Welcome To Bikes And Travels...
...It's about bikes... and travels... mostly on bikes!
Spring has sprung, now we have a few months of warm pleasant rain to enjoy after the cold and miserable rain of winter.
What excitement and adventures will this year bring?
What's New?
The Chaos Increases
Whilst muppetry and stupidity abound the world needs a hero - in the meantime Bogger will have to do. Fear not brave reader, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. I fear it may be a train coming towards this lot...
Let The Chaos Commence
It's a typical start to a trip and overall things seem to be going well. Except for the weather. And the traffic. And the suspect motorcycles. And the disorganisation.
Them There Alps
Title page for Bogger's retelling of the tale of a curious trip to The Alps with friends.
Pothole Ouch
I'm sure we've all had a similar experience. Ren's been shaken by a pothole, poor Ren. You'd think riding an adventure motorcycle and being experienced he'd know better. Nope.
Charging Troubles (5v not 12v)
To keep the lights on and to keep going in the right direction Ren needs charging. It's time to update and rethink the USB power setup on the 500
CB500X At 40k And What Next?
Ren's 500 is getting on a bit now. Where's the bike at and could there be a new addition to the stable?
Not A Lot To Say In The Best Possible Way
Walking and some motorcycling with not a lot to report, which is a good thing. Ren is pondering the disadvantages of going to nice places.
The Tourer Transformation Continues
Sharon's shiny new Z400's transformation from naked street machine to grand tourer is well under way. She does enjoy spending money far too much for Ren's liking.
CB500X Tappet Time Again
Ren loves the CB500X except for one service job. It's time to do the unthinkable, it's time to do the tappets. He's a grumpy old grouch.
Sunshine And Sadness
Striking lucky with the weather the dynamic muppets are having a look around North Wales' properties. It's not all glorious though with a bit of bad news.
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Let The Chaos Commence
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ed, what about the camels and the cows, there's always been alternatives.
The whole subject of EV's is complicated don't ya thunk.
Electric bicycles are a complete nonsense. Folks buy them that already own non electric bicycles, may even still have them covered in dust in the shed. Afterall that's where most bikes end up. So let's use up the worlds resources making crap no one needs. Then let's use electricity to charge them.
ICE will be around for a good while yet as will ice too, despite the rants on the Beeb.
It'll be a brave and probably stupid politician, actually they are more likely just to be stupid, who finally stabs ICE vehicles through their heart with the sword of ecology.
I can report with some certainty that the North Sea is not flowing up the Till Valley just yet.
Pffffffftttttt.
Upt.
01/05/2024 09:40:35 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ooooooh harsh! I'll have you know it's all Sharon's fault this luxury I've had to endure. Yes, that's it, I'll blame her.
For thousands of years the horse was the only alternative to walking. The horse is now plaything for those with the money and space to keep them. Steam became the de facto method of moving people and things for what, a little over 100 years? This has now become the realm of enthusiasts again with the space and money to keep them, or to join in groups to afford the space and money to keep them.
It seems inevitable that one day the petrol powered motorcycle will join the realm of things from the past only owned by enthusiasts - I'd argue we're there already in this country at least. Eventually they'll be rare things kept in museums and by groups of enthusiasts with the space and the money to run them around private land. How far away that time is I don't know, but I'm sure it's closer than we think. The age of steam was coming to an end in my early years.
I don't mind bicycles but they're definitely not as much fun as a motorcycle.
01/05/2024 08:37:27 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
ROD¹ said :-
Nigel, You have convinced me that electric assisted bicycles are not the answer.
However it seems that Ren is spending more and more time in lodges and caravans, so charging the bike and his other electronics would not be a problem.
30/04/2024 22:12:22 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
nab301 said :-
Rod , I don't know , I did a lot of long distance cycling in the mid 90's for a short period but electric assisted bicycles are quite expensive , and difficult to insure for theft in my part of the world and lets be honest I'm a petrol head at heart. Also, camping and cycling wouldn't be my thing and our very own Ren has difficulty charging his phone when touring on the motorcycle , how would he manage to recharge his bicycle!
Joking aside , I reckon that using the likes of the 125 and (restricted) CBR500 my overall petrol consumption has reduced by at least 50% compared to 10yrs ago ,if that happened on a global scale for all vehicles who knows? Cycling however increased my energy consumption ( more food required..) , increased power consumption ( more laundry , more showering)endless punctures , tyres and tubes required !
Nigel
Nigel
30/04/2024 15:05:16 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I reckon perhaps in my lifetime we will see the day when electric bicycles are the only option ROD.
