Ethel looking mean and track ready at Jurby

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Insurance is a rip off

The other night somewhere between Crowborough and Stansted services on the 29th Feb 12 between 2000 and 2130 the top box fell off Ethel and was not noticed until I got to Stansted services. Contents were wallet, cards, mobile phone, satnav, cash, keys - you name it. All these are now in the process of being replaced. Looking at my Footman James policy I noticed there is  £250 personal effects cover so I duly put in an honest claim for less than £200 for private items. They straight away refused it on the basis that only motorcycle related items like clothing, helmets are covered. I pointed out to them that it is no wonder that people either do not bother with insurance or make fraudulant claims. On the basis that it is very unlikely that the top box will ever be seen again I should have said that it contained a £750 Arai helmet and was a Givi box worth £460.

It is looking like it is going to be the same story with the business assets that were lost as the insurance companies there are already wriggling like a bucket full of eels to get out of it.

Ethel ready to roll again + dead battery

Shock horror - Ethel refuses to start

All geared up yesterday for a day's business then Ethel refused to start ! Swore loudly and abused her verbally but it made no difference.
All dash lights come on, kill switch off, whirring from starter motor but no dumpf kerdumpf of pistons going up and down. Never did trust the battery fitted a while back when Orbit Tyres killed the bike at MOT, it does not spin up like the Odyssey battery. So 1st step will be to check that. Got until next Wednesdays Sussex trip to get her started.

Leathers are ready !

Picked up the leathers from Rachel at Dobbs Leathers.
She has done a neat job of adding gussets to the sides, crutch and shoulders. The suit is now a snug fit with Forcefield back protector on. A clever touch is the addition of leather loops inside the cuffs to aid removal. Hook them over a door handle 1 after another and the suit comes off easily. Great ! Another bonus is that with the crutch no longer tight and pulling the legs up the knee armour sits where it should and no longer digs in under the knees.
Of course with all this armour it is still a battle to pull it on at the top of the back so wondering about some loops there too.

Mallory Festival of 1000 bikes entry is go !

Yeehar ! We got in. Rider number 641 on Sat 6 July in 15 minute sessions 3 and 24.
Even better Rachel says leathers are ready.
Best get suspension sorted then.
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ZX6R suspension the story continues...

Took a look at the old shock on the bike and noticed that the preload is screwed down about 15 threads. The new Hagon shows 5. Aha ! That would explain concrete rear end then.
Of course similar feeling front end as yet not explained but 16 year old / non existant fork oil is prime suspect.
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