View Full Version : Car (or bike) Chat!
RobbieGong
21-04-2020, 23:04
Lol, Yep it's what you do when you're into hifi and attached to a hifi forum ;) ie: indulge and share hifi experiences, thank heavens some of us do and we dont even own one....:ner: :D
Rare I listen to music in car. Usually an audio book
Lol, Yep it's what you do when you're into hifi and attached to a hifi forum ;) ie: indulge and share hifi experiences, thank heavens some of us do and we dont even own one....:ner: :D
Lol - sometimes it's good to let others take the lead... You know, like when you give her a shot 'on top' instead...:eyebrows:;)
Marco.
Ali Tait
22-04-2020, 10:26
Quiet day at work so gave the car a polish.
https://i.imgur.com/NvVjLcV.jpg
Looking good, mate! Have you had any 'tweaks' done to it recently?:)
Or indeed, what have you done to it, if anything, from it being as standard?
Marco.
Ali Tait
22-04-2020, 11:23
Cheers, yes it buffs up well. No haven't done anything, quick enough as it is lol. Only thing non standard is normal tyres, the ride is too harsh with run flats, don't like them at all.
Did think about remapping, but I know too many people who have had problems long term so decided against it.
Audio Al
22-04-2020, 11:53
Innit just Al, I mean 16 million and 53 posts about that vintage, souped up mobile disco wagon :scratch: get da heck out of Abstract Chat and talk some bloody hifi for crying out loud man! - wot da £$%%& is wrong wid you boss man ??!! :lol: :D
Robert , It even has a special name on the boot lid it's official name is a Bra bus and the driver can sometimes be a article that goes in a bra :ner:
Cheers, yes it buffs up well. No haven't done anything, quick enough as it is lol. Only thing non standard is normal tyres, the ride is too harsh with run flats, don't like them at all.
Did think about remapping, but I know too many people who have had problems long term so decided against it.
No worries. I also hate run flats for similar reasons, so never use them. I just carry enough Tyre Weld, to get me to the nearest ATS, or somewhere else I can get a puncture properly repaired or tyre replaced if necessary. Or call the RAC!
If remaps are done right, by trained and experienced professionals, who are intimately familiar with how your car's engine works, there are NO issues, and the gains can be substantial. All you're effectively doing is releasing the latent potential in your car's engine!
Just avoid using generic, plug-in 'tuning chips'. Proper remapping is carried out by software experts, and are bespoke to your car.
My mate (Kevin), who owns the following company, is a BMW expert. If he was on Mastermind, *anything* about BMWs, from any era, would be his specialist subject. Honestly, mate, what he doesn't know about Beemers isn't worth knowing, and he's the same with mapping: https://www.bmwizard.co.uk/
He's based in Oswestry, about 30 mins from me, so when this CV stuff is over, and if you fancy transforming your car's performance with a proper bespoke remap, give Kev a ring. You'd be welcome to stay over at mine, in order to break up your journey, or if you're in the area, pop in and have a chat with him. Trust me, it *will* be worth it!:cool:
Marco.
InThe Sticks
22-04-2020, 14:24
Was going to wash mine today, but took one look at it and opened a beer instead..
https://i.imgur.com/4sDpYNp.jpg
Audio Al
22-04-2020, 14:51
Was going to wash mine today, but took one look at it and opened a beer instead..
https://i.imgur.com/4sDpYNp.jpg
:lol::D:cool:
Mine is fairly clean
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200422/4529791ecde89d552cfc973fa8fc102a.jpg
Was going to wash mine today, but took one look at it and opened a beer instead..
Ha - that's the problem now with all the hand-car washes closed due to this bloody lockdown...
Hope the good ones (including the one I was using) are still in business once things return to normal!
Marco.
Mine is fairly clean
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200422/4529791ecde89d552cfc973fa8fc102a.jpg
Nice daffs, and is it mini-violets, mate?:)
What does the car look like on the INSIDE?;)
Marco.
both have been coming up for years.. might be periwinkle, the small stuff. you can abuse it and it just bounces back.
car wont be so great inside
Ali Tait
22-04-2020, 15:37
No worries. I also hate run flats for similar reasons, so never use them. I just carry enough Tyre Weld, to get me to the nearest ATS, or somewhere else I can get a puncture properly repaired or tyre replaced if necessary. Or call the RAC!
If remaps are done right, by trained and experienced professionals, who are intimately familiar with how your car's engine works, there are NO issues, and the gains can be substantial. All you're effectively doing is releasing the latent potential in your car's engine!
Just avoid using generic, plug-in 'tuning chips'. Proper remapping is carried out by software experts, and are bespoke to your car.
My mate (Kevin), who owns the following company, is a BMW expert. If he was on Mastermind, *anything* about BMWs, from any era, would be his specialist subject. Honestly, mate, what he doesn't know about Beemers isn't worth knowing, and he's the same with mapping: https://www.bmwizard.co.uk/
He's based in Oswestry, about 30 mins from me, so when this CV stuff is over, and if you fancy transforming your car's performance with a proper bespoke remap, give Kev a ring. You'd be welcome to stay over at mine, in order to break up your journey, or if you're in the area, pop in and have a chat with him. Trust me, it *will* be worth it!:cool:
Marco.
Cheers mate, will give it some thought. I bought a space saver kit from eBay, space saver tyre in a bag with a jack and breaker bar. Takes up a bit of room but it’s peace of mind. :-).
Ali Tait
22-04-2020, 15:38
Was going to wash mine today, but took one look at it and opened a beer instead..
https://i.imgur.com/4sDpYNp.jpg
:D
Cheers mate, will give it some thought. I bought a space saver kit from eBay, space saver tyre in a bag with a jack and breaker bar. Takes up a bit of room but it’s peace of mind. :-).
No worries, mate. Defo bear it in mind, as it's a genuine offer (I'd like to help) and Kev is a master at his craft!:)
Marco.
both have been coming up for years.. might be periwinkle, the small stuff. you can abuse it and it just bounces back.
car wont be so great inside
Nice one... Yeah, it's hard work keeping a car properly clean on the inside, even if you're fit!:)
Marco.
hifilover
23-04-2020, 10:09
Finally got around to getting mine off it's winter wheels & tyres and onto its new boots ;)
From:
https://i.postimg.cc/3N7sQDP8/clean2.jpg (https://postimg.cc/qhbb8gJS)
To:
https://i.postimg.cc/MpsJv10Q/newboots1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zyRcQbcz)
https://i.postimg.cc/8zkVpZvG/newboots2.jpg (https://postimg.cc/HVNN343v)
Unfortunately it's trip to the body shop was cancelled due to the current situation, so it'll have to sit with it's flat, dull & stone chipped front end until we're all out of this
Although I have swapped out the black Schmiedmann grilles for OEM BMW chrome ones back to its original look :)
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/2609/MHWfdH.jpg
Audio Al
23-04-2020, 12:54
:eyebrows: Now that is NICE , Look Marco a propper car :ner:
RobbieGong
23-04-2020, 12:56
:eyebrows: Now that is NICE , Look Marco a propper car :ner:
:D
:eyebrows: Now that is NICE , Look Marco a propper car :ner:
Yesh it must be, as the 'proper' even has two 'ps'!:D
Dan also knows I like his car... Yo, Danny-boy, she's looking good - I love the wheels!:)
I'd avoid displaying your reg details in public though, as you never know how they could be misused, mate...
Marco.
hifilover
23-04-2020, 13:36
Yesh it must be, as the 'proper' even has two 'ps'!:D
Dan also knows I like his car... Yo, Danny-boy, she's looking good - I love the wheels!:)
I'd avoid displaying your reg details in public though, as you never know how they could be misused, mate...
Marco.
No worries; it's all over the BMW and PH forums, not something I really worry about TBH
Just fitted the new M Sport door trims today too; the ones on it were a bit faded from the heat in Japan, so a few more £££ dropped into it via BMW Germany ;)
https://i.postimg.cc/P5x5FYSh/011-A9111-2-D62-4-CBE-982-A-24-BF7-C152-B65.jpg (https://postimg.cc/BXr3jLWw)
https://i.postimg.cc/X7xv8QcQ/644-DDE76-EEC1-4-EFA-BCEF-3-E83-BA09-E68-A.jpg (https://postimg.cc/RN69C1YH)
I really like the wheels too; did have a rare set of Style 37s from an E38 7 series that had been professionally bored to fit the larger hub of the E39; they're more sought after as they're a wider version with more aggressive offsets, but everyone has them, they're the 'purists' alloy wheel of choice (ie. they're all sheep) :lol: So decided to buck the trend and go with the LMs instead ;) Decent reps of course, I am not paying c£4k for alloy wheels!
https://i.postimg.cc/RZYZxhTL/sideonandsettled.jpg (https://postimg.cc/K1n2nZw1)
They got sold for silly £££ because there's so few sets of them readily available and made to fit the E39 :D
RobbieGong
23-04-2020, 14:50
Yesh it must be, as the 'proper' even has two 'ps'!:D
Dan also knows I like his car... Yo, Danny-boy, she's looking good - I love the wheels!:)
I'd avoid displaying your reg details in public though, as you never know how they could be misused, mate...
Marco.
:lol:
Audio Al
23-04-2020, 16:02
:lol:
Marco , we all know I cant spell but you and Barry like pointing it out , I can live with it can you ?:)
Pigmy Pony
23-04-2020, 16:10
Nowt wrong as long as the message makes sense - which it always does :)
When I was younger and worked at a printers, my spelling was spot-on, and my supervisor referred to me as 'The Lexicon', whatever that meant :D These days I can't spell for toffee - at first I thought it was old age creeping up, but I've lately come to the conclusion that I just don't care :)
Marco , we all know I cant spell but you and Barry like pointing it out , I can live with it can you ?:)
Of course, daftee! The point I was making what that Dan's car must've been *really proper*, as you'd afforded 'proper' two ps, to fully stress its properness...:D
In fact, I'd go as far to say that it's 'WELL PROPA', perhaps even 'SICK'!:respect:
Marco.
Ali Tait
23-04-2020, 18:01
No worries; it's all over the BMW and PH forums, not something I really worry about TBH
Just fitted the new M Sport door trims today too; the ones on it were a bit faded from the heat in Japan, so a few more £££ dropped into it via BMW Germany ;)
https://i.postimg.cc/P5x5FYSh/011-A9111-2-D62-4-CBE-982-A-24-BF7-C152-B65.jpg (https://postimg.cc/BXr3jLWw)
https://i.postimg.cc/X7xv8QcQ/644-DDE76-EEC1-4-EFA-BCEF-3-E83-BA09-E68-A.jpg (https://postimg.cc/RN69C1YH)
I really like the wheels too; did have a rare set of Style 37s from an E38 7 series that had been professionally bored to fit the larger hub of the E39; they're more sought after as they're a wider version with more aggressive offsets, but everyone has them, they're the 'purists' alloy wheel of choice (ie. they're all sheep) :lol: So decided to buck the trend and go with the LMs instead ;) Decent reps of course, I am not paying c£4k for alloy wheels!
https://i.postimg.cc/RZYZxhTL/sideonandsettled.jpg (https://postimg.cc/K1n2nZw1)
They got sold for silly £££ because there's so few sets of them readily available and made to fit the E39 :D
Nice rims Dan, they suit the car.
hifilover
23-04-2020, 18:23
Thanks. You can't beat LMs really, they're a timeless look ;)
Ali Tait
23-04-2020, 18:27
Yeah they are.
Pieoftheday
23-04-2020, 19:06
What's your experience with top box luggage? I've had some hepco and Becker on my bmwf800r , shite, so I'm going soft luggage. The hepco stuff was awful quality but other than that it made the bikes handling odd, even when empty, anybody's experience would be interesting, Jim
My only experience was with hard luggage a long time ago. I bought a used Honda VFR750 that came with a full set of Krauser panniers and top box. The quality of the boxes was top notch and was easy enough to fit and remove so you could take them with you like suitcases. I did find that even when empty the handling of the bike was really upset and when loaded with stuff the centre of gravity was badly affected which is as you might expect. I found that I adapted pretty quickly though and after a few miles they weren't really a problem. They had a really big capacity too.
Pieoftheday
23-04-2020, 20:03
Ian, yes I've adapted to the handling, but it's now doing me tits in compared to no luggage,:doh:
I use Givi top box on mine using a universal adaptor. It has been on 2 Exploders, a RS1200RS and now on my K16. Never really bothered with a soft luggage. I have a Givi bag that I won in 1999, but it has never been used. It has these straps that I gave up trying to figure out how to use, so threw in the bottom of the wardrobe, and it's stayed there ever since :o.
Pieoftheday
24-04-2020, 14:26
I've had hard luggage in the past with no issues however on the BMW it's like having a small parachute attached to the bike
Thought it was time I cleaned it, there was moss growing on it
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49825785302_441051b74d_o.jpg
hifilover
27-04-2020, 13:44
I did a full wash & detail on my touring on Saturday
Autoglym Polar Blast snow foam, Autoglym Ultra Definition shampoo, rinsed, clay-barred, snow-foamed and rinsed again, full towel dry, all panels coated with PoorBoys White diamond Glaze and all blacks & tyres treated with Chemical Guys tyre/trim gel :)
https://i.postimg.cc/XYCM7S1v/wash2.jpg (https://postimg.cc/21r92JDp)
https://i.postimg.cc/nckvNCGK/FEF88-B51-A943-434-C-9858-D7-C901-C02309.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ppmhFV7y)
https://i.postimg.cc/5NGdVN3G/wash4.jpg (https://postimg.cc/crQ57WPM)
https://i.postimg.cc/kXD3ztxK/wash3.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XpMzyq1Y)
Firebottle
27-04-2020, 16:40
Cor that's gleaming, can you come and do my 17 year old knacker?
