The All New Megathread

[DarrenSV650S]

Sup munkers. I might be heading down your way soon to pick up some cheap wheels and tyres from Motherwell

[munkygunn182]

My condolences. Give me a shout if you're around but.

[Bibio]

so munky what this project you have?

[munkygunn182]

Got me a Honda VTR1000 with front cylinder failure. She's stripped and awaiting pay day!

[Bibio]

nice :-)

early one or later one?

[DarrenSV650S]

My condolences. Give me a shout if you're around but.
It'll just be a quick visit. Don't wanna stay too long you know ;)

Got me a Honda VTR1000 with front cylinder failure. She's stripped and awaiting pay day!

oooh nice

[munkygunn182]

nice :-)

early one or later one?

1998 - so sadly the smaller fuel tank.

[andrewsmith]

New piston and 2 valves ?

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[munkygunn182]

New piston and 2 valves ?

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Piston is fine actually! Two valves, cam chain tensioners on both cylinders. Gonna do valve seals and clearances while I've got it open.

Then it'll be paint time :)

[andrewsmith]

Piston is fine actually! Two valves, cam chain tensioners on both cylinders. Gonna do valve seals and clearances while I've got it open.

Then it'll be paint time :)Turbo it

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[munkygunn182]

Was gonna put racing stripes on instead of a turbo. I hear they're more efficient ;)

[andrewsmith]

Nice big exhaust system

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[Chris_SVS]

Nice big exhaust system

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Good reason to spend hours on youtube listening to different systems :p

[DarrenSV650S]

It's kinda crazy that I can download a film in half the time it takes to transfer it to a USB stick

[Bibio]

it is Halloween right?

not one single knock at the door :-(

all the kids know they get bags of sweets from this house. weird...

not good having all these sweets in the house being diabetic.....

[Bibio]

It's kinda crazy that I can download a film in half the time it takes to transfer it to a USB stick

its nice having 100mbs ;)

[DarrenSV650S]

Well my tv wouldn't play that format anyway, so I'm watching it on PC :rolleyes:

No kids here. Wasn't any last year either. Best I could offer them would be a bag of crisps

[Heorot]

Arriving home from the city just as the trick or treaters were leaving my street. With parents, there must have been 30 of them, Shame I missed them (not).

[peatland]

Living in Kilmarnock Hallowe'en was Friday past so no guisers tonight round our way


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[Sir Trev]

First time in years we actually had a knock on the door from one this evening. Shame Lady Poppy would not let me put up the ToT Welcome Here poster with Gary Glitter, Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris on it...

[andrewsmith]

First time in years we actually had a knock on the door from one this evening. Shame Lady Poppy would not let me put up the ToT Welcome Here poster with Gary Glitter, Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris on it...Now then. Now then, all together...


Two little boys had two little toys.



Inappropriate?

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[DarrenSV650S]

I'm not going to be able to pay my mortgage this month. What do you think I should do? Apply for a bigger overdraft or ask to delay the payment a few days?

[Trev B]

Speak to your mortgage provider mate!theres no shame in it!millions are in the same boat!missing a payment just puts you in deep doo doo

[peatland]

Explain situation and ask for a payment holiday?


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[SV650rules]

Explain situation and ask for a payment holiday?


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Good call, most mortgage providers will allow holidays from payments, but they don't like payments not happening when they are not expecting it.

[DarrenSV650S]

The bank said it wasn't worth taking a payment holiday for one month so said to just increase my overdraft.

I just need to stop buying so much crap and breaking expensive things. I could do with some overtime too!

[DarrenSV650S]

Oh and SSE have £130 extra that they don't need so I'll be taking that back if they ever answer their phone

[Bibio]

The bank said it wasn't worth taking a payment holiday for one month so said to just increase my overdraft.

I just need to stop buying so much crap and breaking expensive things. I could do with some overtime too!

banks are famous for this as they want to scr*w you, its how they make money.. over draft charges are ridiculous. they want to get you into more and more debt so your outgoings are more than your incoming so you cant make payments, they then tell you that they wont be giving you any more on your overdraft and to seek other means e.g. pay day loans or loans at gizzilions of interest rate.

so yes its not worth it to THEM to give you a payment holiday.

