March 2024

 

March 2024

After having my rant in last months’ comment the ULEZ team has rescinded  the PCN for my brother and it has been paid in the planned way on my account. Every other thing is not going to plan. Our Government is failing us at every turn and making things more difficult for the man in the street. I don’t believe any politicians have any truth in them and we are not told the truth at any level. One thing is for sure is that their actions are making the situation worse. It would be nice to have something positive.

I have been checking over the Valiant for the up-coming London Classic bike show on 11^th May. From last year I discovered sideways play in the rear pivot fork of over 1.5mm over 60 thou with my feeler gauges. My diagnosis of frame spread matches with putting spacers between the pivot fork mountings and the frame plate has removed the play and should improve the handling until the frame spreads again. Another 60 years. The job took quite some time mainly the hand crafting of the plates in stainless was hard work. That was about three hours. I think I have worn out my best file. Test ride between rain storms will happen soon along with one on the LE. Also on the Valiant I went to start it and when I pulled on the left petrol tap it was rather wet. The resultant leak has damaged the paint immediately below it on the left engine cover that will need to be repaired. I had a new tap insert tucked away in a drawer but it had a damaged cork. I drained the tank, removed the tap replaced the insert with a new cork and now it doesn’t leak. That took about an hour.

The Buell is in for sorting out and hopefully I will get it back before the end on the month fully sorted. I have been looking at the Kawasaki to fitting saddle bags with some sort of frame or throw-overs. I will have to be imaginative. After the last trip out in the Burton to Whitchurch there was on one occasion some clutch slip and after having the problem of changing free play it will be another job to do. A new clutch. The El Cid is still work in progress but an end date is on the horizon. It has been a challenging project encompassing some new ideas.

Gita’s Toyota is gone and we have a new car, a Citroen C3 Aircross that needs a tow bar fitted. The C3 is a very differ animal with a fierce clutch and even fiercer brakes. It is taking some getting used to. A similar difference between 2CV brakes and the early BXs. I had a B reg with a cylindrical speedo and digital bar rev counter and rocker switch indicators.  The second one  G reg was a reps car sanitised with stalk switch gear and , in comparison, heavy footed brakes. No great loss as it was written off by a tree in the gales of 99.

The van is not forgotten but I do have to get some suspension cans and a GSA 5 speed gearbox differential soon. 

February 2024 Comment

 

February 2024 Comment

Today I am not best pleased. I have an account with TFL to autopay ULEZ and Congestion charges just in case I stray unknowingly. I added my brothers’ car to my list thinking all would be well when he visited. Such was not the case receiving some 2 PCN notices for the incoming trip and outgoing. I have challenged this on both accounts. I, of course, checked  that his car was on my account. When I checked yesterday it was there but today it wasn’t.

I have had another problem that each time I log in my password is not recognised and I have had to reset it. Four times this week! It seems that not only does it forget my password it conveniently forgets what has happened previously. I’m sure I am not the only one being persecuted by this but there is no one to talk to about it.

These problems are a drop in the ocean compared to the plight of the Palestinians. I am horrified by the continued barbarism of the Israeli army but more worrying is what is the on-looking world doing about it? It seems still just looking. Only a few terrorist groups are challenging the situation. Who is calling who terrorists? What is the remaining Arab world also doing? I cannot believe our media coverage is so biased toward Israel and what they broadcast is what they are told to. I see no freedom of speech and anything that comes from the mouths of our politicians is not believable either. Suppression of our right to protest is clearly the government trying to stop anyone challenging them on their decisions and supporting Israel. I see this as a force to control the masses to a point of impunity. I see on every western news media the influences of Israel controlling the narrative. I, as an individual, have no action other than to protest. I will be there with the Palestinian protestors. This unruly mob that threatens the fabric of society and must be stopped! What utter rubbish is being fed to us? It is a Wednesday and time to put out the rubbish for collection tomorrow. If only I could do the same for the politicians and their rubbish. Is that too anti-Semitic? What is the definition of anti Semitic? Apparent there is none. I have been quietly advised that it is “Anything” that a Jew doesn’t like. Get real. Can I use religion, colour, political views, sex or cult for my views. Apparently not because I have not come from the promised land but the Palestinians have and are being persecuted for it. This situation will not end well for any of us. So much animosity will be released at some point. October 7^th 2023 is an example. I don’t want to know what is next but it will not be pleasant

February 2024

 

February 24.

