Hopefully everyone doesn't get sick of me :sarcastic:, but I can't stand the quietness !!!
We had a couple of hours break in the rain and the sun came out, so I thought I'd go looking for some corners and ended up having a break at Upton House (a stately home just outside Banbury, Oxfordshire) - nice roads all around it.
I used my iPhone to try to get some time-laps pictures of me riding some of the corners, but somehow I messed it all up, so just a couple of static photo's.......this time !! ...........everyone likes photos, yes ?? :rofl:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_10_1.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_12_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_2_02_25.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_09_0.jpeg)
It looks like I might get out on Sunday or Monday too......woohoo !!!! :good2:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_2_05_51.jpeg)
Yes seems everywhere is a bit quite. Been sometime since I rode my 88 but took her for a run midweek on some back roads round Brisbane here in Oz.
I was thinking it must be a while since you'd ridden if you'd forgotten which side of the road to ride on :sarcastic:.........and then I noticed the FJ logo on the fairing .........
Great to see you're getting out though :good2: - looks a bit warmer than here !!
Hopefully this will turn into somewhat of a "Darth Peach" thread ..... anyone recognize the reference?
Quote from: Millietant on October 22, 2020, 05:01:09 PM
I was thinking it must be a while since you'd ridden if you'd forgotten which side of the road to ride on :sarcastic:.........and then I noticed the FJ logo on the fairing .........
I used my phone's photo editor and reversed Richards photo so the FJ decals read correctly.....
But that puts the bike on the wrong side of the road.... :lol: :biggrin: :rofl2:
Fred
Last weekend, I got out and rode in a Poker Run. One of the stops was the Kansas Aviation Museum. This was the original Wichita airport terminal.
https://kansasaviationmuseum.org
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on October 22, 2020, 08:37:51 PM
Quote from: Millietant on October 22, 2020, 05:01:09 PM
I was thinking it must be a while since you'd ridden if you'd forgotten which side of the road to ride on :sarcastic:.........and then I noticed the FJ logo on the fairing .........
I used my phone's photo editor and reversed Richards photo so the FJ decals read correctly.....
But that puts the bike on the wrong side of the road.... :lol: :biggrin: :rofl2:
Fred
But Fred....the right side of the road, is the wrong side of the road.............. :lol:.......doesn't Richards photo prove it :sarcastic: :biggrin:
I noticed in the Museum web info that they say you can take a view from one of the highest points in Wichita by looking out of the Control Tower window..............I guess Wichita is pretty flat, even compared to where I currently live :biggrin: :biggrin:
Quote from: Millietant on October 22, 2020, 09:06:15 PM
I noticed in the Museum web info that they say you can take a view from one of the highest points in Wichita by looking out of the Control Tower window..............I guess Wichita is pretty flat, even compared to where I currently live :biggrin: :biggrin:
Overall, Kansas is pretty flat. The nearest real curvy roads are over 300 miles away. Here is a photos of me on the Honda that gives you an idea what riding in Kansas is like....
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on October 22, 2020, 09:12:54 PM
Quote from: Millietant on October 22, 2020, 09:06:15 PM
I noticed in the Museum web info that they say you can take a view from one of the highest points in Wichita by looking out of the Control Tower window..............I guess Wichita is pretty flat, even compared to where I currently live :biggrin: :biggrin:
Overall, Kansas is pretty flat. The nearest real curvy roads are over 300 miles away. Here is a photos of me on the Honda that gives you an idea what riding in Kansas is like....
Fred
I suppose you really have a problem with squaring off the tires. :biggrin:
Quote from: balky1 on October 23, 2020, 01:49:42 AM
I suppose you really have a problem with squaring off the tires. :biggrin:
I live in Illinois. Nearly as flat as Kansas. Also no curvy roads, I miss New England where I grew up. At least for the roads.
My kid got his first bike this summer. This bike lived in Illinois its whole life. The tires we took off could stand up on their own. Sadly, I dont' think the new tires will be much different in a few thousand miles, either on his Magna or my FJ.
Good pictures Dean, and I'll let you know if I get sick of you. So far so good.
Bryan - This was the 50cc "moped" we got for our youngest (Ryan, of carb tool fame) for his 16th birthday. Right out of the shop it looked like it could do 100mph, but was restricted to 31mph max !!!! (UK law for 16 year old riders). Wider tyres than a Kawasaki Z900, more gears than a CB 750, braided stainless brake hose and Galfer Wave brake discs.
After his first ride to college, I had it de-restricted (ignition unit, carburetor, exhaust restrictor removed, larger gearbox sprocket, smaller rear sprocket). His journey was 17 miles each way along winding country roads with a 50mph speed limit and everyone in a car in a hurry to get to work - his moped was so slow it was simply dangerous - and it looked ridiculous with Ryan in his full one-piece Arlen Ness "Titanium" leathers on a bike that could barely break 30mph !!!
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_23_10_20_2_19_20_0.jpeg)
After the de-restriction it could hit about 65 mph on the flat and cruise comfortably between 55 and 60 mph, which meant he was no longer a rolling road-block. Not strictly legal, but much safer. He absolutely loves corners and his main ambition before his injury was to come to the Nurburgring Nordschleife with me, riding his own Yamaha Fazer 600 and get in as many laps as he could over a long weekend.
Sadly that will have to wait until he recovers (not sure when that will be) enough to ride.
Ryan and his Fazer (2003 model) - its a pity the bike was never sold in the USA. It was a massive seller over here and is still highly regarded today, being the choice of many over much newer models.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_23_10_20_2_19_21_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_23_10_20_2_19_20_1.jpeg)
And....it just dawned on me earlier today that I've owned this FJ (from new) for over 31 years.................. that's just over half of my life :shok: :good2:
The "collection", back in 2004 - including the "soon to be FJ Racer" in the corner.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_23_10_20_2_32_53.jpeg)
Liz and Ryan, with their Fazers.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_23_10_20_2_38_55.jpeg)
Dean,
We did get the 1000cc Fazer in the USA. It had a different name..... FZ1. A friend of mine has a 2001 FZ1. She has over 290,000 miles on it.
On a side note, I have a 2003 FZ1 swing arm on my 95 FJ1200
Fred
Sorry I didn't make the distinction Fred, Ryan has the Fazer 600, which was never available in the USA - Liz has the Fazer 1000/FZ1, which obviously was :good2:
Over here we take it for granted that everyone knows the difference, most immediately in the engine appearance, but with Liz's bike having the fairing lowers it's not obvious to those not familiar with the differences.
I'm on the US FZ1 FB forum and your friends bike is even quite famous over here in the UK Fazer community :good2:
Must abmit, I love the "look" of the FZ1 swinging arm. There were many ways that Yamaha could have modernised the FJ during its life at very little cost, just a shame they chose to leave it up to us to do it :sarcastic:
Back in 2003 I was thinking about a new bike and tested a FZ1(Fazer) over a long weekend ride up to Scotland (Liz rode the FJ) - I found I still preferred the FJ, and they were too much alike fir me to have both, so I decided to go for a much sportier bike and got the Aprilia RSV instead. Liz, at the time, said she didn't like the FZ1 because it looked, in her words, too masculine, but she hadn't ridden it.
A very short while later, a dealer convinced her to take a test ride on one and she fell in love with it. I think we've both found our ideal bikes inthese 2 Yamaha's :good2:
So, back on track with the thread.....and in answer to the question, I rode it and I got it soaked :rofl2:
I have yet again, today, learned not to trust the BBC Weather App..........a full day of sunshine was predicted with a 2% chance of rain.........more like a 98% chance of rain !!
As I'd been checking the forecast every day and watching Sunday stay sunny and dry, I managed to cajole my neighbour Dave to get his Multistrada out and join me for a ride (Dave doesn't like to get his bike dirty). Our clocks have gone back now so it gets dark pretty early so I was only planning on about a 100-120 mile run and had seen an article on the Cotswolds Distillery, just outside Shipston-on-Stour and their award winning whisky, which had a nice spacious cafe with great Covid precautions that was open today and was the right distance from home, so it seemed like an ideal destination.
The weather leaving home was perfect, but about an hour into the ride, the heaven's opened and we had about 90 minutes of torrential rain.....luckily we were only about 10 minutes from the distillery when it started. I must admit, there was slight temptation to get Liz to hitch the trailer up and come and collect me, while I sampled what was on offer in the distillery shop :sarcastic:.....but common sense got the better of me and I stuck to coffee and a croissant.
Once the rain had abated down to just a mild drizzle, we togged up and headed off towards the bit of blue sky and the rainbow in the distance. Once we got out of the rain, we circled round some nice roads that Dave knew, but which were really wet and slimy, before heading back towards Banbury and then back north up to home.
As luck would have it, about 3 miles from home, we once again hit torrential rain and got a good soaking, which thankfully cleaned off a lot of the road debris and muck we'd collected on the semi dry roads we'd been riding on (which had lots of muck from farm vehicles and fallen leaves).
So the bike got put away into the garage, still wet and the next plan for "what did you do to your FJ today", is to clean, lube and polish it.............if the Belgian Cherry Beer doesn't get the better of me :sarcastic:
As we all like pictures, here's a couple of photo's from today.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_25_10_20_10_39_38_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_25_10_20_10_39_39_1.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_25_10_20_10_39_40_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_25_10_20_10_39_41_3.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_25_10_20_10_39_42_4.jpeg)
And our route
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_25_10_20_10_39_42_5.jpeg)
Well, it looks like I'm going to be spending plenty of time in the garage for the next month....and no riding the FJ.....
4 weeks of total National lockdown again, starting from next Thursday.
During our last Covid lockdown, I was out on my bicycle (using my allowed exercise period) and 3 times I saw motorcyclists pulled over by the police, within a couple of miles of home.
Looks like she's going to get a thorough cleaning/detailing again :sarcastic: - might pull the carbs apart once more and see if I can get them set absolutely perfectly, or maybe not, as she runs fine for everyday use and I'm not looking for the last second on track days with her.
We are not in lockdown here, just lots of restriction for bars, restaurants, and that sort of thing. I've been working from home and it looks like I will continue to do so for another year. I'm taking one of my cars off the road to save costs, and maybe rebuild it after the airplane is done. If I need to run an errand I'll just have to take the FJ.
My kid is home this weekend and we rode yesterday. The FJ still runs great.
As from Thursday we're back into "stay at home, only go out for essential food shopping, if you HAVE to for work and for your daily allowed exercise period". No household may meet more than one person from another household - and only outside and in public open spaces; no visitor to any household either indoors, or outdoors in a private garden.
Only essential shops are allowed to open, no pubs, clubs, restaurants, fast food outlets, gyms or anything of that nature are allowed to open.
It doesn't really make that much of a difference for me, as I don't work and don't go out much anyway, other than on my bike or bicycle. My family are 200 miles away and Liz's family are in the USA, so we haven't seen them since the start of the year anyway and had no plans to visit before Christmas anyway.
More time in the garage.......I might even make a stRt on the VF750 restomod this time :sarcastic:
Any progress on the VF?
Casper got a new Clutch Master Cylinder today. Sourced from a Honda VTR1000 SuperHawk/Firestorm.
