Welcome To Bikes And Travels...
...It's about bikes... and travels... mostly on bikes!
What's New?
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.
Acharacle Debacle
Title page for Bogger's curious weekend away in The Highlands
GB350S Or CB125F?
Due to comments on other posts Ren is focusing his thoughts on smaller capacity machinery. There's no right answer, it all depends dunnit.
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Latest Posts
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
ROD¹ said :-
The solution is obvious.
Forget the magnet, and fit a cushion mechanism to the back of the bike.
Stealthily overtake the truck and slip in front of the truck, tucking down so the driver does not see you and let the truck push you. You will know when the truck turns off of the motorway because your speed will decrease!
As Ian said. Realms of fantasy.
27/09/2026 17:46:23 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
nab301 said :-
@ Martin , I've marked my twistgrip at the closed, half, and full throttle points, generally not exceeding half throttle when " cruising" , this is more to preserve the engine than as an economy measure. Trips generally can include short hops on motorways (depending on weather conditions )urban commuting and mainly regional roads . As mentioned before the hot weather improves the MPG but the fuel injection presumably overcompensates in cold weather and will drop back to 110 mpg.
@Ren , maybe forget all about rope attached electromagnets and just retrofit a cycle type electric assist hub and battery using it to boost speed without additional throttle for hills and overtakes? Although I guess this would have to go on the front wheel making it a 2wd bike...
Nigel
27/09/2026 17:07:41 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Talk about the realms of fantasy......
27/09/2026 11:57:12 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Martin said :-
Hi Ren,
Yes I see the problem. I am wondering if the magnet was to deploy a drogue parachute once de-energised that would serve to limit the bounce of the released magnet making the reeling in recovery phase easier? Like you I am concerned that fitting the equipment to a CB125F could prove difficult, I think it all hinges on your ability to miniaturise the electromagnet itself while ensuring it is powerful enough. Again, the alternator will need to provide adequate current to sustain the electromagnetic force once (*power = Force x velocity). I dont think an auxiliary engine to power the electromagnet could be easily accommodated. Evidently this all needs much experimentation. One concern that I have is that truck drivers might resent towing motorcycles over long distances, indicating to turn off to encourage the following rider to decouple but then continuing on the main route once the bike has decoupled? Perhaps the bike needs to be modified to provide a stealth function? I will be interested to receive your thoughts on all this.
27/09/2026 08:35:10 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I'm still struggling with the capture on release mechanism Martin so my genius is incomplete. Imagine if you will travelling down a motorway at 56mph attached by electromagnet to the rear of a lorry. The lorry indicates to come off at the next exit but you wish to carry on. You turn off the electromagnet at which point it drops from the rear of the lorry, bounces off the tarmac and becomes a 2kg projectile heading in your direction... Along with 100ft of rope and wire.
I have toyed with something akin to the tape measure retraction system. A strong coil spring rapidly winds in the cable and rope and electromagnet this preventing the rider's imminent demise. I'm concerned that such a system may be too large and cumbersome on a CB125F.
Has anyone else got any (not so) sensible ideas?
26/09/2026 18:45:46 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Martin said :-
Hi Ren, I have always thought the British have a special genius for scientific development and your suggestion certainly comes into that bracket. It is all down to boffins like your learned self that we have triumphed over tyranny so often in the past. Using a magnet means you do not need to find a suitable hitching on point as any ferrous component will do though wheels would be best avoided. This may be the watershed moment when you become a household name even outside the hallowed ranks of seasoned bikers.
26/09/2026 15:07:22 UTC
No Rain, Hip Pain, A Train, Rice Grain, Heavy Rain
Martin said :-
Hi Ren,
Interesting to read of your exploits, Bruces Cave sounds delightful. As for curry and rice, one of my favourites. Sadly my good lady resolutely refuses to go near my bike and regards camping as a cruel and unusual punishment! Nice one of you by the fence, I rarely smile for pics either. Hope the holiday gets better and better.
26/09/2026 14:54:39 UTC
No Rain, Hip Pain, A Train, Rice Grain, Heavy Rain
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Not Dunkerque as such but local area gives this list. I think I've actually stayed at one (Logis Hôtel Auberge du Colombier) in the dim & distant.......
Other prices down to £45 although probably not brilliant at that price.
