seat if I were you, it does look comfy ;)
Richard, what headlight are you going for on the Skorp? It`d be good to see when you`ve done it ;)
I`m of to a well known auction site now to look for some old toys, maybe even a pack of Top Trumps ;)
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Morning chaps, GB looking splendid Steve, oh and I like the way you just happened to take the photo with the skorpion in the background, ;) ;). Never ridden one but I do like the look of them.
Matt, yes mate I would have to agree with both Tim and Steve about the seat issue, however should you ever wish to change it I do a nice line in cafe racer seat humps....or I could fashion you one up to suit your taste sir ;) ;) ;)
Cheers Michael
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Now there's a great offer from Michael, re the seat :) As for the toy fair Steve, if only you'd been there, I had a massive collection of Scalextric for sale. Five large boxes full of the stuff, including some vintage. £100 for the lot, but unfortunately people were only interested in the individual cars, so I'm home again with the whole lot. Next stop, Gumtree :-\
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Maybe some GB500 ish would look good?
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2111/2321647779_8e3e7f065c_z.jpg?zz=1)
(http://static.webshopapp.com/shops/038604/files/015654407/tuck-n-roll-cafe-racer-seat-black-16.jpg)
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In the words of that famous philosopher, Mutley, "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme!"
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Evening Matt...yes lovely looking seat ain't it, the only thing you'll probably av to be careful of with your bike is that the rear subframe has been cut short (I think??) hasn't it. Always a way round things as I'm sure you already know mate. You thinkin of taking a pillion (her indoors maybe??) if not you could quite easily pop a single style seat on there.
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Print off that picture of your bike, print off a few pictures of various styles of seat, cut out the pictures and see what looks right. You might even be able to reprofile the seat foam you have to shape and recover it.
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Now there's a great offer from Michael, re the seat :) As for the toy fair Steve, if only you'd been there, I had a massive collection of Scalextric for sale. Five large boxes full of the stuff, including some vintage. £100 for the lot, but unfortunately people were only interested in the individual cars, so I'm home again with the whole lot. Next stop, Gumtree :-\
Yeah Matt, cracking offer from Michael, custom made seat 8)
If I had the room Tim, I`d have the Scalextric stuff, but I simply haven`t, it would be just left in a box to rot :( Maybe a section on the forum for "other stuff" for sale could be an option?? Give the Thumperteers a chance to pick up some treasures :-\ If anyone has a Chrysler PT Cruiser for sale who would maybe like a deal on my BM 328i I would be interested? (sneeked that one in ;) ;))
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Thanks all for the seating suggestions. I think a post on the projects section might be appropriate when I get some available funds, although ace bars are next.
Meanwhile...
Today, I had a blinder! Out for only 40 miles, but talk about quality! Even given that I was going carefully, scrubbing in the front, what a little beauty this bike is. Leafy country lanes in good repair on the East Sussex/Kent border with the sun shining, little traffic, sheep in the fields. I really don't think it could have got much better.
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Matt, yes mate I would have to agree with both Tim and Steve about the seat issue, however should you ever wish to change it I do a nice line in cafe racer seat humps....or I could fashion you one up to suit your taste sir ;) ;) ;)
Cheers Michael
Had this on my mind last night and it obviously spawned a bit of a nightmare! I was at my 50th party and people were laughing and pointing in my direction, saying my stomach could do with flattening. When I looked down, I saw my XBR seat where my stomach should have been. Then, the scene changed to my garage where my wife was bashing me over the head with Michael's seat, saying, "You might have this, but you'll get no hump from me until your 60th!"
I blame the absinthe and cheese just before bedtime!
So now I'm wondering if getting a seat hump would be possible, given my shortened subframe. Here's a pic of the base which hooks in as standard at the front and fixes with a captive bolt with knurled, hand tightening head towards the rear. I must say, I am impressed at how easy it is for the bolt to find its home first time, every time the seat goes on. When I first saw the set up, I thought it might take some aligning, but it's bish bash bosh!
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160527_1234522_zpsramjbprx.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160527_1234522_zpsramjbprx.jpg.html)
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/_57%203_zpsblv8c4at.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/_57%203_zpsblv8c4at.jpg.html)
What do you think, Michael? Would you be able to retain the base and put a hump on in place of the current, strange 2:4 ish set up?
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I`ll tell you what Matt, I`m sorry I cant help you out with your seat but every time you post a picture it shows that is one very very clean bike you have!! 8) 8) 8)
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Thanks, manxie. All credit to the owner, prior to the one I purchased from.
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Evening Matt, I'm going away in the morning until Wednesday, I'll have a good think about the seat while I'm away and be in touch upon my return.....cheers. Michael
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Thanks, Michael. My seat is comfy and not too garish, but since timbo pointed it out, that seed has germinated. I know you know what I mean...😁 Now I have a picture in my head of my bike with a fast seat on and some ace bars and (if I apply my wife's shoe buying philosophy) now that I don't need that LSL kit, I've got £130 saved!!!
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Another glorious day weather wise :) Took the MZ out for a run, hoping to do a lap. I joined the course at Sulby Bridge but only got as far as Ramsey (Whitegates) the Mountain was closed due to yet another accident :( This is the trouble with a fast one way road, thousands of fast bikes with a handful of knob heads riding them and nice weather... it seems the road is closed more than it`s open ??? Oh well, lets hope the injuries are kept to a minimum and lets look forward to the weather staying good !! ;)
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I'm sorry my comments have caused you nightmares Matt. That certainly wasn't my intention. i just felt that the bike looks ace, and the seat was taking away from it :)
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No worries, timbo. The more I look, the more I agree with you - it's just kind of odd. You've done me a favour really. 😁
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Had another ride out in the glorious weather today, still not done the mountain section due to road closures....accidents. ::)
Only the first day of practice week, thousands of bike but manic ..... roll on the MGP ;)
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Morning Matt, having thought about your seat. (How sad am I :)) I think I'd struggle to adapt something to the original plastic base, however I'm more than confident of doing a GB copy from scratch. Especially if I thought there may be a few more people out there that would also be interested in one. The main time is in the forming of the actual shape and the mounting and then there's the upholstery cost. Which I personally don't do, but I have two auto trimmers close'ish buy who both do an excellent job. Let me know what you think??
Cheers..Michael
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I'm in like Flynn! ;D ;D ;D
Will your seat be able to attach to my shortened subframe? How about placing an ad in the For Sale section?
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Like that super hero guy orf the tv...FLASH I think they call him?? ;) yes mate I could fashion it around the shorted subframe (clearly much easier if I had the bike to hand) I did my cafe racer hump around a shortened subframe, I could do you a copy of mine absolutely no problem but the mountings weren't Q,D.
You could always (probably) get your seat base re upholstered to look like a GB, I'm pretty sure either of the guys near me could take do it
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Thanks for all the options! Would cheapest (😯) be retaining my base (and thereby existing fixings) for a reshape and reupholster?
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I would have to say yes mate more than likely. Just make sure you get a proper auto trimmer to do the job, a good one will turn out something that will be a thing of beauty. A bad one won't ;) ;). Keep us posted and best o luck tracking down a trimmer.
Ps if you need phone numbers/website details of the guys up ere just let me know.
Cheers..Michael
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Yes, please to those contact details! Can I name-drop you, you being an established customer and all?
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I would think it would be easy enough for a decent upholsterer/trimmer to reshape or replace the foam and cover on your base - you know it will fit the modified rear end. Maybe this sort of thing?
(http://static.webshopapp.com/shops/038604/files/015654407/tuck-n-roll-cafe-racer-seat-black-16.jpg)
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(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/1346619205523a3786978f245e84d6e045c98da_zpspbqviz0k.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1346619205523a3786978f245e84d6e045c98da_zpspbqviz0k.jpg.html)
Ribbed or non-ribbed? I'll have to consult the missus! ;D
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If you Google ' motorcycle seat trimmers southern england' it brings up a number of possibles in Sussex/Kent area.
