Welcome To Bikes And Travels...
...It's about bikes...and travels...mostly on bikes!
Autumn is upon us as the nights draw in and the weather changes. Is it time to put the bikes to bed for the winter?
No of course not! It's not like Ren's bike could get any dirtier could it.
What's New?
Leaky Bead - Again
Ren just loves tubeless tyres - but they are not without their own issues. Today sees the return of an old unwelcome friend.
Benelli Leoncino 500 Brief Ride Review
A long look and a short ride on Benelli's Leoncino 500. There's a lot to like for the price.
Considering The Alps
If you're into exploring but not big miles then how do you explore far away places? Ren ponders his options including one daydream and one entirely unmentionable.
CBF125 Servicing - Again
Just another service on the CBF125. It begs the question - something's got to give it's just what and when.
Exploring Arran and The Mull Of Kintyre
There's wildlife and scenery aplenty for Andy as he explores Arran and The Kintyre Peninsula. "Mixed" weather is keeping him on his toes though.
Sympathy For The Clutch
Ren is issuing a Christmas Appeal - SAVE A CLUTCH! I'm sure he'd welcome all donations for his favourite charity - himself.
Whoops!
Ren spends the morning humouring a salesman. Then he sets himself up for a fall. Spot the idiot.
UK And The Epilogue
After an early start the Muppets return to good old Blighty where they catch up with BAT reader Ross. Poor Ross, he doesn't know what he's gotten himself into.
Bad Weather, Brilliant Roads
Andy's first proper ride into Scotland is proving to be a cracker even if the weather is dire.
Familiarity And Food
As the end of the trip draws near the surroundings become familiar. But will the Dynamic Muppets survive without sustenance?
See More What's New
Latest Posts
Leaky Bead - Again
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
When you say the rim is in good order is this the rim as you can see it or have you looked at the bead where it meets the tyre? I suspect you'll find some corrosion there. What age and mileage does your CBF have? Also let us know how you get on.
13/12/2019 10:56:40 AM UTC
Leaky Bead - Again
Christopher said :-
This too has been an issue with my CBF125 over the past 18 months or so. Seemingly a common 'fault' then, I hadn't realised, and was unsure if this was due to a (very)slow puncture, or the beading on the rim.
The current tyre has little mileage left, thus, i am fitting a new replacement this weekend.
The rim is in good order, with no corrosion, and i wonder if the paint used on the rim is a factor?, In any case i shall get my trusty wire brush to work and carefully remove it, which will (hopefully) make a difference.
13/12/2019 10:49:20 AM UTC
Leaky Bead - Again
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
So you worked out I'm too tight to pay for eleccy so I'm wired into the Christmas lights in Manchester? I tell ya, that was a *HUGE* extension lead from here to town, 16 miles of cable. I've buried it under the trash that lines the grimy streets so no-one will find it.
You know, I can go to better blogs than this to be insulted.
So far, there is still air in the tyre. It remains to be seen just how much.
12/12/2019 4:43:12 PM UTC
Leaky Bead - Again
Upt'North said :-
I thought at first you were describing an age related health issue our Ed, phew, we dodged a bullet there.
Fingers crossed Rene that your bead is leak free. I'm just surprised the air could get past the dirt.
Well done for not electrocuting yourself and sending Manchester into a pre Christmas black out, imagine the shame, the headlines, "motorcycling buffoon switches off Manchester Christmas lights".
I didn't doubt you for a second.
Upt'North.
12/12/2019 1:49:46 PM UTC
Benelli Leoncino 500 Brief Ride Review
Ian Soady said :-
If only you had.....
At least nobody's mentioned grease nipples. Oh, hang on......
10/12/2019 11:44:03 AM UTC
Benelli Leoncino 500 Brief Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Frankie Howard, worra chap. Now I've also got Kenneth Williams in my head too... awwwwwwwnooooo, Matron! I know you're on "Up Pompeii" but I'm on The Carry On films. I can see a youtube session coming up. Right after I've put the tyre back on the rim of the front wheel of the 125.
10/12/2019 11:30:14 AM UTC
Benelli Leoncino 500 Brief Ride Review
Upt'North said :-
You've made me come over all "Frankie Howard".
Titter ye Not, ooh please yourself.
You should take more responsibility Ed, you have great power over your Brethren/Sistren devotees, we will be walking around all day in Togas and sandles.
Ooooh I've gone all limp, nooooo nooooo don't mock the afflicted.
It ain't half drafty in a toga today, glad I'm not riding in it. Oooh errr missus.
Stop it now.
Upt'North.
10/12/2019 9:07:24 AM UTC
Benelli Leoncino 500 Brief Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ooooooohh no, titter? Me? Such jovial frivolities don't sit well with my deep dark brooding nature. Hang on...can you say "titter" anymore? Someone might be offended!
