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...It's about bikes... and travels... mostly on bikes!
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Rain In Northern France
Yep - the rain has returned, the temperature is colder, and the accommodation is below par. Andy must be getting closer to Blighty now, obviously.
Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy
It's probably best not to compare things, there's always something bigger faster smarter lighter neater more stylish etc etc etc... And yet we are a competitive species. Ren is trying to rationalise logic against feelings.
Bogger Back To Base
Just a few notes for His Boggerness on the final ride home. It's been a crazy, fun and yet somehow relaxing adventure. Go figure!
Much Wenlock - Charming, Dry, And Cold
It's an easy and pleasant day in and around Much Wenlock for The Dynamic Muppets. It might even have been romantic if it weren't for Ren, the mean old grumpy curmudgeon.
A Cave, A Gratin, And Tired
Andy is making his way back up through central France now. The day is uneventful save for the quiche that's not a quiche and the GS1250 is "having a moment".
Last Day Of Fun In France
It's a lovely start to Bogger's last day in France. Malestroit is pretty and interesting, the museum is fascinating, and there's food aplenty. Shame the ferry crossing is not up to scratch.
Drawing You In
Our resident cynic Ren is bemoaning the tactics of salesfolk. It's a trap - IT'S A TRAP!! Anyone would think shops have to sell things to make a profit.
Not Much To Report, Save For More Wonderous Views
All in all it's a fairly uneventful day on the road for Andy as he makes his way homeward bound. The scenery is good, the accommodation too, although the big GS has a "moment".
A Day Of Classic And Vintage Vehicles
A rest day for Bogger? Hardly. There's classic and vintage and fast motorcycles and cars. There's posh places and new friends. Food and booze too much as you'd expect.
Anaerobic Gasket Maker
Anaerobic Gasket Maker?!? What the deuce is that? Well between Ren's mumblings and memories you might find just the merest hint of useful information. Maybe...
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Latest Posts
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
alF seems to be worried that the fan hasn't come on during the recent hot weather.
If I was riding and moving, even at say 20mph I wouldn't expect the fan to come on, in fact if it did I'd be concerned. However on a hot day in stationary traffic I'd be equally concerned if the fan did not come on after some time.
First off I'd disconnect the fan and power it directly with a 12v feed - that would show if the fan itself is working or stuck. They can get stuck if it's not got hot enough for a good while and then filled with road grime. The fan on Sharon's Z250SL did this.
If the fan is working as expected I'd reconnect. I'd be looking next to source one of them infra red thermometers (ScrewFix has one for a tenner). I'd let the bike idle while monitoring the radiator temps. If it gets up to - I dunno - say 110c I'd be switching the motor off before something breaks. In that case I'd start by checking the wires to the temperature sender, if they look OK I'd replace the sender and test again.
Beyond that you've covered the basics. In a perfect world you'd hook a computer up to the ECU and see if the ECU is getting the temp signal. In Up't's diagram indeed item 36 is the temperature sensor. It's up behind the thermostat at the top of the coolant circuit - is it possible the coolant level is low and there's no coolant against the sensor?
01/07/2026 10:21:40 UTC
Rain In Northern France
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I've had a read of that Ian and followed the points on Google maps. There's a few familiar places.
Rain is a bind I concur. There's also other weather conditions that can be a bind too... more of which will become apparent in my next forthcoming tale.
01/07/2026 10:03:45 UTC
12 Months From New 2019 Honda CB125F Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Good question Martin. I had limited options on the CBF125 (NOT the CB125F) and found it frustrating. If you desire a matching pair from a branded manufacturer so far all I can find is the Continental ContiStreet and Michelin City Pro. There's plenty of options if you don't require a matching set. Bear in mind I'm using the current model's tyre size of 80/100 18 front and 100/80 18 rear.
It looks like there's a little more choice for the GB350 but the prices are making me wince!
This is perhaps one reason I've stuck with the pre-19inch front wheeled CB500X. My current CB500X runs 120/70 17 and 160/60 17 which are 2 very popular sizes. This allows me to source "less expensive" tyre pairs and if I'm ever in a bind as I was couple of years back with a damaged tyre - sourcing "something that'll do" is a lot easier than struggling with oddball sizes. It's also why the NC750 is still on the radar as that too uses the 120/70 17 and 160/60 17 sizes.
