What Have You Being Doing With Your Non-triumph Today?

V Strom passed its MOT, along with the Thunderbird, after changing the rear brake light switch, that failed after 31 years. Can't moan at that.

 

Another trip out on my Fireblade today; I went to Church Stretton to meet a friend of mine who is currently on a CB125 on L plates, it is so brilliant to see her learning to ride - she said she always wondered why her husband wanted to go out on the bike all the time, but now that she is on two wheels, she gets it . We went to The Postcard Cafe in Clun and we then parted ways in Craven Arms. I wasn't quite ready to come straight home and bother Helmut whilst he was working so I called in at Meg's at Shobdon and then thought I had better call it a day.

I didn't get a photo of my friend's CB125 (red, she has great taste ) with my Blade because the car park was very full in Clun so each bike was squeezed into a different spot. I got one fairly terrible photo at Shobdon, just snapped it quickly to send to Helmut at the time.

 

First ride-out with my mate on his new CB750 Hornet, at running in speeds!!

Brunch in Aberfoyle with a few other bikers and a visit to David Stirling Memorial, originator of the SAS.

 

The new fuel tap turned up and blow me down if it's not right:-





Totally different. OK it will screw onto the tank but that's basically it messaged the seller and it seem that it's not wort returning refund is being actioned. Anyway decided to try and fit it and damned if this new tap doe not leak worse than the old one that only drips a little the new one runs a constant dribble so had to drain tank AGAIN and refti the old one.

Ordered another new one from a link provided by a member over on Shadow.net trouble is delivery is quoted as up to 5 weeks tried ordering one from the bike shop but they can only get the same type that was already delivered an is no good. Another member sent me a link to a supplier in Europe they have the correct taps but the cost is stupidly high at 160 euro plus postage they seem to think they are made from precious metals.

I knew there would be problems with such a little used bike seals etc drying out the front brake master seals have started to weep noticed the lever slightly damp new set on order and noticed that she has trouble running smoothly on started up revs then hunts found that have vacuum leaks in inlet manifold/carb rubber boot. Rubber obviously gone hard with age and removing the carb destroyed the seal and it's too hard to reseal so new boot and o-rings needed so have to order those now that is if the shop can actually get them.

Plezier

 

can't you repair the original?

 

Another nice day out in the sunshine on the Fireblade for me and Helmut joined me on his Tuono. We went to the The Piston Club as he has not been for a while and then back via Bringsty Vintage Cafe for a coffee.

 

Quite frosty this morning but I do have a few hours spare to get out on this the Mighty DR650. I’ll give it a little while for the frost to melt then a short run in the Dales.

 

Aye well, that plan failed almost immediately. I dug out the Mighty DR, started it up whilst I put my pickup away then noticed a leaking fuel tank. Just a very thin stream of fuel squirting out. Bollocks says I, so tank off, drained and now to try to find someone who can repair it. If anyone is aware of a fuel tank repair place around Yorkshire please feel free to let me know.

 

https://www.biketankrepair.co.uk/ Not used them, but might be able to help you out
That's a shame, if you don't get any joy with a tank repair, Acerbis seem to do a few for the DR.
But my guess is you'd want to keep it standard.
Hope you get it sorted out OK

 

If you have no luck, there used to be a 2 pack epoxy repair kit you could get for petrol tanks that you pour into the tank. You can also get small tubes of epoxy weld that you mix and apply direct to the damaged area like this stuff

Look at this product that I found on google.com https://share.google/stL22umLeIAD8XKY9

 

Bugger - is it corroded or failed on a seam? Is it plastic or steel? A photo or two of the leak point could help suggestions

 

I used the external repair goo on a Royal Enfield where the tank had become "porous" rather than an actual hole. It seemed to work OK.

 

A steady little run out today on the Kove 800.
Going nowhere in particular and just joining up minor lanes with the odd track squeezed in.



Went up towards Buttercrambe from there and passed by the distillery.



These came from there but not today as just passing.



Called in at Seaways for a brew and some Tomato soup, £6.50 all in and it was nice.



More country lanes, smaller the better.



And back home, total 95 miles.

Now why are there no birds in the garden?
Oh that will be why!

 

It looks like something (stone maybe) has hit the tank. There’s a small area around the size of a fingernail newly chipped off and the very small hole is in the centre of this chip. It’s a bit strange really. it’s a steel petrol tank and the chip is on the lower front left corner, not on a seam. Just in the centre of the new chip.
I’ve some JB Weld tank weld stuff on its way so will try it out. I’ll post up the results when I have had the chance to try to fix it.

 

QUOTE="Glenn2926, post: 678028, member: 23963"]it’s a steel petrol tank and the chip is on the lower front left corner, not on a seam. Just in the centre of the new chip.
I’ve some JB Weld tank weld stuff on its way so will try it out. I’ll post up the results when I have had the chance to try to fix it.[/QUOTE]

If you can get it clean enough I'd have a go at soldering it if I was you.
Look up lead loading like they do for classic car dents.
That would be a better and more reliable solution than glues/fillers.

 

Been having fun riding this lately. I finished building it late last year.
image0 by Marco Wikstrom, on Flickr

I’ve also been working on my van camping setup. Put the little 390 Duke on the back and went camping. Great little bike for exploring local areas etc. Unfortunately gas prices are up and the van uses a lot - canceled a trip to the east coast, but will do more local trips. I did however, sign up for the BMWMOA rally in Vermont - happens in June. The Moto Guzzi gets much better mileage than the van.
IMG_9943 by Marco Wikstrom, on Flickr

 

I like that green colour what is it's name?

 

Not very original, I simply call it the, “Green Machine.”

 

Possibly @Eldon was interested to know what the actual paint brand/colour is

 

Perhaps so. It’s been so long since I had it painted that I don’t remember, but it’s some kind of candy apple metallic green. Maybe candy apple pearl green. The guy who painted it is probably one of the best motorcycle painters in New Mexico. He wins many awards for his custom motorcycles. He did it for me for some extra income between employers and I’ve lost touch with him.