I also picked up a 2nd VFR750 a little over a week ago. Purchased specifically as a parts bike. I plan on stripping it of all the relays, ECU, carbs, and fuel pump. It also came with a left side exit exhaust minus a muffler. These are extremely rare and I should be able to get a few hundred dollars for the exhaust. The main reason for this purchase is the 8 spoke rear wheel and the swingarm. The plans for these are.... the rear wheel will go on a yet to be purchased 2007 Honda VFR800 25th Anniversary edition and the swingarm will be modified and installed on Casper.
The last photo is an example of a 2007 VFR800 25th Anniversary model with the VFR750 8 spoke wheel.
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on November 10, 2020, 10:49:54 PM
.....and the swingarm will be modified and installed on Casper.
The last photo is an example of a 2007 VFR800 25th Anniversary model with the VFR750 8 spoke wheel.
Fred
I am envious of your single sided swingarm project, these sort of jobs are great fun (if at times a little soul destroying) but immensely satisfying in the end.
That's a nice looking wheel Fred. Is the plan to adapt an FJ wheel to the single sided swinger?
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on November 11, 2020, 02:18:51 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on November 10, 2020, 10:49:54 PM
.....and the swingarm will be modified and installed on Casper.
The last photo is an example of a 2007 VFR800 25th Anniversary model with the VFR750 8 spoke wheel.
Fred
I am envious of your single sided swingarm project, these sort of jobs are great fun (if at times a little soul destroying) but immensely satisfying in the end.
That's a nice looking wheel Fred. Is the plan to adapt an FJ wheel to the single sided swinger?
Noel
My plan is to use a VFR800 5 spoke wheel, painted white
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on November 11, 2020, 03:17:53 AM
Quote from: ribbert on November 11, 2020, 02:18:51 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on November 10, 2020, 10:49:54 PM
.....and the swingarm will be modified and installed on Casper.
The last photo is an example of a 2007 VFR800 25th Anniversary model with the VFR750 8 spoke wheel.
Fred
I am envious of your single sided swingarm project, these sort of jobs are great fun (if at times a little soul destroying) but immensely satisfying in the end.
That's a nice looking wheel Fred. Is the plan to adapt an FJ wheel to the single sided swinger?
Noel
My plan is to use a VFR800 5 spoke wheel, painted white
Fred
Haha, when it's done you'll have to investigate a 4 into 1 exiting on the LHS to give an uninterrupted view of the mod.
Noel
Quote from: fj1289 on November 10, 2020, 02:47:10 PM
Any progress on the VF?
Not yet - my wife volunteered me to build an "Alpaca Shed" for people to shelter in in poor weather at a community dog park locally. Community Service activities are exempt from lockdown restrictions as long as social distancing measures etc are in place.
Hope to finish it tomorrow.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_11_11_20_1_37_04.jpeg)
Awesome!
Busying myself this evening, relaxing after my day of timber working, reading the latest edition of Practical Sportsbikes magazine, with a lovely article on a certain FJ 1200 and its long term owner :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
Although it was bloody cold today, it was dry, and the Govt has decided that solo motorcycle rides are allowable "recreation activity", so I managed to get a nice 70 mile ride around a few local roads around Warwickshire/Leicestershire/Northamptonshire border area, taking in Stanford Hall stately home, the Battle of Naseby site (English Civil War) and Pitsford Water. Only 1 other bike out that I came across and that was on the main road dash back home, when I realised I was going to be late for taking the dog out :sarcastic:.
A few pics and a couple of trial bits of video (apologies for the poor quality) follow.
Around StanfordHall & Church
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_22_11_20_9_51_55_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_22_11_20_9_51_55_1.jpeg)
The back roads were a bit mucky in places
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gwhathsDfcyhOhtuy5S-UggIxKfiXKBJ/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gwhathsDfcyhOhtuy5S-UggIxKfiXKBJ/view?usp=sharing)
Pitsford Water
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_22_11_20_9_51_56_2.jpeg)
A little bit of open road near Pitsford (spot the speed camera!)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13_3hHI-CyEXFrLic6EN3mZPhlyGyRCE_/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/13_3hHI-CyEXFrLic6EN3mZPhlyGyRCE_/view?usp=sharing)
Today's route.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_22_11_20_9_51_56_3.jpeg)
Apparently I used the wrong video links, so here are the correct ones.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gwhathsDfcyhOhtuy5S-UggIxKfiXKBJ/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13_3hHI-CyEXFrLic6EN3mZPhlyGyRCE_/view?usp=sharing
Still learning about this technology !!!!!
So....... the weather forecast for the next couple of days is "rain, sleet and snow, with gale force winds and freezing temperatures overnight".
Guess I'm not going riding any time soon :sarcastic:
Quote from: Millietant on December 03, 2020, 07:40:16 AM
So....... the weather forecast for the next couple of days is "rain, sleet and snow, with gale force winds and freezing temperatures overnight".
Guess I'm not going riding any time soon :sarcastic:
Don't leave us hanging - why aren't you going riding?
Quote from: Millietant on December 03, 2020, 07:40:16 AM
So....... the weather forecast for the next couple of days is "rain, sleet and snow, with gale force winds and freezing temperatures overnight".
Guess I'm not going riding any time soon :sarcastic:
The temps here have been in the teens at night and days in the thirty's and fortys but you can't beat our blue sky's here out in the west.
A few more.
Quote from: Waiex191 on December 03, 2020, 08:56:08 AM
Don't leave us hanging - why aren't you going riding?
Because I'm old....and a wimp/wuss :lol:
As long as the roads are dry, I'll be riding (if there's not too much salt about).
Very jealous of your weather/skies Travis :good2:
I got out the other day for a short ride around town. The temps were in the mid 40°F's.
Fred
Next Friday I have to go to work. I've been working at home since 3/13 and in fact they won't let me in the door. But they are giving us company jackets as an engineering Christmas gift (they don't call it that) but we have to go to the parking lot to pick it up. It is supposed to be clear but in the 30s. Since I trash talked Dean I'm thinking I better take the FJ.
I'm also going to cycle the kill switch a few times and see if there is any effect on my high RPM miss.
Riding weekly all winter is better than a tank full of stabil.
Quote from: Millietant on December 03, 2020, 07:40:16 AM
So....... the weather forecast for the next couple of days is "rain, sleet and snow, with gale force winds and freezing temperatures overnight".
Guess I'm not going riding any time soon :sarcastic:
I
could tell you that I took my daughter out for lunch yesterday and with the cloudless blue skies, 25c/77f temp and a light breeze we took the bike, but that would be rubbing your nose in it so I won't. :biggrin:
It's probably hard for those living in the UK or the Northern states of the US to imagine that Winter is by far my favourite riding season. Yes it's cold and often wet, but not
that cold. For the couple of months over the peak of Summer I barely ride anywhere. It's too hot, the roads are too busy, the police are out in force while their good humour is on leave, double demerit points and fines are common for minor offences, cyclists take over many of the good roads and are arseholes about it, and everywhere is crowded, I hate it, it's no fun and it's dangerous.
Noel
Quote from: T Legg on December 03, 2020, 07:28:08 PM
Riding weekly all winter is better than a tank full of stabil.
I hope to be riding all winter (only on the dry days though....don't mind the cold as long as there aren't pools of salty water everywhere).....with stabil in every tankful - I've got to the point where I'll add a bit to every fill up, just in case its a month or so between rides !
I could tell you that I took my daughter out for lunch yesterday
It's probably hard for those living in the UK or the Northern states of the US to imagine that Winter is by far my favourite riding season
Noel
[/quote]. I love winter riding as well. When I was young it was much more rural in my area and seeing another motorcycle on the road was a rare occurence. At that time waving at the few fellow riders encountered was a sign of fraternity . Riding in the mountains was a serene experience. Since my youth the population in this area has quadrupled and is increasing rapidly. Waving at fellow riders seems almost ridiculous when it's every thirty seconds, everywhere you pull off in the mountains is full of tourists. Riding in the winter feels like the old days. I love having the roads all to myself .
My daughter hasn't ridden with me in years (too busy raising my grand kids) .I miss those times on my old cb 750.
Quote from: ribbert on December 04, 2020, 05:12:59 AM
Quote from: Millietant on December 03, 2020, 07:40:16 AM
So....... the weather forecast for the next couple of days is "rain, sleet and snow, with gale force winds and freezing temperatures overnight".
Guess I'm not going riding any time soon :sarcastic:
I could tell you that I took my daughter out for lunch yesterday and with the cloudless blue skies, 25c/77f temp and a light breeze we took the bike, but that would be rubbing your nose in it so I won't. :biggrin:
It's probably hard for those living in the UK or the Northern states of the US to imagine that Winter is by far my favourite riding season. Yes it's cold and often wet, but not that cold. For the couple of months over the peak of Summer I barely ride anywhere. It's too hot, the roads are too busy, the police are out in force while their good humour is on leave, double demerit points and fines are common for minor offences, cyclists take over many of the good roads and are arseholes about it, and everywhere is crowded, I hate it, it's no fun and it's dangerous.
Noel
You're all heart Noel..............glad you didn't tell me about riding with your daughter in beautiful weather, it would have saddened me and made me jealous :sarcastic:
Quote from: T Legg on December 04, 2020, 08:07:53 AM
I love winter riding as well....... Riding in the winter feels like the old days. I love having the roads all to myself .
You absolutely nailed it right there Travis, having the roads to yourself is a magic like no other. To ride roads made by God himself for motorcyclists and at best only see a couple of other road users per hour is a treat not many get to enjoy.
I can never resist clicking on any article with a title like "Worlds best motorcycle roads" or "Top Ten motorcycle rides" or "Must-do rides before you die" and so on, and the one thing most of the frequent top picks have in common is, they're always busy. They are technically great roads that in practice are never free of traffic. It's only a great motorcycle road if you don't have to share it (well, not too much anyway).
As for our daughters riding with us, mine is in her late twenties but still single, so it's not too hard to get her on the bike, but I'm still chuffed every time it's at her instigation and I never lose sight of how lucky I am that she still thinks it's cool to ride with her Dad, the selfies inevitably pops up on her FB shortly after. I think it's pretty cool too!
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on December 06, 2020, 04:02:01 AM
As for our daughters riding with us, mine is in her late twenties but still single, so it's not too hard to get her on the bike, but I'm still chuffed every time it's at her instigation and I never lose sight of how lucky I am that she still thinks it's cool to ride with her Dad, the selfies inevitably pops up on her FB shortly after. I think it's pretty cool too!
Noel
And I bet you enjoy it when old guys tell you, in admiration, how lucky you are that the "Chick" on the back of your bike looks young enough to be your daughter :rofl2: :rofl2:
After a few days of rain, quite a bit of it heavy and temperatures sitting around 40F, most of the road salt had washed away and the sun was out today, so I managed to get for a couple of hours and get my bike dirty. Not much in the way of hills in this part of the Midlands though .
Tomorrow is getting busier by the moment and now I have to add wash, lubricate and polish the FJ, to the list of jobs - which include being an Elf on the community Santa Tour, delivering gifts to the local children (we have 480 registered to receive the gifts!!).
