Honda-SOHC

General => Announcements => Topic started by: Nurse Julie on July 21, 2015, 03:23:35 PM

Title: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Nurse Julie on July 21, 2015, 03:23:35 PM: Hi All.

For those of you that have known 'Bitsa', sad news I'm afraid. I have just had a phone call from Ralph's wife Jane. Ralph died late yesterday evening at his home in France. He was 60 a few weeks ago. He had Cancer and had been undergoing treatment which unfortunately had not worked. Jane said that Ralph had had a 'blast' on the forum and loved all the humour and banter that went with it.

He will be sadly missed by many.

Regards
Julie x
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Trigger on July 21, 2015, 03:31:07 PM: R.I.P Ralph, you will be missed.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: royhall on July 21, 2015, 03:48:14 PM: What a shame for Ralph and his family. Had a load of bits off Ralph that he got for me at autojumbles in France. He will be missed. Always a shock to hear news like this.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: RGP750 on July 21, 2015, 03:48:41 PM: Sad Day today.
Since getting the K2 nearly 2 years ago and finding this forum
Ralph got in touch and we had a lot in common.
He was born in the same road as me in Gillingham Kent, used to service my early Hondas in Chisholmes.
and we meet again these years on if now only briefly.
RIP Mate as Jane said glad you had a blast.
Rich
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: ka-ja on July 21, 2015, 03:55:17 PM: Let us hope he is riding the best bikes on the best roads-RIP bitsa
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: hairygit on July 21, 2015, 04:04:39 PM: That is terrible news :'(, he will be sorely missed. He leaves us all with very happy memories of his great sense of humour ;D, and despite living in France he hated the French almost as much as me! Plus he did us all the tremendous favour of exposing bikepusher for the moneygrabber he truly was. Thanks Ralph, a man now free to ride for all eternity with no speed limits or blind car drivers, you made this forum a great place to be! ;D
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: JamesH on July 21, 2015, 04:18:28 PM: That is sad news indeed. A few of us had our 'run-ins' with Ralph on the forum, and he certainly spoke his mind quite vocally on here, but he was also gracious and humorous in sharing his views and experiences. He clearly had a deep love for these machines and a huge amount of talent, knowledge and pragmatism. His two K2 restorations were clearly a testament to that. He helped me out sourcing some hard to find parts earlier this year. RIP Ralph.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: UK Pete on July 21, 2015, 04:34:22 PM: OMG that has deeply shocked me, i had no idea, i wondered why his posts were getting less frequent, i feel so sad to loose one of our top posting knowledgeable members, RIP fella you will be truly missed by all on here
pete
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Bryanj on July 21, 2015, 05:03:06 PM: That hurts, I am a couple of years older and thinking what if, Julie please pass on mine and i expect all others best possible wishes and find out if there is anything needed
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: mike the bike on July 21, 2015, 05:29:43 PM: You never know when your expiry date is... Enjoy your life while you've got it and do more of what you enjoy.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Johnwebley on July 21, 2015, 05:50:49 PM: very sad,

RIP, Bitsa, ride the bikes in heaven
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Tiny Tim on July 21, 2015, 06:12:25 PM: Very sad news, best wishes to Ralph's family.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: philward on July 21, 2015, 06:23:40 PM: What terrible news - Bitsa always added both humour and certainly spoke his mind in his posts. I too wondered why his posts had been less frequent.
Julie, please pass on my sincere condolences to his family
Enjoy your bikes in heaven Bitsa
Phil
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Piki on July 21, 2015, 06:52:15 PM: Ohhhhh very sad newsftp://RIP Bitsa....
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Green1 on July 21, 2015, 06:54:35 PM: R.I.P Ralph great bloke I fear this forum will never be the same again.

Mick
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: AshimotoK0 on July 21, 2015, 07:13:04 PM: Wow what a shock . Lost for words really. Never knew he was seriously ill
RIP mate.
Ash
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: kenny1059 on July 21, 2015, 07:38:43 PM: Sad day,indeed. :(
R.I.P. Bitsa.

