Confirmed for G-Mex:-
Chris
Ken
Keith
Roger
What about?:-
Martin
Mick (Maughan)
Rob
Merry Christmas (turn your volume up)
Merry Christmas everyone (Click to view)
Also:-
Anyone up for GMEX on January 6th.
At least 7(maybe 8) of us still live within 40 miles of Manchester.
Also:-
Anyone up for GMEX on January 6th.
At least 7(maybe 8) of us still live within 40 miles of Manchester.
More Memories (if anyone is interested)
Greetings from the other side of the North Sea, and an early Merry Christmas to any readers.
I have finally managed to bludgeon my computer into obeying me after it decided to stop me posting to the Blog last year.
After my hospital stay last November I have been told I have septic arthritis of the right hip and it will need replacing in due course, which will cause problems using a kick starter until then. Already, I have discomfort just sitting on the MZ. Since it is most improbable that the Morini will ever be repaired (though Hannah is sniffing around) I have been thinking of getting another (big) bike in due course.
This time I decided to go for electric start and shaft drive, after the starting and chain problems with the Morini.
Seeing a few of you seemed to think I was a BMW person I looked at the latest range but was repelled by the styling. I then looked at the Guzzi range and discovered they are shortly going to bring out a model with the Breva engine but ‘old fashioned’ styling.
But back to the past: At this stage I must point out that the joys of motorcycling far outweighed the occasional downsides.
The Velocette Venom Clubman which was purchased in 1973 proved to be a pig’s ear in some respects. I discovered that it was disastrously over geared (cured with the correct sized gearbox sprocket). Also, some bodger in its past had removed the bob weights from the ATD before welding it up solid, adding a prong to connect up with a Triumph rev counter gearbox. This I discovered going to the Great Yarmouth rally when the fibre teeth stripped. The RAC guy said ‘your fibre wheel’s teeth have stripped’, I said ‘I (should) have a steel wheel since I have manual advance\retard’?
Slightly later I went to Rolvenden in Kent to visit the three old ladies in whose house in London I had been born in 1950. The valve lifter Bowden cable broke trying to start the beast! Having got it started and having visited “Aunties Thorne’ I set out for home. It was a beautiful night with a full moon and I noticed the lights were failing. A quick check proved the dynamo was turning but it was also plain that the ‘fuzz’ would stop me if I tried to get home in SE London without lights. Luckily my sister lived quite close by and I spent the night there. The next morning Peter, my engineer brother-in-law, looked at the electrics with me and it became plain that one of the wires soldered to the VR had detached. By now, some of the cognoscenti will be thinking, the Velocette has lucar connectors to its VR. Not this one (snigger)! The bodger had struck again!
Eventually, the engine and electrics were returned to ‘bog’ standard and by dint of much work, only one oil leak remained. (Plaintively) Can anyone seal the tin primary chain case of a Velo single?
After the Fulmar fragged itself for the second time (the flywheel rim and boss tend to disassociate) I bought my first MZ 150, followed by another one after a few months when the first one telescoped itself against a car that turned right against the lights at a crossing.
After two years the lack of power started to grate, though it did go to the Elephant Rally in 1974 with a gaggle of old Brit bikes with sidecars, which included a very old Ariel twin which could run on paraffin. They had run out of petrol some miles short of Dover and only had paraffin! The ES150 was p/x’ed for a MZ 250 Sport which once went to Spain (and back). While in Spain some light-fingered dago stole the filler cap. The MZ filler cap has a measuring cup underneath for the oil and its lack was a sore trial going back to England, as there are no MZ dealers in Spain from which to get a new one.
Later that year I was visiting a MZ dealer in Thornton Heath where I saw an Indian Enfield 350 Bullet with only a few miles on the clock. I sold the MZ and bought the Bullet.
Bad mistake. The tale of woe and tribulation that followed was recounted in a letter to Motorcycle Sport in February 1982.
Having disposed of the (insert derogatory term) Enfield yet another MZ came along, this time a 125 Alpine. This one, though small, was capable of a sustained 60-65 MPH and returned almost 100 mpg. It lasted about 30,000 miles until late 1981 when it was replaced by the first MZ ETZ250 Luxus to be sold in England, well it’s worth having a least one record!
Hannah was born in 1988 and on the morning of her Christening day a new ETZ engine was supplied by my dealer, as the old engine had had several failures, main bearings followed by big end. I fitted the engine that morning before getting cleaned up for the Baptism.
After the engine was carefully run in the bike was stolen! Someone must have been sneaking around checking on the milometer reading.
If anyone is interested in other posts detailing mainly the disasters experienced by myself, please reply to this post. If not, ?.
I have finally managed to bludgeon my computer into obeying me after it decided to stop me posting to the Blog last year.
After my hospital stay last November I have been told I have septic arthritis of the right hip and it will need replacing in due course, which will cause problems using a kick starter until then. Already, I have discomfort just sitting on the MZ. Since it is most improbable that the Morini will ever be repaired (though Hannah is sniffing around) I have been thinking of getting another (big) bike in due course.
This time I decided to go for electric start and shaft drive, after the starting and chain problems with the Morini.
Seeing a few of you seemed to think I was a BMW person I looked at the latest range but was repelled by the styling. I then looked at the Guzzi range and discovered they are shortly going to bring out a model with the Breva engine but ‘old fashioned’ styling.
But back to the past: At this stage I must point out that the joys of motorcycling far outweighed the occasional downsides.
