The Bikeshite Thread

[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.

[Iamgroot]

Anybody want any slabside gsxr carbs before I eBay them for "one million dollars"? Came with a project bike but I'm going for the original carbs as a mate has some ready to go.

These have had a clean and new float valves and seats and gaskets (just put them back together)

If you are interested message me.

[Cavcraft]

Accidentally* fell into the local dealers on Saturday to have a look at the new BSA Gold Star.  They had a red one (which was the colour I thought looked best) but up close it didn't quite do it, maybe the black or the 'Silver Sheen' limited edition are nicer?

Anyhow, as I'm admiring it I noticed a second hand Bonny (2020, metallic blue over white) nearby and I have to say it was nicer looking. Big price difference though, iirc the second-hand Triumph was more than the new BSA. Think later in month or in March I'll book a test ride on the Beezer, just to see what it's like.

[Iamgroot]

5 minutes ago, Cavcraft said:

Think later in month or in March I'll book a test ride on the Beezer, just to see what it's like.

Good man, just trying it to put yourself off obviously..

[andyberg]

12 minutes ago, Cavcraft said:

Think later in month or in March I'll book a test ride on the Beezer, just to see what it's like.

Funny, I was looking at the Royal Enfield website today. Quite fancy a test ride on the interceptor. But for some strange reason I really like the Meteor, don't know why. It just looks proportionally right, so may test one of those too. 

[andyberg]

[straightSix]

Been taking my 125 out at the weekends and now absolutely itching to get the big boy bike licence

Saw a nc24 vfr400 come up for sale cheap locally just don't have the space/time/money to take it on atm. Usually story really 

[hairnet]

Are we nearly there yet

[martc]

Well it's here, from Scotts Valley, California to deepest East Yorkshire -

I did expect it to be more red (the colour was described as 'graphite red'). First impressions are very positive  - the quality of it is very high, and the simplicity of the design is appealing (apart from the horrible contraption holding the number plate - something to do C&U regs - the back wheel is not allowed to be final extremity).

I've not been out on it yet due to salty, muddy and wet roads and cold temperatures (yes I know I'm a wimp). The first trip I have planned is to do half of my commute, in 'eco' mode, at normal speeds and hope it uses less than half the battery (it had better do...).

More news when I have it.

[andyberg]

Rumour has it that Kawasaki and Yamaha are closing many of their plants due to declining bike sales. 🏍🛵 Apparently, the Baby-Boomers all have motorcycles, and Generation X is only buying a very few, and the next generation, the Millennials, aren’t buying any at all.🕵

A recent study was conducted to find out why.

Here are the reasons why Millennials don't ride motorcycles and why sales are down:

1. Pants won't pull up far enough for them to straddle the seat.

2. Can't get their phone to their ear with a helmet on.

3. Can't use 2 hands to eat while driving.

4. They don't get a trophy and a recognition plaque just for buying one.

5. Don't have enough muscle to hold the bike up when stopped.

6 Might have a bug hit them in the face and then they would need emergency care.

7. Motorcycles don't have air conditioning.

8. They can't afford one because they spent 12 years in college trying to get a degree in Humanities, Social Studies or Gender Studies for which no jobs are available.

9. They are allergic to fresh air.

10. Their pajamas get caught on the exhaust pipes.

11. They might get their hands dirty checking the oil.

12. The handle bars have buttons and levers and cannot be controlled by touch-screen.

13. You have to shift manually and use something called a clutch.

14. It's too hard to take selfies while riding.

15. They don't come with training wheels like their bicycles did.

16. Motorcycles don't have power steering or power brakes.

17. Their nose ring interferes with the visor.

18. They would have to use leg muscle to back up.

19. When they stop, a light breeze might blow exhaust in their face.

20 It could rain on them and expose them to non-soft water.

21. It might scare their therapy dog, and then the dog would need therapy.

22. Their man bun wont fit under a helmet.😁

[EyesWeldedShut]

1 hour ago, martc said:

I did expect it to be more red (the colour was described as 'graphite red').

I have a 'graphite grey' van here.
It's black - very black.
Methinks there's a bit of being whatever 'politically correct' is called nowadays going on.

[Fat_Pirate]

Toasty...

This is from my Honda VFR, seems to be classic murder-suicide pact with the reg/rectifier.  Have bought improved versions from Electrex.

[Dave_Q]

20 minutes ago, Fat_Pirate said:

Toasty...

This is from my Honda VFR, seems to be classic murder-suicide pact with the reg/rectifier.  Have bought improved versions from Electrex.

Make sure to go over the wiring, ISTR a big part of the reason these burn out is undersized wires/connectors in the loom. 

I think redoing the wiring direct from stator to reg is a popular way round it

[Bren]

I need to replace the oil and filter on the busa.

Probably due valve clearences as well but more than likely getting punted on when the weather improves so I doubt i'll bother.

[Cavcraft]

4 hours ago, martc said:

Well it's here, from Scotts Valley, California to deepest East Yorkshire -

I did expect it to be more red (the colour was described as 'graphite red'). First impressions are very positive  - the quality of it is very high, and the simplicity of the design is appealing (apart from the horrible contraption holding the number plate - something to do C&U regs - the back wheel is not allowed to be final extremity).

I've not been out on it yet due to salty, muddy and wet roads and cold temperatures (yes I know I'm a wimp). The first trip I have planned is to do half of my commute, in 'eco' mode, at normal speeds and hope it uses less than half the battery (it had better do...).

More news when I have it.

That looks absolutely ace, look forward to hearing how you get on with it.

[MiniMinorMk3]

Some bikers yesterday

[hairnet]

Omg

[Iamgroot]

16 minutes ago, hairnet said:

Omg

Think he might know a guy who took a bike away from mine once.. Oh and the floor of the trailer was rotten, but I suppose he was only driving a couple of hours away...

[hairnet]

4 hours ago, hairnet said:

Omg

No it's meant as a joke the yells thing to the left and the yells thing near the tank are a clue

As is this

[hairnet]

No rock but full on tea and cake test carried out

[pilninggas]

21 minutes ago, hairnet said:

No rock but full on tea and cake test carried out

Where is this?

[hairnet]

Near cliffs of moher Clare ireland

[hairnet]

That happened ebefore that