Welcome To Bikes And Travels...
...It's about bikes...and travels...mostly on bikes!
I hope this pestilence subsides for the sake of humanity. That, and I want to see Stac Pollaidh once more - soon - not next year I mean soon!
What's New?
Time For A Change
It seems Ian Douglas has dealt with the Lockdown Blues by brutalising his wallet. Buying (and selling) a motorcycle is far more than a logical, sensible and economic decision. It's emotional.
Escape From Ironman
Facing a weekend of disruption Ren thinks it wise to be out of everyone's way. If only he could keep out the way more often the world would be a better place for all.
Solo To Richmondshire
In a bid for freedom Ren makes a break for the Promised land of Richmondshire.
My Love Of Cubs
Once upon a time motorcycles were an actual means of transport for yoofs, not just a plaything for middle aged folk. Rev. Mick reveals his misspent youth and how this lead to becoming a Cub fan.
Covid And Holidays
As Covid restrictions start to ease is travel on the cards? Ren reckons it's complicated. Very complicated and also costly.
Then End Of A Good Beginning
It's time to go home and Ren is reflecting on the weekend. Will there be another anytime soon? Well, that depends on the news more than the willingness of the participants.
A Pleasant Day Out
In a turnip for the broth Ren somehow finds himself having a nice day in good weather. Something's not right, am I on the wrong blog here?
Welsh Odyssey
With new found freedom Bogger et-al decide the best way to celebrate is by camping in a farmer's field in the rain. Fun, frolics and fabulous scenery with nothing bigger than a 125 (and vans and a couple of big bikes).
Wet 'n Wild And Oddly Familiar
A much antici......pated weekend away sees everything in order for Ren except for one small matter. The weather.
The Heath Tea Rooms
It's time for another micro adventure! Shropshire is the county enduring the presence of Ren and associated cohorts.
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Latest Posts
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
crofty said :-
Just my luck Ren it was Friday their closing day, but i have been before and had a cake or two.
24/07/2021 15:13:24 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
That's a lovely but hell of a remote place, Rannoch train station. Did you stop in the little cafe for a brew?
24/07/2021 09:07:59 UTC
KLX 250 The Little Bike That Could
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I remember as a child almost all my toys had "Made In Japan" on the box or the item. As Japan's success blossomed so did their wages which meant it became less economic to make things there. China and Thailand are now the manufacturing centres but I suspect at some point in the future these places will (hopefully) achieve a good standard of living for their population. This will mean higher wages and therefore less economic reason to make things there. This will lead us to the next underdeveloped country with a hungry labour force with no choice but to work for $1 a day. Maybe Africa? China is already investing there.
History may guide us but we know not what automation and artificial intelligence may bring as yet. Africa may not get its moment in the spotlight because the robots will make everything? One thing history does show - change is inevitable.
24/07/2021 09:00:48 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
crofty said :-
big run up in the highlands today, 15t front made a noticeable difference. 61mph indicated at 7000rpm.should be down to 6500
when i fit the 46t rear. just got to get the seat sorted and it will make a great small tourer.
23/07/2021 21:42:47 UTC
KLX 250 The Little Bike That Could
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Triumph motorcycles being made in Thailand did make it into the motorcycle press here. As far as I am aware they are sold back in the UK.
I can't explain why, but it seems stranger that Ducatis are built there. Although perhaps they're not exported back to other EU or Stateside markets?
Upt'North.
23/07/2021 18:55:49 UTC
KLX 250 The Little Bike That Could
Biggles said :-
Hello Ren
Bikes made in Thailand include 140/150 & 250 KLX & DTracker all sizes. CRF 250/300. CBR150R, CR150, CB250R before & now 300’s all models. CB500 all models. They also partly make or at assemble BMW’s here (make is unclear as to what), & the same for lower end Ducati & Triumph. They build lower end Mercedes & BMW cars here too, but again (make what parts in TH is unclear). Toyota, Nissan, Honda & Mazda all make cars here too. At its peak a few years back, maybe 2016-18, Thailand exported over 3000 cars a day, for each day of the year, & had become 12th largest car making country in the world. Thailand supplies more cars to Australia than any other country. These stats are from Thailand Board of Investment Annual Reports. I spent 6 weeks researching all this stuff maybe 3 years ago for another reason, which was fun as its interesting. With all this, its hard to know how many parts are made here, but Thailand Board of Investment have minimum standards expected and perhaps audited. One needs to know how to do this, as Ducati has had a difficult time being competitive in the market on parts prices, which a already high in other parts of the world, but higher here, with an even longer wait From memory, there are over 700 OEM vehicle industry component makers in Thailand, some are Japanese owned, maybe some Chinese, I have no idea. You may also have the reborn MG cars in UK. This is a joint venture Thai / China project with the Thai side run by a man who local Thai’s tell me is probably the most well know businessman in Thailand, who owns food brands, supermarket chains and many other things.
