The Bikeshite Thread

[Stinkwheel]

34 minutes ago, Cavcraft said:

Lobbed a new battery on this and took it for the first ride in a while. Gave it some beans on the way back and it pulled much better than I thought it would. Took me back to the early 1980s with the way it looked, felt and rode, so had a great spin out on it.

 

8 valve head on these right? So i guess the more you rev the more it likes it.

Not gonna lie, used to really hate these (was comparing them to 250LC's and i really liked 2 strokes) but now they look ace, time and hindsight/rose tinted specs are funny things

[Cavcraft]

22 minutes ago, Stinkwheel said:

8 valve head on these right? So i guess the more you rev the more it likes it.

Not gonna lie, used to really hate these (was comparing them to 250LC's and i really liked 2 strokes) but now they look ace, time and hindsight/rose tinted specs are funny things

I would have been on a KH at the time, or possibly the short time with an RD250E, but although 4 strokes were just of no interest I always thought the GSX was a snazzy looking bike, almost BMW-ish. Seem to recall there was some Achille's heel of regulators or rectifiers, or whatever, but a lad I worked with had one new and loved it. I doubt they'll take a sustained pasting like a 2T bike though!

[twosmoke300]

Shameless plug for my Crf250x for sale in the for sale section 😂

[andy18s]

Local marketplace find

[Cavcraft]

Finally got off my arse and went for a decent ride today, in fact the longest I've ever done on a bike. It'll be small fry to the proper bikers, but I really enjoyed it.

I took the Massey Davidson, just because although it won't win any races, it's got the most torque of the shite I own and despite how it might look, it seems quite comfortable on short journeys. 

Had planned to do Chester-Whitchurch-Shrewsbury-Pontesbury-Minsterley, and then just find a random way to drop into Montgomery. Had a break at Ma Baker's cafe (A49, where the truck stop is) then got  going again but fate intervened 30 or so minutes later. I looked down at the gear lever and wondered why it was flapping about (I was in top gear at the time) as I had left Minsterley and was just passed a village called Hope. A local garage was closed, so I was pondering whether to turn back and head towards the A5 again, thinking I'd have a more chance of keeping going, rather then steep hills, twisty roads and random stopping.  As luck would have it, I'd just cruised passed a little private garage where someone seemed to be working on a Morris 1000 convertible, so I wheeled back to see if he could help. Absolute legend when straight to his tins of random nuts/bolts, and he found one that would do. Wasn't the exact thread, but he got it in nice and tight and I was going again. It's not a massive thing  if the thread is chewed up, it looks like the whole gear lever thing comes with the backing plate so I'll just order a new one...

I'd done 58 miles by then, so pretty much essentially half-way. I jibbed going to Montgomery and the road the fella suggested to take (stunning views for miles) and ended up going back through Minsterley to the A5, then home via Oswestry and Wrexham on the A5/A483.

Ended up doing 118 miles, filled up before I left and the light came on somewhere near Chirk, so pulled in for a refuel.  At the refuel it'd done 99 miles and used 2.23 gallons, so I think that's 44.3 per gallon, is that about right?

Anyhow, it was a great run out and was quite easy on my elderly/knackered back. I don't think I'd have managed 15 miles on a sports bike. Oh, it also made me realise it's going to be a journey from hell if I ever attempt those sort of miles on the old Honda C200, so I'll just stick to local trips on that.

[Iamgroot]

2 hours ago, Cavcraft said:

Finally got off my arse and went for a decent ride today, in fact the longest I've ever done on a bike. It'll be small fry to the proper bikers, but I really enjoyed it.

I took the Massey Davidson, just because although it won't win any races, it's got the most torque of the shite I own and despite how it might look, it seems quite comfortable on short journeys. 

Had planned to do Chester-Whitchurch-Shrewsbury-Pontesbury-Minsterley, and then just find a random way to drop into Montgomery. Had a break at Ma Baker's cafe (A49, where the truck stop is) then got  going again but fate intervened 30 or so minutes later. I looked down at the gear lever and wondered why it was flapping about (I was in top gear at the time) as I had left Minsterley and was just passed a village called Hope. A local garage was closed, so I was pondering whether to turn back and head towards the A5 again, thinking I'd have a more chance of keeping going, rather then steep hills, twisty roads and random stopping.  As luck would have it, I'd just cruised passed a little private garage where someone seemed to be working on a Morris 1000 convertible, so I wheeled back to see if he could help. Absolute legend when straight to his tins of random nuts/bolts, and he found one that would do. Wasn't the exact thread, but he got it in nice and tight and I was going again. It's not a massive thing  if the thread is chewed up, it looks like the whole gear lever thing comes with the backing plate so I'll just order a new one...

I'd done 58 miles by then, so pretty much essentially half-way. I jibbed going to Montgomery and the road the fella suggested to take (stunning views for miles) and ended up going back through Minsterley to the A5, then home via Oswestry and Wrexham on the A5/A483.

Ended up doing 118 miles, filled up before I left and the light came on somewhere near Chirk, so pulled in for a refuel.  At the refuel it'd done 99 miles and used 2.23 gallons, so I think that's 44.3 per gallon, is that about right?