01/07/2026 10:01:14 UTC
Rain In Northern France
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Rain, eh? Hate it or ignore it you can't love it. We stayed at Montoire sur le Loir a few years ago with the caravan It was a typical French small town with an interesting musical instrument museum and an excellent cheap restaurant but not much else to write home about.
I remember crossing the Pont de Normandie a few years ago on the Tiger. On my way south everything was shrouded in thick mist. I did a write up about the trip (see link). My "bridge too far" journey. There is a pic of the free bike lane.
https://www.iansoady.org.uk/france%202007/fullfrance.html...
30/06/2026 15:39:35 UTC
12 Months From New 2019 Honda CB125F Review
Martin said :-
Interesting item on the Honda CB125F. I am currently tempted to buy either the current model CB125F or the GB350S, both economical bikes. I am worried by the issue of replacement tyre availability though. Does anybody know whether the current 125 has tyres in readily available sizes?
29/06/2026 17:56:59 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Yes I have, just one easy to get at, 10 years and 1 week ago, blummin hell. Bogger would have been proud of me, sitting on the warm hotel terrace sipping Cognac. Rode on to Italy the following day.
Upt.
29/06/2026 17:00:53 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
Upt'North ¹ said :-
It is something worth checking actually, especially if you live in a rural area and don't trigger the fan on a regular basis. I remember someone, yes OK....me! Driving his Ford Escort to Combloux in the French Alps, only to find the fan not kicking in on the last climb to the hotel. It was a dragging fan causing the fuse to blow, all because it never got warm enough to turn on in cold Old Blighty.
Pffffffftttttt.
Didn't put me off Combloux though, lovely spot overlooking Mont Blanc. We've been back to the same Hotel on the Pan, wonder if I've got a piccie?
Upt.
29/06/2026 16:54:08 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
ROD¹ said :-
The thermostat will usually open at around the high eighty's and the fan cuts in usually around one hundred to one hundred and ten.
Yes, 120 is a little high,but as you say this may be the temperature that the warning appears.
I do not worry about the fan not coming on. I only worry when the fan runs continually.
My fan will also cut in in heavy traffic, but it soon switches of once the traffic moves.
29/06/2026 14:34:48 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Reading the post again maybe the warning light comes on at 120c which sounds better.
29/06/2026 09:31:00 UTC
Suzuki DL250 V-Strom 6 Month Review
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Yes it's coolant. Number 36.
29/06/2026 09:20:42 UTC
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Latest Repair-Chat
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nab301 said :-
Glyn , looking forward to seeing and hopefully hearing the fruits of your labours , will you be stripping the engine?
Nigel
26/06/2026 14:53:36 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ooooh eeeee ouch! I'm glad you didn't post your gory sliced digit Glyn (Flyn). You can show us when it's healed a little and we can imagine the rest. As for the heat... Enough already but it won't be long until I'm griping about the rain/cold dagnammit. The nights are already drawing in.
26/06/2026 09:57:29 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I managed to slice a couple of mm off a finger with the angle grinder a couple of weeks ago removing the chain from the Herald*. I'm usually very cautious around them but a moment's inattention...... It's taken to now to heal up.
*And what's wrong with split links I ask you? Someone had gone to the length of fitting a continuous O ring chain at some time in the bike's 3,000 km life while studioudly ignoring the dreadful suspension units.
Goldie silencer arrived yesterday and it's in new condition. A bargain at just over £30. It does say pre 1985 bikes but this is invisible when fitted. Too hot for anything today.
25/06/2026 10:13:31 UTC
Glyn said :-
Oh no I’ve spelt my name wrong again. It’s these fat fingers I’m working with. Talking of fingers, I almost removed the top of my middle finger right hand in an incident with a sun lounger in Croatia 3 weeks ago. It took 5 stitches to reattach and weeks of dressings which I’m still doing. I’ve got some fairly gruesome pictures of aforesaid digit but I’m sure the Ed wouldn’t be impressed if I were to post one.