Anyway, a couple of gratuitous FJ photo's from today. Apologies again for the less than spectacular countryside vista's :sorry:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_19_12_20_3_05_09_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_19_12_20_3_05_10_1.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_19_12_20_3_05_11_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_19_12_20_3_05_12_3.jpeg)
This pic just shows the latest position I'm trying out for my Go-Pro type camera
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_19_12_20_3_05_14_4.jpeg)
Very nice pictures Dean and I'm glad you got out. All I did with my FJ today was to store my coat and gloves on it while I was working on my electrical system. Plus I started teaching my youngest how to use the MIG welder.
Despite it being mostly dry today I didn't get out on the bike at all, a little bit too busy putting together and decorating the Santa Sleigh and then walking with it on our community Santa Tour today.
457 very happy children who each got a gift of candies (sweets) from Santa's Elves.......and yes.....embarrassingly.....I was an Elf today....hat, bells, green jacket etc :sarcastic:
It took us 6 hours to walk round every street and make sure everyone got the chance to say hello to Santa
Christmas does bring out the best in people !!
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_20_12_20_9_53_53_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_20_12_20_9_53_53_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_20_12_20_9_58_07.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_20_12_20_9_53_53_4.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_20_12_20_9_53_53_3.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_20_12_20_9_53_53_1.jpeg)
Dean, brilliant job spreading Christmas cheer.
Most community spirited
There were a couple of streets we couldn't get down due to parked cars (and our small roads) so we're out tonight for another hour just to make sure every child saw Santa.
And as they used to say on a TV show a few years back......"And tonight Matthew.....I'm going to be SAanta Claus....." - photo's will follow. :rofl2: :rofl2:
I am not this fat in real life.....honestly, it is a pillow :lol: :lol: :lol:
But the kids we missed last night were very, very, very happy :good2:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_21_12_20_1_28_54.jpeg)
With new Covid rules meaning no motorcycling, I got my final bicycle ride of the year in today, with my little pal Jim (who rides the Can Am Spyder). Just a little one as it was a bit nippy out there (33F). Hope everyone has a safe and settled New Year "celebration".
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_31_12_20_8_23_40_1.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_31_12_20_8_23_40_0.jpeg)
.
We got big snow so the bikes are stuck in the hangar for a while. I am on my final road trip to Florida to get a free catamaran from a former coworker. We socially isolated in the $200 Buick. It was 75 F down there.
Love it! Those Buicks and others of the same ilk were great cruisers. Our Euro friends wouldn't understand I'm afraid. Something about floating down the interstates, disconnected from reality, is pure Americana.
Quote from: Motofun on December 31, 2020, 03:15:06 PM
Love it! Those Buicks and others of the same ilk were great cruisers. Our Euro friends wouldn't understand I'm afraid. Something about floating down the interstates, disconnected from reality, is pure Americana.
It's a great Canadian built car for long trips. The boat has a bit much drag for the Buick to tow. We are keeping it in 3rd and only pulling down 18 mpg as compared to the normal 30. I could have taken the truck but at 13 MPG my free boat would have cost another $300.
Casper got some New Pirelli Phantom Sport-Comps. Period correct tread pattern, in a modern radial tire. The tire add photo is from the May 1990 Motorcyclist Magazine.
Fred
Quote from: Motofun on December 31, 2020, 03:15:06 PM
Love it! Those Buicks and others of the same ilk were great cruisers. Our Euro friends wouldn't understand I'm afraid. Something about floating down the interstates, disconnected from reality, is pure Americana.
Oh, don't worry, we do understand...............Americana rocks, in America :good2:
Driving the 15 hour non-stop each way journey, from Chester NJ to Kokomo IN, when we visited family in the US back in the 90's was made all the bearable by the flotation device otherwise knows as an Oldsmobile 88 that we travelled in :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
Did the journey once in my father-in-laws V8 engined front wheel drive Cadillac (I think it was a Seville) and it was almost surreal, with the engine seemingly never doing anything more than "ticking over" for much of the journey (with a lot of 55mph cruising).
Those cars would be absolutely useless on European roads, but European market cars of the time would have been equally as useless on American roads - horses for courses !!
Over the last 10-20 years, most of our longer distance journeys from CT to the Midwest, down to DC or Myrtle Beach SC, have been in either an Olds Cutlass Ciera (unbelievably boring), a Chevy Avalanche, a Dodge/RAM 1500 Hemi (both bouncy and thudding) a Chrysler Pacifica (gutless and wheezing i6), or a Subaru Forrester (practical for the winter drives). Although they all seem dynamically "better" than the old Olds/Caddy, I'd probably still prefer one of those older cars for those journeys today - great tools for those journeys - although it was a touch easy to fall asleep at the wheel if you weren't careful :good2:
Quote from: Millietant on January 01, 2021, 06:50:07 AM
Over the last 10-20 years, most of our longer distance journeys from CT to the Midwest, down to DC or Myrtle Beach SC, have been in either an Olds Cutlass Ciera (unbelievably boring), a Chevy Avalanche, a Dodge/RAM 1500 Hemi (both bouncy and thudding) a Chrysler Pacifica (gutless and wheezing i6), or a Subaru Forrester (practical for the winter drives).
We have a Ram 1500 with the little 4.7L V8. Not as much power as the Hemi but fuel economy just as bad or worse. My free boat will be costing me about $300 in gas. It would have been twice that cost in the truck.
This $200 car had a rotten bumper and spare tire well, which is where the hitch is supposed to bolt to. I welded in a patch and sourced a clean bumper from the junkyard.
Quote from: Waiex191 on January 01, 2021, 06:57:52 AM
Quote from: Millietant on January 01, 2021, 06:50:07 AM
Over the last 10-20 years, most of our longer distance journeys from CT to the Midwest, down to DC or Myrtle Beach SC, have been in either an Olds Cutlass Ciera (unbelievably boring), a Chevy Avalanche, a Dodge/RAM 1500 Hemi (both bouncy and thudding) a Chrysler Pacifica (gutless and wheezing i6), or a Subaru Forrester (practical for the winter drives).
We have a Ram 1500 with the little 4.7L V8. Not as much power as the Hemi but fuel economy just as bad or worse. My free boat will be costing me about $300 in gas. It would have been twice that cost in the truck.
This $200 car had a rotten bumper and spare tire well, which is where the hitch is supposed to bolt to. I welded in a patch and sourced a clean bumper from the junkyard.
Yeah, those trucks are expensive to run, even at US gasoline prices. They were both bought primarily to haul the trailer that the Chaparral 235 SSi sits on, and they did that job admirably, with the 4WD coming in handy to get the loaded trailer back up slimy launching ramps :sarcastic:
Happy New Years day to everyone.
I normally get a ride in on News Years Day, no matter the temperature. Today it would have been a bit tricky.
I wanted a pizza, so I took the Bus instead, it has 4 wheel drive.
Fred
Wise move Fred....you are forgiven.....Happy New Year :good2:
Got out on 2 wheels today, but not the FJ.......pedal power again !!. Set out in the pouring rain, but it cleared up after about 20 minutes.
Still very chilly when you're soaked through at these temperatures :negative:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_03_01_21_8_43_32.jpeg)
It's very snowy here in northern Illinois. I think I'm done riding for a while. We delayed our return from Florida by a day so we were not driving in the poor weather. Made it back home, now my FJ has a new stable mate.
Planes, Boats and Motorcycles......I'm sure there's a film of that name.... :sarcastic:
Quote from: Millietant on January 03, 2021, 09:44:39 AM
Planes, Boats and Motorcycles......I'm sure there's a film of that name.... :sarcastic:
I've not seen that one. I'd have to add hovercraft, monowheels, golf carts, cars and bicycles to the list to make it complete. The catamaran is supposed to be pretty fast. Maybe I can pop over to England or down to Australia when this Covid thing is all over. I'd probably need to bring a cooler though.
Quote from: Waiex191 on January 03, 2021, 02:29:03 PM
Quote from: Millietant on January 03, 2021, 09:44:39 AM
Planes, Boats and Motorcycles......I'm sure there's a film of that name.... :sarcastic:
I've not seen that one. I'd have to add hovercraft, monowheels, golf carts, cars and bicycles to the list to make it complete. The catamaran is supposed to be pretty fast. Maybe I can pop over to England or down to Australia when this Covid thing is all over. I'd probably need to bring a cooler though.
It stars John Candy and Steve Martin.......i may have the exact words of the title "slightly" wrong :sarcastic: :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
So, we had "National Lockdown 2" announced last night, so it'll be no FJ riding for quite a while now....luckily its winter !!
Lockdown exercise for today still included getting out on 2 wheels.....out on my bicycle again.....36F this time, at least it was clear and sunny, but there was a lot of frost and ice out there on the back roads !!!!
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_05_01_21_9_23_06.jpeg)
I got done working by three today and took a short forty mile ride in the mountains east of me. There were a lot of icy corners.
Very jealous of your blue skies Travis, I'm happy riding when it's cold (even VERY cold), but not when it's cold and wet at the same time.
It's under 20F here today and we have high humidity and thick freezing fog giving virtually zero visibility - I don't think I'll be either in the garage working on the FJ (or the VF), or out cycling today !
Yeah, near zero visibility, best not to mix it up with distracted stressed drivers on a pedal bike!
It's too cold to even visit the FJ in the hangar. Heat is out, parts arrive today.
Quote from: fj1289 on January 07, 2021, 08:12:38 AM
Yeah, near zero visibility, best not to mix it up with distracted stressed drivers on a pedal bike!
Very few drivers on the road now though, with our Stay at Home, Lockdown in place :sarcastic: cycling is being promoted, as a socially distanced way of getting outside exercise............. :good2:
Quote from: Millietant on January 07, 2021, 05:23:51 AM
Very jealous of your blue skies Travis, I'm happy riding when it's cold (even VERY cold), but not when it's cold and wet at the same time.
The temperature was around 40 degrees and the roads were mostly dry. The ice is mainly relegated to corners that are in perpetual shade as long as you get home before the nightly frost is laid down.
Quote from: Millietant on January 07, 2021, 05:23:51 AM
It's under 20F here today and we have high humidity and thick freezing fog giving virtually zero visibility - I don't think I'll be either in the garage working on the FJ (or the VF), or out cycling today !
But I did get the ladders out and take the Christmas Lights down from the community Christmas tree. They've been switched off for a few days now, but with the rain, the ground has been too soft for the ladders. Not after a couple of hard frosts though...levels solid grass :sarcastic:
The forecast is for it to get up to around 40F next week Travis, so hopefully I might get a little ride out :good2:
So, with all this crappy weather, I didn't even get out into the garage today.....but i did do some rummaging through old photo's and found this one.
It's my wife Liz, on my FJ, in my colour-matched leathers back around 1993.
The photo quality isn't great and I've noticed that at that time I was using the Givi rack and top box with my Krauser pannier set, hence the mis-matched rack & fitting. Crap, I feel old !!!!!!
