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waffles
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PostPosted: 21:31 - 22 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just remembered - get a cheap cable repair kit! Shove it under your seat or with your tool kit as you won't ever need it until you have snapped your clutch cable in the arse end of nowhere.
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Billy Balthorpe
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PostPosted: 23:23 - 22 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

waffles wrote:
I just remembered - get a cheap cable repair kit! Shove it under your seat or with your tool kit as you won't ever need it until you have snapped your clutch cable in the arse end of nowhere.


I live in Stoke and we were going on a trip to Mid France. The clutch cable on my '98 Streetfightered Blade snapped by the time we hit Derby on the A50, about 35 miles into the trip. The next 170 miles to Maidstone Services was a real test. All through the Bank Holiday stationary traffic on the M1 and M25 with no clutch. We called my mates PA at Maidstone Services and she had already sourced a new cable in Maidstone. I had a cuppa while he went and fetched it, we chucked it on, got it working and then tidied it up on the train under the channel. You learn a lot about riding round problems doing stuff like that.
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Matt B
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PostPosted: 11:23 - 23 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

TallPaul_S wrote:
No need to spend that much, this is the one I have, £10. Not had to use it yet:

https://www.wemoto.com/parts/picture/pg-rtm04-c14-wemoto/


Yours is a string kit, the one Waffles mentioned (Stop n Go) is a mushroom plug. Very different things and given the choice I would fit a mushroom plug over string every time.
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James132
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PostPosted: 21:31 - 23 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

TCFA wrote:
I have a roll top dry bag by Lomo which was cheap and has been rugged and very reliable in shitty shitty rain. I'm sure your givi will give you excellent service too, but if you need other waterproof luggage in the future I'd recommend giving Lomo a look as for the money it's brill. Also, I have a backpack by them which is one of the waterproof rolltop ones. Sometimes I wear it, other times just bungee it to the tail.


Iv'e got a roll top richa back pack which I will also take for when we're out and about. Hopefully the Givi is good, it certainly wasn't cheapest but it had good reviews.
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groovylee
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PostPosted: 18:58 - 24 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Matt B wrote:
TallPaul_S wrote:
No need to spend that much, this is the one I have, £10. Not had to use it yet:

https://www.wemoto.com/parts/picture/pg-rtm04-c14-wemoto/


Yours is a string kit, the one Waffles mentioned (Stop n Go) is a mushroom plug. Very different things and given the choice I would fit a mushroom plug over string every time.


this ^^^

I have the string type, and have successfully repaired two tyres, one bike, one car. but having seen a mushroom plug one being done, I'm going to buy one of those Thumbs Up
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pepperami
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PostPosted: 13:41 - 27 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

groovylee wrote:


. but having seen a mushroom plug one being done, I'm going to buy one of those Thumbs Up

Link please Thumbs Up
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Polarbear
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PostPosted: 14:10 - 27 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://www.amazon.co.uk/STOP-POCKET-TYRE-PLUGGER-KIT/dp/B003VE0ZL6/ref=sr_1_12?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1488200826&sr=1-12&keywords=tyre+plug+kit

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stop-Go-Puncture-Pilot-package/dp/B0068FX3VO/ref=sr_1_32?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1488200898&sr=1-32&keywords=tyre+plug+kit

I'm sure you can get cheaper on ebay.
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groovylee
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PostPosted: 20:41 - 27 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

nope, that's cheaper than ebay Thumbs Up
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James132
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PostPosted: 17:42 - 28 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've purchased one of the above pocket plunger kits, I guess its handy to have on the bike all year round and would defiantly be a god send in the arse end of nowhere on a long ride out. Thumbs Up
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Diggs
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PostPosted: 23:50 - 28 Feb 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Don't forget to pack a multitool, a few cable ties and some Duct Tape. Also a length of wire in case something hot falls off. May sound daft, but this combination has helped me home on more than one occasion...

Possibly due to my bikes being over 20 years old though...
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chickenstrip
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PostPosted: 12:39 - 30 Mar 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

spnorm wrote:
chickenstrip wrote:
But that is a horrible trip from as far south as Norfolk. I get incredibly bored just taking the M74 from Carlisle to get through and past Glasgow. Great roads and scenery past there, but what a chore to get there and back from down south! And I'm still of the opinion that Welsh roads are better.


