Just chillin'

Well, I was this morning. I held off riding to work for as long as I could, but in the end I had to go. I got the bike out of the garage at 8.30 am and the thermometer was showing -2C. That's about 28F for those in the US.

Now, that's not extremely cold, but chilly enough to make some extremities quite painful when you include the 'wind chill factor'. According to the Environment Canada Windchill Chart, at 70mph (motorway speed in the UK) it will feel like -12C. That's cool.

Luckily I have Gerbing heated gloves, and Rukka jacket and over-trousers. With the winter linings and an extra fleece underneath, I was pretty comfortable on the ride to the office - about 15 miles today.

 

If you are going to ride all year round, make sure you get the best gear you can afford. You'll be warm, dry,and comfortable.

Christmas is here!

Well it is for me. I've eventually got home from work, and I don't have to go back until next year!

The Honda NC750X will get a bit of a rest. We've done nearly 6500 miles since March. Over the break we will be visiting the dealer (Crescent Motorcycles, Southampton) for an upgrade to the digital dash/readout. Issues have been reported that the trip meter resets itself under certain conditions. Not a big deal but, good to get sorted.

While she's there we'll have a new front tyre fitted. The original is just about on the limit, and as we still have plenty of winter to come, some decent grip at the front would be good. A Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart II will match with the rear, which was replaced at only 450 miles due to a puncture.

Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart II

Hopefully we'll make time for a rideout and a wash and brush-up, too.

Have a good Christmas, and keep it shiny side up!

RoADAR, Hi Ho Silver!

To add to the IAM badges, today, I passed the RoSPA advanced rider test, with Hampshire RoADAR (RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders).

I didn't make Gold, but I'm happy to have been awarded Silver. RoSPA have a policy of maintaining, or improving, standards, so in three years time I will have to re-qualify. Will I be able to get Gold? Let's hope so.

A fine pair!

Back in February I announced that I had an IAM red badge - for gaining the Institute of Advanced Motorists certificate (for cars). Now, I am even more pleased to announce that I have passed the IAM's advanced motorcycle test and got a green badge ... to make a fine pair!

Who's a happy biker, then!

Miles on the NC750x

Since March I've ridden 3,000 miles on the new machine. I must say, I'm pretty impressed all round. I bought the X version, a pseudo-adventure style. The other option is the S, a more standard naked style. Both are available with manual or Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

[Catch my latest YouTube video - Roundabouts and bends on the NC750x ]

It didn't take long to get the hang of changing gear again. That was one of those silly things that I missed with the CV (Constantly Variable) transmission on the Silver Wing.

I could have paid extra for the DCT, which performs like the 'flappy paddle' gear change in expensive sports cars - two clutches look after odd and even gear ratios, the next gear is pre-selected before it is needed - then it disengages one clutch and changes to the other. All very clever and automated, although you can select gears manually, via a switch on the bars. None of that fancy stuff for me - I wanted a man-gearbox!

She likes to rev, and the smoothest gear changes (for me) are made between 3 and 4.5k rpm. Another interesting point is the low revving engine - red-lined at 6500. Doing a bit of mental arithmetic, I reckon that gives her a theoretical top speed of around 120mph. That's enough for me!

The original tyres were Dunlop Trailmax, but at 450 miles I picked up a rear puncture and the rear was replaced with a Dunlop RoadSmart. The Trailmax seemed to be a bit of a soft compound and was wearing quickly, whereas the RoadSmart, appears to be lasting well.

One of the things that got me interested in the NC750 was its advertised fuel economy; at 81mpg from a 750, quite a claim. Well, I am pleased to report that very soon after its first (600mile) service she was achieving 79mpg in rush hour traffic. On longer commuting runs, on a tank of fuel, she is now regularly averaging 82 mpg, with a best of 84mpg. Apparently Honda's electronics are responsible for that. The computer knows exactly how much fuel is needed for any throttle/speed/acceleration situation, and meters it accordingly. Happily performance is not hindered with all this miserliness.

Her slim figure makes her ideal for wriggling between the traffic. Steering is sharp and precise, breaking is more than adequate, with ABS (Anti-lock Breaking System) and wavy disks front and rear.

The novel design feature is the not-a-tank. It looks like a traditional fuel tank, but it is all storage, big enough for a full-face helmet. The 14 litre fuel tank hides low down under the seat. The filler cap is concealed under the rear pad. Neat trick! Also keeps the centre of gravity lower for better handling.

So, all that advertising, was it hype, or was it accurate? Well, as I am a cynic by nature, I was expecting the usual exaggerations, in that respect I am disappointed. But with the NC750X, pleased as Punch. Well done, Honda.

If you are after a good looking, lively, sharp handling, economical, general purpose bike, it will be difficult to find better. If you want speed, boy-racering, and want to impress the one-day-a-week-only-if-it's-not-raining riders - may be you should look at something different.

[PS - I have heard that the DCT option has been hugely popular and there is a bit of a wait for orders. Hopefully, they will catch up soon]

[See my latest video at Roundabouts and bends on the NC750x ]

Tree hugger? No! Wheel hugger!