29/04/2024 07:58:01 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
ROD¹ said :-
Nigel, With cost being a big factor, and keeping the 125 throttle openings to a minimum, maybe we should all look at electric bicycles???
27/04/2024 09:49:29 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
nab301 said :-
I agree with all the comments especially re the effortless power on tap , very useful on a long motorway type climb with a stiff headwind ( What headwind?) However I find myself using the large capacity bike less and less. It's probably influenced by costs and tank range, petrol locally is heading back to €2 euro per litre and the big bike does 16 km per litre when cruising while the 125 can manage nearly 50km per litre with he other bikes managing at least 30 to 32 km per litre.
With the 125 though, I refuse to hold it on the throttle stop for extended periods so have marked the twistgrip and limit it to 1/2 throttle when "cruising" for extended periods. Nigel
26/04/2024 16:10:08 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I have to admit there's a certain something about knowing there's a great deal of "ooomph" in the right hand, it can be rather a lot of fun ROD - even if we seldom get to use it. The most powerful bike I've owned was the Fazer 600 @ 94bhp, which by some standards is still not really powerful. I always found the bike straining at the leash, feeling underused and frustrating anywhere other than the widest and most open roads. And then I'd be worried about my licence.
Anyhoo my 500 is suiting my needs presently. I fancy a Beemer, there's some nice Guzzis out there, Bogger keeps on tempting me with scooters and seeing these C125s loaded and ready to go draws me in. And yet my miserly ways and lack of garage space keeps my money in my wallet. Presently there's nothing out there that's making my heart ache, causes pain from yearning or driving me wild with desire. Inspiration will come when it's good and ready.
nab301 - SEE! It's not just me.
26/04/2024 07:36:01 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
Bogger said :-
Yes, tubeless tyres on the C125. Much better than tubed tyres. They're not overloaded, we are just making the best use of the available space.
Bogger
25/04/2024 20:19:40 UTC
Let The Chaos Commence
nab301 said :-
Interesting , the C125's appear to have tubeless tyres which may be handy.
Ren , could I take the opportunity to unreservedly aplogise for anything I may have said here re overloading your bike(s)...
Nigel
25/04/2024 15:48:41 UTC
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Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ian,
These arrived today. Similar price to yours. Thanks again for the heads up.
Upt.
01/05/2024 16:32:02 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Finished! What's next?
I decided to add a nyloc lock nut as just in case. In case of what.....who knows?
30/04/2024 17:18:31 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I forgot.....and......insulation tape. You can't do anything without tape! Pffffffftttttt.
30/04/2024 11:22:39 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ordered my HSS Co drills, I'll post about them when they arrive. No toolstations near here Ian, unfortunately. Nearest is a hour away. Pffffffftttttt. Whose idea was it to live here! Oh yes, mine. Pffffffftttttt.
Started working on The B yesterday now the permafrost has left the garage. First thing to tackle is the buzzy engine bars, it's a well reported Givi fault, the remedy for now will involve two MIRA shower washers, a 3/4 inch tap washer, heat shrink, a longer bolt and a penny washer. What could go wrong. You can just about see the MIRA rubbers on the connector, GIVI supply thin O'rings which rip and fall off within a very short period of time. Not their finest moment. Blummin Italians.....pffffffftttttt.
They should stick to pasta.
Upt.
30/04/2024 11:20:15 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Most of the toolstation reviews are very positive. And as I say, at a tenner you can't go very far wrong.
27/04/2024 10:32:24 UTC
nab301 said :-
Interesting , likewise I was unaware of cobalt although the suppliers reviews are mixed to say the least!
Nigel
26/04/2024 15:51:42 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ta me duck.
Upt.
26/04/2024 12:59:20 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
The ones I got are from toolstation - a small set up to 6mm diameter. I was really impressed. The link shows them. I confess I was also unaware of cobalt - just shows how technology rolls on. I don't expect they'll cope with hardened steel but they made short work of the screws - plus a bit of surrounding flange..... A tenner is a reasonable price, and I'll keep them for drilling stainless and other awkward materials. The trouble with stainless is it work hardens so if using anything but a really sharp drill it will start to skid and ultimately overheat to the point the drill bit itself softens.
Oh and it's a Land Rover not a Kand Rover. Typing skills are deserting me.
https://www.toolstation.com/cobalt-drill-bit-set/p40442...
