The Bikeshite Thread

[Barry Cade]

I just bought an LS2 firefly, to replace my LS2 metro. Reduced at M+P from £169.95 to 35 quid... pinlock,  inner tinted visor, and ACE gold rated.  Glows in the dark too 🙃

That'll do.

 

Noticed as well it has red tabs on the sides in the lining- checked the website and its emergency tabs to take the lining out for the emergency services.. never seen that before.

[New POD]

8 hours ago, hairnet said:

arai

debut

the sharp thing is bolox - does it fit properly can you see out of it does it look ok

get it bought - all lids are type approved so looking at that just makes you go wtf

 

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/arai-rebel/

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/arai-rx-7v/

Not sure why you wouldn't look for a helmet with 5 stars. 

Mind you even with a 5 star rating you don't get green on the side impact with any helmet made by arai 

They did have one. Says discontinued 

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/arai-gp5x/

 

[Snake Charmer]

On 25/01/2023 at 21:51, Iamgroot said:

 

Totally horrible, I like it a lot! 😁 Is it a GPz engine in a Z750 frame?

[MiniMinorMk3]

How CCM (Crews Competition Machines) got started

 

[Iamgroot]

8 hours ago, Snake Charmer said:

Totally horrible, I like it a lot! 😁 Is it a GPz engine in a Z750 frame?

Z750 engine and frame mate

[Rustybullethole]

Back in work after a weekend marshalling feel a bit beat up though loved every minute. This year the world champ was in attendance and as expected bossed the event.

This here is the prolog. It’s worth checking out the main event vids too if you have an interest and a little time on your hands. 

 

[andyberg]

Went out on the sprint today. First warm(ish) and sunny day for ages. Only meant to have a short run to test my new boots and Kevlar jeans, ended up doing over 60 miles. It's a lovely bike, in many ways superior to the VFR 750 I had a few years back. The induction noise when you give it a bit of revs is very addictive. Here it is parked by my son's finest Chinese scooter, I went to his work to book the MG in ☹️

[tom13]

4 hours ago, Rustybullethole said:

Back in work after a weekend marshalling feel a bit beat up though loved every minute. This year the world champ was in attendance and as expected bossed the event.

This here is the prolog. It’s worth checking out the main event vids too if you have an interest and a little time on your hands. 

 

I wanted to go but had other plans. Was it a good day? Crowds looks large which is good.

Would love a go round that track to see how far I could make it. Watching Bill up a couple of those climbs, crawling up, really puts it into perspective how hard it is.

[Cavcraft]

In a continuing theme, the 'front electricity' (headlight) packed up at 5.30am today on the FS1.  Probably due to the fact I'd try to adjust the headlight from aeroplane spotting mode and it must have pulled a wire out, or something.  It pulled beautifully (or as well as 49cc can) and seems to like the cold air, so went out again later and had a right blast.

SS50 (no.2) key replacement came Saturday, fits like a glove but pretty useless at the moment as it's nowhere near running yet.  Meanwhile, pulled the front wheel off ready for it to be stripped (how the bleeding hell do you get the spokes off?) as the new rims and spokes have been here for a while. Hub can hopefully be vapour blasted or polished before hand as can't see point of taking it to wheel builders when the centre looks crap.  The front tyre is absolutely shagged, is that the date code in the 2nd photo?

[Iamgroot]

If you aren't using the spokes you could cut them with a grinder and pull them out through the hub?..

And I don't think that can be the dot code week 0 of 1976?

[Cavcraft]

5 minutes ago, Iamgroot said:

If you aren't using the spokes you could cut them with a grinder and pull them out through the hub?..

And I don't think that can be the dot code week 0 of 1976?

Cheers, chief. Spokes won't matter, but hoping rims might save with a blast or re-chrome as I think they're the originals.

[andyberg]

Bike ready to take to work in the morning. The ride yesterday has given me an itch to ride it more. Need the panniers and topbox to store the bike gear in when I get there. It's just too much hassle to get it all through security. I'm sure the neighbours are going to appreciate* me leaving at 3.30am.

[hairnet]

On 1/26/2023 at 12:03 PM, Rustybullethole said:

 

 

 

Yes.

[MiniMinorMk3]

 

19 hours ago, Cavcraft said:

how the bleeding hell do you get the spokes off?

 

Just use bolt cutters.

[Rustybullethole]

On 1/30/2023 at 2:07 PM, tom13 said:

I wanted to go but had other plans. Was it a good day? Crowds looks large which is good.

Would love a go round that track to see how far I could make it. Watching Bill up a couple of those climbs, crawling up, really puts it into perspective how hard it is.

Cracking day. The most spectators of either dawn or the valleys and I’ve only missed a few in all the years they have been running.

 I feel the spectators make a big difference the atmosphere is great. Couldn’t afford the days off work (self employed) so went up on the Friday and back Sunday. Missed the track set up this time though must say it was one of the best I’ve seen on that land. Was mostly grafting to keep the event running smoothly though did get to ride the course too. 
Drop me a message, might be able to get you on the marshal team if you’re interested. 
Watching Billy boy was an education. The man’s got massive gonads and serious skill. 
Typed this three times now and tried to add another vid too will see if it works…..

 

[Rustybullethole]

here ya go. Not a bad bid this one 

[Rustybullethole]

2 hours ago, MiniMinorMk3 said:

 

Just use bolt cutters.

Spinning death wheel might be quicker with a slitting disc on. Had the most luck boiling them up in a pan hold spokes with grips whilst twiddling the nipple ooer. Works better than direct heat though only worth the fuckabout if you’re saving the spokes. 
Oh and if they rusty- paint them. If they’re loose -bend them.  Has got me through mots and scrutineering anyway. 

[Rustybullethole]

3 hours ago, hairnet said:

Yes.

Was a special order one off ceiling hatch. It made it in one peice. This is largely due to the amount of clutch abuse this NC seems to require to stand it on its tail. That and the fact the clutch bites fair far out (man) and I don’t want to add it to the F/R pads and fork seals I’m going to have to Chuck at it before I give it back to my mate.

Have really grown to love the thing has been pretty spot on for my current commute to the west end. I have also realised I can’t afford one so am now trying to convince myself it’s shit haha. 

[hairnet]

20 minutes ago, Rustybullethole said:

 

tldr

no misunderstand = the word on the box

(meant as a joke i love mine)

[Fabergé Greggs]

I’ve got some of these boots and find them soooo horrible. They’re so stiff I actually struggle to change gear in them, and they feel horrible manoeuvring the bike around to park etc. 

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/276099

What’s the deal? Do boots break in after ages? Are these just horrible?  Is there such a thing as a light, flexible, warm waterproof boot? What do other people do? 

[Cavcraft]

Got this today, I don't think it will ever be mechanically powered again. It was advertised as a bicycle (along with an old butcher's bike) somewhere near @Minimad5's gaff. It looks (from internet research) like a Raleigh RM6, and it actually pedals along so I might get a new tube/tyre for the back and ride it round for the LOLS.

 

[Jenson Velcro]

19 minutes ago, Cavcraft said:

Got this today, I don't think it will ever be mechanically powered again. It was advertised as a bicycle (along with an old butcher's bike) somewhere near @Minimad5's gaff. It looks (from internet research) like a Raleigh RM6, and it actually pedals along so I might get a new tube/tyre for the back and ride it round for the LOLS.

 

Don’t think it was originally an rm6 as it has front suspension and a drum brake. It was either an rm8 or rm9 depending on the engine fitted. Rm8 was single speed, rm9 was variated 2 speed. The frame number should be stamped on the left hand rear wheel lug and the first digit is the model number. Should be relatively easy to get a dating certificate and the bits needed to get it back on the road . It must be hard work pedalling it along as the gearing is pretty low.

[Iamgroot]

51 minutes ago, Fabergé Greggs said:

I’ve got some of these boots and find them soooo horrible. They’re so stiff I actually struggle to change gear in them, and they feel horrible manoeuvring the bike around to park etc. 

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/276099

What’s the deal? Do boots break in after ages? Are these just horrible?  Is there such a thing as a light, flexible, warm waterproof boot? What do other people do? 

I've got very high arches, as such, I have never had a pair of bike boots that fit nicely, except the paddock boots that I usually wear even though I know they aren't as good as full height ones.

By the way, I have tried every pair of proper full height boots in J&S last time I was in there and NONE fitted, most of them wouldn't even go on.

[Cavcraft]

1 hour ago, Jenson Velcro said:

Don’t think it was originally an rm6 as it has front suspension and a drum brake. It was either an rm8 or rm9 depending on the engine fitted. Rm8 was single speed, rm9 was variated 2 speed. The frame number should be stamped on the left hand rear wheel lug and the first digit is the model number. Should be relatively easy to get a dating certificate and the bits needed to get it back on the road . It must be hard work pedalling it along as the gearing is pretty low.

Thank you, and yes, it's quite hard work, especially with a flat tyre! Turns out it's an automatic Mk2 RM8.

[tom13]

On 2/4/2023 at 4:01 PM, Fabergé Greggs said:

I’ve got some of these boots and find them soooo horrible. They’re so stiff I actually struggle to change gear in them, and they feel horrible manoeuvring the bike around to park etc. 

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/276099

What’s the deal? Do boots break in after ages? Are these just horrible?  Is there such a thing as a light, flexible, warm waterproof boot? What do other people do? 

I have a pair of Spada like those and the leather is so soft, they are super comfortable. I don't think protection is great though. How about a pair of trials boots? I use my trials boot for everything including trails, MX, Enduro and the road. I do this because as you mention MX boots for example I can't feel the brake pedal or change gear very easily. They break in pretty quickly. Especially when you are walking up streams in a section. Ha.

[catsinthewelder]

Passed the CBT last week.

 

Booked an MOT for 10.30am this morning on Friday in the knowledge that I didn't have anything to do on Saturday afternoon so could get the remaining jobs done.  Unfortunately they made the workshop I'm keeping it in extra secure over the weekend and I couldn't get in!

So I arrived at 7.30 this morning and got most of it done, fitted an L plate, filled the tank and set off for Hereford.  Started off on the back roads but wasn't sure if I was running late so switched onto the A49 and put my head down.  I arrived 30 minutes early for the MOT just after they opened with fingers frozen from the 30 mile ride.  Had a natter with the gaffer (I was the work experience kid there 20 years ago, not long after they opened).  Was happy with a pass (once he'd stuck a new reflector on) and had a more enjoyable ride back on slower warmer roads.

Edited February 6, 2023 by catsinthewelder
Just realised it didn't make sense

[Cavcraft]

4 hours ago, catsinthewelder said:

Passed the CBT last week.

 

Booked an MOT for 10.30am this morning on Friday in the knowledge that I didn't have anything to do on Saturday afternoon so could get the remaining jobs done.  Unfortunately they made it extra secure and I couldn't get in!

So I arrived at 7.30 this morning and got most of it done, fitted an L plate, filled the tank and set off for Hereford.  Started off on the back roads but wasn't sure if I was running late so switched onto the A49 and put my head down.  I arrived 30 minutes early for the MOT just after they opened with fingers frozen from the 30 mile ride.  Had a natter with the gaffer (I was the work experience kid there 20 years ago, not long after they opened).  Was happy with a pass (once he'd stuck a new reflector on) and had a more enjoyable ride back on slower warmer roads.

Double congrats!

[Iamgroot]

What he said^^

Well done mate!

(Guess that's also another good review on Google for "Pictons 'Peds" 😂)

[andyberg]

Fitted bar risers to the trumpet the other day. First chance to ride it properly today. What a difference, only 35mm (fnarr fnarr) but my wrists no longer ache at slow speeds. It's made me love the bike even more. Roll on the warmer weather.  I have also got proper kit for my wife, she had a quick spin on the back of the GT185 last summer and really liked it. This year she has said she wants to go on the Triumph. But a gripe coming up. Why is it that when a young prick in a BMW or a Audi or some ' souped up' piece of crap sees a motorbike they want to race you from the traffic lights? Or is it a Bristol thing?

[Iamgroot]

56 minutes ago, andyberg said:

 But a gripe coming up. Why is it that when a young prick in a BMW or a Audi or some ' souped up' piece of crap sees a motorbike they want to race you from the traffic lights? Or is it a Bristol thing?

Not a Bristol thing, think they think everyone on a bike is that Max wrst prick and wants to "race" at all times.