The Skidmarx hugger for the rear wheel arrived early, so bank holiday weekend is as good a time as any to fit it.

Chain guard off, and clean up around the area to be operated on. (OK, I'll give the rest a clean later.)

 

Anti-scratch pad attached to the hugger.

Bolts in, brake line clipped. Bolts are in on the chain side, too. Position adjusted. Bolts tightened.

ABS feed zipped in position ...

... Job done. That should keep the crud off.



Next job is to give the rest of the bike a good clean, and about time, too! Bank holiday Monday looks like it will be wet. May have to put it off. :)

More miles on the NC750X

I've clocked up a few more miles on the new Honda, and she really is good fun to ride. Some of the reviews are not impressed with the power produced by the 750cc parallel twin, but it is ample for everyday use, and the engine delivers plenty of torque - which is what you need for overtaking - without revving the guts out of it. If I was doing a track day I would choose something else - but I ride to work in rush hour traffic. The NC750X is great for that.

The back wheel is exposed and in wet conditions sprays muck over everything in sight, so I have ordered a hugger from Skidmarx. It's due early in June. I'll post some pics when it arrives.

The weather is improving, so I've taken the linings out of my Rukka. Things were getting a bit warm. Anyway here is the next video - on my YouTube Channel, Scratch600. More miles on the NC750X 

New places to mount the camera

I've been out and about on the new bike, Honda NC750x, and I'm pleased I made the change. Back to big wheels and a gearbox - interesting. We've had the 600 mile service, the next one isn't for another 8,000 miles.

Anyway, there are different places to mount the camera, in this video I've used the mirror stem and the passenger foot peg. Have a look. Tell me what you think.

It's here, on my YouTube channel, Scratch600

To filter, or not to filter

Just added another video to YouTube.
Filtering on a motorcycle is what life is all about. Without it there is no reason to buy a bike for commuting. Here in the UK it is legal, as long as you do it with care and consideration for other road users - and, of course, your own safety.

I've included some bends, and lots of water, just for fun.

The last few seconds of this clip suggest that filtering is not always appropriate.

(Still on the Silver Wing, by the way)

A change is ...

… I said that in June 2012, and in November that year swapped the Suzuki GS500F for a Honda FJS600. Well, in typical 'man' fashion, I'm at it again. I've just signed up for a Honda NC750X.

Why? A couple of reasons: the FJS600 already has nearly 10,000 miles on the clock, and is still good for a trade-in, the NC750X is extremely economical at around 80 mpg (imperial), the dealer made me an offer I couldn't (well, could, but didn't want to) refuse, and it will still suit my commuting purposes, and it is fun to ride.

To be honest the FJS600 is a good bike (OK, scooter) and I would have been happy to keep her if the part-ex offer had not been so good, but as I was about to say, a change is as good as a rest.

Just got to wait, now.

I've got a Red Badge

It's good when your training pays off ...

You can get one, too.

http://www.iam.org.uk

Good evidence

I've been carrying my Drift HD camera for nearly a year, and I've recorded some interesting footage, for sure. My son followed suit with a Go Pro Hero camera mounted in the windscreen of his car.

The attached clip is a good example of how recording your journeys could prove useful if involved in a 'road traffic incident'.

In the clip, even though my son has perfect road manners, he gets cut-up by a woman driving a Hyundai. Luckily, because of son's good observation and reactions, an 'incident' was avoided. What do you think? Deliberate act, or just bad driving?

See the video on my YouTube channel, Scratch600.

Riding in the rain

Let's face it, this is England. If you don't ride in the rain, your bike will hardly ever see the light of day. If you don't ride in the rain, you're missing half the fun.

Check out the wet weather fun on YouTube. (with music this time)

When I was a teenager (Lambretta Li 150 followed by a BSA Bantam) I only wore what was hanging in the wardrobe.  I spent most of my rides wet and cold and wishing I was back home. When I returned to biking I decided that I would get the right gear, and be as comfortable as I can.

Most important is protection - from contact with other things, mainly the road surface and any street furniture that is along your trajectory. So that means decent gloves, boots with ankle protection and CE grade armour for knees, elbows, shoulder, hips and back.

Keeping rain out, and warmth in, are next. I use a 3/4 length jacket with close fitting collar and cuffs, zip and Velcro fly fastening, air vents for the occasional warm day in summer, and removable quilted lining. Over-trousers to match. As a special treat I wear Gerbing heated gloves in the winter.

With all this gear, riding in sub-zero temperatures, or torrential rain, is not a problem.

To keep your head intact on impact, a good quality helmet, with a Pinlock anti mist system for the visor is pretty useful.

All this stuff could cost a fortune, but you don't have to buy the most expensive - £500 should get you covered.

Enjoy the video.

Out to play

The last video wasn't much fun. Let's face it a queue of traffic is pretty boring and frustrating - especially if you are in a car.

This time we are out and about. I started the day at Southampton General Hospital then transferred to an office in Winchester. The route - definitely not the motorway - this was much more fun.