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_08_01_21_4_02_25.jpeg)
Yet again, nothing done to the FJ today (or this week). Weather has been awful, a mix of rain, sleet, thick fog, gales and low temps. Thankfully today was dry although the temp was 32F with very little wind, so I took a ride out on the mountain bike. Even if I hadn't gone off-road for part of the ride, the bike would have still gotten filthy as there were muddy sections everywhere, where rivers had broken their banks and fields had flooded and overflowed onto both the main roads and the side roads.
Thankfully I have some nice riding gear, so only my toes got cold - going to order some Sealskinz socks to help out with that.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_15_01_21_1_58_34.jpeg)
With all of the Frost and Ice on the roads, it certainly felt colder than 41F out on the bicycle yesterday....still, keeping myself fit for when I can get out on the FJ again. Wet, slushy snow last night means today is bust for any form of 2-wheeled activity.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_23_01_21_5_25_54.jpeg)
Well done Dean! I haven't been out running in a couple of months. Hopefully I survive the winter. I used to go to the gym at work. That gym is closed - plus they won't let me in the door as I am able to work from home anyway. I did a short ride on my bicycle to the hangar last week but had to walk it on the snowy parts.
My son is home for the weekend and wants to take the motorcycles out. It's 3F/-16C out as I type this but expected to warm up to 23F/-5C this afternoon. They haven't run in a month. The roads are mostly clear-ish, but at those temps it will be a short ride.
At 41F, be careful of heatstroke. Stay hydrated.
We rode. It was cold!
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_23_01_21_3_02_40_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_23_01_21_3_02_41_1.jpeg)
That's hardcore Bryan - kudos to you both :good2:
Quote from: Millietant on January 23, 2021, 04:09:09 PM
That's hardcore Bryan - kudos to you both :good2:
Thanks! It was a pretty short ride. Maybe 10 miles! Not quite long enough for frostbite.
Quote from: Millietant on January 23, 2021, 05:31:54 AM
........ it certainly felt colder than 41F out on the bicycle yesterday....
Haha, same number here today, different challenges. It was 35 by mid morning.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50873432403_19cb1de564.jpg)
....and I went out on the bike a few times, wow!
Noel
Bl**dy Noel.......that looks fantastic.........I'd honestly rather ride in that heat than in our cold, but maybe NOT on my bicycle :sarcastic:
Nice temperature range.
Good lord, Just how can there be a 70% chance of rain when it's 106 degrees (F) outside?
You're breakin' my heart - it's -19c here this morning. By the time I plod the 17 steps to my shack, I'll probably be a eunuch,
It was back up to 46f yesterday and the sun shone in the morning........but the rain was torrential before sunrise and it has come again, .........
Still, I managed to get out yesterday and test my new Sealskinz, waterproof winter socks on my mountain-bike. I rode just over 25 miles, but went through a lot of a flood water, with quite a lot of the roads around where we live being underwater at every low-point and quite a few stranded cars :sarcastic:.
The socks are brilliant....perfect for inter motorcycling too :good2:
Got out for a 100 mile ride today. We have had cold and rainy weather a few days this past week. At the moment I have been able to get 200 miles on the newly rebuilt engine. Today's temperature was not warm at all.
I found this old Stream powered tractor on my ride today.
Fred
Nice one Fred :good2: :good2:
Great to see you back out on the '95 with it running nicely.
Well, it's almost up to 50f today, but still very wet, so it was out with the bicycle again......with a friend who hasn't ridden for ages (we're only allowed to meet one other person in a public space for exercise, as long as we maintain "social distancing" of 2 metres - not difficult when you're cycling).
I'm really ready for the rain and snow to go away so I can ride the FJ ......but very happy i got some $55 waterproof Sealskinz winter socks for cycling in :sarcastic:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_02_02_21_9_37_59.jpeg)
The old Land Rover Khartoum got a but mucky - and we didn't even venture off-road !
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_02_02_21_9_43_17.jpeg)
I really need to psyche myself up to sorting out the garage........swinging cats would be impossible in there at the moment :sarcastic:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_03_02_21_8_13_53.jpeg)
Hey did you know that you have an interceptor in there?
Ha Ha - It's my wife's bike, she rode it from 92 until 04, when she got her FZ1. It's been sat up on my bench for a couple of years now waiting for me to bring it back to life.
It worked perfectly when I parked it up in the garage - it had just had a full dealer service and a new exhaust collector box fitted - and I put the Kerker "silencers" from my old FJ system on it (sounded gorgeous). But......as we were taking our kids on a 2 week tour of Europe, she said she didnt want to risk it on a 20 year old bike with over 40,000 miles on it.....I think that was just an excuse for her to get a new bike.
But, she loves" Freddie" so much, she wouldn't sell it.
I've just recently bought a spare complete FJ rolling chassis, with all subframes, brakes, switchgear and some bodywork panels - the idea is to put the complete 17" front end from the FJ onto the VF and to fit a Thundercat 17" rear wheel to the VF too, to match the front. At the moment it rides on a 16" front wheel and a 18" back wheel. The FJ four pot calipers will be a big improvement on the Honda originals, as will the modern tyres and the FJ's sturdier front suspension (without gimmicky anti-dive and air pressure valves). The bodywork is pristine, as it was completely re-sprayed only a few months before she got the FZ1.
Here's a better picture of Freddie before he was parked up.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_03_02_21_9_59_02.jpeg)
Impressive collection of machinery you have there Millie. We need more pictures of these oases of sanity in these fucked up times.
Here's mine - used to be a carriage shed/outhouse when it was built in the 1800's. Picked up the windows onthe side of the road and the neighbour donated the door. About 15x15 inside - big enough to be able to play with 2 bikes - any more and all you can do is sit. Has all the cave amenities - heat and a/c, powerful old 7p0's era Yamaha stereo, 300 disc shuttle, and a reclining pleather chair for those moments where inspiration occurs. I'd go nuts without the place.
Ok, I can get behind this theme. Oasis of sanity is right! I live in an airport community in a condo. But, I've got a hangar that I can walk to. It's an end unit T hangar. So basically it is a hangar and a half. It has heat for the winter. In the summer if it is hot we open the garage door on the west side and the hangar door on the east and we have our own wind tunnel. No AC though. It even has a bathroom, but I have 3 50 gallon jugs I have to refill with a hose every couple months on average. It doesn't have a real septic system but handy if you need to take a leak or wash your hands.
Here is a view looking east. We do everything here - the mega wheel, work on motorcycles & cars, build airplanes, work on sailboats, and so on.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_03_02_21_12_06_11_2.jpeg)
I made this sail and was adjusting the height of the new mast.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_03_02_21_12_06_11_1.jpeg)
The main project and a view across the hangar from another angle.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_03_02_21_12_06_11_0.jpeg)
My kids have learned a lot here.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_04_12_20_5_10_48_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6694_03_07_20_9_49_51_1.jpeg)
Some videos. My youngest making a new skirt for his hovercraft while my oldest is working on brakes or something.
https://youtu.be/vTVEcLWx8yk (https://youtu.be/vTVEcLWx8yk)
My former wheel horse tumbling a CB750A tank prior to sealing. My oldest was helping his buddy with a project.
https://youtu.be/StGojklc1Rg (https://youtu.be/StGojklc1Rg)
My kid's V30 Magna when he first got it running.
https://youtu.be/OOeXhZbCMlw (https://youtu.be/OOeXhZbCMlw)
The hovercraft my younger son built in the hangar.
https://youtu.be/ygoAByCeNkY (https://youtu.be/ygoAByCeNkY)
Light test, shows some views of the hangar.
https://youtu.be/k-ZrGBYyyLE (https://youtu.be/k-ZrGBYyyLE)
Here's a big one. First time we rolled the '99 Saturn out of the hangar after the rebuild. I had my son do all the work and it is his car now. I bought it new in '99.
https://youtu.be/yX5yG0dGw64 (https://youtu.be/yX5yG0dGw64)
Ok, one more and I'm sure you get the idea. Before the mega wheel and the hovercraft my youngest built this cool human hamster wheel. It lives in the basement of the condo now.
https://youtu.be/BxKFMk_3XeM (https://youtu.be/BxKFMk_3XeM)
Thanks Pete.....over the years the garage has definitely been my sanctuary.
Quote from: Waiex191 on February 03, 2021, 12:22:56 PM
Ok, I can get behind this theme. Oasis of sanity is right! I live in an airport community in a condo. But, I've got a hangar that I can walk to. It's an end unit T hangar. So basically it is a hangar and a half. It has heat for the winter. In the summer if it is hot we open the garage door on the west side and the hangar door on the east and we have our own wind tunnel. No AC though. It even has a bathroom, but I have 3 50 gallon jugs I have to refill with a hose every couple months on average. It doesn't have a real septic system but handy if you need to take a leak or wash your hands.
No space in the hangar for motorcycles even though I always dreamed of having a space like this for them.......but at £300 per month for hangarage, I didn't want anyone else's junk anywhere near my aircraft either.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_03_02_21_1_20_12.jpeg)
Quote from: Motofun on January 30, 2021, 07:10:13 AM
Good lord, Just how can there be a 70% chance of rain when it's 106 degrees (F) outside?
Think "monsoon".
Quote from: aviationfred on December 31, 2020, 09:52:14 PM
Casper got some New Pirelli Phantom Sport-Comps. Period correct tread pattern, in a modern radial tire. The tire add photo is from the May 1990 Motorcyclist Magazine.
Fred
Hey Fred, I've just spotted this when trawling through some old photo's - the original Phantom front tyre that they put on FJ's new here in 1989 and 1990 - this was on my pal's new FJ in 1990.
It gives me the heeby-geebies just looking at it now....definitely a "vintage" tyre that one, before the tyre guys sorted out decent compounds :sarcastic:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_04_02_21_9_29_29.jpeg)
Looks more like truck tire.
So, with the sun shining and the temperature JUST creeping over 40 F, I decided to once again break the Lockdown boredom with another bicycle ride.
Right now, I've cycled further this year than I have driven in a car and ridden on a motorcycle ............. combined :dash2:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_05_02_21_10_48_48.jpeg)
I've probably got more miles rolling back and forth on my home office chair than I have riding and driving. It's 12F here headed for 14, roads are freshly plowed, and we are headed to a stretch of single digits F with overnights in the negative double digits. This whole winter thing is over rated.
I'm really surprised you haven't got a snowmobile in there for winter fun :sarcastic:
Just what I need - another hobby and more crap in the hangar!
Sleds are insane! I know coming from the guy who is going to have a turbo. Hoping to get 230hp. I have the sled I pulled the motor to put in the smart car. Before I tore it apart. I got it to 90 and back down in my yard in deep snow. Probably about 400ft. It tops out at 137mph. Rode it the whole winter. I decided I had better take the motor out. Because I knew I liked it too much. New Yamaha turbo 200hp. Bigger exhaust and mild tune 300hp.
And you don't know what the hell is under the snow when you're at triple digits in a few hundred feet.
Quote from: Millietant on February 04, 2021, 09:31:37 PM
Quote from: aviationfred on December 31, 2020, 09:52:14 PM
Casper got some New Pirelli Phantom Sport-Comps. Period correct tread pattern, in a modern radial tire. The tire add photo is from the May 1990 Motorcyclist Magazine.