[DarrenSV650S]

Na it has just been an expensive time for me recently and I haven't cared enough to think about my finances. I'll be sorted by next month. Especially with the bike going off the road. Maybe cancel the gym and just stop spending as much

[peatland]

Agree with Bibio

Usually you can get up to a 3 month payment holiday and then the months you didn't pay are cakculated back in a so when you start paying again your monthly payment goes up BUT this is at a very low mortgage rate atm so is proportionately low, certainly conpared with OD's.

Obviously don't know the full facts, but I'd ask for a 3 month payment holiday to square all your debts away, starting with highest interest first....then like you say consider the lifestyle choice of purchases.

Unfortunately been there, done that....and the loft is heaving!!


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[Bibio]

Unfortunately been there, done that....and the loft is heaving!!


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i have a loft, caravan and lockup along with boxes all over the house full of stuff that i keep saying i will flog on ebay... never get round to it. must be the price of a decent second hand bike sitting there. but i'm a lazy so and so and CBA.. lol

[DarrenSV650S]

Winter want: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172843015751

Oh to have money!

[littleoldman2]

I'm off to bed. Tonight I'm going to settle my demons down for a while.

[Bibio]

not like you LOM. you must be right pizzed.

[littleoldman2]

Yes very afraid, angry and upset. Demons a little settled now as I'm starting to accept that I cannot change what will be in this case. I'll bore you rigid with it when we meet.

On a more pleasant note we have the whole family with us tomorrow afternoon / evening. Looking forward to it:D. All 5 children have promised to be nice to each other:p:rolleyes:

[littleoldman2]

Oh the Grandchildren have made no such promises.

[DarrenSV650S]

I like to go to my local bike shop rather than ordering online, but for 4 litres of oil they charged £47. On ebay it is £33 delivered. I just can't justify that! That's a 30% mark up

[littleoldman2]

Retail rent and the economies of scale I'm afraid mate.

Good morning folks

[garynortheast]

Morning all.

[Heorot]

Brexit explained.

Dave Davis is at the golf club returning his locker key when Mr Barnier, the membership secretary sees him.

"Hello Mr Davis", says Mr Barnier. "I'm sorry to hear you are no longer renewing your club membership, if you would like to come to my office we can settle your account”.

"I have settled my bar bill." says Mr Davis.


"Ah yes Mr Davis", says Mr Barnier, "but there are other matters that need settlement.”

In Mr Barniers office -
Mr Davis explains that he has settled his bar bill so wonders what else he can possibly owe the Golf Club?

"Well Mr Davis" begins Mr Barnier, "you did agree to buy one of our Club Jackets”.
"Yes" agrees Mr Davis "I did agree to buy a jacket but I haven't received it yet". "As soon as you supply the jacket I will send you a cheque for the full amount”.

"That will not be possible" explains Mr Barnier. "As you are no longer a club member you will not be entitled to buy one of our jackets"!

"But you still want me to pay for it" exclaims Mr Davis.
"Yes" says Mr Barnier, "That will be £500 for the jacket. There is also your bar bill".
"But I've already settled my bar bill" says Mr Davis. "Yes" says Mr Barnier, "but as you can appreciate, we need to place our orders from the Brewery in advance to ensure our bar is properly stocked". "You regularly used to spend at least £50 a week in the bar so we have placed orders with the brewery accordingly for the coming year. You therefore owe us £2600 for the

year".
"Will you still allow me to have these drinks?" asks Mr Davis. "No of course not Mr Davis". "You are no longer a club member!" says Mr Barnier. "Next is your restaurant bill" continues Mr Barnier. "In the same manner we have to make arrangements in advance with our catering suppliers". "Your average restaurant bill was in the order of £300 a month, so we'll require payment of £3600 for the next year". "I don't suppose you'll be letting me have these meals either" asks Mr Davis. "No, of course not" says an irritated Mr Barnier, "you are no longer a club member!”

