@Mrs Visor that hill is a lot steeper than it looks, I took a video then pinched still shots out of it but you lose the "chuff chuff chuffing" as the engines slog away. Must say one engine was running far cleaner than the other, maybe the mixture was a bit rich
So decided that the other day was the last one this year for the 765 and time to bring the 675 out. Both are due an mot in September and it seems pointless with the 765 just parked in the garage over winter so sorn done, rebate being processed and then tax the 675 tomorrow, 1st September. Mot booked for Friday so time to get it ready. It was wearing a set of Racetecs which are great in the dry but not so good in damp patches under trees etc plus they've had their day. A quick browse through the rack and I've got a choice of x2 sets of new Michelins or a set of near new Metzeler RRs. Decided to fit the RRs as had these on a 675 before. A mate had bought a new tyre tool which looked a good design so I'd borrowed his powdercoated mild steel item, blatantly copied it and made myself a fully stainless steel and plastic version. This provides fully plastic coated contact with the rim coatings. Two tyres off and two back on. Quick fiddle with switches, horn, brake lights etc function check. Dip oil and check coolant then we're good to go. 765 sulking round the corner. Proper recycling, note old previously crashed (was bent) 675 front spindle now machined down and providing centre pivot for tyre bar. One down, one to go. Adding a bit of knurling to aid grip for when, not if, blathered in tyre soap
That's all a bit clever! Rim protection is paramount - I noticed a mark on my rear rim the other day, obviously caused by uncareful tyre change.
Without the simple tyre press, breaking the bead is nigh on impossible without marking the rim. With the over the centre arm, a simple press and the bead pops in a controlled fashion. I have added further pipe cladding to the lower support ring so that side is well protected. The problem then is levering over the visible area of the powdercoated rim without marks or scratches. Plastic cut pipe things can be used but they are not only a faff but not infallible i.e. slip off and away we go.... oh FFS
Commute for me today, got a good soaking that I wasn't expecting from the forecast on the way back home.
Rain today? It has been beautiful up here in Cheshire. Had a fantastic run out on the Thruxton, lovely.
Rain today? It has been beautiful up here in Cheshire. Had a fantastic run out on the Thruxton, lovely.
It's been cloudy where I work then started to rain just as I left work at 1800hrs; dry roads about 12 miles from home and apparently been fine all day here too.
Up bright and early to take the bike to the dealers for 1st MOT and 3yr service, which includes a coolant change which (because Triumph changed the chemistry and the two coolants don’t mix) also requires a flush. Bike passed MOT without problems (I should hope so she’s pampered enough), coolant now rusty pink coloured rather than blue/green and bank account now several hundred lighter than it was. Glorious day for a ride there and back though, and the riding skills are returning. Still glad I got my bike and still enjoying the ride.
Yes not long now Wim. I had a quick look at the weather forecast, looks like I might get wet riding down to Portsmouth on Wednesday and then again on my first day in France. After that it looks like mid to top 20 degrees for the rest of the trip
Odd to reply to yourself, but I meant to upload a photo to prove I was at the dealers yesterday. Strategically placed by the coffee machine in the waiting area was this little red beauty. Triumph really has made (and continues to make) some beautiful bikes. Shame about the need for a litter tray though.
Picked up the new bike and put 100 mile on it. Noticeably nimbler with the lighter wheels. The pegs show evidence of that now! They are now shipping these with Michelin road classics instead of the Perelli Phantoms which is not a bad thing. Seat is a little hard but we'll see how that goes with more miles.
