Weekend debrief

[guest7]

Saturday am -  escorted youngest operative to swimming class, as yet his suitability for naval ops seems uncertain, operative refuses to take feet off pool floor, seriously impeding swimming technique. Reported back to CO who seems less than pleased.

Saturday pm - Operative StevieD arrived in staff car to collect centrestand for standard issue XBR, pleasant chinwag over a cup of ration issue (ersatz) coffee. CO away on business so all operatives and self spent relaxed afternoon on light duties.

Saturday dusk - Spot-visit by RobG's youngest and accompanying support staff in full night kit, skeleton suit, fangs, etc. Hastily organised refreshments and arms display went well although the no.3 issue catherine wheel did seem prone to sticking - must contact Dept. 12 about this. Some beer drunk.

Sunday am - CO sent off again on duties and in her absence we invited some fellows over for brunch. This lasted well into the afternoon and was very good fun. Expected arrival of agent Simon83 didn't occur, suspect enemy activity between here and Berkshire. Agent Silverfox reported back on the exploratory disassembly of Simon83's old staff bike. Initial reports all good, but one part of suspension linkage in very poor state. Agent Silverfox very keen to relay parts to Powdercoatings of Birmingham.

Remainder of Sunday, after CO's return, anticipated to be spent in garage working on captured GB500.

GC

[squirrelciv]

Batchelor days returned this weekend as wifey and offspring were away. Friday night I enjoyed a 'cuury for one' from the local take-away and the DVD of Che's motorcycle diaries.

Had a free pass Saturday and spent a very enjoyable afternoon rummaging through the books in Waterstones.

Sunday morning was spent cleaning, rubbing down and spraying the replacement swingarm for Lucy, while the afternoon has been lost completing a job application form.

looking forward now to a lazy, quiet evening before the chaos of work on Monday.

[guest7]

Sunday morning was spent cleaning, rubbing down and spraying the replacement swingarm for Lucy,

Did the new swingarm cost much?
GC

[Bruce]

I went with The Norton to a bike show at Malvern good weather Saturday very wet sunday morning good weekend. On the Saturday I rode to a place near Malvern called Druggers End and took a picture of the bike next to the road sign what a strange name.Bought a new tyre £29-00 and I have ordered a metal number plate as I am fed up with the stick on figures coming off.I have sent off for my Dragon Ticket

[Gaylord]

Hello GC
I bet you listen to Hut 33

pip pip, over and out and Kestral cans away ginger.

[guest7]

Oh yes, what's the name of the Russian woman codebreaker who scares the daylights out of them all? She makes me laugh (a lot).

Another Radio 4 gem.

GC

[guest7]

I rode to a place near Malvern called Druggers End and took a picture of the bike next to the road sign what a strange name.

Picture to appear here soon I hope? 

GC

p.s. I've PM'd you

[Gaylord]

Hello Boss
Who did you pm?

GL.......

[guest29]

Blooody ebay! Only went and bought a Yam Super Tenere  Yes I know, I know too many cylinders but I must keep up with Pat lol!

[guest7]

LOL!  It's just too easy isn't it...like that time I put the starting bid on a GB500 and chair out of politeness to the seller (he'd been really helpful in answering a query) and 9 days later I bloody won it!

GC

[guest40]

I worked and rode to work on the Skorp on Saturday, stopped for a coffee with some mates on the way home, then sat around an open fire and told more tall stories from the legendary past.
I worked on Sunday and and rode the Skorp. When I got home I started to repair a small crack in the facia plate under the instruments.   
Skorp may be ready to ride again when I reassemble it tomorrow. Anyone understand the tachos and what makes them tick?    (yeah, yeah I know, I can't wait for the cackles and ribbing)

Bonus! I made a new filter element by carving up a new car type one and some ally angle.

[Simon#83]

Picked up the DRs replacement Saturday lunchtime and after taking the long way home (only an extra 40 miles  ) proceeded to start on the little modifications needed for upcoming rallies. Heated grips and GPS mount are now on and I've more or less decided where the 12v accessory socket is to go.

I'm now the second owner of a very low mileage XT660Z Tenere. It was sad to let the DR go after almost 10 years but I think the time had come to move onto something new. If I get 10 years out of the Tenere I'll be very happy.

I had the dealer fit a 50mm lowering kit for me to bring it down to a more manageable height for me. I was on tip toes with the standard height.

Initial impressions are good, with plenty of grunt and seems to handle pretty well even with the lowering kit. It's a well balanced bike and like the DR has a commanding view of the road and is great for filtering. I plan to source some handguards soon though. Seems odd they're not fitting as standard to this style of bike.

I've ordered a rack so that I can fit my old top box and I've found myself strangely drawn to the Touratech and other web sites of that ilk scouring for goodies. Seeing the price of Metal Mule panniers though soon brings you down to earth though  . I think I'll be sticking to soft luggage options for now!

Looking forward to taking the bike to Tibbie Shiels in a few weeks time to see how it performs.


Simon

[steveD]

Simon, you may find that just with the lowering link the bike is quite unstable at low speeds. I dropped my forks through by 20mm and the steering is 'right' now. If you now register with XT660.com you will find that everyone who has fitted the lowering link has done this.
Hope this helps.
One of the guys is making a really nice rear rack in anodised aluminium (black or silver) and you will find some really neat ideas for pannier frames. In the meantime you will find that the heat shields over the silencer system is very robust and for the first few rallies I did indeed just rest my soft luggage on them. Remember the rally at the Ukranian centre, thats how I carried my gear.
May add my congratulations to your new steed and hope you enjoy it.
Now you have to check that reg / rectifier connection. I have just had a complete new loom installed because of the poorly fitted together connection. I talked to my mechanic today and he said that he fills with chain lube, aerosol type, gets into all those small places. Just make sure that all of the connector pins engage properly and you should have many miles of fun.
PS Five of these have just completed a RTW trip!
See ya at Tibbie.

[squirrelciv]

Sunday morning was spent cleaning, rubbing down and spraying the replacement swingarm for Lucy,

Did the new swingarm cost much?
GC

Not too bad at £69 delivered. In reasonable condition too, I didn't have to paint it, but seeing as it was off the bike...
Plan to repair the original, swap them back then sell the good one on to get some cash back.