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Hi Matt. I would agree with Steve on this one, you're probably best seeking out a decent local'ish trimmer as I think there's less chance of things not "getting lost in translation" so to speak and yes I'm sure a decent one could turn out something similar to the ones in the photos that Steve has posted up. Let us know how you get on and if you've no luck I'll happily send you the numbers.
Cheers.. Michael
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Any markers regarding price so I don't get stung?
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Using your base I,d guess at around the £200 mark, possibly a tad more. Almost certainly no less for an half decent job. Hope this helps you out. However please don't quote me on the costings as I'm not an auto trimmer.
Cheers..Michael
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One place is quoting £100-£200 for a 'comfort' seat conversion - It would depend on what you want it covering with and how fancy you want the stitching. I'd phone around for some quotes.
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What a dumb a##! I knew the Enfield was due an oil change, and as I had to nip out this evening a message, I planned to use the bike to warm the oil before the oil change. So checked oil before I left, and noticed it was a bit low. Topped it up, as any conscientious motorcyclists should, then realised, doh!, I'll be draining it all out as soon as I get back! :-\
I could have wasted as much as a 100ml! ;)
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Lovely ride to work on the MZ Skorp this morning, via Laxey as the mountain is a bit too manic for me....thoroughly enjoyable and enjoyed every second ;D The trip home was .... OK? Had a couple of loon`s heading towards me on the wrong side of the road :o but it was still very very nice. I personally think it`s more busy this year than it has been for years, especially since it`s still only practice week. First race tomorrow ;)
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Afternoon Steve. Yes they were saying on the TV the other nite that numbers were up this year. I suppose the TT is a bit of a double edged sword for you residents. Generally very good for the island but a bit of a pain in the rear for a couple o weeks??
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Not a lot done with my bike for the last 5 weeks on account of the fact I got knocked off it. :'(
Been to France on the hired replacement though. :)
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Hi Michael. Hmmm, hard one that? I am well used to it as I am Manx and have been brought up with it, and wouldn`t want to be without it! But, sometimes you do get a bit fed up especially if you need to travel to Douglas. The Mountain was shut for two weeks prior to the TT for "course preparation" (the rest of the course stays open for prep?? ??? ) I have travelled to Douglas seven times this week but only been able to use the mountain twice because it`s been closed the other times, due to accidents. It`s closing I GUESS about six times daily??
However, if you plan your journey, use your common sense, allow plenty of time, plan your route, and sometimes clench your a$$ cheeks, there`s usually no problem ;) as I say, wouldn`t be without it!! but the MGP is more my cup of tea, nicer bikes (visiting and racing) and less busy. ;) ;) ;) LOVE IT!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Yes I feel the Manx gp would be more up my alley these days, I'll av to get in touch with the guy who bought my speed triple and see if he's good to his word and sort me a couple of paddock passes
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Oh yes..... hopefully he`ll be true to his word, I`ll keep my fingers crossed for you. If he is and you want me to collect them for you, just give us a holla! (may save losing them in the post?)
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managed to lose a side panel so i created new covers out of old throwovers, cheaper than a used cover off ebay... same both sides as well, a first rate bodge !
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j360/roudeleiw-uk/DSCF4008_zpsgjib0yss.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/roudeleiw-uk/media/DSCF4008_zpsgjib0yss.jpg.html)
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Now that is a champion bodge! My mate showed me a GN400tt he'd bought to do up, in the back of his van today. I have never seen a bike in such a state, it looked like it had been dragged out of the sea :-\ But he reckons he'll have it ready for visiting the MGP ;)
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Better watch out for my gn in august as well, unless i take a smoker .....
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Oh yes..... hopefully he`ll be true to his word, I`ll keep my fingers crossed for you. If he is and you want me to collect them for you, just give us a holla! (may save losing them in the post?)
Nice one Steve, good of ya to offer...cheers. I'll get on and e mail him up see what happens
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Oh and as regards to what I did on my bike today (well yesterday actually) I cut, drilled and filed up some footrest hangers for the tracker project bike. I'll get them mounted and take some photos when I get a min..cheers. Michael
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I discovered that the MZ (two stroke) has a Bumblebee nest in its left hand handlebar muff.
Bit different.
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I discovered that the MZ (two stroke) has a Bumblebee nest in its left hand handlebar muff.
Bit different.
You'd deffo get extra street cred for that at an MZRC gathering.....
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Must of been mice in there afore as the female bumble seeks out old mice nests to use for her egg laying! :)
Is it a "White arse, or a Red arse?" Damn PC spelling checker! "Bottom" is the missing word in colloquial parlance! ;)
Here is a link to a site for taxonomic diagnosis and all usefull information on bumbles. Bumble bee Conservation (http://bumblebeeconservation.org/)
Grand wee beasties and to be nurtured.
Tree hugger and bumble spotter, Bill
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Clubman bars went on today.
From this;
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160525_145607_zpsooypm2bk.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160525_145607_zpsooypm2bk.jpg.html)To this;(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160606_134439_zpshwzfzxqm.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160606_134439_zpshwzfzxqm.jpg.html)
With Michael's clip-ons;
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160616_110611_zpsjn2baon5.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160616_110611_zpsjn2baon5.jpg.html)
Love the look and agressive position, but after only 60 miles, I'm feeling it in my lower back. I think I'll persevere a while yet to see if it gets any easier!
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Aye mthee,
Footrests need to go back and up or else you WILL be seeing an osteopath!!!!! :(
Having ridden Ducati singles with clip-ons and the 'standard' footrest position for many years, been there, had the bills! ::)
Bike does look rather nice, that Honda 'Red candy flake' always did look good! ;)
Regards, Bill
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Looking really good! Bet you'll notice the difference when you take it for a spin, just need the seat sorting now and you'll have a cracker!
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Thanks for the advice, Bill. How about using the pillion footrests - theyre back and up, or will I just look daft? Given the absence of rear sets and cash, I might try rolling the bars up and/or reversing them;
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/hyde_ace_zpsaehw6oar.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/hyde_ace_zpsaehw6oar.jpg.html)
My gut feeling is, having tried the position, nose over the front and finding it so focussed on going fast, I'm not that relaxed and "missing out" on the view. In view of that, Steve, I'll hang fire on the bump seat for now.
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Classic "Form over function" problem as with lots of this stuff. The standard 'drop' handlebar to footrest relationship on the SRX was OK, but not relaxed if you wanted to "take in the view"! The rearsets (PC spell checker >:( ) fitted to Sally definitely make riding much more comfortable, but "take in the view" riding is definitely a sit up and one handed or finger tip riding position. It would appear on the XBR that Jota bars and even a couple of inches back for the foot rests would make a big difference and allow some adjustment for your stature and the potential for the "Shortened petrol tank or extended girth"! syndrome. ;)
A hump back seat would still be OK, providing the dense closed cell foam is used and not something that is soft and squidgy. The edges of the seat pan also need attention, as often the foam is cut "to fit" rather than overlap and thereby dig into the back of the thigh, rather than cushion against the thigh.
Main thing is to get the miles in and enjoy it! ;D
My regards, Bill
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How about Norton / Vincent straights?
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I`m liking the look of it Matt. I`d persevere to see how you get on with them, it will probably get easier the more you use it. Nice arty pictures too ;)
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Another short trip has persuaded me to replace the original bars which are now back on. I really enjoyed the racing position, but I reckon more of a standard roadster is what I should be aiming for. With this in mind, I shall try to get the seat cut and recovered to resemble this classic type;
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/_57%2029_zpsmbyvmgpm.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/_57%2029_zpsmbyvmgpm.jpg.html)
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If I were you Matt I'd go for the standard XBR bars - there is a pair on Ebay for about £22 a side - and figure out a way to reinstate the decompressor off the bars ( seemed a strange conversion to me anyway). That way you get the standard riding position which is pretty comfy without being too sporty and it would sort out the fork problem.
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Yep, I agree. I'd go with the standard set up, which is only a bit sporty, and hence, comfy ;)
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Went for another run out on the MZ today, about 50 miles but not too pleasant....sea mist all over, so I got pretty wet. Loads of bikes about, people were even sitting in the hedge rows at 8.30am in the mist, keeping their patch dry and waiting for the sun to burn away the mist ready for the racing ;)
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For those of us who can't be there, I really can't thank you enough for bringing us a flavour of what's happening. You're TC's local reporter! More, please, manxie!