RobbieGong
28-04-2020, 16:07
I did a full wash & detail on my touring on Saturday
Autoglym Polar Blast snow foam, Autoglym Ultra Definition shampoo, rinsed, clay-barred, snow-foamed and rinsed again, full towel dry, all panels coated with PoorBoys White diamond Glaze and all blacks & tyres treated with Chemical Guys tyre/trim gel :)
https://i.postimg.cc/XYCM7S1v/wash2.jpg (https://postimg.cc/21r92JDp)
https://i.postimg.cc/nckvNCGK/FEF88-B51-A943-434-C-9858-D7-C901-C02309.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ppmhFV7y)
https://i.postimg.cc/5NGdVN3G/wash4.jpg (https://postimg.cc/crQ57WPM)
https://i.postimg.cc/kXD3ztxK/wash3.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XpMzyq1Y)
Looks fab !!
InThe Sticks
12-05-2020, 16:59
First wash in a few months, and i only cleaned it because i couldn’t see out of the windows.
It was so dirty i’d completely forgotten it was blue!
I even threw some water at the bike.
https://i.imgur.com/4sDpYNp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xuFyKOX.jpg
First pic was taken a few weeks ago and today it was lot lot dirtier than that :doh:
walpurgis
12-05-2020, 17:24
Mine was put through the car wash in November. I may give it a clean again sometime soon. There again, I may not :).
I usually put mine in the garage, but of late I've left it parked in front of the garage. It's now covered with a fine layer of saharan dust.
Have you started it up recently or been out in it? If not, you'll need to, in order to prevent a flat battery!:)
Marco.
Haha - just had the AA man out this morning to replace the battery. It was down to 8V, nothing would work!
Had to call them out a couple of months ago, for a jump start. The 'health' of the battery was checked and pronounced fine. Last used the car about 10 days ago and it started up immediately, but today - no joy. The battery was a little over 4 years old so needed replacing.
I do try to let the car idle for about 15 minutes or so, every few days - but I can forget. The shops are only 15 minutes walk away and it seems unnecessary to use the car for such short distances.
Haha - just had the AA man out this morning to replace the battery. It was down to 8V, nothing would work!
Had to call them out a couple of months ago, for a jump start. The 'health' of the battery was checked and pronounced fine. Last used the car about 10 days ago and it started up immediately, but today - no joy. The battery was a little over 4 years old so needed replacing.
I do try to let the car idle for about 15 minutes or so, every few days - but I can forget. The shops are only 15 minutes walk away and it seems unnecessary to use the car for such short distances.
had to get mine changed yesterday too.. mine was at 2 v and buggered
Haha - just had the AA man out this morning to replace the battery. It was down to 8V, nothing would work!
Had to call them out a couple of months ago, for a jump start. The 'health' of the battery was checked and pronounced fine. Last used the car about 10 days ago and it started up immediately, but today - no joy. The battery was a little over 4 years old so needed replacing.
I do try to let the car idle for about 15 minutes or so, every few days - but I can forget. The shops are only 15 minutes walk away and it seems unnecessary to use the car for such short distances.
Lol... Yes, I'd walk that too, as the exercise would do you good. However, to do a proper 'shop' I need to take the car out as the nearest supermarket is about 1.2m, and not the one we really use. Lidl is probably about 2m away, plus we also use farm shops and the Polish shop for bread and stuff, so the car is kept 'warmed up'!:)
Marco.
Pieoftheday
15-05-2020, 17:21
SP ENGINEERING, I'm after a slip on can for my BMW f800r, I like the look of the ones SP ENGINEERING produce, does anyone have experience of the company? Cheers Jim
Pigmy Pony
15-05-2020, 17:41
Haha - just had the AA man out this morning to replace the battery. It was down to 8V, nothing would work!
Had to call them out a couple of months ago, for a jump start. The 'health' of the battery was checked and pronounced fine. Last used the car about 10 days ago and it started up immediately, but today - no joy. The battery was a little over 4 years old so needed replacing.
I do try to let the car idle for about 15 minutes or so, every few days - but I can forget. The shops are only 15 minutes walk away and it seems unnecessary to use the car for such short distances.
Letting the engine idle will help the battery, but better still run it round the block a couple of times, so the brakes don't end up sticking.
Better still, Bazza, take that old jalopy to the skip, leave it there, and treat yourself to that Jag you've always wanted!:ner:;)
Life's too short to deprive yourself of nice things that make you happy:)
Marco.
Haha - just had the AA man out this morning to replace the battery. It was down to 8V, nothing would work!
Had to call them out a couple of months ago, for a jump start. The 'health' of the battery was checked and pronounced fine. Last used the car about 10 days ago and it started up immediately, but today - no joy. The battery was a little over 4 years old so needed replacing.
I do try to let the car idle for about 15 minutes or so, every few days - but I can forget. The shops are only 15 minutes walk away and it seems unnecessary to use the car for such short distances.
You could buy a smart charger and connect it up for 3 or 4 hrs every week if you don’t use the car regularly.
Will pay for itself by increasing battery life and the car should be ready to go when you need it which should also help your AA no claims discount come renewal.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maypole-7423A-Battery-Charger-Electronic/dp/B009A83P1E/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=Car+battery+charger&qid=1589705823&quartzVehicle=29-405&replacementKeywords=car+battery&sr=8-13/
I love the look of "steampunk" items, but never seen a steampunk custom bike before - this is absolutely gorgeous in my opinion.
https://www.pipeburn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/96A5763-1.jpg
(More pictures and write up HERE (https://www.pipeburn.com/from-junk-to-steampunk-honda-cb750-douglas-by-atomic-contraptions/).)
Pigmy Pony
19-05-2020, 19:24
Never heard the term "steampunk" before, but I really like that. And a trusty old CB750 engine in it. :)
dave2010
27-05-2020, 19:42
You could buy a smart charger and connect it up for 3 or 4 hrs every week if you don’t use the car regularly.
Will pay for itself by increasing battery life and the car should be ready to go when you need it which should also help your AA no claims discount come renewal.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maypole-7423A-Battery-Charger-Electronic/dp/B009A83P1E/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=Car+battery+charger&qid=1589705823&quartzVehicle=29-405&replacementKeywords=car+battery&sr=8-13/Indeed, but that precaution might not always work. I've just spent days trying to kick my Prius back into life. I may now be about to win, but I'm not going to bet on it.
First attempts were simple enough - using various bits of old kit I have lying around, such as a jump start "spare" battery thing, and a small charger. Nothing worked - and I did find the relevant points to put crocodile clips on. Next thing was to buy a new charger from Amazon. Connected to the relevant points, and eventually showed something pathetic like 0.6V. The new charger is one of the fancy "clever" ones, so whereas the old "stupid" ones would perhaps have just belted 12V or more at the battery, this charger didn't engage at all. Next step was to consider using jump leads. Of course there wasn't the luxury of moving the "dead" car, but the Peugeot was nearby. Couldn't find the old jump leads I had, and in any case it was doubtful if they would extend far enough, so went back to Amazon for some 6 metre jump cables.
These arrived, and were duly attached. Still not eough oomph to get the car going. Being a hybrid vehicle, it tries to start first on the power battery, but in order to do that the engine management system has to be working. Not enough power for that, I figured. The one good thing was that this enabled me to unlock the rear hatch door, which had been closed. The other doors were already open - very odd. Now I could take everything out of the back compartment to get at where the battery - an AGM battery is located. I thought I might be able to take that out, but it's not great, so decided not to. Next step was to move the battery charger to the rear and try to charge the battery up there. Very slight improvement and after several hours the battery seemed to be holding some - but not a lot - of charge. Then closed the car up for the night, but leaving the boot lid open so I could get back into the battery compartment. This morning the battery had gone down again - this time down to 0.3V. So tried again today, and made hardly any progress for hours. Then thought - we need to kick this into some sort of life, so used the jump leads to connect to the other car for a while. As before this didn't enable the car to power up, but it must have done something, as when the charger was connected back to the batttery, it started to show a decent voltage - maybe 11V, but a very low charge. After not too long it was up to 13V - but still a lowish charge, but at least about 2+ bars on I think a 5 bar scale.
I'm now hoping it'll hold most of the charge overnight, and I'll top up the charge again to tomorrow, and hopefully the car will then start and I'll take it for quite a long run. It's a complete bummer, and the battery is less than a year old I think. I'm not sure I can complain to the tyre centre that sold it to me, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. If this fails I may have to call out the breakdown people, but I was hoping that I wouldn't have to do that, as we're all trying to be good people, and maintain social distancing.
I really thought I'd beaten this battery issue - but I figure it was probably one of the door locks failing to close - yet again - which caused this problem. That's a major failing, IMO, of these Toyota models. I had managed to keep the car running throughout this lockdown period, and indeed had run it about 20 miles a few days before this complete failure, but "it" got me in the end. I hope the coronavirus doesn't do likewise!
Just checked on the charger suggested before - it's the one I got, though I paid less than £20 for it, and the price now seems to be around £25. It's gone up more than £5 in a week.
InThe Sticks
31-05-2020, 20:40
As i'm looking after 3 oldies and keeping our community owned shop supplied, i've had the excuse to get these on the road a bit more..
https://i.imgur.com/V3A7apN.jpg
Win, win all round :D
Pigmy Pony
01-06-2020, 22:14
Now that's what you call fast food :)
Pigmy Pony
08-06-2020, 19:20
Had a good week at work last week, and this week's shaping up to be even better, so I've replaced my 'distant future' plan to take the "Pony Express" (FireBlade) to the shop for repairs, with a decision to get the ball rolling myself. So I've put an Ebay bid on a rear wheel/tyre, and ordered a paddock stand too. Then with a new battery fitted I can ride it to the shop for service/MOT etc. instead of it going in the back of the van.
That just leaves getting a new battery, indicator, crash bobbins, brake lever and the biggie that is the fairing lower. Need the bike to stay original, so no pattern parts. Even if it all takes till next spring.
InThe Sticks
08-06-2020, 19:28
Good news!
What MY blade have you got?
Pigmy Pony
08-06-2020, 19:41
It's a 2003 RR3 954. In black/yellow. And before I dropped it was near mint. I've had it 13 years now, and it's the best bike I've ever owned by some margin. I hate going in the garage and seeing it there, it's been sulking in the corner since Sept 2018 :(
InThe Sticks
08-06-2020, 21:04
Ah, the last and best Blade by Tadao Baba and certainly considered the pinnacle.
I had a RR4 a while ago and whilst i loved its looks it was just too predictable, like almost too safe with no real excitement attached.
What i didn’t like about it was that it kinda disconnected me from the road, so i’d go into a corner thinking i was doing 50mph, but id be going much faster, there was no real feeling of attachment or feedback from the bike.
Don’t get me wrong, it was crazy fast and one of 2 bikes I’ve maxed out the top speed.
I do however still miss it and that Yoshi can..
https://i.imgur.com/09TkysC.jpg
Give it 5 years, the RR3 will be worth a fair bit as it was and still is a classic.
Proper bikes, before the electronics police got involved.
Pigmy Pony
09-06-2020, 19:42
Ah, the last and best Blade by Tadao Baba and certainly considered the pinnacle.
I had a RR4 a while ago and whilst i loved its looks it was just too predictable, like almost too safe with no real excitement attached.
What i didn’t like about it was that it kinda disconnected me from the road, so i’d go into a corner thinking i was doing 50mph, but id be going much faster, there was no real feeling of attachment or feedback from the bike.
Don’t get me wrong, it was crazy fast and one of 2 bikes I’ve maxed out the top speed.
I do however still miss it and that Yoshi can..
https://i.imgur.com/09TkysC.jpg
Give it 5 years, the RR3 will be worth a fair bit as it was and still is a classic.
Cheers Jon, I'm thinking it could indeed be a future classic, which is why I'm keeping it as close to original as possible. Although I wouldn't say no to an aftermarket can, Yoshi or Two Brothers Racing or something.
When everything goes electric, I reckon all Fireblades will become classics. It's such an iconic brand, and helped to some degree by having a name rather than a collection of letters and numbers.
A dozen years ago, a lady friend bought an RR4, and we went out for a run round the Trough of Bowland. We swapped bikes for much of the run. Verdicts? The RR4 definitely had more shove, and the stability through all the bends and on the straights was rock solid, no doubt helped by the steering damper. But I couldn't help feeling that this would egg me on to go ever faster. Also I found the riding position a little more cramped than my older Blade. Definitely a more focused bike.
My friend found mine to be plenty quick enough, and quite roomy, belying its class-leading (at the time) 168kg. But a bit flighty at the front when going for it. So in the end, much as we enjoyed each bike we were happy to get back on our own.