Kenny.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: MikeM on July 21, 2015, 07:56:52 PM: This has shocked me...

Countless times he has helped me.

Rest In Peace fella, send best wishes to family please

sad loss

Mike
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on July 21, 2015, 08:32:30 PM: I'll miss him.

Every forum needs it's characters.

Steve
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: MCTID on July 21, 2015, 08:32:51 PM: Very sad news indeed - as the number of posts today show, BITSA was a fella who touched many people on this brilliant Forum. Whether you liked him or not and whether you shared his views or not, it was obvious that he had a deep passion for what we all share, and he will be sadly missed. I haven't been a member of the Forum for long, but I enjoyed his humour, his knowledge and enthusiasm - end even his cantankerous rants. I hope that the Forum can send a small tribute to his family to express our deep sympathy for their loss. RIP Ralph.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on July 21, 2015, 09:13:13 PM: What a character. Best wishes to your family. Au revoir monsieur RIP.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: steff750 on July 21, 2015, 10:30:33 PM: i just had to read this post from the beginning,Its never nice getting bad news
R.I.P BITSA
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: billy192 on July 21, 2015, 10:37:01 PM: Sad sad news, he helped me so much also. best wishes to Ralph's family

Billy
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: mick on July 21, 2015, 10:37:35 PM: I'm shocked by this news , I knew he had been diagnosed with Cancer as he told me in one of his emails but he asked me to keep it to myself,

we traded parts and laughs, but he could be a grumpy impatient bugger, i'll miss him RIP Bitsa ,cheers Mick ;)
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: matthewmosse on July 21, 2015, 10:39:49 PM: RIP Ralph. We will miss him.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: clive on July 21, 2015, 11:00:56 PM: a sad loss to the forum RIP ralph.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Lobo on July 22, 2015, 02:20:07 AM: A little outspoken @ times for sure, but within that tough / rough exterior a big & kind heart, which he actually struggled to hide methinks. Unsolicited, Ralph sent me various links / advices / offers on sourcing stuff through my renovations; he was always helping someone it seems... generous with his time, and all very much appreciated.

Sincere condolences to his family....

Simon.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: paul G on July 22, 2015, 08:03:36 AM: Never met you in person Ralph but many a post traded.
R.I.P and my condolences to all your family.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: tom400f on July 22, 2015, 08:13:41 AM: Ride your 750s in the sky. Best wishes to family and friends.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Chris400F on July 22, 2015, 10:45:13 AM: I too never met the guy but read his posts with interest.
He obviously had a great deal of knowledge of and enthusiasm for bikes.
A sad loss for all.
Condolences to his family, hopefully these messages can be conveyed to them in some form.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: ginger_jim on July 22, 2015, 11:07:30 AM: How very sad..I bought a set of forks off Ralph a couple of weeks ago and we shared some laughs, be it over the internet via email etc.

I can only send my condolences to his family and hope that the knowledge that he was a real gentleman to me can be of some comfort.

R.I.P Ralph
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Nurse Julie on July 22, 2015, 03:14:42 PM: Hi All.
I will send Ralph's family a copy of all your posts in a couple of days. I know they will find your comments a great comfort. I will also be sending a condolence card on behalf of all his friends on the SOHC forum. Ralph's funeral is on Monday at 10.30 our time.
Regards
Julie x
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Lynx on July 22, 2015, 03:56:32 PM: What sad news. I knew he'd been ill but I didn't realise it was so serious. He'll definitely be missed :'(.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: mick on July 22, 2015, 05:00:47 PM: Thanks for doing that Julie :)
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: martin_uk on July 22, 2015, 07:27:04 PM: Really sorry to hear the shocking news, he was always helpful and willing to assist.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Woodside on July 22, 2015, 08:40:25 PM: Definately will be missed....its funny how someone you have never met can affect your life and outlook...whenever I see "pattern part"...I always think of him
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: BigAl (Alan) on July 23, 2015, 12:08:10 AM: Very, very sad news, my condolences to the family

