Mississippi Bullfrog

Based on the information provided it's clear that this needs a good hands on inspection. Yes- when a chain snaps it usually falls off or hangs loose. But if there is a loss of drive and a loose chain it's always worth checking that it hasn't snapped with the broken section jammed up by the front cog. Always best to check things one at a time and start with the easiest thing to check. It is to state the obvious, but going off how this has been described the obvious it's worth mentioning.

If the chain has lost all tension check if it has snapped, that the rear wheel is secure, then check the front drive sprocket. If you're lucky it's a snapped chain. But riding with a chain that's got tight points can damage the output shaft or the transmission train.

Where's the black pudding?

Not a sign of the blighter as yet.

Judge Dredd does not drink a Latte

This afternoon I'm visiting my parents who live on the front overlooking the Mersey estuary - so I can wave at passing cruise ships.

And was the new battery fully charged? If it will start off a jump start then either the new battery isn't charged or there's a bad connection, as Fastbob says it's often the earth. Try using a jump lead to make a temporary additional earth.

I think I have seen your ship today. Probably, it’s at Liverpool cruise terminal, Princess Parade, just between tunnels Ah, my folks live on the seafront just up from there so we keep the shipping movement online. I'll ask them to give you a wave on the way out. I'll be over that way on Sunday.

Back in the day my dad had a Puch Maxi. I once tried to propel it by using the pedals. It wasn't going anywhere quickly.

Just to update this, I have found myself more used to how it displays instructions and whilst in built up areas where there might be turns in very close proximity it isn't as clear as a conventional satnav on more open roads it is brilliant. It also copes with going off route very well. I now have it set to automatically reroute and it does so very quickly.

I've tried that. It doesn't keep the rain off your visor. So it doesn't work.

It's the bit about being swung clear when the rain stops...presumably it then swings up so the spinning bit is above your head. Go fast enough and you'd take off.

I think the problem with the Bosch lawnmower power pack is there's no balancing system installed which wrecks the individual cells very quickly. With model aircraft batteries which are pushed to the limit they are very carefully balanced. They last for years with no drop off in performance or duration. I'm pretty sure batteries in motorcycles would need decent chargers that monitor the cells and balance them properly.

I read a report of a major manufacturer that relocated to Spain because of the culture of 'Can Do' attitude. Whereas in the UK the answer is 'No' before you've even asked the question. Airbus, which is just about to lay of hundreds of people, wanted to build a roundabout outside their factory to ease the flow of traffic when shifts were changing. The local council did everything possible to prevent it and then delayed it as long as they could. By contrast when the were looking for a place to assemble the aircraft the French moved an entire village so a road could be built that could carry the large components. In one place they left a house where the wing passes within inches of the windows. But the French got the final assembly factory and they have the jobs. So I'm not surprised local garages will look at bikes if they are asked to.

Don't buy one. I love my electric power tools so I bought a Bosch Rotak cordless lawnmower. To be fair the first year it was great - then the battery began to seriously lose capacity. It only lasted half the time and tended to overheat. Apparently they are prone to early battery failure and replacements are £150-180. I only paid £200 for the mower as I got it in a sale. If they can get the batteries right then they work well, but asking around too many batteries fail on them. I went back to a petrol mower. In comparison my Bosch and Ryobi lithium battery packs are brilliant and have lasted for years. I think lawnmowers put too much demand on the battery pack and destroy them quickly. The next generation of batteries will probably solve this.

The same question used to asked when the petrol engine was invented and fuel suppliers were few and far between. The horse was the only sensible option for touring. However infrastructure tends to develop to meet the needs of new technology. Last time I was in Scotland I believe they had electricity, probably generated by harnassing the wingbeat of midges, which some enterprising soul will probably connect to charging points dotted around the landscape.

To be honest between those texting or talking on the phone, and those who drive with the sound system cranked up so loud they wouldn't hear Godzilla dancing on the car roof - the number of people who spot a bike coming is so small anyway it won't make much difference. When was the last time anyone ever said - Sorry mate, I didn't hear you? Just assume they are all blind, deaf and quite possible psychopathic and you'll be fine.

I can see the point why people don't love electric. But it's a case of horses for courses. I have two bikes, a Honda CBF500 for work and winter riding. And a Triumph Bobber for larking about on when the sun is shining. I think that when I replace the Honda it will be with an electric motorcycle. But an electric bike can never replace the Bobber. The noise and vibration are a big part of why I ride it. But I guess I'll be like those people who commute to work on an electric train and go play with steam engines at the weekend. When you look at the performance of electric alongside ease of servicing and you refuel at home I can see why for commuting it's a no brainer.

But electric is just wrong....it means nothing I said that with model aircraft until they got lithium poly batteries and brushless motors. Then they went from barely flyable to heading skywards like a homesick angel. I rarely flew ic engines after that. The torque of electric is pretty neat, when the next step in battery technology comes along I reckon they'll have to be taken seriously.

When they invented the internal combustion engine people said they would never catch on.

Personally I'd keep the insurance going. What you save isn't worth it if the bike gets nicked in the meantime. Plus I prefer to keep insurance continuous as it maintains the no claims and is less hassle. Same with the VED - how long do you reckon you won't be riding for? Unless it's a long time then what you save isn't that much. I tax mine both mine all year but the Bobber doesn't usually get used during the winter, I use the Honda for winter riding. But for what I'd save doing for 6 months I'd rather have the option of being able to use it whenever a nice day comes along.

I'm with Bikesure - they've been very good and their multibike policy certainly works out very competitive. Just be careful about what you get for your money. I've had cheap insurance and it's cheap for a reason. Once you start needing them to do anything all the hidden extras emerge and it's suddenly not so cheap anymore.

First ride today with the Grip Puppies.... On the disappointing side, no semi-clad young ladies threw themselves at me, nor did a magic beer lorry appear or a lifetime supply of free Jaffa Cakes. However, on the more positive side I did notice an immediate increase in comfort, not only reduced vibration but also the grip fitting my hand better. I've often had white finger on longer rides and also cramp, and my hands aren't that big. With the Grip Puppies the throttle in particular feels so much nicer. Whether it is the lack of vibration or comfier feel to the grips but I found my confidence in the bike's road holding much more predictable. The salt works where they dig out rock salt for the roads is round the corner from us and that road is always greasy and slippery. I usually tippy toe round the bends on that section as the bike always feels squirmy underneath me. Not today - it just feels so much nicer. Amazing difference from two little bits of foam tubing.

But even so you would expect him/her to signal and look, he was also doing about 35 in a 30 aswell so I don't see how he can enforce the law what he himself broke it at least twice I used to shoot with a police team so regularly travelled with police officers both on and off duty. Any notion that the law applies to them in any shape or form is wishful thinking.