24/06/2026 20:54:01 UTC
Flyn said :-
Ian is right Up’t, not really my style to clear-coat it. I’ve decided to respray it colour number 8 in Elfenbein 732 which is a BMW ivory colour. Elfenbein is a direct German translation for “Elephants tusk”. It’s the colour that I painted the BMW K1100 2 years back. However, this time there will be no evidence of the colours that went before.
24/06/2026 20:48:49 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
It's like archaeology (or a time machine) when you get down through the layers like that, and as Upt' says it would be interesting to keep it. But I think that would offend your aesthetic sensibilities.
Re vinyl dye, the Steib came with a seat cover which is red and would clash with the BSA red so will probably dye that black as well. At the moment, the only passenger provision is a box full of pavers left over from a patio to keep the chair wheel down on left handers although this is scorned by some "experts". No idea why as an empty sidecar limits the speed round these bends. I can understand if a passenger is occasionally carried that you need to understand the handling in different configurations.
24/06/2026 10:17:29 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I wondered where that screwdriver had gone, have you got my 10 mill socket too!
I'd smooth that off and lacquer it as a homage to rattle cans.
You're welcome.
Who'd have thought it, Glyn a screwdriver thief?
Upt.
24/06/2026 09:21:38 UTC
Glyn said :-
Sorry forgot the image
24/06/2026 07:52:40 UTC
Glyn said :-
That is a remarkable upgrade for £15 Ian. It looks brand new. Talking about unsuitable colours this is the rear section of the little Aprilia. It has had 14 owners and been 7 different colours.
24/06/2026 07:51:34 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Looking good fella, like Ren, I have little sense of style and taste but the brown and black bike did look a little daft.
Looking forward to your ride report.
Upt.
11/06/2026 10:06:12 UTC
Latest Chit-Chat
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Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
There is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel Ian - but is it daylight or the headlight of a huge freight train coming right at ya?!
I may be bringing you a very brief insight into the coast near Dieppe soon enough Ian.
01/07/2026 10:26:04 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
With regard to Rod's friend, I think if he's missing a bike he could do worse than look for a smaller lighter machine. Possibly dare I say like my Herald? Very cheap, weighs only 130kg (it is far far easier to move around the shed than the "lightweight" Norton Electra) and insurance should be available. My broker has even added it to my classic policy! I've been pleasnatly surprised by its quality and have just bought a Gold Star type silencer on ebay which hopefully will give it a deeper exhaust note as the one fitted is a bit high-pitched. Or maybe just louder..... As Ren will testify, small bikes can be just as much fun. I'd rather ride a Honda 50 than get the bus (even with the bus pass).
Re the tunnel: the main things I've held against it are the dreadful M25 car park to get there - although I confess I haven't been that way for a long time - and the fact it disgorges in the Pas de Calais which is not my favourite part of France. Although have been looking at the Alabaster Coast and in particular Dieppe which is a place we've never been to as a potential for our next trip.
My torn meniscus seems to have miraculously improved over the last 2 or 3 days although not nearly back to full functionality and I'm now feeling much more positive after resigning myself to a long slow recovery. Is that a light at the end of the tunnel? Don't be daft....
21/06/2026 14:08:39 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ian, if you haven't used the tunnel before don't worry about it. In my experience it is way easier than ferry travel, even with a butler. If I still lived in the midlands it would be my default option.
The only reason we've used the Amsterdam ferry is we literally have to ride the length of England to reach Ashford, whereas it's 50 miles to North Shields. But obviously you pay for the privilege, but it's only money.....sorry Ed. Plus, you have to plan well ahead which can be tedious.
Regarding getting old, no I'm not quite there yet, but from speaking to friends, relatives, neighbours etc if you haven't done it by 80 you might as well not bother as travel and transport just becomes too difficult because of the dreaded insurance premiums. Some neighbours have had to change fairly mundane vehicles to even more mundane types to get cover. Getting old ain't for cissies.
Upt.
21/06/2026 13:03:00 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Yes, I heard from a motorcyclist a few days ago. He ran various Suzuki hyabusas from 2002 and was refused renewal on this bike just under two years ago at the age of 81.
