And today's commuting highlight is...
Discussion
New boots on - and it's so nice to have new tyres on again. The difference is so much more than I remembered.
And a huge shout out to Carl at Roadwheel Tyre an Exhausts in Fleet. Top job - particularly as the banjo bolt had seized. Just ignore the old boy at the front desk who's default setting at 8am doesn't appear to be "customer friendly" shall we say.
And a huge shout out to Carl at Roadwheel Tyre an Exhausts in Fleet. Top job - particularly as the banjo bolt had seized. Just ignore the old boy at the front desk who's default setting at 8am doesn't appear to be "customer friendly" shall we say.
This thread seems to have quietened down, I think it's fair to say that now the weather is warming up it's actually becoming enjoyable to commute again rather than a relentless grind against the elements and constant battle with other road users...they're still there obviously but with the holidays it's a bit like a holiday riding to work at the moment. I'm reaching double digits on the speedo for longer than 30 seconds and everything.
tjlazer said:
This thread seems to have quietened down, I think it's fair to say that now the weather is warming up it's actually becoming enjoyable to commute again rather than a relentless grind against the elements and constant battle with other road users...they're still there obviously but with the holidays it's a bit like a holiday riding to work at the moment. I'm reaching double digits on the speedo for longer than 30 seconds and everything.
Very true - I'm using the bike to commute in the evenings, however there seem to be a few more car drivers trying to draw me into a race than ever before!My highlight last night was the great feeling you have leaving every idiot car 'racer' stuck a mile behind in single carriageway traffic...
Broke down yesterday. Pulled the bike over to a safe place for the recovery van to pick me up and another biker had also broke down at the same place.
Not sure whats wrong with it although it, might have something to do with the full tank of diesel I put in a couple of weeks ago. Strange if it is because I've done about 600+ miles on it since then. In the mechanics garage now as I couldn't even get to the injectors for a check over.
Not sure whats wrong with it although it, might have something to do with the full tank of diesel I put in a couple of weeks ago. Strange if it is because I've done about 600+ miles on it since then. In the mechanics garage now as I couldn't even get to the injectors for a check over.
Finding a new wide line on the white city - Westway on ramp that avoids the numerous manhole covers, Its now a balls to the wall WOT highlight of my commute on my Vespa GTS250. as if this wasn't enough I had all greens from Shepherds Bush Roundabout all the way to Hangar lane!
I should buy a lottery ticket today.
I should buy a lottery ticket today.
My commuting seems to be going swimmingly 
No rain, no bike issues and pass a petrol station that was 112.4p when I filled up earlier this week!
Only remaining issue is that I seem to be the loudest bike in the city - need to get that exhaust tape to go over the huge downpipe hole at some point
No rain, no bike issues and pass a petrol station that was 112.4p when I filled up earlier this week!
Only remaining issue is that I seem to be the loudest bike in the city - need to get that exhaust tape to go over the huge downpipe hole at some point
Not my highlight - but this guy deserves some cred for the save!
Although it seems the mattress did a lot of the stopping for him.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-39493099
Although it seems the mattress did a lot of the stopping for him.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-39493099
Commuted in twice this morning!
Got in as normal and was sat at my desk at 7:30 when a calendar notification popped up that I had a physio appointment in Beckenham @ 8:00....managed to get down and back to arrive 5 minutes early, not bad at all considering I'm in Moorgate!
Have to say coming back, leaving Beckenham at 8:30, it's a lot worse than when I normally leave! (6:15), not so much the OKR/Loampit vale but more London Bridge and the city. So many pedestrians and bikes!
Managed to get away with an indiscretion too - police hiding in the bike lane at the end of London Bridge, near monument. The bike ahead squeezed through the small gap (between the kerb and a taxi half-in the lane) only to be pounced on by said police, I was half way through at this point and about 5m behind. A quick push back and tuck behind the taxi and I was golden, not stopped myself thankfully!
Bit sneaky, surely using a lane like that is better than being stationery in a lorry/bus blind spot, stopped by only a line...presume the penalty is nothing more than a warning? - or would it be like a bus lane ticket?
Got in as normal and was sat at my desk at 7:30 when a calendar notification popped up that I had a physio appointment in Beckenham @ 8:00....managed to get down and back to arrive 5 minutes early, not bad at all considering I'm in Moorgate!
Have to say coming back, leaving Beckenham at 8:30, it's a lot worse than when I normally leave! (6:15), not so much the OKR/Loampit vale but more London Bridge and the city. So many pedestrians and bikes!
Managed to get away with an indiscretion too - police hiding in the bike lane at the end of London Bridge, near monument. The bike ahead squeezed through the small gap (between the kerb and a taxi half-in the lane) only to be pounced on by said police, I was half way through at this point and about 5m behind. A quick push back and tuck behind the taxi and I was golden, not stopped myself thankfully!
Bit sneaky, surely using a lane like that is better than being stationery in a lorry/bus blind spot, stopped by only a line...presume the penalty is nothing more than a warning? - or would it be like a bus lane ticket?
My first commute and ride on my kwack since riding it last on boxing day. Usually I take the pushbike into London to get fit and help on track.
I sooner be on track day as even though it was quiet the my spidey senses and commuting instincts have dulled somewhat. Rode like a bit of newbie... went a slightly longer way so I could carve through some nice turns on the way in.
God my bike is loud... yep forgot my ear plugs. However I can't deny its nice being on a bike again after some time off.
