And today's commuting highlight is...
Discussion
E91 Gaz said:
Following an mt07 after letting him passed, had to pull back as his constant reving up to any car that didn't make a noticeable movement out his way.
He could have fitted through all the gaps suffiecently,
Maybe he just wanted to show off his new akro (did sound nice however) I slowed back so as not to be tarred with the same brush as him.
About as exciting as it got, my new RST blade 2 textile trousers kept me much warmer than summer leathers as well, lovely !
I don't know whether this is a "thing" but the MTs seem to be the new hooligan weapon of choice. There's a guy who rides through the Blackwall on one, with a very noisy pipe, and he seems to revel in revving the tits off it when stationary, and in carving up anyone he deems to be in his way.He could have fitted through all the gaps suffiecently,
Maybe he just wanted to show off his new akro (did sound nice however) I slowed back so as not to be tarred with the same brush as him.
About as exciting as it got, my new RST blade 2 textile trousers kept me much warmer than summer leathers as well, lovely !
On a more personal note, the heaters came into play this morning for the first time since summer. Mind you, I'm still in unlined textiles and summer gloves.
My thoughts for a new two wheeled commuter to sit alongside my CB1100 and to replace my ageing Pug 106 diesel are now turning to a NC750 from a larger (well, ish-300cc or so) scooter. Any other thoughts/recommendations oh seasoned, grizzled Bear Grylls commuters?
Criteria is;
-Decent storage (happy with a top box but the NC has got the bonus of the dummy tank); enough to take a set of textiles and my lid. This thing will be replacing a car as my daily so needs to be practical.
-80mpg plus a distinct advantage, needs also to be cheap to insure as all my NCB is on the CB
-Not too big-it needs to tuck into a space in a single garage in front of my Elise & CB
-Reliable and cheap to maintain!
-£6k or so new, less used
-Reasonable weather protection
-Comfy; I prefer an upright-ish riding position
I was considering a CB125 with a top box but my commute is mainly fast A road with a bit of Cambridge at the end of it-the 125 I reckon will be screaming its nuts off along there, with little ability to overtake plus the downside of short service intervals. I'm not looking for super bike levels of performance in the slightest but the ability to overtake safely is a consideration for the riding I'll be doing.
Criteria is;
-Decent storage (happy with a top box but the NC has got the bonus of the dummy tank); enough to take a set of textiles and my lid. This thing will be replacing a car as my daily so needs to be practical.
-80mpg plus a distinct advantage, needs also to be cheap to insure as all my NCB is on the CB
-Not too big-it needs to tuck into a space in a single garage in front of my Elise & CB
-Reliable and cheap to maintain!
-£6k or so new, less used
-Reasonable weather protection
-Comfy; I prefer an upright-ish riding position
I was considering a CB125 with a top box but my commute is mainly fast A road with a bit of Cambridge at the end of it-the 125 I reckon will be screaming its nuts off along there, with little ability to overtake plus the downside of short service intervals. I'm not looking for super bike levels of performance in the slightest but the ability to overtake safely is a consideration for the riding I'll be doing.
Edited by itcaptainslow on Thursday 5th October 02:42
itcaptainslow said:
My thoughts for a new two wheeled commuter to sit alongside my CB1100 and to replace my ageing Pug 106 diesel are now turning to a NC750 from a larger (well, ish-300cc or so) scooter. Any other thoughts/recommendations oh seasoned, grizzled Bear Grylls commuters?
Criteria is;
-Decent storage (happy with a top box but the NC has got the bonus of the dummy tank); enough to take a set of textiles and my lid. This thing will be replacing a car as my daily so needs to be practical.
-80mpg plus a distinct advantage, needs also to be cheap to insure as all my NCB is on the CB
-Not too big-it needs to tuck into a space in a single garage in front of my Elise & CB
-Reliable and cheap to maintain!
-£6k or so new, less used
-Reasonable weather protection
-Comfy; I prefer an upright-ish riding position
I was considering a CB125 with a top box but my commute is mainly fast A road with a bit of Cambridge at the end of it-the 125 I reckon will be screaming its nuts off along there, with little ability to overtake plus the downside of short service intervals. I'm not looking for super bike levels of performance in the slightest but the ability to overtake safely is a consideration for the riding I'll be doing.
A nearly new (but not stolen) Vespa GTS 250 or GTS 300. Fast enough away from the lights that you won’t be holding anybody up, very nimble in traffic, fast enough for A roads and allowed on motorways (though not ideally suited). Do most of the servicing yourself for peanuts. I’ve had 4-5 of them after various other sports and commuter bikes and I swear the combination of speed, manouverabilit and twist & go ease of use means it’s hands down the fastest way across London for my work commute. Not having it nicked is the only bCriteria is;
-Decent storage (happy with a top box but the NC has got the bonus of the dummy tank); enough to take a set of textiles and my lid. This thing will be replacing a car as my daily so needs to be practical.
-80mpg plus a distinct advantage, needs also to be cheap to insure as all my NCB is on the CB
-Not too big-it needs to tuck into a space in a single garage in front of my Elise & CB
-Reliable and cheap to maintain!
