Davidtav

There are some excellent offer on new VStrom 650s now. Have a look on Autotrader

So I have the new glasses now. And I tried them last night. Very effective actually. Much better than I had expected. Oncoming headlights just look a dull green colour. It was actually the first time I had driven in the dark for some time. And it was fine.

Thank you. That is very helpful indeed.

Yes it is 2030 The house could become a D fairly easily I think. Cavity wall insulation would get it very close. It might need a new heating system as well. … it is actually a really lovely modern property with Everest double glazing throughout. Loft is insulated. It certainly isn’t a draughty cold property as these rules suggest. Im more concerned about the flat really. It used to be an antique shop actually. I bought it at auction in 2017 and converted it to a studio flat. All properly. It is now a domestic property. It was built around 1820. It is listed building. There are a lot of restrictions with it being listed. For example, I can’t change the existing shop window. An application to do that has been refused.

Yeah. My house is D my flat is actually part of a property built around 1820 i think. And it is listed Grade 11

I’m not disputing what you say. But that isn’t the case here

The truth is I will probably have to sell one property to make the improvements to the other property. That doesn’t actually help anyone really

The whole thing is crazy. My main house that I rent out is a lovely 90s property. Full double glazing. Loft is insulated. And it is D. And I believe cavity insulation itself would not raise it to C

I will look into that. I will probably just make the improvements and take the hit.

I will probably get some criticism but no problem. I’m thick skinned. So I have a couple of rental properties. One was the family house. Another was a project I bought at auction a few years ago. Both are rated D on the EPC thing. I have nothing against the climate agenda. But honestly I don’t think I have the funds to raise them both to a C. With my flat, which was built in 1830, I think the current designation of D is probably questionable anyway. I can’t see how it could ever become a C … now I will say that I am actually a good landlord. I attend to any problems immediately. I wouldn’t want my tenants to be inconvenienced or not receive the best service. But yes I’m thinking, should I just evict the tenants and sell these properties? … in my opinion the Green agenda should just affect new builds. …

I’ve wasted time thinking about this nonsense ! Im thinking of some strap lines such as: ”when you need a quicky” ”Greggs quickies always hit the spot” and I’m thinking there is more scope about G spot and Greggs name beginning with G Nothing over sexual on the packaging. Just maybe: ”ooh that’s saucy” ”add spice to life” hey gang we have a marketing campaign! Now who sells these ready meals?

So there is an article in today’s Daily Mail about a new range of Gregg Wallace ready meals. I made a comment to suggest that they should put innuendos on the packaging. Got red arrowed … but I was thinking about it this morning, well I’m retired nothing else to do, and I thought what they should do is rebrand these meals as “Greggs Quicky Meals”. As I said with an “ooh arr” slightly cheeky innuendo on the package. I reckon it would be a winner. Slightly different from every other ready meal. And not everyone is as offended as the BBC thinks. Although I’m retired my career was actually in Marketing I’ve just posted my million quid idea on an online forum lol

Just a postscript to my previous post. On my days training coming back to biking, my instructor recommended that I buy a Versys rather than the standard Z650 I was riding. Because of my height. And I ignored that advice mainly because the Versys was £1k more expensive. That was a mistake. I should have bought the Versys. And if I had then I would probably still have it.

Well this was me about six years ago. I contacted a local bike school and spent half a day with them. Basically because I wanted to know if I actually still wanted to do it. I did. They put me on a Kawasaki Z650 and one on one I went around North Yorkshire with an instructor. Very good investment. I recommend you do similar. And because I felt the Z650 suited me that is the type of bike I purchased.… I now have a Suzuki V Strom 650 which at 6 foot 2 does fit me really well. Hope that is helpful

There are many folks on here much more knowledgeable than myself. But here are my thoughts: posture is important. You are an integral part of the motorcycle. I keep my forearms fairly horizontal. And I sit close to the tank. And grip the tank with the knees. And keep the balls of your feet on the pegs. And understand counter steering. There is no other way. You don’t want to be fighting against it. Works for me. So far!

Since I have had eye surgery. That is retinal detachment surgery in 2023 and cataract surgery in 2024 I have found glare from oncoming headlights an issue at night. In fact I try to avoid driving at night these days unless I really have to. And I don’t really use the motorbike in the dark at all. Maybe occasionally. So anyway this week I had an eye test at Specsavers. And as you probably know they offer 2 for 1 on glasses. So I have ordered two pairs of varifical spectacles. But one pair with a yellow tint which is supposed to be good for reducing glare when driving at night. I’m intrigued as to whether it will be of benefit. And in truth I’m a little sceptical. But I will give it a go and update this thread on the effectiveness when I get them.

Bit off topic. But this thread about selling a bike reminded me of when I sold my Yamaha SR125 in about 1997 I think. I’ve mentioned this before on the forum but here’s what happened: So I’m living in Essex and had advertised the bike in the Loot. And I only had one person interested and she turned up on Saturday morning. A young woman with a young guy. Turns out it would be her first bike. She worked at a London hospital. I think it was St Thomas’s but doesn’t really matter. Anyway she had brought a doctor friend along because apparently he knew about bikes. He kept looking at his watch and they explained that he was actually on call and shouldn’t have left the hospital. And couldn’t stay long. And then his pager went and apparently he had to get to the London hospital pronto. “Can I take the bike? “ It’s an emergency.”Anyway I just said “Yes take the bike.” Gave him the helmet and jacket I was including with the bike. And he disappeared on my bike. And the girl said “I suppose I’ve bought the bike now” and gave me a cheque for the full amount … and the cheque cleared fine and I never heard from them again.

When I bought my current bike I didn’t part ex the old one. But the dealer offered to sell my bike for me for a flat rate of £200. And it is for the reasons expressed in this thread that I thought that was a good deal. I didn’t have to deal with buyers at all. I did give the dealer authority to offer test rides at their discretion. And I believe that was done. But I didn’t have any of the bother of dealing with a buyer. Handling the cash etc. Just got a nice phone call after a month with an offer which I accepted … when the time comes if I get this opportunity again I will jump at it.

Contact the company and ask for an early settlement figure. And go from there.

I was thinking that if anyone is touring to Scotland. Along the Kintyre peninsula. Maybe stop here for a coffee? Send me a pm … and also thought maybe the forumites might like a ride out to Dave’s place? Just an idea

I think I could have predicted those findings. The only thing that is surprising is that some of the aftermarket exhausts are actually quieter than oem

I would try to find a specialist broker you can visit in person rather than just doing online quotes. Good luck

The Mini has been vandalised a few times over the years. Car has been keyed a couple of times. It is slightly eye catching and for some reason has attracted idiots like that. Fortunately the roof has never been damaged. The roof is probably the best bit of the vehicle actually. It was completely replaced by BMW under warranty when the car was 3 years old. Because the heated rear window had developed a fault. They replaced the complete roof!

I’m in a strange situation I know. In 2012 I was suddenly widowed. I stopped working. Took my pension. Rented my house out and bought a bigger boat and went sailing. I have done some Homes Under the Hammer stuff since then and basically I’m still on my own. I still have my boat. I live in an amazing house. And just about pay the bills

I know. Fortunately I’ve been relatively lucky. No major issues so far.