I sooner be on track day as even though it was quiet the my spidey senses and commuting instincts have dulled somewhat. Rode like a bit of newbie... went a slightly longer way so I could carve through some nice turns on the way in.
God my bike is loud... yep forgot my ear plugs. However I can't deny its nice being on a bike again after some time off.
My recent commuting highlight none.. Was off the week the nut job killed and injured all those poor people near my office, and in very much more positive news my Mrs delivered our little boy Friday one week ago No sleep, feeding and nappy duties are my 'commuting pleasure' only right now.
Now.. How to get my wife to agree to us boys watching motogp together lol i might have to wait for that till he's a bit older somehow.
No sleep, feeding and nappy duties are my 'commuting pleasure' only right now.Now.. How to get my wife to agree to us boys watching motogp together lol i might have to wait for that till he's a bit older somehow.
First proper commute on my bike this year. After it failed the MOT last year I took my time doing the necessary to get it finished. I had no rush as the misses worked down the road from me so we used to car share together but she has changed jobs now. The kick in the bum was the lovely weather we had last week so got it MOT'd on the Saturday, nice blast on the Sunday, and into work on it today.
ETA - Was fantastic not having to sit in traffic and even dodging the massive queues at the unexpected roadworks!
ETA - Was fantastic not having to sit in traffic and even dodging the massive queues at the unexpected roadworks!
Edited by torque_v on Tuesday 11th April 14:28
Pulled over as I left work this evening for the hole in my exhaust and the noise. Copper (motorbike) was perfectly decent, told him I was aware that a hole was the likely cause of the noise and was an advisory on the MOT in November.
Been given a defect rectification notice, to be done within 2 weeks, I fly away on Friday @6am and currently have no way of getting it done in time. He's calling me to try and extend the time to 3 weeks so I can do it on the day off when back but if not possible does anybody know of anywhere in London/SE London that can weld it and stamp the form if I take an hour from work?
Been given a defect rectification notice, to be done within 2 weeks, I fly away on Friday @6am and currently have no way of getting it done in time. He's calling me to try and extend the time to 3 weeks so I can do it on the day off when back but if not possible does anybody know of anywhere in London/SE London that can weld it and stamp the form if I take an hour from work?
kiethton said:
Pulled over as I left work this evening for the hole in my exhaust and the noise. Copper (motorbike) was perfectly decent, told him I was aware that a hole was the likely cause of the noise and was an advisory on the MOT in November.
Been given a defect rectification notice, to be done within 2 weeks, I fly away on Friday @6am and currently have no way of getting it done in time. He's calling me to try and extend the time to 3 weeks so I can do it on the day off when back but if not possible does anybody know of anywhere in London/SE London that can weld it and stamp the form if I take an hour from work?
Burwins in Islington might be worth a try. Been given a defect rectification notice, to be done within 2 weeks, I fly away on Friday @6am and currently have no way of getting it done in time. He's calling me to try and extend the time to 3 weeks so I can do it on the day off when back but if not possible does anybody know of anywhere in London/SE London that can weld it and stamp the form if I take an hour from work?
Dr Jekyll said:
Burwins in Islington might be worth a try.
Perfect thanks, with the policeman there I found the hole - directly on the bottom of the pipe where all join together. The hole is huge though, maybe a good 4" square, can cover the exhaust and the bike runs normally...just hope it can be repaired tbh!kiethton said:
Pulled over as I left work this evening for the hole in my exhaust and the noise. Copper (motorbike) was perfectly decent, told him I was aware that a hole was the likely cause of the noise and was an advisory on the MOT in November.
Been given a defect rectification notice, to be done within 2 weeks, I fly away on Friday @6am and currently have no way of getting it done in time. He's calling me to try and extend the time to 3 weeks so I can do it on the day off when back but if not possible does anybody know of anywhere in London/SE London that can weld it and stamp the form if I take an hour from work?
What about FWR on Kennington Road? Book it in for 1 lunchtime or something or drop it off in the morning, get the tube to work & pick it up after workBeen given a defect rectification notice, to be done within 2 weeks, I fly away on Friday @6am and currently have no way of getting it done in time. He's calling me to try and extend the time to 3 weeks so I can do it on the day off when back but if not possible does anybody know of anywhere in London/SE London that can weld it and stamp the form if I take an hour from work?
Sea Demon said:
kiethton said:
Pulled over as I left work this evening for the hole in my exhaust and the noise. Copper (motorbike) was perfectly decent, told him I was aware that a hole was the likely cause of the noise and was an advisory on the MOT in November.
Been given a defect rectification notice, to be done within 2 weeks, I fly away on Friday @6am and currently have no way of getting it done in time. He's calling me to try and extend the time to 3 weeks so I can do it on the day off when back but if not possible does anybody know of anywhere in London/SE London that can weld it and stamp the form if I take an hour from work?
What about FWR on Kennington Road? Book it in for 1 lunchtime or something or drop it off in the morning, get the tube to work & pick it up after workBeen given a defect rectification notice, to be done within 2 weeks, I fly away on Friday @6am and currently have no way of getting it done in time. He's calling me to try and extend the time to 3 weeks so I can do it on the day off when back but if not possible does anybody know of anywhere in London/SE London that can weld it and stamp the form if I take an hour from work?
Only issue I've now got is I have only a day to get the work done (tomorrow) as I fly on Friday and am away for near 3 weeks, the defect rectification notice has to be done within 2 weeks....anybody have any experience getting this sorted or know if i can declare the bike as off the road (have a working day off after I land when I can sort it out)?
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