Betty's Lost The Horn

When I bought Betty (my RF900, do keep up...) she had a nice pair of compressor-fed air horns, fixed behind the number-plate. But after having to replace the compressor 3 times in the last 4 years, I decided to look for something else...

I found a pair of electric air-horns, similar to the 'snail-shell' type, and went for them not least because they cost the princely sum of £4 off e-bay, but also because a few mates on www.rfownersclub.co.uk had already fitted them.

The fuel tank came off, and I fiddled, cursed, and forced them into place, bolted to the coil mounting points above the engine. Had to supply my own wiring, but that was reclaimed from the existing set-up - oh, and I changed the plugs while I was there too.

Result. They sound great, louder than the compressor type, and have a really deep noise. They certainly make sure that drivers are aware I'm actually already occupying the 2 metres of road they're trying to squeeze their 4x4 into...

Chris Hughes - has he gone?

Apologies guys - it appears that the M*rr*r has censored itself and removed the offending article written by that complete and utter idiot Chris Hughes, that i had linked to in my previous post. How I wish I'd kept a copy of it now...

Why have they done this - not through any sense of apology I bet, more case of damage limitation - hopefully its too late and he and his motley crew get what they deserve.

Chris Hughes - Daily Mirror

I've just read the most appalling piece of suicidal journalism... make your own mind up, I'm seething!

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/observation-post/2010/03/on-your-bike-for-the-troops.html 

1st main ride of the year

After enduring some cold mornings and evenings commuting on the bike (though it  is staying lighter for longer - bonus!), I went out yesterday on an even colder morning (-2 degrees) to join a Trainee Observer selection course for the Notts Advanced Motorcyclists.

This consisted of me being grouped with 2 Senior Observers, and first of all I had to follow the lead rider for about 15 miles at a close enough distance to see what he was doing, and get into positions to see past him whilst remaining safe. The other guy was keeping an eye on me...

Then I had to lead the group back to base, demonstrating qualities I had learned on my Advanced course last year... all the time wishing I'd spent little more time revising.

Back at base, I was de-briefed on my ride, and a high point was being told that the other two had been watching my progress in lining up a vehicle for a pass on some twisty roads, and had actually done what they said I should be doing at the exact same time! I then had to demonstrate to my group the 'Advanced' way to tackle a  roundabout, using a wipe-clean chart and marker pen, and talk through the Advanced mantra -
"Information / Position / Speed / Gear / Acceleration" and how it would affect vehicles using the roundabout.

At the end, I was told I had passed this little induction, and would be commencing the training course in the near future - really looking forward to this!