Welcome To Bikes And Travels...
...It's about bikes...and travels...mostly on bikes!
It's summertime now and the rain has gotten warmer. Where are you planning to explore then huh?
What's New?
Accidents Happen Part 1
So what happened to Pocketpete? Part one of his traumatic experience covers the first few weeks.
Of Batteries and Glendaruel
A bit of an issue this morning. Can Ren pull himself out the poop or will Sharon simply tear him limb from limb? Serves him right for being an idiot.
Oh No! Noise Cameras
Motorists are being targeted for their noisy motors. Is it a good thing and is it possible in the real world?
Exploring The Mull Of Kintyre
A little look around The Mull Of Kintyre on two wheels and a short walk that Ren makes a big thing of.
Self Reprimanding
Is it good to beat yourself up over honest mistakes? He's a bit funny that way is Ren.
Air Head To Ayr
Sharon is having one of those days. Still, she's keeping positive and her motorcycle upright.
The Long Way To Machrihanish
Using ferries to get from Bute to Machrihanish ought to be a most pleasant and easy ride. So how do Sharon and Ren manage to turn it into an epic exploit?
Getting Mentally And Physically Ready
Before Sharon leaves for Scotland she's both excited and yet pensive? She's normally a chilled out traveller so what is different this time?
Why Oh Why Did The Council Close That Road?
Blinking town planners doing stupid things to make traffic worse! Are they a bunch of buffoons or is their method to their madness?
The Beauty of Bute
Is Bute a Beaut? It's a most peculiar day to find out though. There's no rain and a big yellow thing in the sky.
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Latest Posts
Crankcase Pressure And Breathers
Bruno said :-
Just a comment on the "explosion"... please, don't call it that. Explosions harm the engines. Under pressure it's a combustion, which burns at a much lower speed. ;-)
26/6/2019 10:51:56 PM UTC
Accidents Happen Part 1
Upt'North said :-
You always were, but now probably in a handcart.
No! You can't take the 500,it's a handcart all the way for you m'lad.
Upt'North.
26/6/2019 1:41:38 PM UTC
Accidents Happen Part 1
Ren - The Ed said :-
Oh I've got part 2 of Pete's missive. Be a few days yet before it's published. I like to keep you folks in...
suspense.
26/6/2019 1:33:27 PM UTC
Accidents Happen Part 1
Ren - The Ed said :-
When I saw Pete the other day he asked "How was Scotland?"
"Do you really want to know??"
"Yeah."
"Oh dear. I'm sorry Pete but it was FANTASTIC!!"
I'm going straight to hell aren't I.
26/6/2019 1:31:57 PM UTC
Shark Skwal Visor Broken - Dammit!
Ren - The Ed said :-
My Shark is in regular use - but only for my domestic runs. I'm "using my investment". If I'm to do any longer runs I'll take my cheap yet reliable Agrius Rage, which costs less than a visor for the Shark if you did indeed buy one and not get it replaced under warranty.
26/6/2019 1:28:41 PM UTC
Long Term Review Of Keeway RKS 125
Ren - The Ed said :-
That sounds like a jolly old trip James D, Lands End to John o'Groats on a 125 in 5 days. That's what, 900 miles so that's roughly 180 miles a day. Sharon and I have done just one 260 mile day on the 125s but I wouldn't recommend it on a regular basis (que reader who probably thinks nothing of doing 400 miles every day for a month on a 1976 CG125...).
Yeah, there's not a lot wrong with the Keeways, it's usually the owners that are the issue.
26/6/2019 1:25:48 PM UTC
Accidents Happen Part 1
Upt'North said :-
Yes, a sobering story. You were lucky...the hell you were, it really doesn't help does it when someone says it could have been so much worse. Plaster, bandages, fractures, life changing, how much worse do they think it could be.
Glad you can talk about it PP, I'm sure it'll help.
Hope you're continuing to improve everyday.
With regards the other guy, it doesn't really matter what he does now, does it? He's done enough. Let's hope he admits whatever he may be charged with and you don't have the hassle of court appearances etc. Have you got a suit and tie?
As long as he's legal it'll probably only be a Section 3 RTA offence anyway. What matters to you of course is that it will prove his guilt and assist yo going forward.
Best regards for the best recovery possible.
