View Full Version : Gripe of the day - What is yours?
Adam Ef
12-11-19, 01:15 PM
Beautiful sunny start to the morning here and good forecast for the day. So I decide to get out on the Striple for a bit. 2 hours trying to find lost bits of clothing and faffing with the bike and I eventually head out, just at the point that a huge grey could comes over and soaks me. Then the direction I'm heading in has diversion after diversion, sending me off the relatively clean main roads onto every blind cornered, muck covered back lane. No fun to ride and made it home soaked with the bike totally covered in crap. I wish I hadn't bothered.
When showers are forecast I use this:
https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar
In animation mode it shows where the showers are located and in which direction they're headed. It also allows you to put in your post code to zoom in on your local area.
Adam Ef
12-11-19, 01:46 PM
Cheers. Very useful . The forecast was good all day where I am and particularly sunny this morning. It seems to have changed now though. Seem I headed out into rain and would have been better heading the exact opposite way. Oh well...
shiftin_gear98
12-11-19, 04:00 PM
Looks like i'm getting wet in a minute, I hope that link is wrong.
Sir Trev
12-11-19, 07:26 PM
When showers are forecast I use this:
https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar
In animation mode it shows where the showers are located and in which direction they're headed. It also allows you to put in your post code to zoom in on your local area.
When showers are forecast I use this.... https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwio7seWs-XlAhWi34UKHc13D-sQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.osv.ltd.uk%2Fford%2Ffocus-estate%2F&psig=AOvVaw1d7eIstrWVul35FvmQifMk&ust=1573673066644056
Adam Ef
12-11-19, 07:56 PM
That link goes to an alert page about a redirect to a page about a Ford Focus?
.... ah I see what you did there.
daktulos
13-11-19, 09:50 AM
Temporary traffic lights.
On Scrubs Lane, there are two sets. This morning, both were red in both directions permanently. No one seemed to care about the chaos it was causing.
SV650rules
13-11-19, 01:06 PM
Temporary traffic lights.
On Scrubs Lane, there are two sets. This morning, both were red in both directions permanently. No one seemed to care about the chaos it was causing.
Whenever they use temporary traffic lights near to existing ones they are never in synch and it is so frustrating to sit at one that is on red only to watch the temporary ones turn green when you can't move and back to red when yours turn green - autumn seems to be the time when temporary traffic lights come into season, maybe to compliment the leaves turning from green to orange and then some to red.... If the exit is in sight on temporary lights and no traffic I often scoot across on red.
Adam Ef
24-11-19, 10:03 AM
Bad logs. How do people sell things that are crap without feeling bad?
Luckily I didn't just go for the full bulk delivery option from a local seller of "seasoned" firewood. I just got two bags to try. I'm still annoyed that I paid £10 for them though. Wish I taken my moisture tester. Tried to light a fire with them last night and no chance of even getting it lit. Tested them and they're 40% moisture!!! How can they even call that seasoned?!! Stove glass is thick with soot, despite having all vents open on the burner to get even a low burn.
I could take them back but hardly worth the round trip. I hate how these experiences make it impossible to ever trust anyone who's selling anything in future too.
shiftin_gear98
24-11-19, 10:12 AM
Seasoned just means old. Did they state they were dried? But yeah that is a bit ****.
Adam Ef
24-11-19, 10:43 AM
In hindsight the guy was really sketchy on giving details. I did check they were seasoned and ready to use though.
If I sold "firewood" that you couldn't use to make a fire I'd feel pretty crap.
Grant66
24-11-19, 10:54 AM
Doubt he'll be in business long without repeat customers.
If there is a way to leave a review you may speed up this process [emoji6]
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Adam Ef
24-11-19, 11:04 AM
I've left a review of the firweood. It's just a sideline for them to selling animal feed etc, so they'll stay in business with that and keep getting unsuspecting fools like me to buy the wood as a one off.
I'm getting bike withdrawal symptoms. During the week the forecast for Sunday looked reasonable and a chance to get out on a ride. Of course the forecast got worse as the week wore on.
So in short I didn't bother. It's not raining (for once) but it's wet, gloomy, misty and cold.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
garynortheast
24-11-19, 04:53 PM
Let’s keep an eye on the weather this week, maybe try for a ride out then?
I'll be donning the waterproofs tomorrow. I have a job across in Trefeglwys to finish in the morning.
Let’s keep an eye on the weather this week, maybe try for a ride out then?I think I'm doomed Gary. I've only got tomorrow and Tuesday free. Maybe I'll postpone the SORN till the end of December.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
garynortheast
24-11-19, 04:59 PM
Next Sunday is looking ok at the moment (so is Friday).
Next Sunday is looking ok at the moment (so is Friday).Yep Friday was my next target until i realised I was working, agh! So it might be Sunday.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
garynortheast
24-11-19, 06:09 PM
I’ll post something up for Sunday in the Border Patrol then John. 9.30am? We can make it to Davy Jones before they stop serving breakfast then!
