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A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
In trying to reduce leakage in the rain our brave and heroic half-wit Ren has got himself a cunning and devious plan. However this idea is causing him issues because he's getting old now and the newness has worn off.
Bedfordshire Is Not In France
And they're off to France! Well Bedfordshire today, but they will get to France eventually... hopefully... maybe?
The Last Day Of A Big Ride
It's Andy's last day of an epic trip. Save for some wind (no not that kind of wind) it seems all rather mundane somehow. Anyhow he's home and safe after over 4,500 miles.
Home And Epilogue
Just a brief summary of the return leg from Much Wenlock and Ren's thoughts of the lovely little town.
A Holiday In Normandy - Prologue
France! Well northern France because our soft arsed lazy writers can't be bothered to go any further. It's time for excuses and explanations as to why The Dynamic Muppets are off on holiday and not an exciting expedition.
A Holiday In Normandy
Title page for A Holiday In Normandy
Rain In Northern France
Yep - the rain has returned, the temperature is colder, and the accommodation is below par. Andy must be getting closer to Blighty now, obviously.
Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy
It's probably best not to compare things, there's always something bigger faster smarter lighter neater more stylish etc etc etc... And yet we are a competitive species. Ren is trying to rationalise logic against feelings.
Bogger Back To Base
Just a few notes for His Boggerness on the final ride home. It's been a crazy, fun and yet somehow relaxing adventure. Go figure!
Much Wenlock - Charming, Dry, And Cold
It's an easy and pleasant day in and around Much Wenlock for The Dynamic Muppets. It might even have been romantic if it weren't for Ren, the mean old grumpy curmudgeon.
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Latest Posts
Review of the Honda CLR 125 City Fly - By Ren Withnell
Upt'North ¹ said :-
These will do it and rated on Google.
Not cheap like you say, but needs must.
https://www.brooksuspension.co.uk/workshop/motorcycle-fork-rechroming-service-fo...
29/07/2026 18:03:28 UTC
A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ta Ed, good work leader.
A grateful Upt.
29/07/2026 17:59:00 UTC
Review of the Honda CLR 125 City Fly - By Ren Withnell
type25dude said :-
Hi, thanks for this, I've it booked for MOT, hoping it will get through as is. I'll be in touch with David Silvers I'm sure in the future. I couldn't find anyone to rechrome them, in NI they don't do this type of rechroming, while a few firms in England said they do aesthetic rechroming like bumpers but not functional pieces like shocks. I'm wondering if the whole fork can be replaced with those off a CG, varadero or xl or something, but it's all sounding expensive.
29/07/2026 17:25:15 UTC
A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
And these
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mp/wigton-mens-waterproof-trouser-regular/00e95aa8...
29/07/2026 13:06:19 UTC
A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Decathlon also list 2 full leg zip items. Note though - Decathlon stores seldom have this stuff in. You'd have to order it and be ready to send them back if they're all wrong...
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mp/mens-active-waterproof-overtrouser/bd6288c3-4f6...
29/07/2026 13:05:01 UTC
A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The Berghaus website still lists the Deluge as the Deluge 2...
https://berghaus.com/collections/mens-waterproof-trousers/products/mens-deluge-2...
29/07/2026 12:58:40 UTC
A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Berghous now seem to be calling then Stormcloud... go figure.
BUT!!! The GoOutdoors website lists the leg fastening to be "snap release" ie poppers. The Deluge has a zip with poppers for the flap. You need to ensure the leg fastening has the zip AND poppers not just poppers...
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/products/berghaus-mens-stormcloud-waterproof-overtr...
29/07/2026 12:56:19 UTC
A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ta me duck. I'm struggling with a local supplier for those particular pants. I would like a good thin pair of overtrousers just to keep in the bottom of the top box. I know the Weise should (?) keep the moisture away from the skin but in repeated wettings the leather will get very damp I'm sure. My old overtrousers are a bit bulky and ex-job, probably around thirty years old now. They're still good at what they do but it's the old dilemma of where to put the damn things and if they're under two or three inner pannier bags they're not coming out in a rush. To clarify our GoOutdoors stock Berghaus but not these according to the Web site. I'll have a looksie next time I'm passing.
Although look on the bright side, if I ride in wet leathers for days they might fit.
Although they might not.
Pffffffftttttt.
Upt.