Is that yours in the pic? It's the exact same colours as hers.
I'm rubbish at posting pics, but I did once manage to do one of the bike - it's on page 2 of Abstract gallery, "Another attempt to post a bike pic". The first and last time I succeeded.
This it? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200610/5730fc2caf96ef6489d636e9339d09b6.jpg
Pigmy Pony
10-06-2020, 06:34
Thank you Grant! That's my baby, in happier times :)
InThe Sticks
10-06-2020, 08:06
Jon, I'm thinking it could indeed be a future classic, which is why I'm keeping it as close to original as possible. Although I wouldn't say no to an aftermarket can, Yoshi or Two Brothers Racing or something.
Originality is the key to value, thats for sure.
I sold my track car to a guy with a S2 Escort RS turbo which he spent years modifying, he’s now undoing all that work to get it back to stock and doubling its value.
dozen years ago, a lady friend bought an RR4, and we went out for a run round the Trough of Bowland. We swapped bikes for much of the run. Verdicts? The RR4 definitely had more shove, and the stability through all the bends and on the straights was rock solid, no doubt helped by the steering damper. But I couldn't help feeling that this would egg me on to go ever faster. Also I found the riding position a little more cramped than my older Blade. Definitely a more focused bike.
My friend found mine to be plenty quick enough, and quite roomy, belying its class-leading (at the time) 168kg. But a bit flighty at the front when going for it. So in the end, much as we enjoyed each bike we were happy to get back on our own.
Is that yours in the pic? It's the exact same colours as hers.
Yes, that was mine before the ZX10R i have now, but that will be going soon in favour of a Tuono V4 factory or a Superduke 1290 SE. I’m just waiting for the world to stop burning before dishing out £10K or so.
If i’m honest the 10R is too much for me now, its great on a track but not ideally suited for road use or my knackered knees. I mean having a bike that does 104mph in first gear is fun, but not really necessary.
The pic i posted above was at a time when my work colleague had (still has) a RR3 and it felt like i was sitting in it as opposed to being perched on top, and way more comfortable.
And you’re right about the steering damper and the extra speed and confidence.
Yes, bikes need to be safe, but when you’ve got ABS, traction control etc etc then imo you’re disconnecting the rider from whats actually going on. I’ve done many track days where people are on WOT round corners and are practically drifting the bike. Theres no skill in that.
The same goes for cars, some of the bigger Mercs i drive at work disconnect the driver so much that you wouldn’t know if you were driving on sheet ice or up the side of Everest.
walpurgis
10-06-2020, 08:14
If i’m honest the 10R is too much for me now
You'll end up plodding along on a Harley like all the other old codgers. :D
InThe Sticks
10-06-2020, 08:24
You'll end up plodding along on a Harley like all the other old codgers. :D
Not in a month of Sundays, just no, not ever :)
The closest i'd get to a Hardly Rideable would be a Ducati Diavel.
You'll end up plodding along on a Harley like all the other old codgers. :D
Wash your mouth out Geoff. I have a mate who works at a Harley dealers and he said he would never have one, piles of unreliable junk.
Pigmy Pony
10-06-2020, 20:30
Originality is the key to value, thats for sure.
I sold my track car to a guy with a S2 Escort RS turbo which he spent years modifying, he’s now undoing all that work to get it back to stock and doubling its value.
Yes, that was mine before the ZX10R i have now, but that will be going soon in favour of a Tuono V4 factory or a Superduke 1290 SE. I’m just waiting for the world to stop burning before dishing out £10K or so.
If i’m honest the 10R is too much for me now, its great on a track but not ideally suited for road use or my knackered knees. I mean having a bike that does 104mph in first gear is fun, but not really necessary.
The pic i posted above was at a time when my work colleague had (still has) a RR3 and it felt like i was sitting in it as opposed to being perched on top, and way more comfortable.
And you’re right about the steering damper and the extra speed and confidence.
Yes, bikes need to be safe, but when you’ve got ABS, traction control etc etc then imo you’re disconnecting the rider from whats actually going on. I’ve done many track days where people are on WOT round corners and are practically drifting the bike. Theres no skill in that.
The same goes for cars, some of the bigger Mercs i drive at work disconnect the driver so much that you wouldn’t know if you were driving on sheet ice or up the side of Everest.
Aprilia was the only make that could have persuaded me to change, and a few years ago I nearly swapped for an RSV Factory (I think that's what it's called), the one with Brembo, Akropovic, Ohlins etc. Very nearly, but didn't have the heart. The V4 factory looks the business. and the Tuono incarnation should be a hoot and a half. And the riding position should keep you this side of double the speed limit :D
Oh and those Diavels - looks like nothing else on the road, and something I'd love a go on. But for similar money you could buy a bog-basic Golf. Tough decision ;)
Pigmy Pony
14-06-2020, 17:57
Well I just won my Ebay bid for a rear wheel/tyre for the Blade. Got it for £100, though I was prepared to go to £150. Result! One step nearer to my next bike crash :eek:
InThe Sticks
14-06-2020, 19:36
Well I just won my Ebay bid for a rear wheel/tyre for the Blade. Got it for £100, though I was prepared to go to £150. Result! One step nearer to my next bike crash :eek:
Please don't say that, never tempt fate.
Great news on the wheel though, i bet you can't wait to get back on her (said the actress to the bishop).
Pigmy Pony
15-06-2020, 06:06
]Please don't say that, never tempt fate.[/B]
Great news on the wheel though, i bet you can't wait to get back on her (said the actress to the bishop).
Cheers Jon, and you're right, I shouldn't joke about such things. It's like when I started telling nuisance callers that I was dead to get them to stop calling, Mrs. P wasn't too pleased about that :( Being honest, I'm sure I'll be a bit apprehensive getting back on, it's been nearly two years.
Wheel should arrive by the weekend, in the meantime I'll get a new battery, then learn how to use this paddock stand I bought. Never used one before as my bikes of old always had centre stands. Then in theory she'll be a runner, though I won't be using it till it's 100%.
Wish me luck with the paddock stand!
InThe Sticks
15-06-2020, 09:34
The hardest thing about using a paddock stand is the confidence you’ll need the first few times you use it.
I absolutely guarantee you’ll panic a bit when the bike is wobbling about mid air before the stand is in position, but it’ll be just fine.
Are you using bobbins or just resting it on the swing arm?
Get a room, you two!;)
Marco.
Firebottle
15-06-2020, 11:56
Jealousy will get you nowhere..
HackneyRF
15-06-2020, 12:09
What's your experience with top box luggage? I've had some hepco and Becker on my bmwf800r , shite, so I'm going soft luggage. The hepco stuff was awful quality but other than that it made the bikes handling odd, even when empty, anybody's experience would be interesting, Jim
Hi Jim
I've been using Ventura luggage on my two most recent bikes. I rate them highly. Easy to get on and off. Can be easily expanded and can be used as rucksack.
Pigmy Pony
15-06-2020, 19:12
Get a room, you two!;)
Marco.
I've got one, but I prefer to call it the garage :)
Jon, I don't have bobbins, but did think about it. Do you think I should get some? Will they make the job easier? I don't mind if I do, but they'll need to be pretty, not just any old cack. I also need to get some new crash mushrooms to replace the Motrax "Top Block" that are on it now. I was thinking R&G which are about £60/pair.
InThe Sticks
15-06-2020, 20:46
I’ve got both of the below type of stands, but the second one is easier and less panic inducing than the first, and theres plenty of pretty anodized bobbins on Ebay for a tenner or less.
https://i.imgur.com/TJVe7MX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PmFi5vn.jpg
Pigmy Pony
15-06-2020, 21:15
Those stands look proper, and are no doubt better quality than the one I just bought, which is called an Oxford Products "Big Black Paddock Stand". It was only 40 quid, but was MCN recommended so hopefully good enough for what I need. I'll go on the Bay tomorrow and get some bobbins.
dave2010
18-06-2020, 15:12
I thought I’d avoid problems with batteries etc during the last few months, but either by accident or due to a fault, my Prius has been dragged off to be looked at. There was a problem with the starter battery, but was it that or some other issue?
With considerable effort I got the starter battery charged up again, so at least it was possible to open the doors, but it refused to start. I don’t know whether a fix is possible, or if it would be economic anyway. The only “solution” for the time being was to call up a breakdown truck, and have it taken back to the local (not so...) dealer. At least it clears our drive for another vehicle .....
I may know tomorrow, but one possibility is that what the Toyota people are calling “the hybrid battery” may have lost charge, and the not so local garage says that they’d need a “special tool” to charge it up again - a tool which they don’t have and will have to borrow, so even if it’s fixable it’s going to be at least a week to get it fixed. This sort of issue is enough to put one off hybrid or pure EVs.
When EVs or hybrids are working they’re really good, IMO, but when they go wrong they can be complete b*****ds.
Anyway, I’m praying that this isn’t going to be terminal, though my estimate is that it’s going to be a 50/50 decision. I was hoping to get at least another year out of it, though it has done 135000 miles.
I thought I’d avoid problems with batteries etc during the last few months, but either by accident or due to a fault, my Prius has been dragged off to be looked at. There was a problem with the starter battery, but was it that of some other issue?
With considerable effort I got the starter battery charged up again, so at least it was possible to open the doors, but it refused to start. I don’t know whether a fix is possible, or if it would be economic anyway. The only “solution” for the time being was to call up a breakdown truck, and have it taken back to the local (not so...) dealer. At least it clears our drive for another vehicle .....
I may know tomorrow, but one possibility is that what the Toyota people are calling “the hybrid battery” may have lost charge, and the not so local garage says that they’d need a “special tool” to charge it up again - a tool which they don’t have and will have to borrow, so even if it’s fixable it’s going to be at least a week to get it fixed. This sort of issue is enough to put one off hybrid or pure EVs.
When EVs or hybrids are working they’re really good, IMO, but when they go wrong they can be complete b*****ds.
Anyway, I’m praying that this isn’t going to be terminal, though my estimate is that it’s going to be a 50/50 decision. I was hoping to get at least another year out of it, though it has done 135000 miles.
not good Dave... my chr has went through 2 starter batteries in 6 months.. one recently and one in november.. both just collapsed down to 3/4 volts... wouldnt open doors etc... both replaced but the hybrid battery was ok and had plenty charge even tho it hadnt been used much. the batteries in toyotas at tiny so its possibly just that
walpurgis
18-06-2020, 15:24
Just get an old pre-turbo diesel VW Golf 1.9. It won't be worth much or go very fast, but it'll never go wrong! Saves faffing around with all this new fangled electrickery. :)
hifilover
19-06-2020, 11:00
Picked the perfect morning and weather to be under my car to fit a new OEM BMW undertray :doh: Even using my pals ramp I still got PWT with all the run off :scratch: :lol:
https://i.postimg.cc/VLpWQ3gX/undertray.jpg (https://postimg.cc/xcGzLpWd)
dave2010
21-06-2020, 09:23
not good Dave... my chr has went through 2 starter batteries in 6 months.. one recently and one in november.. both just collapsed down to 3/4 volts... wouldnt open doors etc... both replaced but the hybrid battery was ok and had plenty charge even tho it hadnt been used much. the batteries in toyotas at tiny so its possibly just that
I think from what I remember that your car is similar to mine, though not the same. I’ve had problems over the last year, but this lockdown period may have made things worse. The “starter” battery seems to be a weak link. I’ve been told by several recovery people that they often have to go out to help people in airport car parks, as the batteries don’t always hold enough charge for a modest holiday away. I didn’t know what an AGM battery was, but I looked them up. These are batteries for start stop operation. I also noted during the last year a worsening of the petrol consumption - and this may also be an indicator of a poor battery. Apparently, if the battery is not good, hybrid cars put more effort into charging the battery up, and since the battery doesn’t hold charge well, consumption increases.
I think from what I remember that your car is similar to mine, though not the same. I’ve had problems over the last year, but this lockdown period may have made things worse. The “starter” battery seems to be a weak link. I’ve been told by several recovery people that they often have to go out to help people in airport car parks, as the batteries don’t always hold enough charge for a modest holiday away. I didn’t know what an AGM battery was, but I looked them up. These are batteries for start stop operation. I also noted during the last year a worsening of the petrol consumption - and this may also be an indicator of a poor battery. Apparently, if the battery is not good, hybrid cars put more effort into charging the battery up, and since the battery doesn’t hold charge well, consumption increases.
think some of the tech is same or similar to the current one, which in many ways hasnt changed much from your generation.
Those stands look proper, and are no doubt better quality than the one I just bought, which is called an Oxford Products "Big Black Paddock Stand". It was only 40 quid, but was MCN recommended so hopefully good enough for what I need. I'll go on the Bay tomorrow and get some bobbins.
An Abba stand is much better than a normal paddock stand.
Pigmy Pony
21-06-2020, 16:11
Originality is the key to value, thats for sure.
I sold my track car to a guy with a S2 Escort RS turbo which he spent years modifying, he’s now undoing all that work to get it back to stock and doubling its value.
Yes, that was mine before the ZX10R i have now, but that will be going soon in favour of a Tuono V4 factory or a Superduke 1290 SE. I’m just waiting for the world to stop burning before dishing out £10K or so.