The video is on my YouTube channel, Scratch600, or from this link - 'Out to play'

Chaos avoidance

I thought I'd try a different route to work.

Since the Highways Agency have bridge repair work at Juntion 9  of the M27, the adjoining roads have been gridlocked most mornings during rush hour - not the the HA care.

The roads are choked, the tail backs then bring Segensworth roundabout to a halt, that in turn blocks the A27 back as far as St Margarets roundabout - basically it's chaos.

Anyway, I thought I'd try something different. So instead of heading to Junction 9, I decided to head for Junction 8, via the A27. I happened to choose the day that the A27, Bursledon Road qualified as the worst traffic jam in Hampshire.

I thought you might like to see it, here it is on my YouTube channel, Scratch600

Why not subscribe and catch new videos as they are uploaded?

Bye bye, baby, bye bye!

Five years ago our son bought his first car, a 1992 Vauxhall Corsa. A neat little car with only 58000 miles on the clock.
It served him well, took him to college, to gigs in Bristol, work and university. He didn't clock up loads of miles, but the car always started, never let him down.
Last year, having got himself a better job, he upgraded to a Honda Civic Type R - quite a change.

Being a sentimental kind of family we couldn't let the faithful old Corsa go, so we transferred ownership to my wife. Having three cars in the family meant she was under used, and spent many days laying idle. The bodywork went from shiny red to dusty pink, the wheels coated in rust, and moss and spiders were taking over.

When we moved house, the shortage of parking spaces became apparent - so she had to go. Adverts on the firm's intranet got a bit of interest, but nobody would commit to buying, so we took her to an Authorised Treatment Facility - scrapyard to you and me. We said our goodbyes and went to the office to collect our cheque.

So, we had five years motoring (not counting the normal running costs) for £460 overall, not a bad deal.

Our thanks go to the Red Rocket for her faithful service ... bye bye, baby!

MotoGP Silverstone

Woohoo! My VIP ticket has arrived!

Julie treated me to a special ticket for my 'special' birthday, and I've had to contain my excitement since January. Now the ticket has arrived, and it's all coming together.

On Sunday 1 September my son, Alex, and I will be up at dawn and heading north to Silverstone. When we get there we will be treated to breakfast, balcony viewing of the days racing, lunch, and the VIP works.

I'll post a photo round up after the event.

Another Vid on YouTube

Whenever I ride I always clip on my Drift HD helmet camera. You never know when you'll need that little electronic witness.

On the days I work in Winchester I usually use the M27 / M3 to get there in the morning, and have a relaxed ride home across Morestead Down. On 14 August, as I had heard on the local radio - Jack FM, actually - that the M27 was blocked due to an accident, I decided to go in to work over the downs.

It was a sunny morning, which made the contrast between shadow and bright sun difficult for the camera to adjust to. My view, as the rider, was better than the video shows because the good old human eye works better than the best lenses in that department.

Anyway, of the 40 or so minutes I travelled to work, these seven are the best - overtaking!

I've got a leisurely ride planed for the beginning of September, I'll try and get some interesting footage for you.

Here's today's offering - The Morning Rush Hour

The bike is my Honda FJS600 Silver Wing, and the route is from Park Gate, through Burridge, Bishops Waltham and Morestead on B, and unclassified roads.

An observed ride

For reasons I shall keep to myself, for the time being, I have switched my allegiance from the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists) to RoSPA's RoADAR (RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Advanced Riders).

It was my second ride out with my new observer, the first was about as wet as you'd like and in the growing gloom of a murky evening. This time we took the Silver Wing and his GS1200 from Ower Services on the A36 up to Romsey, Otterbourne, Wickham and Denmead, crossing back to Burger King at Hedge End for a debrief.

The Honda behaved perfectly, and I received favourable comments from the observer. In all, a good morning's ride, with constructive advice, and a good chat about the biking world.

What a different ride. Nearly 100 miles, by the time I got home, and in the dry, and in the daylight. Much more progressive. No Drift-cam footage unfortunately, but I will get some more on YouTube as soon as I can find something to entertain you.

Hampshire RoADAR can be found at : http://www.roadar-hants.org.uk/index.html
The group is not very active, unlike the IAM, but are helpful if you contact them. Why not join? With some new blood, things could be a lot different.

Home movies

Though I have recorded many hours of tarmac and traffic, none has been completely newsworthy. But I have found it interesting to review a few situations and learn from what I see.

I have tried editing with Serif Movie Plus, Apple iMovies and Windows Live Movie Maker. iMovies has the nicest transitions, and Serif a pretty good work space, but the best results overall seem to be with Windows.

There are three clips on YouTube, so far:

Winchester to Bishops Waltham 3Apr13 - highlights of a run home from Winchester across Morestead Down

NewForestShortcut 28Apr13 - On a run to Bovingdon Tank Museum we took a shortcut across the New Forest using the B3078

Rush hour traffic 2May13 - A short clip of rush hour traffic, and how not to filter

All these clips a from the Drift attached to the side of my crash helmet, in wide angle at 1080p and 30 fps

Let me know what you think ...