I have experienced poor pickup on the LE so I ordered a set of new jets from Eurocarb, Dellorto. I changed the jets quite quickly and started up the engine and it seems a bit better but now I have to do a road test when it stops raining. 

After blowing fuses in refitting the rev counter on the Burton I ordered some on line, 40amp blade fuses and a variety pack with a range of 30amp to 3amp to keep my stock at a reasonable level. When I wire the van I am certain I will need about 20 fuses for the whole system. When I say things just happen to me, would you believe when I opened the envelope that the fuses cam in one dropped out and went inside a new 2CV crossbox that have just arrived. I searched for the fuse and found it in the outlet pipe of the exhaust. 

Being one of the 40amp fuses I needed to retrieve it. With and artists brush and some super sticky tape it was retrieved. Sigh of relief. Having been out to Asda I bought some picture frames one was for a shot of me riding over a high plain at some 15400 feet  near Pang on the Himalayan I took to the Top of the World.

Speaking of travel I have just completed reading the 520 page marathon by Dr Pat Garrod  called Bearback. It has taken me 8 months to start it and a further six months to read it. Other than Scientific documents where Doctor is a requisite requirement I think it is pretentious. To be honest I have worked with many in my career in the NHS  and I wonder how and why they qualified being taught to have the authority on knowing everything and get a bit upset when challenged. The book, to me, starts a bit like that but becomes more engaging the further you get into it. I am sorry to say if I wrote something covering an epic journey it would be that long and probably take even longer to read. I think the book is well worth reading with an insight into many Muslim countries we can no longer visit. Adversity makes the story and I congratulate Pat on managing to record this life changing journey.

I did visit the London Motorcycle show at the Excel with my brother, Adrian to see what was new. We both have an interest in lighter weight bikes like the new Triumph 400 single and Kawasaki 500 twin. Both are A2 compliant but I don’t want a restricted model. I’m remapping and removal of the rev limiter would be a transformation. With modern 250’s with 40 BHP on tap what could you get from a 500?

This months’ 2CVGB news  has now a Facebook page in the form of 2CVGB official that I have signed up for. In doing so I receive a nice photo of my El Cid from years back. I guess from about 2007. I also need to complete my introduction to the page for those who do not know me.

It is MOT time for the Buell and I chose Thursday 22^nd March. That day was the wettest I can remember. Setting off in light rain it became heavier and heavier as I progressed to West London Triumph in East Byfleet. It was a wall of water going and returning. My new Oxford Touring suit (bought at the bike show in 2020 just before lockdown) held up well with only ingress of water at the cuffs and around the neck. This was the first time being out in such heavy rain. I was very pleased to remain so dry. Unfortunately the weather and front brake failed me on the day so there will be a retest soon when everything has dried out.

January 2024 Comment.

 

Comment January 2024

 

I have watched too much tele over the past month. Much of it focussed on the plight of the Palestinians and how biased the media is against them. Where else in the world would workers be dismissed over an allegation without proof. I am referring to the 12 UNWRA workers sent packing because Israel is allowed to do and say what it likes. It is obvious that  their politicians justify their actions by transferring the guilt to their victims dehumanising them in their rhetoric and condoned by the USA and UK. By the way I don’t agree with what they are doing on my behalf. If only we could sack all our MPs because one was alleged to have done something wrong. Proof not necessary and withdraw funding to boot.  You may think I have been exaggerating but what is reported on main stream tele is a fraction of what is out there and we are fed details that are manipulated and controlled to give the bias our government wants to justify their actions. I am so annoyed that our Christian Society has not taken any action to prevent the murders taking place. What is happening is wrong at every level and I am powerless to put it right. Post World War 2 the trials that took place also accused people who should have done something did not were considered as culpable as the perpetrators.  I hope the future justice system has a memory even just to put our politicians on the spot. It is all a bit conspiracy theory but we, as the general public will be paying for this for years in one way or another. I would not suggest going to the middle east at the moment.

To escape the dreadful cold Gita and I escaped to Spain and Barcelona to enjoy the sun and see our daughter Neema during that time. I could still watch the spectacle on line. The plan was to do allot of walking and enjoy the sea air.

