RBR started yesterday, so this morning I set off. [1] Pumped up the rear tyre, to even out the flat bit, then picked up package from the PO, before heading off to darkest Cambs. M11 was uneventful, except for a shower on the way. Bike tracked true, soaked up bumps, ran cleanly. So far so good. Pulled off the A14 towards St Ives, slowed for a roundabout, and the engine cut. As did all the idiot lights. Then they came back on, again, so I thumbed the starter, and carried on. Arrived at Houghton Mill [2], and it cut out again. This time the lights didn't come back on, and the alarm went off. Oh. Bollocks. Thought I. I've been banging on about how I've never had a problem wiv me Datatools, and now this. Anyway, as I'd stalled in front of the Mill, I took the opportunity to get the photo, blipped the alarm, stuck the keys in, and it fired up. Rode to the main road: dead. Then it started again. Hmmm. Decided not to press on to Lincs, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, but to go straight home. Whereupon it cut out, again. No lights, no nothing. Key jiggling got it going, and I set off home through St Ives. Negotiating a roundabout, just after crossing the river, it went dead once more. Then I was hit by an inspiration. Removing the side panel, it became apparent that the earth connection to the battery wasn't as secure as it might be. A firm push re-seated the nut, and I rode home without further incident, until I pulled onto the drive, whereupon it cut dead. That's this afternoon buggered, then. Ho hum. At least it's not the alarm. [1] Late, as always. [2] Landmark #05, in case anyone's bothered. [3] The battery has top facing connectors, not side facing, like the bike wants. It looks like my "great idea" of securing a 10mm nut in the space (with Kwiksteel) is not foolproof. A conversion plate will be molished this afternoon. Two, in fact, otherwise the +ve will do the same in time, I guess. -- | ___ Salad Dodger |/ \ _/_____\_ GL1500SEV/CBR1100XXX/KH500A8/TS250C |_\_____/_| ..73392../..18192.../..3184./.19406 (>|_|_|<) TPPFATUICG#7 DIAABTCOD#9 YTC#4 PM#5 |__|_|__| BOTAFOT #70 BOTAFOF #09 two#11 WG* \ |^| / IbW#0 & KotIbW# BotTOS#6 GP#4 \|^|/ ANORAK#17 IbB#4 '^' RBR Landmarks: 0 Points: 0 Miles: 0
I very nearly drwoned at the Youth Hostel there some 30 years ago. I'd just learned to swim an fell in the river wearing jeans, woolly jumper and the like. The bank was sheer and concrete. Some kind chap jumped in and got me out after I think I'd gone down for 'the third time'. Never knew who it was. If it was one of you lot: "Cheers!" <ambles off down memory lane..> -- John SV650 Black it is and naked