Fred
Hey Fred, I've just spotted this when trawling through some old photo's - the original Phantom front tyre that they put on FJ's new here in 1989 and 1990 - this was on my pal's new FJ in 1990.
It gives me the heeby-geebies just looking at it now....definitely a "vintage" tyre that one, before the tyre guys sorted out decent compounds :sarcastic:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_04_02_21_9_29_29.jpeg)
I have a few hundred miles on the New Sport-Comps. Understand that this is in colder weather and the straight roads of Kansas. So far there is nothing to complain about. The tires have not given any Oh-Shit moments or any funky characteristics. :rofl2:
Fred
I'd always have BIG chicken strips with that tread :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
I used to love them when I had them on my CB 650 in the early 80's, but things had moved on by '89 :smile:
Quote from: Waiex191 on February 05, 2021, 12:25:01 PM
I've probably got more miles rolling back and forth on my home office chair than I have riding and driving. It's 12F here headed for 14, roads are freshly plowed, and we are headed to a stretch of single digits F with overnights in the negative double digits. This whole winter thing is over rated.
Keep your spirits up guys, you've passed the Winter solstice and the weather only gets better from here on in.
30 C (86F) here today, light warm breeze, blue skies, school year has just started, everyone that took January off is back at work (which is half the country), the weather's still great and the roads are deserted.
What better way to forget I can't ride the FJ than to take it's (step) sister for a fling......
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50913781883_175d727efd_c.jpg)
Hang in there, it will be your turn again before you can say, "I'm too old for this shit!" ........ https://youtu.be/wXhoQinCzsY (https://youtu.be/wXhoQinCzsY)
Noel
Quote from: Millietant on February 05, 2021, 10:49:25 AM
Right now, I've cycled further this year than I have driven in a car and ridden on a motorcycle ............. combined :dash2:
Haha.....the Greenies are going to love you...."Former petrol head embraces peddle power" You could be their new pin up boy!
Noel
What a beautiful spot. I can't complain about being trapped in my house by artic temperatures and drifts of snow as we have had a mild California like winter this year but all that greenery makes me excited for spring.
We haven't had barely any snow in the Denver area.
I did take the Super Tenere out for a romp in Farm-Country last weekend.
Then I dropped it off at Vickery Yamaha to take care of the Brake-Switch recall that just came up.
Quote from: Firehawk068 on February 06, 2021, 02:19:16 PM
We haven't had barely any snow in the Denver area.
I did take the Super Tenere out for a romp in Farm-Country last weekend.
Then I dropped it off at Vickery Yamaha to take care of the Brake-Switch recall that just came up.
The upper photo looks like Hwy 36 heading East towards Kansas.
My daughter followed me over the Mouse and Toad Garage yesterday and took these 2 photos. A break in the snow allowed a window to ride the 5 miles there.
The 500 mile Break-In oil change is now complete.
Fred
The fj1100 and I are still hanging out at my brother's house in Georgia. On his dock. 57f.
I so wish it had a spark. Would be perfect riding weather. It was -12f this morning back in Campbellsport by my house.
Quote from: aviationfred on February 07, 2021, 01:56:47 PM
Quote from: Firehawk068 on February 06, 2021, 02:19:16 PM
We haven't had barely any snow in the Denver area.
I did take the Super Tenere out for a romp in Farm-Country last weekend.
Then I dropped it off at Vickery Yamaha to take care of the Brake-Switch recall that just came up.
The upper photo looks like Hwy 36 heading East towards Kansas.
My daughter followed me over the Mouse and Toad Garage yesterday and took these 2 photos. A break in the snow allowed a window to ride the 5 miles there.
The 500 mile Break-In oil change is now complete.
Fred
The upper photo is actually gravel, though well graded. It's Brick Center Rd, looking north.
Fred, you really need a storage shed, or a rental storage unit for the bikes!
I took a ride after work to my brother's house across the valley at the base of Mt. Rose. His place is six hundred feet higher in altitude than mine and on the Sierra side. We got about a foot and a half of snow out of the last series of storms he got over three feet.the top of the mountain above lake Tahoe got close to seven feet. It was 55 degrees today.The sunny side of my property has already melted off. My brother has a ways to go yet.
Some years ago my wife gave me these Suzuki saddlebags. The zippers were failing. I took them apart enough to install some proper zippers and also had to remake the center part between the bags. I used new Velcro and I also added in a couple of bungee hook points with some orange webbing I had.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_13_02_21_11_33_47_0.jpeg)
I did this with my new Omega sewing machine. I bought this to make sails but it happily sews thick and tough stuff. Here I am sewing the outside shell back to the foam liner.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_13_02_21_11_49_19_0.jpeg)
Top is one of the old zippers that was failing. Bottom is the new zipper.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_13_02_21_11_49_19_1.jpeg)
That's cool Bryan......about 5 years ago, Liz and I went to a posh charity ball and ended up spenday a LOT of money on raffle tickets, much more than we'd intended, without even thinking to check what the prizes were.
You can imagine my joy when I heard that we'd quite a few prizes, including 2 very nice ones.....a weekend stay with food and drink included at an exclusive Golf and Spa resort......and......a Husqvarna 250 C.
The thought of winning an off-road motorbike had me ecstatic...........but my ecstasy was short lived. Reality chimed in when we went on stage to receive our prize.......and Liz was the one who was ecstatic.
I never knew Husqvarna made sewing machines....even ones that cost well over $1,000 !!!!!!
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_14_02_21_4_04_00.jpeg)
Dean, that is an awesome story! Very funny. 250mm (9.8") on the bed is fairly large. Most machines are 7" and my new one is 9". I also own a 1928 Singer 29K51 and a 2003 Brother embroidery machine that my mom gave me.
Sewing is just welding for fabric and leather.
That machine has been used an awful lot during lockdown, with Liz making "scrubs" outfits for local hospitals and surgeries and making hundreds of masks for people - both as part of a charitable group (The Warwickshire Scrubbers......Andy might get the joke) and just doing them for people who live locally and either don't have access to re-usable ones, or don't have the means to pay for them.
She also knocked out the Santa suit I wore for the Christmas Gift run on it and is now in the middle of making 600 "Easter Chick" gifts for local children and the Easter Bunny suit that I'll have to wear for the Easter Parade (which will just be me, in a modified version of our Christmas Santa Sleigh) :sarcastic:
Sadly for me, the free machine was just the start.....then came an expensive "Overlocker" and 3 or 4 other bits of kit I won't even pretend to understand !!!!!!!
We also have an antique 1904 Singer sewing machine on a table, with a trestle that still has the "cord" drive. It came from a deceased relative (her daughter was going to throw it out) but we don't know how it came into the family, as it was originally sold in Canada (according to the model/serial number and Singer's sales records). It hasn't been used since we got it a couple of years ago, but Liz is intent on getting it operational as soon as we can once lockdown is over. I must admit I think it's really cool !
Quote from: Millietant on February 14, 2021, 03:17:13 PM
That machine has been used an awful lot during lockdown, with Liz making "scrubs" outfits for local hospitals and surgeries and making hundreds of masks for people - both as part of a charitable group (The Warwickshire Scrubbers......Andy might get the joke) and just doing them for people who live locally and either don't have access to re-usable ones, or don't have the means to pay for them.
She also knocked out the Santa suit I wore for the Christmas Gift run on it and is now in the middle of making 600 "Easter Chick" gifts for local children and the Easter Bunny suit that I'll have to wear for the Easter Parade (which will just be me, in a modified version of our Christmas Santa Sleigh) :sarcastic:
Sadly for me, the free machine was just the start.....then came an expensive "Overlocker" and 3 or 4 other bits of kit I won't even pretend to understand !!!!!!!
We also have an antique 1904 Singer sewing machine on a table, with a trestle that still has the "cord" drive. It came from a deceased relative (her daughter was going to throw it out) but we don't know how it came into the family, as it was originally sold in Canada (according to the model/serial number and Singer's sales records). It hasn't been used since we got it a couple of years ago, but Liz is intent on getting it operational as soon as we can once lockdown is over. I must admit I think it's really cool !
My mom had one just like that. She used it all the time. Don't know what happened to it. I wish I had it.
She probably got it from Canada and eventually sold it to someone in the U.K. :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
Quote from: Millietant on February 14, 2021, 03:17:13 PM
We also have an antique 1904 Singer sewing machine on a table, with a trestle that still has the "cord" drive. It came from a deceased relative (her daughter was going to throw it out) but we don't know how it came into the family, as it was originally sold in Canada (according to the model/serial number and Singer's sales records). It hasn't been used since we got it a couple of years ago, but Liz is intent on getting it operational as soon as we can once lockdown is over. I must admit I think it's really cool !
That is a cool machine. A good 20 years older than my Singer machine. I assume they were all made in England back then. I've posted this video link before but in case you missed it:
https://youtu.be/vTVEcLWx8yk
Also a treadle type machine. The 29K51 is actually a cobbler's machine. It will see anything heavy.
With all the freezing weather, snow and ice recently I've only been able to get out once or twice a week at most on the bicycle......but with a break in the weather and some sunshine, I decided to get the FJ out today for a (legal) run to our local farm-shop to pick up some essentials (bread, milk, veggies etc) - thought I'd save the environment by not using a car :sarcastic:
Temperatures up in the mid 40's F and clear blue skies :good2:, but I had to take a minor detour on the way home......to avoid some dangerous slippery mud on the road !
Yesterday we had the bikes out for the first time since late January. The FJ ran great. I'm going to need new front rotors and pads soon.
Are you going to get Arashi rotors ? :good2:
No idea! Are Arashi rotors recommended? I'm assuming so.
My old rotors have a lot of pitting from leaking brake fluid and sitting for 16 years. They look pretty nasty. I used the ebay pads when I bought those blue spots. That is, the used pads that came with the calipers.
So you mean these?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-YAMAHA-XJR-400-XJR400-1995-2000-1999-1998-1997-Front-Brake-Disc-Rotors/293646746370?fits=Year%3A1989%7CModel%3AFJ1200&epid=16033808615&hash=item445eb5c302:g:iTwAAOSw96ZcBMvs#vi-ilComp (https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-YAMAHA-XJR-400-XJR400-1995-2000-1999-1998-1997-Front-Brake-Disc-Rotors/293646746370?fits=Year%3A1989%7CModel%3AFJ1200&epid=16033808615&hash=item445eb5c302:g:iTwAAOSw96ZcBMvs#vi-ilComp)
There are plenty of recommendations from others on her Bryan, even from a couple of people who's opinion on such matters I'd trust :sarcastic:
Just type Arashi in the search box at the top right of the page :good2:
My ride for the day..........not as fast as a FJ........and the bunny suit is definitely lees protective :sarcastic:
Around 500 gift bags delivered to children around the neighbourhood and to those in the local hospital Children's Ward. Makes staying off the bike today worthwhile :good2:
Quote from: Millietant on April 04, 2021, 09:39:47 PM
My ride for the day..........not as fast as a FJ........and the bunny suit is definitely lees protective :sarcastic:
At least it protects your identity!