"Then of course" Mr Barnier continues, "there are repairs to the clubhouse roof".
"Clubhouse roof" exclaims Mr Davis, "What's that got to do with me?"
"Well it still needs to be repaired and the builders are coming in next week", your share of the bill is £2000”.

"I see" says Mr Davis, "anything else?".
"Now you mention it" says Mr Barnier, "there is Fred the Barman's pension". "We would like you to pay £5 a week towards Fred's pension when he retires next month". "He's not well you know so I doubt we'll need to ask you for payment for longer than about five years, so £1300 should do it”.

"This brings your total bill to £10,000" says Mr Barnier.

"Let me get this straight" says Mr Davis, "you want me to pay £500 for a jacket you won't let me have, £2600 for beverages you won't let me drink and £3600 for food you won't let me eat, all under a roof I won't be allowed under and not served by a bloke who's going to retire next month!”

"Yes, it's all perfectly clear and quite reasonable" says Mr Barnier.

"P off!" says Mr Davis

[BanannaMan]

I am constantly amazed at how the weather where I live in the US often seems to be the same weather you are having there.
Yes it's snowing here today.

[Bibio]

I am constantly amazed at how the weather where I live in the US often seems to be the same weather you are having there.
Yes it's snowing here today.

its called the gulf stream ;)

during the summer this year it was coming straight across the Atlantic, this is why we got rain and more rain as it was raining a lot in the US.

the gulf stream normally picks up warmer weather before it reaches the UK (mainly the west coast of ireland and scotland) this is why the winters in the UK are warmer that those of europe. if it was not for the gulf stream the UK would be just as bad as new york or norway.

[garynortheast]

Morning folks. It's finally stopped snowing here, leaving us with a good 8 - 12 inches of the stuff. We need the snowplough out to the village now so we can get out!

[garynortheast]

Evening all. Snow has more or less gone here now but there's a lot of standing water in its place. The bike is staying in the garage till it clears a bit I reckon.

[DarrenSV650S]

All we've had is frost and sleet.


That's 90% of my xmas shopping done. My sister needs to stop having kids, I can't afford all these prezzies :smt043

[littleoldman2]

Evening. Soon be summer.

[maviczap]

Evening. Soon be summer.

Let's hope so, I'm fed up with winter already.

My mindset improves once we get to the shortest day.

Still only 1.5 working days before my Christmas holipops start. :smt114:smt114

[garynortheast]

Got a fairly busy week ahead before I can stop.

[maviczap]

Didn't know where to write this, didn't seem right in smile or gripe of the day threads.

My mum passed away yesterday, after losing her battle with dementia and a bout of pneumonia in November, which really did the damage.

My gripe is dementia, I hadn't had rational conversation with her since last February and to see the deterioration in her was something quite horrible. At least she wasn't in any pain that we could tell, her body and mind were just worn out.

My smile, the care and compassionate treatment that she received in the care home was quite remarkable, and from care nurses who only get the minimum wage.

Sad that this happened, but I'm glad that it's ended, which sounds wrong in a way?

85 wasn't a bad innings, for someone who was still smoking occasionally until last December!

[Teejayexc]

Sorry to hear this Mav. Take some solace from the good years and try to not to dwell on the latter times. I'll raise a glass in memory for friends passed on this year.

Keep you pecker up mate, atb, Trev.

[maviczap]

Sorry to hear this Mav. Take some solace from the good years and try to not to dwell on the latter times. I'll raise a glass in memory for friends passed on this year.

Keep you pecker up mate, atb, Trev.



I'm good not really sad, it's brought closure to a horrible year.

[BanannaMan]

My Mum had the same and near the end didn't know who anyone was.
It is very sad and very hard on the family.
As others said, remember the good times. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
I'm sure it must be extra hard at Christmas. :(

[maviczap]

Thanks Bill, very much my experience, which was harder than losing her.

[garynortheast]

Very sorry to hear this Mav. I have some idea how you must be feeling - the sense of loss mixed with relief that it's drawn to a close as my dad died last year in similar circumstances. Hope you are able to draw comfort from the good times.

[maviczap]

Very sorry to hear this Mav. I have some idea how you must be feeling - the sense of loss mixed with relief that it's drawn to a close as my dad died last year in similar circumstances. Hope you are able to draw comfort from the good times.