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Races are delayed until at least 12 noon due to the mist, so we`ll see. :-\ Have a listen online Matt, good coverage ....
http://www.manxradio.com/radioplayer/am/ ;) ;)
And don't forget ITV4 @ 9pm ;)
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So today, i turned this...
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Into this...
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Aye Tim,
Pourquoi? :-\
Have the Chinese started buying 'scrap' again? ;)
Другой "Народный" машина готова для вас, чтобы настроить. (Drugoy "Narodnyy " mashina gotova dlya vas, chtoby nastroit'.) :-X
Regards, Bill
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:D Please translate, comrad :D
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:D Please translate, comrad :D
"Another "People " car is ready for you to customize" ???
What have you done to that poor Minsk Tim!
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Aye Tim and my thanks to Steve for the translation. ;) Nae bad! Was meant to read "Another "People's" bike is ready for you to customize!" ::)
So, what are you up to, with it? I wouldn't make Coke cans out of the alloy.
Regards, Bill
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She's just getting an overall tidy up and refurb. Nothing too drastic ;)
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Morning chaps...again it's really a case of what I did yesterday. Started having a practice run to deseam the petrol tank on the tracker project bike, tricky but I'm confident of being able to pull the job off, just going to take a bit longer than I thought. There again most of the jobs I do seem to be like that ;) ;). Hopefully be worth all the effort in the end as I think it will look like a completely different tank. We shall see (hopefully)
Cheers, Michael
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Playing with luggage options on the NC. Helmet locker plus top box. Added some angle to carry stuff sacks but think I'm going to make a solo seat set up to allow use of throwovers without needing to take them off to fill up.
Andy
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So, hard to believe, but until today, I had never fitted a bike tyre. And it all went swimmingly, easy peazy, lemon squeezy ;)
While the wheel was off, I gave my back end a good wipe :-\
Then I welded up the chain guard, which keeps trying to self district, due to the vibes on the RE.
What a great design the QD rear wheel is. The chain, sprocket, and brake drum stay in place, which saves all the usual a##### about ;)
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So, hard to believe, but until today, I had never fitted a bike tyre. And it all went swimmingly, easy peazy, lemon squeezy ;)0
Ha, ha, ha.... you want to try fitting one to the cast wheel of an old BMW twin......Oh how we laughed .....that sort of manic frantic laugh of someone drowning in despair.........and cursed and bled........
[/quote] What a great design the QD rear wheel is. The chain, sprocket, and brake drum stay in place, which saves all the usual a##### about ;)
[/quote]
MZ's have a similar system...top bike!
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Today, courtesy of moto63, I was able to set the front end up as standard. Haven't had a chance to take her out but seems like a good compromise between the upright bars it came with and the clubmans I tried. Thanks for the freebie clip-ons, Michael, you're a gent.(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160616_110611_zpsjn2baon5.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160616_110611_zpsjn2baon5.jpg.html)
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Looks lovely.
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I think you'll find it much better. What did you do with the decompressor lever?
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Hi Matt, your welcome mate, glad I could help you out. Bike looking good, get the seat you're after and it'll be the dogs doh dahs. Like Steve asks, what did you do with the decompressor ? Cheers, Michael
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No room to mount the lever on the bars, or anywhere else, so I've tucked it out the way, but it will probably have to come off until I can have a look under the cover to see if any of the internal mechanism remains.
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No room to mount the lever on the bars, or anywhere else, so I've tucked it out the way, but it will probably have to come off until I can have a look under the cover to see if any of the internal mechanism remains.
Might be worth contacting the seller to see if he still has the bits? At least you can use the electric boot in the meantime.
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Think it was the owner before him who did the work, but I'll give it a go. Having the kick-start was a big reason for me to buy the XBR. Might have a scout about on eBay. Cheers, Steve.
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This is what should be there.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xNsnFhWf8Gc/V2L8Ao-kHfI/AAAAAAAAAns/6E3I-lZth2cAemMI-7qcOFybD04Y9jOhwCCo/s512/DSCF0367.JPG?gl=GB)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Ht5nLvpy4I/V2L8BLzLQVI/AAAAAAAAAn4/oqZzIMfsFDU_HkSAKiuGbzXO4UN_diLrQCCo/s640/DSCF0368.JPG?gl=GB)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RLRXwHlN4Wo/V2L8BI6NuSI/AAAAAAAAAn0/xpiluesgPlQLRW0rKD4ZQ0vVcqsfkdc-QCCo/s512/DSCF0369.JPG?gl=GB)
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Took the front "engine protector plate" to give it a coat of Hammerite Stonechip Shield to protect it as well as you can do. Burnt off the Japanese powder coating then gave it one coat of Zinc Galvanise spray. (in the airing cupboard now drying off overnight before I give the top coat of the above probably over the weekend)
Ian :)
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Went out for a short 20 mile or so ride to photograph some poppy fields that are in full bloom at the mo. I don't think they will last too much longer especially with the cr@p weather we have had l lately. It just felt good to be out on 2 wheels today 😉😀
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Did the RealClassic "Compass Challenge" on the Sunbeam. It's getting there......
http://www.iansoady.org.uk/compass%20challenge/index.html
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Had a 50 mile potter through Horncastle and around the edge of the Wolds then via some twisty little back roads back home. Good ride out!
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Went across to Scarborough (Oliver's mount) with my little lad to watch the "cock o the north" brilliant day with some great racing
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I saw the GB and Skorp as I was getting my step ladders out of the garage to decorate >:(
Nipped to speak to my insurance company to see if I could get 1 day`s insurance to enable me to ride the GB to the vehicle test center on the 1st July for its test.
MODIFY
Took the Skorp for a 60 mile blast and joined the "ton up" club ... well that`s what the speedo hit :o probably only about 70 ;) :-\ Thoroughly enjoyed it!!
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I had a break down the other day. Well, the Dommie did ;) I was overtaking a lorry, when I lost all revs, bit hairy :-\
Bike ticked over OK, but as soon as I opened throttle, she just bogged down. So I'm guessing blocked main jet which turned out to be right, when I stripped the carb today. All running sweet again. Checked valve clearances while tank was off, and fitted Blews modification to choke cable.
Also, does everyone else do this when they first have their carb off a bike. Remove all the crosshead screws and replace with copper slipped stainless socket heads. Makes life so much easier for future carb strip downs ;)
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Sounds like it was an a$$ twitching moment there Tim. I`m not that mechanically capable to do things like that to my bikes I`m afraid but I must admit I`m thinking of changing all the engine casing bolts on the MZ to stainless.
Had another lovely run out on the MZ today, using it to commute to work, about 50miles. Missed the thunder storms....just, slow tootle because of the wet roads. ;)
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Removed the freshly painted tank of the GB today....very carefully..... and fitted a nice shiny new fuel tap. Checked the oil and topped it up a little, checked everything works ready for it`s test tomorrow.....gulp. :-\ It`s give a crap day weather wise for tomorrow, so the poor little thing looks like it`ll get a soaking :( Maybe the test station will feel sorry for me when I turn up dripping wet...and probably crying because the rain`s washed of my new paint :'( :'( :'(
Argh well, fingers crossed all will be ok ;)
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Nae bother! ;)
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Fingers crossed that all goes well and that the weather improves so you can get out and give it a good thrashing!!
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Thanks fella`s.
The weather was ok this morning, roads were a little damp after the overnight rain but at 06-10 this morning I headed over the mountain to work. First time I`d really rode the bike since I`ve bought it. What a lovely little thing, far from the fasted bike I`ve ever had but cruised along the Mountain 70-75mph and handled lovely :) .......When it was time to leave work for the test centre the heavens opened >:( Well what a bloody soaking!!! I had a wake coming from the front of the GB !!!!! Rivers running down the roads! :o
Anyway, she passed ;D ;D Just need to get the paperwork sorted to get it Manx registered..... yeee-ha!!