If i’m honest the 10R is too much for me now, its great on a track but not ideally suited for road use or my knackered knees. I mean having a bike that does 104mph in first gear is fun, but not really necessary.
The pic i posted above was at a time when my work colleague had (still has) a RR3 and it felt like i was sitting in it as opposed to being perched on top, and way more comfortable.
And you’re right about the steering damper and the extra speed and confidence.
Yes, bikes need to be safe, but when you’ve got ABS, traction control etc etc then imo you’re disconnecting the rider from whats actually going on. I’ve done many track days where people are on WOT round corners and are practically drifting the bike. Theres no skill in that.
The same goes for cars, some of the bigger Mercs i drive at work disconnect the driver so much that you wouldn’t know if you were driving on sheet ice or up the side of Everest.
Jon, I called at a newly-opened motorcycle accessories shop in Leyland this afternoon, and one of the staff had a V4 Tuono. He'd taken it for a rag round the lake district yesterday (lucky Cumbria residents :eek:). That would have been good fun and the bike looked great from every angle.
The shop is called Think Bike Gear, they have been selling online for some time, and their prices are pretty good - My paddock stand was £39 (£49 is the usual price, also I've ordered a pair of R&G crash mushrooms for £52 (£62 everywhere else I've looked), and as soon as they come in he's going to drop them off at my house. That's not bad service. I wish them well :)
InThe Sticks
21-06-2020, 16:45
Indeed, you can't ask for better service than that.
And good choice on the R&G's, they are a quality item.
InThe Sticks
21-06-2020, 16:47
I you want to keep the aux battery on a Toyota Hybrid topped up, start the car and turn on everything electrical you can, i.e lights, ac, radio etc etc and leave it running for a short while. That will charge the aux battery in no time.
If the hybrid battery goes completely flat (which only usually happens when the petrol runs out then the battery takes over until it fully drains) then a special charger is required.
In all the years i worked as a tech for Toyota/Lexus dealer i only saw this happen once, and thats because a salesman didn’t quite make it to a fuel station. We had to get the charger direct from Toyota as we didn’t keep one on site.
I've been giving mine a run of about 12 miles a week to top it up. Been using sport mode to try and keep engine on as much as poss
With the minimal amount of use my car has been getting during the lockdown I invested in a Gunson 77108 Solar Battery charger from Amazon to keep the battery charged up to a good level on my 2011 Skoda Fabia VRS 1.4 tsi Twincharger. Direct sunlight gives it an output of around 300 milliamps, even overcast weather produces about 80-100 milliamps. Conveniently the 12v socket in the car is unswitched and is live to the battery all the time so I just plug the charger in and unfold the 2 solar panels and stick it on top of the dashboard, an LED lights up to confirm it's charging, best £30 I've ever spent.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200621/93335d9c933b99ec8f557e3e7c9b3d7f.jpg
dave2010
21-06-2020, 21:30
I you want to keep the aux battery on a Toyota Hybrid topped up, start the car and turn on everything electrical you can, i.e lights, ac, radio etc etc and leave it running for a short while. That will charge the aux battery in no time.
If the hybrid battery goes completely flat (which only usually happens when the petrol runs out then the battery takes over until it fully drains) then a special charger is required.
In all the years i worked as a tech for Toyota/Lexus dealer i only saw this happen once, and thats because a salesman didn’t quite make it to a fuel station. We had to get the charger direct from Toyota as we didn’t keep one on site.I'm curious as to why turning all the electrics ON should cause the aux battery to charge up. Is it because otherwise the petrol motor just won't start - so this fools it?
If that's the case, I wish I'd known about this earlier.
Also, is the aux battery charged from the hybrid battery, if it starts to go flat - up to the point when the hybrid battery itself is drained? It would have been useful to know all this before too.
I'm still hoping my car isn't terminally afflicted. I may find out tomorrow.
The alternator runs the stuff so it will be full on if you have a lot of stuff on I guess
InThe Sticks
22-06-2020, 06:00
First off, the aux battery is just that. All it does is power up the ECU’s to start the car (as well as power the other electrics).
The Hybrid battery actually spins the engine as it were, but it doesn’t use a conventional starter motor and neither does it have a traditional alternator (the MG’s or motor generators do that job).
When you put the lights etc on, the aux battery will drain quickly, so the petrol engine starts which in turn charges both batteries.
As i said previously, its extremely rare for the hybrid battery to fully discharge unless its faulty.
If you're worrried, get a Toyota dealer to do a "hybrid health check", it takes minutes and is cheap.
When i worked at a dealer we had to do one for every car that had a service, without fail. And i never encountered a faulty one.
And, if you use the method i mentioned to charge the aux battery, make sure the car is in park and not neutral as being in N will prevent the engine from starting and therefore charging the batteries.
This was a very common problem with customers who sat in their cars listening to the radio with it in N instead of P whilst waiting for their wife’s to pop to the shops or whatever. That will drain an aux battery in minutes.
walpurgis
22-06-2020, 06:32
I think you may all have been conned into thinking new is best and that electric or hybrid is the way to go.
With all the driving about to keep batteries charged in hybrids, you're likely using as much or more fuel as a conventional car and there are the potentially huge associated costs, with things like replacement battery prices and main dealer only servicing. And you'll find yourself pressured into replacing the car every few years as the warranty end approaches. Depreciation seems significant with older hybrids.
I'll stick with a conventional, simple, petrol car thanks. Mine does the best part of seventy MPG and not having driven much since early March, due to the obvious, I still have half a tank of juice left, so I've used a mere fifteen quid's worth in four months and the tiny battery never goes flat. I pay no road tax either. The guarantee ran out a couple of years ago, but with only 22k on the clock, I'm not anticipating problems.
dave2010
22-06-2020, 16:29
I think you may all have been conned into thinking new is best and that electric or hybrid is the way to go.
With all the driving about to keep batteries charged in hybrids, you're likely using as much or more fuel as a conventional car and there are the potentially huge associated costs, with things like replacement battery prices and main dealer only servicing. And you'll find yourself pressured into replacing the car every few years as the warranty end approaches. Depreciation seems significant with older hybrids.
I'll stick with a conventional, simple, petrol car thanks. Mine does the best part of seventy MPG and not having driven much since early March, due to the obvious, I still have half a tank of juice left, so I've used a mere fifteen quid's worth in four months and the tiny battery never goes flat. I pay no road tax either. The guarantee ran out a couple of years ago, but with only 22k on the clock, I'm not anticipating problems.I'd say that there isn't necessarily anything wrong with EVs or hybrids, but it does depend on one's requirements. For some people, despite concerns about emissions, diesels may still be the best option. To some extent there is always a significant capital depreciation loss on any new vehicle, petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV - or even hydrogen based. New vehicles are usually only bought by people who can really afford them, or see a benefit in having one, either with a replacement strategy every few years, or running them into the ground.
Other people always buy second hand cars, either from dealers, or from private sellers. We have had most types of cars - with the exception of diesels. We now also have a new Renault Zoe EV, which for our immediate purposes seems very good. We have had five brand new (or effectively brand new) cars, and and over a long period I've just about lost track of all the other cars we've had - some of which were very cheap and didn't last long - probably at least ten others - some bought from dealers, but several bought from private sellers.
I am still hoping that my hybrid Prius does not have a terminal malaise, but it's not been checked yet. I also have an order for another EV, which has been put on hold for a while, due to difficulties arising from the Covid 19 pandemic.
Most hybrid cars will now completely outclass petrol driven cars regarding fuel consumption.
Few non hybrid petrol cars will do 70 mpg, so your car must be a good 'un.
walpurgis
25-06-2020, 13:09
Oh dear.
https://www.itv.com/news/2020-06-25/supercar-wrecked-in-motorway-crash-20-minutes-into-first-trip/
That is sad, though even if the Lambo broke down, the van that hit her from behind will be at fault so it won't quite be as bas as they try to make it sound... "The owner of a brand new Lamborghini has been left counting the cost"
Pigmy Pony
26-06-2020, 06:08
Serves him right for trying to race with white van man. Those guys don't hang about :doh:
Pigmy Pony
26-06-2020, 06:27
The rest of the bits for my 'Blade should arrive today, so I'll set to on Sunday cobbling it together. Then all I need is a battery to have it up and running. And the fairing lower to deal with. Blackpool Honda quoted me a price of 400 and something + VAT :eek: for a genuine replacement in the right colours, and it wouldn't land till about October, so I need to see if I can get a good repair job done fingers crossed. The damage isn't bad, just a bit scraped in a small area.
InThe Sticks
29-06-2020, 19:29
KTM Superduke 1290R SE.
Going to see this on Saturday with a view to buy if i can get a good deal.
1301cc V-Twin, 180bhp, 0-60 in 2.6 and weighs in at 190KG, what could possibly go wrong!
Pics of actual bike..
https://i.imgur.com/QnlITPF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mWp3QDg.jpg
InThe Sticks
29-06-2020, 19:32
The rest of the bits for my 'Blade should arrive today, so I'll set to on Sunday cobbling it together. Then all I need is a battery to have it up and running. And the fairing lower to deal with. Blackpool Honda quoted me a price of 400 and something + VAT :eek: for a genuine replacement in the right colours, and it wouldn't land till about October, so I need to see if I can get a good repair job done fingers crossed. The damage isn't bad, just a bit scraped in a small area.
Any further on with the bike?
Pigmy Pony
30-06-2020, 06:27
Any further on with the bike?
The rest of the bits finally landed Saturday morning, so my plan was to put it together Sunday. Unfortunately the weather had other plans (never stopped all day), and the garage is too full of other folks' crap. So now I gotta wait till next Sunday :(
I'll be getting my mate round to assist me, as I'm a bit scared of that paddock stand, even though I now also have the bobbins and frame forks. We always used to work together on our bikes, so maybe it'll fire him up to get another one ;)
Hopefully it'll then be rideable, and I can get it to Fastline for an MOT and talk to them about repairing the fairing lower. Because £525 for a new one is taking the piss a bit.
Have fun with the KTM, that is some beast. 190bhp? :eek: And they have finally grown into their looks :)
InThe Sticks
30-06-2020, 18:22
Good news, you should be getting excited!
As for the damaged fairing, it's worth finding a "smart repairer" as good ones can do wonders with small paint corrections or plastic repairs.
My RGV250 headlight cowling and main fairing were cracked pretty badly and the guy i used at the time to do smart repairs on our used cars, not only plastic welded them but sprayed them as well. You’d never know they were damaged in the first place.
Pigmy Pony
30-06-2020, 18:34
Thanks for the heads up Jon.
Fastline Motorcycles in Preston probably have such a person on their books - they do sell a lot of restored early-ish Jap bikes, like RD350s, Kawasaki triples, Suzuki Gammas etc. They even have a low miles Honda NR750 (remember them?) oval piston jobbies, which they were selling for £110,000, then decided to keep it :eek: I'll have a word with them.
InThe Sticks
30-06-2020, 19:38
Cool, it'll do you no end of good to be back in the saddle :D
So, i called up to place a deposit (without viewing) on the 1290R SE i posted yesterday and it had been sold, but fortunately there was another for sale locally, and after a bit of haggling i placed a £500 deposit on the beast and i pick it up this Saturday.
I am almost peeing my pants with excitement :eyebrows:
The actual bike..
https://i.imgur.com/rIkQDBn.jpg
Yes, it’s a lot for a toy, but if we don’t start spending, then our country will never get back on its feet!
RobbieGong
30-06-2020, 21:40
Cool, it'll do you no end of good to be back in the saddle :D
So, i called up to place a deposit (without viewing) on the 1290R SE i posted yesterday and it had been sold, but fortunately there was another for sale locally, and after a bit of haggling i placed a £500 deposit on the beast and i pick it up this Saturday.
I am almost peeing my pants with excitement :eyebrows:
The actual bike..
https://i.imgur.com/rIkQDBn.jpg
Yes, it’s a lot for a toy, but if we don’t start spending, then our country will never get back on its feet!
Lol, well pleased for you Jon, you're gonna feel sweet riding that, just be safe and watch out for the idiots :)
Pigmy Pony
01-07-2020, 06:34
I assume 1290 is the cc's it's gonna be a bit of a torque-monster. All going through a contact patch the size of a fag packet! Have fun, I know you will :)
Firebottle
01-07-2020, 07:39
Amazing looking bike, enjoy.
It makes my sport seem safe as at least I have 24 square metres of wing keeping me aloft and only 20 HP on tap :eyebrows:
walpurgis
01-07-2020, 15:46
Looks great! New 'Land Rover' that's not a Land Rover.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-8476199/Jim-Ratcliffes-Ineos-Grenadier-4X4-revealed.html
I'm predicting he won't be able to make them fast enough.
liked my old land rover mk2...
Pigmy Pony
01-07-2020, 19:52
Amazing looking bike, enjoy.
It makes my sport seem safe as at least I have 24 square metres of wing keeping me aloft and only 20 HP on tap :eyebrows:
But then bikers only have a metre of empty space between them and the ground, not half a mile or so :)
Pigmy Pony
01-07-2020, 20:00
Looks great! New 'Land Rover' that's not a Land Rover.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-8476199/Jim-Ratcliffes-Ineos-Grenadier-4X4-revealed.html
I'm predicting he won't be able to make them fast enough.