 If you have been to Barcelona  and contracted Gaudi-itis there is so much more there in museums, monuments, gardens and castles. We stayed in a four star hotel on the top floor with balcony that was big enough for a table and two chairs. Nice to sit in the sun even on a winter’s day enjoying a coffee or a beer relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the main street below. I did visit the bull ring which is no longer used for bull fighting but is still used for entertainment. Walks along the sea front beyond the “W” building. 

Also on the walks was the cactus garden in the grounds of the Miramar hotel. Quite spectacular. We were high enough at the Miramar to over look the city and take some photos of the spires of Barcelona Cathedral and Sagrada Familial. I was dragged along by my shopaholic and visited some very interesting shops that seemed to have a small motorcycle on display.

 Being away we had many meals out some at Neema’s flat but breakfast was at the hotel in our room. It was aided by having a kettle to boil water for tea and hot water bottles and a small fridge for milk, cheese, ham and beer.  Such luxury with fresh bread for breakfast to start the day. I gave it a five star rating.

Almost at the end of January we were back home as the temperature was going up enough for me to have a ride out on the LE and a Saturday trip to see Coops at Whitchurch in the Burton to see the progress on the new El Cid cover along with a replacement battery for the one that failed over the winter months. There will be more photos when it is ready.

December Comment 2023

 

December Comment 2023

 

Heading for Christmas, sending out cards, buying stuff that you think people will like and foraging for food that will be still in date when you cook it and the weather! I feel confined to the house to avoid the incessant rain and dampness. The weather suits the mood with no motorcycling on tele other than Youtube. Even Itchy Boots had to take a break with a Himalayan Adventure. Watching the events unfold in Palestine is so depressing. Powerless against Western support that will not stop this murder. I have no faith that the west will do the right thing and put an end to this. How is the west held to ransom by one small country that is hated by its neighbours? It is so depressing.

To help me towards Christmas with “Good Will to all men”, not that we are dealing with many Christians here, I retired to the garage to amend some charging wiring on the LE. Having had to buy a new charger because my Motobat optimizer failed. Replaced with an Oxford version at more than twice the price. I have one already and for a number of years it has done the job. The rational was to have standard connections and be able to use it on any bike in the garage the Buell, Kawasaki, LE and Valiant to keep all the batteries healthy. I have already mentioned the wiring changes in the last Blog now I have a short video showing the connections on the LE.

In November I had a problem with my Furygan jacket zip. You had to zip it up with care or it would break open. I tried the squeezing the zipper trick but it did not cure the problem so it was time to get a new jacket. I haven’t thrown it away as I will get it repaired on my next trip to Assam. In the mean time Black Friday was around for two weeks and an offer by Infinity attracted me to make an on-line purchase. A Segura jacket with a massive discount was something not to pass up. I see that The Missenden Flyer now has a Segura Jacket too. Ordered and arrived it was too small sent it back and the larger size arrived. Now a good fit one of the pop studs on a cuff slipped off. Annoying but there was a spare but I needed a tool to fit it. Making the tool from a ten millimetre bolt a quick knock with a small hammer pressed it back together and happiness restored. I was going to wear it for the London Classic Bike Show at the beginning of December but changed my mind due to the intense cold that weekend. I ended up wearing my bike jacket all day even inside.

 

London Classic Bike Show December 23

 

London Classic Bike Show December 2023

 

Another show successfully completed. This one was a bit special as celebrities Henry Cole, Guy Willison and engineering maestro Alan Millyard were in attendance filming a show and being a major attraction. The organisation of the Wey Valley stand had the usual hiccups. We had a battery failure and an illness reducing our numbers by two to eight for the display. The weather played its part in making it a very cold day. Everyone kept their jackets on in spite of nearly record numbers there were insufficient punters to raise the temperature in the hall. I had a thermos of chai to keep me warm and I devoured two bacon baps to help. This year all our exhibitors arrived in good time and we were ready for the punters.

It turned out to be a busy day for us talking about the bikes on display and what the club is all about. My LE is always a centre of interest and keeps me talking for ages but this time we had Elspeth Beard and Chris Arthey signing books drawing people in. I did think at the time we should rename the club as the Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists Book Club. I did manage one walk out into the cold and met Franc the Frog and Phillipa from the, now closed, London Motorcycle Museum. Nice to see old friends are still around post Covid. On the way back I spotted a Cotton with a Starmaker engine.

