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?
Way Out East
It's another grim day on the road although the reason for this trip is close at hand. So what does Ren make of mainland UK's most easterly point then?
Wet And Wild, Sorry, Mild
It's a somewhat mixed start to Ren's latest escapade. There's rain and the risk of being thrown into The Gulag, but it's not too bad at the end of the day.
Prolugue - Why Ness Point?
Ren explains why he's off to the land of Daaan Saaaf. There won't be any mountains and no-ones going to give him any money, there must be a reason?
Rain In The Far East
Title page for Ren's trip to Ness Point, the UK's most easterly tip of mainland UK.
My Negative View
More navel gazing from a reflective Ren. This sounds like a grumpy old man trying to convince others (and himself) that he's not really a grumpy old man.
Don't Trust The Images
Ren is moaning as usual. This time he's a tad frustrated with the way things are advertised online. Stupid boy.
Is Beddgelert The Place?
Ren is searching for the holy grail, or at least a campsite not too far from town. Will Beddgelert be the solution or is nothing ever quite what it seems?
Epilogue - Home And Thoughts
It's the final day of this Scottish trip. With regret Sharon and Ren must return home to their regular lives. Ren reflects on the changes in Scotland and considers his next moves.
Oh Sugar Oh Sugar Oh Sugar!!!
Ren is having a "moment" with Sharon pillion. While the layout of the controls on modern motorcycles is a good compromise, it's not without its pitfalls.
The End of the Fellowship
With the parting of the pals comes a tinge of remorse yet Rev. Mick! still has many more miles to cover before his heroic return to home. Did anyone notice he'd even left?
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Way Out East
Bogger said :-
Aww. He's not got wet.
Bogger
31/05/2023 12:15:02 UTC
Way Out East
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
HAHA! Yes I see it. Timing is everything and when it comes to the weather in the UK there's zero possibility of being certain about it. It was what it was and it keeps things interesting at least. I do these things so you good folks don't need to.
29/05/2023 18:40:43 UTC
Way Out East
nab301 said :-
Ren, that's a pity , your timing for this trip earlier in the month was just a little premature , the last two weeks in Dublin have been dry/ warm and I think the same in your part of the world.
"Regular readers will be sorry to hear but... I am not miserable."
Are you sure ? That looks like a sad face Emoji on the R/h side of the photo of the inside of the tent although it could equally be random bits of detritus that splashed up in the torrential rain....
Nigel
29/05/2023 17:34:35 UTC
Don't Trust The Images
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ahhhh feet forward. I shall add a link to F9's very informative video on the subject. I've seen FF motorcycles akin to bubbles where you're kept (relatively) warm and dry, even offering a hint of additional safety. They're better for comfort and aero too. And yet tradition seems to keep PTWs firmly in this mindset of "NO! It must look like all the other motorcycles ever made!"
Would I consider a feet forward machine? Yes, very much so. It'll take someone like Honda with influence and clout to actually make a worthy machine AND to influence us all to rethink how motorcycles can (should?) work. When we see the small production and home made monstrosities - while clever and innovative and functional and probably very good machines - it's not enough to get us out of our entrenched mindsets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk2ou5gt_94...
26/05/2023 09:11:37 UTC
Don't Trust The Images
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Now that's gopping.
Sort of Honda Pacific Coast meets Bond Bug.
Where's me duck.....I've lost me duck Ed.
25/05/2023 17:01:35 UTC
Don't Trust The Images
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Since reading Royve Creasey and Paul Blezard in the 1970s I've always had a strange yen for proper FF bikes. Never had the opportunity to even try one however.
https://bikeweb.com/...
25/05/2023 13:16:52 UTC
Wet And Wild, Sorry, Mild
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The bike is covered in a protective layer of dirt and oil Upt' helping it to survive the British weather. Even so at now 5 years old the 500 is already showing it's age and the sufferings of the elements. If you purchase a motorcycle in the UK and use it regularly, you'd be a fool to consider it any kind of investment.
23/05/2023 12:25:23 UTC
Wet And Wild, Sorry, Mild
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I really dislike riding in the rain.......but strangely enjoy the thought of you doing it.....
Why isn't your bike spread all over the garage floor?
22/05/2023 21:28:44 UTC
Wet And Wild, Sorry, Mild
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Teepee can be spelt tepee or tipi, or teepee. And, for your future information, I hope your hat is made of chocolate boyo.
22/05/2023 21:04:34 UTC
Wet And Wild, Sorry, Mild
Bogger said :-
Teepee tent. School boy error there me thinks. If you stay dry in that I'll eat my hat.
Can't wait for the next wet and windy installment.
Bogger
22/05/2023 20:18:11 UTC
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nab301 said :-
Glyn , that's good news , so the crank was ok then. Any further thoughts on the failure , If it has no oil pump then presumably the previous owner ran it low on oil?
Nigel
29/05/2023 17:07:40 UTC
Glyn said :-
Just done that Ian and, like you, I used a thin covering of sealant. It's mainly back together now and all I have to do is work out how the governor and butterfly springs fit on the carb. Unfortunately, they made about 20 variants of this set up.
28/05/2023 11:42:13 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Glyn - a sheet of emery paper on a flat (glass or similar) surface should do the trick. I always use a very thin coat of wellseal on head gaskets despite people telling me I shouldn't and it works for me. Other people use a spray of silver paint but I've never tried it.
28/05/2023 09:45:29 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Nigel, my 650 has a similar socket next to the tacho with a car style accessory socket. I could use the car charger to the USB on the back of the sat nav, but neither the socket or the USB would be waterproof and although I considered changing it to a locking marine socket and plug it all got very complicated with conflicting advice. In the end it was just easier to follow Garmins instructions. At least I now know how ALL the plastics come off.
