That is probably true but I don't remember any aesthetic flaw on the one I rode.
Allow me to insist on aesthetic. Because if there ever was a flawless machine, it was de-fi-ni-ti-ve-ly NOT this one!
Yet... a fabulous ride on a track or any twisty road with a decent tarmac.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
That does it, Im placing an order on Saturday when I get back from Rome
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Last edited by Martylaa; 27th March 2024 at 20:39.
Sort of lost my mojo with the project over the last couple of weeks, probably due to the crap weather. So today I gave myself a kick up the bum, and got out into the garage. Just playing about with some wiring and planning my kellerman install. Got them wired up temporarily just to check everything works, and now that I know it does I can crack on and start fitting them properly. Fiddly work, but will look good when it’s done
Last edited by Enoch; 28th March 2024 at 16:48.
Wow bit a difference from stock ^^^^^^^^^ to your Kellerman set up
Yes Steve. The stock lights are also going on albeit under the seat. The kellermans are very bright but only when youre looking directly at them as in the photos. Im not convinced that on their own, they give other road users a fair chance of seeing what your intentions are when turning or braking. Im quite surprised that theyre legal and comply with TUV and EU regs as a single source of rear lighting. But then again Ive seen a few brands of cars where the indicator is tiny and partially hidden when the car is braking.
The new BMW bikes are the same, to the point that a company has developed a device that switches the brake light off on the side thats indicating.
https://www.weisertechnik.co.uk/
For the ultimate in not signaling your intentions ride a vintage machine. My Rapide has 6v electrics, no indicators and an anemic stop light only operated from the rear brake, however it does make you concentrate on how you're riding, leaving large gaps between you and anyone else and giving clear hand signals!
Discovered that the chain monkey laser chain alignment tool that I bought about 4 years can't be used on the one bike I own with a chain.
I've only had to adjust the chain as the wheel was out for a tyre, so at least that says something for the chain maintenance :-)
Talking of old Ducatis, this is my 78 SS900 Desmo, owned it 20 years, and sold it for no good reason, just before prices went through the roof. At least i kept its sibling, a MHR..
While a mate recently sent me this picture, taken back in 83, on my then new Kawasaki, I was trying to get my knee down, but the only way of doing that was if I fell off lol. I still like Kawasakis, got five at the moment, all from the late seventies, though four are modified to a greater or lesser extent.
hi all,gave this old girl an annual service yesterday,followed by a run out around the local villages,shes a 1948 BSA c11 250cc.shes urestored but in good mechanical order.got my old Bonneville on the lift now for the same treatment over Easter....
Last edited by greasemonkey; 30th March 2024 at 09:35.
IMG_2994.JPGIMG_2992.JPG
Heres another couple of pics of old Ducatis. At Bala this one, and if Im not mistaken Enoch was there that day as well?
Stuart
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Lovely morning up in the Peak
Think I may need to get a smaller plate and/or a tail tidy.
Fell off a ladder, nothing compared to what both Enoch and yourself have been through. Im planning on being back on the bike next weekend all being well.
I had a 1961 BSA SS80. ( C15 with a high conp engine) It was my second Brit bike the first was maybe 40 yrs ago and that one blew up.
There is a comprehensive range of suppliers who make parts for 1950’s 60’s Beeza’s. Companies like Draganfly can provide most parts. Plus the bay has everything too. Mine was completely rebuilt in 1991 then stored so I in essence re commissioned it. They are very easy to work on , no electronics or interlocks just battery switches coil points and a plug.
Lots of owners convert C11 & C15’s to 12V this aids starting and allows electronic ignition to be fitted.
Plus side the ride is immersive and enjoyable, they vibrate a lot so any diy fettling should be aimed at keeping things on the bike that are screwed to the bike. As above the wiring is straightforward, just make sure its not damaged or exposed.
Ive posted this video before on here , but this just sums up Brit bike ownership to me.
Just listen to the mechanical cacophony of metal on metal as it rumbles up the lanes. Especially noticable at 2:18” when it hits 50 mph ;)
https://youtu.be/bvoxb2MW_9s?si=4CQSNzL0udjhCf4X
Last edited by higham5; 30th March 2024 at 19:31.
you cant go far wrong with a c11,all parts are available and they are very simple basic machines,i have owned my old beastie since 1989 the only real repair i have had to do was replace the dynamo with a spare one because it stopped charging.that said i have put very little miles on her over the years.suprisingly it has enough poke to keep with B road traffic ,only real drawback is the brakes .they are all they should be but are very poor by todays standards and i ride her accordingly..i have bigger brits but find this little bike very enjoyable to have a run out on.
Last edited by greasemonkey; 30th March 2024 at 20:43.
Am in Hawes again, one of a thousand bikes. I rode the atrocious Richmond Reeth road again. Mystifying how bad it is. Perhaps there's a layer of marzipan under it. After Reeth I turned left to take the tiny Healaugh - Askrigg road that takes a diagonal route over the top, seemingly passing close to a peak called The Fleak.
Once my lunch has settled I'll go to Garsdale Head and take the Coal Road over to Cowgill. Then down Ribblesdale and explore the low road from Settle to Grassington.
Once the weather becomes more reliable I think I'll choose a different day of the week for coming to Hawes. Too busy for me on a sunny Sunday.
It was standard colour scheme, though over the years it became Kawasaki green and then later I sprayed it red. Bought it from Knott Mill Kawasaki in Manchester.. 1650, seemed a huge amount at the time. I really wanted the then new Unitrak GPz750, but that was too much for me at the time. Oh and 100 a year insurance, fully comp, I was 22. Happy days...
I wanted a new unitrac in 83 too but had to make do with a second hand z400J.
Ive a few in my garage now though.
Yeah - it would be chocka !
I was out for a wee 60 mile jaunt today on my R-1. A combination of first run out this year and neuralgia up my arms from psoriasis - and they are aching this evening.
Nice run apart from almost getting taken out by a wee ned in a hot hatch - straightening a blind bend, and later by a 4x4 who drifted across the road while I was overtaking him (after flashing headlights before I moved..............).
The Richmond- Reeth Road is one of my evening rides after work or when im pushed for time. Its been getting steadily worse over the last 15 years. The subsidence is literally causing the road to tear itself apart as it slides down towards the river.
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The road from Settle to Grassington was good up until the fork taking you downhill to Airton. After that, just a nice country lane. Don't need to go to the Dales to find one of those, and also too slow to be useful.
While I was briefly on the Hawes to Ingleton Motorcycle Catwalk, I got photographed by Shutter Speed. I've looked up my picture on their website. My L plate really does look splendid.