Yeah, but my strong north-eastern accent gave me away to most of the parents and made a pair of 7 yr old twins I know ask their parents if "the Bunny was Daxter's (my Black Labrador that they love and play with) Dad"
Their parents managed to convince them ifwasn't :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
Quote from: Millietant on October 22, 2020, 03:06:47 PM
Hopefully everyone doesn't get sick of me :sarcastic:, but I can't stand the quietness !!!
We had a couple of hours break in the rain and the sun came out, so I thought I'd go looking for some corners and ended up having a break at Upton House (a stately home just outside Banbury, Oxfordshire) - nice roads all around it.
I used my iPhone to try to get some time-laps pictures of me riding some of the corners, but somehow I messed it all up, so just a couple of static photo's.......this time !! ...........everyone likes photos, yes ?? :rofl:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_10_1.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_12_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_2_02_25.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_09_0.jpeg)
It looks like I might get out on Sunday or Monday too......woohoo !!!! :good2:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_2_05_51.jpeg)
As usual, despite standing for 7 weeks, the old girl fired up instantly on the button and after a couple of minutes of tickover before I took the choke off fully, I took her out for a run to the local farm shop again.
Its a 7 mile round trip that took me on a 60 mile ride :sarcastic:.
Lockdown Stay at Home is over here now, so riding is allowed. The weather has been rubbish for the last couple of weeks, rain, hail snow, a bit of sun, some heavy winds and overnight frosts.......so, the roads locally were full of dirt and loose gravel, so no spirited cornering.
Nevertheless, I had a great 90 minutes out and thoroughly enjoyed myself pottering about...still amazed by how modern my old FJ feels. There was plenty of sunshine, so took a couple of pictures of the FJ - all within about 15 miles of home.
I love that bike.....
Ted
Thanks Ted.....me too......... :good2:
Quote from: Millietant on October 22, 2020, 03:06:47 PM
Hopefully everyone doesn't get sick of me :sarcastic:, but I can't stand the quietness !!!
We had a couple of hours break in the rain and the sun came out, so I thought I'd go looking for some corners and ended up having a break at Upton House (a stately home just outside Banbury, Oxfordshire) - nice roads all around it.
I used my iPhone to try to get some time-laps pictures of me riding some of the corners, but somehow I messed it all up, so just a couple of static photo's.......this time !! ...........everyone likes photos, yes ?? :rofl:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_10_1.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_12_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_2_02_25.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_1_59_09_0.jpeg)
It looks like I might get out on Sunday or Monday too......woohoo !!!! :good2:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6213_22_10_20_2_05_51.jpeg)
Dean, please tell me about that riding suit.
Hi Rick,
It's a 2 piece (actually 6 pieces) suit by Richa - a very popular brand over here in the U.K.
The jacket and pants zip together across the back. The Jacket has the outer, then a waterproof liner and an insulating padded inner (both zip out). CE approved armour on the shoulders and elbows with a good sized back protector (all removable). The front is double zipped and the waist band, elbow bands and wrists have Velcro adjusters. There are waterproof zipped openings on the chest to let in cool air and it has a magnetic neck fastener..plenty of pockets, inside and out, the outside ones have waterproof zips and fold over velcro's flaps.
The pants are also 3 layer (removable), with a metal stud and clip dual waist fastening and a elasticated, Velcro adjustable waistband. The fly is zipped and has a Velcro weather flap too. Comes with removable. CE knee pads and fixed hip pads. Wrists and ankles have zip and Velcro fasteners.
I've worn it through summer, winter and heavy rain showers and it hasn't leaked yet and has enough adjustability to keep me warm when I need it and cool when I need it. Had it now about 6 years and it's definitely the best bit of textile riding gear I've had.
Richa seem to do something for everyone when it comes to price. I think my suit cost about $500-$600 when I got it (about 30% than my wife's Alpine Stars Stella textile suit, which she also adores), mid-range price-wise.
I think the current version of my suit is the Infinity 2 Pro model - I got it in Large (UK) size, even though I'm only 5'8" tall and weigh around 160 lbs (enough room inside for clothing).
https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product/richa-infinity-2-pro-waterproof-mens-jacket/titanium-fluo?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1OHkutv_7wIVyLLVCh3-pAH1EAQYBSABEgJGYfD_BwE (https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product/richa-infinity-2-pro-waterproof-mens-jacket/titanium-fluo?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1OHkutv_7wIVyLLVCh3-pAH1EAQYBSABEgJGYfD_BwE)
Great info, thanks. I'm always on the lookout for something that's less of a compromise for my daily commute. The weather here in Northern California, while desirable in so many ways, can be a real pain in the ass for a motorcycle commuter. Many days of the year, I leave for work with temps in the low forties and return home in the high 80's and beyond. The delta creates the need for something warm enough in the morning, but cool enough in the afternoon. I usually just wear a one-piece over my working clothes on the way in, and bring a light jacket in my tail trunk for the ride home. I prefer not to use the tail trunk during the warmer months, though, so I suffer the cold in the morning so I don't bake on the way home.
I'm used to riding in the 40's, usually without the thermal inner and I'm never too cold, but I usually wear a thermal top underneath (one of my wRm in winter cool in summer hiking tops). It's not that often that we get the kind of higher temps you get in CA, but I've ridden in the south of France in summer in my Richa suit and with the air-zips and collar open, it's been bearable.
I can't remember the last time I put thermal lining in the pants, but I usually ride in my cycling pants under my textiles anyway.
Best of luck in finding something that suits (get the pun ?
Quote from: Millietant on February 14, 2021, 03:17:13 PM
That machine has been used an awful lot during lockdown, with Liz making "scrubs" outfits for local hospitals and surgeries and making hundreds of masks for people - both as part of a charitable group (The Warwickshire Scrubbers......Andy might get the joke) and just doing them for people who live locally and either don't have access to re-usable ones, or don't have the means to pay for them.
She also knocked out the Santa suit I wore for the Christmas Gift run on it and is now in the middle of making 600 "Easter Chick" gifts for local children and the Easter Bunny suit that I'll have to wear for the Easter Parade (which will just be me, in a modified version of our Christmas Santa Sleigh) :sarcastic:
Sadly for me, the free machine was just the start.....then came an expensive "Overlocker" and 3 or 4 other bits of kit I won't even pretend to understand !!!!!!!
We also have an antique 1904 Singer sewing machine on a table, with a trestle that still has the "cord" drive. It came from a deceased relative (her daughter was going to throw it out) but we don't know how it came into the family, as it was originally sold in Canada (according to the model/serial number and Singer's sales records). It hasn't been used since we got it a couple of years ago, but Liz is intent on getting it operational as soon as we can once lockdown is over. I must admit I think it's really cool !
Dean,
There are 2 establishments in my town that sew patches on leather biker vests and motorcycle jackets. Both places use old Singer manual foot pedal sewing machines like in your photo.
Fred
Rick,
If you've not discovered Revzilla for on-line motorcycle goodies, then let me recommend them. They have wide selections and competitive prices, so what's not to like. Returns are easy, but you'll have to pay postage.
BTW, did you get that towing thing?
Quote from: ZOA NOM on April 15, 2021, 08:25:26 AM
.......I leave for work with temps in the low forties and return home in the high 80's and beyond.........the need for something warm enough in the morning, but cool enough in the afternoon.....
My day rides are usually 500-700km, my regular all seasons loop being 630km (for the locals, that's Bay of Islands inland and back around the GOR). Riding those distances means riding through close to the min and max temps for that day, throw in some highway speed wind chill and sometimes altitude or wind straight from the South Pole. Contrast this with the inland afternoon warmth and dressing for the entire day's temperature range became a problem. I did solve it however with a heated vest. If your torso is warm, everything's warm. They have very little bulk and can be folded or rolled tightly (they're machine washable) and it allows me to wear light weight Summer textiles with zipper/mesh vents.
I also have heated grips, polar fleece neck socks (thin, thick and double thickness) and at least 2 sets of different weight gloves, all of which can be varied easily through the day, but most importantly, the one outfit. The heated vest keeps me comfortable at either end of what is often a 12 hour day, or longer if I visit. It is not uncommon to cover the last 200km at midnight (from Apollo Bay).
Rick, you said this ".....I prefer not to use the tail trunk during the warmer months....."
Do you mean 'top box' and why not specifically during the warmer months??
Noel
Quote from: andyoutandabout on April 16, 2021, 03:09:21 AM
Rick,
If you've not discovered Revzilla for on-line motorcycle goodies, then let me recommend them. They have wide selections and competitive prices, so what's not to like. Returns are easy, but you'll have to pay postage.
BTW, did you get that towing thing?
Thanks Andy, I've used Revzilla many times. I just haven't found the perfect riding suit for my finicky needs. I was thinking about it on the ride in this morning. It was chilly, but bearable. The most discomfort really comes from the wind on the backside of my hands. I have the grip heaters, which are really nice, but the fingers still seem to get pretty stiff. I'm thinking about some wind deflectors of some kind to see if that will help. Other than that, the temp swings in the warmer months are pretty tolerable.
Yes, I got the MoTow, and I've only towed the bike around the block. My main concern is visibility. I can't see the bike at all in my mirrors, so the anxiety is actually worse than with the hitch mounted ramp. At least with that one, I can see if the bike has shifted even the slightest. I think with a few successful tows with the MoTow, that anxiety will wane. It would be nice if I could access my back-up camera while driving. I might look into a remote camera that I can access with my phone. I really like the ease of use, and installation, so I'm determined to use it. I think I'll make a trip out to RPM for a checkup and oil change prior to the Rally, so that should give me a good test.
Quote from: ribbert on April 16, 2021, 08:50:26 AM
Rick, you said this ".....I prefer not to use the tail trunk during the warmer months....."
Do you mean 'top box' and why not specifically during the warmer months??
Noel
Yes, the "top box". I couldn't recall the term when I posted.
It's just a "warm weather" vibe, nothing technical. I just prefer not to use it if I don't absolutely need to bring lighter gear for the warm ride home. I lane split (filter?) for quite a large percentage of my 50-mile commute, and the top box, while plenty narrow, just adds a bit of instability. It's particularly unstable in some of the high wind areas that I ride through. I use a tank bag that carries my lunch, and maybe a pair of lighter gloves, and that's about all I need when I don't need to wear something extra warm in the morning.
Rick, do you have any electric gear?
I guess I'm an outsider regarding Revzilla. They're located in Philly which has a 6 (state) plus 3(city) percent sales tax. I live in PA (not Philly, thank God) and they insist on charging me the full 9%. They can't seem to be able to figure it out. Too bad.
Try Sport Bike Trackgear as an alternative. They're always been good to me. Top shelf stuff.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 16, 2021, 10:09:36 AM
Rick, do you have any electric gear?
I do, but I've migrated away from it. Just became a hassle. I know, I know, I'm too finicky for this crap. Time to get that Porsche motor finished and stop commuting on the bike.
An Fj with bark busters, that would be a first.
Nope.....
Oxford Super Handlebar Muffs
London couriers love these and Revzilla sell them for $56 a pair. Sure they look goofy, but they are totally removable and with your heated grips, you'll be taking the long road to work.