26/04/2024 10:27:47 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Yes I'm unfamiliar with cobalt drills and now I'm intrigued. It'd be nice to have a set of drill bits that actually drills by cutting rather than wearing away the metal.
26/04/2024 07:38:13 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ian, you've got me all twitchy. In a good way.
Those Cobalt drills sound like something I need in the tool kit. Well I want them, I may never need them.
I've had a quick looksie on the interweb thingymabob and the prices are all over the shop. Is there a make and type you could recommend?
I've seen screwfix do Bosch 5% Cobalt at a reasonable price but I'd probably prefer to buy a set from somewhere if possible.
Ta me duck.
Upt.
25/04/2024 18:53:31 UTC
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Rev. Mick! said :-
That’s it, substitute Cub for Triumph and old hemp rope for Kermantle rope.
Also very famous full on climbers for a not really that good auld fella.
29/04/2024 14:17:22 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Like this? The renowned Don Whillans with Chris Bonington on the back of his Triumph complete with camping gear. Apparently off to climb the North Wall of the Eiger......
29/04/2024 10:29:56 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
How would you go on with climbing gear on the bikes Rev. Mick!? Never having climbed I don't know what's required but there usually seems to be a lot of rope involved.
What were you doing in Crickhowell Glyn? I've found their website - check out the "about us" page, proper old skool garage.
https://castlegaragecrickhowell.co.uk/...
29/04/2024 08:06:17 UTC
Glyn said :-
I just felt the need to post this picture of an old style motorbike shop that we found in Wales. The shop pictured even had a Triumph 21 (bathtub) 350cc for sale in the window. Price was a little higher than it was when new at £4k. I have to add it was next to a Yamaha R1 that was my particular favourite.
26/04/2024 18:31:44 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
Not sure what you meant there Ren.
It was unlikely I was doing me D.P.Gumby imatation with me ice cream and knotted hankie on a miserable pissing wet day in the Outer Hebrides. We wanted to whizz up the archipelago and get to the bothy, get fire going and have a single malt while looking out at one of the most amazing west coast views.
We’ve spent a lot of time up there and know what it can be like. Great blast of a ride though despite weather.
The Devon (and probably Kernow) tour might involve climbing gear too. There are a few routes I want to do or repeat as it may be the last time.
Commando Ridge at Bosigran.
Devil’s Slide on Lundy.
Doorpost at Bosigran.
Climbers’ Club Ordinary at the Dewerstone.
Plus I have a number of very good school buddies down there.
Also ideas for big trip this year, initially focusing west, Colombia, Jamaica or T&T. All very interesting and I have not been for years. Imagine rural Jamaica on a 50cc scooter.
However Albania has been suggested, looks very nice, very very cheap (for Europe), there seems to be good bike and scooter hire. So ideas are once more being tossed around.
https://www.madornomad.com/motorcycle-travel-guide-albania/...
25/04/2024 19:03:03 UTC
Glyn said :-
Both bikes are still tucked up in the garage for me. It's rarely more than 10°C at home but we're currently touring the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal in a 61ft narrow boat. Mrs Glyn is happy so that'll do for now. I have to say that a 61ft boat is a bit of a handful for two (elderly) persons and I can't wait to get home and back to some work on the bikes. A bit off topic I'll agree but my short story does come under the heading of "travels".
25/04/2024 17:20:07 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Tour Of Devon Rev. Mick!? At the pace you went across The Outer Hebrides a Tour Of Devon should take you 2 days I reckon. Throw in a bit of Cornwall.
46f Upt'. I'm gunna have to google that. Ah, just under 8 proper sensible degrees Celsius (or centigrade). 8c is perfectly warm, you just forgot to put a jumper on after being in the nice warm car all winter.
23/04/2024 07:16:26 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
You do have to love cubs.
After a complete winter of neglect, due to the very good weather in Ireland currently, the Cub was wheeled out from the back of my niece’s husband’s shed.
Looks like a barn find but started 2nd kick. Battery not even flat.
The summer is coming.
First thinking a “Tour of Devon”.
21/04/2024 20:28:30 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Got The B MOT'D at Berwick-upon-the-Tweed.
First ride this year, blummin freezin at only 46 of your f's.
I've decided there's only two weather seasons, I officially decree it! We now have Woolerumnal and Summer. Summer is optional. Woolerumnal at this moment has continued unabated since June 30th 2023.
Pffffffftttttt.
Upt.
21/04/2024 09:21:57 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
That'll be the long and the short of it Upt' yes. It's only money, but without it we're screwed.
21/04/2024 08:38:52 UTC
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