I’ll post something up for Sunday in the Border Patrol then John. 9.30am? We can make it to Davy Jones before they stop serving breakfast then!Sounds good. Pray for fair weather.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
shiftin_gear98
24-11-19, 06:27 PM
Adam, I get my logs from a local tree surgeon. So far (touch wood) they have been great. Not the cheapest around but at least they are decent. And they have a local reputation to uphold too. Maybe look one up and see what they offer.
Adam Ef
24-11-19, 07:02 PM
I got out today, mainly to go and collect a parcel rather than a proper ride. Slimey roads though and it got dark so quickly I had no confidence in grip and didn't really enjoy it.
Also having VFR issues. All bikes have their quirk and seems the problem I am having is classic VFR. Bogging down and stalling on cold startup. I have to hold the revs up for about 30 seconds or it won't start. I don't think the neighbors are impressed. The fuel economy has plummeted too. Fuelly had the last tank at 36mpg. fuel light was flashing today at only 116 miles. Previously it's been at least 150 miles per tank and often nearer 180.
I've done the starter valve sync and if anything it seems worse since I did it. Bike also starts and runs better from cold when it's all apart with airbox off and sensors disconnected. Not sure if I've got an air leak somewhere.
The lack of light and bad weather at the moment aren't making working on bikes easy.
Adam Ef
24-11-19, 07:07 PM
Adam, I get my logs from a local tree surgeon. So far (touch wood) they have been great. Not the cheapest around but at least they are decent. And they have a local reputation to uphold too. Maybe look one up and see what they offer.
This is what I'm looking into.
I bought kiln dried logs last year a few times and they were amazing. But then I found out they were being imported and transported all the way across Europe, which seems a really bad idea as far as them being a supposedly carbon neutral energy source.
We have a very good tree surgeon near us who I'm going to get a delivery from when I can afford it. Keeping money in the local economy, transported only a small distance and they have a good reputation too.
shiftin_gear98
24-11-19, 08:06 PM
Yeah, my guy is literally 2 mins away, the other side of the village.
SV650rules
25-11-19, 10:32 AM
Burning logs will be 'green' until more people start doing it ( although you can't actually burn 'green' wood unless it is Ash), then prices will inevitably rise and wood will have to be imported from halfway around the world to satisfy demand. Just like importing woodchips thousands of miles from Canada when local coal a few miles away from the power station was branded not green - even though it was taking more energy to get the woodchips to power station than they actually produced in the way of electricity. I also think people may ask questions when our UK forests start disappearing.
Adam Ef
25-11-19, 12:37 PM
...then prices will inevitably rise and wood will have to be imported from halfway around the world to satisfy demand....
...I also think people may ask questions when our UK forests start disappearing.
I think that's what is already happening as far as kiln dried wood goes. The drying process is cheaper to do in other countries and is cheaper for UK suppliers to import than it is to kiln dry here.
+ More reason to buy from the local tree surgeon. It's trees that needed to be felled, not forests decimated for it.
BoltonSte
25-11-19, 01:02 PM
Don't forget a lot of "forests" are managed and allowed to grow for a set number of years then felled (they are doing that round our way at the moment).
I'm lucky in my wood has all come from surgeons and stored inside for the last few years. Or from my old house beams which had to be replaced. It's going to be a shock when I have to start buying it again.
Ste
Sir Trev
25-11-19, 08:04 PM
It will also be a problem in other areas if lots more people start using a wood burner. As far as I can tell only one of my near neighbours has one and it makes the whole area stink of smoke on a good day - when it's dank and foggy it's far worse. And of course washing my car on a Saturday means it's covered in ash by Sunday morning...
Adam Ef
25-11-19, 08:29 PM
Sounds like a dodgy burner. Ours hardly even lets a hint of smoke out of the chimney. Defra approved for smoke free zones, even though we don't live in a smoke free zone. It has fancy internals that recycle and reburn the smoke.
Probably Euro 5 and ULEZ compliant. I could ride it into London if I wanted :-)
shiftin_gear98
26-11-19, 09:29 AM
Unlike my GSXR 1000 k3 which isn't compliant.
shiftin_gear98
26-11-19, 10:45 AM
Had to come into London village today for work. I forgot just how much I hate commuter trains. (First one in 7 years).
Had to come into London village today for work. I forgot just how much I hate commuter trains. (First one in 7 years).I spent 17 years commuting into London from Essex. I hated using trains too. Consequently i used my bike all year round even in deepest winter, brings back find memories of frozen hands and trying to see through a wet visor in the dark with car lights refracting off the rain drops.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
shiftin_gear98
26-11-19, 02:58 PM
Admin, that's my normal journey to work. I much prefer it.
maviczap
27-11-19, 08:57 AM
Leaving our hotel there was an ambulance by the side of the road, but I couldn't see what kind of accident it was until we doubled back and saw that it involved a motorcycle. Hope the rider is ok, the road conditions were poor, nasty greasy and wet.