I bet Ed hasn't mentioned once the sun was out constantly in Scotland!
Upt'North.
26/6/2019 10:09:14 AM UTC
Accidents Happen Part 1
CrazyFrog said :-
Ah, I see. comment withdrawn!
26/6/2019 9:51:23 AM UTC
Accidents Happen Part 1
Pocketpete said :-
There is more information to come in part 2 and 3 but unfortunately I cant mention the lad who hit me in more detail due to possible pending action by the police I thought it prudent to remove these bits until after any court action was resolved.
26/6/2019 9:36:06 AM UTC
Accidents Happen Part 1
CrazyFrog said :-
Pete, I'm amazed and very disappointed that the lad who hit you didn't visit you in hospital. The very least he could have done IMHO.
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery, and no long term consequences.
26/6/2019 8:49:27 AM UTC
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Latest Chit-Chat
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Rod said :-
I have found that these tools and screwdrivers are often difficult pull at the correct angle in tight spaces.
I have used a split ring from a key ring over the end of the spring, and attached a ratchet strap through the split ring and the rear wheel, and just pulled the spring into place. The split ring can then be removed in the same way as removing a key.
25/6/2019 10:59:31 AM UTC
Ian Soady said :-
.... It's just a matter of always keeping your hands behind the potential trajectory. I have on occasion scraped bits off however, and still have a half moon scar on one thumb where a bearing outer let go somewhat unexpectedly while I was thrashing it with a lump hammer.
Actually another useful tool for springs is something like this. Although I've made my own version being a cheapskate.
25/6/2019 10:15:52 AM UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Hard times indeed Jammy. I have no sage word of wisdom other than yes, that Suzuki will be just fine for some splendid adventures.
As for screwdrivers and springs Ian, I'm impressed you still have all your fingers.
25/6/2019 9:06:59 AM UTC
jammy said :-
Had cub for 15 yrs and many adventures home and abroad had, but yes hard times/split after 20 yrs married/4 kids I'm now in rented house etc etc. The lil suzy will hopefully have some adventures though. Only had it a couple of yrs so plenty of time yet!! It made sense to sell the 30 yr old honda(getting a bit rotty too) with 45 k and keep the 9yr old suzy with only 15 k on it!
23/6/2019 9:52:50 PM UTC
Ian Soady said :-
I generally use the screwdriver method (best with a large Phillips type as the groove between two projections helps to locate it on the spring locating peg). With some (mainly prop) stands it's easiest to fit the spring before the pivot pin then use the stand to lever into position for the pin.
I've read about the washer trick many times but it's never worked for me.
23/6/2019 2:14:18 PM UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Oh wow! Am I famous? Yeah the springs can be hard to bend without somewhere secure to hold them. In a pinch you could hammer nails between the coils but it'd sure be fiddly. Glad the screwdriver thing worked out for you Jammy. Damn lethal things those springs, it would be very very VERY easy to make a horrible mess of your little pinkies.
So why'd you have to let the C90 go? No room in the shed or are times hard?
23/6/2019 7:39:39 AM UTC
jammy said :-
Whipped the centre stand pin out from the lil suzy fl125 address today (yes stupid name for a bike i know), bike only 9 years old and not yet ridden through a british winter, although thats about to change as sadly had to sell the old honda 90 recently...anyway pin came out easy, greased and put back in...however never in a month of sundays was I going to be able to stretch the center stand spring back on. bugger ok onto youtube for help, up pops a vid from Ren....very good but i don't have a vice (or garage) to do the required....another vid (sorry from someone else) showed attatching one end of spring to bike then big screwdriver on other end of spring, lever screwdriver against center stand and after alot of effort (and some wd40 and a tap with hammer) the spring slides down the screwdriver and onto required lug on centre stand ta da! Excuse my spelling!
22/6/2019 6:39:45 PM UTC
Upt'North said :-
Jim,
At least it didn't change it to Irn Bru.
Upt'North.
21/6/2019 6:57:14 PM UTC
Jim said :-
Moët??? I was thinking of getting my 2p back, not champagne. Autocorrect strikes again.
21/6/2019 5:39:51 PM UTC
Jim said :-
Hi Borsuk - button 'B' was for getting your Moët back if the call couldn't be connected.
21/6/2019 5:36:44 PM UTC