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...It's about bikes... and travels... mostly on bikes!
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Blood And Rain, Finger Pain, Improving Terrain
A short and simple if a little wet ride up to Callander is followed by a (not very) long and tiresome walk into Callander. No pain no gain Ren! There's new friends too.
The Surprising River Seine
The River Seine is not at all that which Ren expected, which is a good thing for once. Save for the exceedingly hot weather and questionable pricing it all turns out rather well.
No Rain, Hip Pain, A Train, Rice Grain, Heavy Rain
The Batties are off to Skye! Today though they barely make it to Scotland. Ren expands his culinary expertise, forgets something, and looks happy as always.
A Honda C90 Weekend
Bogger is up to his usual antics. That means miles, food, booze, breakdowns, and chaos in all it's forms. This time The New Forest endures his presence when the whole place is already on fire.
Hot And Simple Normandy
Sharon is in her element, Ren is at risk of melting as a heat wave hits Normandy. There's a little motorcycling and a lot of pool time, plus some sweating.
Prologue - Skye AKA Bogger's Curse
Excuses and complaining... that is all Ren has to offer. A truncated trip, the risk of bad weather, and bad timing. Awww poor poor Ren.
Skye AKA Bogger's Curse
Title page for a hit-n-miss trip to Skye
Walking, Eating, Drinking, And Riding (The Next Day)
Covering 2 days Bogger manages a little walk, an inordinate amount of dining, some alcohol, and a long ride (once sober). Contrary to Bogger's modus operandi all this is achieved without any disasters. Go figure.
Hot In Honfleur
It's hot, it's busy, and it's all a bit odd. In spite of all this and some confusing food Ren might possibly at risk of almost having an OK day?
From Bad, To Worse, To Awful
Bogger has an almost new SH350. And some friends, mostly on litre plus bikes. And a long ride ahead. There's buffoonery, worries, and finally good old incompetence to ensure Bogger has the best of times.
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Latest Posts
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Just remembered I got flashed in Germany, I think, it was a forward facing so I expect there's a wanted poster in Leipzig with my face on it. They'll never take me alive. Plus if the sun was out, I don't think facial recognition will work on a nose.
All of which proves, or shows, one needs to be very observant but try doing that when it's 35c's, you are really wanting to park up for the day, you need cold beer (expensive tea) and you want a widdle. That's the case for the nose your turnips.
Pffffffftttttt.
04/10/2026 10:52:41 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I always ride with the Garmin on Ed and one reason is knowing what limit you are riding in. Apart from the subtle audible speed and possible detection warnings (a lot less annoying than a speed awareness course or worse), one glance at the screen and you will be 99% certain of the speed limit that applies and also aware if you are over the limit by the visual representation. I'm a sat nav convert for many reasons but this is a biggie when it comes to reasons to fit a good system.
I cannot be convinced that merely by being observant you will know what the limit is, roundabouts in particular can throw in some curve balls, it goes a bit like this.....
Consider your approach line, speed, other vehicles, pedestrians, potentially slippy road markings, etc.
Now negotiate the island, diesel spills, other vehicles, indicate your intentions, try to get your foot down, etc.
How did I possibly miss that 30 mph sign? It's a wonder isn't it?
Your frustration is mine.
Now put all the above into place in a foreign environment and KPH, whatever that is and it's a recipe for a camera flash. As an aside I leave the Garmin in MPH mode abroad, it just one less brain function to figure out. The Garmin knows the limit in MPH so why complicate things.
Upt.
04/10/2026 10:36:59 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's my understanding the XSR125 has the same engine as the MT125. It's also been my experience of Yamaha's MT range that the engines are very good indeed. I can only therefore reckon the XSR125 should be a fine choice, except it's not a Honda.
I think I ought to put together a post regarding my thoughts and frustrations regarding speed signage. The overarching point being l will stick to the limits I just wish they were clearly posted.
04/10/2026 08:34:41 UTC
The Surprising River Seine
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Sparkling company and small talk? Don't ever meet me in real life nab301 it'll be such an anticlimax.
Fear not there's more grumbling coming. Bah humbug! Oh speaking of which Christmas is only around the corner, I get to be extra grumpy. Got the sprouts on yet?