Stay safe folks
Adam Ef
27-11-19, 02:51 PM
...Also having VFR issues. All bikes have their quirk and seems the problem I am having is classic VFR. Bogging down and stalling on cold startup. I have to hold the revs up for about 30 seconds or it won't start. I don't think the neighbors are impressed. The fuel economy has plummeted too. Fuelly had the last tank at 36mpg. fuel light was flashing today at only 116 miles. Previously it's been at least 150 miles per tank and often nearer 180.
...
Todays Fuelly stats say last tank was now down to 29mpg!!!
Hopefully down to the fettling and warming up in the garage to set valves. Not sure though as that's a hell of a drop from the usual 46mpg. It's also sounding different since the work I did on it. I've removed a scottoiler connector that was put in next to the MAP sensor with a very loose connector. Hopefully it's sounding like it should now and wasn't right before. Otherwise it's sounding wrong now and my "work" has broken it.
Todays Fuelly stats say last tank was now down to 29mpg!!!
Hopefully down to the fettling and warming up in the garage to set valves. Not sure though as that's a hell of a drop from the usual 46mpg. It's also sounding different since the work I did on it. I've removed a scottoiler connector that was put in next to the MAP sensor with a very loose connector. Hopefully it's sounding like it should now and wasn't right before. Otherwise it's sounding wrong now and my "work" has broken it.That is a low mpg. Mines similar to how yours was. Have you looked at the plugs, are they sooty (Not sweep)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Adam Ef
27-11-19, 08:52 PM
Have you looked at the plugs, are they sooty (Not sweep)
That was this evenings job. Yes they were sooty, but not really bad. Still a greyish colour mostly too on the electrodes. I've cleaned them up and will run another tank or two keeping an eye on the MPG and pull the plugs and inspect again at some point to see if the carbon is coming back quickly. I've got a feeling they've never been out of the bike in 23,000 miles and the previous owners didn't do much maintenance. The air filter was pretty bad when I got it. So a lot of the build up could be from before I owned it. I'm hoping so anyway.
They probably are the original plugs. I think the service schedule is to replace them every 32k miles.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Sir Trev
28-11-19, 09:58 PM
Infection of the hair follicles. What an annoyance. Got fed up with odd lumps and bumps in an area on the side of my bonce - one of the few bits with any hair left - and went to see the quack. He's put me on antibiotics that I have to take four times a day at regular intervals. Eh? Every six hours?? That's going to mess up my sleep pattern a bit and make me even more grumpy. Apologies in advance all....
I was going to say that I've never heard of the problem sir Trev but then i recall Fred Dibner had a similar problem caused by wearing filthy flat caps...
Time to disinfect your helmet? [emoji856]
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
garynortheast
28-11-19, 10:51 PM
Time to disinfect your helmet? [emoji856]
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Fnaar fnaar :rolleyes:
I'll get me coat.....
Infection of the hair follicles. What an annoyance. Got fed up with odd lumps and bumps in an area on the side of my bonce - one of the few bits with any hair left - and went to see the quack.
I get that too, it comes and goes although shampoos containing SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulphate) seems to aggravate it. Most shampoos contain SLS which is a foaming agent and was intended to remove oil from driveways.
Mine spreads occasionally to my forehead and the antibiotics didn't help - I assumed it was old age!
I've just had my central heating re-piped. After the new pipework was in place and the c/h running, the plumber started to remove the old spurs that had fed the radiators. He said watch this and, with a gentle tug, he was able to pull each spur out of the ground. It looks like all the solder joints were failing or had failed.
Now that I've started lifting carpets to examine what lies beneath, I'm finding many areas of cracked and lifting concrete where the pipes used to lay. The original owner, a pipefitter by trade, hadn't wrapped the pipes during the installation and it looks like the whole system was on the point of collapse.
I now have a bit of concreting/floor leveling to occupy my time.
R1ffR4ff
29-11-19, 12:47 PM
I get that too, it comes and goes although shampoos containing SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulphate) seems to aggravate it. Most shampoos contain SLS which is a foaming agent and was intended to remove oil from driveways.
Mine spreads occasionally to my forehead and the antibiotics didn't help - I assumed it was old age!
Try this shampoo from Wilkos,
https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-medicated-shampoo-300ml/p/0306011
Only a quid.Been using it years.Best medicated shampoo around.Does a good job on the scalp as well as the hair.I suffer from Psoriasis/Itchy scalp sometimes and I can feel this work on my scalp within 30 seconds of use.Should be good for any of these hair related problems.
Try this shampoo from Wilkos,
https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-medicated-shampoo-300ml/p/0306011
Only a quid.Been using it years.Best medicated shampoo around.Does a good job on the scalp as well as the hair.I suffer from Psoriasis/Itchy scalp sometimes and I can feel this work on my scalp within 30 seconds of use.Should be good for any of these hair related problems.Might that a go myself.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
R1ffR4ff
29-11-19, 07:53 PM
Might that a go myself.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
I hope it's as effective for you as it has been for myself :)
Sir Trev
29-11-19, 10:05 PM
Worth a go for a quid! Ta very much.