-£6k or so new, less used
-Reasonable weather protection
-Comfy; I prefer an upright-ish riding position
I was considering a CB125 with a top box but my commute is mainly fast A road with a bit of Cambridge at the end of it-the 125 I reckon will be screaming its nuts off along there, with little ability to overtake plus the downside of short service intervals. I'm not looking for super bike levels of performance in the slightest but the ability to overtake safely is a consideration for the riding I'll be doing.
Edited by itcaptainslow on Thursday 5th October 02:42
h.2wheelsjimmy said:
Italian lorry swerving around a bit, on M25. Probably watching the latest episode of something or another.
Car driver takes offence to this, decides to undertake him, pulling immediately in front and brake checking him.
Not sure I'd want to brake check an articulate lorry.
38 tonnes of lorry vs. 1 to 1.5 tonnes of car ... hmmmm ... Car driver takes offence to this, decides to undertake him, pulling immediately in front and brake checking him.
Not sure I'd want to brake check an articulate lorry.
.... who is going to win?black-k1 said:
2wheelsjimmy said:
Italian lorry swerving around a bit, on M25. Probably watching the latest episode of something or another.
Car driver takes offence to this, decides to undertake him, pulling immediately in front and brake checking him.
Not sure I'd want to brake check an articulate lorry.
38 tonnes of lorry vs. 1 to 1.5 tonnes of car ... hmmmm ... Car driver takes offence to this, decides to undertake him, pulling immediately in front and brake checking him.
Not sure I'd want to brake check an articulate lorry.
.... who is going to win?Came onto the west way yesterday morning and spotted a bloke using the emergency phone with a helmet by his feet.
As I started to slow down to pull In and offer to help I spotted his moped with its built in blanket, oversized built in handle bar gloves, canvas trainers and his cagoul before suddenly remembering I needed to do something else urgently elsewhere.
Does this make me a bad person?
As I started to slow down to pull In and offer to help I spotted his moped with its built in blanket, oversized built in handle bar gloves, canvas trainers and his cagoul before suddenly remembering I needed to do something else urgently elsewhere.
Does this make me a bad person?
Well Friday wins on the commute today lighter traffic esp over yesterday, chilly but not cold - actually with dry/sun this is almost perfect biking weather in full gear. A few other fellow bike commuters but everyone playing nicely today even myself and enough space to make progress as needed 
Followed an utter penis in a fiesta this morning, trying to overtake a double-decker bus (doing 30mph in a 50 so not that slow) through a winding, tight road with only really 3 overtaking spots for a bike in 2-3 miles, let alone a car. He's weaving all over the place, half in the other lane at every opportunity with cars and bikes approaching head on 3-4 car lengths away.
At this point I've dropped back by 10-15 car lengths waiting for the inevitable overtake attempt which goes wrong...
If anyone knows the a228 going through colts hill on the way to Tunbridge Wells that's the road.
He finally overtakes once it becomes a overtaking lane up a hill, going about 5mph faster than the bus, I blast past and give a shake of the head.
At the next roundabout he flies up the inside of me and tailgates 2ft from me, beeps his horn as I'm turning right and he's going straight on, I give him the coffee beens.
Utter bellend.
The standard of driving on my commute is pretty low in general but this was way below the normal 'poor' standard...
At this point I've dropped back by 10-15 car lengths waiting for the inevitable overtake attempt which goes wrong...
If anyone knows the a228 going through colts hill on the way to Tunbridge Wells that's the road.
He finally overtakes once it becomes a overtaking lane up a hill, going about 5mph faster than the bus, I blast past and give a shake of the head.
At the next roundabout he flies up the inside of me and tailgates 2ft from me, beeps his horn as I'm turning right and he's going straight on, I give him the coffee beens.
Utter bellend.
The standard of driving on my commute is pretty low in general but this was way below the normal 'poor' standard...
Edited by Tall_Paul on Friday 6th October 09:44
Edited by Tall_Paul on Friday 6th October 09:46
Tall_Paul said:
Followed an utter penis in a fiesta this morning, trying to overtake a double-decker bus (doing 30mph in a 50 so not that slow) through a winding, tight road with only really 3 overtaking spots for a bike in 2-3 miles for a bike, let alone a car. He's weaving all over the place, half in the other lane at every opportunity with cars and bikes approaching head on 3-4 car lengths away.
At this point I've dropped back by 10-15 car lengths waiting for the inevitable overtake attempt which goes wrong...
If anyone knows the a228 going through colts hill on the way to Tunbridge Wells that's the road.
He finally overtakes once it becomes a overtaking lane up a hill, going about 5mph faster than the bus, I blast past and give a shake off the head.
At the next roundabout he flies up the inside of me and tailgates 2ft from me, beeps his horn as I'm turning right and he's going straight on, I give him the coffee beens.
Utter bellend.
The standard of driving on my commute is pretty low in general but this was way below the normal 'poor' standard...
Know it well. There really aren't many car overtaking options along there. My commute may be changing to incorporate an occasional trip from West Malling to High Brooms, so I'll likely be going that way (although Hadlow/Tudely/cut out onto A21, now that it's finally finished, might also be an option).At this point I've dropped back by 10-15 car lengths waiting for the inevitable overtake attempt which goes wrong...