Why tear up the M74? The A7 or the B7076 (old A74) are nearly as quick and a lot more scenic. There are other scenic routes through Dunfries & Galloway and the Cheviots too e.g. The Devils Beeftub from Moffat to Edinburgh.


Here I am, looking at touring threads again. Must be that time of year.

Hadn't spotted your post, sp. In answer, the route you suggest I can do as part of any southern Scotland rides, easily from Carlisle (I have ridden some of it), but if I'm heading for the Highlands, I want to get there as quickly as possible and give myself more time to enjoy the roads and scenery up there. This way, I have done up to 500 miles for a day trip, most of it among the best scenery. It also means I feel fresher when I get north of Glasgow, as not as much concentration required on the motorway.
Although, I haven't done the full route north following alongside the motorway, and will get around to checking that out at some point, as you're not the only person to have mentioned this to me, and curiosity to explore any roads I haven't ridden will ensure I do eventually.
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James132
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PostPosted: 20:38 - 30 Mar 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

On a side note, a few weeks ago I fitted a set of Oxford heated grips.. One word.. AMAZING!

Well worth the money and I can imagine they would come in handy for anyone looking at doing touring trips. Thumbs Up
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James132
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PostPosted: 19:46 - 17 Jul 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well this Friday we leave for our 4 day trip to Wales.

A couple of weeks ago we got out to try the tail bags out.

[img]https://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad115/james132stomp/19970645_10155523798868844_1937993195_n%201_zpsr3kndy5r.jpg[/img]

Forecast is terrible, fingers crossed it brightens up!
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raesewell
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PostPosted: 21:30 - 17 Jul 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

You need to find a new photo host Sad
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James132
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PostPosted: 11:02 - 25 Jul 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

REPORT

Were back from our 4 day trip to wales effectively riding from east coast to west coast and what a mega trip it was!

Il try keep the writing short, and post lots of pictures.

Day 1 - My friend, Jay, finished his night shift at 6am, I met him at his at mid day and we left at round 12:30.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4293/35983441332_9c343fb1be_b.jpg20228941_10155629138823896_5805888264181424285_n by James Blackburn, on Flickr

After 1 fuel stop in Cambridge we was nearing our next fuel stop when it looked like rain ahead so pulled over and got the wet gear on. 10 mins later it was bucketing it down, it stayed like this for the next 120 miles, some of the worst rain I've ridden in. We finally made it to our B&B in Betws-y-coed at around 20:15.

It actually stopped raining about 5 miles from our B&B so we took a picture..

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4308/35983336202_1601ff5896_k.jpgDSC_0005 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

Day 2 - With a forecast of rain from 12 on-wards we set off after breakfast with the plan to ride as much as possible in the morning. We headed straight for the mountains and rode some cracking roads with spectacular scenery.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4314/35983328032_4521a69c5c_k.jpgDSC_0010 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4320/35983321802_d5da81edc5_k.jpgDSC_0019 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

We stopped off at a slate mine museum type thing (by accident) but had a quick gander seems it was free and had a lovely chat about where to visit with one of the old boys who worked there. He would't believe me when he asked if my bike was really 2003 and the answer was yes.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4323/35983315272_f5bdb15ba5_k.jpgDSC_0022 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4309/35312448784_ce4af7909a_k.jpgDSC_0035 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

We stopped by the lake next to the 'electric mountain' for a bit of lunch.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4301/35312445674_1ee7e9286c_k.jpgDSC_0040 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

And then headed out for more riding (it was still dry!!)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4297/35312442774_ae0a5b337c_k.jpgDSC_0046 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4315/36018281371_1d5ffcea63_k.jpgDSC_0051 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4316/36018271301_68e767c681_k.jpgDSC_0067 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

Had to take one to prove I was actually there

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4314/35760871500_4eb504a5f9_k.jpgDSC_0075 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

A nice bridge near Betws-y-coed on what I think was the A470 (Cracking road).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/35760863950_dc37905f35_k.jpgDSC_0083 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4314/35760868060_d7ac5d670f_k.jpgDSC_0079 by James
Blackburn
, on Flickr

Day 2 ended with the last 10 miles back to the hotel at about 17:30 riding in a heavy downpour again.