The Velocette Venom Clubman which was purchased in 1973 proved to be a pig’s ear in some respects. I discovered that it was disastrously over geared (cured with the correct sized gearbox sprocket). Also, some bodger in its past had removed the bob weights from the ATD before welding it up solid, adding a prong to connect up with a Triumph rev counter gearbox. This I discovered going to the Great Yarmouth rally when the fibre teeth stripped. The RAC guy said ‘your fibre wheel’s teeth have stripped’, I said ‘I (should) have a steel wheel since I have manual advance\retard’?
Slightly later I went to Rolvenden in Kent to visit the three old ladies in whose house in London I had been born in 1950. The valve lifter Bowden cable broke trying to start the beast! Having got it started and having visited “Aunties Thorne’ I set out for home. It was a beautiful night with a full moon and I noticed the lights were failing. A quick check proved the dynamo was turning but it was also plain that the ‘fuzz’ would stop me if I tried to get home in SE London without lights. Luckily my sister lived quite close by and I spent the night there. The next morning Peter, my engineer brother-in-law, looked at the electrics with me and it became plain that one of the wires soldered to the VR had detached. By now, some of the cognoscenti will be thinking, the Velocette has lucar connectors to its VR. Not this one (snigger)! The bodger had struck again!
Eventually, the engine and electrics were returned to ‘bog’ standard and by dint of much work, only one oil leak remained. (Plaintively) Can anyone seal the tin primary chain case of a Velo single?
After the Fulmar fragged itself for the second time (the flywheel rim and boss tend to disassociate) I bought my first MZ 150, followed by another one after a few months when the first one telescoped itself against a car that turned right against the lights at a crossing.
After two years the lack of power started to grate, though it did go to the Elephant Rally in 1974 with a gaggle of old Brit bikes with sidecars, which included a very old Ariel twin which could run on paraffin. They had run out of petrol some miles short of Dover and only had paraffin! The ES150 was p/x’ed for a MZ 250 Sport which once went to Spain (and back). While in Spain some light-fingered dago stole the filler cap. The MZ filler cap has a measuring cup underneath for the oil and its lack was a sore trial going back to England, as there are no MZ dealers in Spain from which to get a new one.
Later that year I was visiting a MZ dealer in Thornton Heath where I saw an Indian Enfield 350 Bullet with only a few miles on the clock. I sold the MZ and bought the Bullet.
Bad mistake. The tale of woe and tribulation that followed was recounted in a letter to Motorcycle Sport in February 1982.
Having disposed of the (insert derogatory term) Enfield yet another MZ came along, this time a 125 Alpine. This one, though small, was capable of a sustained 60-65 MPH and returned almost 100 mpg. It lasted about 30,000 miles until late 1981 when it was replaced by the first MZ ETZ250 Luxus to be sold in England, well it’s worth having a least one record!
Hannah was born in 1988 and on the morning of her Christening day a new ETZ engine was supplied by my dealer, as the old engine had had several failures, main bearings followed by big end. I fitted the engine that morning before getting cleaned up for the Baptism.
After the engine was carefully run in the bike was stolen! Someone must have been sneaking around checking on the milometer reading.
If anyone is interested in other posts detailing mainly the disasters experienced by myself, please reply to this post. If not, ?.
Latest
I've sold the Dominator and the Cub (a tidy profit on each one!!)
But toy money is toy money - so a free beer token if anyone can guess wots next!!
But toy money is toy money - so a free beer token if anyone can guess wots next!!
For Sale
My mate Geoff is selling this at a reasonable price.
Any takers?
Or my Cub (see previous post) for £500.00 less
Any takers?
Or my Cub (see previous post) for £500.00 less
Postcard from Estoril
Best MotoGP race this year in my view. Hot, noisy, and brilliant atmosphere you really had to be there to feel it. Not many Stoner T shirts about, but plenty of Rossi and Pedrosa fans who understandably went berserk when their men got to the front.
Roger's bike
The Husky looked OK, but the two-wheeler in the background looks much more suitable for you. I suppose the BMW gets used sometimes as well though.
For Sale ----SOLD!!!!!!!!
Last chance to buy my Husqvarna.
Motor rebuilt 11 years ago, but laid up after 500 miles, (birth of daughter curtailed activities, along with subsequent closure of local green lanes).
I have just had it going (3rd kick, not bad after 10 years), and it goes like ****.
New chain and sprockets.
£600.00
07771 965 901
But now I have money burning a hole in my pocket.
I missed the Morini (see previous posts), any suggestions?
Motor rebuilt 11 years ago, but laid up after 500 miles, (birth of daughter curtailed activities, along with subsequent closure of local green lanes).
I have just had it going (3rd kick, not bad after 10 years), and it goes like ****.
New chain and sprockets.
£600.00
07771 965 901
But now I have money burning a hole in my pocket.
I missed the Morini (see previous posts), any suggestions?
Thundersprint 2007
Some nice bikes in the paddock
Gilera look-a-like and
250 Velo in home-made Moto Guzzi style frame
Together with the usual suspects
Cost of riding
My insurance is about to expire, and I received my renewal from a certain female in Altrincham.
£219.00 - not unreasonable, thought I.
However, my letter pointed out that the underwriters had changed.
I then logged onto the underwriters website - result?
A renewal at £89.95.
UNBELIEVABLE
15 years ago when I had the 906 Cagiva I was paying over £700.00.
Also, 30 years ago a Yamaha XS750 was £1400.