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Great news, now you need some good weather to enjoy it.....it owes you some fun after all the hassle you've had!
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Nice one Steve ..... A lovely GB 500 ... the Isle of Man mountain section ... and an MOT pass ... Forget that little spot of rain..!! Sounds like a day you'll never forget ..!!! I'll bet the grin is still on your face ... Regards, Tony
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Yeah good do Steve, top news. Ride and enjoy mate
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As my mother always said, "your skins waterproof son", well she didn't actually, but it sounds good ;)
Congrats on the pass, and health to use Steve :)
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Thanks for your kind words fella`s...The lads up at the Test Centre were great and loved the bike. I look forward to having a bit of fun on it ;)
Hi Tony, yeah, the run back over the Mountain on the way home was lovely, the sun was shining, nice dry lines on the road and only came up behind three vehicles, which I breezed past :)
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Rode an acquisition home down the A9. Heavy rain/hail showers, Force 6 winds, 12°C max, with a non-freeing clutch, a weeping fork seal, knicker elastic connecting the back wheel to the gearbox and an improbable lump at the base of the tank! Topped off by a fouling "barn door" up front :-[
To add insult to injury, we then had to navigate a 3 car pile up at the 'House of Bruar' [impatience when trying to join the A9! >:( ] followed by a 2 mile queue up to a lorry into the central reservation on the dual carriageway A9 south of Pitlochry, because it appeared, he had to get past the 44 tonne trunker before the roadworks cones made it a single lane! Dunkopf! >:(
Have spent the evening trawling through fleabay etc trying to find bits and info on XT600E motors and SRX3VN body parts. I will likely be posting in other parts of the site for info, bits and dire warnings! Maybe I should break the sow's ear! :-\ OH! The contents of the sump looked like treacle! :-X
Good night all, Bill
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Sounds like an ordeal Bill. Glad you made it ;)
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Aye Tim,
Just in from spannering, looking for 'bits'! A Yamaha part number cross-referencer for older singles would be nice! And mono singles even nicer ;) I suspect XJ600N Diversions and FZR's are going to be the likely stablemates if there is any commonality between models.
Yes, the journey down the A9 was eventful.
The 'barn door' fittings, whilst bolted to the frame have also been tack welded on the back for security! ::) So I need to invest in some headlight mounts afore getting the angle grinder out.
Slainte, Bill
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Quick update here!
Out on 'Morini the Minx' with the 'Boy Bros' for a quick hurl through the Perthshire countryside and up onto the Sidlaws for some raspberry picking from the hedgerows. Came back with 5lbs of berries, including some lovely yellow rasps (sweet, different flavour and tasty). Making progress with 'Gert' the SRX400 3VN, with XT600E motor; new front indicators, headlamp mounts, re-wiring headlamp and indicators, awaiting seals to come for between the caliper halves. Four new stainless pistons and seals required for the front caliper (£112 inc VAT ??? ) plus a pair of stainless pistons and seals for the rear caliper (£55 inc VAT ??? ) and 'Sally' was given a quick once over. Duke 450 head needing shimmed, will wait until the local "trades" holiday is over and then go and see the engineers with a surface grinder! Car requires service afore MoT next week, lawn mower air filter cleaned, plug cleaned, gapped and blade sharpened.
There was gardening, eating, washing up and tap dancing on this keyboard as well! ::)
Keep running the beasties, Bill
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Moved the SR and the Bonnie out of the garage whilst I did some carpentry for the new kitchen......put them under covers....then wheeled them back in after job completed.
Thats about as much as I have touched the bikes this week....damn weather
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Took delivery of the new bike ... Jawa 350 TS ... to say it has patina in an understatement :o No room in the garage for it so it`s under a tarp in the back garden ??? Some one made me an offer on the Skorp, which is very tempting, don`t know what to do with it, keep or sell but I`m desperate for room ??? :-\ :-\
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adjusted the chain on the ss350, rode it, puzzled over why there is a wire running through the engine breather pipe ?
got my latest toy delivered, a black russian...
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got my latest toy delivered, a black russian...
Congratulations Comrade!! Another Voskhod hits the road! Together we will be able to compare rebuilds, pollute the countryside, tell tales of glorious breakdowns, excitings rides, terrifying brakes and stained underware!!..........ah the gloriious Voskhod revolution is almost upon us...................all together now................................................."Soiuz nerushimyj respublik svobodnykh, Splotila naveki.......
Photos?
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Yes, I am looking forward to the forthcoming tales of soviet daring do. I might even sort Minnie the Minsk out :-\
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Took delivery of the new bike ... Jawa 350 TS ... to say it has patina in an understatement
I hope you like the Jawa Manxie. They are an acquired taste, but I really like them. The build quality of the cold war era machines is not on a par with MZ's though. There's nothing wrong with the design, but the build quality was a bit hit and miss, and I think they suffered from sub standard raw materials even more than the East Germans.
When they work though, I find them to be quirky, charismatic machines, and fun to ride.
I keep looking longingly at the new Jawa's on the F2 website.......
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Yeah, I`ve never owned a Jawa but just fancied something different and was offered this. Sadly, it`s not an early one. It`s a 350 TS 1992 .... ugly, rough, but sounds ok :-\
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Jawas are the only bikes i have ever bought new, a 350 twin in 1973 and a 250 single in 1981, i like them, especially the clutch you utilise through the gear lever..
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You sound like the man to ask...? The front brake lever has two cables, one going to the TLS front brake, the other goes to a mechanism which is connected to the rear brake. You pull on the front brake expecting the mechanism to move the rear also (but it doesn`t) You operate the rear brake, the mechanism moves but appears to push against the secondary front cable but doesn`t do anything.....if this all makes sense ??? ??? What do you think should be happening ?
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Aye Steve,
Never seen or used one but; linked brakes via the rear brake pedal? :-\ Bit counter intuitive, but all the makes sense through the fug of 2/ and your description. :-X
Regards, Bill
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Hey Bill,
I was thinking along those lines but if each brake is operated individually, there`s no movement in the other? ie. if I press the rear brake, there`s no movement to the front, and vice verser? ??? Dunno???
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Sounds weird! any chance of photos?
Is it a factory thing or possibly some sort of adaptation for disability or injury?
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was it ever fitted with a sidecar ? maybe some sort of parking brake system that has been partially disabled..
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AFAIK no Jawa 350 was ever fitted with linked brakes - certainly neither of the ones I have owned were. My money is with Steve or Spooky's suggestions.
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Fitted the SV650 rear shock.
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fixed the gearbox on the ss350 ! well, not really, i adjusted the position of the footrest so i could hook the lever up gear easier, next time i rode it i thought gearbox was on way out, however, being a numpty i hadn`t allowed for the lever connecting with the footrest thus stopping it going into gear !!! easy fix and all back to normal, phew...
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I also reckonnthe Jawa brake set up is definitely something to do with a previous velorex sidecar setup.
Ian, how is the SLR fairing with the SV shock? Hope all is good?
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It is a remote possibility it had something to do with a side car as the wheels on the sidecars were braked, but this has never had a chair fitted to it. Attached is a picture of the set up (not my bike) which appears to be the set up on all 350 TS models, and the big cable you see goes to the rear drum, the smaller cable is connected to the front brake lever ...
[attachment deleted by admin]
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I stand corrected - I don't remember the set up at all from either of my Jawas! Off the wall suggestion - it doesn't run a common, single brake light switch does it?
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Ian, how is the SLR fairing with the SV shock? Hope all is good?
Yes all screwed back together but other priorities mean that I haven't ridden it yet. It came out at exactly the same length as the shortened SLR one I had currently installed to no adjustments to forks stand etc were necessary.
Just bouncing up & down on it it does feel very supple. I've put it on mid preload as I see no way I can get a C spanner on the adjuster when it's installed......
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I stand corrected - I don't remember the set up at all from either of my Jawas! Off the wall suggestion - it doesn't run a common, single brake light switch does it?
Not a bad suggestion, some investigation required I think ??? I can`t even find anything on the internet about it either??
