Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Yeah I've never been under any illusion that an MOT implies roadworthiness. I've also yet to come across a traffic copper who has any kind of grasp of our construction and use laws but I still reckon I'd come off ok. Only slight thing is I've got a push bike speedo wheras I think to the letter of the law the speedo needs to be to a BS standard. Front brake light isn't a requirement as it's pre-84.

I have photos of my dad and my mums dad in the kitchen stripping down various bikes. my Nan used to go ballistic when she got in.

although I live alone I am not sure I would get either of my BMW R1100rt's up the stairs into my flat for the winter!

although I live alone I am not sure I would get either of my BMW R1100rt's up the stairs into my flat for the winter!

Quitter

I used to rebuild my Vespa engine in the kitchen (which it needed every time I went over 60mph as it would fuck the oil seals up). Nice and warm, plus access to an oven and freezer for installing or removing bearings and a dishwasher for washing parts.

Solid work that. I've never squeezed a full rebuild in the house. Ovens and stainless sinks remain a distant pipe dream in my mechanical endeavors.

I did once use a full size gas torch in the kitchen to crisp up some creme brulees for Mrs J.

Got offered a h2 beating turbo bandit 12 yesterday...
Must resist urge to die

There are a few on eBay including this 2005 Bandit for only £3.5k:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-Bandit-1200-Turbo-2005-mk2-huge-spec-custom-drag-streetfighter-/192020486040?hash=item2cb5501798:g:MWoAAOSw-CpX9Obi

Seems like a good deal (£/bhp) when you look at the work done and the price of the parts alone

the frame is insurance cat C. worth bearing in mind.

I've got three bikes to sort out over the winter, which is perfect as I've just cleared out the last mess in the living room from my kitchen and bathroom makeover. The joys of being a single dad. About time my son learned something about engines...

When splitting lanes / filtering in slow moving traffic, do you put your hazards on?
See a lot of riders dong it on my commute (A13 or A127 and M25, so plenty of filtering)
I've never done it and not really thought about until recently, in the dark it seems to aid visibility as it's not just a headlight tearing down the dotted line

Saw one on the A3 with flashing lower "fog" lights. Very effective at letting people in stationary traffic know you're there. Never done it myself but I don't do that kind of riding often/ever.

Husky update. Did the valve service and oil and filter at the weekend so I could finally take it out for a spin. Only had time to take it around the neighbourhood but it's an eye opener. Less torque than you'd expect from a 500 single but it spins up super quick and had a seriously strong top end rush. Enough to light up the Knobblies in 3rd, no bother. It's far too loud for me - I'm considering putting the stock exhaust back on. Hopefully it won't throw out the carburation too much, I don't have a lot of time to piss around with Jetting.

Electric start is great, seat isa plank. It's basically a proper open class dirt bike - predictably horrible on the street but a lot of machine for the cash, maybe too much for me!

No they're not for that.
Police would probebrly get pissed if you did that and they saw. Plus if someone hit you while you had them on, it wouldn't help.

Just assume no one has seen you and ride accordingly.

I often put high beam on when filtering down a long line.

Last night dipped below zero so got outside and finally bothered to winterise my funduro. Fresh 1:1 prestone, good to -37c and mixed metal metal engine safe.
Also lubed the shit out of everything, emptied tank, cleaned out carb and fuel cock, filled with fresh petrol and some stabiliser.
One day I'll actually do my full test so can use it. Hopefully soon, because part faired, heated grips, barkbusters etc, and Scotland is often too cold not do have these things
Also dog thinks bike maintenance is boring as fuck

2 Attachments

Ever consider that drivers will then be blinded in their mirrors and not be able to see anything?

And wear some high viz

The hi beam on my bike ain't that impressive. The way your head lamp judders on a bike I figure it's similar to the effect of a decent flashing bike light. The method has served me well so far, cars often move out of the way as I approach.

Quality dog! Mine doesn't like maintenance much either. Likes the garage though.

Fair enough. Mines pretty bright.

I had someone follow me with high beams the other night, dazelled me completely.

Read an article about a police plain clothes Hayabusa rider years ago. He reckoned the best way to filter at speed was to attract as little attention as possible and make as few signals (including braking) as possible to avoid other drivers altering their driving around you and then you just read the situation to the best of your ability and proceed at the speed you deem safe (or dare I guess).

Bearing in mind this guy could be doing 100 mph over the speed limit I'm guessing he'd had a few close shaves.

the best way to filter at speed

The best way to filter at speed is to not do it.

Once traffic is moving at around 35/40ish I just sit in the lane with them.

When does "filtering" become "undertaking"... There are many times I could pass through between 2 lanes of cars moving at 50 in a 70 zone, but I don't tend to as I think it's a bit yobbish/unnecessary.

Anyone know what the legal side is?

@TM I would guess down the middle is fine but if the pavement is immediately on your left when you pass the vehicle then it's undertaking. When we rode in France and filtered down the middle, cars moved over to let us pass safely. That said in general the attitude of drivers was much more considerate.