Inflation has been at least tenfold, but a comparable but much better bike is now £6000 to £8000.
In the words of a well known politicion - WE'VE NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD!!!
(I won't mention fuel though)
£219.00 - not unreasonable, thought I.
However, my letter pointed out that the underwriters had changed.
I then logged onto the underwriters website - result?
A renewal at £89.95.
UNBELIEVABLE
15 years ago when I had the 906 Cagiva I was paying over £700.00.
Also, 30 years ago a Yamaha XS750 was £1400.
Inflation has been at least tenfold, but a comparable but much better bike is now £6000 to £8000.
In the words of a well known politicion - WE'VE NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD!!!
(I won't mention fuel though)
Just desserts.
Perhaps I should have been more sympathetic to Chris last Sunday.
I got my retribution.
A big off whilst riding my bicycle on the canal towpath on Monday night has left me with a broken sternum.
Extremely painful, but will eventually mend itself.
But no action for 4 weeks.
I got my retribution.
A big off whilst riding my bicycle on the canal towpath on Monday night has left me with a broken sternum.
Extremely painful, but will eventually mend itself.
But no action for 4 weeks.
Well - If you insist!!!
Halifax Chris gets it airborne down West Stone Dale.(He was a little more airborne than expected.)
I told him and Chris Barrett to put on a show.
Scroll down for Barrett's show:-
Notice how Chris is on his front wheel, with very little steerage and heading straight for your Scribe.
My sideways roll to avoid the missile would make a top SAS soldier proud.
I then heard Chris shouting ' get this shot of me'
He was really saying 'Get this shit off me'
Bringing a camera out always brings a bike down. My old mate Stuart learnt that 40 years ago - and pointed it out to Chris BEFORE we started.
Seriously tho'we did 14 dales:-
Airedale
Wharfedale
Bishopdale
Yoredale
Swaledale
Teesdale
Then the best road in the UK - Stang Forest.
Arkengarthdale
West Stonedale
Birkdale
Edendale
Garsdale
Dentdale
Breakfast at Ribblehead.
Ribblesdale
Chapel-le Dale
Then to Pub for 12:30.
160 miles
Publish and be damned!
We all know that KTM's have a long and honourable off road heritage, so who should be surprised when that genetic legacy emerges? This is most likely to happen when cresting a blind hump back bridge and seeing what resembles a large leather clad pixie scampering for his life, clearly having a strong aversion to being hit by 250 kilos of partly controlled projectile. What could be more natural than for the bike to seek its natural environment?
What would have probably helped a bit was if there was a decent rider on board, but that was not to be, so mud in the wheel spindles it was to be.
Have a laugh folks.
What would have probably helped a bit was if there was a decent rider on board, but that was not to be, so mud in the wheel spindles it was to be.
Have a laugh folks.
Blackmail attempt
Unless a certain person forwards a great many Smackers to Roger, certain pictures will be published here.
Over to you Chris.
Over to you Chris.
Motorcycle Sport
Well there you go, I'm not the only one with a compulsion to buy Motorcyle Sport. My earliest copies are still in the attic and date back to the mid-sixties. There are a few missing, I just don't know where they've gone. Its the only magazine I get on subscription, and the only one worth buying. I can't explain why I keep them, I assume it's to do with remembrance of times past.
Motorcycle Sport
Just as a matter of interest, how many of us are still getting this mag? Are we keeping it going with our rants to the Editor? In recent times I am sure Chris has made his views known (tyres?), I was prompted a couple of years ago on return from their
35+ years of readership through thick and thin?? (The mags appear a lot fatter now but perhaps with a less amateurish approach- all part of their charm in the 60's and 70's).
Spring is here. Tra-La
Blue skies, dry(ish) roads, no salt.
Must be Spring.
Just returned from a ride - Still bloody cold though.
PS
Who said BMWs were boring.
Go to:-
BMW-HP2
and download BMW-HP2
Brings back memories of the Pit on Monday nights!
Must be Spring.
Just returned from a ride - Still bloody cold though.
PS
Who said BMWs were boring.
Go to:-
BMW-HP2
and download BMW-HP2
Brings back memories of the Pit on Monday nights!
The Show
Where was everyone?????
Keith couldn't make it, but what about the Manchester residents? (and Martin)
Chris and I enjoyed the scenery tho'.
Chris was particularly interested in a new leather jacket. (or at least we seemed to visit the Furygan stand at regular intervals.
Chris suggested we next meet up at Ally Pally.
I was more interested in raising the finance for one of these:-
And finally ---- The Group Photograph:
Keith couldn't make it, but what about the Manchester residents? (and Martin)
Chris and I enjoyed the scenery tho'.
Chris was particularly interested in a new leather jacket. (or at least we seemed to visit the Furygan stand at regular intervals.
Chris suggested we next meet up at Ally Pally.
I was more interested in raising the finance for one of these:-
And finally ---- The Group Photograph:
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Starting big singles
My mate Ibbo has just bought a Honda XR400. Aren't they hard to start . He asked for some advice so I sent him this. Fo most this will all be a memory from years ago, but I still have to do it on my ancient TT600.
THE SIMPLE GUIDE TO STARTING BIG SINGLES
1. Go out to your garage and check the motorcycle is capable of safe operation (this would include a brief visual check of tyres, brakes, throttle and other controls).
2. Mentally review your own fitness to undertake the tasks to which you are committing yourself . This would include answering such questions as:
Is my heart sound?
Do I have my blood pressure under control?
