Throttled

Phoned Expedia and asked not to cancel but to rebook for next year. They said that since they cannot do that, as the airline (Lufthansa) are not taking rebookings, that we would get our money back, full refund. That meant they would then have to refund us for the hotel. So minus £6.10 fee, we are getting the lot back. Phew! Expedia still have the money for the hotel, so we get that back within 30 days. Lufthansa have the money for the flight, so we get that back in 2 to 12 weeks. Relieved, but surprised. Surely it would make more sense to take a rebooking. Expedia said it could be up to 6 months before we can rebook as the airlines start to allocate new flights. The problem is, there may be fewer flights and some routes my never reopen. Have we seen the end of cheap airline flights?

We should have been in Aviemore last weekend. The cottage owner accepted a postponement to October. Expedia are trying to get us to cancel our holiday to Germany, but Which? advise waiting for them to cancel. I contacted the hotel and they said if we cancelled we would only get a 10% refund. We are going to go for a postponement and rebooking for next year.

The Versys is notorious for its throttle response. I did get used to it, once I realised no matter how often I had a squeaky bum moment as the revs rose more than I wanted, I was always able to control the bike. That on/off switch feeling applies to both the 650 and 1000 Versys.

What sized ring terminal do I need to get? I have a crimping tool and can solder, depending on what is the best way to connect the wire to the ring.

Another recommendation to buy a 500cc Jap bike. The handlebar width will be similar to the 125cc and the weight not that much more for moving round to the back garden. You will enjoy your biking far more with that extra power, especially when you hit A roads or the motorway.

I think paying attention to where you park the bike is as important, if not more important than any security. I try to park where I can still see the bike, or park it where CCTV can see it. I would never park somewhere quiet and out of the way, unless I have been staying at a hotel or B&B and then I ask when booking, for somewhere secure to park the bike. In town there are specific places to park bikes that are next to railings to chain the bike to and I try to use them as much as possible.

It is a great video and he certainly does his research and knows the subject. I had a hire of a H-D Road King for my 50th and loved it. But I would not buy one because of the pressure to buy into the whole H-D experience. I do not want branded everything.

VAK, some heavy metal from Sweden.

Rode to the bank to deposit a cheque (remember them!). I still have to justify to my government why I went outside.

I think I will go for the Garmin 396 and can get it from a shop in Glasgow, so any issues it is far easier to deal with than online.

It will replace a car sat nav in a waterproof holder and since my bike always lives outside, I am in the habit of removing it when parked up.

Thanks, hard wire it is, which does mean I can still use the USB to charge my phone and power packs on the move. I presume the hard wire is straightforward, find a route to the battery?

Can either the Tomtom Rider 500 or Garmin Zumo 396 motorcycle sat navs be powered with USB? Or do I have to wire them in with the wires provided with the kit?

I get my advice from Janey Godley.

The "what if" is just not worth it. If he gets caught at 16 riding outwith the terms of his insurance, he could become virtually impossible to insure for a very long time.

Splashed out £30 on a tiny bottle of touch up paint and lacquer for the frame and glad I did, because it is looking a lot smarter. The derusting work, from a wire brush (for cleaning spark plugs) on the brake discs to Kurust and touch up paint has gone far better than I thought it would.

Fitted the low note horn and it sounds just like the other horns I have fitted to bikes. The difference must be marginal.

Rode it to Halfords to pick up the new horn, fitted said horn and then washed it ready for some touch up paint.

My list of actually met, rather than just saw in the street is tiny and consists of Enoch Powell, the controversial MP, Peter Crouch the footballer and Paolo Nutini, the singer/songwriter. All were very nice.

It will be one or t'other. I think I will go for low as I do not want to sound gay.

I fitted one before, it was fine. I did not notice that there were different versions and was wondering if anyone knew why? I do not know whether it was a low or high note one that I previously fitted.

I am happy with the simple swap using the existing wiring terminals.

I can guess the difference between the Halfords Bike It high and low note horns, but in practice, is one any louder or better than the other? The Halfords website has the same details for both; "Features and Benefits of Halfords Bike it Low Note Motorcycle Horn Original equipment specification 12v E approved Replaces both twin or single terminal horns for maximum flexibility Complete with easy fitting instructions for no worries installation" Features and Benefits of Halfords Bike it High Note Motorcycle Horn Replaces both twin or single terminal horns for maximum flexibility Original equipment specification 12v E approved Complete with easy fitting instructions for stress free installation"

Got out for a ride today and with the fine weather, time to deep clean the bike. I have heard about the cleaning properties of WD40, so decided to give it a bash. Spray on, agitate with a toothbrush and wipe off, concentrating on the wheels and metal parts such as the pannier holders. The WD40 took off grease and crud that both Muck Off and Carplan snow foam had failed to shift. Mightily impressed. Some brake cleaner to remove a bit of overspray on the brake discs and then a general clean and the bike is looking at its best for a long time.

Every day is now like the weekend.