Le Carnage weekend to Normandy

[Specialone]

Errrm, no mate, learn the rule

I knew some of it but never ever worried about it.

We rode in all situations, towns, cities, rural etc etc and not one single occasion did it turn into a problem, common sense gets you a long way.

[Specialone]

********, not just on round abouts? like if you're doing 30 (or whatever the limit/sensible speed is) on a main carriageway people are liable just to cut you up?

Mate, I wouldn't worry tbh, loads of French drivers aren't gonna pull out blind into you ;)

Ralph can guide us if there's any grey areas but like I said, me and dan never had one single problem with this.

[-Ralph-]

See post above guys. I've nearly tw4tted the side of a car because of forgetting about it 3 or 4 times in 10 years of driving regularly in France. My wife now reminds me of it when driving in France on an annoyingly regular basis!

Also when you pull out of somewhere and rejoin the road, ie: out of a petrol station, is a time when you can really easily find yourself on the wrong side of the road out of pure habit. Especially if the road is empty and you don't see any other traffic.

[-Ralph-]

Sandrine says you're going to get flattened Phil. You could ride 1800 miles in the UK in the dark, with no headlights on, and you might not have a problem, but that doesn't mean it's recommended.

[Specialone]

See post above guys. I've nearly tw4tted the side of a car because of forgetting about it 3 or 4 times in 10 years of driving regularly in France. My wife now reminds me of it when driving in France on an annoyingly regular basis!

Also when you pull out of somewhere and rejoin the road, ie: out of a petrol station, is a time when you can really easily find yourself on the wrong side of the road out of pure habit. Especially if the road is empty and you don't see any other traffic.

That was something dan kept doing, pulling out and forgetting where he was :rolleyes:

In regards to going in to the side of a car, if you are expecting them to pull out or can sense they are, then it's not a problem IMO.


One thing I will say about French drivers, especially the more south you go, they ALL move over for bikes, they go out their way to let you past :)

[Specialone]

Sandrine says you're going to get flattened Phil. You could ride 1800 miles in the UK in the dark, with no headlights on, and you might not have a problem, but that doesn't mean it's recommended.



It may be different in a car mate but I spent over an hour riding round a very busy Dijon in 30 degrees heat, If I can survive that I can adapt to Normandy.

IMO I don't think we should be worrying so much about it.

[-Ralph-]

In regards to going in to the side of a car, if you are expecting them to pull out or can sense they are, then it's not a problem IMO.

If you can see the vehicle coming like in open countryside it's not such an issue as you can see from their speed that they are not slowing down for the junction, the problem occurs mainly in villages when the junction is blind, and the driver doesn't even slow down or look (because he has priority), he just swings out from behind the gable end of a building, a high hedge or a wall. It's up to you to be cautious as you approach the junction, where a road joins from the right.

[-Ralph-]

IMO I don't think we should be worrying so much about it.

OK, I'm going to say no more about it, individuals beware.

[Specialone]

OK, I'm going to say no more about it, individuals beware.

But you've had 4 'incidents' in 10 years in France, I had more than that here in 1 year:rolleyes:

[-Ralph-]

Longest trip to France has been 2000 miles, shortest is 280 miles (Calais to Laon and back). Lets say an average of 500 miles per trip and 2-3 trips a year. 4 priorite a droite incidents in 10-15000 miles. Now figure out how much of that was not motorway, but rural roads an villages, 5% maybe. I'll be keeping the rule in mind, what others decide to do is up to them.

[Specialone]

Nobody said they were gonna ignore it, I just said we shouldn't worry too much about that's all.

I appreciate if I was in a car I would probably pay more attention to it as youve got less room to get into a escape area if someone does pull out.

Oh well, I may regret my stubbornness but I'll just ride with my normal caution as I did in september and hopefully it will be enough :)

[christian1000]

Your speed won't be a problem

Make your own decisions, don't be a lemming and jump off a cliff just because the guy in front of you did.