If asthmatic, do I have a back-up inhaler available?
Do I have joint problems in the lower part of my body?
Do my shin bones break easily?
Is my mental state robust enough to withstand extreme stress and frustration.?
Have I made a will?
Bear in mind that the most common causes of failure to start are human, not mechanical.
3. Go and put your riding gear on. Be sure to wear wool next to the skin and to stuff a big scarf down your neck.
4. Make sure the fuel tap is turned on. If you find it is on all ready then turn it off and drain the carburettor to get rid of stale fuel, then turn it back on.
5. If the engine is cold then you will probably need some choke. Exactly how much is something a motorcyclist learns during the course of of his or her troubled and disfunctional relationship with his or her bike.
6 Stand astride the bike. If you are tough then just hold it vertical. If you are like me then put it on its side stand. If you know someone who can weld then that is a bonus, as the stresses this creates will eventually break it, its mounting point, or both.
7. Ease the piston over top dead centre by gently depressing the kick start. You will know when this was as by the time your realise you have got to that point you will have gone too far and have to try again. Normally you will have to try this so many times that you will flood the engine and wet the plug. You will then have to kick furiously with the fuel off and the throttle open. This is called ''clearing the plug''. It doesn't actually work.
8. Hold the throttle at the point you have found that allows your bike to start. To decide on this point see instruction 5.
9. Kick firmly with a smooth, sustained and forceful motion. This is the point where the bike is supposed to roar into life. Just like the Titanic was supposed to be unsinkable.
10. Don't worry when it doesn't, ''They all do that sir.''
11. Repeat the kicking until you have palpitations. Try to vary the positions of the choke and throttle into all possible combinations, even though you know from previous experience that it will make no difference. It's the hope that sustains you.
12. When you get to the point when you are looking round to see if anybody is available to phone for an ambulance, stop, take off your helmet, scarf, and gloves. You could also try loosening your collar to release the steam.
13. Continue the sequence of kicking and removing clothing until you can go no further due to public decency legislation. If there is no one around then you can continue until naked. Note however that you must under no circumstance try kicking the bike without your boots on. The presence of a thick covering of leather means the difference between a simple and compound fracture of the shin bone if the bike backfires. The kinetic energy released by a backfire is similar to that of a steel bar being swung by a victim of bear attack. If you know anybody who has a very bumpy shinbone they have probably been a motorcyclist in the past.
14. If you are still unsuccessful (and you probably will be), then stop and have a cup of tea. Make it strong. Caffiene is a mild stimulant and it will help. You might be tempted to try a stronger stimulant, but amphetamine addiction is hard to shake off.
15. Refreshed, go back to your struggle. Where were you about to go? Are you still that keen? My guess is that it will now become a fight to the death with the bike. One you must win. Sod what you were planning. Just starting the thing is now the objective.
16. Do the checks that you know are futile. Is there petrol? Is there a spark? Are all electrical leads connected? Of course they are. Just checking though will make sure you have got you breath back. And your hands greasy. Washing them will give you further recovery time.
17. As if by magic the bike will now start. You probably don't know what you did differently. Don't dwell on this, over time it will become automatic, like throwing a ball to someone.
18. Put all you gear back on and get on the bike.
19. Stall the bike and start over again.
THE SIMPLE GUIDE TO STARTING BIG SINGLES
1. Go out to your garage and check the motorcycle is capable of safe operation (this would include a brief visual check of tyres, brakes, throttle and other controls).
2. Mentally review your own fitness to undertake the tasks to which you are committing yourself . This would include answering such questions as:
Is my heart sound?
Do I have my blood pressure under control?
If asthmatic, do I have a back-up inhaler available?
Do I have joint problems in the lower part of my body?
Do my shin bones break easily?
Is my mental state robust enough to withstand extreme stress and frustration.?
Have I made a will?
Bear in mind that the most common causes of failure to start are human, not mechanical.
3. Go and put your riding gear on. Be sure to wear wool next to the skin and to stuff a big scarf down your neck.
4. Make sure the fuel tap is turned on. If you find it is on all ready then turn it off and drain the carburettor to get rid of stale fuel, then turn it back on.
5. If the engine is cold then you will probably need some choke. Exactly how much is something a motorcyclist learns during the course of of his or her troubled and disfunctional relationship with his or her bike.
6 Stand astride the bike. If you are tough then just hold it vertical. If you are like me then put it on its side stand. If you know someone who can weld then that is a bonus, as the stresses this creates will eventually break it, its mounting point, or both.
7. Ease the piston over top dead centre by gently depressing the kick start. You will know when this was as by the time your realise you have got to that point you will have gone too far and have to try again. Normally you will have to try this so many times that you will flood the engine and wet the plug. You will then have to kick furiously with the fuel off and the throttle open. This is called ''clearing the plug''. It doesn't actually work.
8. Hold the throttle at the point you have found that allows your bike to start. To decide on this point see instruction 5.
9. Kick firmly with a smooth, sustained and forceful motion. This is the point where the bike is supposed to roar into life. Just like the Titanic was supposed to be unsinkable.
10. Don't worry when it doesn't, ''They all do that sir.''
11. Repeat the kicking until you have palpitations. Try to vary the positions of the choke and throttle into all possible combinations, even though you know from previous experience that it will make no difference. It's the hope that sustains you.
12. When you get to the point when you are looking round to see if anybody is available to phone for an ambulance, stop, take off your helmet, scarf, and gloves. You could also try loosening your collar to release the steam.