I was expecting the Skorp to go this evening but the potential buyer`s just text to say he`s not coming coz he`s found something cheaper >:( These were going to be the funds for the Jawa :(
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Took the XBR out for a blat around the a few of the twisty lanes of sunny (ish) Lincolnshire this morning and then spent the afternoon giving the old bike an oil & filter change. ;D
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So myself and Tony, (the lurker), bought a part restored G9 Matchless in January. It had no paperwork, and engine was an unknown quantity. Well after, months of chasing around we finally have managed to reserect this iconic 1953 gentleman's tourer, and keep its original Oxford registration. Its not concourse, nor is it oily rag, and today it had its first ride after years of slumber, as a box of bits. Pictures to follow, though its not a Thumper, but, boy, have I a giant smile on my face :)
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Took the MZ to work today @ 06.45, lovely run over the mountain to Douglas, via the Grandstand, a little damp but ok. So on my way home I did the rest of the course, very pleasant although very slow ... tractors, wagons, horses, road works >:( Then a fellow thumper rider on a very nice BMW F650, joined me in the tailback, so we stopped on Parliament Square in Ramsey for a chin wag. ;) The only thing that spoilt the day was work ??? :)
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Had to take my wife for treatment to Stoke University Hospital. She insisted on going on the Bonnie (A "Double Thumper!") She thoroughly enjoyed the experience even though she doesn't share my enthusiasm for PTWs.
Only downside was, I was given a "Warning Parking Ticket" from APCOA (the parking ge$~tapo at the hospital), only because the Bike Parking was nigh on impossible to find. No charge to pay but I don`t expect I would get away with it again. I think next time I take her I will use the car! I think this should probably be classified under the "Rant" section! >:( >:(
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So today I recommissioned a wee BSA C12, that was last run nearly twenty years ago, and then dry stored in a garage. Same owner since 1959, and I bought it last winter. Only expense has been oil and a few cork gaskets. Started her today for the first time and she seems to be running really well. Just need to fix the really leaky petrol tap. Any ideas?
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Champagne corks! ;)
My regards, Bill
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And here's a pic. Notice the colour matched top box, made from an instrument case, in which the previous owner, used to take his packed lunch to work every day.
Also here's a pic of the Matchless G9 mentioned previously on this thread.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Two lovely bikes there Tim, well done !!!!! 8)
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Yep, and both for sale, very soon ;)
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Morning Tim. I,d be quick with trying to sell the matchless as it looks from the photo you posted that there's someone trying to nick it ;) ;) ;)
Like Steve says tho two very smart looking mosheens...good luck with the sales
Cheers, Michael
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Went out on both bikes yesterday (at different times for the pedantic amongst you) Still love the Bonnie but don't have quite the same love for the SR as I did for the SRXs I have built. They just aren't a real thumper now. I feel a project coming on 😁😁😁
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Yep, and both for sale, very soon ;)
Fancy a Skorpion or a Jawa ?... or both?? ;) :)
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Very windy but sunny and dry so I took the GB for it`s maiden voyage around the TT course. Took my camera to take a few snaps around the course but it was either too busy or too windy to park up. I must have had a massive head wind going up Hailwoods Rise because it would only pull 75mph against the stops (should have turned around and went the other way, may have got it off the clock then ;) ) Anyway, all in all a nice ride out, stopped in Ramsey for a burger after the lap, the bike ran well and just turned 3000 miles. May go and take the Skorpion for a run now ;)
UPDATE
crazyfrog wrote ..... Off the wall suggestion - it doesn't run a common, single brake light switch does it?
with reference to two cables on the front brake lever of the Jawa, one appearing being connected to the rear brake ..... 10 / 10 for you, you were right, there is one brake light switch which is connected to both brakes via the cable!! Solved.... ;) ;)
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I'm not jealous.....no really I'm not...ggrrrr :o :o. Sounds like a very good run out Steve. You lucky man ;) ;)
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So, today I rode my Enfield Bullet, pretty much the length of Ireland, from Co Waterford to home, about 230 miles, almost all on quiet minor roads. Bike performed well all weekend, covering nearly 600 miles all in, hitting speeds as high as 55mph :-\
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So, today I rode my Enfield Bullet, pretty much the length of Ireland, from Co Waterford to home, about 230 miles, almost all on quiet minor roads. Bike performed well all weekend, covering nearly 600 miles all in, hitting speeds as high as 55mph :-\
Still managed to stay in front of a Harley!
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So today I managed a nice spin on the Falcone, which is definitely growing on me. My mate Barry was on an even rarer specimen, a Citroen Visa engined one off bike with hand gear change. Must post up a pic sometime. Then I started a Ural, for the first time ever, really weird, such low compression. Then this evening I took the C12 for a short spin, to check all is ok , before the new owner picks it up tomorrow. Discovered there was massive play in the headstock :-\
Tightened her up, then couldn't get the topnut back on, as I'd managed to butcher the thread of the locking ring, drifting it round to tighten it up. Aagh! What a plonker! Finally got it on, after copious filing of locking ring. Will tell new owner, he'd be best to strip out the headstock and clean up and grease the balls and races,as its one of the things I never got round to doing. Also hope he puts new tyres on her, as the current ones are at least twenty years old :-\
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Went into the garage after coming home from work and gazed silently at the 2 bikes in there.. (Bonnie and SR400) wondering if I can can fit another in between them......watch this space!
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Aye Ian,
Of course you can! ;)
My regards, Bill
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Remember Ian, there's always room in the house ;)
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Out for a canter today with Sally and the Bros. Back roads from our place out to the Sma' Glen and then out over Glen Quaich; stopped at the top to watch the grouse all displaying. Also spied the "Big Bird" eyeing up a grouse for lunch! Came on down to the Kenmore junction having navigated belligerent Italian camper vans, coming up the average 9% hill (with 20% in places) past the passing places! :-X
Ignored the potential Kenmore stop for lunch and followed the main road along the north shore of Loch Tay to Killin, following a 6 legger timber lorry with a 6 legger trailer, fully loaded! ;D OK top speed was not what Sally and the Bros are capable of, but the skill with which the rig was driven down a road barely wide enough for a lorry and car to pass in places was worth the ride. The final descent into Killin being very entertaining, over the single track bridge at the Bridge of Lochay Hotel. ;) Stopped in Killin for the piece and then rode the A85 to Crianlarich and turned left (A82) to go down to Loch Lomond, fair old bit of tourist traffic, but a steady run and the road improvements at Pulpit Rock have taken away that bottleneck. Tarbet was heaving with coaches and punters trying to get a trip on the boats across to Inversnaid, so we pressed on down to Balloch, turned left and escaped the traffic going to Glasgow by taking the A811 and then the A81 to Aberfoyle. Beware we chose the wrong ice cream vendor 1st time, opposite the Aberfoyle butcher deli (of steak and Stornaway black pudding fame, the chicken curry pie is also ::) ) and the quantity of ice cream measly. So, went east up the street to the wee sweet shop and had another of twice the size, made from double cream, for the same price! ::) Very tasty! ;D Filled up at the Aberfoyle community owned and run petrol filling station and then came home via the backroads, through Thornhill, Doune, Braco, Muthill and Kinkell Bridge.
A 175 mile canter and a couple of dossers at the end of it. Back to the workshop on Friday, as the weather breaks! :(
Good health, Bill
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Sounds a nice run Bill, recognise some of it from our Scottish trip in May :)
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Aye Tim,
Missed out the Duke's Pass and Strathyre that can all become a bit irksome at this time of year, as does the run down the west side of Loch Lomond. It would be a good run for the Enfield! ;D
My regards, Bill
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shuffled 5 bikes , 4 bicycles, lawnmower, rotovator and loads of crap around the garage to get my wifes new toy in there as well, struggled but before winter the voskhod and the b100p will have to go, it`s very tight and i don`t want them outside, what has she got ? a 2cv ! we bought a new one in 1987 and i persuaded her it would be a nice thing for her in the summer, luckily i like them as well and hopefully she will take it to some of the few shows i actually exhibit my FB at, much prefer riding them..
