husoi

Since I got the Shadow I had to rely on a temperamental light that could or not go on when the fuel goes low. Because the distance to empty greatly varies with riding style, speed etc. guessing how far I could get would result on either filling up with half tank or, as it happened not long ago, or pushing the bike for 200 yards to the station. I've been looking for anything that would work as a fuel gauge. However, most are too big and won't fit in the tank. So, it was time to think outside the box... After weeks of investigation I found a model that could work. For that I would need some parts and to dig my electronics' tools. Obviously I won't need all of these, they are lots of different parts to be used. Yesterday evening I managed to create a prototype (working one ). The idea is to have the display LED's fitted on the handlebar while the "brain" will be safely located elsewhere. In this pic the tank is represented by the wee bowl with water. When immerse the LED's will light up. Next steps, transfer the circuit onto a permanent IC board and finding a fuel resistant wire that will be fitted inside the tank with the sensors.

Well... This is typical! since when a man have too many toys? My mrs have a lot more shoes than I have toys Not to count the 4 wardrobes with unused clothes. At least I play with my toys. But of course, I can't say that to her. Again...

Good choice

If working on the forks I will be changing the oil for sure. Wouldn't cross my mind to do it without dismantling everything, cleaning it thoroughly and assemble it all together again. And no, I'm not OCD

Applecross viewpoint today. Not sure if is the bike or just me having a period of bad luck. First wet Cornwall now this...

Finally fitted a relay for the accessories in the ST1300. Long due. Now all accessories go dead once I turn off the ignition. When I get all the bits for the fuel indicator and the USB charger for the shadow then I'll fit one there too

You mean this?

Applecross trip 460 miles, give or take. Leaving home early (7am) hoping to arrive late evening after 12 hours ride

With this weather and new seats probably down to West coast. Aiming to Applecross.

About to book the MOT for the shadow. Runs out 18th Aug so can take it any time after this weekend.

Ouch. Happened to me once when I had the Africa Twin. Fortunately I was leaving right and didn't went fast resulting in just dropping the bike. Since then all my locks have that horrible looking yellow spring.

Fear is the survival instinct that keeps you alive. Instead of getting frozen by it you need to control it knowing that as long you are in charge and minimise the risks you will be as safe as you can. Starting slowly and steady will take you far and will build on your confidence and add skills to your riding style. One thing I would strongly suggest is that you start riding alone or with someone that is not a speed maniac. Also experimenting with what you can get from the bike, things like braking, turning and very importantly, although frequently oversighted, slow speed control. One "trick" that have help me in many occasions is to be able to predict what is coming. Trust nobody and ride always as if someone is going to try to kill you More you ride better you will get and more confident you will get. The second danger comes when/if you get overconfident and screwup...

A wee story about this song. "Chuva" (rain) is a song about "saudade" and the "emotionally painful" memories people have when living away from their home. "Saudade" is broadly translated as nostalgia, however nostalgia is also used in Portuguese language with the same meaning as in English. The main difference between Saudade and Nostalgia refers to the more profound feeling implied. Saudade is used when talking about missing home, friends, family, etc. Note that Portuguese is the only language with a word for this specific feeling while all other countries will use nostalgia as substitute. Then we have Mariza, one of the best Portuguese living "Fado" singers, in the company of some of the best Fado players. Traditional Fado instruments are, acoustic guitar, a bass acoustic guitar and the very characteristic crisp sound of a Portuguese guitar. I know that only Portuguese naturals will fully understand why we always get goose bumps every time we listen to this. I really hope you enjoy it even if you won't understand the lyrics.

So from Friday evening till sat 1am I finished the shadow seats. Gel pads front and rear. Then... Saturday went for a test ride. Left home to Peterhead. The bike does 157 miles on a tank. The petrol station was 157 miles and 200 yards Meaning 200 yards pushing it to Asda petrol station But at least, now I know the tank takes 12.98 lt From Peter head went to Pennan, for those who don't know, Pennan was where some scenes of the Local Hero were shot. Probably one of the few places in Scotland where you can't be lost no matter how drunk you are Rain 4 times only.

Doncaster to Edinburgh is just under 250 miles and just over 350 to Aberdeen. Leaving early is perfectly feasible in one day.

The whole process is, remove the cover, cut the foam to place the gel, them 1 layer of 2cm memory foam, 1 layer of plastic film (I use thick plastic bags) then refit the cover. The purpose of the foam is just so you won't notice the transition between the gel and the original foam. The plastic film is to keep water out

Incorporated gel pads

Last long trip I had was from Fife down to Cornwall. Stopped every 100(ish) miles although the bike can do 250 on one tank. When back in 2019 I went to Portugal the plan was a break every 150 miles but ended up at 75-100 mostly because then I didn't had the gel pads fitted. Last trip on the shadow was 150 miles and one long stop for lunch and a short one for fuel. The longest I made on either bike was 200 miles on the ST1300 and 100 on the shadow. Note that the shadow's seats are in very bad condition and uncomfortable (refurbishing them this week). The worst thing about a long continuous ride is the sore numb bottom Forgot to mention.. I have gel pads and can't say a bad thing about them.

I've used dry lub when I had my VFR and was very happy with it. Lasts longer (a lot) mess free. stays in place even when you wash the bike. But wasn't PDL

Keep in mind that legislation regarding headlights and MOT has changed. LED's compliant with BS (British standard, not the other BS) are now legal. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-notice-01-21-headlamp-conversions/mot-special-notice-01-21-headlamp-conversions

If I manage to finish refurbishing the seats for the Shadow will go for a ride around the highlands (weather permitting)

Got an email from Charge Your Car. Dear XX, Please be aware that a request to take payment for outstanding charge sessions received this response: ERROR The following message was also received: Error: HTTP response status code 404 My reply: Hi, when you care about replying to your emails I will promptly solve this. Regards, XX Please consider the environment before printing this email or its attachments

Weather looking to be another Scottish summer weekend... Probably refurbishing the seats for the shadow and look for boots. The ones I have at the moment decided to become water dams, rains a bit and I get them full....

Well... I thought the Communities app was working so I posted there back in May 23 onwards (not sure the exact date but was that week). Obviously got lost in the post... Let's blame RM

I mean these pics Then this one but isn't showing the petrol station, just the sign