13. Continue the sequence of kicking and removing clothing until you can go no further due to public decency legislation. If there is no one around then you can continue until naked. Note however that you must under no circumstance try kicking the bike without your boots on. The presence of a thick covering of leather means the difference between a simple and compound fracture of the shin bone if the bike backfires. The kinetic energy released by a backfire is similar to that of a steel bar being swung by a victim of bear attack. If you know anybody who has a very bumpy shinbone they have probably been a motorcyclist in the past.
14. If you are still unsuccessful (and you probably will be), then stop and have a cup of tea. Make it strong. Caffiene is a mild stimulant and it will help. You might be tempted to try a stronger stimulant, but amphetamine addiction is hard to shake off.
15. Refreshed, go back to your struggle. Where were you about to go? Are you still that keen? My guess is that it will now become a fight to the death with the bike. One you must win. Sod what you were planning. Just starting the thing is now the objective.
16. Do the checks that you know are futile. Is there petrol? Is there a spark? Are all electrical leads connected? Of course they are. Just checking though will make sure you have got you breath back. And your hands greasy. Washing them will give you further recovery time.
17. As if by magic the bike will now start. You probably don't know what you did differently. Don't dwell on this, over time it will become automatic, like throwing a ball to someone.
18. Put all you gear back on and get on the bike.
19. Stall the bike and start over again.
Musings
I have been off the road for a while recovering from a hip operation, NOT caused by falling off a bike, BTW.
While watching a tape, since the 30 or so channels on TV here are currently not worth watching, I was suddenly struck by some thoughts.
You may remember earlier this year there was a programme on BBC2 concerning the origin of certain phrases eg. Bog standard. The presenters could not trace that phrase back beyond the mid 70s, though I recall using it at UMIST re motorcycles.
After Uni I met Howard Place, whose family owned a few baker shops in Dulwich and Nunhead and also a few vintage motorcars.
The link is that Howard, who ran, when he could get it going, a 350cc Gold Star, was convinced that the M/C manufacturer knew best. Therefore, if the manufacturer fitted (rubbish) Britax handlebar levers to his product they were clearly the best for this machine. I am pretty sure he was serious!
Another point that came from my musings was memories of my MZ TS250/1. When my first ETZ250 was stolen in 1988 I phoned Ken at Kick Start Motorcycles to tell him that I would need another. When I got there he showed me a Supa 5 he thought I would like. He later described its acceleration as being similar to ‘shit off a shovel’ when I asked him to check something for me by riding it.
It was much cheaper than a new ETZ, and, remembering the superb fuel consumption (up to 100mpg) of the 250 Sport, was obviously a bargain.
Since it was going to be used to commute into Central London, some modifications were needed, anathema to Howard, remember. First, the slightly wide handlbars were replaced with very narrow straight bars. Since I have scars in both legs caused by the bloody awful early MZ switchgear I immediately changed the switchgear to the user friendly ETZ version.
To keep the bike narrow, useful for negotiating narrow gaps in the traffic, the (single) mirror was mounted inboard of the switchgear. A Honda TLS front brake was fitted and finally, the rather stone age 6V electrics were converted into 12V using a JG electronic voltage regulator (as used on 6V Brit bikes), which transformed the electrics beyond recognition.
This bike was used to commute almost 25 miles into Central London very sucessfully until we relocated to Holland in 1992. The proof of the pudding, so to speak, was the day that the buses, Underground and trains were all out on strike. The roads were almost gridlocked but my trip to work took only 5 minutes longer than usual! Only one other colleague got in that day.
The MZ continued to be used in Holland for five years more before expiring on the motorway into Amsterdam one day.
Falling back on using the Morini, I remember one Dutch Public Holiday when I had to go to work there were almost no other vehicles on the road. The trip in, at 100mph plus on the empty motorway, took 25 minutes instead of the usual 45.
The current MZ remains virtually as made, except I use Petroil rather than the oil tank, after a nasty, expensive experience with the earlier ETZ, but that can be the subject for a future ramble through memories.
P.S. happy new year to all
While watching a tape, since the 30 or so channels on TV here are currently not worth watching, I was suddenly struck by some thoughts.
You may remember earlier this year there was a programme on BBC2 concerning the origin of certain phrases eg. Bog standard. The presenters could not trace that phrase back beyond the mid 70s, though I recall using it at UMIST re motorcycles.
After Uni I met Howard Place, whose family owned a few baker shops in Dulwich and Nunhead and also a few vintage motorcars.
The link is that Howard, who ran, when he could get it going, a 350cc Gold Star, was convinced that the M/C manufacturer knew best. Therefore, if the manufacturer fitted (rubbish) Britax handlebar levers to his product they were clearly the best for this machine. I am pretty sure he was serious!
Another point that came from my musings was memories of my MZ TS250/1. When my first ETZ250 was stolen in 1988 I phoned Ken at Kick Start Motorcycles to tell him that I would need another. When I got there he showed me a Supa 5 he thought I would like. He later described its acceleration as being similar to ‘shit off a shovel’ when I asked him to check something for me by riding it.
It was much cheaper than a new ETZ, and, remembering the superb fuel consumption (up to 100mpg) of the 250 Sport, was obviously a bargain.
Since it was going to be used to commute into Central London, some modifications were needed, anathema to Howard, remember. First, the slightly wide handlbars were replaced with very narrow straight bars. Since I have scars in both legs caused by the bloody awful early MZ switchgear I immediately changed the switchgear to the user friendly ETZ version.
