Chit-Chat
This page is for any comments, pictures, stories or information you might want to impart to the site that don't necessarily
fit anywhere else on the website.
There are rules!
Primarily don't be rude, offensive or obnoxious, for more details CLICK HERE
See Older Posts
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's a broad church Upt' covering all aspects of life as a motorcycle rider. That appears to include Bogger's peculiar choice in second hand clothing and minimal advice on Linux for yours truly.
3604.3 miles - over how many days? Sounds like a lot that does.
23/09/2026 16:50:31 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
21 days away Ed but about 14 or 15 riding days....I think. So not really that many miles per day.
From memory I would say the highest mileage per day would be approaching 300 but one or two days were probably not much over 100 miles. I try to follow our other leader....Bogger's guidance. Always enjoy a beer o'clock before slipping into dinner mode.
I think I'll write it up Ed with a picture or ten.
Upt.
23/09/2026 22:59:55 UTC
Ocassional Lurker said :-
Yesterday "Visordown" , (Apparently MCN, I've been been informed), have reported price of the new CB500 in India ... The Visordown site then transposed that price to what some may think is a fair approximation of around £5,500, when it's sold in this country as a GB500 ...
That sounds somewhat pricey for 28 horse power... No matter how much torque they claim ...
Anyway, not too long to wait now... Tony
24/09/2026 09:39:31 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
What else can you get for £5,500 Tony? Tell ya what I'll go have a look now I've asked that question.
I'll be back...
25/09/2026 08:42:39 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The base model Z500 is £5,700 and has 44bhp.
KTM 390 various models under 5k! Plenty of power, not sure about reliability.
Innumerable Chinese models or all shapes and sizes. It seems the quality and backup is always improving and could be a good option.
So yes you're right it's a lot for 28bhp. I figure it'll come down to what a buyer is looking for in a bike. Anyhow it ain't here yet... it might be 5k, it might be a right lemon to ride, it might be the best thing since sliced bread.
25/09/2026 08:59:11 UTC
nab301 said :-
Upt , glad to hear you made it back , despite your potentially Libellous ( or is it Slanderous ?) statement! Looking forward to the in depth write up...
Nigel
25/09/2026 15:15:29 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Yes I'd enjoy hearing about Upt's exploits! I'm hoping to bring another of Andy Grey's Facebook notes onto these pages too in a while.
26/09/2026 18:52:17 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Right you 'orroble rabble! Upt' has sent me a piccy to put on this ere chit chat. He assures me it's his and I can use it so I have worked out a way to do this - if you send me the piccy. Yes yes yes it is a right old FAFF and a pain in the rear end but these things are sent to test me. ren@bikesandtravels :)
30/09/2026 20:14:38 UTC
Upt'North ¹ (via ren@bikesandtravels.com) said :-
Ooo er miss's.
Can you tell the new Shoei inner from the old.
Thankfully it happened at Dunkirk on the way home.
Upt.
30/09/2026 21:24:46 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ta me duck. It was blummin uncomfortable riding without the top lining, I thought my brains were falling out when I took it off in Dunkirk, then I realised I'd left them at home in a safe place. My brain cells that is. The foam just fell out in a million grubby pieces and disappeared down the drain, probably straight into the English Channel. The French call it some'at else.
They would wouldn't they.
Dunkirk seemed a very tidy little town, we may have to return for a little longer? They don't even spell Dunkirk right, I know! Pffffffftttttt.
The liner was discounted nicely at the Sportsbikeshop and although the helmet is getting on a bit it's too good to bin. New GTAirs are now north of 600 squid. Flippin Eck, that's 200 cups of tea!
Upt.
01/10/2026 09:04:33 UTC
nab301 said :-
Upt , if you still have hair you might want to use a delouser before you introduce your head to the new lining.... Agree on the price of Shoei , they've almost doubled since covid , I've had to downgrade to HJC
Nigel
02/10/2026 16:03:46 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Nigel, I want to try their i72 which has just been released. The i71 got a great write up.
It'll have to wait because I'm not going to Newcastle-upon-the-Tyne any time soon.
What do you think of the brand?
On the subject of live matter in your helmet, I don't think they would have gone anywhere near it.
Upt.
