RantMachine

Oh f**k it, I made the mistake of looking at finance deals on the Wheels of Peterborough website. Now there's a real danger that I'll walk away from the MCN show with a brand new CRF250L Edit: f**k that, just called for a rough part ex quote... Maximum £800 depending on condition! Maybe keeping the BMW isn't such an expensive option after all...

Knee is on the mend Bob, but it's a slow process and I'm grudgingly having to take it easy. Don't think I'll be tagging along for this one.

Bad Moon Rising - Creedance Clearwater Revival

...or, fill your pocket with fiberglass and loose change then see who keeps scratching their hand later in the day.

1. Ask around the forum, see if anyone has any beaten up old leathers no longer fit for use 2. Cut 'em up, use the tough leather to make a ruddy solid lining for your pocket 3. Buy a big pack of razor blades, hit them with a hammer and fill your pocket 4. Remember not to stick your own hand in that pocket Easy to spot the thief, follow the trail of blood

Right, that's it - everyone switch the lights off and go home, Glorian found the worst joke

One of my housemates has been toying with the idea of getting back into biking (been eyeing a Z1000SX for a while now) and he has offered a lift to me and Crystal, so we'll probably go. Got to move house early that week, but should have it all done in time - and neither of us can turn down a motorcycle themed day out Won't be camping though, and don't know which day he's planning on going up. If everyone makes plans for a meet up then I'll try to convince him to go on the right day!

Thanks Al! Replied in PM.

Hmm, not grand. Although the "scratched to hell" bit isn't an inherent fault or a product of poor quality, and might count against you when it comes to complaining to the retailer.

So... what exactly has gone wrong with it, then?

Sure, I'll start walking now and I should be there by next Tuesday

I'm baffled (pun intended) that Bob isn't advocating liberal use of an angle grinder!

I think they look bloody gorgeous! ...which means they must be hideous, I've got a long track record of liking fugly bikes

Also, f**k it - David Lynch is being a twat and has walked away from the new Twin Peaks series.

True that! I can think of few better uses for a weekend than drooling over bikes, getting pissed with some mates, dressing up like a prat, and indulging in some crap karaoke.

There is no bloody justice or karma in this world and the shittiest people seem to get handed everything on a silver platter while everything I do spirals further down the shitter. f**k it, why do I bother at all.

I'm still sulking about having to get the train. Dangit.

I'm not one to pick on vegans, but I have to admit that was a pretty damn funny joke But being serious, while it's not something I choose to do myself, I admire the dedication it takes.

No one miracle product for both, I'm afraid to say. But I've got a reasonable amount of experience with keeping the rust at bay on a Chinese bike, so here are my recommendations: For keeping the rust at bay, your best bet is to give it a good and thorough clean (get rid of any existing rust) and then spray it with ACF50 or a similar product (but not on the chain/brakes/tires!). Won't keep it rust free forever, you'll need to redo the clean and spray process every now and then, but it's a lot better than having to thoroughlt clean it and wipe it with WD40 several times a week! Well worth it. Make sure you do the underside of the frame, or that'll rot something nasty. For the chain, I personally like using Muc-Off's chain cleaner and chain lube. But whichever brand you go for, give the chain a good blast of the chain cleaner, let the worst run off, dry it with a cloth, leave it a bit to dry completely, then blast it with the chain lube. Check the tension while you're there. This is a lot less hassle than it sounds; on many occasions I've arrived home from work, made a coffee, and cleaned and adjusted the chain before the coffee went cold. The more you do it, the quicker you get at it. I'm sure that someone will recommend a Scottoiler, but to be honest that might be overkill for a Chinese bike. If there's even a compatible one available, that is!

That's cool, don't thank me for taking the time to actually find out who even makes one for your bike

And one other thing - only a slim chance this will have made a difference, but what the hell - what bike did they have you on?

If you get jealous just remember it's a 125 He's only jealous because it works Right on the money

Give the folks over at Oxford a call, as far as I can see they are the only UK supplier for a manufacturer called "Shad" who appear to be the only people making a top box and rack for your bike: http://www.shad.es/en/shad-usa/products/fittings/keeway/rkv-125/150/200s/200s-factory/c12mar24mod502/ I've looked through the PDF product brochure on the Oxford website and this isn't listed as an item they stock from Shad, but they have various racks for other bikes so maybe they could get one of these in specially for you.

They haven't blocked the forum at work! But they have blocked Steam...

Wind would appear to have f**ked the internet in my area. f**k it.