Welcome To Bikes And Travels...
...It's about bikes...and travels...mostly on bikes!
Spring is here, winter has passed - yey! Now we get to stay at home and tinker with our bikes without
frozen fingers. Great...
What's New?
An Easy Ride To Carlisle
It's an easy, lazy and relaxed start to this holiday with a handful of miles to cover and the weather behaving itself for once.
Northern Ireland - A Covid Prologue
The lead-up to this journey seems to have been a bewildered shambles. So how did The Dynamic Muppets manage to rescue their trip from the tangled mess of 2020?
Northern Ireland By The Water
Big trips and worldwide travel are off the cards this year yet somehow Sharon and Ren squeeze the best out of a short trip to Northern Ireland.
A Motorcycle Compass?
The genius that is Mark Noel has a cunning plan - battery free navigation. The problem is the metal motorcycle is interfering with the Earth's magnetic field. Can he solve this conundrum or will he have to 3D print a plastic motorcycle?
Impromptu Kawasaki Z250SL Review
Ivor puts his thoughts about his Z250SL to Ren in a casual email. After 6 weeks of ownership it seems the logical choice for exploring Lincolnshire's roads and beyond.
Old Torque Wrench Accuracy Test
Ren tests the accuracy of his old torque wrench. This is science. His methods are scientific. His implementation of these methods is typically half-assed, poorly executed and slap-dash. Nothing new here then.
E-Motorcycle Standardised Battery Problem
Standardised Batteries could be the perfect solution to the electric vehicle problem. But beware! Herein lies a treacherous trap.
Tour-A-Plank V2.6
One of Ren's bodges, with the help of Sharon, could perhaps actually possibly maybe almost quite good! Meet Tour-A-Plank Version 2.6.
A DIY Bullet Connector
There's a small island in the remote wilderness of the Irish Sea. On this atoll lives a mad scientist and he's planning on world domination! One tiny teeny little bullet connector at a time. Nefarious or what.
State Of The Engine Address
Not all adventures are of the going somewhere kind. Ren's latest adventure takes him on a treacherous journey to the centre of his engine. So what's it like inside a 90,000 mile 125cc motor?
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Latest Posts
Northern Ireland - A Covid Prologue
Shepherd said :-
A 'ruffian' is quite a compliment for me - much appreciated:-)
I'm about halfway between the quaint little market town of Basildon, and the tranquil sounds of waves gently caressing the shoreline of Southend. It's a shame it's the container ships and oil tankers that cause aforementioned waves.
Anyone for some cockles?
Shep
28/09/2020 10:10:20 UTC
An Easy Ride To Carlisle
Snod said :-
Did you stop at the chippy in Shap? Because you're fools if you didn't. Especially if you're there on a Thursday when they do the special smoked haddock - super double yum!
Also no comment about how soft you've obviously gone with the paint on the plank. Wait is that a comment? Oh well :P
28/09/2020 08:21:05 UTC
Review of the Honda NTV 600 Revere - By Ren Withnell
Martin said :-
That's great, thanks for your pointers. Battery should be Ok (first start up will tell), been on a trickle charger while it's been laid up. Tyres - about 20 years vintage so will be buying a set of BT45s to replace(?). I don't know if the carbs were drained as well, I'll open them up and see what comes out. Anyone tried spray carb cleaner? I will check inside the tank for rust. I've invested in some Marvel Mystery oil (snake oil? Maybe!) that I've plans to squirt down the plugholes and leave overnight before I turn her over manually - thanks for the tip Ed, I was going to stick her in 3rd and turn the back wheel. Oil and filter are on the cards early on, before start up. Did I read somewhere that a Honda Civic filter is the same? Any recommendations on oil type? Then I'll check the rest over once she's fired up and run ok for a few minutes. I'm thinking she'll be fine - 16k on a K! In Glorious Green! So it'll never get nicked...! My dad bought her to do the NW 500 (with me on my Transalp), way before it got its posh title (and much busier). 10 days of sunshine, brilliant. That was back in 99, and he never sold it. Looking forward to taking her out around the Lincs Wolds once fettled, and I'll keep you posted. Cheers, Martin
28/09/2020 08:14:37 UTC
Review of the Honda NTV 600 Revere - By Ren Withnell
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
This cover thing here, just the allen key thing not the whole case
28/09/2020 05:06:43 UTC
Review of the Honda NTV 600 Revere - By Ren Withnell
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Hi Martin.
As Bogger says do change the oil and filter.
I'd also turn the engine over "by hand" first. On the left side of the motor there's a large allen key type disc, remove this. Under there's a nut, probably 17 or 19mm, put a socket on this and turn it in the same direction the wheels go when moving forwards. If it won't budge then the motor may be seized. If it rotates (it will take a small amount of effort but NOT a big heave) then replace the disc thing you removed.
Check inside the tank. A bit of rust is OK but a lot? Beware and check for leaks too. If the tank is OK fill it with about 3 litres and check check for leaks, not just the tank but the pipes under the tank.
As like as not the battery will be dead, be ready with something to give it a jump start.
If you get it going then don't just hop on a ride. Check the brakes work. Check the lights work. Check the tyres - these will likely need replacing if it runs as the rubber will be hard, do that soon if you're keeping it. Check the coolant. If it runs and rides then go through the bike, give it a FULL service (brakes, tyres, coolant, brake fluid, chain and so on).
Let us know how you get on.
28/09/2020 05:05:18 UTC
Review of the Honda NTV 600 Revere - By Ren Withnell
Upt'North said :-
Fluids will all need doing. Coolant, brakes, clutch (?), oil and filter etc. Wouldn't worry about diff oil for now.
Is there corrosion inside the tank, if so it will need cleaning and sealing first.
Are the brakes free, ie not seized on pistons and/or sliders.
Is it carbs? Were they drained too. If not they'll probably need cleaning too but it will be worth trying without a carb strip be because that will be a royal PITA.
Battery will probably be scrap.
How old are the tyres, check for cracking and overall condition.
If it starts consider putting a fuel cleaner in with the first fuel. Is the fuel filter clean.
Good luck.
Upt'North.
28/09/2020 04:57:24 UTC
An Easy Ride To Carlisle
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's a balance thing Jim. I didn't want it to become a BIG ride even with time on our side, but I take your point as Kirkstone Pass and Ullswater is an excellent route.
Upt' - The M6 over Shap, while still a motorway at least it provides open scenery and some visual stimulus. And Tebay is beautiful when the weather's good. Equally so the height and remoteness makes for some, erm, "interesting" experiences when the weather is against you, I'm sure you know.
Fear not, the next time it's raining we can still blame Madam Moisture. After all, what is the point of having a partner if not to blame them for things? I don't even live with her but I still curse her if I can't find something or if my house is a tip (which it usually is).
28/09/2020 04:48:52 UTC
Impromptu Kawasaki Z250SL Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
There must be something about Sharon. She is small which reduces strain but we have yet to change the chain and sprockets and I daresay we've barely adjusted the chain. See seemed to be very light on the Keeway RKS125 too.
28/09/2020 04:39:14 UTC
Review of the Honda NTV 600 Revere - By Ren Withnell
Bogger said :-
Personally, I'd change the oil and filter, put a couple of ltrs of fuel in it and then press go. Then take it from there with regard to tyres, brakes and everything else that will need a fettle etc.
Bogger
28/09/2020 02:58:45 UTC
Review of the Honda NTV 600 Revere - By Ren Withnell
Martin said :-
Hello All
Sadly my dad passed away at the start of the year. He left me his NTV 650 which he hadn't used for a couple of years. I'm looking to put it back on the road as a keeper, but wary of just refuelling the (drained a long time ago) tank and pressing Go! Knowing this bike as you guys clearly do, what would you do to her before giving it a go? Cheers, Martin
28/09/2020 02:32:58 UTC
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Bill said :-
found the solution for you in case the home biscuits don't work
Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Tea Biscuit Brew 40 Tea Bags
Available from ASDA
£1.50£2.29
biscuit brew
Here's a miraculous tea that tastes like biscuits - because when those two flavours combine, the resulting deliciousness creates a wave of happiness big enough to power an entire human being! It's a magical mug of biscuity goodness that doesn't get crumbs on your jumper.
28/09/2020 07:13:23 UTC
Upt'North said :-
How much?
Who would pay that for blummin biscuits. Not Moi, non merci.
Obviously my home grown Swaledale tea solves the first issue. Nice sheep too, a Swaledale.
But with regards to the biscuit situation, I've made my own. What could go wrong.
They're an oaty, fruity, brown sugary creation. Haven't had one yet, I'll let you know when I pluck up the courage to try one. If they're any good, I'll pop them in a tin and sell them for 20 quid a pop. If not the birds will get fatter.
Upt'North.
28/09/2020 06:29:23 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
You're right Bill, not at THAT PRICE!! I feel faint...
If we were to "Buy British" everything we'd need to a basic income of about 60k per annum. This would of course put the prices up to cover the wages which means we'd need 70k. This would of course put the prices up to cover the wages which means we'd need 80k. This would of course put the prices up to cover the wages which means we'd need 90k.
I see a problem with the current economic system here. I think I need a cup of tea, which likely costs around 20p including electricity and washing up liquid. Best start saving...
28/09/2020 05:13:33 UTC
Bill said :-
here you go upt yorkshire biscuits for you with tea, rather than Turkish Mcvites.
Probably not Aldi price so the Ed won't have any if you call.
https://www.cartwrightandbutler.co.uk/c-b-tea-time-selection-tin.html?gclid=Cj0K...
28/09/2020 05:06:59 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Yeah tain't cheap is it! I'll stick with me Aldi Red Label. In fact I came by some "branded" tea recently and was decidedly unimpressed. As for porch chops, no, me either.
28/09/2020 10:40:50 UTC
Upt'North said :-
It's ages since I've had a pork chop, ages.
Upt'North.
28/09/2020 09:36:50 UTC
Upt'North said :-
£50 for a pot of tea and a twig!
I'll stick to Nora's.
Upt'North.
28/09/2020 09:35:13 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
If you wish to be entirely British Upt' the best you can hope for is an infusion of carrots and turnips for your drink and dunking would be best served by using a British grown pork chop.
I have this vision of tea growing in Yorkshire. Nora Batty, resplendent in wrinkled stockings and curlers, stood in a muddy field aside a steep hill, picking the tips off dirty pumpkins. A quick google search lead me to this link though, tea entirely from the UK.
https://tregothnan.co.uk...
28/09/2020 09:29:19 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Turkey? TURKEY?!? No, Turkey? I really don't fancy a Hobnob kebab. Turkey?!?
Although I can sleep soundly knowing my tea is grown in tropical Swaledale, handpicked and sorted by Yorkshire fair maidens and then delivered to my local Co Op by a Yorkshire lad on his squeaky wheeled bicycle.
If anyone can suggest an English made biscuit suitable for sustained dunking please let me know. Are Elkes's still at Uttoxeter. Or as they say in Uttoxeter, Utcheter.
Upt'North
Turkey?!?
27/09/2020 11:45:20 UTC
Bill said :-
Upt, your Hobnobs are made by a Turkish company, and who knows were your tea was grown
27/09/2020 08:32:23 UTC
Random Link - Battle Of The Exhaust - Day 2