Breezin

Halfords one works fine for me.

900GT looks good, I have to say.

Test rode an R NineT today. Very nice!

Fair enough. I'm just finding it difficult to convert to the GS/ADV tribe.

I've toured loads, including two-up on the Interceptor 650, so the finer points are a bit moot for me.

I think the only thing I'd miss on the BMW is an actual fuel gauge. What genius thought it'd be a good idea to drop that?

On 24/04/2023 at 07:38, Steve_M said:

I had one as a loaner when my GS was in for some warranty work. It was great fun to ride but would have to be a second bike for me as I need something to tour on two up. 

Is that because of the seat? I saw a fatter aftermarket that looked more practical. 

20 hours ago, Tinkicker said:

Heard a song on the radio and was transported back in time..

Cannot believe 40 odd years have gone by.

 

Vividly remember stood in the doorway at my mates house, looking at my new to me bike, while listening to his new album.  Just had to put my earbuds in and listen again while looking at the pic.  Mine had an aftermarket Dunstall silencer and a two four racing seat with the hump at the back.  Wore a hole in the original silencer grounding it out on Haigh roundabout not far from woolley edge services on the M1.

Nostalgia.. Is it as good as it used to be?

 

 

 

 

Beautiful bike. My older brother came home one day with the glossy sales brochure for it, and I was sold but hadn't the money.

He was going to pull the trigger on it, but our dad, who used to have a bike himself,  persuaded him not to by giving him his old Cortina Mk 1 for next to nothing.

Funny,  when I went to buy my first bike, he wasn't so bothered about diverting me! 

I am the Frank Spencer of motorcycle ride preparation.  If it can go wrong, it will. And the more layers there are, the wronger it gets!

So I have to have a really serious think about going out on the bike just for fun. Still, I'd prefer the bike to the hell that is driving a car in a city these days.

About two years ago, doing about 70mph,  I looked back over my right shoulder as I moved into the outside lane of a motorway to overtake a slow line of cars. A few inches from the bike loomed the corner of a huge, light grey jeep that hadn't shown in my mirror. If I hadn't looked, I'd most likely be brown bread.

Literally a lifesaver.

Ever since, I never change position without looking back.

14 hours ago, Ronnie said:

Errol Flynn the film actor and Freddy Mercury the singer in some popular music group were great exponents of tight trousers.

I don't think they were the ones writing the reviews on Amazon etc!

10 hours ago, Ronnie said:

Not at all, if you think that enhances your masculinity you're in for an uncomfortable awakening.

Well that was unexpected!

On 15/03/2023 at 18:13, S-Westerly said:

The Scott's are waterproof. 

They're pricier but seem to get the best reviews. I've seen a couple of people online advising getting smaller size than standard. Would you agree?

Some good recommendations, thanks! I wonder does anyone have any observations on breathable fabrics without going full Goretex?

I have a nylon oversuit which would be totally dry except for the fact that I sweat like crazy with it on!

1 hour ago, Fish said:

Find somewhere that sells road workers highviz type products. Usually the waterproof gear they wear can last quite well.

I wonder would they be quite heavy or bulky? Trying to keep the payload down.

1 hour ago, Mississippi Bullfrog said:

If she wasn't hanging around how did a Vauxhall Astra overtake her pulling away?

Because he was wound up and  primed to have a go at her, and seemingly prepared to drive through her. She wasn't particularly slow.

If every motorist, even Astra drivers, took off like that no motorbike would ever filter.

A woman driving a Range Rover did a similar underpass from the lights stunt on me a couple of weeks back in a similar, chillingly reckless manner. My Interceptor is no drag racer,  but it usually pulls ahead easily from lights, unless some creep has an agenda, and you can't plan for that unless you live all your life in a race.

On 12/03/2023 at 08:21, Mississippi Bullfrog said:

He was an idiot, but she has a lot to learn as well. No point filtering to the front if you don't have the capability and intention of moving off so as not to hold up traffic behind you. Don't respond to acts of aggression. Never ever stop in a place where you are on your own. 