9/12/2019 2:38:21 PM UTC
Benelli Leoncino 500 Brief Ride Review
Ian Soady said :-
Am I likely to give you the opportunity to titter?
9/12/2019 1:41:09 PM UTC
Benelli Leoncino 500 Brief Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I'm glad you said filler caps rather than knobs... ahem.
9/12/2019 1:29:44 PM UTC
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Latest Chit-Chat
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Upt'North said :-
P.P.S, I can assure you the temperature we melt at is 39c when stuck in traffic in an Italian town, for this to occur you must also be wearing full bike kit (to the amusement of chic Italians on scooters) with all liners installed. This is the temperature at which a black T turns brown and the flies become interested in you.
Ask me how I know.......doh. Still better than the cold though.
Upt'North.
13/12/2019 10:05:30 AM UTC
Upt'North said :-
P.S. It would take more than an extra Gansey to get me out.
Upt'North.
13/12/2019 10:00:04 AM UTC
Upt'North said :-
Interesting about the heating element thing our "Ed", I was advised by some on the ST Forum (nothing like this fun filled little Soirée) that heating elements is the way to go with seat rebuilds. As I am now firmly in the ride it in the nice weather camp it would be money down the proverbial. I am not a great fan of heated seats full stop, I will admit to warming the cow covered seats in my cage for a couple of minutes on a frosty morning but I would prefer cloth seats and no seat heaters.
I'm not even sure it's an option at Saddle Craft because I didn't ask the question about heat except that it wouldn't be warmer than foam and he assured me it would not, which I was happy with.
I've never suffered with a cold arris, nor Er'Indoors, so it was a done deal without that complication and I would think significant extra cost.
Even when I did ride/sit at the side of the road in winter when paid to do so, can't say I ever hankered after a heated seat. Although it was always pleasant if a little smelly to put your socks in the microwave at Doxey Post for a minute before you went back out. Always fun to see someone come in just after and put their pie in there too.
Upt'North.
13/12/2019 9:57:43 AM UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Yes Upt, you are a big soft Wussy wuss wuss. And 24c in the car? I think I'd melt at that temperature.
ROD - I agree, if the seat was heated he might have been a little braver. Thing is I believe gel seats and heated seats don't mix, the gel turns to mush or something like that. What he really needs is a CBF125 and another jumper, then he'll be just fine.
13/12/2019 9:30:14 AM UTC
ROD said :-
Upt', The seat looks great! I hope that its as comfortable as it looks and that the gel work well.
If you had heating elements fitted as well you could go out in the cold, and give us a review. lol
12/12/2019 8:02:08 PM UTC
Upt'North said :-
Ed my young chap, please don't take this the wrong way, but, I'd have to be Madder than Mad Jock Mc.Madd the winner of last year's Mr.Mad contest to ride out there.
Ice, crud, and, yes it's started to snow. Cue, I'm dreaming of a White Christmas. Tra la la la la la....
I know you can ride in the cold, wet horrible British winter (got the T and all that) but why wud a.
Although I can well understand if trying to get around the greater metropolis of Manchester a motorcycle is probably still a good winter option.
But no it's not sorned, that never works out right.
I did see one perishing sole at Tebay on Monday riding North. In an act of comraderie I lowered the climate control to 24c. Not for long though. He didn't half look cold, his nose was so red he could do a good impression of a certain reindeer.
Role on any weather but winter.
Upt'North.
Yes I know, I'm a big soft Wussy wuss wuss.
12/12/2019 5:08:19 PM UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Why do we have to wait for a review? You've not SORNed it have you... have you...? You do know we get (rare) dry days in winter? I mean it LOOKS the part but will it cushion your ass as well as it looks?
12/12/2019 4:38:14 PM UTC
Upt'North said :-
Well it's back, will my arris feel that it is being carried aloft by Angel's wings, it'll be a while before we find out. But it fits, looks smart and is about three times heavier than pre op. Gel must be heavy.
Upt'North.
12/12/2019 1:54:54 PM UTC
ROD said :-
Yes Snod, The B664 to Uppingham and on to Melton Mowbray is one of the best roads, but then much of better parts of the road are in Leicestershire.
So although Northamptonshire has some nice countryside the roads are not that inspiring.
The best thing about Northamptonshire is that most places in England and Wales are in easy reach.
I am about 90 miles from the east coast, about 150 miles from the Brecon Beacons, 200 miles from the Lakes, 260 miles from Cornwall, and 150 Miles from Dover or Portsmouth.
The Motolug area of the Cotswolds is much nicer and is around 60 miles away.
The "Light brown patina" I referred to is the colour of the rust..
5/12/2019 1:43:50 PM UTC
Snod said :-
Recommendations for Northamptonshire? The B664 to Uppingham and then use the B6047 to come back down.. Or maybe don't and just stay away from it :D
4/12/2019 8:38:25 PM UTC
Random Link - 70,000 Mile CBF 125