:rofl:
Quote from: andyoutandabout on April 16, 2021, 07:03:22 PM
An Fj with bark busters, that would be a first.
Nope.....
Oxford Super Handlebar Muffs
London couriers love these and Revzilla sell them for $56 a pair. Sure they look goofy, but they are totally removable and with your heated grips, you'll be taking the long road to work.
Yep, I've tried them and they're fabulous. Problem is, I'd never take another photo of my bike, ever.
Noel
We did a little over 40 miles today. No destination, just got ourselves lost and then found again. Actually found some curvy roads. Not quite like New England, but for Illinois I'll take it.
Out for a late night ride. 1st ride with the new gauges and transplanted front end from the 95 FJ.
Fred
Fargo,ND
Today was a great day.
It was chilly early doors but I met up with a small group of friends and went out for a couple of hours riding on our bikes. I doubt you could have found a more eclectic mix of bikes, or riders, but we had a great time sticking to the twisty back roads of the Cotswolds......and didn't really have time to stop for photo's.
In our small group of 6, we had an inline four (my FJ 1200) an inline triple (Yamaha FZ 09), and inline twin (Honda CBF 500), a L Twin (Duc Multistrada) an boxer twin (BMW GS) and an inline V twin (Harley 883), with riders ranging in age from 25 to over 60, both male and female, with riding experience from less than 1 year up to almost 50 years - I think the broad spectrum of motorcycling was covered :sarcastic:
Only 110 miles covered, but lots and lots of corners :good2:
Then, after an early return home, I joined in with 4 groups of residents in our community (20 people) to do a group litter pick.
Together we removed 31 bags of litter from the "sidewalks" and community play areas around where we live.
The sun shone the whole time.............all in all, A Great Day !!
I've done nothing so noble as picking up trash, but I did ride the FJ to my second Covid jab today.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_29_04_21_6_41_57_0.jpeg)
I may go on the Slimey Crud Cafe Racer run this Sunday. It's in Wisconsin.
https://www.slimeycrudrun.com/ (https://www.slimeycrudrun.com/)
There is a facebook link too but I won't post that.
Casper made it into work the other evening.... yesterday he blew the low beam headlight bulb.... Minnie made the ride into work this evening.
Fred
So....we've just ordered our "Covid Lockdown" relief vehicle. :sarcastic:
It looks like we won't be able to travel internationally for quite a while, so have plumped for a motorhome to help us visit places and stay-over without needing hotels/motels/hostels etc.......while having bikes with us on our trailer.
I'm normally avidly against hauling road bikes on a trailer (or in a truck), but am happy to tow them behind the motorhome to get to our riding bases when we're away from home for weeks at a time. However, I think that most of the time (99% of the time) the bikes we'll be towing will likely be our trail bikes and not the big road bikes....the FJ will not be carried around the country on the trailer, it will be ridden :good2:
Good choice. And, by not towing a caravan, :yes: you avoid all the road rage.javascript:void(0);
My first twisties in decades, due to putting the bikes aside for 16 years and then moving to Illinois. My English buddy Andy took on a bunch of roads in the driftless (meaning the glaciers missed it) area of Wisconsin. I'm rusty but survived to ride another day.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6694_02_05_21_2_46_08_0.jpeg)
An unlikely trio - the FJ, my son's V30 Magna, and an '88 NX650 that has had the super motard thing done to it.
I saw one other FJ there, one FJ person saw my bike and we chatted, and I saw a near-FJ (1300R). Lots of cool bikes. We only looked at bikes a little, mostly we rode.
Quote from: krusty on April 30, 2021, 04:13:34 PM
Good choice. And, by not towing a caravan, :yes: you avoid all the road rage.javascript:void(0);
:good2:
Had a little ride out along my favourite Midlands twisties today, with a few of friends (riding a Honda NC 750 DCT, a Triumph Tiger 800 and a Yamaha FZ09/Tracer). The route was shortened by the closure of part of the route and a need to be home early by one of the boys.
I must admit that I'm really beginning to like the look of the Tracer/FZ09......but as an extra bike, not a replacement for the FJ.
David, who rides the Tracer/FZ09 couldn't keep up in the twistiest bits and said he couldn't believe how a bike that's older than him could be so fast around the bumpy country roads :sarcastic: :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
I video'd quite a bit of the route, trying it with the camera mounted above the headlight, on the screen - even to my eyes, without the bars/instruments etc, there's no context and it quickly gets boring (also the sound is terrible with wind noise and my mirror weight vibrating :sarcastic:)
Just a couple of pics - the usual Rutland Route, the 4 Amigo's and a pic of the FJ with the FZ
Quote from: Waiex191 on May 02, 2021, 03:52:20 PMMy English buddy Andy.
Hey we know one of those... Andyoutandabout calling calling!
Sounds like a good weekend ride. :yahoo:
That's a little strange. I own a '85 and '89 FJ plus a '14 FZ-09. The FJ's have it all over the FZ on top speed but in the tight twisties the FZ shines bright. Truth is I don't push any of them too hard on the street. Gave that nonsense up quite a while ago....this is how I get my speed fix now.
That's the real irony Motofun......... I wasn't riding "fast" :sarcastic:
I've spent the last 20 years getting my speed fix on track days and at the Nurburgring (on myAprilia RSV), but I do still like to ride my FJ at a "brisk" pace, when roads and conditions allow.
Mostly I'm extremely sensible and never speed in built-up areas, but you can't have a FJ and not enjoy it sometimes.
Here's the fruit of yesterdays labours for Liz and myself.
I'd built the panels for the shelter "flat pack" style a couple of weeks ago and yesterday Liz and I went up to the community park and erected the panels to make the 2nd shelter for local dog owners to use when the weather isn't great (it got a lot of use in today's rain, apparently).
Lessons learned from the first one meant this one went up much more easily and quickly!!
Quote from: Millietant on May 14, 2021, 02:36:21 PM
Here's the fruit of yesterdays labours for Liz and myself.
Looks great! It rains in England? I've never had the opportunity to go.
Quote from: Waiex191 on May 14, 2021, 04:19:28 PM
Quote from: Millietant on May 14, 2021, 02:36:21 PM
Here's the fruit of yesterdays labours for Liz and myself.
Looks great! It rains in England? I've never had the opportunity to go.
If ever you do get the chance Bryan....come !!!!! We'll get you to and from the airport, be your hosts and could even lend you a bike to ride, as well as showing you some of our best biking roads.
But yes........it does rain here :sarcastic:.........a small island, water on all sides, with a prevailing westerly wind that spends around 3,000 miles picking up moisture over the Atlantic, not much more than a couple of hundred miles across at its widest and just on a hundred miles wide at its narrowest.....!!
This is what happens when you delay the "King's" morning walk :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
And this is what happens when he comes home tired from playing with his buddies in the pond and field, and joins you at the breakfast table :sarcastic:
Quote from: Millietant on May 20, 2021, 10:26:55 AM
And this is what happens when he comes home tired from playing with his buddies in the pond and field, and joins you at the breakfast table :sarcastic:
My kingdom for a dog. Both of mine croaked and the price of a pup is running around $3,000 here. Never figured they'd become a luxury item.
Quote from: woodcreekpete on May 20, 2021, 11:38:02 AM
Quote from: Millietant on May 20, 2021, 10:26:55 AM
And this is what happens when he comes home tired from playing with his buddies in the pond and field, and joins you at the breakfast table :sarcastic:
My kingdom for a dog. Both of mine croaked and the price of a pup is running around $3,000 here. Never figured they'd become a luxury item.
Sorry for your loss Pete. We've had him for just over 2 years now (got him at 8 weeks old); got him to replace our previous one who we had for 15 years.
With the lockdowns we've had over the last 15 months here, dog ownership has gone through the roof and £5,000 ($8,000) is not unusual for a documented puppy !!! Just where we live I'd guess dog ownership has tripled over the pandemic.once kids are fully back to school and parents are back working from offices/factories etc, there will be a LOT of 1 yr old puppies being handed in to dog shelters :dash2:
Dean, that is awesome. I'll have to look into adding external fuel tanks on the Waiex. Hope I can take you up on that someday.
We are also dog-less. Unfortunately my wife isn't a fan. My thought was that as long as we had kids, we should have a dog, since they both tie you down with responsibility.
Quote from: Waiex191 on May 20, 2021, 01:50:33 PM
Dean, that is awesome. I'll have to look into adding external fuel tanks on the Waiex. Hope I can take you up on that someday.
We are also dog-less. Unfortunately my wife isn't a fan. My thought was that as long as we had kids, we should have a dog, since they both tie you down with responsibility.
I was never a fan, but Liz and our boys insisted for the first one in 2003 "don't worry dad, he'll sleep outside in a kennel, you'll never have to look after him, you won't event know he exists....Pah...poppycock :sarcastic:. When he passed away in late 2018 he was missed so badly we just had to have another one.
Fortunately, we've never been tied down by them, we've always got a queue of people wanting to look after him if we need time away (anything from a couple of hours, up to a month). We have a huge circle of friends, mostly people we have met because of the dog :good2:
A little remiss of me, not mentioning a brilliant ride out last Saturday with a couple of friends, one of them (Sian) on her new-to-her Yamaha Tracer 900 (FJ 09 to you guys in the USA, I think).
We headed west into the Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire countryside for a couple of hours chasing corners through lush rolling hills, vineyards and hop farms.
The most impressive part of the day was my FJ's fuel consumption...door-to-door 190 miles ridden and still over 1/3 of a tank of fuel left. When I fill her up, I'll know what the actual mpg was, but I reckon that's the best I've ever had. The Tracer seems to be a great machine, comfy, capable and quick enough....but it was running on fumes at 180 miles :sarcastic:....sometimes progress isn't always forwards !!
Lovely sunshine today and temps in the low 20's C, so got out with a couple of friends down into Oxfordshire and across to the Cotswolds (again !) - time limited today so just 101 miles covered.
Lots of holiday/vacation traffic on the roads though !
Quote from: Millietant on June 03, 2021, 08:33:02 AM
The most impressive part of the day was my FJ's fuel consumption...door-to-door 190 miles ridden and still over 1/3 of a tank of fuel left. When I fill her up, I'll know what the actual mpg was, but I reckon that's the best I've ever had. The Tracer seems to be a great machine, comfy, capable and quick enough....but it was running on fumes at 180 miles :sarcastic:....sometimes progress isn't always forwards !!
Just an update on this - filling up after 192 miles, and getting my tank absolutely brim full, I managed to squeeze 15.82 litres in it..
In U.K. terms, that's 54.6mpg (45.9 US mpg) - generally about the best I've had from the FJ. :good2:
Quote from: Millietant on June 07, 2021, 05:15:29 PM
Quote from: Millietant on June 03, 2021, 08:33:02 AM
The most impressive part of the day was my FJ's fuel consumption...door-to-door 190 miles ridden and still over 1/3 of a tank of fuel left. When I fill her up, I'll know what the actual mpg was, but I reckon that's the best I've ever had. The Tracer seems to be a great machine, comfy, capable and quick enough....but it was running on fumes at 180 miles :sarcastic:....sometimes progress isn't always forwards !!
