Welcome To Bikes And Travels...
...It's about bikes... and travels... mostly on bikes!
What's New?
Finally To The Gite
It's a much less stressful day's ride today. Good weather, a sensible mileage to cover, and no reason to rush. Fear not Ren will find a few things to gripe about.
Struggling Into France
It's time to go to France, alas there's far too much time to go to France. Ren is early, the trains are late, it's hot, and it's disorganised. Oh and Sharon's life flashes before her eyes - or was it a Transit van?
Honda GB350S Test Ride Review
Ren stumbles into a test ride of the Honda GB350S. Can he get his head around a new way of riding? It's all very different in the world of low revs and heavy flywheels.
A Dodgy Hip, A Mesh Seat Cover, And Pants
In trying to reduce leakage in the rain our brave and heroic half-wit Ren has got himself a cunning and devious plan. However this idea is causing him issues because he's getting old now and the newness has worn off.
Bedfordshire Is Not In France
And they're off to France! Well Bedfordshire today, but they will get to France eventually... hopefully... maybe?
The Last Day Of A Big Ride
It's Andy's last day of an epic trip. Save for some wind (no not that kind of wind) it seems all rather mundane somehow. Anyhow he's home and safe after over 4,500 miles.
Home And Epilogue
Just a brief summary of the return leg from Much Wenlock and Ren's thoughts of the lovely little town.
A Holiday In Normandy - Prologue
France! Well northern France because our soft arsed lazy writers can't be bothered to go any further. It's time for excuses and explanations as to why The Dynamic Muppets are off on holiday and not an exciting expedition.
A Holiday In Normandy
Title page for A Holiday In Normandy
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.
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Latest Posts
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Ian Soady¹ said :-
18/08/2026 10:03:42 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I've always changed down as I reduce speed rather than the current advice to leave it in whatever gear you're in till you stop. This is fine in a car but works less well on a bike with its sequential change. Changing down as you slow also means that you're always in the right gear to deal with any changing situation as well as providing some engine braking.
If your formative years were spent on the kinds of bikes I ride you'd get used to knocking it into neutral as you roll to a stop as clutches were marginal and if held in gear with the clutch lever held in at a stop you'd never find neutral and would pogo between 1st and 2nd.....
Oh, re left / right side gears etc I recently watched a film about John Surtees (for those who don't know still the only person to be world champion on both 2 and 4 wheels). He was talking about driving a pre-war Mercedes race car at Goodwood which had the throttle in the middle and brake on the right - apparently this helped heel-and-toeing. He said that he spent the whole drive chanting to himself "accelerator in the middle brake on the right". So I'm in exalted company.
18/08/2026 10:03:28 UTC
Honda GB350S Test Ride Review
Martin said :-
Phil,like you I was undecided between the GB350S and the CB125F. I do really like the look of the CB and I got it for 40% less than a brand new bike which I didn't want anyway (made in China). Encouraging that you achieved 158 mpg with your previous CB125. I notice the green economny light seems to extinguish above about 35 mph on the level so I dont think I will be trying to keep it on at all times. Regarding servicing my bike is 3 years old at the end of this month and because of the low mileage has not been in for service. I will not be taking it in to Honda for service as I usually just sort that myself. I bought two new Suzuki's in the early 2000's a GSX600F and a GS125 for commuting but as they were both grey imports I serviced them myself with no ill effects. I have not noticed grey imports being offered recently. I hope some GB350S owners come on the site soon as I would be very interested in a longer term evaluation.
17/08/2026 21:29:10 UTC
Honda CB 125 F Test Ride Review
Martin said :-
I am slowly adding more mileage to the CB125F, now almost 200 miles on the clock so just 100 more miles of running in. Today I went for a mooch around the local byways and while the green economy light was on less than it was off I noticed the running average for the bike since new has now crept up to 173 mpg (previously 130 mpg). Next time out I will brim the tank to get a true reading. Either the clutch has become less fierce or I am becoming better at smooth changes, I did not notice the snatch so badly today. On the downside I have had difficulty changing down gears if I stop in say third gear it takes me a while to get it to change down to second then first or neutral. Perhaps I really need to change the engine oil as it is three years old though not much mileage. The lightness of the bike makes it a joy down narrow lanes.
17/08/2026 21:08:39 UTC
Honda GB350S Test Ride Review
ROD¹ said :-
Although I am now thoroughly at home on left side gear change bikes, I believe Ian is correct with a right side gear change being correct for this country.
Why! Because shorter people find it easier to put our right foot down when stopping at lights ect keeping our lift foot on the brake.
I do not have a problem with left side gear change in Europe where we ride on the right hand side of the road and everything is reversed.
The reason for my thoughts. Road camber!
17/08/2026 18:11:53 UTC
Honda GB350S Test Ride Review
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Oh no he didn't. The B'Zuki had already been modified although had a Triumph-pattern change sequence which I've changed to 1 up 4 down. The Norton of course is the right side and the right way round So it's the Herald that will be undergoing surgery. It actually looks fairly straightforward with no mods to the existing bits except the gear lever. I'll keep the bits and it will be easy to change back if and when.
I used to be able to swap with no problems but more recently have found issues remembering what I'm on. I have enough to think about.....
17/08/2026 17:04:44 UTC
Honda GB350S Test Ride Review
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I think what Ian meant to say but failed to clarify Ed, is, he is changing the Norton over not the Herald. They'll all be left foot gear change levers soon.
Pffffffftttttt indeed, Upt.
17/08/2026 16:24:50 UTC
Honda GB350S Test Ride Review
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Pfffft! Proper sides.
Left side deals with gears, right side deals with go-faster-go-slower. Why on earth would you wish to swap them!! Probably to avoid befuddlement when swapping from a modern layout to old skool layout.