29/07/2026 09:58:50 UTC
A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
When I say full leg zip the Berghaus Deluge zips up to the hip, not ALL the way. This allows me to get into and out of the pants at the side of the road quite easily with only the minimal hopping around and heaving. I find them significantly easier to use than any other waterproofs I've had. I can imagine the bib-n-braces are excellent at keeping the rain out, but a faff to put on/take off and use quite some space. Yes Upt', they fold to the size of say... I'll add a piccy.
I've owned myriad pairs of "waterproof" cordura pants over the years Upt'. They'll be waterproof when new and keep the odd showers off for quite some time. However because of the stated action of walking causes the crotch to crease and fold they fail soon enough. I've given up trying - hence the overtrouses. I mean the Berghaus ain't cheap (£60) but they're a lot lot cheaper than buying bike pants twice a year.
I've placed a tin of grease next to the pants for scale...
29/07/2026 08:30:42 UTC
CB500X Miles Per Gallon
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
When you consider the CB125F's engine power output is 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts) then the drain of heated grips is negligible in terms of engine power. However - the more load you place on the charging system the sooner it will fail. My earlier CBF125 went through 3 alternator coils in 100,000 miles and that was without any serious additional drain on the system.
You're quite right - use the heated grips as little as possible which will minimalise the strain on the system.
Hand guards are effective - they won't leave your delicate pinkies toasty warm on a winter's ride but they help take the edge off. Muffs are more effective but a word to the wise - be VERY careful when buying and fitting. It's all too easy to have the muffs interfere with the operation of the levers, particularly when you get up to speed. The headwind can flatten the material onto the levers and you wouldn't believe how much effort is required to lift a wind-blown muff off a lever to operate it. Don't ask me how I know. Ensure a good space between the muff material and the lever - even at speed.
29/07/2026 08:17:36 UTC
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Latest Repair-Chat
Go To Repair-Chat
nab301 said :-
Glyn , looking forward to seeing and hopefully hearing the fruits of your labours , will you be stripping the engine?
Nigel
26/06/2026 14:53:36 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ooooh eeeee ouch! I'm glad you didn't post your gory sliced digit Glyn (Flyn). You can show us when it's healed a little and we can imagine the rest. As for the heat... Enough already but it won't be long until I'm griping about the rain/cold dagnammit. The nights are already drawing in.
26/06/2026 09:57:29 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I managed to slice a couple of mm off a finger with the angle grinder a couple of weeks ago removing the chain from the Herald*. I'm usually very cautious around them but a moment's inattention...... It's taken to now to heal up.
*And what's wrong with split links I ask you? Someone had gone to the length of fitting a continuous O ring chain at some time in the bike's 3,000 km life while studioudly ignoring the dreadful suspension units.
Goldie silencer arrived yesterday and it's in new condition. A bargain at just over £30. It does say pre 1985 bikes but this is invisible when fitted. Too hot for anything today.
25/06/2026 10:13:31 UTC
Glyn said :-
Oh no I’ve spelt my name wrong again. It’s these fat fingers I’m working with. Talking of fingers, I almost removed the top of my middle finger right hand in an incident with a sun lounger in Croatia 3 weeks ago. It took 5 stitches to reattach and weeks of dressings which I’m still doing. I’ve got some fairly gruesome pictures of aforesaid digit but I’m sure the Ed wouldn’t be impressed if I were to post one.
24/06/2026 20:54:01 UTC
Flyn said :-
Ian is right Up’t, not really my style to clear-coat it. I’ve decided to respray it colour number 8 in Elfenbein 732 which is a BMW ivory colour. Elfenbein is a direct German translation for “Elephants tusk”. It’s the colour that I painted the BMW K1100 2 years back. However, this time there will be no evidence of the colours that went before.
24/06/2026 20:48:49 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
It's like archaeology (or a time machine) when you get down through the layers like that, and as Upt' says it would be interesting to keep it. But I think that would offend your aesthetic sensibilities.
Re vinyl dye, the Steib came with a seat cover which is red and would clash with the BSA red so will probably dye that black as well. At the moment, the only passenger provision is a box full of pavers left over from a patio to keep the chair wheel down on left handers although this is scorned by some "experts". No idea why as an empty sidecar limits the speed round these bends. I can understand if a passenger is occasionally carried that you need to understand the handling in different configurations.
24/06/2026 10:17:29 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I wondered where that screwdriver had gone, have you got my 10 mill socket too!
