Car (or bike) Chat!

[dave2010]

Apparently there is going to be "new" fuel available soon in the UK. It's not really new, but it has a greater proportion - 10% of bio fuel mixed in than was previously available in the UK - previous 5%. This is supposed to be more environmentally friendly, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. The claim of lower CO2 emissions only works if one considers the way way the biofuel is produced, and accepts the assumption that bio fuel might in some ways be sustainable and renewable. The 10% mix has been available on the European continent for some while.

[InThe Sticks]

I finally got a settlement from my bike accident last June, and its fairly satisfactory and certainly worth breaking my shoulder for in a pain vs monetary value kinda way.
I’ve had worse.
So the plan was to buy a brand new bike, but much like after the Mitzy Evo and Imprezza got all grown up and boring it seems new bikes have followed suit.
Apart from a MV Augusta Lewis Hamilton or a new Panigale, nothing really gives me (to quote James May) the “fizz”.
But! I’ve owned the earlier (very tuned) V Twin version of this and it was a fucking lunatic, and i mean a complete hooligan of a bike, so my mind is made up.
One of these it will be..





Yes, it’s a lot for a few year old bike, but i’d rather look out of the window at something i actually desire and cherish rather than a new thing just to one up the hoi polloi.

[Alex_UK]

Congrats, and nice looking Aprilia! I'm not really up on modern bikes, is it a Tuono?

[CageyH]

I have bought a bottle of additive that will help clean my engine, apparently.
A new fuel filter is also waiting to be fitted, and I have just picked up a K&N for the car. The theory being that if there is more air getting in, then it should burn cleaner. I had thought about removing the restriction of an air filter just for the emissions test...

My Italian tune up seems to being the job, and there is very little, if any, in the way of a puff of smoke when I accelerate hard now.
I will adjust the headlight soon, and then do the retest with a tank of quality fuel in there.

[CageyH]

I think that the “Italian tune-up” is complete.
I fitted a new fuel filter, and the K&N air filter this morning. I have been running some additive for a week and with a hot engine, I am struggling to see any smoke.

I blame the stupid 80km/h speed limit is this part of the world....

[Marco]

I finally got a settlement from my bike accident last June, and its fairly satisfactory and certainly worth breaking my shoulder for in a pain vs monetary value kinda way.
I’ve had worse.
So the plan was to buy a brand new bike, but much like after the Mitzy Evo and Imprezza got all grown up and boring it seems new bikes have followed suit.
Apart from a MV Augusta Lewis Hamilton or a new Panigale, nothing really gives me (to quote James May) the “fizz”.
But! I’ve owned the earlier (very tuned) V Twin version of this and it was a fucking lunatic, and i mean a complete hooligan of a bike, so my mind is made up.
One of these it will be..





Yes, it’s a lot for a few year old bike, but i’d rather look out of the window at something i actually desire and cherish rather than a new thing just to one up the hoi polloi.

Nice, and much more my thing (bit of style to it) than that black thing you've got! And I love Italian bikes. Might be a great bike, but style/individuality will always be a consideration for me when it comes to cars or bikes. Your "Pepsi' classic is still my fav, though!

Marco.

[Marco]

Right then, Marco, I hope you're right as I've just splashed out on a pair of Michelin Pilot Sport 4s for the front of the Mondeo! I'd love to give you a long story of how this resulted through a combination of your advice plus hours of diligent research, but the truth is that I only ever buy Michelins and, handily enough, Costco have the PS4s on offer at the moment - 205/50R17 93Ws supplied, balanced, fitted and nitrogen-filled for £111 each.

The car has Goodyears on the front - both are fairly worn but one won't hold pressure and I spotted a bulge in the sidewall of the other one today so they both have to go ASAP!

Lol, Adam... Soz for the late reply! Let us know how you get on with the PS4s - I'm sure they'll hit the spot. Glad you've signed up to the nitrogen thing too. For me, it's crucial when you're running top-notch tyres, as it helps maintain correct pressures for longer, thus helps ensure maximum longevity.

Marco.

[Marco]

I think that the “Italian tune-up” is complete.
I fitted a new fuel filter, and the K&N air filter this morning. I have been running some additive for a week and with a hot engine, I am struggling to see any smoke.

I blame the stupid 80km/h speed limit is this part of the world....

I must've missed it, Kev, but what's the Italian connection?

Anyway, hope it works for you

Marco.

[CageyH]

I must've missed it, Kev, but what's the Italian connection?

Anyway, hope it works for you

Marco.

Definition below...

Italian tuneup is a slang automotive term for attempting to restore engine performance by driving a car at high engine speed (RPM) and load. The term originated from Italian mechanics in the 1950s using this practice to burn off carbon deposits from the spark plugs of sports cars.

A nice expression for driving the wheel nuts off your car.

[Marco]

Ah I see. Interesting. Not heard of that before.

Marco.