Last I read a few years ago, Thailand was 2nd largest maker of computer HD in the world with Western Digital & Seagate making theirs here. The photo below was a rare thing when I found it 4 years ago, such pics may still be rare, I have no idea. That girl is in Ducatis Thailand assembly plant, assembling the bottom end of a new Ducati twin motor. I also have a photo of Triumph’s frame building shop in Thailand factory if anyone wants to see it, and if I can find it. As I say, all these stats are from Thailand Board of Investment Annual Reports. All the best from Biggles.
23/07/2021 17:29:54 UTC
Repair And Restoration
Borsuk said :-
You get torque assembly charts for lubed bolts as well as teflon and xylene coated. Not just dry as all the bolts at work are lubed before replacement otherwise it is grinder time to get the damn things back off. 1.5 million barrels of crude and grinding sparks do not play nicely together so we try to minimise the need.
22/07/2021 21:46:33 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
P Stevens said :-
Suzuki dl250 a little low geared but good mpg and very nice to ride every day
22/07/2021 20:19:32 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
crofty said :-
got the 15t sprockets at last and fitted today. Out tomorrow to see if it feels better.
22/07/2021 11:15:29 UTC
KLX 250 The Little Bike That Could
said :-
I’m working now, and will write more about your question later.
But a quick answer...
Thailand import duty is huge on private or commercial items.
If its mainly made in Thailand, and they have themselves historically well organised with the Thais. EG Honda, Yamaha & Kawasaki & Suzuk,.its cheap here.
If its made in ASEAN, and they have themselves historically well organised with the Thais.Same Big 4, cheap, but not as cheap.
I’ll explain the others later. Heres the Tiger Police Bike in Brown, complete with crash bars with truncheon holder. Thai Policeman with back to camera.
22/07/2021 10:41:16 UTC
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Upt'North ¹ said :-
If Covid goes on like this, probably about 10 years!
Wet and Cold!!!!!!!? I'm sure they'll cope alright parked in the garage.
Although the ride back from Hartlepool proved they won't kill you in the wet.
Upt'North.
22/07/2021 16:16:10 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Oooooh that looks lovely. The Avons are to your liking so far then. Next we need to know what they're like in the wet and/or cold and finally how long they last.
Ice cream. Hmmmmmm.
22/07/2021 14:59:16 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
AVON UPDATE.
First proper day ride yesterday, 260 miles of lovely Northumberland and Fife dispatched with aplomb.
Just for interest value we got up to St.Andrews then came back down the coast road. Despite Edinburgh being its normal busy self all was well. In short, so far so good, the conditions were bone dry and warm/hot. They are proving more accurate than the Bridgestone T31's and a little more compliant. They are very stable in fast corners on and off the throttle. They are probably a little more squiggly over tarmac joins and centre lines.
Only piccie from the ride is attached, this was served on a dinner plate.
Upt'North.
22/07/2021 09:20:56 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I refuse to contemplate the bunny question. You'll have to do some research of your own there but I would strongly recommend against googling such queries. There are some things that you just cannot unsee.
20/07/2021 15:23:20 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Great, I'm off to do a rain dance and find a couple of bunnies.
Which hole do you put your hands in?
Upt'North.
20/07/2021 13:19:53 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
You'll get a chance to test them out this weekend Upt' according to the BBC. I imagine they are large to go over other gloves, probably winter mitts made by sticking your hand inside a still warm rabbit carcass, Bear Grylls style.
I always thought Jawa was eastern European? I figure much like Enfield in India and Benelli in China the Jawa name is now owned by an Indian mega-manufacturer. It must be nigh-on impossible for a small company to compete. If you make 5,000 motors annually or 500,000 you still need the same tooling etc, the economy of scale.
We shall have to wait and see if the Jawa/BSA/Bristol 500 makes it to these shores and then judge it in the flesh. The article mentions similarity in the motor with Honda's CB500X/CBR500/CBF500 and looking as closely as the images allow, it is very similar indeed. I wonder just how similar it is internally too.
20/07/2021 08:39:16 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
It's a little complicated but it seems they own the BSA brand amongst others.
Over mitts are all good, they're certainly not medium in the real world. I've put them in the pannier so it'll never rain again. Until next time.
Upt'North.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/520992/jawa-rvr500-bristol-veloce500/...
19/07/2021 23:11:07 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Packing? He's barely trying, room for another 4 boxes there.
More details on the Jawa/BSA500 please?
Are they big enough then for your delicate pinkies?
19/07/2021 21:04:06 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
They've arrived Ed.
Madame du Soleil's sleeping bags.
Upt'North.
19/07/2021 18:43:06 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
This could be badged a BSA 500 when/if it arrives here. Jawa in its home market.
19/07/2021 13:25:09 UTC
Random Link - Manchester Bike Show 2016