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...It's about bikes... and travels... mostly on bikes!
What's New?
More Rain, No Butane, Close To Insane
Hey guess what? Ren is having a bad day, alas it's not as bad as most readers will hope. Most of his issues are entirely self inflicted but that won't stop him from blaming Bogger. Don't worry he'll be fine, Sharon is hiding the utensils.
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?
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Latest Posts
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Test Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Probably not jimothy, but that's how things are around here.
07/10/2026 07:24:50 UTC
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Test Ride Review
jimothy said :-
i got 400 on fruit ninja, that's my highscore
is this relevant
06/10/2026 23:19:40 UTC
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Test Ride Review
said :-
06/10/2026 23:18:43 UTC
More Rain, No Butane, Close To Insane
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The A828 you say, oh you mean that road between Fort Bill and Oban? Yes, I know it well Upt', and you are jumping the gun a bit because there's a reasonable chance it might just appear later on in this tale - who knows?!
Thank you for your useless retrospective advice regarding the gas, much unappreciated. And patience!!! If I tell you everything in one go then you'll have nothing to look forward too. There's more France story to come, Andy Gray has been FaceBooking once more so there's that, I'm pensively waiting for another tale of drunken fun and frolics from Bogger as well as some grumbling from me about camp cooking.
You know all this exciting misadventure doesn't just magically appear. Firstly I (and others) have to endure and suffer an actual trip, then it takes days, nay weeks to write it all up, then I have to edit it and get it onto the website. Speaking of which we'd like, insist, even demand some fascinating and inspiring insights into your recent European adventure.
06/10/2026 19:21:13 UTC
More Rain, No Butane, Close To Insane
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Rain in Scotland, that's unusual.
If you're ever travelling that way again Ren be sure to buy your gas at the Green Welly, much cheaper than random FW shops. You're very welcome.
Still waiting for your views on Skye but I'm a patient, if somewhat grumpy old curmudgeon.
There's a great road from somewhere near Oban to somewhere near FW, I'll check ont'map and get back.
It's the A828 if you have a looksie, from Connel to Ballachulish. Port Appin is a lovely little detour.
Upt.
06/10/2026 17:12:59 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I feel your pain Upt'. I'm not sure how I feel about you being a wanted criminal in Germany though, I do hope you'll not be bringing this blog into disrepute! I'd be hypocritical though, I actually have a crime against my name - speeding 36 in a 30 zone back in 2008. I shall never live down the shame. My father now 83, my mother died at 80 and my brother 57 all have clean records, I have brought shame to my family's good name.
05/10/2026 08:51:12 UTC
Review of the Honda CLR 125 City Fly - By Ren Withnell
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
MOT Passed - cool. I'm assuming the tester was happy with the state of the fork seals then.
05/10/2026 08:43:23 UTC
Review of the Honda CLR 125 City Fly - By Ren Withnell
Type25dude said :-
Was an air leak. There's a plastic box attaches just above the carb was badly sealed for want of a jubilee clip, now sorted and passed mot.
04/10/2026 16:25:43 UTC
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
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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
ROD¹ said :-
My Caberg helmet is 11 or possibly 12 years old. It is showing its age now, and it has had minor repairs. My wife has been telling me to change it for the last two years, but it's a very comfortable helmet, and new helmets have kept up with inflation where my income hasn't.
My wife also has a Caberg helmet but has found it uncomfortable, and purchased another helmet last year.
The helmet she purchased was only £99 and I had never heard of the brand. It has all of the safety specs and she finds it comfortable.
Looking around the fittings visor ect it all looks good. I am starting to question if expensive helmets are really worth the extra money?
08/10/2026 12:09:57 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Oh yes, I think my Shoei is about 6 years old. Quite disappointed that an expensive lid needs all the interior replacing in that time, the cheek pads were replaced FOC about 2 years ago. So that's only 6 months wear time approximately. It's a very nice helmet but surely it should last longer than that.
It doesn't even get wet that often, just the odd day on tour.
Upt.
08/10/2026 10:44:13 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Your views on oil are interesting Ian with regards oil draining to the sump.
