Ride out to a little coffee shop called Coco Pan this morning. Found two mates there coincidentally not seen them since the start of lockdown. People were out and about, even saw a lovely new Rocket that sounded superb !
Decided to do a short ride about, instead of watching the paint dry (literarily) on my home project. Explored a new route under devastatingly blue skies. The crop is all so tall and green these late days and farmers can take their ease, preparing for harvest. Shot a brace of UP SD70 Locomotives on the main line to Chicago (the old train spotter in me). It's hard to find interesting roads in these parts, as curves are generally not part of the landscape, but I come across them with patience. Blue was running in top condition and with the new regulator there was no fear of dead batteries. Explored some of Blue's upper RPM range and was reminded how strong these bike are. Traffic was sparse to non-existent. A solo contemplation and calming of the mind.
Out for a wee spin around the glens of home today and stopped for a pic or two in the shade with my No.1 all time greatest Bonneville 'Britt' a 790cc 2001 British built model.
@DLS2 I'm no expert on this subject but I gather it's basically an additional 'air injection' system whereby additional clean air is injected to the cylinders via ports next to the spark plugs. I don't believe it offers any additional performance but is aimed at ensuring there is enough 'good' air in the cylinders to burn the fuel cleanly. It's simply supposed to reduce pollution.
I'm also no expert but the "clean" air goes into the exhaust port where it meets the hot exhaust gases causing the oxygen to ignite and clean up the emissions. Someone with more understanding will probably describe the process more accurately.
Ah, now I get it. I did think that, if it was injecting air into the cylinders prior to combustion it would essentially be like a supercharger and so would increase power. With your input @KC1961 I realise that the point is, indeed to burn up unused/partially used fuel in the exhaust, particularly on the overrun, hence all the popping and banging when you close the throttle.
I've owned this 03 for nearly 2 years. It's not pretty, it's not fast, it's not very comfortable, but I love it. Hagon 2810 rear shocks on order.
I think the bike looks great, Tallpaul. I'm not a fan of too much silver shiny stuff, but that doesn't mean it doesn't look good. I'm just too lazy to polish it. Bikes are like people. You can find beauty in most of them if you look close enough. Notice I said "most" of them.
7 hour tour through the Black Forest to Freiburg and back to Switzerland...seat pretty comfortable, just needed a few short stops. Longest stint so far, it's a very capable bike that still feels special. Although the engine puts out a lot of heat in stop-start traffic, it was nice and toasty when it got cooler up in the hills. Opened it up on a bit of Autobahn on the way back but chickened out at 170 (105 mph) due to a slight wobble!
