Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on April 20, 2022, 11:31:42 AM
Firstly I need to make some excuses before I set the scene - the sun is out but it's a chilly morning I manoeuver the bike out of the garage I have found my crash helmet in the bedroom wardrobe right at the back - the last time I rode a bike was on the 19th July 2009 when I parted with my XJ900F. I am now 73 yrs 11 months old.
I get my full face crash helmet and do my best to get it over my head I am met with three obstacles, firstly one of my hearing aids falls off and I can't get it over my spectacles that I did not need in 2009 except for reading. Both hearing aids removed with specs, helmet on then I realise I have forgotten how to fasten the strap throught the two loops.
Helmet removed - test run on fastening the straps - helmet on - still can't fasten the chin strap - into house with the aid of a mirror, helmet is now secured - visor up, feed my specs into the helmet now I can see the driveway ahead. Into first gear I ride off with a bit of a learners low speed wobble - can't find second gear or neutral again. Complete my maiden voyage in 1 st gear and back home.
Lack of gears is due to the rear link striking the rear footrest pivot pin - easy enough fix - no problem - no idea why I did not notice that when I replaced the shift lever.
Safely navigate into the garage and dismount from the bike that is on the centre stand again back on the ramp.
As I stride towards the house well not so much a "stride of pride" more of a hobble as both my hips now ache from the cold plus the stress of keeping balance at a steady 10 mph in first gear for a staggering 5 tenths of a mile. Odd thing is I feel strangely elated and youthful provided I do not try to walk for at least 20 minutes whilst the adrenaline wears off.
Despite this iffy virgin ride I am still high on the experience - plus the brakes actually work!
Post by: Sesman on April 20, 2022, 11:40:52 AM
Post by: Bryanj on April 20, 2022, 11:53:44 AM
I know age shows up, i have my second stress test on Friday and finding the treadmill more difficult this time round, buggers neglected to tell me it was every 3 years
Post by: AndyD on April 20, 2022, 11:54:37 AM
Well done getting the bike up and running and total respect for venturing out on her.
Sure you'll have her out and about again soon, reliving those youthful days.
Cheers,
Andy
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on April 20, 2022, 12:00:51 PM
I think thats a fantastic writeup Ted and better luck with the MK 2 testride.
I know age shows up, i have my second stress test on Friday and finding the treadmill more difficult this time round, buggers neglected to tell me it was every 3 years
Just make sure they do not let you get your heartbeat higher than needed during the test. In 2009 after completeing my second Treadmill Test I had my first heart attack in the grounds of the Derby Royal Hospital immediately afterwards - they let my heart rate hit 186 bpm as I was told to stop taking my Beta Blockers 48 hours earlier. They should have terminated the test when I reached 136 I found out later.
Post by: Nurse Julie on April 20, 2022, 12:41:45 PM
Post by: K2-K6 on April 20, 2022, 12:47:49 PM
Post by: Bryanj on April 20, 2022, 01:13:22 PM
Post by: Laverdaroo on April 20, 2022, 01:44:10 PM
Congratulations Ted. It’s a quality test ride account, better than anything I’ve read in the MCN…😀I'll 2nd that! ;D ;D ;D
Bloody marvelous Ted and a top read to boot. Glad you've had the first 'soul reviver' since 2009 (but get yerself a new crash hat that needs binning as its well over ten years old mate!)
First gear or not, it moved....... with you on it after a mammoth effort, good on yer mate. Have a brew and a quiet 'fizz' in a chair and then get out there and write yourself a snagging list of tweeks and fettles, its deffo game on now! 8)
So chuffed you got out make, made me smile from ear to ear;) :) :) :)
Post by: Moorey on April 20, 2022, 02:25:20 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on April 20, 2022, 02:41:37 PM
Congratulations Ted. It’s a quality test ride account, better than anything I’ve read in the MCN…😀I'll 2nd that! ;D ;D ;D
Bloody marvelous Ted and a top read to boot. Glad you've had the first 'soul reviver' since 2009 (but get yerself a new crash hat that needs binning as its well over ten years old mate!)