04/10/2026 08:27:01 UTC
Blood And Rain, Finger Pain, Improving Terrain
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
nab301 I was not entirely sure what the "bun" was at the time of consumption nor now. My order was for a beefburger, I received what you see. I enjoyed it, it was tasty, but yes I noticed the bun was not your regular bun. I'm quite sure it's a local thing and someone may explain it one day.
Yes I'm sure you'll all be glad to see we're back to suffering in a tent. There's more suffering to come too for your delectation.
Regarding your stove Ian - hold that thought! There's a post coming soon about this very subject. If you think that Optimus is valuable do a search for modern petrol powered stoves, it'll make your eyes water.
04/10/2026 08:20:01 UTC
Blood And Rain, Finger Pain, Improving Terrain
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I have a little Optimus petrol stove that I now use only for annealing copper head gaskets and the like. The great advantage is that you're already carrying the fuel around with you. It does require a modicum of care however as it is a bit of a fire hazard and generates fairly high levels of carbon monoxide aso use inside a tent isn't a good idea.
It's like the one in the link - I had no idea they were worth so much!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/117324901921...
03/10/2026 10:14:59 UTC
The Surprising River Seine
nab301 said :-
Locally for me a bog basic foul tasting americano is generally at least €3 euro , which is why I rarely bother , I bring my own tap water with me and a banana or two.. if you can make me a nice pot of leaf tea I'd give it a try once at least even if it was £12.50, and stay for the sparkling company and small talk!
Looking forward to more grumbling , it's why we keep coming back.
Nigel
02/10/2026 18:56:02 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
nab301 said :-
Living in Southern Ireland we seem to have the same or even worse, poor ,misleading speed signposting, it drives me mad. Strangely if I travel Upt North to Northern Ireland , while the infrastructure (road surfaces) seems to be crumbling , the road engineering and signposting including speed appears to be much better.
Ren , as for car owners , I'd imagine the electric car issue can usually be solved with a short term rental for the annual longer road trip.
If I could pluck up the courage to sell one or 2 bikes privately I'd probably get myself an XSR 125 which has a couple more BHP than my CB125F ... ( I know, it's not a Honda!)
Nigel
02/10/2026 17:05:23 UTC
Blood And Rain, Finger Pain, Improving Terrain
nab301 said :-
Ren , so many comments , where will I start? Hopefully your finger is ok and you obviously didn't need a Tetanus jab! Just as well you didn't dip it in the salty chips , that would have stung a bit! While we're on food , tell me that's not a hot cross bun with a filling?
On the subject of sleep, having just finished reading the book entitled " The 8 hour sleep Paradox" The Author suggests that disturbed sleep suggests you are not getting uninterrupted deep sleep where the body secretes hormones that prevent you from needing to ahem urinate... Deep sleep apparently is still and silent, and barking dogs and flushing toilets don't wake you . There's an app you can download which records the number of interruptions during the night , most of which can be caused by airway restrictions causing you to move or open your mouth, basically repeatedly waking up your brain leading to poor restorative sleep quality. The book is well worth a read.
Camping wise it's great to be back to normal, cool damp and soggy conditions.
Nigel
02/10/2026 16:32:56 UTC
Blood And Rain, Finger Pain, Improving Terrain
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Enough with the finger already.
It always rain in Callander. It only stops so it can start again.
Upt.
02/10/2026 16:10:52 UTC
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Latest Repair-Chat
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Upt'North ¹ said :-
Cleaned me back wheel now too Ed. You are right, dirt is heavy. The chain was sprayed most days and required no adjustment. The old Suzuki chain fell apart going to Sicily and back. Cheap budget crap.
01/10/2026 09:07:25 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Shocking news Upt'!! I work on the principle of lubricating the chain often which means most of the dirt ends up on the back wheel. Admittedly even someone as scummy as myself has to clean the back wheel from time to time otherwise the wheel becomes heavier!
30/09/2026 07:48:54 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Don't think of me badly Ed.....I've just cleaned me chain.
Not a euphemism. It wasn't half crappy.
29/09/2026 12:55:00 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Glyn, I know that the Repair - Chat page is not the same without the ability to post a picture, but how is the Aprilia coming along?