To keep the bike narrow, useful for negotiating narrow gaps in the traffic, the (single) mirror was mounted inboard of the switchgear. A Honda TLS front brake was fitted and finally, the rather stone age 6V electrics were converted into 12V using a JG electronic voltage regulator (as used on 6V Brit bikes), which transformed the electrics beyond recognition.
This bike was used to commute almost 25 miles into Central London very sucessfully until we relocated to Holland in 1992. The proof of the pudding, so to speak, was the day that the buses, Underground and trains were all out on strike. The roads were almost gridlocked but my trip to work took only 5 minutes longer than usual! Only one other colleague got in that day.
The MZ continued to be used in Holland for five years more before expiring on the motorway into Amsterdam one day.
Falling back on using the Morini, I remember one Dutch Public Holiday when I had to go to work there were almost no other vehicles on the road. The trip in, at 100mph plus on the empty motorway, took 25 minutes instead of the usual 45.
The current MZ remains virtually as made, except I use Petroil rather than the oil tank, after a nasty, expensive experience with the earlier ETZ, but that can be the subject for a future ramble through memories.
P.S. happy new year to all
Merry Christmas from Keith
I've tried to load the attached into the 'new' blogger under 'You've beat me to it................
Apparently without success. Perhaps you can do the honours.
Thanks
Keith
PS Happy Christmas - I know I should be down the pub just now!
Manchester Motorcycle Show
January 7 2007 is the date for the show.
I need another group photograph!!!
Who is going?
Any International visitors?
I need another group photograph!!!
Who is going?
Any International visitors?
Now the truth!
We all know the power of peer pressure.
Well, when faced with a group of blokes saying that 'When being towed on a bike tie the bikes together', then Dave chose to do as they said, and ignore my advice, which was to 'Loop the rope round the handlebars and hold the loose end, so you can let go quickly'. I know lots about towing, the crap bikes I've had have needed lots of it.
Now Dave is an expert rider on his little Yamaha, as the picture shows, so I thought he would have known better.
So we set off, with the rope tied to rack of my KTM, which lies some way above the centre of gravity,and that, combined with the hill start, made wheelieng compulsory. Why could I hear laughter ringing out from the 'experts' behind us?
All went well for the first few miles, until Dave signalled me to stop, so he could tell me he had boiled his brakes. That wasn't a real problem. That came next.
I don't know where we were at the time, but Roger must have found out from our chaperone, Steve on his plastic rocketship, that it was the Bingley bypass.
I felt an increasing retardation from behind. 'Funny I thought, Dave hasn't got any brakes'. It was the crashing noise that made me turn round, to see Dave bodysurfing on tarmac, some distance from his bike. Yamahas have quite a low coefficient of friction haven't they? I carried on quite well.
Turned out that Dave's boiled brakes had let some slack develop in the rope that caught on his knobbly tyre, got dragged round into the wheel, and wound him into my bike like a fish on a hook. Once his front wheel lost contact with the tarmac his fate was sealed.
Once we got his bike kicked straight it was time for Dave to have his revenge.
I needed petrol so pulled gently into the next petrol station. Now everybody knows not to get an angle on the rope, except we forgot.
As we picked my bike up a helpful bloke said 'Oh no, it's awful to drop a lovely new bike on its side for the first time'
No worry there then, the first time was two weeks before.Since the I'd spent £100 on crash bungs, so I got my money back in one go
KTM.
Float like a butterfly
Sting like a bee
Fall off like a dick
Another Classic moment from 2006
Just remembered another highlight.
Our usual group was joined by Chris Barret (KTM-SM), Chris the plumber (KTM Adventure) and Steve (scooter).
A quick run through the Trough of Bowland marked our arrival at Glasson Dock in the order shown in the photo. Yes, the scooter genuinely beat us all!!!!!!!
My riding highlights.
Overall it has been a wet summer, but with some memorable moments.
Every Sunday, come hell or high water, a group of us meet locally for a quick blast round the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbrian mountains or Lancashire Hotspots.
Ken and Keith have joined from time to time and Chris is now a regular and fully paid up member.
It is Chris who provided one of the highlights of the Year. To see him attempt to tow his stricken mate, Dave, (XT350 with broken chain)with his brand new KTM was priceless.
I will leave it up to Chris to explain how Dave was left sat in the middle of the road whilst his Yamaha was dragged on it's side at full speed up the Bingley Relief Road.
I havn't ridden Chris's bike yet - the roads have always been damp when Chris was out, but I have ridden another friends identical bike and ---WOOOOOOW!! - what a bike. I have never ridden anything so small, light and powerful.
It handles like a 410 supermoto, but goes like a 999 Ducati.
The end of the season?
Now that Winter is fast encroaching on activities (the dreaded salt) how about some contributions from readers sharing their experiences from the summer past. Any stories from Brunei, USA or The Netherlands?
Morini 3½ for sale.
An aquaintance of mine is selling his Morini 3½.
I haven't seen it, but I know it to be in good condition. T and T, standard trim etc.
It strikes me as being good value at £1500.
I wouldn't normally do this, but I know there are Morini owners out there.
Contact me directly or leave a comment below if interested.
Seems like there are no takers.
Going to have to buy it myself then!!!
It's all a matter of choice
This got me thinking.
Does anyone out there own a multi? (4cyls 0r more).
I can't think of any, and the only triple I know of is Pete's.
Is it an age thing?