Anyhow, it was a great run out and was quite easy on my elderly/knackered back. I don't think I'd have managed 15 miles on a sports bike. Oh, it also made me realise it's going to be a journey from hell if I ever attempt those sort of miles on the old Honda C200, so I'll just stick to local trips on that.

You need to tell me when you head my way, I'd try and meet you for a section! Glad you got sorted and enjoyed the run. 

 

PS there's a reasonable chance I know the person who helped you.

PPS once I've moved further your way I've got a lovely run in mind for us, does involve a section of 50mph averaging cameras, but it doesn't matter to the overall run

[Cavcraft]

49 minutes ago, Iamgroot said:

You need to tell me when you head my way, I'd try and meet you for a section! Glad you got sorted and enjoyed the run. 

 

PS there's a reasonable chance I know the person who helped you.

PPS once I've moved further your way I've got a lovely run in mind for us, does involve a section of 50mph averaging cameras, but it doesn't matter to the overall run

Thanks, will look forward to that. Today was just one of those 'head clearing' exercises,  so sorry for not getting in touch. 

The bloke who helped was a diamond. Midlands accent and had a Morris 1000 van, pick-up and convertible and I think a Commer camper. Probably in his mid-late 60s at a guess. 

[bangernomics]

Point me in if you two are doing a run on a dry November day. I’m not far away from any of those roads. There’s so great roads around Cheshire/shripshire/wales


Gzongenflatch
In memory of Phil.

[Iamgroot]

29 minutes ago, Cavcraft said:

Today was just one of those 'head clearing' exercises,  so sorry for not getting in touch. 

Totally respect that mate, don't worry I wasn't moaning

[Iamgroot]

10 minutes ago, bangernomics said:

Point me in if you two are doing a run on a dry November day. I’m not far away from any of those roads. There’s so great roads around Cheshire/shripshire/wales


Gzongenflatch
In memory of Phil.

Tidy, Where are you buddy?, I'm in Newtown just now, but just bought a house in Oswestry.

[twosmoke300]

Remind me how much I love enduro again ?

Tore my tricep on a hill climb 😂 wasn’t even at the start of a ride . Carried on the rest of the day cos man . Smarted at the time but ok now . Impressive bruise tho 

 

[Rustybullethole]

Here's the other work quad. 4x4 low geared pretty much unstoppable.

Until some idiot runs it over a log which grounds it and the trailer out which then wedges on a tree as said idiot carried in regardless.

Unhitched and the quad climbed out no drama. Trailer will need some lifting shall leave that till tomorrow when extra hands are about. 

Nice spot though. 

[bezzabsa]

On 04/08/2024 at 16:56, Cavcraft said:

Finally got off my arse and went for a decent ride today, in fact the longest I've ever done on a bike. It'll be small fry to the proper bikers, but I really enjoyed it.

I took the Massey Davidson, just because although it won't win any races, it's got the most torque of the shite I own and despite how it might look, it seems quite comfortable on short journeys. 

Had planned to do Chester-Whitchurch-Shrewsbury-Pontesbury-Minsterley, and then just find a random way to drop into Montgomery. Had a break at Ma Baker's cafe (A49, where the truck stop is) then got  going again but fate intervened 30 or so minutes later. I looked down at the gear lever and wondered why it was flapping about (I was in top gear at the time) as I had left Minsterley and was just passed a village called Hope. A local garage was closed, so I was pondering whether to turn back and head towards the A5 again, thinking I'd have a more chance of keeping going, rather then steep hills, twisty roads and random stopping.  As luck would have it, I'd just cruised passed a little private garage where someone seemed to be working on a Morris 1000 convertible, so I wheeled back to see if he could help. Absolute legend when straight to his tins of random nuts/bolts, and he found one that would do. Wasn't the exact thread, but he got it in nice and tight and I was going again. It's not a massive thing  if the thread is chewed up, it looks like the whole gear lever thing comes with the backing plate so I'll just order a new one...

I'd done 58 miles by then, so pretty much essentially half-way. I jibbed going to Montgomery and the road the fella suggested to take (stunning views for miles) and ended up going back through Minsterley to the A5, then home via Oswestry and Wrexham on the A5/A483.

Ended up doing 118 miles, filled up before I left and the light came on somewhere near Chirk, so pulled in for a refuel.  At the refuel it'd done 99 miles and used 2.23 gallons, so I think that's 44.3 per gallon, is that about right?

Anyhow, it was a great run out and was quite easy on my elderly/knackered back. I don't think I'd have managed 15 miles on a sports bike. Oh, it also made me realise it's going to be a journey from hell if I ever attempt those sort of miles on the old Honda C200, so I'll just stick to local trips on that.

didnt know you had a hardly starting....had a test ride on an 883R and roadking few years back, totally surprised me, the roadking was gorgeous but at just over £20k at the time it had to go back LOL

[andy18s]

22 hours ago, Iamgroot said:

Tidy, Where are you buddy?, I'm in Newtown just now, but just bought a house in Oswestry.