I quite like that, it looks purposeful. Good luck to him. Unlike James Dyson - he was never gonna 'clean up' with a hoover that shape.
I get why folks like 'Landies', but just they've never been for me, unless I lived right out in the sticks and needed something like that to reach civilisation in severe weather conditions. No... I like being LOW DOWN on the road [to get a greater sensation of speed], not high up!
Plus, I hate soft suspensions and/or big thick rubbery tyres, to 'wallow about' in - give me a nice 'stiff one' anytime:D [down Piggurs], combined with the least amount of profile rubber on the road as possible!!:exactly:
Oh, and enjoy the new bike, Jon. It's not my thing (as you know), but no doubt you'll love it and have lots of fun on it, and that's what it's all about. So enjoy and stay safe!:cool:
Marco.
InThe Sticks
04-07-2020, 18:23
Picked it up this morning and..
Holy fucking shitballs, she’s a bit lively!
Although hardly surprising as its got enough torque from the 1301cc V-Twin motor to reverse the spin of our planet.
The previous owner has fitted protection film over pretty much everything, so hopefully it should stay looking good for a while.
First job is to get rid of the cat and fit a power commander so i can map the thing.
It’s 931.8bhp per tonne at present and i fully intend to hit the 1000bhp figure.
Then i’ll ditch those horrid Dunlops and fit some Rosso Corsa’s so i can get my knee down without fear.
Pics..
Tony (mightymonoped) will know where this pic was taken..
https://i.imgur.com/EpvkNGV.jpg
High grade titanium and carbon Akra zorst..
https://i.imgur.com/q6cwE8G.jpg
Immense stopping power and handling courtesy of Brembo and WP suspension..
https://i.imgur.com/fUDBtWL.jpg
Unquestionably the best bike i’ve owned!
My ZX10R is now sulking in the garden and will soon be listed on eBay.
https://i.imgur.com/R7pR00e.jpg
Today was a mighty good day :D
Awesome - I can almost *feel* your excitement!:D Das wossit all about...
But excuse me, as a 'heathen', why orange?:eek::doh::eyebrows:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
04-07-2020, 22:54
Cos it's KTM innit? Orange is their thing, like green for Kawasaki. Looks awesome, and has all the good bits on it :)
Ah gotcha - I did say I was a heathen! But I get the green thing with Kawasaki:)
"Looks awesome" of course is in the eye of the beholder, and subjective, but regardless it's no doubt an awesome bike, if you love and can relate to its awesomeness...
My "awesome" [purely looks-wise] is somewhat different: https://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classic/thruxton-rs
;)
Marco.
We had a Smart car recovered in to us today that had apparently hit a pothole.
I think it was more of a sink hole to do that much damage..
https://i.imgur.com/mIIFwTh.jpg
Must have gone for a Drive in California, pot holes are both large and abundant here and cracked rims are the norm.
My "awesome" [purely looks-wise] is somewhat different: https://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classic/thruxton-rs
;)
https://youtu.be/PNDhNCNOwHI
Oh yeah.....
Marco.
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/06/30/21/30237380-8476199-Grenadier_guns_for_the_void_left_by_Land_Rover_Thi s_is_the_first-a-26_1593548499931.jpg
Now that does look as though it has been designed with a lot more common sense than the Land Rover. It's more purposful and practical looking.
Delighted to know Dyson has abandoned his attempt - all his designs are overpriced. And he moved all production to the Far East so as to make even more money for himself.
WullieD20
05-07-2020, 11:58
Now that does look as though it has been designed with a lot more common sense than the Land Rover. It's more purposful and practical looking.
Delighted to know Dyson has abandoned his attempt - all his designs are overpriced. And he moved all production to the Far East so as to make even more money for himself.
BUT.... can it be fixed in the outback with a 2lb hammer and an adjustable spanner, or do we have to have a laptop with us too???? . . :D
Pigmy Pony
05-07-2020, 17:20
My mate tells me that his lorry can "talk" to some place in Germany where diagnostics can be carried out remotely, giving a heads up to the called-out repair guy.
He also says that if he attempted repairs himself with a 2lb lump hammer, the lorry is programmed to spontaneously start, drive over him then reverse back over his body. I don't know how much of this is true...
Another friend has just taken delivery of a Chevrolet truck, from the 70's I think, it's as wide as a bus, column change with a huge bench seat and left hand drive. It looks a bit rusty but he calls it "patina". Just a piffling 3.5 litre engine, but it sounds great. He got sick of his outgoing Nissan truck breaking down in ways he can't comprehend. He's now on the lookout for a John Deere cap and a rack to hang his rifle in the back window :) And he's starting line dancing classes, as soon as the social distancing rules go down to 0.5 metres, or 20" in American money.
dave2010
11-07-2020, 06:10
Sad today - looks like my Prius had a terminal illness after all.
Not worth fixing. Still, it did do 135,000 miles, though one concern is that the failure appears to be due to the hybrid battery. New hybrids and even pure electric cars may still have similar failures, though Elon Musk is claiming that he'll get batteries with a million mile lifetime. I don't think my own life is going to last long enough for me to do a million miles, though I might survive long enough to see out one more car - assuming they are not built to last!
Sad today - looks like my Prius had a terminal illness after all.
Not worth fixing. Still, it did do 135,000 miles, though one concern is that the failure appears to be due to the hybrid battery. New hybrids and even pure electric cars may still have similar failures, though Elon Musk is claiming that he'll get batteries with a million mile lifetime. I don't think my own life is going to last long enough for me to do a million miles, though I might survive long enough to see out one more car - assuming they are not built to last!
sad dave.. still no cars last forever, its usually the underside that rusts away in this country with all the salt they use... although we seem to be using less what with climate change.. i will only have mine for another year and 5 months... it will be returned by looks of it barely broken in..:lol:
walpurgis
11-07-2020, 07:13
Sad today - looks like my Prius had a terminal illness after all.
Not worth fixing. Still, it did do 135,000 miles, though one concern is that the failure appears to be due to the hybrid battery. New hybrids and even pure electric cars may still have similar failures, though Elon Musk is claiming that he'll get batteries with a million mile lifetime. I don't think my own life is going to last long enough for me to do a million miles, though I might survive long enough to see out one more car - assuming they are not built to last!
At that mileage, it's less than halfway through its expected life. You can get used battery packs from ebay at sane prices that are guaranteed to be OK.
mine has only done 3,050 lol:doh:
InThe Sticks
11-07-2020, 08:34
Sad today - looks like my Prius had a terminal illness after all.
Not worth fixing. Still, it did do 135,000 miles, though one concern is that the failure appears to be due to the hybrid battery.
Do you have a diagnostic report stating that? I'd like to see it.
How's the new bike doing, Jonny-boy?:D
Marco.
InThe Sticks
11-07-2020, 08:53
In two words, “dangerously fast”
In fact i’m now off for a hoon and to purchase a new suitably coloured crash hat.
What about some waterproof undies?:eyebrows:
Yeah, that thing will be just stupidly quick.... Have you burned off any Ferraris at the lights yet?:D
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
11-07-2020, 14:20
What about some waterproof undies?:eyebrows:
Yeah, that thing will be just stupidly quick.... Have you burned off any Ferraris at the lights yet?:D
Marco.
Thing is, the power to weight ratio of jon's bike would make any Ferrari look agricultural, but the problem is (a) that all that power is trying to get to the tarmac via one patch of rubber no bigger than a beer mat, and (b) trying to keep the front end from going airborne. Apart from that, there's no car this side of a dragster or F1 which would have a chance :)
never understood the speed being the b all.. i prefer safety first, comfort second, speed third:lol:
Pigmy Pony
11-07-2020, 14:26
Sad today - looks like my Prius had a terminal illness after all.
Not worth fixing. Still, it did do 135,000 miles, though one concern is that the failure appears to be due to the hybrid battery. New hybrids and even pure electric cars may still have similar failures, though Elon Musk is claiming that he'll get batteries with a million mile lifetime. I don't think my own life is going to last long enough for me to do a million miles, though I might survive long enough to see out one more car - assuming they are not built to last!
A car with a shelf life of 135,000 miles, I don't think that's good enough. Our diesel Civic is almost exactly the same mileage and runs pretty much the same as it ever did. I'd be inclined to get a second opinion Dave.
typical lifespans are 5 to 10 years on the battery. The slower your mileage goes up the longer the battery will last. Newer batteries are getting better longevity wise tho.. at moment an average good one is about 150k
Pigmy Pony
11-07-2020, 14:54
On the face of it that sounds ok, but not if it means 'uneconomical repair'. No one's going to buy a dead car off you, so, your next purchase is starting from scratch :( I don't see us touching one, unless it was a lease or Motability, then I'd be ok with it.
Thing is, the power to weight ratio of jon's bike would make any Ferrari look agricultural, but the problem is (a) that all that power is trying to get to the tarmac via one patch of rubber no bigger than a beer mat, and (b) trying to keep the front end from going airborne. Apart from that, there's no car this side of a dragster or F1 which would have a chance :)
Yeah, exactly my thoughts... Still fun to try though, as some 'posh'/supercar owners can be right smug, arrogant bastards, and so something like Jon's bike would be perfect for truly embarrassing them!!:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
never understood the speed being the b all.. i prefer safety first, comfort second, speed third:lol:
Dat's cos you're a boring bassa!:ner:
You'd experience all three though in the Brabster - once you're in the seat, that is.... Oh, and you'd still have to get out of it again!:D
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
11-07-2020, 15:02
never understood the speed being the b all.. i prefer safety first, comfort second, speed third:lol:
I suppose it's to do with a "thrill-seeking personality", hence white knuckle rides, base jumping, etc. Some folk like things the way they are, some are always going to want more.
For me, three letters sum it up: F-U-N!:D
Plus, if you *really* enjoy driving nice (fun/sporty) cars, then taking them to their limits, in terms of handling and speed, is a natural desire:)
Marco.
I suppose it's to do with a "thrill-seeking personality", hence white knuckle rides, base jumping, etc. Some folk like things the way they are, some are always going to want more.
when young these risks are maybe an idea as your invincible, and when very old thrills are great as youve little to lose...in between its a wise man who reins in that destructive side, especially if you have family
What about when you're a 54-year old [but look 10 years younger] Italian/Scottish daftee, with the mental age of 25 and an insatiable penchant for stupidness?:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
11-07-2020, 17:18
What about when you're a 54-year old [but look 10 years younger] Italian/Scottish daftee, with the mental age of 25 and an insatiable penchant for stupidness?:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
Only one "course" of treatment comes to mind, it's called Nurburgring. That should knock it out of you, even if you don't end up binning the Brabster :doh: Unless you've already done it in which case there's no cure. Has anybody on here been on it, and how did you go on?
I remember a "Top Gear" programme a few years ago, where Clarkson was well chuffed that he got a sub-eleven minute lap in a jag, till Sabine Schmidt told him "I could do that in a van!" And she did.
What about when you're a 54-year old [but look 10 years younger] Italian/Scottish daftee, with the mental age of a 25-year old, and an insatiable penchant for stupidness?:D:eyebrows:
Marco.You've no kids so it's more acceptable to take risks if you want, and your a lot safer in a merc than a bike doing high speeds.
I like driving fast too but generally don't now as I've responsibilities, or had.. Now I just can't be arsed
InThe Sticks
11-07-2020, 18:31
Long post alert!
Thing is, the power to weight ratio of jon's bike would make any Ferrari look agricultural, but the problem is (a) that all that power is trying to get to the tarmac via one patch of rubber no bigger than a beer mat, and (b) trying to keep the front end from going airborne. Apart from that, there's no car this side of a dragster or F1 which would have a chance :)
True, but..
With the bike in sports mode with the traction control on, it’s impossible to loop it as it reins it in whilst still giving near on max power. Turning the TC off and trying to launch the thing is a whole new ball game, and quite an arse clenching experience.
It’ll either wheel spin or try to flip over backwards or wheel spin and try to flip over backwards at the same time.
Fun as fuck though :)
I am now converted when it comes rider aids on a bike.
Have you burned off any Ferraris at the lights yet?:D
Marco.
I can honestly say that i really don’t know why car drivers try to race bikes, it’s just pointless unless it’s something exotic and outrageously expensive/fast.
That said, last week some prat in a wrapped bright orange M4 was about an inch from my rear wheel on an A road and clearly wanted to prove something, so as usual i just slowed down and gave him the finger so hopefully he’d back off.
He didn’t, so i pulled over and he gave it full beans past me, then the red mist descended and after a few seconds he was a spec in my mirrors.
I then slowed down to turn off and he didn’t even look at me as he passed. That was very satisfying.
Like i said, it’s just pointless.
Anyhoo..
Went to J&S bike store to collect my new skid lid and there were 2 KTM’s parked outside, and a minute after taking this pic another 2 rolled up.
I thought i’d bought quite an exclusive bike, but it turns out they’re as common as muck..
https://i.imgur.com/vGVWlz3.jpg
All in all i did 150 miles today in supreme comfort (i couldn’t do that on my ZX10R or RGV250) and was pleasantly surprised at the MPG..
When i say supreme comfort, that was after i’d relocated my arms back into their sockets.
https://i.imgur.com/aHV6nHp.jpg
And finally fitted some crash bobbins and gave the thing a proper clean.