 

If might feel great to say we're man enough to clock him one but the consequences really aren't worth it. That kind of record can put all sorts of blocks on your life.

I have to say, I disagree. She wasn't hanging around getting going... he clearly was gunning for her because he didn't like being overtaken.

Not only did he assault her later -- how can he not have been arrested? -- but in the original incident he did a fair job of trying to kill her.

Maybe she was unwise with her gestures, but who hasn't done that when they were young? Back in the day, I got chased movie-style for a good half an hour around some back streets by two complete loons who in our prior altercation convinced me they were  actually armed!

I'm looking to buy rain overtrousers that are fully waterproof and breathable.

Just light pull-over types, rather than heavy rainsuits, as they are going to be used by myself and herself on pillion on our tour of Spain and Portugal in early summer. I envisage mostly good weather but with the odd downpour, especially in the north. I'm trying to leave my textiles at home and travel light. Last year we did Spain and used light Trespass overpants which were fine but a bit flappy. I brought Ricah trousers with me but never used them.

I've been searching online and I'm dizzy looking at options, but most seem to fit into the category of full high-end touring suit (not needed) or cheapo nylon or polyester, even when they come with some fancy brand names.

Anyone got a recommendation based on personal experience?

You haven't daid what bike it is. First thing I'd be doing is searching online for common issues in that model. MCN reviews,  dedicated forum, general feedback.

If that all checks out, I'd pay attention to engine and gearbox, not so much consumables... maybe get a mechanic to have a listen, at least.

Great thread.

Best: RE 650 Interceptor, which is my current ride. I kid you not... can't stay off the thing.

Worst: Yasi 125. Hit and miss. Great fun when it fired for more than 40 seconds.

Want: BMW RNineT (road, not scrambler). Or maybe the Guzzi Mandelo.

I find 70 on the Interceptor is fine. 80+ concentrates the mind, though. As has been said, it's definitely a matter of getting used to it - more the noise than the wind pressure 

I put a small Puig screen on, but took it off because it directed wind right up and into my helmet. Better to take the hit on the chest.

Ear plugs do make a huge difference. 

On 22/11/2022 at 19:27, onesea said:

Just switched to a 125cc

bike £500 Honda CBR 125

insurance £60 tax £22

Cheaper than E-bike no batteries in the house for charging.

Yes there’s Petrol but for me it’s quicker and just better.  Then I am on rural roads that I would not choose to cycle at all times of day and night.

 

Don't get me wrong... I much prefer the petrol option if it's just down to pure ride. But the ebike is cheaper long term: zero tax and insurance.  And, God forbid, you get a bit of exercise.

+ commuting miles are the hardest miles when it comes to engine, chain wear, corrosion. 

For the Interceptor,  I'm gonna keep it country!

I've got a 15-mile urban commute,  and it's as quick, and cheaper, on an e-bike. Saves the moto for proper riding miles.

1 hour ago, Stu said:

 

It's the way forward 

 

 

Pun intended

S'alright. Had one myself back in the day.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll get myself that dream Guzzi and be free of the chain once again.

19 hours ago, Stu said:

...drive shaft 

 Cheating!

5 hours ago, V650 said:

Now that's the multi million dollar question 

Certainly on the Versys 650 there are drain holes on either side of the swing arm 

The one on the left is small about 3-4 mm and gets clogged quite easily 

What happens then is the chain adjustment bolts that screw in to the end of the swing arm are sitting in a puddle of water and they corrode 

Both snapped off on mine first time I tried to adjust the chain

Every day's a school day!

I'll look for them on the Interceptor!

On 28/10/2022 at 21:12, V650 said:

...Unclogged the drain holes in the swingarm...

Never heard of that before.  Is that a thing on all bikes?

If I was in that situation I'd think about a home alarm kit in the garage, with a cheap sim in the control set to dial my phone.