Definatley this, I remember being worried about the same thing before first rideout with people on here. But just rode at my own pace and had a blast!

Gaz, we will have a rideout before Normandy, main thing is mate, relax, don't worry too much, I used to get up tight and worry I'd be too slow and it made my riding worse tbh.

As ralph said, NOBODY will get lost or left anywhere.

Not sure about this though, as I distinctly remember being lost at some point :) I have pictures to prove it.....

[Specialone]

Definatley this, I remember being worried about the same thing before first rideout with people on here. But just rode at my own pace and had a blast!



Not sure about this though, as I distinctly remember being lost at some point :) I have pictures to prove it.....

Was you with us when we was in melton and rusty decided to leave the marked junction so we all carried on?

If thats the incident then that just proves what im saying, if the marker doesnt move until TEC has passed then you cant get lost :p

[-Ralph-]

Rusty's not allowed to mark any junctions in France! ;-)

[christian1000]

That would be it. The one that started well as we got lost on the way to the meet point aswell :D

It's a lot like Top Gun, you never leave your wingman!..stay at you post no matter what haha

[Specialone]

Rusty's not allowed to mark any junctions in France! ;-)

Too right:smt072

That would be it. The one that started well as we got lost on the way to the meet point aswell :D

It's a lot like Top Gun, you never leave your wingman!..stay at you post no matter what haha


We never got lost, we went to a burger van on that road as planned, we didnt know there was too and the other wasnt even open lol, so we was correct and the others were lost :rolleyes:

Actually edit, Rusty needs to make up for that dont you think ? he should repay us with free beers (or wine considering its France)

[-Ralph-]

I'll never forget the day Raving Davis crashed, before that he rode straight past a marked junction, and I was TEC. I had to go fetch him and he was going balls out with a good 5 minute lead on me, so it took me 15 minutes to catch him. By the time we got back to the junction and back on track, the rest of the group were at the lunch stop and some of the markers had been waiting 45 minutes. Credit to them all they stayed put, otherwise we'd never have found the lunch stop.

Another day I was TEC we had three breakdowns. Markers had to wait a long time for me that day too.

[Specialone]

With our small group, if its anything more than a few minutes, somethings gone wrong, we can all exchange numbers to notify each other of any hold ups.

But as i said before, no crashing is allowed on any of our weekends, or breakdowns for that matter, so im sure it'll be fine and dandy :)

[christian1000]

Too right:smt072




We never got lost, we went to a burger van on that road as planned, we didnt know there was too and the other wasnt even open lol, so we was correct and the others were lost :rolleyes:

Actually edit, Rusty needs to make up for that dont you think ? he should repay us with free beers (or wine considering its France)

Haha if you say so...I got a breakfast sandwhich so all was good.

Aye that sounds like a fair point...but not free ones, he needs to pay for them ;)

[Specialone]

I'll never forget the day Raving Davis crashed, before that he rode straight past a marked junction, and I was TEC. I had to go fetch him and he was going balls out with a good 5 minute lead on me, so it took me 15 minutes to catch him. By the time we got back to the junction and back on track, the rest of the group were at the lunch stop and some of the markers had been waiting 45 minutes. Credit to them all they stayed put, otherwise we'd never have found the lunch stop.

Another day I was TEC we had three breakdowns. Markers had to wait a long time for me that day too.

That was the ross on wye ride wasnt it? the lunch stop at symonds yat?

[-Ralph-]

That was the ross on wye ride wasnt it? the lunch stop at symonds yat?

Yes

[rusty76]

If you boys bought proper bikes you'd be able to keep up...

looking forward to it. I've got loads I need to sort beforehand though and not much free time. I'll rock up with a few random items in bin liner at this rate

[-Ralph-]

What do you need Russ? I have a garage full of stuff and I'm 1/2 hour away.

[rusty76]

What do you need Russ? I have a garage full of stuff and I'm 1/2 hour away.

Primarily, Some form of luggage that fits the Tuono

I've been looking out for a Ventura rack and bag secondhand. They're £250 new

[Specialone]

Let's make a rack Rus :)


I've still gotta make a pannier rack for my drz, I picked up 2 givi panniers cheap with his home made mounting plates.

[rusty76]

Would panniers work? I've got a clonking great silencer on each side

[-Ralph-]

I have a set of soft panniers you could borrow. They are Oxford first time

http://images.esellerpro.com/2189/I/119/97/medscaleOxford-First-Time-Motorcylce-Panniers-48L-1.jpg

expandable

http://photo.bitzforbikes.co.uk/OF414.JPG

these were on during the lowside Dave numbers is talking about above, and the zip to the outside pocket got busted open and melted as they slid down the road. That just means you can't use that outside pocket as I have stitched it up to stop it flapping in the wind.

I also have a spare tankbag, again with one side pocket stitched up after an accident.

Both are perfectly functional otherwise though.

[-Ralph-]

Would panniers work? I've got a clonking great silencer on each side

Goes off to find a picture of a Tuono.....

[-Ralph-]

Is this like yours?

http://www.cool-motorcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/aprilia-tuono-1000r-factory-side.jpg

If so, then no my panniers are not going to work.

They are available for anyone else who wants to borrow them though.

[Specialone]

Col, would they work on rustys if they were some kind of heat shield between bags and cans?

[rusty76]

Yep, that's mine.

They might fit looking at your picture as the cans sit below the pillion foot pegs. I guess the only way to find out would be to try. In the the meantime I'll have an Internet trawl to see if anyone else has done it

[christian1000]

A big expanding tail pack would work, the Oxford tank/tail I've got is pretty big when expanded. Though I dunno where you are gonna put your tent....

[rusty76]

Just to complicate things further, it's got a plastic fuel tank

[-Ralph-]

Just to complicate things further, it's got a plastic fuel tank

So has the Daytona, but the magnetic base of all my tankbags zip away from the actual tank bag, so I strap the base to the tank round the frame and the headstock, and leave it there like a baglux cover, and zip the tank bag on and off.

[christian1000]

http://www.irelandsmotorcycles.co.uk/image/cache/data/OxfordX40Tailpack_2-500x500.jpg

[rusty76]

Just found a forum message where someone said Oxford first time panniers fitted his Tuono ok

[-Ralph-]

Just found a forum message where someone said Oxford first time panniers fitted his Tuono ok

They do have a sloping underside to accomodate exhausts, but you'd need to mount them pretty high. You are more than welcome to pop over and try them on the bike for size. I have a good selection of straps and bungees to try and get them in the right place. You would just need to buy some luggage webbing for a few quid to protect the paintwork (that's the stuff wrapped round the tail of the SV in this photo).

You might have to take you tent out of it's bag and pack it in with your clothes, and strap the fibreglass poles to your bike separately.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/colinbal4/CIMG3744.jpg

[-Ralph-]

PS: On one of our SV Ecosse weekends to Aviemore Hazel (Nutty Tart) set fire to her panniers because they were resting on her exhausts. Had the riders behind her flagging her down in a trail of smoke. We had to go to Tesco's and get her new clothes for the trip!

[-Ralph-]

Col, would they work on rustys if they were some kind of heat shield between bags and cans?

Maybe. Could wrap the exhausts in exhaust wrap for racing car manifolds, but I don't have enough of it to do two can's so Rusty would have to buy some, then we'd have to test ride with one of us riding behind him keeping an eye on it, with regular stops to check the temperature.

[-Ralph-]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10m-Roll-EXHAUST-Heat-Wrap-Insulating-Tape-Fitting-Kit-BEST-WRAP-UK-SELLER-/170694770459?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27be337f1b#ht_2537wt_1037

[rusty76]

The Tuono is SORN at the moment, so I'd probably have to come over in the car, pick them up, take them back, try them etc. Today is our local camra beer festival so I won't be travelling anywhere today :-)

I know the only properly dedicated luggage for the Tuono is the Ventura system, which is very cool and well balanced, but very expensive and still only affords limited load space.

I'll probably keep looking for the Ventura secondhand for a few more weeks. If that dosnt look like it happening I'll give you a shout

[-Ralph-]

If that dosnt look like it happening I'll give you a shout

OK no problem. You'll be taxing from 1st April I assume?

[rusty76]

OK no problem. You'll be taxing from 1st April I assume?

Aye

[metalhead19]

I know the only properly dedicated luggage for the Tuono is the Ventura system, which is very cool and well balanced, but very expensive and still only affords limited load space.

Im in the same boat with the daytona, the ventura system is the only one i have found and is expensive, and have been unable to find one second hand.

[christian1000]

Sounds to me like everybody is putting stuff on phil's bike....

[Specialone]

Might as well ;)

I'm gonna have two panniers, 46L topbox, tank bag and probably 170kgs of rider and pillion, on top of the 230 kgs of the bike :smt120

Nearly half a ton razzing round Normandy trying to avoid frenchies pulling out from the right, should be fun :)

[christian1000]

probably 170kgs of rider and pillion,



I won't ask about the ratio :p

[Specialone]

Its obvious really when you see my wife, shes the 120kgs out of the 170 :-dd

[Dave20046]

****ing 10 year old svs

Just bidding on a cheap 50 odd litre topbox, is that an option for you rusty? (Drilling it onto the pillion seat) depends how much second hand pillion seats for it are I guess

[MisterTommyH]

I've got some first time panniers and tail pack that I could lend to someone.
One of the compression straps on one pannier is coming away but nothing too terrible.
(I upgraded to hard luggage and probably have more space than I know what to do with).

[danf1234]

That was something dan kept doing, pulling out and forgetting where he was :rolleyes:

In regards to going in to the side of a car, if you are expecting them to pull out or can sense they are, then it's not a problem IMO.


One thing I will say about French drivers, especially the more south you go, they ALL move over for bikes, they go out their way to let you past :)

Oi, kept doing it, is a bit strong lol. It's them numpties that kept coming at me on the wrong side of the road. :p

[danf1234]

Just read through the last 10 pages as I don't come on here as much as I used to!

Why why why do people always go on about speed prior to a ride out / trip. l ride as fast as I am able and well within my capabilities, and won't be going any faster.

As for getting lost. Follow me, because I will ALWAYS get us back to campsite for BEER and FOOD. My Garmin always knows the way for beer!

Don't stress, reading this thread almost all bases have been covered, so get looking forward to it and enjoy.

Oh and don't forget your fecking passport (I will be checking mine several times now after that comment)

Can't wait really looking forward to this!

[Specialone]

(I upgraded to hard luggage and probably have more space than I know what to do with).

Oh good you can be my mule and carry some stuff for me :)

[Specialone]

Just read through the last 10 pages as I don't come on here as much as I used to!

Why why why do people always go on about speed prior to a ride out / trip. l ride as fast as I am able and well within my capabilities, and won't be going any faster.

As for getting lost. Follow me, because I will ALWAYS get us back to campsite for BEER and FOOD. My Garmin always knows the way for beer!

Don't stress, reading this thread almost all bases have been covered, so get looking forward to it and enjoy.

Oh and don't forget your fecking passport (I will be checking mine several times now after that comment)

Can't wait really looking forward to this!


I can't wait either :)

I go on about pace and speed before rides cos I'm paranoid about being velocity challenged ;)

As long as we all enjoy ourselves, it will be awesome.

[Dave20046]

What's the SV count? Is it just me(?), thommy & fall3n?

[Specialone]

Nope, Ryansv has a curvy and Christian has a sweet looking pointy:)

So for a SV.org weekend the SV count is pretty high for a change.

[Dave20046]

Thought christian had a CBR1000 for some reason! must be the name/me confusing him with someone else.
That's actually a healthy ratio for an .org rideout.

[danf1234]

I can't wait either :)

I go on about pace and speed before rides cos I'm paranoid about being velocity challenged ;)

As long as we all enjoy ourselves, it will be awesome.

It really isn't something that bothers anymore. I was concerned on my first ever ride out I would be the slowest and it did bother me for a while. It really doesn't bother me anymore.

It I was the slowest rider I would go at the back turn on my SATNAV and enjoy the view. If it was a quicker day I would ride behind Dave numbers and take the pi55 out of him hanging off the bike like a Monkey!

As long as there are plenty of beers for the road - I will be happy

[Dave20046]

I used to worry people would laugh at my positioning on the bike, on my first few ride outs it did bother me for a while, these days I just have a quick cry in my tent and all is right as rain :)

[danf1234]

I used to worry people would laugh at my positioning on the bike, on my first few ride outs it did bother me for a while, these days I just have a quick cry in my tent and all is right as rain :)

That's inbetween fecking about with people's bikes eh mate. Note to everyone! If your bike won't start check your clutch switch hasn't been unplugged!

[Specialone]

That's inbetween fecking about with people's bikes eh mate. Note to everyone! If your bike won't start check your clutch switch hasn't been unplugged!

Or if your tent blows away, check dan hasn't got the pegs in his tent lol

[Dave20046]

Dan it was a 'morning after' sobrietry test, you passed - so we knew our friend was safe to ride :smt035
Or if your tent blows away, check dan hasn't got the pegs in his tent lol

:smt120

[-Ralph-]

Its obvious really when you see my wife, shes the 120kgs out of the 170 :-dd

Oohh, you're in trouble!

(I upgraded to hard luggage and probably have more space than I know what to do with)

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=174934

And you've only got the SV rear axle socket? I've got **** loads to carry and I'm using soft luggage? Get volunteering for some stuff ;-)

That's inbetween fecking about with people's bikes eh mate. Note to everyone! If your bike won't start check your clutch switch hasn't been unplugged!

That's a nasty one, not obvious at all. Kill switch is a laugh, but anyone starts disconnecting cables on my bike, I'll have a sense of humour bypass, drag them into my tent and **** them! :smt067

[Dave20046]

Oh forgot to mention, the guy's sold all those red route jeans is straying away from selling clothing
Sorry to disappoint

[Specialone]

Oh forgot to mention, the guy's sold all those red route jeans is straying away from selling clothing
Sorry to disappoint

Oh cheers dave, get our hopes up, I haven't eaten today so I could save some money towards them.

[-Ralph-]

Oh cheers dave, get our hopes up, I haven't eaten today so I could save some money towards them.

You haven't eaten for a day? You've saved enough money for a new jacket and helmet as well ;)

[Specialone]

You haven't eaten for a day? You've saved enough money for a new jacket and helmet as well ;)

Err, we'll have less of that from you ta :smt067

I don't eat that much I'll have you know, think i eat a lot, wait until you see super eater dan.

[danf1234]

Wooooooo I have to admit I like a good hearty meal and a few beers!

[Dave20046]

Oh cheers dave, get our hopes up, I haven't eaten today so I could save some money towards them.

then you can't say I've never done you any favours!





I've just emailed hood jeans regarding scales of economy/group buys :)

[metalhead19]

I've just emailed hood jeans regarding scales of economy/group buys :)

I've got a pair of Hood Jeans, they are good. From memory their pricing is pretty competitive.

[Dave20046]

£99 ,trying to get it lower :)

[MisterTommyH]

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=174934

And you've only got the SV rear axle socket? I've got **** loads to carry and I'm using soft luggage? Get volunteering for some stuff ;-)


I intended to, but everytime something was added that I had there was already a name by it.

I'll probably have things like cable ties, chain lube etc so if anyone with their name against those things wants to swap I have no problem with that..... Looks like I'm goin to be guilted into the SV bulb kit that's not got a name next to it aswell.... ;-)

[F4LL3N]

If it helps I may be carrying a couple of spare headlight bulbs for the SV?

[robh539]

Wooooooo I have to admit I like a good hearty meal and a few cases of beer!

Edited for you Dan ;)

One of my aims in life is drink like you still be able to ride the next day.

[-Ralph-]

I intended to, but everytime something was added that I had there was already a name by it

I was pulling your leg, but if there's stuff on the list you have and are happy to take, feel free to swap the name over.

[Littlepeahead]

Ride mag this month has a feature on what to take on a trip and mentioned telling your bank you are going abroad so it doesn't put a top on your cards - a good point in case you need to get cash out or pay for anything over there.

[Specialone]

Ride mag this month has a feature on what to take on a trip and mentioned telling your bank you are going abroad so it doesn't put a top on your cards - a good point in case you need to get cash out or pay for anything over there.

Actually Clare, theres also a ton of stories around of the banks still rejecting cards even after being told.

It was mentioned on watchdog a while ago, best thing is, take cash but also if you do have cards, take the banks euro number so you can call them if any transactions are rejected, they will easily authorise it after asking a few questions.

When i worked in the states in 1997, I had a company credit card and after about a $1000 had been spent my card didn't work.

I spoke to the bank and they sorted it, albeit it took a couple of days as they had to speak to my company too.

[robh539]

I have travelled all of the world for business since 2006 and pleasure. I always use cards, never carry cash really and never had a issue with blocked cards, I never tell them im going overseas. Only in korea did i but that was my fault, the card wasnt blocked I was just to drunk lol.

Thou I guess telling them wont hurt.

[-Ralph-]

Never had a problem using cards in France, except in pay at pump petrol stations. That is something we need to watch as many of the petrol stations the kiosk closes at early o clock or Sunday o clock and leave Brits with no way of buying fuel (though Phil's about to tell me he never had that problem in 1800 miles ;-) )

[danf1234]

Never had a problem using cards in France, except in pay at pump petrol stations. That is something we need to watch as many of the petrol stations the kiosk closes at early o clock or Sunday o clock and leave Brits with no way of buying fuel (though Phil's about to tell me he never had that problem in 1800 miles ;-) )


He didn't :D

[Specialone]

Never had a problem using cards in France, except in pay at pump petrol stations. That is something we need to watch as many of the petrol stations the kiosk closes at early o clock or Sunday o clock and leave Brits with no way of buying fuel (though Phil's about to tell me he never had that problem in 1800 miles ;-) )

Yep pretty much :)

In fairness we didn't ever leave it too close and contrary to what I read from a few people, petrol stations were open on Sunday's.

We never used cards the whole time in 10 days because we filled up at the right times, always try and fill up the night before so you dont have to worry in the morning.

Anyway, were not going deep into the alps, I'd imagine with normandy being a big tourism destination, they'll be petrol stations fairly frequent along our routes.

[-Ralph-]

There's way more pay at pump in France than the UK, so for locals with French cards you can pretty much get fuel anytime anywhere.

Main junctions and around Caen & Bayeux, they will be manned 24 hours, but for instance they may be closed at 6pm or Sundays or both in Creuilly. The trick is if you are lowish and you see and open petrol station stop, don't assume you can get 24hr fuel in any town like in the UK.

As an example as of 4 years ago (I know this because it was my sons first flight from Scotland to France to meet his grandparents), there wasn't a single petrol station open in Beauvais on a Sunday afternoon, despite the town having Paris Beauvais international airport! I had to return the car to the rental company empty and they charged me 100 euros to fill it! Never made that mistake again, filled up at the last motorway services before Beauvais the next time.

[Specialone]

Good thing is none of our days have more miles than a full tank will provide easily, so 1 fill everyday should see us ok, if we all can fill on way back to campsite everyday, it will avoid delays the next morning.

[Specialone]

I'm also filling up before the ferry in portsmouth, fuel was more expensive in France in September, I assume it still is?

[-Ralph-]

I assume it still is?

It was 3 weeks ago.

[christian1000]

Nope, Ryansv has a curvy and Christian has a sweet looking pointy:)


flattery will get you everywhere my good man.....