The tablets have given me indigestion so the sooner the condition is given the elbow the better. Plus I didn't get enough sleep last night thanks to the six hourly alarm... :( Goodness knows how cream crackered I'll be at the end of the week long course of them.
John - it is not my helmet that's to blame, I'm sure it's my hair clippers. Will clean the clip-on guards for it with disinfectant before I next cut my hair. It always flares up after using them I've now worked out after the quack asked me about how long it's been happening. Took me a while to work it out mind.
John - it is not my helmet that's to blame, I'm sure it's my hair clippers. Will clean the clip-on guards for it with disinfectant before I next cut my hair. It always flares up after using them I've now worked out after the quack asked me about how long it's been happening. Took me a while to work it out mind.
I was pulling your leg [emoji3]. I think you'd have to get it pretty bad to get an infection.
Thinking back about Fred Dibner, he had a scratch or similar on his bald head, that combined with his flat cap (which had it's own ecosystem) led to his issue.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
R1ffR4ff
01-12-19, 10:26 AM
Helmet cleanliness.Oooher Missus :D
I vac out my lid when I do some hoovering.Then spray with some cheap W5(LIDL) anti-bacteria surface spray(non-bleach type) and leave for 30 mins+ and then make sure it's dry using my Hairdryer.
Brain bucket is never smelly and keeps it hygienic :)
My current helmet has a removable lining which is great. The previous one I used to wash in the bath during the winter break. The tip I read was to use baby shampoo as it's less aggressive and won't damage the glue and other materials.
Needless to say it took an age to dry naturally.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
R1ffR4ff
01-12-19, 10:38 AM
My current helmet has a removable lining which is great. The previous one I used to wash in the bath during the winter break. The tip I read was to use baby shampoo as it's less aggressive and won't damage the glue and other materials.
Needless to say it took an age to dry naturally.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
The Hairdryer is one of the most underrated and under used tools ;-)
I use it to warm my gear if going out in the cold.I use it to warm metal parts on my bikes if doing some touch-ups.Also to make epoxy glues and run and mix easier and then to speed up their curing times.Also on paints to make them go off faster etc etc :thumbsup:
Adam Ef
01-12-19, 11:24 AM
Actually got orgainsed enough today to get out and join the last BAM (Local IAM group) ride of the year. All good until we set off and the VFR suddenly felt very lumpy, lots of smoke and then very jerky nearly throwing me off on corners. Had to abandon and head home as it wouldn't have been enjoyable even if I had tried to carry on. Feeling pressure from exhausts and it feels like there's only half pressure coming out of the left hand one. Meaning one cylinder not working, or working intermittently. Hoping it's a spark plug issue as that's the last thing I touched. Failing that I'll have to be looking at the injectors etc.
I thought it sounded different the other day when I rode it. More twin like. At the time I put it down to the cold starts that it's not liking at the moment. Seems like it's more than that though. Goes some way to explaining my fuel economy plummeting too.
Looks like it's an afternoon fettling instead of riding. :(
lots of smoke
uh oh. :( Might want to do a compression check.
Adam Ef
01-12-19, 01:17 PM
Only on startup. Stopped after about 30 seconds.
R1ffR4ff
01-12-19, 01:40 PM
Remember the fuel companies change their blends this time of year.Bang half a bottle of Redex or similar in and go for an Italian-Tune-up :D
Adam Ef
01-12-19, 02:49 PM
Back left cylinder plug... was cleaned about 20 miles ago. Cleaned up again and refitted and bike sounds happy and smooth again. Going to go for a short test ride and check condition again after.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49151496453_886965eb86_c.jpg
Back left cylinder plug... was cleaned about 20 miles ago. Cleaned up again and refitted and bike sounds happy and smooth again. Going to go for a short test ride and check condition again after.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49151496453_886965eb86_c.jpgThat does look pretty sooty.
Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk
Adam Ef
01-12-19, 03:12 PM
Top right cylinder in this clip I recorded the other day. Watch for the pops and flames... a sign it's mis-firing?
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgzhJuPZ_Is
Looks like it. Clearly the flames are getting past the valves. Could be misfiring or the valve isn't fully closed on ignition.
It was fine before you sync'd the throttle bodies so I'm wondering if something was disturbed? I wonder if it's that ignition coil, have you tried swapping them over?
Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk
you're running without an airfilter - won't that weaken the mixture (and cause spitting back through the carbs)?
Why was your back left plug so black in such a short time? It looks sooty - was the choke stuck?
R1ffR4ff
01-12-19, 06:34 PM
Top right cylinder in this clip I recorded the other day. Watch for the pops and flames... a sign it's mis-firing?
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgzhJuPZ_Is
Try swapping a Spark-plug cap and see if the fault follows?
With a Digi test meter set to 20k ohms they read 5k ohms brand new.Anything over around 8K ohms and I replace them.Also sometimes a little bit of the HT might need clipping off to get good wire for the Plug to go into.
Try swapping a Spark-plug cap and see if the fault follows?
With a Digi test meter set to 20k ohms they read 5k ohms brand new.Anything over around 8K ohms and I replace them.Also sometimes a little bit of the HT might need clipping off to get good wire for the Plug to go into.The VFR has coil sticks like a car. I wondered if this one was faulty which is why i suggested Adam swap them over. Same reason as you, a process of elimination.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191201/987e10a312e5c81f8d2acaa8c414d351.jpg
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
R1ffR4ff
01-12-19, 06:49 PM
The VFR has coil sticks like a car. I wondered if this one was faulty which is why i suggested Adam swap them over. Same reason as you, a process of elimination.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191201/987e10a312e5c81f8d2acaa8c414d351.jpg
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
I didn't know the VFRs had those.I've seen similar on some Custom bikes :salut:
Worth testing them all with a meter and trying to find a constant value to see if one is down methinks.
Adam Ef
01-12-19, 07:54 PM
Have now pulled all plugs and they're all sooty already. Test ride was worse than ever. Very lumpy. Wouldn't idle. Needed to be in lower gears than normal. 30mph in 3rd would stall it. Had to keep revs up and in 2nd or 1st at 30mph. Throwing me all over the place. I've tested all spark plugs and they're all reading fine. I did pick up a spare from Halfords when out on the test ride.
Strange it ran so smoothly in the drive after I pulled and cleaned the first plug. As soon as I pulled away though it went very jerky. Unrideable it's so bad.
It's dark and cold out now so calling it a day. I might try and look at starter valves syncing again tomorrow with the plugs all clean to see if having done it before the plugs were cleaned caused me to set them wrong with something mis-firing at the time I did it.
Also got through 1/3rd of a tank of fuel today in 24 miles (usually 50 to 60). Fuelly measured fill up at the start of the day gave me 31mpg for the previous tank. Today will be lower than that! Something is definitely wrong.
daktulos
02-12-19, 09:05 AM
Velcro on bike jacket collars.
My jacket has slightly less aggressive velcro on the collar cuff, probably to stop it from shredding chin-straps. Unfortunately, it still does ... the only thing it won't stick to reliably is the other half of the collar. -2 degrees this morning, and I couldn't get it to stay closed.
Adam Ef
02-12-19, 11:33 AM
VFR not starting at all today. Have pulled and cleaned all plugs / checked plugs and coil sticks... but apparently they may still be going even if they show ok off the bike. The bad fuel economy and idling surges are a sign of a stick failing apparently. That would cause fuelling issues which would foul all plugs. If it was something I'd distrubed like a wire then it would likely be more definite and not surging I'm guessing. I was going to get one stick to swap around just to rule it out, but Fowler's price is £114+vat per stick!! Damn. Looking around breakers...
R1ffR4ff
02-12-19, 11:37 AM
VFR not starting at all today. Have pulled and cleaned all plugs / checked plugs and coil sticks... but apparently they may still be going even if they show ok off the bike. The bad fuel economy and idling surges are a sign of a stick failing apparently. That would cause fuelling issues which would foul all plugs. If it was something I'd distrubed like a wire then it would likely be more definite and not surging I'm guessing. I was going to get one stick to swap around just to rule it out, but Fowler's price is £114+vat per stick!! Damn. Looking around breakers...
It may not be your problem but some years ago 1 bad plug cap on my old Honda V-Twin which limited the power on the bike and I could not even get above 50 mph!!
My best M8 got a Brand new Triumph,"Street Cup" a few years ago and after a couple of months the same thing happened.As it was under warranty no problem but it took the Diagnostic team ages to find the fault and this kind of fault is so sneaky and not common so they weren't looking for it :mad:
BTW on,"Fake Britain" or something like that there were some Fake NGK Platignum/Iridium Spark plugs even sold by reputable traders!!!
PS
There's a set of four on eBay for £25 quid?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-VFR-800-Vtec-Ignition-Coil-Sticks-Set-of-4-Oem-2002/123981025250?epid=12035395849&hash=item1cddd84fe2:g:3uMAAOSwnw5d09c0
Adam Ef
02-12-19, 11:59 AM
BTW on,"Fake Britain" or something like that there were some Fake NGK Platignum/Iridium Spark plugs even sold by reputable traders!!!
I was wary of the prices on eBay for 4 so looked them up and it does seem like eBay and Amazon are flooded with fakes. The Iridiums are meant to be about £20 each, but there's lots of people selling 4 for £30... got to be fakes. Part of the reason I got one from Halfords at normal price.
Not good to hear they're finding their way to reputable dealers too though.
R1ffR4ff
02-12-19, 12:04 PM
I was wary of the prices on eBay for 4 so looked them up and it does seem like eBay and Amazon are flooded with fakes. The Iridiums are meant to be about £20 each, but there's lots of people selling 4 for £30... got to be fakes. Part of the reason I got one from Halfords at normal price.
Not good to hear they're finding their way to reputable dealers too though.