Today was a fun day :D
https://i.imgur.com/fbYqB4Y.jpg
The old wash house behind the bike is being converted into a mini garage/workshop for my bikes and will have a proper bike lift installed and a mini bar if i’ve got the room.
never understood the speed being the b all.. i prefer safety first, comfort second, speed third
I’ve always lived my driving/riding/racing life as per these James Hunt quotes..
“The closer you are to death the more alive you feel”
“My first priority is to finish above rather than beneath the ground”
Famous last words, but it’s done me no harm so far :cool:
Only one "course" of treatment comes to mind, it's called Nurburgring. That should knock it out of you, even if you don't end up binning the Brabster :doh: Unless you've already done it in which case there's no cure. Has anybody on here been on it, and how did you go on?
I remember a "Top Gear" programme a few years ago, where Clarkson was well chuffed that he got a sub-eleven minute lap in a jag, till Sabine Schmidt told him "I could do that in a van!" And she did.
No I've not been, but I'd love to try it. TBH, I'm pretty fearless behind a wheel, so nothing really phases me, therefore I'll give anything a go!
Clarkson's not a fast driver - he might *think* he is, but he's a pussy, and a past-it one at that! Sabine, however, is the real deal and has nerves of steel... Well, after all, she's German!:eyebrows:
Marco.
You've no kids so it's more acceptable to take risks if you want, and your a lot safer in a merc than a bike doing high speeds.
I like driving fast too but generally don't now as I've responsibilities, or had.. Now I just can't be arsed
Lol... Don't get me wrong, I'll only take very calculated risks, and only in the right conditions.
I have a golden rule (especially when I have passengers in the car) when doing something potentially risky/making a manoeuvre at high speed, and it's that I need to be 100% sure I'll make it to safety [using carefully judged risk-taking assessment criteria] - ANYTHING less, even 99%, and I won't do it, simples!
If I drive fast, then I'll do so as SAFELY as possible - I ain't no maniac!:nono: And as you say, a Merc's pretty safe at speed, especially the Brabster, as everything about it, from the tyres, brakes and suspension up, has been designed to match the power of the engine, and I *know* the car's capabilities, and most importantly its.limitations:)
Marco.
InThe Sticks
11-07-2020, 20:19
No I've not been, but I'd love to try it. TBH, I'm pretty fearless behind a wheel, so nothing really phases me, therefore I'll give anything a go!
Clarkson's not a fast driver - he might *think* he is, but he's a pussy, and a past-it one at that! Sabine, however, is the real deal and has nerves of steel... Well, after all, she's German!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Thats what i thought when i visited the “green hell”.
It’s fair to say that i’m a reasonably competent driver/rider having had top tier tuition and have done more laps of various tracks than i can remember, but..
the “Ring”was an assault on the senses for sure.
Try taking the Carousel at speed when you’ve got bikers knee down either side of you.
It’s not so easy to be fearless in that situation. And to be honest i was probably the worst driver/rider on that toll road at the time. Basically it scared the shit out of me.
And Marco, i’m going to pull you up on the Clarkson comment.
Back in the early 2000’s i was at Milbrook proving ground with Audi testing the A/S8 and the competitors models and Clarkson was titting around on the alpine circuit, and trust me, he can drive, and very very well indeed.
As for Sabine, a few of us were having a beer after a few laps of the ring and sew people getting out of her “ring taxi” and looking as white as a ghost.
I’ll tell you what, if you can get round the ring in less than 10 minutes in your oil burner, i’ll sign over everything i own to you :D
Thats what i thought when i visited the “green hell”.
It’s fair to say that i’m a reasonably competent driver/rider having had top tier tuition and have done more laps of various tracks than i can remember, but..
the “Ring”was an assault on the senses for sure.
Try taking the Carousel at speed when you’ve got bikers knee down either side of you.
It’s not so easy to be fearless in that situation. And to be honest i was probably the worst driver/rider on that toll road at the time. Basically it scared the shit out of me.
Interesting... I can't argue, as I haven't done it, but I'm sure you're right and that it's not for the fainthearted... I do love a challenge, though!:eyebrows:;)
And Marco, i’m going to pull you up on the Clarkson comment.
Back in the early 2000’s i was at Milbrook proving ground with Audi testing the A/S8 and the competitors models and Clarkson was titting around on the alpine circuit, and trust me, he can drive, and very very well indeed.
Fair enough, I'll take your word for it, but that's not the impression he gives me. I'll still take Sabine any day, if I had to bet on who of them would be fastest around a track!
I’ll tell you what, if you can get round the ring in less than 10 minutes in your oil burner, i’ll sign over everything i own to you :D
Lol, love it... I take it then, from your reference to "oil burner", that you're not a fan of big turbo V6 diesels? Strangely, that seems to be common among some 'petrol heads', and I've never understood their bias :hmm:
I love BOTH - powerful petrol AND diesel engines, but what I LOVE about the latter is the TORQUE factor and overall 'effortlessness', which IME equivalent-sized petrol engines just don't produce to the same degree.
When I kick down hard on the Brabster's accelerator pedal, the sheer visceral SHOVE you get in your back, with a total absence of 'lag' from the turbo, as the power kicks in (which the engine has been specialist mapped to do, combined with a DPF and EGR delete), is completely unequalled in any 3.5L petrol saloon car I've driven.
Granted, however, you can get a nicer noise (engine note) from the bespoke exhaust system of a performance petrol engine, and that's cool, but the DEEP GROWL that the Brabster makes from tis one is none too shabby! Oh, and if a bit of burnt oil bothers you, well you know what they say... NO SMOKE, NO POKE!!:ner::D
;)
Marco.
walpurgis
11-07-2020, 22:38
I love BOTH - powerful petrol AND diesel engines, but what I LOVE about the latter is the TORQUE factor and overall 'effortlessness', which IME equivalent-sized petrol engines just don't produce to the same degree.
Marco.
I'd go along with that.
The most obvious thing to me is the flexibility diesels offer, willing torque from low revs is appealing. There again with a decent petrol motor, a kick in the back when you hit the power band is fun.
Of course electric cars have the potential to outdo that, instant torque from zero revs! :)
Pigmy Pony
12-07-2020, 07:09
I love BOTH - powerful petrol AND diesel engines, but what I LOVE about the latter is the TORQUE factor and overall 'effortlessness', which IME equivalent-sized petrol engines just don't produce to the same degree.
I'd go along with that - similar with our little Civic, though on a MUCH smaller scale. Better than petrol for lazy overtakes imo, and maybe that's partly why petrol-heads poo-poo diesels. Petrol cars power characteristics demand more driver input - be in the right gear at the right speed at the right time - but the driver's efforts will be rewarded in spades. Just my opinion of course, and I'm happy to be corrected :)
For the kind of driving we'd prefer, loping along along A-roads at a decent lick, and some effortless overtaking, diesels probably better for us, but for seat-of your-pants balls-out driving experience, well... I wonder which Sabine uses for her "taxi", petrol or diesel?
Jon, the 'Ring has long been a fascination, and my hats off to you for taking it on, but no way would I have the nerve for that :eek: be bad enough if you had the track to yourself, but with riders/drivers both sides of you, no thanks! I'll get one of those stickers that looks like it says Nurburgring, but actually says "Neverbeen" :)
A banana sticker would do. The man from Del Monte, he say no bloody chance
Pigmy Pony
12-07-2020, 07:44
A banana sticker would do. The man from Del Monte, he say no bloody chance
:D If Miss Daisy wants to be driven round the 'Ring' (no Marco that's not what I mean), then I'm her man :)
Ali Tait
12-07-2020, 08:38
Interesting... I can't argue, as I haven't done it, but I'm sure you're right and that it's not for the fainthearted... I do love a challenge, though!:eyebrows:;)
Fair enough, I'll take your word for it, but that's not the impression he gives me. I'll still take Sabine any day, if I had to bet on who of them would be fastest around a track!
Lol, love it... I take it then, from your reference to "oil burner", that you're not a fan of big turbo V6 diesels? Strangely, that seems to be common among some 'petrol heads', and I've never understood their bias :hmm:
I love BOTH - powerful petrol AND diesel engines, but what I LOVE about the latter is the TORQUE factor and overall 'effortlessness', which IME equivalent-sized petrol engines just don't produce to the same degree.
When I kick down hard on the Brabster's accelerator pedal, the sheer visceral SHOVE you get in your back, with a total absence of 'lag' from the turbo, as the power kicks in (which the engine has been specialist mapped to do, combined with a DPF and EGR delete), is completely unequalled in any 3.5L petrol saloon car I've driven.
Granted, however, you can get a nicer noise (engine note) from the bespoke exhaust system of a performance petrol engine, and that's cool, but the DEEP GROWL that the Brabster makes from tis one is none too shabby! Oh, and if a bit of burnt oil bothers you, well you know what they say... NO SMOKE, NO POKE!!:ner::D
;)
Marco.
I tend to agree. I’ve had V6 Alfa’s which just sounded glorious, but the 535d is just a wall of torque in every one of its eight gears. I’ve had 52mpg indicated with the cruise on at 60, quite a feat for a car of its power imo.
A banana sticker would do. The man from Del Monte, he say no bloody chance
On four wheels I'm up for pretty much anything... On two, I used to be, but no longer have the nerve for anything daft!
Marco.
I tend to agree. I’ve had V6 Alfa’s which just sounded glorious, but the 535d is just a wall of torque in every one of its eight gears. I’ve had 52mpg indicated with the cruise on at 60, quite a feat for a car of its power imo.
Yeah, I think Piggurs nailed it earlier, in terms of it being down to the type of driving you do. Another MAJOR factor for me, which you've just touched upon, is fuel consumption. What folks have to bear in mind is that the main reason the Brabster was bought was to be used as a 'GT'/long distance tourer, for going in to France and Italy.
Last year when I took the car to Italy, we did nearly 4000 miles, there and back, and averaged the type of fuel consumption you've just mentioned - and that was expensive enough! Can you imagine though how much the fuel bill would've been with a similarly sized petrol-engined car??:eek:
And you need a big, comfy car with an 'effortless' engine when doing that type of mileage, plus the torque factor is a massive bonus when you're climbing up the Alps on narrow roads with very steep gradients and hairpin bends!
I was overtaking very slow-moving arctics with trailers, just after taking such bends, on tiny stretches of straight road with very steep inclines, simply by blipping the accelerator and surging passed them, in 2nd or 3rd gear [thus saving significant amounts of time on our journey], and in a way that simply wouldn't have happened in a petrol-engined car.
Marco.
On four wheels I'm up for pretty much anything... On two, I used to be, but no longer have the nerve for anything daft!
Marco.
sure, i can drive fast if i want to, but i cant be bothered so much now tbh. i drove as part of my living for years doing quite large mileage and under time constraint, so you did take chances, no doubt i'd have kittens if i thought too hard about some of the risks i took in cars and even worse on ladders, scaffold etc..:lol:
happy with the relaxed, quiet life now
Sure... It's not really about driving fast though, or top speeds on roads these days, unless you want to lose your licence!;)
It's about ACCELERATION, and the thrill of feeling the power kick in when doing a super-fast 0-60, and the ability that gives you to overtake things in situations that in a 'normal' car you'd have no hope of achieving.
That's why, as long as I'm able, I'll never drive anything less than a car with a tuned 3L engine!:exactly:
Marco.
InThe Sticks
12-07-2020, 17:35
I take it then, from your reference to "oil burner", that you're not a fan of big turbo V6 diesels? Strangely, that seems to be common among some 'petrol heads', and I've never understood their bias :hmm:
Marco.
Not at all, i love a fast diesel (i fucking detest working on them though).
“Oil burner” is just a name most in the trade use when talking about a diesel car.
I had an A8 4.2 V8 TDI for a couple of weeks as a company car when it was first released was astonished at how good it was. The modern stuff is just amazing and very very clean, so much so that the DVSA had to make an MOT form that i have to fill in when it’s impossible to get a smoke reading when testing the emissions.
I think a lot of negative diesel comments are from people who have only owned diesels from the pre turbo days, and lets be honest, they were absolutely terrible.
The instant torque is kinda what made me go back to big V-twin bike instead of an in line 4 again, it’s nice to have a bunch of torque on tap without having to rev the nuts off the engine.
That said, i’d take a petrol car any day of the week over a diesel, or when the time is right, electric.
No worries, we're in agreement, but you can keep yer electric cars!:nono:
Surprised a diehard 'petrol head' like you, on both two and four wheels, would entertain them. Me? I *need* to hear the lovely roar of a powerful combustion engine (petrol or diesel):)
Plus, I need to have a 'project' and something to tweak....!
Marco.
InThe Sticks
17-07-2020, 19:13
Some new bits for the Superduke turned up today…
The see through bit is plexiglass.
https://i.imgur.com/F8BmS6o.jpg
I’ve seen these on a few bikes and imo they look pretty cool :cool:
InThe Sticks
17-07-2020, 19:16
No worries, we're in agreement, but you can keep yer electric cars!:nono:
Surprised a diehard 'petrol head' like you, on both two and four wheels, would entertain them. Me? I *need* to hear the lovely roar of a powerful combustion engine (petrol or diesel):)
Plus, I need to have a 'project' and something to tweak....!