I always tell the bank im going abroad, Last time I did a euro trip with a few mates one of them who was with the same bank as me had his card cancelled the first time he used it..not worth risking it for the sake of a 5min phone call

[Specialone]

I'm taking cash anyway but if we do get caught short I can ask one of you lovely people to help me out and I'll give you the cash :)

[embee]

Have fun chaps et chapesses.

This site might be of interest to some, since you're discussing it
http://www.prix-carburants.economie.gouv.fr/

Looks like prices for SP95 (sans plomb = unleaded) are typically Eu1.56-1.75 in the north, so £1.30 - 1.45
Not very much different to UK then.
Supermarkets are usually the cheapest, I've never had any problems with fuel quality from them.
Must confess I do still use mostly cash at fuel stations.

On the credit/debit card business, you can usually do the "going abroad" notification online with most issuers, worth a few minutes. Some banks (Barclays for one) have agreements with other banks which save some charges when getting cash from ATMs, you need to know which ones are in the Global Alliance (http://www.barclays.co.uk/Helpsupport/Usingcashmachinesabroad/P1242558955276), BNP in France. Saves a quid or 2 if convenient.

[Specialone]

7 weeks today :)

[Dave20046]

eek

[Specialone]

eek

Still got loads to do mate?

If you lived closer I'd help you but don't fancy coming to sheffield tbh

[-Ralph-]

7 weeks today :)

:rave:

Though I knew as soon as I saw the thread had been updated, that's what you had written. You're going to that every Thursday night now aren't you :)

[Dave20046]

I'm on target I reckon aslong as I can get my rear shock sent away for a service and returned to me in a timely manner.
Just ordering all my bearings etc. so swing arm should be ready to go in by next weekend, then it's just a case of waiting for my shock and (probably) taking it to a garage for the valve clearances or perhaps do myself. If I have time I'll get my brakes working too.

[-Ralph-]

Just don't start anything you might not be able to finish, for instance, is the shock so bad it's going to bounce all the way to France and back? And valve clearances will wait 1000 miles until you get back.

[Specialone]

:rave:

Though I knew as soon as I saw the thread had been updated, that's what you had written. You're going to that every Thursday night now aren't you :)

Yep :)

[-Ralph-]

PS: I assume it's an aftermarket shock, thought you couldn't rebuild the SV ones?

[Dave20046]

Just don't start anything you might not be able to finish, for instance, is the shock so bad it's going to bounce all the way to France and back? And valve clearances will wait 1000 miles until you get back.

aye, the service I'm going to get a garage to do if it's looking unlikely. The shock's bad & needed a service for a good while (gsxr shock) so really would like to get that done, but unseizing the suspension linkage will probably make the ride much more bearable.

I just need to find someone that's willing to service the bloody shocker for me now!

New C&S & battery I'd like to get done for piece of mind and will only take me a couple of hours and I have them in stock.

It's all in hand I'm just messing about with the eeks and such...I think :p


edit: infact I'm more likely to scupper the trip by overspending at this rate lol

[-Ralph-]

I got a quote for a service and MOT from a local independent garage as I had hoped to spend the next two weekends painting my new house, then the third moving in the furniture, then every weekend after that will be busy for the next few years I think! They quoted £378 for a service and MOT. After I spat out my coffee, I got on ebay and bought all the parts. As it happens the sellers solicitor has refused us access between exchange of contracts and completion, even though the estate agent had told us it would be no problem, so it's getting done this weekend so long as the parts arrive tomorrow. If not next weekend.

[-Ralph-]

Labour £175.00

Triumph oil filter: £8.11
Triumph air filter: £21.97
CR9EIX plugs: £29.22
Silklene PRO 4:£49.00 (8 Ltr spare)
Sundries: £7.50

= £290.80
+VAT (20%), £58.16
= £348.96
+MOT, £29.65

TOTAL: £378.61

[Dave20046]

****ing hell! I won't moan about my £160 service and valve adjustment then