28/09/2026 22:20:12 UTC
nab301 said :-
Ian , I never had an AVO but I remember a biking neighbour back in the 70's had one , or rather his father had which was useful for fault finding on his electric start Yamaha 200 (combined alternator / dynamo electric start)
BTW , I recently purchased a cheap digital meter from Lidl which has a capacitance check feature that works as you describe.
Nigel
08/08/2026 18:08:12 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I thought there may be some people who remembered AVOs here given the demographics. Sadly mine didn't come with the leather case although does have the original heavy cardboard box together with instruction manual. I've sorted out the overload button which just needed a hard press to reseat it and it now measures voltages correctly. I'll pick up a D battery later today and will order the 15 volt one - there's a seller on ebay.
It's so beautifully made inside and as you say Jeff the rolls-royce of meters and I look forward to using it in earnest.
I too have forsworn kickstarts given my knee issues - saw a physio yesterday who said I was progressing well. Three months with ongoing - although lessening - doesn't feel like good progress to me but heigh-ho.
06/08/2026 14:03:31 UTC
kiwiJeff said :-
Ian your mention of AVO8 certainly bought back memories. Like Glyn I used one through the 70s and early 80s as a radio technician working on communications valve radios. They were the Rolls Royce of multimeters. Using one balanced at the top of an equipment rack was a challenge though, they were heavy! Did the meter come in a stitched leather carry bag with a carry strap? Riding through our winter on the Bandit although while you are overheating in Europe we are having an unusually cold winter? Turned around on one of my favorite roads when I reached a sign that said next 12 kms is ice and grit! We use grit instead of salt on icy roads here which while our vehicles don't rust like yours due to the salt causing rust the grit doesn't melt so becomes a hazard on the bike for some time after the ice is gone! Ren you have my sympathies with your aching hip, my titanium hip aches in the cold my theory is the metal gets cold and affects the surrounding tissue so causing pain. The hip and the arthritic ankle mean I'll never use a kick starter on a bike again! I have to get the missus to help me roll the Bandit onto the centre stand these days! Getting old is a privilege but comes with it's challenges! Ride safe everyone through your summer, we are off to China for a month to have a look at where everything we use these days is made! Regards Jeff
06/08/2026 11:14:26 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I had to google U2 Battery, apparently it's what I would know as a D Cell? If I recall that's the big 'uns that were in the Ever Ready bicycle lights when I were a lad. Several weeks worth of pocket money for a pack of 2 D cells into the bicycle light that would be bright for 20 minutes, then dim for maybe half an hour, then dead. Today you fit a AAA into an LED light that'll blind drivers for several weeks. Kids these days, don't know how lucky they are(n't).
06/08/2026 08:27:11 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Nostalgia's not what it was.... As Glyn says, the 10A current measuring is a bonus - my digital meter has this but it's a bit of a faff. The AVO is a beautifully made bit of kit. I've found out why it doesn't work - the overload button has been activated and won't stay down It should be a simple repair or if necessary bypass it. When I hold it down it works for voltage (and I assume current). The batteries for measuring resistance have of course disintegrated. One is just an ordinary U2 - the other is special but replacements are available.
One use of an analogue ohm-meter is to check capacitors. Connect one way and the needle should make a slight kick and drop back to zero. Connect the other way and the kick should be repeated. This won't work on a digital meter.
I do have an old analogue job but it won't zero any more so when I get the AVO fixed that will be retired.
05/08/2026 13:08:16 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I would be Glyn but have a look at Chit-Chat. Due to "unforseen circumstances" I've had to remove the ability to upload images :(
Why do you want the old mulitimeter Ian? Nostalgia I presume.
05/08/2026 12:03:12 UTC
Latest Chit-Chat
Go To Chit-Chat
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I'm enjoying the adventure style helmet presently for a couple of reasons. First and foremost is while being full face the chin bar on this style comes out and away from the mouth more than a regular full face. This means much much better breathing ventilation. Secondly the peak is actually useless for keeping the sun out of your eyes (too high) but it protects the visor from scratches and knocks when carrying the helmet around shops and cafes etc.
I was always told the fit of the helmet is far more important than the price. It ought to be snug all over but tight nowhere. No point having a £750 lid that only touches your bonce in 2 places or squeezes your cheeks so hard it hurts. Equally though ensure it does meet the current regulations and comes from a reputable supplier. There's some nasty awful crap out there.
04/10/2026 08:47:59 UTC
nab301 said :-
I prefer the simplicity and security of double D rings . I've no problem with cheaper helmets Ian and as you say the basic shell will be similar to the expensive brands but there's generally a better range of sizes in the more expensive ranges and the air vents ( I 've only ever worn full face since the 70's) and visor ratchet features are generally better IMO.
Nigel
03/10/2026 18:20:43 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I've never subscribed to the "if you have a £10 head then you're OK with a £10 helmet" mantra. As far as I can see, if it passes the relevant standards then it will probably do the job OK regardless of price. But what do I know, having tried a full face only briefly and hating it so much I've stuck with open face ever since. My current helmet is a Nitro which was under £100. It fits very well (most important in my view) and has the ratchet type buckle which I like much more than double D rings. I remember being in tears trying to unfasten them way back when they were solid with ice and my fingers so numb I coud feel nothing.
03/10/2026 10:08:15 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Thanks Nigel, good insight into a budget (?) brand. I do like my head but I'm not sure I like it £600.00. Or around £750.00 with new basic comms. I think it'll be ratchet fasteners. That would be a first for me.
02/10/2026 22:51:30 UTC
nab301 said :-
Upt , I have an F70 purchased a couple of years ago... I also have my older NXR Shoei.
On the HJC , I think the build quality is good , paint quality is excellent , Sharp rating is 4 , same as my Shoei , good anti fogging and airflow , good in wet weather (water beads off nicely) good aero (quiet) weight is 1.5kg , heavier than my shoei but ok , any heavier generally causes me neck issues.. Shell is fibreglass.
I see the I71 listed as polycarbonate and 1.8 kg which if correct would be heavy for me , not sure what the I72 is , possibly 1.6kg.
On sizing , I'm generally a 62 cm which was fine when I purchased , snug but It didn't really get looser with wear ... next time I'd probably try an XXL 61-63 rather than XL 60-62.
The N70 has a D ring fastener which is my pref, not sure on the I72 , and also visor on the N70 is screwed on rather than QD which could be an issue for some but overall turned out not to be an issue for me.
Nigel
02/10/2026 18:44:57 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Nigel, I want to try their i72 which has just been released. The i71 got a great write up.
It'll have to wait because I'm not going to Newcastle-upon-the-Tyne any time soon.
What do you think of the brand?
On the subject of live matter in your helmet, I don't think they would have gone anywhere near it.
Upt.
02/10/2026 17:04:42 UTC
nab301 said :-
Upt , if you still have hair you might want to use a delouser before you introduce your head to the new lining.... Agree on the price of Shoei , they've almost doubled since covid , I've had to downgrade to HJC
Nigel
02/10/2026 16:03:46 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ta me duck. It was blummin uncomfortable riding without the top lining, I thought my brains were falling out when I took it off in Dunkirk, then I realised I'd left them at home in a safe place. My brain cells that is. The foam just fell out in a million grubby pieces and disappeared down the drain, probably straight into the English Channel. The French call it some'at else.
They would wouldn't they.
Dunkirk seemed a very tidy little town, we may have to return for a little longer? They don't even spell Dunkirk right, I know! Pffffffftttttt.
The liner was discounted nicely at the Sportsbikeshop and although the helmet is getting on a bit it's too good to bin. New GTAirs are now north of 600 squid. Flippin Eck, that's 200 cups of tea!
Upt.
01/10/2026 09:04:33 UTC
Upt'North ¹ (via ren@bikesandtravels.com) said :-
Ooo er miss's.
Can you tell the new Shoei inner from the old.
Thankfully it happened at Dunkirk on the way home.
Upt.
30/09/2026 21:24:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Right you 'orroble rabble! Upt' has sent me a piccy to put on this ere chit chat. He assures me it's his and I can use it so I have worked out a way to do this - if you send me the piccy. Yes yes yes it is a right old FAFF and a pain in the rear end but these things are sent to test me. ren@bikesandtravels :)
30/09/2026 20:14:38 UTC
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