If anyone knows the a228 going through colts hill on the way to Tunbridge Wells that's the road.
He finally overtakes once it becomes a overtaking lane up a hill, going about 5mph faster than the bus, I blast past and give a shake off the head.
At the next roundabout he flies up the inside of me and tailgates 2ft from me, beeps his horn as I'm turning right and he's going straight on, I give him the coffee beens.
Utter bellend.
The standard of driving on my commute is pretty low in general but this was way below the normal 'poor' standard...
Tall_Paul said:
Followed an utter penis in a fiesta this morning, trying to overtake a double-decker bus (doing 30mph in a 50 so not that slow) through a winding, tight road with only really 3 overtaking spots for a bike in 2-3 miles, let alone a car. He's weaving all over the place, half in the other lane at every opportunity with cars and bikes approaching head on 3-4 car lengths away.
At this point I've dropped back by 10-15 car lengths waiting for the inevitable overtake attempt which goes wrong...
If anyone knows the a228 going through colts hill on the way to Tunbridge Wells that's the road.
He finally overtakes once it becomes a overtaking lane up a hill, going about 5mph faster than the bus, I blast past and give a shake of the head.
At the next roundabout he flies up the inside of me and tailgates 2ft from me, beeps his horn as I'm turning right and he's going straight on, I give him the coffee beens.
Utter bellend.
The standard of driving on my commute is pretty low in general but this was way below the normal 'poor' standard...
You wanna come into London - I can show you areas which make this persons driving look 'advanced' think sub that standard and a fair % of cars on the road driving in this sub standard mannerAt this point I've dropped back by 10-15 car lengths waiting for the inevitable overtake attempt which goes wrong...
If anyone knows the a228 going through colts hill on the way to Tunbridge Wells that's the road.
He finally overtakes once it becomes a overtaking lane up a hill, going about 5mph faster than the bus, I blast past and give a shake of the head.
At the next roundabout he flies up the inside of me and tailgates 2ft from me, beeps his horn as I'm turning right and he's going straight on, I give him the coffee beens.
Utter bellend.
The standard of driving on my commute is pretty low in general but this was way below the normal 'poor' standard...
Edited by Tall_Paul on Friday 6th October 09:44
Edited by Tall_Paul on Friday 6th October 09:46
CAPP0 said:
Know it well. There really aren't many car overtaking options along there. My commute may be changing to incorporate an occasional trip from West Malling to High Brooms, so I'll likely be going that way (although Hadlow/Tudely/cut out onto A21, now that it's finally finished, might also be an option).
Yeah it's a terrible bit of road that section, desperately needs a bypass. I commute from Maidstone to high brooms so similar route, it's got a lot better now the A21 is finished though.Tall_Paul said:
Followed an utter penis in a fiesta this morning, trying to overtake a double-decker bus (doing 30mph in a 50 so not that slow) through a winding, tight road with only really 3 overtaking spots for a bike in 2-3 miles, let alone a car. He's weaving all over the place, half in the other lane at every opportunity with cars and bikes approaching head on 3-4 car lengths away.
At this point I've dropped back by 10-15 car lengths waiting for the inevitable overtake attempt which goes wrong...
If anyone knows the a228 going through colts hill on the way to Tunbridge Wells that's the road.
He finally overtakes once it becomes a overtaking lane up a hill, going about 5mph faster than the bus, I blast past and give a shake of the head.
At the next roundabout he flies up the inside of me and tailgates 2ft from me, beeps his horn as I'm turning right and he's going straight on, I give him the coffee beens.
Utter bellend.
The standard of driving on my commute is pretty low in general but this was way below the normal 'poor' standard...
Why? Why why why? Without knowing a thing about the guy, his mindset, his car etc, you've created out of thin air a needless confrontation with the famous holier-than-thou biker head shake. Maybe he had a fragile item on the passenger seat, maybe he had a passenger with an ailment, breakage or stinking hangover, maybe the car wont go any faster, maybe he just couldn't be bothered going any faster than that because its Friday and he's chilled out. At this point I've dropped back by 10-15 car lengths waiting for the inevitable overtake attempt which goes wrong...
If anyone knows the a228 going through colts hill on the way to Tunbridge Wells that's the road.
He finally overtakes once it becomes a overtaking lane up a hill, going about 5mph faster than the bus, I blast past and give a shake of the head.
At the next roundabout he flies up the inside of me and tailgates 2ft from me, beeps his horn as I'm turning right and he's going straight on, I give him the coffee beens.
Utter bellend.
The standard of driving on my commute is pretty low in general but this was way below the normal 'poor' standard...
Edited by Tall_Paul on Friday 6th October 09:44
Edited by Tall_Paul on Friday 6th October 09:46
If I was behind you on my commute, I might have wondered why you hadn't despatched with the bus and the dawdler long before hand and done the lot of you at once. Would I be justified in shaking my head at you on the way past, just because our priorities for road progress or levels of experience/risk aversion are different? Or would you have taken offence?
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff