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5 Ferries In One Day
5 ferries? In one day!? Surely not (don't call me Shirley). That'll be 5 fools on 5 bikes attempting to use 5 different ferries. What could possibly go wrong? Not a lot thankfully.
Making A Simple Day Out Complicated
There's only a short ride into town today for the lads, nice and easy. Even so Bogger manages to get himself stranded through sheer stupidity. At least the food and beer is cheap.
Some Rain, A Unicorn, And Disorder
What is Ren doing today? No, he doesn't know either. Mist, rain, cafes and slippery roads are on the menu, plus there's a new member in the group.
To Book Or Not To Book
Do you book or just turn up? Ren never used to think about booking but not any more. What's changed, is this a thing or just a Ren thing?
Let The Fun And Fretting Begin
It's the first ride out of the week, an easy one to get things going. Girvan provides the destination for a simple ride that'll get Ren fretting as usual.
Poland To Czech With Nitwits
After a night in Poland the British Buffoons head into The Czech Republic. They're tired and reading between the lines getting a little grumpy, but there's booze and food so they'll be fine.
Bungling To The Bungalow
The first day of the South West Scotland Adventure is a total washout. Ren is moist and Sharon is leaking - and yet it's not all bad at the end of the day.
The Z500 Mods Continue
Sharon's conversion from Z500 naked sports bike to Z500 touring motorcycle continues. MO' money, MO' problems is what dey say innit? Ain't nuffink eezee.
5 Fools For Kilmarnock - Prologue
The tales of mishap and trepidation leading up to this adventure is not for the faint hearted. Gird your loins we're only at the planning stage so far...
5 Fools In South West Scotland
Title page for The BATties Ayrshire expedition.
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5 Ferries In One Day
Upt'North ¹ said :-
The Scots are great at getting out of your way it's all the blummin grockles that are a PITA.
Although the most courteous drivers in my experience at getting out of a bikes way are the Frenchy Francais Monsieurs. Most amenable.
Plus they serve wine at the right temperature, probably even when driving.
Upt.
16/08/2025 18:06:44 UTC
5 Ferries In One Day
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I agree with your first comment Upt' and after reading the story from both viewpoints still feel it would not be something I'd attempt. To me, ferries are merely a - sometimes uncomfortable - means to an end, even with the "luxurious" commodore cabins on Brittany Ferries.
Re people not letting you get past on single track roads - during my only foray on the bike north of Glasgow I encountered exactly the same only with a (British registered) motor home which drove at an unvarying 20 mph past innumerable passing points despite my blowing horn, flashing lights etc. In fact I got so cross and bothered I even missed my intended junction! I think the NC500 as it's now known has just got too popular.
16/08/2025 10:42:46 UTC
5 Ferries In One Day
Upt'North ¹ said :-
When you first mentioned this I thought why wud ya.
But, yes I get it now. Glad you all hot round without the stress causing your helmets to explode.
I think you could probably sell this story to someone. Motorcycle Sport and Leisure perhaps?
I wouldn't think it's a popular achievement, it may even be a first.
Thank you leaders.
Upt.
16/08/2025 09:45:53 UTC
Long Term Honda CBF 125 Review
Shepherd said :-
Post away - there's enough of us lurkers that'll see it.
You may even get a reply!
15/08/2025 22:34:36 UTC
Long Term Honda CBF 125 Review
Steve from Scotland said :-
Is anybody still here? I want to talk about my cbf125
15/08/2025 21:38:43 UTC
Making A Simple Day Out Complicated
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Bogger sent me an image of his bike, his 125 Cub. I have circled what I believe is the steering lock mechanism.
15/08/2025 07:55:58 UTC
Making A Simple Day Out Complicated
Bogger said :-
Ren the Hondas do have a steering lock. It is operated manually.
The ignition system works like you have a normal key.
Turning the bike on and off and engaging the steering lock is via a largish push and turn type switch.
To engage the steering lock you swing the handle bars over in the normal way and this will allow the ignition switch to be rotated fully backwards thus locking the steering in the normal way.
I'd post an image but I'd just cock it up.
Bogger
14/08/2025 20:04:12 UTC
Making A Simple Day Out Complicated
ROD¹ said :-
Last year on my first camping trip with the k1600 I got paranoid about the keyless ignition.
The problem, I like to keep the bike close to the tent at night, but with the bike that close it is like leaving the key in the bike.
I eventually found that wrapping the key fob in baking foil and placing it inside a metal glasses case blocked the signal.
On my return I purchased a key fob blocking bag to put the key fob in.
14/08/2025 18:06:49 UTC
Making A Simple Day Out Complicated
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Aha! So what you're saying is Bogger if you "sleep" the bike from the fob then even if a criminal has fancy "boosting" equipment or they bonk you on the noggin - without the fob the bike still won't start. That seems quite a sensible adaptation. Plus I completely agree regarding leaving the key in the bike or worrying about losing the key - if the fob can be permanently located in one pocket then you don't need to be moving it all the time.
Does it have a steering lock? I'm guessing so and that's activated from the fob too?
The problem with security is... security. My regular key has "HISS" meaning for the ignition to start the computer on the bike "reads" an RFID chip inside the key. If the response from the RFID chip isn't what the computer expects - no sparky spark spark. On the one hand this is great because even if the lock is picked or broken the bike still won't start. On the other hand if I lose the key (and don't have a spare with me) I am SCREWED. I figure the same applies with the fob.
Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a world where we don't need to worry about all this. It is what it is, and the more secure you make your vehicle - the less likely you are to have use of it if you lose the key/code/password etc etc etc
14/08/2025 13:33:59 UTC
Making A Simple Day Out Complicated
Bogger said :-
Reference keyless ignition.
Would I prefer just an old school key and barrel. Yes I would. But that's probably because I'm old and don't like innovation for innovations sake.
However there are, in my opinion, certain advantages with the Honda keyless system.
Whenever I'm on a trip, I'm always fretting about leaving a key in the bike or removing the key from the ignition and putting it down somewhere obscure. It's the same with my passport.
With the keyless system I designate a 'key pocket' and basically leave it there and try not to touch/mess with it for the entire trip. It seems to work.
The Honda keyless system also has a built in immobiliser. Not just from a proximity point of view. This facility can be activated from the keyless fob by pressing a button.
A few seconds after activation the bike is completely dormant and the ignition assembly cannot be turned on. The bike is in 'sleep' mode. The only way to start the bike is by pressing the button on the keyfob to re-activate the system and start in the normal way.
So in summary, do I dislike the keyless system. No. Does the system work. Yes. Has it ever let me down. No. Would a keyless system be a reason not to buy a bike. Absolutely not. I've currently got two Hondas with the system and my Forza 350, which has gone onto pastures new also had the system.
It's convenient and it works.
Bogger
14/08/2025 10:05:32 UTC
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Ian Soady¹ said :-
But do you actually need the sidelight? According to the MoT manual "A motorcycle fitted with a headlamp does not need to have a front position lamp.". TBH I can't remember the last time I wanted one.
16/08/2025 17:10:51 UTC
Glyn said :-
That looked good Ian but it doesn’t have the sidelight. I’m not sure if I’d prefer the H4 bulb unit because that’s replaceable whereas the sealed beam is just that. Great site that, I haven’t come across them before. I’ve had a nightmare of a job on the Intruder today. I suspected it had an inclination to overheat because, cruising across the New Forest would see the cooling fan keep coming on. We’ll hear more than see actually. I thought I should check the coolant level as a first stop. To check the coolant you need to remove the radiator surround to get to the radiator top. Remove 4 screws it says in the manual. Each and every one was rusted / corroded in and the heads rounded off in a flash. I had to remove the front mudguard to get the drill straight enough to drill the bolt heads off. I didn’t fancy trying to drill down the centre of the bolts in situ so decided to take the radiator off. Not so easy, you have to remove the seat, tank and frame covers to get to the mounting bolts. I eventually did it and put it all back together. What have I achieved? Very little really, the coolant level was fine!
16/08/2025 15:42:13 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Cheaper from here - £17.22 inc vat & post - these are good peoaple to deal with.
https://www.carbuilder.com/products/5-3-4-sealed-beam-driving-lamp...
16/08/2025 10:32:06 UTC
Glyn said :-
That £11 becomes over £21 when postage and VAT are added. So the temptation of LED headlamps return as the cost is similar.
15/08/2025 16:26:10 UTC
Glyn said :-
Thank you gentlemen. At £11 it’s got to be worth a try. It will need modifying because the Suzuki unit has a built in frame on the rear of the glass that has the lamp up and down adjusters incorporated.
14/08/2025 18:29:24 UTC
nab301 said :-
@ Glyn , if the original unit is clipped into the chrome outer ring you may find the standard automotive 5 3/4" H4 replacement unit will suit (commonly replacing sealed beam units fitted to old British twin headlamp cars as the outer lamp , the inner was single filament )
Nigel
https://www.bowerspartsonline.co.uk/lighting/front-lighting/5.75-inch-headlights...
14/08/2025 12:44:49 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I would be looking at "another unit" if you can't find a lens. There's plenty out there but as you said finding one that actually produces a usable amount of light is another thing entirely. You can read reviews 'til you're blue in the face but today - you can't even trust the reviews because you can buy good reviews now.
14/08/2025 08:07:51 UTC
Glyn said :-
It’s just the headlight loom inside Ren. It’s odd that in 1995 the German headlight dipped to the right as I assumed that motorcycle headlights were flat. You’ve got me thinking now as I haven’t actually checked it myself. The TZR definitely dips to the left but that’s a Japanese import bike from 1985 and they drive on the left. I can always buy a new LED insert unit I suppose, the last one I bought for the BMW did not go left or right when dipped but it hardly lit the road ahead, shocking piece of Chinese tat!
13/08/2025 09:19:08 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The Em Zed might be trustworthy nab301 but that noise! Urgh.
It has been my experience Glyn most modern bikes' light pattern is flat - ie it doesn't have the "kick" to the left or the right. It might be worth checking to see if the Germanic or American lights have a "kick" at all? Does the headlamp contain all the wiring stuffed inside like many 1990s Jap bikes or is it a simple light with 3 wires going into it. I seem to recall I have a Bates headlight in the loft...
13/08/2025 07:48:27 UTC
Glyn said :-
Yes Nigel I think it’s a 5.75” glass but that’s also close to a 6” bowl so I’m confused whether is a 6” headlamp or not . It needs a Stanley 4840 glass but I’ve been unable to find any specs on Stanley headlamps. Mine is a Stanley 5900 12.5 E4. 02408R20 but, of course, this is the wrong one. I’ve tried to gain info from the Intruder owners club but have only learnt that Simonize polish is not that good and clip-on fork covers look amazing, (those guys have no knowledge of anything related to a spanner). I think the VL800 model may have the same headlamp but the club has offered no usable replies to my questions about it. Put Vs600 intruder headlamp into google and most of the used items available are from the States and Germany which puts me back to left hand drive sources.
12/08/2025 19:46:08 UTC
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kiwiJeff said :-
Upt' you are on to it as usual but we are a motorcycle site so somebody must have a titanium conrod lying around somewhere and I recall we have some very clever people on this site who can turn anything up on their lathe so for the sake of our glorious leader if we all muck in I'm sure we can make him bionic enough to continue his adventures? I've got a whole lot of half used medical dressings and bits that was used on the wife and we were sent home with from hospital in case we had an emergency. Happy to courier them over. This solution has got to be faster than the NHS for Ren. The queue for hip replacement in our underfunded health system can be years and I've read the NHS is not much different. Regards
17/08/2025 01:24:55 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I give an almost 100% guarantee Ed that the CV joint will not dislocate.
I've even get a new angle grinder disc for lopping off the bad stuff.
And.....I'm cheap.
You'd be a fool not to.
16/08/2025 18:02:20 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I've had my left knee and right hip replaced (2012 and 2023 respectively). The hip has been a doddle. The knee was very painful and I still only have about 100 degrees flexion and can't kneel on it despite religiously - and painfully - doing all the required exercise. In fact the physio reckoned I was doing very well, so how people who don't get on as well manage I don't know.
My wife also had her hip replaced in April last year - same surgeon and (robot assisted) technique as me. She has suffered multiple dislocations since although these are I think because she forgets she's supposed to be careful. So replacements aren't a panacea for everyone. In fact, even though my hip is fine for most things I struggle to lift my right foot high enough to kickstart - one reason I'm moving to electric start bikes. Speaking of which, I'm hoping I have the Electra starting reliably now!
16/08/2025 12:47:33 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
KJ.
We'll take some of your rain.
No serious rain for 7 months now in North Northumberland.
Upt.
16/08/2025 11:41:33 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Good idea KJ.
Infact I've got an old CV joint in the garage Ed.
Stanley knife, hammer, chisel and a blanket stitch or two with twine , you'll be sorted.
I'm cheap too!
Upt.
16/08/2025 11:39:55 UTC
kiwiJeff said :-
Ren, I may be missing something here but instead of modifying the bike is there any chance you can get the hip replaced? I had my right hip replaced back in 2016 because it was arthritic and I couldn't walk more than about 500 feet and even that was painful. Hip replacement though a scary thought has meant I can pretty much do anything most people can do I just don't run on it as I think the pounding isn't good for it! Various other bits of the body are now giving up but the bionic hip is still fine. Just to cheer you up it's persisting down outside so it does rain down here my photo the other day was to just to wind you up! Regards
16/08/2025 10:53:56 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Said I would.
You can see the lowering plate from Cymarc (?) and the replacement peg which has the eccentric adjuster which you can just see underneath, looks like a big stainless washer.
The plate lowers by 1" and forward by a quarter of an inch. The peg rotates around its axis whichever way you want. The foot pad is obviously more supportive too.
Upt.
15/08/2025 13:02:45 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ren, a cruiser ridden by a competent motorcyclist will corner quicker than a fireblade ridden by an incompetent buffoon.
Have you considered lower pegs on your present ride, the SW Motech Evo's (?) are a revelation. My footpeg position is probably 40 mm lower and 15 mm further forward than standard.
They are obviously nearer the ground but on a high riding bike it is seldom an issue.
And all for less than one days bike hire......just. I bought mine used, cheap and seized but you could have guessed that.
Upt.
I'll post a huge picture.
Again.
15/08/2025 12:58:08 UTC
Glyn said :-
It’s a lovely bike that CMX500 l. I considered one a year or two back but it only has the single seat. I had some nice fast flowing cornering on the Dragstar and the Suzuki feels like it would do the same. Grounding pegs is a complaint on both bikes or so I’ve read. I did touch the ground once on the Dragstar
15/08/2025 12:56:39 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
My concern with a cruiser (most likely the CMX500 Rebel as I know the engine) is I'd like 2 questions answered.
1 - Do they go around corners. Now you all know I'm no Marques or Rossi - I keep to the speed limits as best I can, I'm way past my youthful street squid showing off days, and I don't need to further injure myself. However - I do like to carve a few bends and sweep around corners as and when road conditions allow. I don't want to find myself wobbling across the roads due to non-advantageous body positions and unusual frame geometry. I'm not after getting my knee down, on the other hand I don't want to be holding up tractors on bends any sharper than found on a motorway.
2 - Will the seating position actually help? I don't know, I did own a Rebel 250 22 years ago because my knee was poorly. Now it's my hip - different thing. Hmmm, thinking back I do recall the Rebel 250 didn't really have any handling issues save for grounding the pegs out which I (childishly) rather enjoyed.
The obvious solution is a test ride. You'd think? Sure I can take this second hand one out IF I agree to the deal, make overtures about being keen and don't go out for more than half an hour around town. Or I could test ride this new one again subject to overtures on being a keen buyer and again definitely not more than an hour. An hour ain't enough time to establish comfort.
Sharon said "Hire one for the day!" Ouch, expensive. But £100-£150 for a day might save me a fortune if I find it's not the bike for me. OK. Can I find anyone who'll hire me a CMX500 Rebel for a day? Not yet I haven't.
15/08/2025 12:19:18 UTC
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