On my first continental trip with Electra on the back of my first Commando in 1981 we stayed in cheap rooms above cafes and the like although these days I'd be looking for something a bit more salubrious.
https://www.logishotels.com/fr/hotels?destination=Nord+pas+de+calais&destination...
26/09/2026 10:32:14 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
You see the best thing about stupid is it doesn't know it's stupid.
26/09/2026 08:51:59 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Upt'North ¹ said :-
"Less intellectually gifted readers".....I resemble that remark.
Pffffffftttttt. Now where's me magnet?
26/09/2026 08:36:46 UTC
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Latest Repair-Chat
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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
Glyn said :-
I used an Avo8 daily for at least 5 years back in the early 70’s. It was forcibly removed from me and replaced with a Fluke digital which I hated for a while. One of the plus’s of the Avo was the current measurement, even a 10Amp setting if I remember correctly. This was very useful then and would be so today.
The surgeon that repaired my finger may not have done me a favour, it’s been that painful since, I’ve often thought it would have been better to have removed the top. Are you ready for that picture of it now Ed?
903306...
05/08/2026 11:13:01 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Idly browsing my local auction house's offerings I came across a "vintage" Avo Mk 8 multimeter. I rmember using these nearly 60 years ago as an apprentice. A low bid secured it for just over £12. It doesn't work but I'm sure I can fix that. Or can I?
No pic (obviously) but here's the link.
https://www.lilybidsauctionhouse.com/catalogue/lot/482979564e1c213be831d1848eb58...
05/08/2026 09:53:30 UTC
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
Latest Chit-Chat
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Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Yes I'd enjoy hearing about Upt's exploits! I'm hoping to bring another of Andy Grey's Facebook notes onto these pages too in a while.
26/09/2026 18:52:17 UTC
nab301 said :-
Upt , glad to hear you made it back , despite your potentially Libellous ( or is it Slanderous ?) statement! Looking forward to the in depth write up...
Nigel
25/09/2026 15:15:29 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The base model Z500 is £5,700 and has 44bhp.
KTM 390 various models under 5k! Plenty of power, not sure about reliability.
Innumerable Chinese models or all shapes and sizes. It seems the quality and backup is always improving and could be a good option.
So yes you're right it's a lot for 28bhp. I figure it'll come down to what a buyer is looking for in a bike. Anyhow it ain't here yet... it might be 5k, it might be a right lemon to ride, it might be the best thing since sliced bread.
25/09/2026 08:59:11 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
What else can you get for £5,500 Tony? Tell ya what I'll go have a look now I've asked that question.
I'll be back...
25/09/2026 08:42:39 UTC
Ocassional Lurker said :-
Yesterday "Visordown" , (Apparently MCN, I've been been informed), have reported price of the new CB500 in India ... The Visordown site then transposed that price to what some may think is a fair approximation of around £5,500, when it's sold in this country as a GB500 ...
That sounds somewhat pricey for 28 horse power... No matter how much torque they claim ...
Anyway, not too long to wait now... Tony
24/09/2026 09:39:31 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
21 days away Ed but about 14 or 15 riding days....I think. So not really that many miles per day.
From memory I would say the highest mileage per day would be approaching 300 but one or two days were probably not much over 100 miles. I try to follow our other leader....Bogger's guidance. Always enjoy a beer o'clock before slipping into dinner mode.
I think I'll write it up Ed with a picture or ten.
Upt.
23/09/2026 22:59:55 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's a broad church Upt' covering all aspects of life as a motorcycle rider. That appears to include Bogger's peculiar choice in second hand clothing and minimal advice on Linux for yours truly.
3604.3 miles - over how many days? Sounds like a lot that does.
23/09/2026 16:50:31 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Just checked in as we're back home in Sunny Warm North Northumberland to find this very site has turned into "Fashion and Computers Weekly for Tight Arses".
If anyone is interested 3604.3 miles and B wants a wash.
Upt.
23/09/2026 10:48:16 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Interesting stuff ROD. 14kw 190 engine, that's about 18-19 bhp. Light, physically small etc. It's interesting it's being brought in by AJS who also have their Ridgeway - not too dissimilar to the Honda CT125.
23/09/2026 09:21:55 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
I am not really interested in riding off road,but if I was this must be worth a look.
https://www.letenmotorcycle.co.uk/...
22/09/2026 22:18:20 UTC
Random Link - A Ferry And A Friend - Dublin