rob m

Nice bike to start with! Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPicnZ3Fpuw

Absolutely. Plenty of layers and decent winter gear will ensure a great day out. Lots of tea breaks help too!

Don't think I'd cope with having to stare at the bike and not being able to use it, although I'd defiantly pick the car (if insurance wasn't so sky high for first time drivers, and I had one) on some of the colder and more icy road days, heating and music.. I wish. I've been there too, I didn't have a choice when I was younger, just had to get on with it as I couldn't afford a car. It made me a decent rider though, never had an off even in dangerous conditions. Commuted for more than 10 years, into Central London and other places. I didn't use a car regularly until I was 34 but being able to listen to some music and to be warm soon seemed a very attractive option. It's not all rosy driving a car though. I did this a couple of years ago driving to work in the winter: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/20131124_070658.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/20131124_103932.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/20131124_104004.jpg Lucky to walk away from that one. It pays never to get complacent!

I would have waited until the warmer weather but I was craving it today. I do miss when I'm not out on the bike. I did the 'commuting in all weathers' gig for years and don't miss it in the slightest. I prefer a warm car these days

Today is the first of 3 days annual leave and as I had 3 hours to spare I ventured out for a little ride on the fireblade today. Managed to cover 100 miles which was cool. Fook me it was cold though. First things first, my battery needed a little help to start the bike: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0022.jpg Once going, I rode to Redhill Aerodrome for a cup of tea and some lunch: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0027.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0025.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0029.jpg After that I burnt it to Brighton down the B roads that I love, ending up at my usual place for a cup of coffee: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0030.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0031.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0033.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0036.jpg I realised that I had to pick my son up from school so hacked it back home via Arundel castle: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0040.jpg The bike performed brilliantly despite being sat doing nothing since October. I managed to get home and get changed with 5 minutes to spare before picking up the boy from school in the car. Looking forward to going out again tomorrow

That's interesting, the Manx really is becoming popular! Glad to hear you go it sorted. It's on my list, especially watching the classics racing around the island. As for the TT, if anybody wants ferry tickets start enquiring now as this is the month when lots of people drop out as the full balance is due. As Del Boy would say, he who dares...

Nice to see that he is getting on with his life. Brilliant

Which one is that? Got a link?

Fantastic. Great prices and very quick delivery. No issues.

1951 Vincent HRD Series B Rapide http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1951-vincent-hrd-series-b-rapide.htm Thanks

Saw this little beauty outside my local Tesco today. Thinking Vincent but not sure of exact model. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/IMG_20150201_152748.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/DSC_0018.jpg

I haven't. It's not on my 'to do' list either.

Anything greater than 0 mph Well said! And just to clarify my comment about braking in bends was a direct reply to the poster ingingee saying never use front brakes in a bend. I agree, I rarely touch the rear brake at all. I brake going through corners too but scrub most speed off before I hit my entry point, if that makes sense.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/IMG_2215-1.jpg I did a lap in 2012 and also visited in 2014 but couldn't get on due to an accident on the track. It's halfway between exciting and terrifying. My main issue was car drivers who use the whole road so you have to have eyes in your arse. That Porsche in the picture was up my chuff in about 2 seconds after that picture was taken. It's like a rollercoaster ride in that it is over before you realise what's happened. Bear in mind that your insurance is invalid when on the Nordschleife so have an off and you pay for recovery, track closure time and repairs. It won't be cheap. Forget about Top Gear and breaking lap times, they're bollocks. No matter how confident you think you are, you'll be made to look like a fool by local riders. Don't even attempt to keep up with them or it'll end in tears. Enjoy it your own pace. With that in mind, it's a rush and well worth sticking on the motorcycle bucket list. I can't wait to go back this year. Also, this is how busy it gets at weekends (filmed on my gopro) so try an evening session in the week if you can: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZhEpWV6S4c Another tip. The local roads are almost as good as the Nurburgring so try them without the hassle.

Well done

Naff

I agree. However for us Honda owners, I'd also say check your alternator and reg/rec are in good fettle before a trip. On my euro trip in 2013 I used a charger and it was charging all day long for a week. The day after I got back my battery was dead and wouldn't charge. This was waiting for me when I removed the alternator cover: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/20140405_114812.jpg

Bingo. I'll reply soon

I have, there's no messages there fella.

Android with navigon for me. I can plan routes in ITN and transfer them to my phone. This is what I did for my Germany trip in 2014. I keep my phone in an inside pocket and use headphones for instructions. I got myself lost in the middle of Strasbourg in 2013 and doing it this way got me out of there without harm. I tried having the phone in the clear bit on the top of my tankbag but couldn't keep my eyes on the road for looking at directions. Respect to those who can, I just can't.

Has the jetting changed or K&N air filter been fitted? If it was me, I'd grab my haynes manual and strip & clean the carbs. Sounds like a blockage to me, possibly jet related. While I was at it I would balance them using a carbtune or similar. I had a GSXR750 in the mid 90's with a similar problem and stripping the carbs fully, cleaning them and balancing had them spot on afterwards.

http://www.carlsalter.com/download.asp?p=1508 The manual is here, in case you need it.