RIP in 'Bitsa'

Alan
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: MCTID on July 24, 2015, 05:18:25 PM: Hi Folks.......I spotted this Bitsa tank on E Bay today........even when he's not around - he is.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: mick on July 24, 2015, 07:00:38 PM: Nice one MCTID 8)
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: philward on July 24, 2015, 08:20:47 PM: Ive got it on watch for my VX800 Café racer project!
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: kevin 755 on July 25, 2015, 10:10:59 AM: Very sad news, bought some bits and had advice from Ralph over the years, a great guy taken too soon. RIP.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Nurse Julie on July 27, 2015, 07:21:26 AM: Hi All.
It's Bitsa's big send off today, 10.30 our time. I have sent Jane a message saying that we will all be thinking of her and the family.

Julie x
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: hairygit on July 27, 2015, 07:42:05 AM: I for one will be raising a glass or mug and blasting out some Status Quo at 10.30 to toast Bitsa, I'm sure he will never be forgotten by members on here, already sorely missed.😭
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Trigger on July 27, 2015, 08:12:04 AM: He had fun and loved winding up other members and, I loved the banter with him, it was just like playing table tennis at some points. Truly missed :'(
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: hairygit on July 27, 2015, 10:31:38 AM: Farewell Ralph, the Quo is on in your honour!
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Nurse Julie on July 27, 2015, 10:48:54 AM: :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Johnwebley on July 27, 2015, 10:56:12 AM: Quote from: hairygit on July 27, 2015, 10:31:38 AM
Farewell Ralph, the Quo is on in your honour!

R I P Bitsa,thank you for being here
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: tom400f on July 27, 2015, 11:14:39 AM: But remember, sky-borne CB750s are totally original and have not one spot of corrosion 8).
RIP Ralph
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: hairygit on July 27, 2015, 11:22:44 AM: Quote from: tom400f on July 27, 2015, 11:14:39 AM
But remember, sky-borne CB750s are totally original and have not one spot of corrosion 8).
RIP Ralph
And absolutely NO pattern parts or blue exhaust downpipes!
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: mickwinf on July 27, 2015, 06:18:19 PM: just got back from holiday, shocking news.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: andut on July 27, 2015, 07:44:00 PM: Very sad news.

Only been a member for a short while, but in that time its obvious that he was and will continue to be a significant character. Often had to read his posts more than once and found the advice stuck as a result !

A good reminder that life is precious, and some comfort that he found some pleasure from this forum and it's members.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: MeilakJ on July 27, 2015, 10:00:37 PM: I have not known this fellow except for reading a few of his posts . It seems that he has made quite an impact on the forum and for sure be missed

My condolences to his family :-[ :(
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Binman180 on July 29, 2015, 09:19:12 AM: Oh christ, That's a big shame.

My condolences to his family and friends.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Spitfire on July 29, 2015, 02:18:43 PM: I only knew "Bitsa" from his posts as I do check in daily to see what is happening so it was one heck of a shock that he had passed at such a relatively young age, my sincere condolences to his family.

Dennis
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: kettle738 on August 01, 2015, 08:16:40 AM: Only just found this, and it's always a shock to see someone pass so long before their time.

RIP Bitsa.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: bomber on November 03, 2015, 08:24:43 PM: I have just came across this post.
Thought I haven't seen his post for a while...

Hope he is enjoying wine and bikes in a better place.

As the saying goes,
Ride as fast as your guardian angel!

RIP Bitsa
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on December 09, 2016, 07:17:13 AM: Sad day.

I've overtaken one of our most prolific posters.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Nurse Julie on December 19, 2016, 12:47:54 PM: Hi All
We received a Christmas card today from Jane, Ralph (Bitsa's) widow. She is getting on with life the best she can but is obviously still finding it difficult. I have sent her an email back and told her about the creation of 'Bitsa' Day, July 20th, I also told her that not many days go by on the forum without Bitsa's name being mentioned for some reason or another !! I'm waiting for a reply back to the email as it seems she is now living in Kefalonia, Greece but will confirm when I hear from her. I sent Christmas wishes and best regards from all on the SOHC forum.
Julie x
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: RGP750 on December 19, 2016, 02:10:59 PM: Thanks Julie
Never forgotten :-[
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Piki on December 20, 2016, 02:53:50 PM: Great Julie :'(
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Drew400 on December 21, 2016, 10:42:52 AM: Nice one Julie.

Thanks, D.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Nurse Julie on July 20, 2017, 08:51:53 AM: Happy 'Bitsa' day everyone. 2 years ago today Ralph died having lost his battle with Cancer. For those new to the forum, read through some of his old posts to get a glimpse of why he is missed so much. He was one if the grumpiest and argumentative chaps on the forum but had a huge heart and would help anyone if he could.
Miss you loads Ralph.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Trigger on July 20, 2017, 09:04:58 AM: A great man truly missed
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: hairygit on July 20, 2017, 09:09:03 AM: Oddly enough I was in the middle of writing a similar post when your post came in. Yes indeed, 2 long years without our Bitsa, if he's watching down on us, we miss you mate, will never be forgotten by us longer term members, and so often we hear of people's problems with pattern parts! ;D Your posts and humour, while not to everyones taste always bring a smile to my face, and remembering a certain numpty that took offence and left, priceless! ;D ;D ;D Ride free buddy, and Happy Birthday to Trigger as well ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: RGP750 on July 20, 2017, 11:32:31 AM: Yes ,Thinking of you mate, never forgotten.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: paul G on July 20, 2017, 12:12:57 PM: Quote from: Nurse Julie on July 20, 2017, 08:51:53 AM
Happy 'Bitsa' day everyone. 2 years ago today Ralph died having lost his battle with Cancer. For those new to the forum, read through some of his old posts to get a glimpse of why he is missed so much. He was one if the grumpiest and argumentative chaps on the forum but had a huge heart and would help anyone if he could.
Miss you loads Ralph.
Two years bloody hell where has that gone.
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: philward on July 20, 2017, 04:17:01 PM: Exactly what I was thinking Paul! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! (thought that was quite apt for BITSA!)
RIP mate
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Piki on July 20, 2017, 06:51:26 PM: GREAT BITSA!!!
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Green1 on July 20, 2017, 08:33:30 PM: Good old boy even though he was a cantankerous old git ;D
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: hairygit on July 20, 2017, 09:05:35 PM: Quote from: Green1 on July 20, 2017, 08:33:30 PM
Good old boy even though he was a cantankerous old git ;D
But he was no fool, never owned a shitalian bike!

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Green1 on July 20, 2017, 09:15:29 PM: You don't know what your missing Hairy
There's no better buzz then walking over to the bike at the end of a work day 100miles from home not knowing weather it will start.

Love it. ;D
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: hairygit on July 20, 2017, 09:22:20 PM: Quote from: Green1 on July 20, 2017, 09:15:29 PM
You don't know what your missing Hairy
There's no better buzz then walking over to the bike at the end of a work day 100miles from home not knowing weather it will start.

Love it. ;D
Or if the weather is damp or misty if you'll even find a bike or a corroded lump of ally surrounded by rust powder!

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: Green1 on July 20, 2017, 09:28:15 PM: Can't argue with that ::)
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: mick on July 20, 2017, 10:11:19 PM: RIP Bitsa :(
Title: Re: 'BITSA' Ralph Wright- R.I.P.
Post by: JamesH on July 21, 2017, 10:58:23 AM: I think of you everytime I change a spark plug bitsa - the tool you sold me is awesome....