Marco.
Yes, me too, but i prefer speed over anything else and electric gives that in spades, and some.
Fair enough, but they're just too soulless for me - in pretty much every way!
Marco.
Firebottle
17-07-2020, 20:42
What about when you're a 54-year old [but look 10 years younger] Italian/Scottish daftee, with the mental age of 25 and an insatiable penchant for stupidness?:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
Get yourself trained up and get a paramotor, the feeling of beating gravity by running into the air off your feet is unbelievable.
Check out mine and my flying buddy's latest trip.
https://www.paramotorclub.org/topic/13203-alan-geoffs-mini-fly-in-in-cornwall/?tab=comments#comment-88711
Fair enough, but they're just too soulless for me - in pretty much every way!
Marco.
Just an innocent question, how many have you driven?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
None, Nick. No point, as a) I don't like that they stand for, b) I like to hear the roar of a sports exhaust when I'm driving, and c) I hate the styling of most electric cars!
So even if I drove one and thought that they were the best thing in the world (unlikely), the above, fundamentally important to me boxes, would still remain un-ticked:)
Marco.
Get yourself trained up and get a paramotor, the feeling of beating gravity by running into the air off your feet is unbelievable.
Check out mine and my flying buddy's latest trip.
https://www.paramotorclub.org/topic/13203-alan-geoffs-mini-fly-in-in-cornwall/?tab=comments#comment-88711
Lol - I don't doubt anything you're saying about that, Alan, or how much fun it is, but it's not really my thing:)
Marco.
I had a look round one of these the other day and nearly wet my pants:
https://youtu.be/etsglqgSWBc
Now THAT is my idea of a car!! :fingers::hairmetal:
And the latest version:
https://youtu.be/uQMDtqy0vrA
BRUTAL/menacing as fuck, and, erm, 'fast enough'!:D
Marco.
Or this sex on wheels, just listen to that ROAR - feck yer electric pish, no matter HOW fast they are:
https://youtu.be/wH49n-4zuIc
HUBBA, HUBBA!:D
Marco.
A rip-roaring fart or a whoosh. You choose. [emoji23]
Give me dat FART GAS, BABY!!!!! :hairmetal: :hairmetal:
Marco.
Summat to be said for the sneaky whoosh too [emoji106]
Pigmy Pony
18-07-2020, 06:26
I think there's something pretty cool about the way electric cars can take off like a scalded cat but without any noise, smoke or drama. Having said that, Nissan GTR is Anita's favourite car by a country mile, and she would choose it over anything out there, regardless of price.
I was a little put off by my daughter's partner (who had one for a while) telling me the interior is really second rate, with some switchgear and other bits common to the Nissan Juke. I'd want the interior to feel pretty special, as that's what you see when you're driving it.
walpurgis
18-07-2020, 07:33
I've nothing against electric cars in principle, but they'll never have any 'character' and will be regarded as the equivalent of a domestic appliance.
They do have the potential to achieve huge mileages before wearing out. In comparison, piston engines are pretty hopeless. Unfortunately, the real usable range of electric cars bears no comparison to the manufacturer's claimed figures. We have a way to go yet, before electric cars are an all round alternative.
Hybrid cars actually make no sense whatsoever. They still burn fuel and don't seem to gain much from being 'electric assist'. I think they will turn out to be a blind alley in car evolution terms.
User maintenance will cease to be a realistic option. Mind you, that already applies to modern cars as a whole. If you get a problem, you won't get them running again with a feeler gauge. Give me plugs, points, condenser and coil and I know where I stand.
Lol - Geoff nails it right on the button, as he frequently does (because I think he 'gets' what makes me tick, car wise):
I've nothing against electric cars in principle, but they'll never have any 'character' and will be regarded as the equivalent of a domestic appliance.
Yup, and THAT alone would preclude me from owning one, regardless of *anything* else, including any coolness attached to 'whooshing', etc.
Quite simply, I don't 'do' normal cars, as with my lifestyle I don't need to, so practical considerations, such as economy/running costs etc, which would be important factors to others, simply aren't a consideration, as I use cars simply for pleasure:)
So 'character' and 'personality' are important. Any car I drive needs to be something that sticks out from the crowd, rather than blends in with everything else.
That's why, although not especially 'spectacular', I love the Brabster, as I like cars that have some element (preferably a lot) of bespoke/modified aspects to their design and/or looks. In that respect, there would always have to be something different from the norm about any car I drove [essentially reflecting MY personality], and subsequently the sense of satisfaction that would give me every time I got behind the wheel:cool:
Mass-produced electric cars (as they soon will be), certainly those being marketed to appeal to your average 'Joe Bloggs', are the complete antithesis of that - and also the complete antithesis of my personality!
Marco.
I think there's something pretty cool about the way electric cars can take off like a scalded cat but without any noise, smoke or drama.
Yeah, I *totally* get that, and if someone were to design a car that LOOKED like a GTR, or that gorgeous black Mustang Jay Leno was driving, and made it feel like it had some kind of 'soul', at some sort of vaguely sensible price, whilst being electric, then it'd consider it.
Perhaps they could build in a function that would enable you to press a button and choose the 'sporty noise' you wanted the car to imitate - that would be cool, if it was done well!
Basically, if someone could harness the cool aspect of electric cars, as you've outlined, and house it in a 'retro shell', as it were, and also something that you could further CUSTOMISE, to make *yours* stand out from the rest, then I'd be in!
But to sit behind the wheel of some soullessly homogenised, glorified 'shopping trolley' or 'SUV', which every other Tom, Dick and Harry has, would simply turn me off from driving altogether. Aside from anything else, driving should be FUN - not simply a 'task' required to get you from A to B, rather mundanely!:doh:
Marco.
Tesla Roadster 2020? Looks like a GTR, 0-60 in 1.9 seconds, certainly not a shopping trolley or what every tom dick and harry will be driving, bit spendy though:
https://i.ibb.co/GMGVdxJ/dsc-2738.jpg (https://ibb.co/R6tCgvS)
walpurgis
18-07-2020, 09:32
This isn't slow! 1/8th mile on an electric drag bike. Weird not having any engine noise though,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJMtjqerOY
Why does it have half a hundredweight of scaffolding attached to the back?
walpurgis
18-07-2020, 09:38
Why does it have half a hundredweight of scaffolding attached to the back?
To stop it flipping backwards.
All big drag bikes have it and some of the cars.
(apart from the jets & rockets :))
walpurgis
18-07-2020, 10:03
And just for the sheer hell of it. Here's a proper dragster laying 10,000 bhp on the deck. Makes Formula 1 look like a bicycle parade!
Turn the sound right up and enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3CYGLURsf0
338 mph in under 4.5 seconds!!
Yeah, did I mention it would need to have a usable boot, rear seats (for something) - oh and a roof!;)
That Tesla's not bad, Martin (but NEVER in white) - BRUTAL BLACK only, preferably matt, to maximise the MENACE... It'd depend on what the interior was like, and ultimately [very crucially] what it was like to drive, say in comparison with the GTR I showed earlier. ONLY if the Tesla was all-round, no-brainer better, would I entertain it.
Plus, as someone who likes to shun the accepted norm, there's still something satisfactorily 'non-conformist' about [at least for now] sticking two fingers up at the 'all-electric future' we're being forced towards, and driving around in a big, noisy, V6 or V8 'gas guzzler'!:D
Long live the combustion engine.... So here's my message to the authorities, in that respect... :upyours::upyours: :finger:
Marco [forever an individual, not just a number].
For something more sanely priced, this Honda Civic Type-R, in Matt Black, is simply drop-dead gorgeous:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/JsreFz.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/3khuXw.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/FTljYU.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/9WI5c9.jpg
I mean, just LOOK AT THAT...!!:eek: :drool::drool::wowzer:
I can feel a chubby coming on... Just drop a 15" sub in the boot, with some 1KW monoblock amps - sorted:thumbsup:
BOOYAKASHA!!:D
Marco.
Filterlab
18-07-2020, 16:20
As Clarkson said; “It looks like someone crashed it through the window of Halfords and all the bits just stuck to it”. Looks a bit ‘try hard’ and adolescent to me.
I much prefer understated cars, when my little Citröen eco box has run its course, I’ll be hunting for a post-2018 Porsche Panamera. 😃
My board engineer has a Tesla Model 3 and he loves it. 0-60 in 2.9 seconds, laser guided cornering and the most flexible interior and dashboard ever. Pennies to run and super quiet. No maintenance either, aside from tyres and an occasional ‘glance over’.
Combustion vehicles are numbered, about 15 years’ time will signal the end of the legal sale of new ones pretty much worldwide. Just in time in my opinion.
Big petrol engines will be a thing to behold in the future; the sound, the drama and the passion. But it will be a case of ‘here is how we did things wrong in the past; knowing full well the damage they cause and the fact that oil is finite in the planet, and there’s no alternative to oil (to run a petroleum based engine).
I won’t miss combustion engines at all. Constantly need fiddling with, new this and new that every few thousand miles, wearing out within mileages that even a casual user balks at.
Having said all that, the sound of a 1959 Cadillac Series 62 starting up and driving away will never be replicated by any creation. Something so wonderful about it!
Just listen to this...
https://youtu.be/y6HoGOqZ7xY
As Clarkson said; “It looks like someone crashed it through the window of Halfords and all the bits just stuck to it”.
Lol - I like that!:D
But we'll (mostly) have to agree to disagree on this one, which is cool:)
I do agree with your 15 years, max, lifespan for new combustion vehicles (certainly diesel), but that won't detract from a HUGE (several lifetimes worth choice of cars) available on the second-hand market.
In any case, my 'driving lifespan' probably equates to approx 30 years, so as long as I can get to drive what *I* want during that time, I don't give a flying fuck what happens after it!;)
Marco.
InThe Sticks
18-07-2020, 16:43
I've driven several GTR's (on the road and on track) and also a Tesla model S, and hand on heart i'd have the Tesla any day of the week.
I've also driven that Civic type R and wasn't particularly impressed, maybe because of the looks of the thing made me want to vomit every time i looked at it.
i like the civic r too actually .. not sure what it has, but its got it... style i guess
For me too, yes - especially in that matt-black paint finish. It's also meant to be a peach [a really sporty 'drivers' car], and that's still what turns me on. In 20 years time, when I'll have no choice but to embrace 'old man-hood', things will change. Probably...:eyebrows:
However, until then, I intend to have as much of a ball/FUN on four wheels as I possibly can!! :D:trust:
Safe, boring conservatism, mundaneness, and compliance with the 'accepted norm', or what the government would 'prefer' you to drive, can go and take a running jump!
Marco [will forever stay true to the tenets of the free-thinkers society].
I've driven several GTR's (on the road and on track) and also a Tesla model S, and hand on heart i'd have the Tesla any day of the week.
I've also driven that Civic type R and wasn't particularly impressed, maybe because of the looks of the thing made me want to vomit every time i looked at it.
Why does that not surprise me?:lol:
;)
I suspect we're rather different people, Jon, in *so* many ways....
Marco.
walpurgis
19-07-2020, 06:00
I have no comment regarding the Civic (well nothing polite enough for here :lol:).
Lol - don't hold back, let's see how rude you can be!:D
Marco.
My mate Big Al test drove a number of hot hatches and other affordable performance cars a while back, including the Mini Cooper S and the Civic Type R.
He reckoned the Cooper felt 'detached' with no feel in the steering and described the Type R as 'A biscuit tin full of electronics.' He couldn't find anything that was a 'drivers car' and had respectable fuel economy. Ended up buying a diesel estate.
Lol... Did he try a Golf R or a Ford Focus ST? If so, he might've come away with a different impression?;)
I like the Honda a) because of its 'purposeful appearance', as I love that 'square, sculpted' look, with hard edges, as for me it's bad-ass, and b) I like the engine, as the technology has been trickled down from Honda's racing car pedigree. it would also be extremely reliable, as all Hondas are.
They're arguably the definitive, high-quality and most innovative Japanese car brand, capable of producing something genuinely fast and sporty at a sensible price.
Marco.
not sure i will get another anyway... or if i get a chance to the way things are going.. or if i'll be around anyway lol. still a year from now i will know more, or wont depending :eyebrows:
if i do ive a likelihood of getting a van
Lol... Did he try a Golf R or a Ford Focus ST? If so, he might've come away with a different impression?;)
I like the Honda a) because of its 'purposeful appearance', as I love that 'square, sculpted' look, with hard edges, as for me it's bad-ass, and b) I like the engine, as the technology has been trickled down from Honda's racing car pedigree. it would also be extremely reliable, as all Hondas are.
They're arguably the definitive, high-quality and most innovative Japanese car brand, capable of producing something genuinely fast and sporty at a sensible price.
Marco.
I can't recall what else he tried. Yes, I agree about Honda and the Civic certainly a very reliable car and looks pretty cool too. If you actually had a test drive in a type R though you might well come to the same conclusion he did.
Yeah defo, you won't know how good any car is until you drive it!:)
Marco.
Audio Al
19-07-2020, 09:38
I tried a few old bikes in my time :eyebrows:
You mean 'rode', and with the accent on OLD!:D
Anything young would've given you a heart attack:lol:
Marco.