Just shows anyone can be fooled.I tried some Iridiums on my old Curvy and although they seemed smooth I could feel there was less grunt so went back to the Original Copper Densos that were in the bike when I got it.I think they could be the factory fitted ones as Denso usually only get Factory fitted.If so they have now done 25k miles and still going strong :D
I bought my iridium's from a local dealer. I showed him an eBay advert and asked if he could match. He couldn't but gave me a good deal. I too thought the eBay ones were dodgy.
Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk
R1ffR4ff
02-12-19, 12:19 PM
Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk
I've got a 2015 Moto G3 X1541 running Android Pie<grin> Lineage 16 and testing Android Q/Android 10 Lineage 17 :smt041
Default Sig line. I had a G1 until last Xmas. They seem to last well and are good value.
Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk
SV650rules
02-12-19, 10:06 PM
Denso and NGK plugs that seem too cheap probably Chinese knock-offs, NGK even issued articles with pictures telling people what to look for on fake plugs. You can get reasonably priced plugs from reputable sources...
Adam Ef
03-12-19, 07:32 AM
...You can get reasonably priced plugs from reputable sources...
Considering the Iridiums last about 30,000 miles I'm quite happy to pay proper price for them to work without worry for a few years.
Adam Ef
03-12-19, 07:36 AM
In other news... I went to try and do the starter valve sync again last night just to check it in a last ditch attempt before throwing money at the problem and found what looked like a loose air inlet pipe. Fairly sure I put them all back on ok when I reassembled it (it worked fine for a few days after) but maybe it wasn't quite on and came off while riding the other day. Test ride this morning when the temperature gets above zero. Hopefully I'll start posting in the smile thread again soon instead.
Fingers crossed for you.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
R1ffR4ff
03-12-19, 09:59 AM
Just as an aside. I wonder if the Plug sticks are just a design choice.I'd like to know how they are constructed as I suspect Racing NGK Straights might work in place of them and are much cheaper than OEM :/
Adam Ef
03-12-19, 10:12 AM
They're Denso sticks. So there may be other possibilities. Good suggestion. I'll do some research as they will all go at some point.
I've got a Denso being delivered today from a breakers. But the bike has started this morning (rough, but it s very cold out).. so I'm off out to run a tank of fuel through to see how the economy is .. ;)
SV650rules
03-12-19, 10:15 AM
Considering the Iridiums last about 30,000 miles I'm quite happy to pay proper price for them to work without worry for a few years.
https://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-381-denso-motorcycle-spark-plugs.aspx?categoryid=381&SEName=denso-motorcycle-spark-plugs
Honda VFR800 782cc injection 2002-->
I have bought lots of spark plugs and filters ( and oil LOL ) from Opie Oils and they have all been fine...
https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/small/denso/denso-iridium-tough.jpg
DENSO Iridium Tough Spark Plug [VNH27Z] 5631
Size: Single Plug (https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-4230-denso-iridium-tough-spark-plug-vnh27z-5631.aspx)
RRP £17.64
£12.95
R1ffR4ff
03-12-19, 10:17 AM
They're Denso sticks. So there may be other possibilities. Good suggestion. I'll do some research as they will all go at some point.
I've got a Denso being delivered today from a breakers. But the bike has started this morning (rough, but it s very cold out).. so I'm off out to run a tank of fuel through to see how the economy is .. ;)
The reason I ask Adam is that I've been around a while going through Ignition system changes over the years from the old Coil and Distributor systems then CDI and of course now EFI.
I suspect that the Spark plug Caps are still the same basic in-line Resistor types brought in when CDI units came into being to suppress,"Back EMF" which affected some Ignition circuits.
It would be good to know for future cheaper alternatives :)
SV650rules
03-12-19, 10:33 AM
With separate coil packs the 5000 ohm resistor is normally integral in the spark plug body and the plug will have an 'R' in it if it is an NGK - the denso iridium plug below also has a resistor ( don't know how that is designated in a denso ) and a platinum slug on the ground electrode
https://www.sparkplugs.co.uk/denso-spark-plug-vnh27z
R1ffR4ff
03-12-19, 10:41 AM
With separate coil packs the 5000 ohm resistor is normally integral in the spark plug body and the plug will have an 'R' in it if it is an NGK - the denso iridium plug below also has a resistor ( don't know how that is designated in a denso ) and a platinum slug on the ground electrode
https://www.sparkplugs.co.uk/denso-spark-plug-vnh27z
Yes but makers still use another 5k ohms resistor in the Plug caps where designated. It's a Legacy thing. It does no harm for them to,"Double-Up" but you can use non-resistor Plug caps if you/we are using,"R" designated Spark plugs.
I used non-resistor Caps on my old Hondas but with,"Resistor" plugs :)
With regard to the coil sticks. If you go with another type just make sure you get a good seal on the front cylinders so that water doesn't get down to the plug. I'm not sure that there's a drain hole like the SV.
Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk
R1ffR4ff
03-12-19, 10:48 AM
With regard to the coil sticks. If you go with another type just make sure you get a good seal on the front cylinders so that water doesn't get down to the plug. I'm not sure that there's a drain hole like the SV.
Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk
+10 :smt069
I made my own seals out of some old bike inner-tube and also coat my plugs caps with ACF50 :D
SV650rules
03-12-19, 11:02 AM
Yes but makers still use another 5k ohms resistor in the Plug caps where designated. It's a Legacy thing. It does no harm for them to,"Double-Up" but you can use non-resistor Plug caps if you/we are using,"R" designated Spark plugs.
I used non-resistor Caps on my old Hondas but with,"Resistor" plugs :)
Interesting article http://www.ultralightnews.ca/articles/resistorcapsandplugs.htm
The resistor is used to control the rate of rise of current once the arc is started ( the voltage will build up until it reaches a critical voltage to jump the gap, but until the arc actually starts the resistor does nothing because there is no current flowing - rather like a neon with a dropper resistor ) the rate of rise of current is what causes interference to be radiated. So the bigger the resistance the slower to current builds ( it takes longer to discharge the energy stored in the magnetic core of the coil ) , the longer the spark lasts but the spark is weaker - and any contamination of plug with high resistance in circuit is really bad news - so the amount of resistance in circuit is pretty important, which is why ( as you have advised in the past R1ffR4ff ) check the 5K resistance of the plug caps on SV's and if they are approaching or over 8K replace the cap... good advice.
R1ffR4ff
03-12-19, 11:11 AM
Interesting article http://www.ultralightnews.ca/articles/resistorcapsandplugs.htm
The resistor is used to control the rate of rise of current once the arc is started ( the voltage will build up until it reaches a critical voltage to jump the gap, but until the arc actually starts the resistor does nothing because there is no current flowing - rather like a neon with a dropper resistor ) the rate of rise of current is what causes interference to be radiated. So the bigger the resistance the slower to current builds ( it takes longer to discharge the energy stored in the magnetic core of the coil ) , the longer the spark lasts but the spark is weaker - and any contamination - so the amount of resistance in circuit is pretty important, which is why ( as you have advised in the past R1ffR4ff ) check the 5K resistance of the plug caps on SV's and if they are approaching or over 8K replace the cap... good advice.
Some of the early CDI Ignition systems had timing trouble caused by the Back EMF from when as you say the,"Voltage Jump" spark occurred.
The first solution around the late 1970s was the introduction of the,"Resistor Plug Cap" but within a couple of years Manufacturers started making Resistor Spark plugs so in reality the Resistor Spark plug Caps became redundant.
It's very very hard to find any non resistor Spark plug Caps or Spark plugs these days as I suspect all the machinery was dis-guarded and it's most likely just as cheap to make the Resistor types of both.
I personally dislike the,"R" type plugs caps as they are over-bloated with contact points that can corrode with age and striation:/
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msa-direct.co.uk%2FProdImages%2Fxl%2Fngk-phenolic-resin-spark-plug-cap.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
Western power did a survey of the overhead mains power lines running across the bottom of our garden about 5 months ago as my neighbour has a large oak in very close proximity.
"We'll be back to trim the tree" they said "good" said I "but give us plenty of notice"
So we've just got back from a two day trip to Northampton to an answerphone message giving us less than a days notice of the work. I can also see a frustrated worker knocking on our door trying to gain access on our security camera.
I've no idea if the work has been done as it's too dark to see. If it has then they'd better not be any damage to my property.
Sorry to rant here but the stupidity of this really annoys me. A little more planning would would save everyone a lot of wasted time and effort.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Grant66
03-12-19, 06:25 PM
We changed suppliers and the cheapest EON tariff required a "smart" meter.
So guy turns up to fit said meter. Couldn't fit it as the meter was incompatible. Left saying he'd pass it onto the change team.
Change team arrive a few weeks later, can't fit it because the electricity consumer unit is in the way. Goes away, saying they'll be in touch.
They then schedule another visit. Guy turns up and says, he can't fit the meter because the consumer unit is in the way. Told him we already knew that & you were supposed to sort that out.
"You need to contact the electricity suppliers to move the electrics."
The electricity is supplied by...
EON.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
We changed suppliers and the cheapest EON tariff required a "smart" meter.
So guy turns up to fit said meter. Couldn't fit it as the meter was incompatible. Left saying he'd pass it onto the change team.
Change team arrive a few weeks later, can't fit it because the electricity consumer unit is in the way. Goes away, saying they'll be in touch.
They then schedule another visit. Guy turns up and says, he can't fit the meter because the consumer unit is in the way. Told him we already knew that & you were supposed to sort that out.
"You need to contact the electricity suppliers to move the electrics."
The electricity is supplied by...
EON.
Sent from my SM-G950F using TapatalkLol. You can't make it up.
I've just checked the tree, it has been trimmed but I can't see any mess.