It seems a fairly constant theme on forums "on how to check oil levels". Just let the damn thing settle overnight and check it. Some twonk on the site I can't mention for legal reasons stated, "my bikes burning oil". Why? "I go out, come back, check the oil and top it up". How long before you top it up? "Ten minutes"......that'll be why then!
Why is oil so hard? Yes I know it isn't hard, it's oily.....you know what I mean.
Pffffffftttttt.
Regarding changing helmets, they'll let you know when they're ready, they start falling apart. Ask me how I know? My helmets probably get used for a month a year and are stored clean and in the original helmet bag in a wardrobe out of sunlight. If you're using it every day then it must make a difference to longevity. It's probably physics.
Upt.
08/10/2026 10:38:01 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
My helmet (not the one in the pic) is about 5 years old but hasn't had that much use. The inner foam - which I think is probably the main reason for changing - is still firm and it still fits well. It hasn't been dropped or involved in a crash(!) Given the ratty old things I used to wear - including a genuine Cromwell pudding basin for some years - I think it's good enough. I occasionally have a look to see what else is out there and nothing catches my eye.
I work on the principle that comfort is a big part of safety. If you can't breathe, are too hot / cold, are struggling with tight overtrousers etc your mind won't be completely on your riding. Prevention better than cure and all that.
I agree with Upt' - old oil - unless very high mileage - is fine left in the bike. How many people have had genuine problems? I also change the oil when it's cold and been left at least a day as it will have drained down from the valve gear etc whereas if it's just been running quite a lot will stay up there. I do leave it draining for 24 hours at least. Probably best not to do it in sub-zero temperatures though.
08/10/2026 10:17:55 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
You may have a point Ed, but it won't be until the spring, or at least I don't think it will.
Cold garages are for kids. Oil and filter will get done though, before the "you can't leave old oil in the bike over winter" crowd chirp in. I don't think old oil left in over winter causes issues anyway, especially when you're talking small bike change intervals. The oils probably done around 4000 miles of open road miles and still looks like new.
But for 12 cups of coffee, I'll do it.
Upt.
08/10/2026 09:07:40 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ooh valves on a V-twin, that'll be fun. Will you be doing it yourself or will you give it to a professional? At £4 for a coffee I'd suggest doing it yourself.
Ian how old is your nitro helmet and do you subscribe to the "replace your helmet every 5 years" thinking?
07/10/2026 19:18:09 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Been out for a day ride with Er'Indoors.
We got up to North Berwick in the glorious Autumnal sunshine but it was just about warm enough at between 13 to 15 c's. Coffee £4 a cup Ed.
It's ready for an oil and filter change and the valves and sparkplugs are overdue.
Pffffffftttttt.
Upt.
07/10/2026 16:54:03 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
This is the Nitro helmet I have. It has a small peak which can be useful in low sun situations. I haven't noticed any problems with it catching the wind (apologies to Donovan).
Being open face breathing is totally unobstructed. The visor comes down far enough to shield my face as far as my nose. I'm very pleased with it although sadly the model isn't sold any more, although there are still some about. The first one I had had an ACU sticker but later ones don't.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/q7EAAeSwURJowyci/s-l1600.jpg...
05/10/2026 10:19:44 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Yeah I thought the peak would be ideal in low winter sun. However if I try to use it as a sun shield my chin ends up on my chest and my eyes hurt looking so far up.
My helmet is the LS2 pioneer. Noise wise it's "about the same" ie it's not quiet it's not noisy just meh. Remember I have a large and very effective screen these days so noise and stability aren't really an issue.
I did initially notice extra force from drag when doing lifesavers at speed. My brain has accepted this and I don't notice any more.
The only logical reasons I can see for an adventure style helmet for road use are better breathing space in front of the nose and mouth, and the peak protecting the visor! And these reasons are important to me.
05/10/2026 07:41:05 UTC
nab301 said :-
Ren that's interesting on the peak , I had considered purchasing an adventure style helmet in the past specifically for low winter sun but didn't in the end because that style of helmet tended to be heavier in any of my preferred brands. How does it work at speed , noisy or unstable?
Nigel
04/10/2026 16:18:44 UTC
Random Link - Q-Tech 901 Motorcross Helmet Review