He sold the bike and got a 400cc scooter, but it did not go well. He missed the riding experience of the big bike, and has given up biking. He still really misses the bike.
I have been wondering about this scenario as I am also reasonably healthy, getting old,(am old)and love larger capacity bikes.
If I was to move to Spain I believe that the bike is insured, not the rider. Could I still ride at over 80 in Spain, or is there an age restriction like vans insured for any driver in this country, eg over 25?
21/06/2026 10:06:03 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I agree it's not cheap but when I compare it with £500 and upwards for an annual policy (quotes via comparison sites) it looks like a bargain.
I'd never previously considered the shuttle but have been treated very shabbily by Brittany ferries. Briefly, I originally booked a crossing for last year but knew we'd probably have to defer due to various health issues so chose a flexi ticket. Defer we did a couple of times but when I tried to do that again a couple of weeks ago I was told I couldn't. The small print said there was a 12 month limit for rescheduling. All I could get was a 50% refund.
Had I known this I would have amended the booking earlier to remove expensive options like cabin etc so the hit would have been much less than the £300 or so we actually lost. So I've gone from a Brittany enthusiast to a wouldn't touch them with a bargepole sceptic. I still remember when I boycotted them for some years after they banned motorcycles over a certain age. Ostensibly because they were ridden by hell's angels......
The shuttle actually may make a lot of sense but we'll see. Haven't booked anything yet.
21/06/2026 10:01:30 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I am reading this with interest, the whole insurance thing sets me on edge with the ducking and diving, dodging and weaving. So far it seems a good policy Ian and while £35 isn't "cheap" for 2 weeks I'd say it's manageable.
One of my occasional friends is 82 and just been informed by his motorcycle insurance that they will not be offering to renew his policy when it expires. He's not made a claim this century, just got older. Yikes!!
21/06/2026 06:05:22 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
As far as vehicle cover is concerned, I rely on Britannia for which the policy covers me (and wife) in any vehicle whether driven by us or not, throughout UK and EU. I've used it a couple of times for bikes in the UK and they've been great, sending out a proper bike transport vehicle (except once when a dirty great low loader arrived which was a bit of overkill for the B'Zuki).....
20/06/2026 14:20:20 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
This the AI answer....
Personal Travel Insurance HighlightsThe core travel policy provides comprehensive protection for the rider and pillion:Medical Emergency: Up to £10,000,000 per person, which includes hospital stays, ambulance costs, and emergency repatriation.Cancellation & Curtailment: Up to £5,000 per person for unused and non-recoverable costs if you must cancel or cut short your trip.Baggage & Personal Items: Up to £2,500 per person (with sub-limits of £350 for a single article and £500 for total valuables).COVID-19: The policy includes specific coverage for coronavirus-related claims.Motorbike Cover DetailsWhen selecting the combined Motor Breakdown Cover, specific details and vehicle protections apply:Roadside Assistance & Recovery: RAC provides roadside repairs or recovery of your motorcycle to a local garage in Europe.Repatriation: If the motorbike cannot be repaired in time for your return, the policy covers the transport of the vehicle and passengers back to the UK.Legal & Licence Requirements: To be fully covered, you must hold the correct, valid driving licence for your engine size, wear an appropriate helmet, and ensure the bike is in a legal and roadworthy condition.Full details regarding the policy’s geographic limits, excess fees, and claims numbers are available via the Eurotunnel
20/06/2026 13:12:41 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Second link:
https://www.iansoady.org.uk/pdf_documents/Eurotunnel-Travel-Insurance-IPID-May-2...
20/06/2026 10:08:25 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I've downloaded the policy documets and T&Cs and can see no mention of motorcycles in either. There is a list of sports and activities which are excluded although motorcycling is again not mentioned. Of course it's only if you make a claim that you'd find out...
I've put a copy of them on a web page. First link below.
https://www.iansoady.org.uk/pdf_documents/shuttle%20travel%20insurance%20T%26C.p...
20/06/2026 10:07:59 UTC
Random Link - My Negative View