On one occasion many years ago they were due to give this tree a trim. They came without notice and whilst I was at home. I only noticed when I looked out of the rear window and noticed my daughter's plastic toy slide was next to the fence under the tree. They used it as a stool to hop over the fence. They also broke the fence. Of course this long after they'd buggered off.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Having to use the bike for work at the moment sick of all the salt on the roads, ride then wash every day, at least it looking good still, anyone use a bike dryer after washing there bike?
punyXpress
03-12-19, 08:20 PM
Lol. You can't make it up.
I've just checked the tree, it has been trimmed but I can't see any mess.
P'raps the tree feller is a member here ? ;)
Adam Ef
03-12-19, 08:25 PM
I've just got a bike (pet) dryer. Still takes a while to get it properly dry and I always do the main fairings / tank with microfibre towels first too. We have very hard water in our area, so if I reply totally on evaporating water with the dryer it leaves all the lime behind. The dryer is good for getting into the engine and crevices, brakes etc though. Mine was listed as a pet dryer on eBay for about £40. Looks exactly the same as more expensive bike ones I've seen.
Sir Trev
03-12-19, 10:23 PM
I've just got a bike (pet) dryer. Still takes a while to get it properly dry and I always do the main fairings / tank with microfibre towels first too. We have very hard water in our area, so if I reply totally on evaporating water with the dryer it leaves all the lime behind. The dryer is good for getting into the engine and crevices, brakes etc though. Mine was listed as a pet dryer on eBay for about £40. Looks exactly the same as more expensive bike ones I've seen.
Try a water softener in-line with your hosepipe. I have one of these (https://www.raceglaze.co.uk/car-care-exterior/rinsing-water-filters/400-litre-0ppm-car-washing-filter/) and it has been great. Wash with normal tap water but then add the filter and final rinse with 0ppm water which makes drying less of a rush/faff/worry.
garynortheast
04-12-19, 05:32 PM
What a bloody awful day. :(
Got off the train at Machynlleth this morning to a phone call from a friend whose daughter goes to college with my daughters, telling me that my friends daughter was escorting one of my daughters to some help at college after she admitted to swallowing a large number of paracetamol and ibuprofen last night and this morning. Currently sat in Shrewsbury hospital with my girl who is hooked up to an intravenous drip to flush her liver out. We're going to be in overnight so it looks like I have an uncomfortable few hours in a chair ahead of me. My daughter seems much more herself again now but she is prone to sudden plunges into terrible sadness. She's about to restart counselling with CAMHS.
Then to cap it all, I bumped into a good friend in the corridor just by where my daughter is, and she said her mother, who I also know fairly well, has just been brought in having had a stroke and suffering with possible pneumonia.
The two of us were stood in the corridor very close to falling apart.
What a sh1te day.
Grant66
04-12-19, 05:47 PM
Puts my minor troubles into context.
That's absolutely devastating.
At least she told somebody and got to hospital.
All you can do is support her through the darkness. Hope she gets the help she needs to deal with her mental demons.
Wishing her a speedy recovery.
I'm giving you a big virtual man hug. Stay strong.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Adam Ef
04-12-19, 05:50 PM
Oh Gary. That truly is a crap day. As a parent I felt properly emotional reading that. Hope you're both ok.
I went through a lot of crap ups and downs when I was younger (still do) and looking back on it must have put my parents through a lot. Much of it was an opportunity to start being more open with them each time though and, although difficult times, was often the start of positive progress. Often small progress but progress all the same. Hope that's the case for you. Go easy on yourselves and look after each other.
Big love from over the border.
garynortheast
04-12-19, 05:52 PM
Thank Grant. The words of support mean a great deal just now.
We need the counselling to restart asap.
garynortheast
04-12-19, 05:57 PM
Thank you Adam. Teenage years can be pretty turbulent times, but the pressure on youngsters now is far more insidious and unpleasant than anything I went through. I hope we can get this sorted, and I can have my lovely, bright, bubbly daughter back on an even keel.
What a bloody awful day. :(
Got off the train at Machynlleth this morning to a phone call from a friend whose daughter goes to college with my daughters, telling me that my friends daughter was escorting one of my daughters to some help at college after she admitted to swallowing a large number of paracetamol and ibuprofen last night and this morning. Currently sat in Shrewsbury hospital with my girl who is hooked up to an intravenous drip to flush her liver out. We're going to be in overnight so it looks like I have an uncomfortable few hours in a chair ahead of me. My daughter seems much more herself again now but she is prone to sudden plunges into terrible sadness. She's about to restart counselling with CAMHS.
Then to cap it all, I bumped into a good friend in the corridor just by where my daughter is, and she said her mother, who I also know fairly well, has just been brought in having had a stroke and suffering with possible pneumonia.
The two of us were stood in the corridor very close to falling apart.
What a sh1te day.Body hell Gary, how distressing. It's such a difficult situation to sort out. My niece went through a similar situation a few years back so you have my sympathies.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
garynortheast
04-12-19, 06:47 PM
Thank you John. I'm reminded again of what a fantastic, supportive community we have here. I need to thank you for your contribution in keeping it running for us all.
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.