 I think it was called the Telstar. I did buy some chain lube for the Kawasaki and headed back to relative warmth. After a circuit on the ground floor and the Rumi stand I headed upstairs to see what was there. I was impressed by the Speedway display with race winning bikes of Barry Briggs and Ivan Maugher and many others that were not from my era. 

There was quite a variety of machines from the beginnings of Speedway to the present day and covered most of one side. Impressive. Opposite it was, by comparison the small Greeves stand, but just as interesting was the unusual twin port 350cc single.

 I understand that only about twenty were made making it a very rare beast. It looks fast and would have been competing against the  Japanese twins of the time. In the 250cc class it would have been the Silverstone. Not far away was the MV stand with the OHC 175. So advanced for 1951. Like all the Italian bikes of the time they were cleanly styled and looked fast. 

Trying to compete with styling was the Puch Split single 125cc powered EMC of 1952.

 Parked in the entrance was an old favourite and loved by Henry Cole a Raleigh Chopper and this one was. 

We had a visit by Henry to our stand posing by the Guzzi Californian. Henry and Louise our Social events organiser.

 All in all a very good day for the club and our book people even though we didn’t win any prizes as we did in May but this was a different event. I made it home in good time on the LE with only a little steam on the faster dual carriageways keeping up with the traffic.

November 2023 Comment

 

November 23 Comment.

 

As a child I went to Sunday School to have fun with the other kids but also to be indoctrinated in the scriptures. I was always confused when Palestine or Philistine was mentioned. Were they the same?  Was Philistine another country?  I had to look it up and in my Compact English dictionary: 1 a member of the people in ancient Palestine.2 (usu. philistine) a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture. Also adj. It appears I did not get the wrong end of the stick. There are still Philistines in Palestine.

Getting closer to the London Classic Bike Show Henry Cole will be there and on the Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists stand will be a few celebrities due to be with us are Elspeth Beard, the around the world traveller and Chris Arthey survivor of a horrific accident on Highway 35 in America. Both will be there to talk to and sign books. I have read them both and they are good reads. Perhaps we should rename the club Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists Book Club?

Recently I bought a new tyre inflator. I wanted something to carry with me travelling on the bike. Something compact and independent. There is an enormous choice on eBay. I settled for a Pumteck Tyre Inflator. It has a battery, SOS lights, is a power bank and pumps up tyres.

 The only drawback is the connector that you have to screw on to the valve. I can’t do it quick enough to stop the loss of air from the valve. I must admit the clip ones are easier for me. I have now pumped up, not only the motorcycle tyres, but the cycle ones and the cars as well as you do with a new toy. It is slightly larger than my mobile phone but about 125mm by 80mm by 45mm deep. Not quite pocket sized. It feels heavy at about 600 gram. I think it will be a useful travel companion.

The other day a letter dropped on the mat from “Back Heathrow” a community newsletter about

 Heathrow becoming greener  and the use of  more environmentally fuels SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels) already in used in fuel to cut carbon emissions there is a plan to do more using cooking oils, food waste and industrial waste. I know of the so called “Poo” buses in Bristol but consider the fragrance around Heathrow. It is bad enough with discharges of aviation fuel polluting the air already but adding other, not so environmentally friendly concoctions, is likely to be worse. The idea of  hydrogen powered aeroplanes is what peaked my interest. At present Heathrow sheds tens of thousands of tons of carbon into our atmosphere, Shedding the same equivalent of water in the same locality is bound to have an impact. I looked it up on the NASA website and the impact of water vapour enhances the warming effect of carbon dioxide. Reducing carbon in the atmosphere is needed but replacing it with water will negate the effect. The changes in local weather could be quite dramatic. Heathrow could become a grey area with little sunshine and regular showers of rain when a jumbo jet takes off. Everyone around London would need to escape to the sunshine. Difficult to dry washing without a tumble dryer. I am not so sure that hydrogen will be as good as they say. The thermal efficiency as a fuel compared to aviation fuel requires it to be compressed in to a liquid also requiring a strong, robust tank to contain it. It is all doable but is all that effort going to be worth it? If hydrogen takes off as a commercial fuel what will become of the rest of the worlds’ economies? It has not been properly thought through. I would not fancy riding around with a tank of hydrogen between my legs!