PS
Talking of age, check out the background - the reason for stopping.
Years ago it was for cigs, now it's the 'call of nature'
Manx Grand Prix 2006
Just spent a few very enjoyable days on the Island with the missus. We stayed for Monday's and Wednesday's races which included both Classic classes - together with the Newcomers and Juniors. Just to confuse matters (or just me) Juniors now seems to mean mainly 600s but with twins upto 750, and Seniors upto 1000cc. Above is John Goodall 7R AJS coming out of Governor's Dip on his way to 3rd in the 'Lightweight' Classic.
It's a long time since I've been over there - Hailwood's final TT in '79 being the last time. The Manx has a slightly quieter atmosphere - plenty of grey hair amongst both spectators and riders, and the advantage that most to take to their beds at a reasonable hour leaving a 'lull' in bike noise during the night.
That said there was plenty of activity with Manx 2-day trial, Classics trial, and various VMCC events. One of the 'joys' of the whole thing is seeing bikes hardly seen on the roads today - Velos and Goldstars by the dozen, G50 Seeley in road trim, Manx's similarly etc and plenty of specials too. See what you think of the outfit and the 'new' Commando above..............
What a job!
Do you all remember starting a simple job that soon turned into a total disaster.
This happened to me a while ago. For a short time the ETZ250 had to stand out in the open rather than in the shed while I was doing some work on the Morini.
I looked out of the kitchen window one morning and noticed that the hollow in the cylinder head housing the spark plug had filled with water! Clearly the drain channel had blocked so I cleared away the water, unscrewed the plug and got to work clearing away the mud filling the hole. Due to the lack of access, since I had decided not to lift off the petrol tank or the head, this being an easy job, I was using a small scredriver. It broke on the lump of grit plugging the hole!
Now of course the tank and head did have to come off. The former was easy but a snag developed with the latter. The two nuts connecting it to the rubber mounting came away cleanly and the engine could be lowered slightly but then only three of the four cylinder head holding nuts came loose. The fourth rotated but it quickly became clear that the stud was unscrewing from the crankcase. Since the nut was rusted onto the stud, having never been removed since the bike was made in 1981, I was loath to spend time using penetrating fluid over an extended period attempting to free it. The stud is waisted making it impossible to lift it though the barrel and head (unlike a Velocette) and since the barrel and head cannot come off as one while the engine is in the frame it seemed the easier job to cut through the stud in situ. Of course this now involved the exhaust and carburettor being detached. All this was done and finally the head and barrel came off separately enabling the remains of the stud to be replaced, the drain hole drilled through and everything reassembled in reverse order.
When the engine was started again the noise was horrendous!
To my shock, I found I had, for the first time ever, managed to cross thread the exhaust pipe castle nut, ruining the barrel beyond repair! A new barrel was now needed so I phoned Burwin Motorcycles in London for a new one. Martin there said this would be an ideal time to fit the 300cc conversion, being he had an almost new conversion in stock.
I never added up all the costs for the work needed but all this, just to clear a blocked drainage hole.
This happened to me a while ago. For a short time the ETZ250 had to stand out in the open rather than in the shed while I was doing some work on the Morini.
I looked out of the kitchen window one morning and noticed that the hollow in the cylinder head housing the spark plug had filled with water! Clearly the drain channel had blocked so I cleared away the water, unscrewed the plug and got to work clearing away the mud filling the hole. Due to the lack of access, since I had decided not to lift off the petrol tank or the head, this being an easy job, I was using a small scredriver. It broke on the lump of grit plugging the hole!
Now of course the tank and head did have to come off. The former was easy but a snag developed with the latter. The two nuts connecting it to the rubber mounting came away cleanly and the engine could be lowered slightly but then only three of the four cylinder head holding nuts came loose. The fourth rotated but it quickly became clear that the stud was unscrewing from the crankcase. Since the nut was rusted onto the stud, having never been removed since the bike was made in 1981, I was loath to spend time using penetrating fluid over an extended period attempting to free it. The stud is waisted making it impossible to lift it though the barrel and head (unlike a Velocette) and since the barrel and head cannot come off as one while the engine is in the frame it seemed the easier job to cut through the stud in situ. Of course this now involved the exhaust and carburettor being detached. All this was done and finally the head and barrel came off separately enabling the remains of the stud to be replaced, the drain hole drilled through and everything reassembled in reverse order.
When the engine was started again the noise was horrendous!
To my shock, I found I had, for the first time ever, managed to cross thread the exhaust pipe castle nut, ruining the barrel beyond repair! A new barrel was now needed so I phoned Burwin Motorcycles in London for a new one. Martin there said this would be an ideal time to fit the 300cc conversion, being he had an almost new conversion in stock.
I never added up all the costs for the work needed but all this, just to clear a blocked drainage hole.
It had to happen
Thought it was about time I gave the Norton a bit of attention after a 15 year lay-up. A leisurely rebuild is planned. Will post as I go (yawn.................).
Month 1: take some photos to remind myself what it should look like when it goes back together.
Thundersprint
Sunday 7th May.
Martin, Ken and I hope to be there. Robert too?
Any other takers?
www.thundersprint.com
Martin, Ken and I hope to be there. Robert too?
Any other takers?
www.thundersprint.com
Stafford
From the sublime Egli Vincent to the ridiculous Ural combination at £8k complete with sidecar/boat and outboard motor and 'nice' little
caravan trailer. N
ot sure about the en-suite.
Is anyone riding?