Day 3 - We started by visiting swallow falls about 1 mile from out B&B.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4308/35312388294_64ad38595c_k.jpgDSC_0094 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

Then onto exploring the roads again with a forecast of rain mid afternoon.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4323/36150870205_6740967217_k.jpgDSC_0128 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4291/36018236101_218b554f2f_k.jpgDSC_0141 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4306/35344782313_7f12799a2e_k.jpgDSC_0143 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

We had a blast out to Holyhead to have a ride round the tiny island (if that's what it is) The duel carriage way there was extremely boring, but very smooth!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4306/35760841320_14bdf16a63_k.jpgDSC_0151 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4296/35312320644_70364c9eab_k.jpgDSC_0157 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

Seems we both race bikes and were only a short ride from Anglesey Circuit, it seemed silly not to go and have a look. It was a good decision as there was a classic bike race meet on. Chap on the gate was a gem and let us in half price as we got there at lunch time.

After we parked up it appeared everyone was on a lunch break so we wandered around the paddock seeing what was about. Neither of us are massive fans of classic bikes but the little 125's were stunning. Everyone was so friendly and wanted to chat, and many of them even offered us to have a sit on the bikes which was great. This little classic GP125 was TINY! I race pitbike supermoto (basically kids bikes) but this thing was so compact.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4315/35312313234_85cf795c4c_k.jpgDSC_0161 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4293/35312307244_ae1850033e_k.jpgDSC_0164 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

There were some mad looking scoots there too

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4300/35760830170_33a4b07538_k.jpgDSC_0174 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

After watching a few races and getting a smashing sunburn we headed back towards the mainland for some more riding, but not before stopping to take a picture with this signpost.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4303/35760828590_b085780fa7_k.jpgDSC_0179 by James Blackburn, on Flickr
So where do you live?
.....llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch..

Day 4 - The night before we had planned to get up, have a wander round the town, perhaps by the misses a gift, then head home.
We woke up to the sound of roaring jets above and couldn't resist having a ride south to the mach loop. A vague time table we found online said there would be nothing till 1pm however we had to give it a go.
It was well worth going following the A470 south, great road.
As we entered the valley a hercules flew directly over us extremely low and banked right over to enter between the mountain sides, an absolutely incredible view to see!

We climbed the hill side in anticipation to see more, however we sat for over a hour and heard/saw nothing but teasing jets way above in the clouds. Time was getting on and my friend had work the next day so at 12 we decided to call it quits and head home.
Literally 30 seconds after entering the lay-by we had parked up in and putting my camera away out of nowhere what I think was a tornado flew over EXTREMELY low! The sound was deafening and somewhat scary too. We had left the hillside just moments to early, but still we left having seen 2 awesome fly pasts.

We had one last picture stop before heading home.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/35983205182_935bcd55b4_k.jpgDSC_0187 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4313/35312248084_a3988a602e_k.jpgDSC_0190 by James Blackburn, on Flickr

The ride home was horrible, slow and painful. With just over 200 miles to go somehow we got split up and never saw each other again, a van had rolled over somewhere behind me, but in front of jay which held him up for some time.

The bikes were pretty much faultless for the 935 miles, except my speedo giving up with about 200 miles to go.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable trip and one of the best things I've done. After a cracking weekend we plan to do many more trips in the future.
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chickenstrip
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PostPosted: 15:34 - 25 Jul 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Excellent photos (you got some good skies too!), and nice trip report.

I had to do a project on Welsh slate mining when I was at junior school Neutral

And that feckin bridge has nearly caught me out on more than one occasion! Hacking along the wide, flowing A470, and suddenly it goes into a sharp S under there Shocked Brakes! Laughing

I really must get back down to Wales sometime.
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Tracer1234
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PostPosted: 19:25 - 25 Jul 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good work with the write up, and great photos. Almost makes me want to take a trip back to the motherland, but then, so much rain Neutral

Thumbs Up
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pepperami
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PostPosted: 19:57 - 25 Jul 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cool Thumbs Up ...... trying to work out what model the Honda is?
Yes I can see the pictures and it looks like your bike only has one disc up front?
Just curious.
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James132
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PostPosted: 20:34 - 25 Jul 2017    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the comments on the pictures chaps, glad people like them.

We were lucky with the weather, the week leading up to the trip the forecast was rain for 3 days solid. The ride there was really wet, but then we had most of day 2 dry till early evening and all of day 3 dry.

The honda (which isnt mine) is a cbr500r, slow but comfortable according to my mate(I can vouch for the slow bit, it disappears in my mirrors fairly quickly!) . It was his first road bike and he is now selling it after 1 year of owning.
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