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?
Form Dole To A Hole That's Closed
Things don't go quite as planned for Upt' today but don't panic - all's well that ends well.
The Wonder That Is Riano
What started out as a good day turns into a really good day. There is of course a mishap and some moaning, otherwise so far so good. What's the catch, there's gotta be a catch.
Off The Ferry And Into The Affray
It's all waiting and chaos, confusion and queueing - and that's just getting off the ferry. Despite being in Spain the evening has a very English feel with an English friend.
From Coal To Dole
These notes from the road provide a concise review of Upt's first 4 days of his European excursion. He makes it all sound so easy!
Upt's Autumn Bimble 2024
Title page for Upt' North's tale of executive level adventure through Europe.
Hereford And Home
A brief note on the last couple of days of this short trip and Ren is reflecting on just how much countryside there is out there.
Distant Memories
Ian Douglas heads a long ways back down memory lane, sharing a few flashbacks that seem oddly familiar. Hard times and/or halcyon days.
Onto The Ferry
Ren takes a simple short trip and turns it into an unnecessarily arduous ride to the ferry. Then all the Dynamic Muppets have to do is get on the ferry. Should be easy - right?
From The Quaint To The Bucolic
Honey coloured stone buildings all around, words like "quaint" and "charming" abound. Ren endures another day of likeable towns and comfy beds. He'll have to find something to gripe about.
Easing Into The Trip
After plenty of flapping and fretting Ren can calm down and start to enjoy the ride. It's a simple journey today with no purpose other than getting closer to the forthcoming ferry.
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Latest Posts
Honda CB1100RS Review
Glyn said :-
Life were simpler in black and white Guv. Traffic lights were mainly advisory items and we decided which side of the road to ride on as we’d paid the road tax (sometimes). There were no issues with a licence because, at the age of 13, you couldn’t get one so didn’t have to worry about it.
06/12/2024 12:40:49 UTC
Honda CB1100RS Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Eeeee by 'eck, it wur black-n-white when thy wur a lad Glyn, long before they invented colour pills. 'Ow did thee know ift traffic leets wur green ur red?
06/12/2024 08:05:09 UTC
Honda CB1100RS Review
Glyn said :-
Can I just say that I wasn’t always so old. I’ve found a picture of me on my first bike 58 years ago. I was schoolboy scrambling at Ringwood on my BSA Bantam 125.
04/12/2024 22:06:30 UTC
Form Dole To A Hole That's Closed
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
That made me larf nab301. I just hope Sharon doesn't read this - she would be rather pleased with having "Jeeves" go on ahead. Her assistant would then ensure her impending arrival at the luxurious hotel would be no more stressful than stepping off the bike into a nice warm bath, having fresh clothes laid out, and then stepping down to an evening meal on a sunkissed veranda. Come to think of it I'm sure I'd struggle through with her, heroically.
03/12/2024 16:57:04 UTC
Form Dole To A Hole That's Closed
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Yes, great photos. Your experience was the opposite to mine on my Greek trip - I'd wanted to go over the Col de Mont Cenis but it was closed. It was April....
So I was forced to use the tunnel and an awful experience it was too. Dim lighting, kamikaze drivers, "air" almost unbreathable. This was of course well before the fire and subsequent rebuilding - maybe it's better now.
We'll find out when we get there but did you use the same hotel as me in Pisa, weithin sight of the tower?
03/12/2024 13:36:15 UTC
Form Dole To A Hole That's Closed
nab301 said :-
Some great scenery there Upt , pity about the tunnel closure.
The last photo with the Strom presumably fully loaded had me taking a second look (as in where's all the luggage ?) and then I realised this is the hotels tour so you were travelling light or you sent the butler ahead in the Rolls or maybe the Aston...
Nigel
03/12/2024 11:05:18 UTC
Honda CB1100RS Review
Glyn said :-
Yet another 70+ here Beau. I’ve enjoyed the bigger bikes with beasts such as a wonderful Kawasaki ZZR1100 and I currently have a BMW K1100. As others on this site will know, I tinker with the spanners more than spend time in the saddle. With this in mind I’ve tinkered with a Honda CBF125, Suzuki TS250, GT380, Yamahas RD400, TDR250 etc etc. I currently have a Yamaha TZR250 (128kg) and I really enjoy the light weight when moving these smaller bikes around although I do miss the blistering performance of the ZZR.
01/12/2024 08:56:09 UTC
Honda CB1100RS Review
ROD¹ said :-
I think others have made some good points.
I will just add this:- I am the same age as yourself Beau. I am in the fortunate position of owning two bikes. One is an Enfield HNTR 350 which I have owned just over 1 year, and I have covered just over 5000 miles on this bike. The other bike is a BMW K1600gt which I have owned just under 6 months, and I have covered just over 6000 miles on this bike (would have been over 9000 miles if I had not cancelled a trip).
I like both bikes, but you can see which I prefer.
We are all different, and have different experiences. You should way the pros and cons for yourself, and decided on which compromises you can live with.
28/11/2024 22:28:11 UTC
Honda CB1100RS Review
Ian Soady¹ said :-
.... and I'm one of them. I have a few years on you... It's not so much on the open road where a big heavy bike can be fine, but when you're getting in and out of the garage, parking up in awkward spots etc where you can sometimes yearn for a lightish machine.
Some years ago I was in France on my then Tiger 955i weighing well north of 200kg. I found myself behind a hotel in a deep gravelled area and it was touch and go whether I could turn round and extricate myself. Since then I have progressively downsized.
I think the major advantage of a bigger more powerful bike is the effortless overtaking, but many smaller capacity modern machines are quite capable.
All Upt's points are well worth considering.
28/11/2024 15:06:18 UTC
Honda CB1100RS Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
There's plenty of older folks on here Beau who'll tell you tales of how they once owned a large bike (capacity and/or weight) and who are finding the larger machinery - while not beyond them - causes more problems than is worth the hassle.
You could argue the riding position of a sports bike (head down ass up high pegs) is far from conducive to getting your feet out quickly and slow riding. A more natural riding position like that of the CB1100 ought to be more comfortable and manageable at slow speeds.
However - unless you need to "keep up with the boys" or you're towing a caravan then do you really need 1100ccs?
28/11/2024 14:29:14 UTC
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Latest Repair-Chat
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Upt'North ¹ said :-
"Buy a proper scanner"?
In my experience the best tools in the world don't work when there's a tool using them.
Obviously watching others and not myself.
Walk on, nothing to see here.
Upt.
21/11/2024 20:25:11 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
If you want to get to grips with modern auto electrical wizardry can I recommend you go to YouTube and seek out "Diagnose Dan". He's a big Dutch chap who takes you through the jobs he gets in his workshop.
You obviously won't have his scan and test tools but the insight you gain as to how things work will help your own knowledge and therefore help form theories as to what the hell is up with a car.
I would buy a proper scanner... But I realised I'm far too miserly
21/11/2024 19:09:55 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
You raise an interesting point me o'd mucka. You weren't preachy either.
Now Ed, he's preachy.
I will consult my local mechanical mot'ing genius before I do owt with the proposed turn off, if indeed it should be required.
I wonder how many o'd motors will end up in EML heaven with nowt up with them.
Strange world innit.
Upt.
21/11/2024 16:16:32 UTC
nab301 said :-
Hopefully you're sorted , apologies , looking at my post I'm coming across a bit preachy... but I'm sure you know what I meant. If it is the lambdas do you not need them for the MOT test ?
As an aside I had time on my hands earlier this year and participated in an Automotive electrics diagnostics course , the profile of which seemed to indicate among much more that it covered computer/ sensor diagnostics , unfortunately while refreshing (in depth ) electrical theory was very interesting we spent a lot of time working with ye old points operated ignition distributors... I think I was the only participant who had actually worked with them in the past. I saw a scan tool once and diagnosed a cam sensor fault(disconnected) but that was it!
Nigel
21/11/2024 14:15:33 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Can't disagree Nigel.
If the light reappears I will consider it being turned off.
But it would be good to know from anyone with real life experience of the same.
You never know, it might stay off.
Pffffffftttttt.
20/11/2024 20:47:00 UTC
nab301 said :-
Upt , you really need someone with a decent scan tool that can read live data (not just fault codes) and interpret said data , eg , fuel trims , check and confirm that the lambda sensors are switching correctly etc etc. It seems that the days of parts substitution are behind us. Lots of cars appear also to have wiring harness issues , corrosion etc which can cause all sorts of issues.
Nigel
20/11/2024 17:15:27 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
VAG huh, explains the curious naming. They called the sensors Bank 1 and Bank 2 and are trying to sell a 1.0 3-banger as a V8... remember dieselgate?
20/11/2024 14:25:09 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Oooooo, who put your knickers in a twist. You rude boy.
It is a 1.0 three cylinder non turbo petroleum spirit engine fitted within a VAG product.
Bank 1, don't blame me I didn't invent the name, is a sensor in the exhaust nearest to the engine.
Bank 2, is the cat sensor.
Bank 1 and 2 have been changed today. 1 for the second time. All reset.
We'll see I spose but I predict it will reilluminate my life shortly.
Pffffffftttttt.
20/11/2024 12:44:20 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
When you say "Bank 1 sensor"... what is a Bank 1 sensor? Lambda on the exhaust? Presumably a V4/6/8 engine? What car, what engine. Give us a bleeding clue!
20/11/2024 09:11:36 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Can I pick your brains? It's about Er'Indoors motor.
The EML is glowing brightly. It shouldn't be.
Read the code, "Bank 1 sensor".
Changed Bank 1 sensor.
Light returned.
Read on the forums.
Seems low battery voltage and non oem air filters can cause issues.
Changed both.
Reset light.
Light returned.
Tomorrow I will change Bank 1 again and Bank 2 as a just in case. I will also do the aux drive belt but not for this reason.
I will report back, but.....have any of you used the companies that state they can turn off the fault permanently, not the EML light but only in relation to Bank 1. So as and when Bank 1 says it's iffy it would be ignored.
There are no issues driving the car.
Upt and inquisitive.
19/11/2024 16:39:27 UTC
Latest Chit-Chat
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Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Having seen these "squatty potty"s in France I've often pondered how people cope in their dotage, or when they're injured in some manner.
I'm told that they're better for the human digestive tract and allegedly offer a more natural position to allow easier evacuation. I have no idea how true this is but I can understand the thinking.
Smashing great super marvellous. Until you've done your knee in or had a dizzy spell or pulled a thigh muscle. Or you're old and frail or otherwise infirm. I'd like to hope there are "medical aids" available for such situations otherwise as Ian so politely put it - things could get messy, very messy.
Is this motorcycle related? Of course, I've been injured on occasion when motorcycling and I wonder how I'd have got on if I were french.
30/11/2024 13:56:25 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Try using one when yopu have a hip replacement on one side and a knee replacement on the other. The results can be very messy.......
30/11/2024 10:22:56 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
No it really isn't.
29/11/2024 22:54:04 UTC
Rev. Mick. said :-
I've just had a few weeks of squat toilets and I must say it is really how we should do our business. It supposed to be really good for you, and it does save on all that waste of paper.
However one morning following an extremely physically draining day the previous day. I really needed to use the toilet, like NOW!
My legs were so stiff it was touch and go wether I would actually get into a full squat in time.
It must be said while there was no accidents on the way down getting back up was as challenging
29/11/2024 19:30:46 UTC
nab301 said :-
Upt , if one has time to read the Beano whilst performing certain body functions might one suggest consuming more fibre , it'll move things along more quickly
Nigel
29/11/2024 15:34:14 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Very French monsieur.
Pffffffftttttt.
Non.
How are you supposed to read the Beano standing up?
And on that note, thank the lord that those stand up dumpers are disappearing.
Upt but not standing upt. Well not for all ablutions.
28/11/2024 15:53:17 UTC
nab301 said :-
Probably better to remain standing...
Nigel
28/11/2024 15:14:38 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's a fair point Upt'. Maybe just check before you sit down?
27/11/2024 12:58:11 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
"IT CAN'T BE ALL THAT BAD".
I'VE GOT TWO WORDS FOR YOU ED ME LAD.
***DUNNY SPIDER***
What a way to go. I mean who'll suck the poison out!
Upt.
26/11/2024 18:02:23 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
While it does appear the entire landmass of Oz is specifically configured to bring about the demise of any human being not filled with the knowledge of an aboriginal Australian or Crocodile Dundee - it can't be all THAT bad? I mean my aged mother went camping out there with my brother and survived without harm. I expect you're far more likely to be killed in a road accident in Oz than being bitten by a shark/croc or bitten by a snake/spider.
This all being said - I'd like to go across the outback but I know for sure I'd need the help of someone with more survival skills than I. My survival skills are mostly based around being able to open a tin of baked beans, admittedly I'd struggle without an proper tin opener though.
26/11/2024 14:27:07 UTC
Random Link - Ward Green And Chipping Fords 2005 - By Ren Withnell