Just an update on this - filling up after 192 miles, and getting my tank absolutely brim full, I managed to squeeze 15.82 litres in it..
In U.K. terms, that's 54.6mpg (45.9 US mpg) - generally about the best I've had from the FJ. :good2:
For comparison, returning from the Oz FJ rally in Bingara on my 1200, I filled up at Bingara and refilled at Muswellbrook = 305klm. It took 19.5 litres which is 15.64k/l. Not bad as I had a pillion plus a full Givi top box. Mostly cruising between 100-120kph
Not bad at all Krusty, just a couple of kms less than mine and less than 25% greater consumption even with with a pillion and a full top box..............44.3 mpg :good2:.......who said these FJ's were gas-guzzlers ?? :sarcastic:
Quote from: Millietant on June 07, 2021, 07:04:21 PM
......who said these FJ's were gas-guzzlers ?? :sarcastic:
Usually the guys with jet kits that have a too large main jet!
Before I stopped riding in 2004, I pretty much averaged 42 MPG US. These days I'm reliably 40 +/- 2 MPG. On my long ride in the Wisconsin twisties I got a little better than 47 MPG.
Back in 1992 I was on a long ride to Florida with a couple of buddies. One Harley, one FJ and I exceeded 50.
Quote from: fj1289 on June 07, 2021, 11:43:52 PM
Quote from: Millietant on June 07, 2021, 07:04:21 PM
......who said these FJ's were gas-guzzlers ?? :sarcastic:
Usually the guys with jet kits that have a too large main jet!
....or the guys that have big engines.
My 1380 only gets 33 mpg ...I guess when you add 30% more air you better add 30% more fuel.
That's not too bad Pat, you guys just need bigger gallons (like we have) to make your US mpg better match your bigger engine.
But seriously........I'd happily trade the mpg for the extra go of a nicely set up 1380 engine :good2:
After a week of beautiful clear skies and sunshine, normal service has been resumed for the last couple of days and the typical British summertime weather has re-appeared.....rain, rain and more rain.......and its set to stay with us for at least another week
But luckily, this morning was dry and I had a little ride out with a couple of BMW riding friends. We headed to one of my favourite local destinations (Rutland Water), but took a different route that was almost entirely 130 miles of twisties, taking us through some unbelievably beautiful villages and passing countless amazing old stone and thatch construction buildings. it was the first time I'd ridden much of the route there, but it won't be the last :good2:
Another tank refill has confirmed that my 55 mpg fuel consumption recently was no fluke. This last tank full, gave me 195 miles on 15.4 litres of fuel (slightly over 55 mpg !)
One other thing I've noticed about my route maps recently is that it seems that too many of them resemble something rude......maybe my subconscious is telling me something - although I have no idea what it might be :sarcastic: :sarcastic:
Great ride reports. Keep it up! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Had a nice little 150 mile ride out today with a couple of friends - one is a relatively new rider on a Harley 883 and the other a long term rider on a Triumph Tiger 800.
Speeds were kept down mostly by Tom on the Harley (I was trying to lead at a pace he was comfortable with), general debris on the road from a lot of recent rain / farmers tractors, and the usual countryside hazards (horses, cyclists, walkers, Police).The day started off damp, with very light rain but gradually cleared up and we rode a route of mostly minor roads around Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. the northern part was mostly all new to me and we accidentally came upon a section of road known in the area as the best biking road around (Melton-Tilton).....the only problem was that it was pretty heavily trafficked and the best bits have a double solid centre line :dash2:, so not much fun.
Today, I rarely took the FJ above 4,000 rpm and was mostly riding below 65mph, but Tom on the Harley still managed to have a couple of "squeaky bum" moments on a couple of corners, but he's learning fast and not getting sucked in to riding way above his ability. I'm going to guess that my fuel consumption was likely in the order of 60mpg, with the fuel gauge showing just under 1/2 full when I got home, having filled it just before starting the ride.
I suppose a few here will have noted me yearning for the wide open sweeping roads that you guys seem to find for every FJ Rally and today was no exception. Being a Sunday, we figured traffic would be light - and it was - but light by our standards still isn't great.
I also went back to trying to get some better quality video footage of some of the roads we rode today and I'm much happier with the camera mount, but the sound quality is still terrible with lots of resonance and buzzing from the mount and camera case. Anyway, I've put a couple of links in to some video footage from today - which also gives a demonstration of some of the "quiet, rural, villages" in this part of the Midlands and some of the regular "hazards" :sarcastic: and just couple of photo's of the guys.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cgNeCwFQ2gShRzyEA_2CI4BHwXWV2MKV/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cgNeCwFQ2gShRzyEA_2CI4BHwXWV2MKV/view?usp=sharing)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DBpNpEzlDKa_C1lGZrLcFpfqaMrdzhT-/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DBpNpEzlDKa_C1lGZrLcFpfqaMrdzhT-/view?usp=sharing)
On my normally favourite bit of road locally (at a much more sedate pace !)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MuiX68p6NAMTJUaVgyA_2whH7P8qUUsg/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MuiX68p6NAMTJUaVgyA_2whH7P8qUUsg/view?usp=sharing)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_27_06_21_6_47_41_2.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_27_06_21_6_47_40_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6213_27_06_21_6_47_40_1.jpeg)
I love that FJ. Glad you had a nice ride.
Ted
Took the bike for it's annual roadwortiness/safety inspection yesterday, 32 years old and anoher MOT test clean sheet pass, no advisories and the tester has asked again if I'll sell him my FJ :sarcastic:
Sorry, but, not a chance :good2:
Beautiful Dean!
Had my first run across to Wales on the bike for 2021 today. Got a late start due to jobs around the house to finish before I left and unfortunately it rained for the first hour - but luckily the weather cleared and the bike didn't get too dirty (its becoming a bit of a habit riding in the rain, now that its summer :sarcastic:).
Due to the late start and needing to be home to help a neighbour lay some paving flags when he got home from work, we (my pal Jim , on his Spyder trike and I) didn't get to ride as far as we planned, hitting only about 230 miles (with plenty of "Driving Miss Daisy's" out there today) and only just venturing into Mid Wales for about an hour.
After stopping for lunch and pausing my Garmin, I forgot to start it until about 20 minutes after we'd started riding again, so some of the route got missed off, but boy, did we have some great roads to ride and some beautiful scenery to pass through.
One thing we noticed today was the occasional strong smell of cheese at various points in Shropshire and Herefordshire - closely followed by signs for small family businesses making cheese at the side of the road. A very pleasant experience that really made me want to stop for lunch.
As is usual, we rode through some places with great names, such as "Cleobury Mortimer", "Hopton Wafers", "Rhos-y-Meirch" and "Snodsbury" :sarcastic: and many where the front doors of houses basically opened right out onto the road. A few pics of the day follow (not enough time to keeping stopping for photo's!!)
We rode yesterday. We were scoping out sites to launch our catamaran from. I rolled 40K on the FJ.
https://youtu.be/0qxspzYd8Do
Your lad was certainly giving the Magna some big handful's of throttle there a few times :sarcastic:
Looks like you've got some decent wind up there too :good2:
We're off to Arisaig and Morar on Weds (up on the north west coast of Scotland) for a few days out in the fresh air, so i drove down to Southampton this morning to pick up 2 new sit-on kayaks. We'll give them a try out up there. Hoping to get some decent eBiking and paddling done before my hip operation (which looks like it might be going ahead at the end of the month) :good2:
Hoping to cram in a few more FJ rides too, before i have to go through my post-op Physio and rehab. Looks like my wish to have it all happen later in the year might be coming true, so here's hoping I'm fully fit for the start of the 2022 season.
We've got some nice climbs and hikes planned for next year and also an 1,100 mile (21 day) bicycle ride, as well as lots of paddling and motorcycling, so plenty to get fit for. :good2:
Quote from: Millietant on September 06, 2021, 03:06:04 PM
Your lad was certainly giving the Magna some big handful's of throttle there a few times :sarcastic:
Goes with the territory on the little V30 Magna when trying to keep up with an FJ1200!
I'm hoping for the best outcome on your new hip. I think I need a knee overhaul myself. Still running but not so far or fast.
Kayaks are on the bicycle rack, eBikes are in the garsge, all packed up and off to Scotland, with the boss driving :good2: :good2: :good2:
But the dog is not happy that he's staying at home !!
Is that a manual transmission in your caravan?
Quote from: Waiex191 on September 08, 2021, 05:14:18 PM
Is that a manual transmission in your caravan?
Yes, its a 6 speed manual. :good2:
Automatics are still in the minority in all motor vehicles here. Learning to use a clutch and gears is fundamental to learning to drive and control a car properly.
Separately though, too many motorhomes with automatic's have issues with overheating gearboxes in hilly country. A "caravan" in our speak is i think what you would call a "trailer" (mobile home that is towed by a car/truck).
501 miles in the last 20 hours and we've arrived at our campsite 150yds from the sea.
"Camp" is set up, wine has been consumed, but we haven't unpacked the bikes or kayak's yet. Going down to the beach this evening (while drunk) and hoping the rain and storms we've driven through to get here, are finished !! The wind will determine whether we ride or paddle first tomorrow :sarcastic:
I like that set-up with the tent attached to the RV. I've never seen one like that in the States. Only issue I'd have is that once you're set-up you're stuck in that spot. I pull a 42ft 5th wheel toy hauler with a diesel dually. I don't think I'd fit in very well in the UK! :biggrin:
Thanks Dean for the correction on British English - I'm still trainable. Very nice setup and would be great at Oshkosh.
I much prefer a manual transmission, and a couple of the family cars are 5 speeds. I taught both my kids how to drive a manual at the start.
Quote from: Motofun on September 10, 2021, 06:32:51 AM
I like that set-up with the tent attached to the RV. I've never seen one like that in the States. Only issue I'd have is that once you're set-up you're stuck in that spot. I pull a 42ft 5th wheel toy hauler with a diesel dually. I don't think I'd fit in very well in the UK! :biggrin:
Its supposed to be a "Drive-away" Rick, but i haven't tried it and don't intend to.
When we got it, we intended it to be for use when we were going to stay somewhere for a few days - and as a place for the dog to chill (he's not with us on this trip).
The "Camp Room" makes a great place to entertain when the weather isn't great and also when the /midgies are out in force.
We chose the motorhome we've got because most UK camp sites have a max 7.5m length limit on motorhomes - the one i wanted to buy was 8.5m, but when we looked into it, it was a problem to get places to stay.
Quote from: Waiex191 on September 10, 2021, 08:16:51 AM
Thanks Dean for the correction on British English - I'm still trainable. Very nice setup and would be great at Oshkosh.
I much prefer a manual transmission, and a couple of the family cars are 5 speeds. I taught both my kids how to drive a manual at the start.
Ha Ha........... it's a weird language.
Glad to see you're teaching your kids the basics - not enough people do !
A few photos from this morning's bike ride near Arisaig
And some from this afternoon, paddling out towards the island of Egg - we only ventured about 2 miles out to sea before we turned south for a couple of miles and then back north easterly, to where we launched, north of Arisaig.
The sea was as calm as a mill pond and the wind was non-existent. Supremely relaxing :good2: