[dave.valma]

in reply to: GS Sidechair of Off Road Adventures #9147

I got some side car mounts from Kurt in KatiKati some years ago they were for the ball mounts, ie, Quickly detachable they needed the tubes made up but that wasn't difficult, easy if you have a workshop. I can't remember what he charged me but it was not much. You would still have to make a couple of clevis ones for the top mounts. Earls fork setup is best for steering and some of the proprietary ones give you a choice of car rims and car tyres, much cheaper that the Metzler 400 x 18's that are all that seems to be available here. I struggle to get 3500 ks out of a rear and if I really start to enjoy myself I would struggle to get half of that. So car tyres are the way to go.There is a lot of info on the web re chairs and how to fit and set them up, google will find just about everything you need to know. Just remembered I have a CD by Hal Kendal a sidecar guru in the states with all the info, could run off a copy if your interested?Steve.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: Getting the most from my bike. #9086

Anything that can make riding more pleasureable has to be good.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: intro #8164

Re scoots and the “spit” they are still 2 wheels and would/do suit a lot a female riders who are vertically challenged and like to wear skirts etc. For the older but still keen to ride try taking a Bergman 400 or 600 for a ride you might be pleasantly surprised.Bwucie, sorry to hear about Jean,  what can you do when you are stationary and they still get you. What was the laws take on it? 😮

[dave.valma]

in reply to: FIT ADDITIONAL HEADLIGHTS AND BE SEEN? #9065

Perhaps Dean wont make it to 60, maybe he could become a victim of the “I didn't see you” brigade.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: intro #8160

Kokopelli, I'm pretty mellow and philosophical about it all really, I generally enjoy the company of motorcyclists whatever they ride, at least they are out there riding, not much different to sailing and being out amongst the elements, although one you do at 5 to 6 knots the other just a tad faster, the people are very similar and mostly non judgemental.The things that annoy me are generally media related such as where there is an accident between a car and a bike the emphasis is always on the motorcyclist and rarely on the car driver who often is responsible for the crash, "I never saw him" etc. Or the cop in the Buller Gorge crash whose first remark apparently was, you were speeding, not my god I'VE caused an accident, and note how the Police heirachy immediately closed ranks re responsibility.Good quality oil changed regularly is the cheapest form of maintenance there is no matter which brand you choose.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: intro #8158

Hi Nick, I to rarely find much to interest me in the forum either as it is at present, I generally check it a couple of times a week and attempt to answer any tech questions re airhead problems / fixes etc. I note that a question about a R100/7 has had 63 views but only 1 reply, mine, I think the level of knowlege re maintenance, D I Y repair etc. just isn't there anymore. I have had some good rides with Neko  and her mates a year or 2 ago who all own up to the minute machines with me on the 60/6 or the 90/6S (dodgy bottom end , still running) outfit and found them good to ride with, everyone riding to their abilities, some very quick, others like me arriving 10 minutes later. Generally the conversation had more to do with the quality of the food / coffee rather than do you use EP90 GL4 or  GL5 grade in the gearbox etc. We are an anacronism that BMW has left behind unfortunately for us, many / most of todays riders have never ridden an airhead or enjoyed a light 1980's R80GS (considered heavy in our day) compared to the enormous GS twins of today with back tyres so fat that riding on metal roads for all but the best riders can only go slow.Now to get serious, ride the 90S North with Buell behind and come for a sail and we can reminisce about the good rides we have done and chill out with a glass at sunset.Steve.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: VIN Decoder #9044

Re “I wouldn't be seen dead in a flouro jacket”Once your dead who cares!!?? 👿 😉

[dave.valma]

in reply to: FIT ADDITIONAL HEADLIGHTS AND BE SEEN? #9062

I know some bikes have hard wired indicators that stay on until you need them for indicating. Also in the states it appears to be legal to have your head light flashing in an attempt to be seen. If its not legal in NZ it should be, My wifes Honda had a fault in the indicator wiring that allowed the head light to flash when the bike was running, it was a great thing to be able to look in the mirror and instantly know she was there, I was loath to fix it. I often think the importers organization needs to be more proactive with regard to safety issues such as being seen.Lastly I feel that anyone who says that they didn't see you is immediately seen as the guilty party as all motorists must keep a good lookout for other road users. Too many distractions from kids in the back seat to cell phones and hot coffee etc.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: Sava MC 30 Invader tyre #8950

For years I have been using trials pattern tyres on my Bm's, (older) ideal for metal roads, I have found them to be excellent on the seal as well and in fact have had more “moments” with ME33 / ME77 combinations than with the road going trials type. The down side is that as new riders become seduced by the advertising of the Newest / latest style on / off road type tyres the importers have now virtually stopped importing them apart from the specialist trials ones. 🙁 🙂

[dave.valma]

in reply to: F650 GS Fuel Cap #8958

simple short term solution, stick a piece of tape over the lock mechanism to exclude the dust water etc. petrol cap without lock but with flap is UK pounds 45.00 + freight at motobins that would be a cheaper way of getting a flap for your existing cap, they also have 2nd hand parts, maybe they have a cap complete at a good price.Otherwise try some of the German sites as they also have 2nd hand parts.Don't forget the chaingang web site that is for F 650's.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: R100/7 1977 FRONT BRAKES AND SUSPENSION #8927

your problem wil be out of adjustment steering head bearings, they should be adjusted asap.Considering that they may have been loose for some time the best long term solution would be to remove the forks and inspect, lubricate, refit if in acceptable condition / or replace, lubricate, and adjust using new new bearings. R2 Enterprises has replacement bearings available if you have trade access, Darbi Accessories also have them, trade access also required. The brakes when installed and set up properly will be adequate for the bike. If they havn't been replaced the brake hoses often give a spongy feel, you can replace them with original ones or better replace them with ss braided lines, Eurobike will have them with the correct markings for warrant approval. It is worth checking with Experience Motorcycles for item prices they may surprise you. Otherwise I have found Motobins have a very good online catalogue and roughly 2 week delivery time from the UK. Items ordered that have a GST value over NZ 50.00 (roughly $400.00) will automatically incur a GST charge. $350.00 might,  $300.00 wont.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: F650GS Tyre repair #8911

for v/v removal you can still get the v/v caps with the 2 lugs on them. one on each wheel and you will have a spare as well.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: UPHOLSTERER RECOMMENDATION WANTED #8803

I also recommend Charmans, have had several 1st class jobs done by them, very good at custom work.

[dave.valma]

in reply to: Trip meter reset button rubber cover (gasket #8732

Are talking about the trip meter on a R80 / 100GS??

[dave.valma]

in reply to: K1100LT [1997] Front brake disk rattle #8699

Hi Nigel, brake grease??? I havn't come across that before, please enlighten.Steve.

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