All seems a little quiet these days, is no-one riding? Is it too cold?
I hope to ride in a trial this weekend, so if there are any photos of me lying in the mud---trust me, I will post them.
Roger
The Tough One
As is the case these days people take me various places to get me out in the fresh air and so speed up recuperation. Yesterday's visit with GS owning neighbour to an Enduro race at a quarry in Oswestry was a bit different. The event was called 'The KTM Tough One'. Anyone heard of it? Walking round (well slipping and sliding mostly) when we got there showed the course to be a mix of trials sections and faster motocross stuff. Most of it was unfenced so spectators were free to get onto the course and dodge the riders as part of the fun. Main race was 2 hours starting at 4pm - so by 5pm it was pitch black and not only were the riders having to cope with these conditions, spectators were too. The riders had some pretty ingenious lighting rigs and the winner, David Knight, had some particularly effective kit (5 lights in all inc. helmet) and was easily spotted speeding along. In contrast those riders with direct lighting did not fare well when tackling/stalling on the steeper sections as they deteriorated. By the end of the race there was total mayhem - but with Knight miraculously getting past the blockages and finding grip where there seemed to none. I was totally in awe at the skill displayed by these guys and the stamina they must have just to finish. Pictures from rim of quarry in daylight and Knight at night. ho ho. And how do I feel today? Totally knackered, its put me back at least a week!
Swinn
My last 3 years
OK - so what's happened in the last 3 years?
I have had a clear out of old bikes, selling an old Triumph 500 (in bits) and a JAP grasstrack bike I was never going to get running again.
But - I have always had a theory that 'bike money is bike money', so I went out and bought a Triumph Cub trials bike.
I am an irregular competitor in pre 65 trials, having done 4 in the last 6 months.
My results have improved significantly, but not to a level where I can publish a link to the results!!(The results are there to be found somewhere).
Still got the R1100GS. It gets better every year, and I reckon it's just about run in now with 24k on the clock.
Thats about it regarding bikes - business went belly up 2 years ago, but found new employment next day. Pity really 'cos I quite fancied a few months trucking, (passed my HGV just before).
Outside of bikes, I am thinking of taking up sailing. So if anyone has a Mirror or GP14 in good nick for sale, let me know.
See Ya
Roger
I have had a clear out of old bikes, selling an old Triumph 500 (in bits) and a JAP grasstrack bike I was never going to get running again.
But - I have always had a theory that 'bike money is bike money', so I went out and bought a Triumph Cub trials bike.
I am an irregular competitor in pre 65 trials, having done 4 in the last 6 months.
My results have improved significantly, but not to a level where I can publish a link to the results!!(The results are there to be found somewhere).
Still got the R1100GS. It gets better every year, and I reckon it's just about run in now with 24k on the clock.
Thats about it regarding bikes - business went belly up 2 years ago, but found new employment next day. Pity really 'cos I quite fancied a few months trucking, (passed my HGV just before).
Outside of bikes, I am thinking of taking up sailing. So if anyone has a Mirror or GP14 in good nick for sale, let me know.
See Ya
Roger
bike71
Handy 'tool' you've found on the DVLA site - they apparently still hold records of my old 380 suzuki, tiger 100s, norton dommi 600 and suzuki 500 - the latter two with a bit of 'activity' in the last couple of years to suggest that they have changed hands and are possibly in use. Thanks
Don't forget the comments!!
Keith has posted a comment against the picture of HIS Velo.
I nearly missed it, but I'm sure everyone else is sharper than me!
I nearly missed it, but I'm sure everyone else is sharper than me!
Found this pic the other day.Taken at Edale.
Who's was it?
Where is it now?
The bike is still in existence.
Click here to check your old bike.
Message from Mark(Originally via email)
Hey Roger,
Please let the others know that I am alive and well in the Colonies! Still not figured a way to get back on the right side of the Atlantic permanently!! My daughter has, she is now a 1st year student in Architecture at The Scot Sutherland school of Arcitecture, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen (yes, Scotland!). Even worse (or better) is that one of her good friends now is a bloke originally from Manchester and….yes, he rides around on a motorcycle! Does the Thistle still exist (bike Rally up near Sterling in February)?
Update on bikes: I have a 1994 Ural with sidecar; a Suzuki Bandit 1200 ( I wasn’t paid for my last bill by some lawyer so I kept the test bike!) and my 1976 BMW which I bought in 1976; it has just had a restoration finished on it and the poor thing waits to be collected from my friend in Deutchland who restored it for me. I’ve got to ride it from near Hanover to my house near Toulouse, France. Anyone interested in a ride?
Nearly died/killed myself in 2004 in Tucson Arizona while testing weave stability on an instrumented 2003 Harley bagger (FLHTCUI). Needless to say it was not stable and I crashed badly at almost 80 MPH, Spent 3 days in intensive care, brain hemorrhage, l lost memory, both long and short term, but all works now and I have even got my flight medical certificate re-issued. Long story to tell all someday around a campfire! If any of us have a Harley ask that they get in touch with me so that I can explain the risks. Seriously.
Anyone interested in a continental outing (France) this coming summer or next? Remember, I have a big old farm house in the southwest of France, 5 acres with a workshop and TIG welding gear if anyone wants to build up a bike frame!!
Talk to me and let the others know I have survived both my recent crash and living in the US!
Cheers,
Mark
Gmex
It seems I get the same picture every year, but somehow it is slightly different____?
Good to see you all today.
Roger
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