Very much so Gary

[littleoldman2]

So sorry to hear of your loss Mav. I do understand the mixture of all the emotions you're going though now, losing my Mum was one of the lowest points in my life. Pleased to know she was well cared for.

[Geodude]

Sorry for your loss mav. Hugs xGx

[Sir Trev]

My grandmother went the same way Mav so know what you're going through. She seemed quite content and was well looked after right to the end as well which is the best we can all hope for.

[maviczap]

My grandmother went the same way Mav so know what you're going through. She seemed quite content and was well looked after right to the end as well which is the best we can all hope for.

Yes, my grandmother also went the same way, so I kinda knew a little bit of what to expect, but I never saw her at the end.

[andrewsmith]

Sorry for your loss Mav
It's a horrible to watch people fade with it

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[maviczap]

Goodbye 2017 what a crap year you've been from start to finish, the only thing that was good, was my work, but that's the wrong way round isn't it?

Work to live, not live to work. Had some fun at work, and never to be repeated experiences, which made dealing with the **** a tiny bit better.

Let's hope 2018 is better for all of us, I don't think it could get much worse than 2017

[Chris_SVS]

*raises glass to Mav and the rest of the .org*

[maviczap]

:thumleft: :smt023

[Sir Trev]

I am cream crackered but there's no point in me going to bed yet as there is bound to be some *******s letting fireworks off at midnight. Grumble grumble...

[garynortheast]

A happy new year to you all.

As you say Mav, 2017 has in many respects been a vile year. It seems to have brought out the absolute worst aspects of the human race in so many respects.

Hold on tight to those you love and lets hope for a little more compassion, decency, and humanity from our species in 2018.

[scotty217]

Have to agree with all the above. Bring on the new year, can'the be as bad as this.

All the very best to you and yours.

[Sir Trev]

The fireworks wrnt on for a bit, as expected :(

On the plus side the gym was almost deserted at 9 this morning and I've just got back from a nice walk in the woods after bagging two more geocaches. 2018 is going well so far. :D

[maviczap]

The fireworks woke me up at midnight and they did go on for a bit here too.

Didn't hear the ships horns,

Wife came home from work just after the last of the fireworks.

Then I went back to sleep :winner:

[Heorot]

Goodbye 2017 what a crap year you've been from start to finish, the only thing that was good, was my work, but that's the wrong way round isn't it?


Odd isn't it Mav. I was a freelance IT analyst/designer for many years before IR35 killed that career in 2003. Demanding work but extremely satisfying at the end of the day. 15 years later and retired, I still miss the challenge and the satisfaction of a job well done. After that career ended at age 55, I was an insurance claims handler for 10 years; dull and boring.

[maviczap]

Heorot, I have to fly a desk as a team leader, but I do get out and about, and I still love doing what I do. Hate the paperwork, but it has to be done.

I did have a purely office based job in 1989, I lasted 5 months, picking cauliflowers was more rewarding :-)

[Sir Trev]

Odd isn't it Mav. I was a freelance IT analyst/designer for many years before IR35 killed that career in 2003.


The "great leveller" of IR35 is apparently going to hit those of us contracting in the private sector too soon. Oh joy. Thankfully I get brought in to look at change and specific projects mainly which is not part of the day-to-day, so I can argue successfully that I am outside of it.

Considering the amount of tax* my contracting generates you'd think it would be encouraged more, but then that would be sensible and we know governments of all colours are not good at that.




*20% VAT on all billings, PAYE and NI (I am partly paid via a payroll), Corporation Tax, tax on dividends (the allowance is peanuts now).

[Heorot]

Mav, because I was a contractor, I was constantly changing employers. I once worked out that I had worked for 25 companies in my career, 6 weeks being the shortest. term. When I was a contractor I was signing for 3 months at a time and then mostly having the contract extended. So, constant changes kept me fresh and interested.

[maviczap]

Mav, because I was a contractor, I was constantly changing employers. I once worked out that I had worked for 25 companies in my career, 6 weeks being the shortest. term. When I was a contractor I was signing for 3 months at a time and then mostly having the contract extended. So, constant changes kept me fresh and interested.

I used to be able to switch jobs within our mob, so if you got fed up, then as you state it keeps you fresh and interested, but it's no longer possible, due to changes in employment contracts and departments being split off and merged with other agencies.

I've been doing this job in one form or fashion since 1984, and I still get a buzz from it, although it's not like it was in the 80s. It's a very niche job, and due to my experience, I'm one of a rare breed.

[Teejayexc]

Sir Trev, you might want to have a looksie?

https://www.ir35testing.co.uk/TakeTheTest

[Heorot]

I've been doing this job in one form or fashion since 1984, and I still get a buzz from it, although it's not like it was in the 80s. It's a very niche job, and due to my experience, I'm one of a rare breed.

I know what you mean about niche skills; that's how I got into contracting in the first place. I was head hunted because I was one of only 2 people in the UK with the mix of skills that was wanted and the other person was the contractor who recommended me to the agency. Programming on a GEC4000 machine and designing and programming using the proprietary Progress Relational Database system.

[maviczap]

I know what you mean about niche skills; that's how I got into contracting in the first place. I was head hunted because I was one of only 2 people in the UK with the mix of skills that was wanted and the other person was the contractor who recommended me to the agency. Programming on a GEC4000 machine and designing and programming using the proprietary Progress Relational Database system.

I'm unlikely to get headhunted, my mob would and think that a "Jack of all trades" is the best thing. But those at the workface know it's never ever worked and never will.

[munkygunn182]

What's that I can smell? The impending beginning of biking season? Yes!

[Sir Trev]

What's that I can smell? The impending beginning of biking season? Yes!

I'll hold out a bit longer I think... also want to get my seat upgraded with a gel insert like I did with the SV before I do much riding this year.

[Chris_SVS]

What's that I can smell? The impending beginning of biking season? Yes!
Never stopped as such for me. Mid march on in NI is the real season start. Everyone comes out of hibernation in the run up to the NW200.

[maviczap]

Anybody been tossing tonight :p ;) :smt047

[Teejayexc]

Anybody been tossing tonight :p ;) :smt047

Nope, had a toss at lunch time :p

[maviczap]

:smt043 :smt043 :rolleyes:

[Geodude]

Well its that day again :( raise a glass or whatever you do to remember our fallen friend reeder, miss you buddy. xGx

[maviczap]

Thanks for the reminder Geo, it's a beautiful day here in his part of the world, suns out and reminds me that the day he left us was like this.
RIP Reeder, sadly missed on here

[garynortheast]

Gone but very definitely remembered. RIP Reeder.

[maviczap]

What a great program 100 years of the RAF was, could have been longer, but still a good watch.

[Sir Trev]

What a great program 100 years of the RAF was, could have been longer, but still a good watch.

Sitting on the planner waiting for the weekend. Father-in-Law will be here and as he did his national service in the RAF he will want to watch it.

[andrewsmith]

Now then, now then
What's this place

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[maviczap]

Another one bites the dust

[Sir Trev]

Another one bites the dust

Have you been listening to Queen then?

[garynortheast]

Another one bites the dust

Random quote Mav or directed at something specific? I suspect the latter.....

[maviczap]

The latter

[andrewsmith]

I've now got Queen stuck in my head

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[Sir Trev]

I've now got Queen stuck in my head

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What's wrong with Queen, or did you want to break free?

[garynortheast]

He did, he used his bicycle and rode off to the seven seas of rye.

[andrewsmith]

I did!
Chasing fat bottomed girls in a bohemian rhapsody

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[andrewsmith]

What's wrong with Queen, or did you want to break free?I did that this morning. Even my 14 month old daughter complained about the odour

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[garynortheast]

Hang on, I don't remember Queen play a song about farting.

[andrewsmith]

Hang on, I don't remember Queen play a song about farting.I want to break free, next question lol

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[Bibio]

I did that this morning. Even my 14 month old daughter complained about the odour

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ok either my brain is completely shot or nobody told me this news.

:thumbsup:

if its not my brain being completely shot then :smt014