The Motor Forum

Big Blue · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:48 am Post subject: What's Hot - what's not?

This week I had occaision to travel into London on the bike. So, what was good; what was bad?

London traffic is appallingly bad, even on a bike. One Blackbird overtook me at Victoria and I caught him at the lights on the Kings Road and Sydney Street (where Heals is).

The bike is a PIG in traffic: running 105C and requiring an embarrassing handful of revs to get away from the lights. Still better than any other form of transport. Took about half an hour off my door to door work-home.

My new(ish) jacket highlighted one problem. It is very good; I didn't feel hot, cold, damp or anything. Like being in the living room. Boots are fine; Leather trousers fine; helmet fine. Which leaves the gloves. I have a pair of Alpinestars semi-race gloves, so they have all the kevlar armour and stuff but are also supposed to have some kind of thermal properties. Do they bollocks.

Only one thing with riding a sports bike long distance into London: it costs more than the train (I only pay half my season ticket - BIK) and I can't watch The Saint or whatever it may be that week. Well, I suppose I could strap the Archos to the headstock........
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kraftwerk · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:19 am Post subject:

Well, as you know, I commute by motorcycle every day, but have the right tool for the job: ie, the X11. Nice, sit-up riding position, hugely torquey motor, comfy seat. I've used the 'Blade a few times, but it's just too uncomfortable in town - sitting at traffic lights being a particular pain in the neck.

As for the Blackbird, well that just runs straight in to 'Hot' and stays there until I can get a decent run and that's not always possible. Best reserved for long-distance, that one.

Gloves - if it's raining, Dainese waterproof jobs with a fleece lining. In the cold, Hein Gericke big, thick examples, with Cold Killers undergloves. Summer, very nice Alpinestars. Ooh, a motorcyclist does love to accessorise.

As for cost, well, I suppose it's about on a par with using The Tube, but waaaay more fun. Not yet tempted to get an Archos, but from time-to-time I wish I could have Radio 4.
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