17/08/2026 16:13:58 UTC
Honda GB350S Test Ride Review
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I was considering a 125 for local jaunts but decided after some thought it would just be struggling too much to take me down the road, so ended up with the Herald 250 which I've described previously here. A weight of 130 kg, more-or-less full sized frame and best of all price for a 2016 pre-Euro 4 bike of £1,000 tipped the balance.
Unfortunately not been able to ride it as yet due to knee problem so I've decided to crack on with what was to be the winter project of swapping gear & brake pedals to the proper sides.....
17/08/2026 10:02:14 UTC
Honda GB350S Test Ride Review
Phil said :-
Martin…. Keep us updated on your Honda CB125F experience. I’m at that point I’m contemplating either another CB125F(I owned an almost new 2021 model about 4 years ago) or the Honda GB350s.
But the GB requires servicing every 6 months regardless of mileage covered in order to keep the warranty. Confirmed this with Honda UK as well as the Honda dealer nearest me…cough…40 miles away.
Ludicrous that a new bike (although it’s been out in India for a few years now) needs servicing every 6 months, but that’s where Honda rake in their money. If you don’t main dealer service you lose the potential to get an extended warranty up to 6 years. Service it out of the Honda network you only get the 2 or 3 years maximum on warranty. Or service it yourself and I guess lose any warranty!
And the fact that REN mentioned the lack of excitement riding this GB350 I think that’ll be a pitfall of purchasing one based on the looks and sounds.
TBH, the Honda CB125F really does seem to be the better choice for your money, plus cheaper tax and you’ll be getting close to 160mpg(I averaged 158mpg riding my cb125f.
So yeah Martin, pop back and let us know your thoughts on the little 125. Might make me decide to get one again! I’ll be trading in my Honda NC750S for it. ?
16/08/2026 23:13:02 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
Go To Chit-Chat
nab301 said :-
Although I'm in a different jurisdiction I'm envious of the home and motor quotes posted on here, my home insurance policy has increased by approx 40% in recent years. Rebuild costs have increased exponentially since 2020 and adverse weather claims seem to be feeding into the equation.
Nigel
16/08/2026 17:02:21 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Too hot for the shed.
Regarding insurance I probably wrote about this at the time. Anyway, I had 2 bikes stolen from my garage in March 2004. Fortunately no other damage and they left my Norton behind! I had (and still have) agreeed value insurance as the bikes were "classics". The insurance broker (Howden, then called RH) were excellent and I had a full payout (less excess) within a couple of weeks.
But then the issues started. The underwriter refused to renew my policy as I'd had "two theft events" in the year. In vain I protested that this was a single event but they were adamant. I eventually secured cover from Robin James at around £350 pa - my previous premium had been less than £100.
I stayed with Robin James for a couple of years but tried Howden again this year and was pleased to get a quote of £145 - still more than I used to pay but more acceptable. And when I got the little Herald they agreed to add it to the policy - for an extra £90 or so - despite it being a classic policy and the Herald a mere 10 years old.
I'm not sure what the moral of this tale is (other than that insurance companies in general are greedy money-grabbing vermin) but thought it might be of interest.
14/08/2026 14:11:04 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I hate sorting insurance. The car is due soon. Urgh.
14/08/2026 08:21:47 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ian, it is a big hoos for sure but not a mansion. Not by North Northumberland examples anyway.
I did the comparison thing last year and Admiral were the cheapest at around £300.00 for a decent policy so the £60 off is very nice indeed. Didn't even bother checking it this year.
I think the small claim from Storm Arwen in 2021(?) has done us no favours. Lesson learned, don't claim unless your house burns down. Can anybody smell burning?
Upt.
13/08/2026 14:18:30 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
If 20% is £60 the you must have been paying £300 or so. Our current combined buildings and contents is just over £220 for an average sort of house & contents..... It includes £50 or so for emergency assistance just in case we get flooded so the base premium is £170. Through Policy Expert.
Of course you probably live in a mansion with millions of pounds worth of jewellery.
13/08/2026 12:23:25 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Berghaus Storm Cloud - I must try to remember that although I think Snod's ex-army pants are worth a shot. They're a lot easier to get off-n-on aren't they Upt', even with ya boots and ya troosers still on.
As for insurance - just smile, take the saving and mutter to yourself "I'm a lucky sod.. I'm a lucky sod..."
13/08/2026 09:59:02 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Renewed the Home Contents and Building insurance with Admiral. They knocked 20% off last years figure without me asking. I'm confused.
Are Admiral really nice people?
Did they overcharge me last year?
Are they still overcharging me this year?
Should I really care, it's just paid for me pants?
Upt.
13/08/2026 09:34:09 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Ay up Ed, you provided details of the Berghaus overtroosers recently. We popped into GoOutdoors today at Berwick-upon-the-Tweed. Cut a long story short, I am now the proud owner of a pair of Berghaus Storm Cloud Pants, purchased at double discount for around £60.00. They zip all the way up and include poppers. I bought the long length, 33 inch leg I think. They weigh just around bugger all.
Ta me duck.
Upt.
12/08/2026 17:32:55 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The grammar police nab301? We'll be fine here if we're visited by the grammar police - innit. Kos we is awl edumicated tipes an speek posh like. I dun av an GCSE level in Engleesh (is "D" a pass?) an I chex all da messejes two, I korect dem all see.
Perhaps I should set myself up as a professional writer? The only problem is what would I write about?
11/08/2026 07:59:25 UTC
nab301 said :-
Ren , I haven't been on here in a few days but that's a bummer with the copyright issues , as they say " a picture tells a thousand stories" hopefully you'll continue even if just with text while avoiding visits from the grammar police...
Nigel
08/08/2026 18:35:50 UTC
Random Link - False Hope Part One