Gerontious

Very odd to find a leather works. In India!!

To my mind branding doesn’t really matter, materials matter. Goretex is for me the minimum standard for all weather riding as only companies that can show Gore that their QC is top notch are allowed to license the material. Goretex laminates are the bees knees, but zip-in Goretex layers are very good too. There are a lot of copies out there, same idea just a different name. But only Gore offers a lifetime warranty. Above and beyond the warranty you get for the original garment. If it leaks and this isn’t due to damage, Gore will refund you. All this adds to the price of course. But you get a very well made garment that will last a very long time and is guaranteed waterproof for as long as you own it, unless you damage it of course.

Don’t worry about the HISS. As long as the engine starts, or at least attempts to turn over then it’s not a concern. It doesn’t use any power, apart from the LED if it has one of those (which seems likely). Q7. What is the battery life for a model equipped with H.I.S.S.? A. Since the system uses a contact communications method similar to IC cards, its operation has no effect on battery life.

Me neither .

Join a Facebook group specific to your bike, or line of bikes. These are great places to snap up a bargain when people sell or upgrade and before doing so remove parts and accessories to sell separately. Quite often they will offer them to the group before listing on eBay. I see this all the time on the various Africa Twin groups I look at.

Garmin Zumo XT. time to finally retire my 12 year old 660

Has never drained my battery. it cant. Obviously the LED will have some effect, but it would probably take years.

Normal. Depending on what settings are available the LED can be turned off completely. On my bike it’s ‘always on’ or ‘12 hours’ or ‘off’.

This was the main reason that when I started organising trips to Europe I used the tunnel as it’s impossible (to all intents and purposes) to go wrong as you are guided onto the motorway from the train and it’s all one way. By the time you leave the motorway you are used to riding on the right and it’s just a case if taking it easy from then on, pausing at junctions and keeping a close eye on signs and what other traffic is doing. Doesn’t take long to become completely natural. I’ve not needed reminders just a willingness not to rush it. Take it easy.

Might finally get round to booking the bike in for recall work. (its only taken a year!!) Aside from that, not much. I'm kinda umming and aahing over replacing the rear shock. choice is between a Wilbers or an Öhlins. But the second is almost £300 more expensive. will have to see. I can get a Wilbers with my PayPal credit so spread the cost over a few months interest free. Though Im wondering if this is really necessary. jut spending for the sake of spending. so, still in two minds. Main focus is on planning for the Alps. busy looking at routes and alternatives if the weather doesn't want to play ball. if we'e forced south should we head towards Tuscany or east towards Slovenia. maybe play it safe and plan for both. Just been looking at the snow on the grossglockner. And I grabbed this image before sunset of one of my favourite restaurants on the mountain.

Only delivery service I don't like is Parcel Force. If a seller uses them and says so, I look for an alternative seller.

It's all rumour because of the probable involvement of the CIA. they never admit to anything. they neither confirm or deny anything. if its any consolation she has had a very harsh 'response' from the more established press in the US. (NYT, Washington Post. - which I read) But.. as is the case for any US citizen. if you manage to get back to the US then you are safe.. the US almost never extradites its own citizens. so...

What negativity? The husband is called a 'diplomat' by some, but he was not. he is allegedly CIA. which adds up as the airfield this happened near is a 'listening post'. This event was reported and the US embassy told her to do a runner, which she did. The US military does not have jurisdiction over civilians, had she been the wife of a serving airmen she would have been handed over to the UK police. if she had been military herself. then the matter would have been dealt with by a military court. But she was neither. She was the wife of a man who to all intents and purposes does not exist. her flight was based on a lie. (or at least false or ignored information) hence the shit show this has turned into.

Well... no. obviously not. Neither the driver nor her husband were military.

Covid permitting (obviously) Looks like we will have a spare place on this camping tour. away for two weeks from 25/6 to 10/7 Fair few "bucket list" roads and passes on the agenda. And the emphasis will be on keeping costs down. (hence camping) I went down there last year to do a recce and have nearly everything sorted - ready to go. just sorting the 'set piece' routes now. If you like a beer, that's a big plus. a 'can do' attitude and ready for plans to change at the drop of a hat as we will be following the sun. (I cant abide camping in the rain) Nothing to pay for until well after new year and the first expenses then will be the tunnel crossing and an overnight stopover at a hotel close to the tunnel. Both of which can be booked anytime between January and the end of May. And you buy these yourself, Absolutely no money comes my way. I don't do these trips to make money or keep my own costs down. I don't care if you have never toured before in Europe. All you need is a bike that is capable of motorway speeds and is good on sharp bends. ADV bikes are perfect but not required, though you might struggle with a long wheel base cruiser. Obviously you need to be that weird type who enjoys camping. and either have the gear or can get it sorted before the off. Smaller expenses can be dealt with as and when, like travel insurance, roadside rescue. and so on. Have a think and message me if you think this might suit you. .

For O and X ring chains, chain lube is not really about lubrication except in the smallest way imaginable, its mostly about corrosion prevention. So, if it can't manage that then it's worthless.

No, He had a full, though restricted license. Im not much of an expert of recognising sports bikes.. second photo. Dunn on his bike.

I think, that as my bike has two clutches, when the bike is in one gear the change is instant (after pressing the button) because the clutch is already 'in' on the next gear. and as soon as I change gear the next gear is ready to go. clickety click. This is normal.. but, I have to admit its great fun when I turn the auto 'off'. and ride in manual mode. The great upside of this would be for that mythical pillion, there is zero chance of helmet knock. as there is no momentary loss of power, or if there is its so short that it effectively doesn't happen. all in all its great fun. into second gear and redline it. click - 3rd. click 4th. click - 5th. and the same going down the gears... its a hoot.

Nope, a 1000cc Honda. with two clutches.. and a finger operated quick shifter.

Like flicking a light switch.

It was a long time ago (1995), but what happened was the claim was made and I had to give a crime number in addition. there was then a waiting game.. cant remember how long but it was over a month. I was told this was in case the bike was found. There was then the usual rigmarole of deciding on the value and so on. first offer, rejected. second offer accepted and the payout. As far as I am aware the bike was never found, certainly the police never got in touch with me about it. And that was that. I think, though im not really that sure about it, but I think it was about 3 months from the bike disappearing to the cheque arriving. My insurer was Bennetts and.. just to give an idea of the time, they were based in offices above a shop close to the cathedral in coventry. and had maybe 5 staff at most. I used to ride over to there and pay the premium in cash.

This is quite different. and cannot be compared with triumph. or any of the small producers that have come and gone here in the UK.

I would rely more on secrecy than anything else and rather than extra security inside, make it as difficult as possible to actually get inside.

Just been speaking to an old friend who works in a supermarket. They just had a delivery of Easter Eggs. Which is something I find both amusing and horrifying at the same time. Nothing like prioritising lorry space in the run up to Christmas, is there.