I'd smooth that off and lacquer it as a homage to rattle cans.
You're welcome.
Who'd have thought it, Glyn a screwdriver thief?
Upt.
24/06/2026 09:21:38 UTC
Glyn said :-
Sorry forgot the image
24/06/2026 07:52:40 UTC
Glyn said :-
That is a remarkable upgrade for £15 Ian. It looks brand new. Talking about unsuitable colours this is the rear section of the little Aprilia. It has had 14 owners and been 7 different colours.
24/06/2026 07:51:34 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Looking good fella, like Ren, I have little sense of style and taste but the brown and black bike did look a little daft.
Looking forward to your ride report.
Upt.
11/06/2026 10:06:12 UTC
Latest Chit-Chat
Go To Chit-Chat
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Well you'll be pleased to hear I rode the GB350S this weekend and a review will be forthcoming.
It was a "peculiar" experience and quite contrary to my range of experience. It truly really was all about torque, super duper oversquare bore/stroke, massive flywheel, tall gearing, hitting the rev limiter, and a different concept of what to expect from a motorcycle. Upt', we know Honda can extract considerably more power from a 500 single but can they make that power appear at 2500rpm?
If VisorDown et al are to be believed the 500 will be more of the same but with a little more poke. As for spoked wheels Occasional Lurker - no thanks unless they'll take tubeless tyres.
29/07/2026 13:19:29 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I do, I do! I think it's the old bhp versus torque dilemma. You can get high power out of an engine at the expense of needing high revs whereas a low revving engine can produce a flatter torque curve making it easier to ride (in my opinion). 1950s 500s could produce anywhere between low 20s (BSA B33s etc) and mid 40s (DBD34 goldie). The latter however were almost unrideable in traffic especially with the close ratio RRTT2 gearbox and GP carb. Horses (and ft-lbs) for courses.
Perhaps the most unpleasant bike I've had was the 400 4 cylinder Honda grey import with no power at all below about 6,000 rpm and a ceiling around 14K if I remember correctly. Even when I eventually got it to run properly I hated it.
29/07/2026 11:10:28 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I'm struggling to get my head around 27 horses from 500 cc. It's as though Honda haven't even tried to extract much more, perhaps low bhp is what the public want. But.....I would think 500's in the post war years were developing this much per cc, Ian will know.
I'm not saying 27 bhp can't = fun, just why have Honda taken this route. From recollection my first 250 in the 70's produced more power and they were fun. For those of us that survived intact at least.
Upt.
29/07/2026 10:04:50 UTC
Occasional Lurker said :-
Once again, the MCN owned "Visordown" web-site, has posted yet another "teaser" regarding a new GB500, for the UK ...
Scant on details, they were certain it was based on the Indian market CB350 H'ness , and was bored out to 501cc ...and gave a power output of 27 bhp ... They also claimed, trademarking of the GB500 name, was confirmed for Europe ... I know some voted to leave, but, I for one, hope that this also means us ..!!!
I have just last week, sold my 1989 GB500TT,at an auction in the National Motorcycle Museum... It went for a whisker over my reserve, and my creaky knees, and sore wrists, may just be tempted to have a closer look at this new offering ...
Hers's hoping for ally rims, spokes, and an exhaust from the Australian model, ( a fully chromed exhaust, and not just a heat-shield)... Regards, Tony
28/07/2026 14:24:05 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
DOH!
27/07/2026 16:52:26 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
You can't undo stoopid.
27/07/2026 08:40:02 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
I think that the post must be magnetic!
27/07/2026 07:57:35 UTC
Henrik said :-
Topbox will destroy ballance ,... the proof:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HwQQzamYr/...
26/07/2026 21:02:43 UTC
Henrik said :-
Topbox will destroy ballance ,... the proof:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1MQhhyH8Wi/
26/07/2026 21:00:39 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I'd once got as far as the Loire going south and stopped at a small hotel in the early afternoon as the rain was so bad. I switched on the TV and saw there was a relentless band of depressions rolling in from the Atlantic so I decided to cut my trip short and headed back to Cherbourg the following day. Glad I did as the weather turned from bad to worse.
I also abandoned a planned trip before even setting off as the storms were again coming in thick and fast. I can (could) cope with the odd day but day after day is just no fun at all apart from being more dangerous than I will accept.
20/07/2026 14:58:59 UTC
Random Link - The Excuse This Time Is 2 Deaths