I grew up in and around Oswestry/Chirk....

[Fat_Pirate]

After being warned off doing the NC500 at this time of the year, I've come to Ayrshire instead.

Obviously nothing tops Basingstoke for beauty, but this place is taking a fair stab at it.

I found a free caravan in a lay-by, I should have stayed here rather than the Fawlty Towers-style hotel I'm in (the fire alarm went off at 2am last night, everybody stood shivering outside until the owner eventually turned up).

There's very little traffic but plenty of rain. Moving on to North Yorks tomorrow, determined to do some proper touring instead of just thinking about it.

[doug]

10 minutes ago, Fat_Pirate said:

, I've come to Ayrshire instead.

After recommending it, I can only apologise for the weather today.

[Fat_Pirate]

Now I'm in N Yorks, staying in a hotel room that reminds me of the chalet in "Holiday on the buses".  All I'm doing is riding these great roads with  pauses to eat/sleep, on my own and not having to think/worry about anything else, it's selfish but so refreshing. 

[Bmwdumptruck]

On 19/07/2024 at 15:57, Stinkwheel said:

Tell me about it, you dont realise how crap old helmets get, I've still got about 5 old ones, cant bring myself to throw them out

 

All my old ones are hung upside down round the garden as hanging baskets.  Gives a new life to all the race rep colour schemes. 

[Rustybullethole]

Bike Night at the Heights last night. Took a few kicks to burst into life then set off on the ped and met some mates on the way.

Met another mate along the way who furnished me with some 2 stroke oil and after a 3 and a half quid fill up had a full tank of petrol.

Was a well attended night. Loads of bikes and quite a good mix.

Stopped for supplies on the way home and shortly after lost my lights. A tentative last few miles covering the brakes to make myself visible to the que of traffic behind and a little bit of evasive riding to loose some coppers who took interest saw me back safe. 

The Melody got a fair bit of attention. A pal found this online someone had posted.

Joes one had a snap taken too.

[Rustybullethole]

Unfortunately his also got modified on the ride home as did his ankle. 

Shit happens hey. Get well soon buddie. 

[Stinkwheel]

Today I did this, I’d recommend it to anyone 

 

[Dave_Q]

Off on a mini adventure.

[Cavcraft]

Ooh, good luck and enjoy.

[Cavcraft]

On 10/08/2024 at 11:37, Rustybullethole said:

Bike Night at the Heights last night. Took a few kicks to burst into life then set off on the ped and met some mates on the way.

 

 

 

Met another mate along the way who furnished me with some 2 stroke oil and after a 3 and a half quid fill up had a full tank of petrol.

Was a well attended night. Loads of bikes and quite a good mix.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stopped for supplies on the way home and shortly after lost my lights. A tentative last few miles covering the brakes to make myself visible to the que of traffic behind and a little bit of evasive riding to loose some coppers who took interest saw me back safe. 

 

The Melody got a fair bit of attention. A pal found this online someone had posted.

 

Joes one had a snap taken too.

 

It'd have been worth going just to gawp at that RG500 all day/night. A thing of absolute beauty. 

[Rustybullethole]

Just now, Cavcraft said:

It'd have been worth going just to gawp at that RG500 all day/night. A thing of absolute beauty. 

Sounded great too when he came riding in. Came past us later whilst we was having a roadside kebab being ridden in a disappointingly civilised manor. 

[Stinkwheel]

3 minutes ago, Rustybullethole said:

Sounded great too when he came riding in. Came past us later whilst we was having a roadside kebab being ridden in a disappointingly civilised manor. 

How do you ride an RG500 in a civilised manner? Is that possible? 

[Rustybullethole]

30 minutes ago, Stinkwheel said:

How do you ride an RG500 in a civilised manner? Is that possible? 

We were in a 40 zone so i suppose maybe the rider was a law abiding respectful type. 

My guess is the throttle cable had snapped and they were nursing it home on idle. 

[Jerzy Woking]

9 minutes ago, Rustybullethole said:

We were in a 40 zone so i suppose maybe the rider was a law abiding respectful type. 

My guess is the throttle cable had snapped and they were nursing it home on idle. 

I used to like riding my two strokes in a 40mph limits in a high gear, with the throttle wide open. Then, at the Nationals, drop it down two or three gears and enjoy the smoke screen behind me. The CZ 250 was probably the smokiest at this, but dreadful to ride.

[Dave_Q]

Bit dark for pictures but have one anyway.

Camped near Folkestone, tunnel in the morning 

[Cavcraft]

9 hours ago, Jerzy Woking said:

I used to like riding my two strokes in a 40mph limits in a high gear, with the throttle wide open. Then, at the Nationals, drop it down two or three gears and enjoy the smoke screen behind me. The CZ 250 was probably the smokiest at this, but dreadful to ride.

That's what we used to do on our KH250s, then when back out onto 60mph road, we'd wait 'til our mate was behind us on his new X7 with his new leather jacket and new helmet, then open our bikes up.  He'd be covered from head to toe in lovely little black drops.