The Bikeshite Thread

[Fat_Pirate]

I've taken the week off to catch up with a load of maintenance tasks... first up (yes, I realise it's Wednesday already), changing the oil and coolant on the Pan European.  Plan was to get it done before lunch, but the bastard fairing takes so long to remove, even with the fancy 'leccy tool I bought off somebody on here; this is the 3rd time I've done it but still struggle to do it in the right order.

That tub of fixings is from ONE SIDE of the fairing - there are bolts, screws, various clips, all in multiple sizes so you need to remember what goes where...

...that made me hot and tired so I went and had a lolly and sit-down.  Came back, removed a drain screw on the block to be rewarded with a thimble-full of coolant, then it took me 30 mins to get the bastard back in as access was so awkward.  That required another lolly, and some crisps too. 

Oil change included spilling a load on the drive and swearing a lot, this is the law.

Putting the fairing panels on was another almighty ballache, where all the internal panels need to be lined up in the correct order, then fitting it into the myriad slots around the headlamps, mirror, etc, without breaking anything.  This was followed by another more serious break, featuring tea and toast, a really nice M&S yogurt and a couple of Simpsons episodes.  There may have been a nap too.

5pm - finished, the conclusion of a long hard day at work, but tomorrow I have to change the rear pads on my KTM, so likely another back-breaking 8-hours of slog.

[Heidel_Kakao]

@Fat_Pirate All that faff makes a compelling argument for naked bikes!

Have anyone ever bought a bike and then wished they had waited because they released a better colour scheme later on?

I mean I really like the colour I chose but the black on black of the new SE makes it look evil in a good way.

The main reason I didn't go for an SE in the first place was I didn't fancy the yellow ball scheme.

[Shandylegs]

Remembered to turn off indicators this time and passed my Mod 2 earlier this week 🫣

Bike insured (surprisingly cheap) and taxed. Psyched myslef up for the first solo trip and then found I had no clutch! It's not been used that much over the last couple of years, luckily fresh fluid and a good bleed through sorted things out.

I've been concerned that I'd struggle with the riding position - tall, too heavy and getting old. However, from an hour pottering around, it all seems ok.

The bike seems quite civilised, dare I say it, not that quick. Suppose that will come if I ever use the other 75% of the throttle left 🤣

Very happy tonight!

[catsinthewelder]

Christ, is that a TL1000?

Good luck!

[Shandylegs]

10 minutes ago, catsinthewelder said:

Christ, is that a TL1000?

Good luck!

It is.  😬

[scdan4]

1 hour ago, Heidel_Kakao said:

@Fat_Pirate All that faff makes a compelling argument for naked bikes!

Have anyone ever bought a bike and then wished they had waited because they released a better colour scheme later on?

I mean I really like the colour I chose but the black on black of the new SE makes it look evil in a good way.

The main reason I didn't go for an SE in the first place was I didn't fancy the yellow ball scheme.

There's always a better bike the week after you level up. This is a good thing as it helps drive the n+1 = biking nirvana...

 

I'm getting old, primer grey and rattle can black from the factory . Used to be you'd have to damage the factory finish yourself first before applying the street fighter/ fixing coats of paint yourself, angrily, wincing through the painkillers....

 

I mean, you're halfway there already...... (Sorry if too soon 🙂)

Praps their insurance will end up buying you a new one.. .

[andy18s]

1 hour ago, Shandylegs said:

It is.  😬

Loved my Tls, would wheelie at any opportunity.  .

[Heidel_Kakao]

19 minutes ago, Shandylegs said:

It is.  😬

"Due to its problems, it has earned the title of ‘The Widowmaker" Well biking is a relatively dangerous pastime so if you are going to take risks may as well go all in!

[Heidel_Kakao]

@scdan4 I am hoping they can repair it to as good as new but I wouldn't say no to a replacement if it went that way. It's funny but I really like old cars but when it comes to bikes so far I like new bikes that that look retro. I will get a classic bike eventually as I would love a Norton Commando.