But it would have been nice to plug an accessory lead straight into the front.
Upt.
28/05/2023 09:29:27 UTC
Glyn said :-
So I've got the Briggs head cleaned up. Should I get it skimmed and then set about gas flowing and porting it. Takes me back to the Ford 1172 (E93A) engines when we were BRISCA racing so many years ago. The new gaskets arrived and we are therefore on the home straight I hope.
27/05/2023 16:05:13 UTC
nab301 said :-
"Upt'North ¹ said :-
Here's a thought, why the f'in hell don't manufacturers provide an electrical accessory block where it is required?"
Strangely , my '18 Dl250 has an accessory socket beside the headlamp... rated @36w ie not very much
Nigel
27/05/2023 13:24:21 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Thanks for the reminder Glyn.
New tyres will be affixed to The B this week. (Should I change the oil too?)
It's about time they're 6 years old. They're horrible but not slippy.
Upt.
27/05/2023 13:08:57 UTC
nab301 said :-
@ Glyn , I bought a low mileage '98 Deauville back in'08 and initially was impressed although it nearly had me off on the way home from purchase (on a wet roundabout) . Something I put down at the time to the mixed tyre selection that was fitted . There was a lot of weight involved mainly when manoeuvring in confined spaces and onto the mainstand. The problem with the weight was the rear bias hence slippery roads or gravel had the front end wanting to tuck. The seat is quite broad too so could be a problem for shorties.
I never rode the 700 version but it's even heavier.
Despite all the above I did a lot of mileage on my Deauville and had many really long days in comfort . I finally decided to move it on when after fitting a set of tyres ( of which I fitted many to the Deauville) I rode off from home reciting the mantra, new tyres , new tyres what the ! I'd dropped it like a sack of spuds 150mtrs from home!
I did briefly have a Transalp 650 afterwards which was lighter and had better weight distribution consequently imo handling much better but the peg position made my hips sore and my one was heavy on petrol and less powerful than the Deauville... It also had tubed tyres which can be a no no for some.
Nigel
27/05/2023 12:14:41 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Surely not!
A warranty that's worthless, that'll be a first.
I haven't checked what the draw is yet, I was guessing at 3.
Upt.
26/05/2023 18:45:37 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I don't see how a 3 (or my preference may be a 5) amp fuse could cause any problems at all. Just don't tell Garmin or they'll void your warranty.
26/05/2023 16:08:46 UTC
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Ian Soady¹ said :-
Now removed the carb and stripped it. I think I've found the problem - the main jet (152 size) is partially blocked with dark brown deposits. While it's apart I may as well change the 2 jets as advised in the Honda service bulletin. The bike had been stood for a long time before I bought it....
The 2 large rubber O rings on the manifold and spacer (mine has the 2 part sandwich arrangement with a heat insulator) are also well past their best. But the diaphragms (main and air cut off valve) look good.
31/05/2023 12:36:30 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
As it happens, a "spare" carb did come with the bike - which makes me wonder why.... and having checked its diaphragm it looks OK so at least I have a spare to hand if needed.
The last time I did anything with CV / CD carbs was a pair of Strombergs on a Triumph Stag more than 20 years ago.
30/05/2023 16:25:31 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Thanks all. I expect I will have to remove the carb as access is very tight. I'm new to CVs so the diaphragm does sound like a likely suspect. I assume there are no "intermediate" jets between the pilot and main jet? I may be able to op the top off and have a look at the diaphragm with it alll in situ.
One other thing the tailpipe does look very sooty - I need to have a look at the plug.
I may leave it till we get back from France........
30/05/2023 14:01:52 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Ian, Just a thought.
Being a single you can probably turn the carb 90 degrees to get access without removing the carb?
30/05/2023 13:34:19 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Ian, I would start by checking the diaphragm.
If the bike runs OK at full throttle openings, then it is unlikely to be a blocked jet.
If you have a small split in the diaphragm then at full throttle the vacuum will be strong enough to lift the needle, but at lower throttle opening and low vacuum the pressure can go through the split and not lift the needle.
Best of luck!!
30/05/2023 13:24:55 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Good luck Ian, but........
You know you're going to be taking the carb off?
Upt.
30/05/2023 12:32:53 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I've just popped out for 30 miles on the revamped XBR500. Thoughts? Comfortable riding position especially with the raised bars, nice handling, light enough, decent power. BUT - it has a terrbile stumble / misfire at around 1/4 throttle opening / 3000 rpm. Idles fine and higher up the range runs well and sounds good with the Goldie silencer.
So I'm suspecting a blocked jet. CV carbs are something of a closed book to me and the carb is notoriously tricky to remove / replace. I wonder whether I can drop the float chamber off to see what's going on in there?
30/05/2023 11:56:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The CL500 is definitely on my radar nab301. I concur the gaiters and twin shocks appeal, however I'd have to assess the riding position as the "adventure(ish)" setup of the 500 rather suits me. Also I'd have to investigate what tyres are available for the 19 inch front wheel. Yes, Tour-A-Plank might have another project if the CL500 comes my way, or in fact possibly Sharon's way. The seat is still too high for the Hobbit but nowhere near as high as most other models.
29/05/2023 16:07:28 UTC
nab301 said :-
"Mind you, I have my eye on the new 750 TansAlp (TranSlap) - "
Ren I thought you'd be more into The Cl500, twin shocks , Factory Gaiters on the forks , although the exhaust only allows one pannier ... but I'm sure Toura plank design systems would be able to overcome that !
Nigel
27/05/2023 13:11:20 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I'll raise a glass to diversity, tolerance and odd ducks.
But yes 50 cc's would be too diverse for me, lest I become a squashed odd duck. It happens.
27/05/2023 10:00:51 UTC
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