Btw, returning to the Honda Type-R, another major plus point for me is that it has FOUR doors! So, it's still practical. Any car I drive *must* be both sporty AND practical!:exactly:
Out-and-out sports cars only work if you don't want to use them for anything else but driving them. I still need to get the shopping in - or the old man, plus Del, when we go out for a run!
Marco.
Btw, returning to the Honda Type-R, another major plus point for me is that it has FOUR doors! So, it's still practical. Any car I drive *must* be both sporty AND practical!:exactly:
Out-and-out sports cars only work if you don't want to use them for anything else but driving them. I still need to get the shopping in - or the old man, plus Del, when we go out for a run!
Marco.
Thats why farmers liked there land rovers.. ooze practicality as they need room to stow their cock in:eek:
and the ewe
:lol::eyebrows:
Oh the things I've 'stretched' to buggery over the years on the back seats of cars!:D
[Bessie looks away in disgust].
Marco.
Had car hand washed.. Looking good.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200719/62f8a45e4e7320020de98dd266b03f4a.jpg
Pigmy Pony
19-07-2020, 15:07
Had car hand washed.. Looking good.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200719/62f8a45e4e7320020de98dd266b03f4a.jpg
Looking good Grant, you do look after that car :)
Looks like that house across the road has that external insulation cladding done at some point. My mate in Ayr had his done about 4 years ago, been ok for him but some neighbours have reported damp problems.
Audio Al
19-07-2020, 15:19
Did they wash the front half as well ?
must have been a while ago if it did.. thought it was just a patched bit of roughcast but not sure.. guy owns it but doesn't live there. just rents it out. guy lives abroad and has a company do the renting. so minimal upkeep
Did they wash the front half as well ?
get that done next month Al:lol:
InThe Sticks
19-07-2020, 16:54
Did he try a Golf R or a Ford Focus ST? If so, he might've come away with a different impression?
Marco.
Golf R DSG would be my choice of the hot hatch’s.
Two of our technicians have got them and one is running 394bhp/423ft-lb with a stage 2 tune, and that engine can take much more than that.
He’s managed a 3.4 0-60 with launch control, so for a £15K 4x4 car thats pretty good value imo.
InThe Sticks
19-07-2020, 16:56
Fitted the fancy clutch cover..
Before
https://i.imgur.com/NPPfsgO.jpg
After
https://i.imgur.com/qbE0pr4.jpg
All a bit pointless really, but i needed some retail therapy.
RobbieGong
19-07-2020, 17:17
Golf R DSG would be my choice of the hot hatch’s.
Two of our technicians have got them and one is running 394bhp/423ft-lb with a stage 2 tune, and that engine can take much more than that.
He’s managed a 3.4 0-60 with launch control, so for a £15K 4x4 car thats pretty good value imo.
You and me both although I'd probs wanna try both manual and DSG to see which I prefer. Have yearned for one of those for a long long time - Limestone Grey or black please, either would do nicely :)
https://cloud.leparking.fr/2019/10/18/00/18/volkswagen-golf-volkswagen-golf-r-dsg-3dr-panroof-satnav-pro-leather-rev-camera-dynaudio-pretorias-2016-gris_7185368227.jpg
https://www.exclusivemotorsuk.com/images/1000/425/fancybox_PICT0024.JPG
InThe Sticks
19-07-2020, 17:27
You and me both although I'd probs wanna try both manual and DSG to see which I prefer. Have yearned for one of those for a long long time.
I genuinely can't think of a single reason to buy a manual over a DSG, the latter is really nothing like a traditional auto and can change cogs quicker than any human could.
Every Audi company car i had i always chose DSG without fail.
If you can, try one, i doubt you'd not like it.
Pretty sure my skoda had a dsg auto box. Was great fun
RobbieGong
19-07-2020, 18:29
I genuinely can't think of a single reason to buy a manual over a DSG, the latter is really nothing like a traditional auto and can change cogs quicker than any human could.
Every Audi company car i had i always chose DSG without fail.
If you can, try one, i doubt you'd not like it.
:thumbsup:
I once asked my father why he never bought a car with an automatic transmission and he replied that he preferred to control the gear changes himself. He never owned a performance car and never drove fast so it wasn't like an automatic would cramp his driving style.
On the other hand his brother never drove manuals and when I asked him why he said 'They've invented a thing that saves you from having to do all that messing about, why wouldn't you have one?'
Having said that, Nissan GTR is Anita's favourite car by a country mile, and she would choose it over anything out there, regardless of price.
https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/101557181_2908560709253965_4064072490923036241_o.j pg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=dd7718&_nc_ohc=OdhsXvmvye4AX8NnwE9&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=73c3a1f41642703f983cc1d93b7cab08&oe=5F392B4B
My mate's is the blue one, at the 'ring earlier this year. It was a grey colour originally, wrapped camo, now wrapped again to this blue.
This is what it looks like at the moment - having the engine and turbos upgraded to 1,200 BHP! He's a bit serious about modding... :eek:
https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p960x960/110146856_3016607395115962_736360932477959610_o.jp g?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=nKNtNlvR9VwAX-wGHAe&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=047481a4fbeca4c807460edfa48578bb&oe=5F3A3556
https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p960x960/109844004_3016607958449239_904882110081841901_o.jp g?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=u4V6ZAfBmnIAX9SZCje&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=809f8eab4bc793b8c373ac4008feed74&oe=5F3A9E45
walpurgis
20-07-2020, 08:17
Didn't know they were now a V6 as opposed to the inline six on older ones.
Looks at all those bits. If it was electric, all you'd find inside would be an armature :).
Not much to see in my hybrid, just stuff everywhere
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200720/b14bd950ee30f690a7571aab9126931c.jpg
My old S6 engine room. I did a lot of miles in that car and it was a great drive. Averaged 23 mpg, you don't expect a 4.2 V8 340hp car to be economical but 23 wasn't bad.
https://i.postimg.cc/BQx0CWwS/engi-ne-room.jpg
Audio Al
20-07-2020, 16:39
Ian was it petrol or derv ?
Pieoftheday
20-07-2020, 17:17
Has anyone tried a gel or air pad for a motorcycle seat ? I recently purchased a 2019 Kawasaki ninja 650 performance, I love it but that seat is hurting my testicoyles sumat rotten:stalks: I do have the Kawasaki higher seat on order but just wondered if these pads are up to much, ta Jim
Ian was it petrol or derv ?
Lovely, delicious petrol Al.
Audio Al
20-07-2020, 17:56
Has anyone tried a gel or air pad for a motorcycle seat ? I recently purchased a 2019 Kawasaki ninja 650 performance, I love it but that seat is hurting my testicoyles sumat rotten:stalks: I do have the Kawasaki higher seat on order but just wondered if these pads are up to much, ta Jim
If you are of the age , Have them removed = sorted , no need to buy the gel pads :D
InThe Sticks
20-07-2020, 18:16
One i was working on today..
https://i.imgur.com/ZTnoRDo.jpg
Not a trace of soot under that bonnet :D
Pieoftheday
20-07-2020, 18:25
If you are of the age , Have them removed = sorted , no need to buy the gel pads :D
Oddly enough, on the way home from work I did think that would solve it:)
InThe Sticks
20-07-2020, 18:28
My old S6 engine room. I did a lot of miles in that car and it was a great drive. Averaged 23 mpg, you don't expect a 4.2 V8 340hp car to be economical but 23 wasn't bad.
Good engine that!
I must've missed it, Kev, but what's the Italian connection?
Anyway, hope it works for you:)
Marco.
After all this COVID-19 confinement malarkey, I have finally got round to doing the retest.
My average opacity before was 2.41 for a maximum of 1.83m-1.
My Italian tune up with a fuel additive, and K&N filter has brought it down to 0.16m-1.
Having a hot engine and exhaust probably also helped, but I am gobsmacked by the improvement.
Hopefully I have another two years of motoring in my current car before I need to change it.
Pigmy Pony
25-07-2020, 06:16
Hopefully it'll then be rideable, and I can get it to Fastline for an MOT and talk to them about repairing the fairing lower. Because £525 for a new one is taking the piss a bit.
Ok so I took the fairing to Fastline last week, and they do have a "smart repairs" guy that they use. Price will be £275, and he's aware of the pearlescent paint which was my main concern. It'll be about 2 weeks, then all I'll want is a new chain/sprocket to get me back on the road :carrot: Maybe by then the summer will have started.
I will post a couple of before/after pics FWIW, as they aren't likely to be as clear as the ones Jon posted of his KTM.
Ok so I took the fairing to Fastline last week, and they do have a "smart repairs" guy that they use. Price will be £275, and he's aware of the pearlescent paint which was my main concern. It'll be about 2 weeks, then all I'll want is a new chain/sprocket to get me back on the road :carrot: Maybe by then the summer will have started.
I will post a couple of before/after pics FWIW, as they aren't likely to be as clear as the ones Jon posted of his KTM.
pearlescent is a nice thing in sun.. my car has it
InThe Sticks
25-07-2020, 08:55
Looking forward to seeing it finished :)
InThe Sticks
27-07-2020, 19:53
Completely forgot i’d ordered this until it turned up today..
Had to buy another as the KTM is single side swingarm
https://i.imgur.com/pXCMh4j.jpg
The service, price and quality was great from..
https://www.xlmoto.co.uk
Worth a look for any bikers on here as some of the gear is crazy cheap :)
Completely forgot i’d ordered this until it turned up today..
Had to buy another as the KTM is single side swingarm
https://i.imgur.com/pXCMh4j.jpg
The service, price and quality was great from..
https://www.xlmoto.co.uk
Worth a look for any bikers on here as some of the gear is crazy cheap :)
Looks good quality too, Jon - cheers for the link, will check them out as I need a couple of bits. :)
Pigmy Pony
27-07-2020, 21:14
I've just had a poke around their site - some bargains there, I saw a Shark helmet (I like Shark) in a colour to suit the 'Blade. Good discount too. A bit annoying as I don't need a helmet just now :(
InThe Sticks
27-07-2020, 21:44
I've just had a poke around their site - some bargains there, I saw a Shark helmet (I like Shark) in a colour to suit the 'Blade. Good discount too. A bit annoying as I don't need a helmet just now :(
You always need another helmet :)
I've got 2 Shark helmets and love them a lot. Great if you wear glasses.
Pigmy Pony
29-07-2020, 18:40
You always need another helmet :)
Not sure why Jon, unless:
(a) You're a single guy hoping to bag off while out and about on your bike, or
(b) You're Zaphod Beeblebrox :)
InThe Sticks
29-07-2020, 19:47
Not sure why Jon, unless:
(a) You're a single guy hoping to bag off while out and about on your bike, or
(b) You're Zaphod Beeblebrox :)
(a) Not really, but i change bikes a bit and get a matching helmet to suit.
(b) I wish, twice the amount of beer sounds fun :cool:
Pigmy Pony
30-07-2020, 06:36
Yes I can see the sense in that, though I only have the one bike. Anyway, the next proper purchase will probably be a replacement can - something by Yoshi or Two Brothers Racing appeals to me, but I'm open to alternatives :)
walpurgis
30-07-2020, 07:06
Talking of bikes. I've been looking around for a vintage pushbike, preferably a 26" wheel gents tourer with Sturmey Archer gears.
Got my eye on this local offering and waiting for a date/time to view. I rather like the metallic 'turd' colour :).
https://i.imgur.com/KeVWN1v.png
Naturally, I'd remove the daft kiddies seat, saddle cover and basket. I've had a few like this and like them, perfect for pottering about.
I just renovated a 20" wheel folding shoppers bike for a bit of fun. It rides really well!
gotta leave the basket. put your bread in it:lol:
walpurgis
30-07-2020, 08:12
gotta leave the basket. put your bread in it:lol:
Nah. Hate the things and anyway, I use a backpack. Might keep an eye open for a rear rack though.
but you wont be able to hum the tune.:eyebrows:
https://youtu.be/6Mq59ykPnAE
walpurgis
30-07-2020, 08:19
:rolleyes:
:)
but you wont be able to hum the tune.:eyebrows:
https://youtu.be/6Mq59ykPnAE
:)
Ridley Scott ('Alien' et al) directed that commercial. Never knew that until the other day when I saw a documentary about him.
Ridley Scott ('Alien' et al) directed that commercial. Never knew that until the other day when I saw a documentary about him.
https://youtu.be/NkonymPyp5g
THIS IS THE RESTORED VERSION
InThe Sticks
30-07-2020, 17:15
Anyway, the next proper purchase will probably be a replacement can - something by Yoshi or Two Brothers Racing appeals to me, but I'm open to alternatives :)
Akra & Two bros look good.
https://i.imgur.com/9K0x7Ij.png
https://i.imgur.com/Ohdzq90.jpg
Not so nice imo..
https://i.imgur.com/v3jXp4u.jpg
InThe Sticks
30-07-2020, 17:32
Fitted a belly pan today, just got to get some stickers to liven it up a bit..
https://i.imgur.com/NAhFmRw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/C5qt9Cu.jpg
This is the exhaust i want for mine (with orange tips), but i’ve got way better things to spend money on at the mo..
https://i.imgur.com/wawAOh2.jpg
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