02/10/2026 17:04:42 UTC
nab301 said :-
Upt , I have an F70 purchased a couple of years ago... I also have my older NXR Shoei.
On the HJC , I think the build quality is good , paint quality is excellent , Sharp rating is 4 , same as my Shoei , good anti fogging and airflow , good in wet weather (water beads off nicely) good aero (quiet) weight is 1.5kg , heavier than my shoei but ok , any heavier generally causes me neck issues.. Shell is fibreglass.
I see the I71 listed as polycarbonate and 1.8 kg which if correct would be heavy for me , not sure what the I72 is , possibly 1.6kg.
On sizing , I'm generally a 62 cm which was fine when I purchased , snug but It didn't really get looser with wear ... next time I'd probably try an XXL 61-63 rather than XL 60-62.
The N70 has a D ring fastener which is my pref, not sure on the I72 , and also visor on the N70 is screwed on rather than QD which could be an issue for some but overall turned out not to be an issue for me.
Nigel
02/10/2026 18:44:57 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Thanks Nigel, good insight into a budget (?) brand. I do like my head but I'm not sure I like it £600.00. Or around £750.00 with new basic comms. I think it'll be ratchet fasteners. That would be a first for me.
02/10/2026 22:51:30 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I've never subscribed to the "if you have a £10 head then you're OK with a £10 helmet" mantra. As far as I can see, if it passes the relevant standards then it will probably do the job OK regardless of price. But what do I know, having tried a full face only briefly and hating it so much I've stuck with open face ever since. My current helmet is a Nitro which was under £100. It fits very well (most important in my view) and has the ratchet type buckle which I like much more than double D rings. I remember being in tears trying to unfasten them way back when they were solid with ice and my fingers so numb I coud feel nothing.
03/10/2026 10:08:15 UTC
nab301 said :-
I prefer the simplicity and security of double D rings . I've no problem with cheaper helmets Ian and as you say the basic shell will be similar to the expensive brands but there's generally a better range of sizes in the more expensive ranges and the air vents ( I 've only ever worn full face since the 70's) and visor ratchet features are generally better IMO.
Nigel
03/10/2026 18:20:43 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I'm enjoying the adventure style helmet presently for a couple of reasons. First and foremost is while being full face the chin bar on this style comes out and away from the mouth more than a regular full face. This means much much better breathing ventilation. Secondly the peak is actually useless for keeping the sun out of your eyes (too high) but it protects the visor from scratches and knocks when carrying the helmet around shops and cafes etc.
I was always told the fit of the helmet is far more important than the price. It ought to be snug all over but tight nowhere. No point having a £750 lid that only touches your bonce in 2 places or squeezes your cheeks so hard it hurts. Equally though ensure it does meet the current regulations and comes from a reputable supplier. There's some nasty awful crap out there.
04/10/2026 08:47:59 UTC
nab301 said :-
Ren that's interesting on the peak , I had considered purchasing an adventure style helmet in the past specifically for low winter sun but didn't in the end because that style of helmet tended to be heavier in any of my preferred brands. How does it work at speed , noisy or unstable?
Nigel
04/10/2026 16:18:44 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Yeah I thought the peak would be ideal in low winter sun. However if I try to use it as a sun shield my chin ends up on my chest and my eyes hurt looking so far up.
My helmet is the LS2 pioneer. Noise wise it's "about the same" ie it's not quiet it's not noisy just meh. Remember I have a large and very effective screen these days so noise and stability aren't really an issue.
I did initially notice extra force from drag when doing lifesavers at speed. My brain has accepted this and I don't notice any more.
The only logical reasons I can see for an adventure style helmet for road use are better breathing space in front of the nose and mouth, and the peak protecting the visor! And these reasons are important to me.
05/10/2026 07:41:05 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
This is the Nitro helmet I have. It has a small peak which can be useful in low sun situations. I haven't noticed any problems with it catching the wind (apologies to Donovan).
Being open face breathing is totally unobstructed. The visor comes down far enough to shield my face as far as my nose. I'm very pleased with it although sadly the model isn't sold any more, although there are still some about. The first one I had had an ACU sticker but later ones don't.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/q7EAAeSwURJowyci/s-l1600.jpg...
05/10/2026 10:19:44 UTC
Name
Comment
Add a RELEVANT link (not required)