Nute

I have a railway line on the other side of a field behind my house. I tried to do my normal dog walk up the track beside the field and over the railway bridge a few days ago but lots of police/ambulance/fire engines up there so went a different way. Turns out some poor soul decided to end it all by jumping onto the tracks in front of a train. Walked up there today and lots of people have left flowers on the path over the bridge. I cannot imagine what circumstances would make someone take their own life and I that way. Made me very thankful for my life and family, and even the work things which have been weighing on my mind a bit recently. Sorry to be morose but every so often you have to think how lucky you are.

Is the existing external coating on the engine paint or is it some type of ceramic ?

Quite enjoy puttering about in the garage just minding my own business and doing what I want, but inevitably there is always something else that needs dealing with. Today it was mice which were in massive sack of rice (which for some reason we have to buy in bulk just in case the population of Beijing drop by and want a snack). Where there are two there will be 12 more so set up traps in places the dog can't stick his nose. Emergency over I went back to minding my own business and wired up the rear indicators, completely forgetting I need to stick a resistive load in line somewhere. Realised when I tested them and just heard the relays singing. Wired up the rear brake switch but can't test that until I put some fluid in the system. Temp sensor for the new clocks goes into the drain port under the water pump, which of course has the hex socket rounded off so spent a while swearing at it and eventually got it off. Was going to fit and connect up the battery but couldn't find the crimp on terminal connectors I know I have somewhere so had to order some more. Was going to try and make an exhaust, got all the bits of tube I have out and bodged it into a rough idea of how I can get it all together but don't want to start welding until I have the back wheel on with a tyre so I can see how much clearance I will have. My one tangible achievement after all that is that the clock now works on the new speedo

Took the slightly leaky rad off earlier to fit the brand spanking new one. Swapped over the thermostat and the bloody thing doesn't fit. In every other aspect the new one is the same as the OEM, except the depth of the thermostat housing, which is 11mm deep so the decking thermostat flaps about. Going to put the old one back on ... New lithium battery has arrived so can fit the new clocks and doubtless spend hours getting them to interface with the existing electrics ... just can't wait ...

At the MOT place waiting for my Yamaha to be done. … Really well organised independent place, miles better than my local dealership.

Dont knock it till you've tried it ...

Washed everything so it's all nice and shiny now. The batteries Indian use in their bikes are garbage. I replaced the damn thing less than a year ago and the new one is knackered already. Need to see if I can find the receipt as it should be under warranty but I think I'm going to get a lithium one.

I’m waiting for Zzzack to pop up claiming it’s all a hoax …

…and stupid pouty lips. Really don’t know what goes through the mind of some people today.

I know a guy who breeds pyrenean mountain dogs. They are bloody huge , he says they were bred to guard sheep from wolves and bears. Lovely dogs but you'd need a shovel and a bucket to clear up after them.

Im sure mine is great for it too... in the hands of someone who is skilled, which I'm not ... I'm ok on 1.5mm and up, mostly, but the tank is really thin, at least where the holes are it is.

Did it myself. A combination of paint stripper and sanding with a high grit pad. It seems every pre 86 tank has corrosion perforations at the lowest points each side where the water collects and this one is no different. I was contemplating welding it up myself but thin aluminium is difficult and its 75% certain ill just blow through it so getting someone local bike shop to do it.

I think they are made by Optrel, but doubtless others stick their own brand label on them. Optrel are Swiss and make respirators and similar stuff.

I have a mask with a 3m Speedglas lens. I’m no welding expert but I find it pretty good with a good colour transmission and adjustable shade settings which go up to 13 if I recall correctly.

Yes, done a few around the UK. There is good coverage of chargers here and it’s never as cold as it is in Canada so it’s easy. By the time I’ve had a drink and a pee it’s ready to go again. The biggest frustration is the cost of charging away from home, it’s 7p / kw to charge at home but over 10x the cost to charge away from home. Using a Tesla charger is better value at about 50p/kw but there are a lot fewer of those available. Charging in Europe is way cheaper with many places in Scandinavia being free.