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Hi spooky. I`ve seen both your bikes on different websites for sale, they both look well and are priced well too, should sell easy enough. Just a quick question if you don't mind? You mention an FB ... is that a Vauxhall you are talking about? I love classic cars and I`m thinking of looking for someone who may be interested in swapping a classic car for my MINT GB500TT? If, in your circles, you may know of anyone please pass on my details (I especially love American stuff)
I followed a 2CV over the mountain about two weeks ago, loved looking at it cornering and it was doing about 80mph!!! Loved it ;D ;D ;)
Thanks, Steve.
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FB is my francis barnett, the local classic club i am a member of has cars and bikes, there are a few of them with gb400`s and there may well be someone interested that has cars and bikes, in a deal with a car for your xb, maybe you could email me a photo and some info and i will spread the word ?
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Ooops, FB .... I should have realized :-[
I`ll PM you detail, thanks. ;)
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Steve, you've only just got the GB ;)
Where is the Voskhod advertised, and what price is it, as I may know someone interested. All his bikes are Russian or Easter European, and he mentioned fancying a Voskhod.
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Everything has it`s price and I`m always looking for a deal ;) ;) PM SENT ;)
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Spooky,
I would hope that the 2CV is of similar construction to this fine example spotted last week bedded down outside a local Italian fish & chips and full double cream ice cream parlour! The fish & chips, followed by the double waffle cornet were very tasty and this home made wee beastie certainly looked the part! ;D
My regards, Guillaume
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Steve, you've only just got the GB ;)
Where is the Voskhod advertised, and what price is it, as I may know someone interested. All his bikes are Russian or Easter European, and he mentioned fancying a Voskhod.
it`s only advertised on the MZ riders club site, £450 , i could email photos and more info,
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Met some fellow Thumpeteers at the Grandstand today, great to put faces to names and a pleasure to meet :) Had a wander around the paddock, then completed a lap of the course on my GB. Had a for sale sign on it while it was parked, lots of people looking and pointing but no sniffs ::) Glorious day, sunny and very warm. 8) Also very busy, the Grandstand was virtually as busy as TT week. Some stunning machines about!! Got to Ramsey and stopped for a coffee and noticed my left rear indicator had lost its location screw and was hanging by the wiring :( I`ve put a temporary screw in it now and ordered a new NOS one for it ..... :'( Apart from that, a GREAT DAY!!! ;D ;D ;D
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Had a nice run out on the Skorpion today, weather is still holding out but it has give rain for tonight :-\ Left Andreas, headed for Peel. Had a quick cuppa on the breakwater then headed for St Johns as there was a classic bike meet on next to Tynwald Hill. Had a look round at some lovely machines then jumped back on the bike and headed north again, via the course. Lovely run, fast enough, only two tractors and three police vehicles (with their hair dryers out) Wonderful :) ( I must refit the end can as its a bit loose, fair bit of popping on the over-run ;) )
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So yesterday, I went on a club run on a 1953 J2 Royal Enfield. Lovely autumnal sunny day, and my first proper run on the bike, so, a shakedown run really. Gave the bike a good service the night before, in the shed until 1am, trying to get the primary case back on properly. Was surprised to find the oil filter on my 2002 Bullet is exactly the same, even though sixty years separates the two bikes :-\
Old Brit bikes are a recent experience for me, so I'm still finding my feet. I've only owned a C15 and a C12, now sold, before now. 130 miles door to door, and I'm back with a list of half a dozen teething problems I need to address, plus the bike spent a short while on a trailer, mid run, until we found a dodgy connection. However, bike handled great, sat at 50 comfortably, has a sweet gearbox, which is better than my 2002 Bullet, and a much better front brake, courtesy of a Meteor Minor, and 12v conversion. The J2 is a 500 twin port single, rigid rear, and they are pretty rare, and preceded the 500 Bullet. There's a nice one for sale on eBay at the moment, if you want a gander at one ;)
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Went on a VMCC run today , took the ss350 and really enjoyed riding some new roads that i really should have known, so much tarmac so little time...
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j360/roudeleiw-uk/bob%20rawlins_zps0yoy7qqo.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/roudeleiw-uk/media/bob%20rawlins_zps0yoy7qqo.jpg.html)
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Lovely pic, spooky!
My XBR's agility made me look good today as we were put to the test in front of an audience :-\ at a popular local car park haunt. A barrier keeping the cars out, leaves only a narrow gap before you turn left, onto a short ramp down to the carriageway. Then there's 20 yards to a small roundabout and long, sharpish left- hander after the first exit towards home.
So, with the Sunday crowd looking on, I got off to a shaky start by applying an over-heavy kick which, although firing her up first time, required a shuffle of feet as she tipped to the right! I judiciously deployed my sun visor (thankfully, it was sunny!) and it was plain sailing from there on in - slipping through the gap, feet up, I turned, pausing at the top of the ramp (still feet up) for ever so slightly longer than necessary (because the XBR allows this!) before hitting the roundabout, cacking open the throttle and haring off first exit, cranked right over. Silly, big grin took a while to fade ;D Loved it!!!
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Hee hee I Like it, :) :) sounds like I need to swing my leg over a bike again. Really starting to miss the buzz after one year lay off.
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Hee hee I Like it, :) :) sounds like I need to swing my leg over a bike again. Really starting to miss the buzz after one year lay off.
When do you think you'll be healed up enough for this to happen?
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To be honest Matt I could probably ride now but my elbow is still giving me some serious grief from time to time, even riding a push bike is painful so was going to wait until next spring. Hopefully give a bit more time for the soft tissue to heal better and build up some more strength generally in my arm. Give it another 6 or 7 months and I'm sure I'll be back riding....cheers, Michael
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Its been a long road to recovery for you Michael. Hope your injuries carry on improving ;)
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Hi Tim, yes mate it certainly has. I was told by the surgeon who sorted my arm for me that'd be 18months before I started to "feel normal " again. At the time I kindda thought (in my ignorance) "yeah right, I'll be sorted in 6 months " oh how wrong I was and oh how right he's been. All credit to him tho as my arm is virtually back to normal now. Roll on next spring I say....and again thanks to all that showed their support for me when I was in a pretty "dark place"....cheers all....Michael
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To be honest Matt I could probably ride now but my elbow is still giving me some serious grief from time to time, even riding a push bike is painful so was going to wait until next spring. Hopefully give a bit more time for the soft tissue to heal better and build up some more strength generally in my arm. Give it another 6 or 7 months and I'm sure I'll be back riding....cheers, Michael
Is this right? A sensible person on the TC forum? How can this be? All the best to you, I'm sure by taking a sensible approach you will be avoiding complications in years to come.
Ian
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Here's a pic of the J2 RE
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Lovely that Tim!! 8) 8)
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Was being nosey earlier, and looked into the registration number. Appears it was issued in Shrewsbury, so she's a Shropshire bike, originally.
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Out on Morini the Minx 125H for a shakedown down ride afore the MoT tomorrow. Nice evening until the harr came in from the east. A couple of pounds of blackberries for the cereal as well.
Toodle pip, Bill
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Fitted a pair of enduro tyres to the GN250 in readiness for the vmcc `colonial` run on sunday, heidenau k60 on the front and a Bridgestone tw40 rear,
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Fitted a pair of enduro tyres to the GN250 in readiness for the vmcc `colonial` run on sunday, heidenau k60 on the front and a Bridgestone tw40 rear,
The GN has a lovely torquey little 4 stroke engine so you should be ok! I always though the engine in a neat little 125 Trials/trail rolling chassis would make a cracking little off roader...only drawback was the lack of a kicker on the GN engine :(
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I gave the bike a final polish before the dealer arrives, hopefully it will be gone by teatime.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yRMg_eRSlk/V8Mp0Eu5GOI/AAAAAAAADGQ/-8BCN25IoJ0tnoyNTXuL7S_ChRNEfeZVgCLcB/s400/IMG_2590.JPG)
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Hi Tim....welcome ;)
Looks a lovely looking bike, good luck with the sale.
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It has gone and an XBR500 will replace it.
The AJS was fine but was causing problem with my knee and hip, the XBR has an electric foot.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKStETu336c/V_PplqzDEPI/AAAAAAAADIY/h6rmDSph-goUYscWWi30rrT79X-7dBuPgCLcB/s400/3.jpg)
Tim
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Lovely AJS, but I don't think you'll be disappointed with the XBR, they are a cracking little bike!
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Lovely AJ Tim, and I recognise the XBR from eBay. Health to use, and, as we say here, keep her between the hedges :)
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Today I fettled at the Falcone, after its recent tour of Wales and southern England. Mostly involved a good clean, and some welding/bodging of broken, due to vibration, brackets. Had no mechanical hiccups on the whole 1500 mile trip, but I think its up for sale now :)
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Took the XBR for its first run since purchase - jeez but it is cramped however it romped up the hills that my old AJS needed to change down to (slowly) climb.
The bottom line, I need to go on a comprehensive diet in order to enjoy this bike.
Tim
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went to pick bike up after having new exhaust fabricated, it sounds very nice..
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j360/roudeleiw-uk/20161017_112712_zpsnzg244r6.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/roudeleiw-uk/media/20161017_112712_zpsnzg244r6.jpg.html)
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Nice looking job spooky, spot on! 8) "What did I do with my bike today?" .... sold it, not the GB but the Skorp :( Sorry to see it go but it`s gone to a collector (52 bikes) and he plans on restoring it. Glad it`s stayed on the island. :)
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Great wee run today on the RE with a mixed bunch of VMCC, REOC, and 30s Club, to the Ulster Aviation Society, for a guided tour of their many projects/aircraft of all shapes and sizes. OK, its not Cosford, but considering the whole thing is done by a handful of volunteers, its well impressive :)
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Today, ..... I looked at it
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(Yesterday)..... I rode the SR, ignored the Bonnie and rebuilt the Speedo/Tacho assembly on the SRX :D
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Sold the XBR after less than one week, my oppo made an unrefusable offer and he is chuffed.
Its replacement arrived on Friday evening, I expected a slow, plodding wheezemobil, instead I bought a lithe '02 500 ES Bullet that has lots of grunt and is comfy. No idea what modifications have been embodied by a previous owner but it romps up the Dorset hills, my only contribution is a Mk1 930 Concentric.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnv1SGzLju8/WBXq-teLBYI/AAAAAAAADKg/7A5MJS1tiakQ_RPnK7FYjeC6HVJdQLhNQCLcB/s400/20161030_1.jpg)
the carb
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjFJLBNGqL8/WBXsVUG2aDI/AAAAAAAADKo/caLTkKmGlNI6C1JBxRtBBVv21tLo5KnjwCLcB/s320/20161030_3.jpg)
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Started modifying a (spare) seat for my CB400 to allow a natural bend for my knees:
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/iansoady/bike/CB400/seat/IMG_1809_zpsov1wkj06.jpg)
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/iansoady/bike/CB400/seat/IMG_1810_zpsx1g9blv4.jpg)
Electric carving knife and electric file coming in for some hammer!
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Today I got my TTR running. Only had it 10 months just not had the time. Looking to trade it for something interesting, Anyone interested ?
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Great work and great bikes guys :) Welcome Tim, to the RE world. I too have a 2002 Bullet, which is slow, but great fun, and gets used more than any other bike I've owned, for a long time ;)
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Not got it yet but just bought ANOTHER project ??? :-\ An 81 XT250 .... needs a lot of work, last time I saw it was about 10yrs ago and it was rough then!! One owner bike, looking forward to it`s arrival ;)
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Aye Steve, and its hardly an American muscle car ;)
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No, I`ve just realised 7 cylinders are missing ..... doh :-\ I`d best keep looking then ;) ;)
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So, last night, Falcone rear hub rebuilt with web strengtheners, (ten bits of flat steel, hammered in between the alloy webs), new high tensile bolts, home made heavier gauge locking tab rings, nyloc nuts, and loctite. Hopefully, that should sort it :-\
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Good one Tim, fingers crossed for ya that the repair holds out
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Test ride, A-Ok, so far ;)
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Sounds like you've done a top job there :D
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its italian.....itll fall apart ;D
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Weird time of year for it, but took the Guzzi on a bike run to an annual open day at agricultural engineers, in the backwoods of Co.Antrim. So all the usual stuff such as threshing, steam engine etc, but the outbuildings were full of all sorts of weird and wonderful motorcycles, in various states of distress, and cars, tractors, and commercial vehicles. Isn't it amazing that all this stuff still exists, tucked away in various yards :-\
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Amazing and really nice to know. Just imagine the lovely machines out there waiting to be discovered and put back to use.
I put two new tyres on my F650 over the weekend, a job I don't like at all. However on this occasion my pleas to the pixies of tyre fitting were heard and the front tyre more or less fitted itself. Very satisfying.
Ian
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Cleaned the (SRX) engine ready for painting
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Delivered the Falcone to Lisburn Leisure Centre, for the annual Dromara Destroyers bike show. NI is a small place, but over the winter months, we have a lot of bike shows and small autojumbles. They are great wee events, were the local bike community can meet up, socialise, talk sh!te etc. But of course, they aren't much good without bikes to look at, so its nice to support them. For anyone interested, you can look up the Dromara Destroyers, who were competition for the Armoy Armada, in road racing ;)
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Fitted a couple of subtle LED* lights, they are made by Serfas, they can be seen from 200m+ and rechargeable. Local bicycle shop supplied but they need a bit of ingenuity in sorting out the mounts, one on the rear rack and the other on the indicator stem.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FokDxB7_OKw/WChqe8umgcI/AAAAAAAADPU/ZjBqN665hmklP7XsZbSt5GMI34J5BKNhQCLcB/s320/IMG_0843.JPG)
And bought a copy of Overland to India (http://www.overlandtoindia.co.uk///) with lots of inspiration, useful for the trip to Santiago de Compostella in Spring.
Finally, updated Polishing the turd (http://dorsetdub.blogspot.co.uk//) in other words, did some scribbling in my my blog.
* Because every little helps.
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Hi Tim
Please tell me more about your planned trip to Santiago de Compostella. Are you going on pilgrimage or just fancy the ride?
Ian
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Great blog Tim. Must get a look at the RE documentary later, when ive time. I enjoyed the Overland to India book,nwhen it first came out. I think he's done another trip since on a BSA?
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So, last night, Falcone rear hub rebuilt with web strengtheners, (ten bits of flat steel, hammered in between the alloy webs), new high tensile bolts, home made heavier gauge locking tab rings, nyloc nuts, and loctite. Hopefully, that should sort it :-\
Cross thread them and spot of weld then you should have it all covered.
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ordered a 13 tooth front sprocket for my gn (the `off road` one, ) whichever one that turns out to be, i can`t decide which is the best, for two identical bikes they do vary a lot, the plan is to have one geared for about 55-6- and the other to stay with higher gearing , my latest one has a 130/90 back tyre and will easily get to 80mph on a 16/41 sprocket set up, the trail one will at first be 13/41 then later probably try a 46 on the rear , unless it copes with muddy stuff as it is....went out on both today, took one shopping and the other ploughing ! cold and sleety , not the best of days to ride, .... :)
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Hi Tim
Please tell me more about your planned trip to Santiago de Compostella. Are you going on pilgrimage or just fancy the ride?
Ian
Not really a pilgrimage, more a nod to an excellent description of the journey by the late Brian Sewell (https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/jun/19/broadcasting.channel5//).
It would nice to have company but most who have the time are too old/worried about what might go wrong. My approach is to go for it whilst I am still able.
Tim
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Yes Tim, go for it while ya still can I say. You only live once. Enjoy
Cheers,,Michael
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Hi Tim
Please tell me more about your planned trip to Santiago de Compostella. Are you going on pilgrimage or just fancy the ride?
Ian
Not really a pilgrimage, more a nod to an excellent description of the journey by the late Brian Sewell (https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/jun/19/broadcasting.channel5//).
It would nice to have company but most who have the time are too old/worried about what might go wrong. My approach is to go for it whilst I am still able.
Tim
Many years ago a friend of mine went on pilgrimage and had a fabulous journey. When in Spring are you thinking of going and for how long?
Ian
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I know a couple of people who've walked it. Only this year, a good friend of mine, and a really fit bloke, did the whole walk, then the night he finished, he died of a heart attack! 60 years old, and an absolute top bloke in every way. I still can't get my head round it :(
Sorry about the sad story, and I hope youy have a fantastic trip Tim.
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Mid June '17, I plan to float down to Bilbao from Pompey, bimble around NW Spain taking in Santiago de Compestella and back through the Picos de Europa via Leon. The total route mileage in Spain is about 790 miles spread over a week in Spain and the cost should be about £450 including ferry fares+no-frills acccomodation but not including food/fuel etc. I am taking my '02 500 Bullet so no huge speeds or ultra long distances - average daily slog about 110miles. The weather should be warm but not the mega heat of mid-year and the Costa Verde is a lot more agreeable than Southern Spain.
I am not organising a group merely throwing out a suggestion if anyone wants some company on a medium sized adventure but doesn't fancy doing it alone.
Anyone still up for a bimble before age takes its toll? PM for more details.......
Also look at my blog Polishing the turd (http://dorsetdub.blogspot.co.uk//)for regular updates
Tim
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OK, I must word this very carefully, so it can't be misconstrued;
Today I filled my crack with Captain Tolley's fluid, using themouldie's tip...
.....damn it!!!!
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Ooooer missus! Lucky you.
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:o :-\ :-X
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I have only managed one proper long ride on the 1953 J2 Royal Enfield, which I bought earlier in the year, and following this ride out, and break downs, I came home with a list of teething problems, to sort out. So today, I replaced the magneto cable, repaired the damaged handlebar throttle assy, washed out the tank with clean fuel, and stripped and cleaned out the carb. Oh yea, and rewired the birds nest that was the wiring, lurking around the battery area, and adjusted the front and rear brakes. Bike is now safely tucked away in the living room, for the winter :)
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Sounds like a pretty busy but probably pretty satisfying day you had Tim??.....ps, just gotta love the fact it's tucked away in the "living room" ;) ;) ;)
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That's interesting - I didn't know they did a twin port Enfield post-war.
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...ps, just gotta love the fact it's tucked away in the "living room" ;) ;) ;)
Can't I just continue to seethe quietly with jealousy?
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Aye Ian, nor did I till I bought this off a friend in our local club. It was delivered to a dealer in Belfast, from new, and has been in the same club, since it formed in 1965. The 350 bullet was already out, but the 500 wasn't yet, and it followed on from the J2. Most J2s went for export, after WW2, and they are very thin on the ground.
Only seven bikes in the living room this winter, one down on last year I think ;)
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Only seven bikes in the living room this winter, one down on last year I think ;)
Hee Hee.....good man (and your lady wife) for being very understanding. Top stuff ;) ;) ;)
Cheers, Michael
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Mid June '17, I plan to float down to Bilbao from Pompey, bimble around NW Spain taking in Santiago de Compestella and back through the Picos de Europa via Leon. The total route mileage in Spain is about 790 miles spread over a week in Spain and the cost should be about £450 including ferry fares+no-frills accommodation but not including food/fuel etc.
Hi Tim, I was at the NEC bike show yesterday and Brittany Ferries have an 10% discount..if you book by 31 Dec 2016, call on 0330 159 6735 quoting ref 610921.
Good luck.
Dave.
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took a panel saw to the seat on my off road gn and shortened it by about 4 inches..
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j360/roudeleiw-uk/gn1t_zpsqz1xnfdn.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/roudeleiw-uk/media/gn1t_zpsqz1xnfdn.jpg.html)
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Nice one, a brace of GNs :)
this evening I stripped, cleaned and rebuilt this wheel....
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Installed Amazon cheapie heated grips today, courtesy of YouTube instructional video for additional fuse and relay;
(http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s556/gs500ey/IMG_20161211_165113_zpsyc2gxuix.jpg) (http://s1305.photobucket.com/user/gs500ey/media/IMG_20161211_165113_zpsyc2gxuix.jpg.html)
Only hiccup was my splicing the switched live to the rear brake light, which would have made getting warm hands a bit interesting! 😱 Throttle tube plastic cable guide needed shaving at its end on diameter and thickness where it enters the switchgear housing.
And then, like finding a forgotten £25 in a coat pocket, I lifted my 4 year old lid out if it's box, looking for a missing thermal glove and found the free pinlock visor the lid came with!
I've got a 220 mile round trip coming up on the 18th, so how handy is that?!
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Good job with the grips Mat. Get a pair of muffs for over them, and you'll be well toasty. Certainly saved my bacon last weekend, when the only warm part of me, was my hands :-\
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Thanks. Apparently, if I spend even one more penny on bike stuff before Xmas, I won't have any balls left to worry about freezing off!😵
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Out for a canter on Sally today, afore the rain and then the ice returns over Hogmanay! ;)
The centre of the roads are slick with rubber, oil, salt slime and a generous dose of farm vehicle effluent in 3 counties of Scotland, Angus, Perthshire and Fife. However, went out through the Ochils afore a refuel in Cupar and quick visit to St. Andrews west beach, a stop at the Tay Bridge kiosk for a black pudding roll & mustard, with a Bovril; over the bridge to Dundee, 30mph speed limit due to the force 6 - 7 wind, gusting gale 8, where the new Tate Modern is rising from the old swimming pool complex next door to the 'Discovery'. A canter along the byeways of the Ca rse (its that PC thing ::) ) of Gowrie, afore a detour into the Sidlaw Hills and then home via another string of back-roads north and west of Perth. About 90 miles and only the white-finger to trouble me, temperature stayed above 12°C, so no need for the thermals etc. The wind is steadily rising, but nothing too dodgy, just watch out at gateways etc!
Got home and Sally was manky, so out with the Jizer, whilst everything was fresh, a quick scrub with the dish brush and then a hose down with the garden hose. The old bike looked quite the thing, so gave it a blow-dry with the leaf blower and left it running for a wee while afore putting in the workshop with a door open. Oil change now due, plus I may have to sort the oil leak from the cylinder head. We'll see.
Now as black as the Earl of Hell's waistcoat, but still warm. Good health to all for 2017 and keep doing what ever karma gives you a ;D ! ;)
Slainte, Bill
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Similar in Yorkshire, micro-climates lurking here and there, cloud low enough to be fog one minute, the sun so low you can't see the next.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x56uqmh_riding-in-the-clouds_travel
Still, 90 miles before the bacon butty wasn't bad, Woodhead, Holme Moss then the longer way home.
All the best for 2017 and enjoy your extra second in 2016!
Andy
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Snow on the ground, and freezing outside. Out in the shed, with the waste oil burner going, I had to work in temperatures as low as +20c ;)
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So, this afternoon, it was a choice between sorting out this lot.....
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Or going for a spin on the Bullet.....
Guess which I chose ;)
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Got back to doing the front end on my `trail` gn,bil made new spindle to suit TS front wheel and brake, removed disc brake and all the gubbins that goes with it and fitted a new (£1.00 from autojumble) brake lever and cable, all appears ok, made up a torque arm that fastens to mudguard mount, fitted old honda front mudguard that surprisingly looks ok with 21" wheel, took angle grinder to exhaust and almost got tiger cub silencer fastened on but got too dark and wet, a good day bodging ! photo soon....
it`s going to be renamed a bigellie 250 to confuse the old folks in local vmcc section, all badges to be removed and writing on cases will be filled in, bigellie is an anagram.....
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Sorry Rufus, please explain, as I'm a bit slow on the uptake
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well the original wheel is 18" new one is 21".....thats not what you meant is it :-\
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Nope, I can't figure out the anagram. But then I'm stupid ;)
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There you go, you can tell us now!
;D
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Ha ! dum dum diddle dee dum dum diddle, etc
eligible : as in eligible for vmcc runs
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;D Ta da! ;D
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OK, so how many pages on a thread before we start a new thread? I'm suggesting, a new one each year. So please see above ;)
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No, not that above! The thread above ;)