First gear or not, it moved....... with you on it after a mammoth effort, good on yer mate. Have a brew and a quiet 'fizz' in a chair and then get out there and write yourself a snagging list of tweeks and fettles, its deffo game on now! 8)
So chuffed you got out make, made me smile from ear to ear;) :) :) :)
What I need to replace my £208 Everoak Classic composite crash helmet that I bought at huge expense in 1995 when I bought the XJ?
It will be bad enough when I fork out for new boots & leathers to try & look the part and keep my body temperature the right side of 98.4 F.
Post by: Laverdaroo on April 20, 2022, 02:51:51 PM
I had all my old Arai’s filled with compost and plants and hung them as hanging baskets at one point
What size hoof are you, I’ve loads of boots, some new. (Used to be a buyer for one of the big groups a while ago and got a few samples knocking about I think in the lock up) summut might fit you.
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Post by: Laverda Dave on April 20, 2022, 04:12:28 PM
Time to dump that 27 year old lid though :o. I always find AGV's fit my head just right, Arai's pinch my forehead. Tip if you wear glasses, put the lid on and then feed the glasses in then do up the chin strap, I dont know why but I cannot get my glasses on if I do the chin strap up first.
If you want comfort buy a heated jacket, they wire straight into your battery, get the one with sleeves the vest ones leave your arms cold! And if you can afford it get the controller for it, that way you can turn it up and down easily. I never have mine on above low, its as warm as toast. Mine is a Keis.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on April 20, 2022, 04:14:51 PM
Yup, the very oneI'm a wide size 11 fwiw.
I had all my old Arai’s filled with compost and plants and hung them as hanging baskets at one point
What size hoof are you, I’ve loads of boots, some new. (Used to be a buyer for one of the big groups a while ago and got a few samples knocking about I think in the lock up) summut might fit you.
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Post by: Laverdaroo on April 20, 2022, 04:18:57 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on April 20, 2022, 06:29:03 PM
Great start to your 'Born again' years Ted.
Time to dump that 27 year old lid though :o. I always find AGV's fit my head just right, Arai's pinch my forehead. Tip if you wear glasses, put the lid on and then feed the glasses in then do up the chin strap, I dont know why but I cannot get my glasses on if I do the chin strap up first.
If you want comfort buy a heated jacket, they wire straight into your battery, get the one with sleeves the vest ones leave your arms cold! And if you can afford it get the controller for it, that way you can turn it up and down easily. I never have mine on above low, its as warm as toast. Mine is a Keis.
Thanks for the tips Dave didn't think an old Honda could cope with the load of heated clothing- I have to ask what's wrong with a 27 year old helmet is says BS6658 plus I paid extra for the airtex style leather lining.
Do they somehow loose there structual integrity with age?
Post by: smoothoperator on April 20, 2022, 06:40:06 PM
Eagerly awaiting the adventures of 2nd gear.. well done. 👍Very funny, can't better that. ;D
Post by: Oddjob on April 20, 2022, 06:45:41 PM
I wore the jacket and gloves right through the winter of 2011 as I had to use the bike for a 30 mile commute to work, then 30 back. They were great. However that was on my 1300 and I severely doubt the 400 would cope with the extra demand although there is an uprated generator available which doubles the output. Costs around £500 though.
They reckon UV degrades the helmet but if it's been in a wardrobe it may still be ok. Just don't fall off and test it and you'll be fine.
Post by: Seabeowner on April 20, 2022, 07:30:27 PM
Post by: Johnny4428 on April 20, 2022, 10:16:20 PM
Post by: Spitfire on April 21, 2022, 10:35:13 AM
In the end bought an open face AGV which worked great with glasses, then trying to get headphones for my sat nav that worked despite the tinitus.
All worth it though, so looking forward to hearing about ride number 2.
Cheers
Dennis
Post by: Oddjob on April 21, 2022, 01:56:06 PM
I use a Shoei X-Spirit 2 & 3 and both are ok with glasses. The 3 is really good with inbuilt headphones as well.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on April 21, 2022, 03:21:11 PM
Bike fired up with plenty of popping and banging (note to self:- check the timing dynamically next) plus there could be some slight exhuast leaks up at the clamp ends. Now with an additional five forward gears get it into third gear all is well until I become aware that I can see less and less out of the front of the helmet. I had my summer hair cut last week at No:2 so start to assume that the helmet is short of top hair padding.
Now it's full on Benny Hill as the helmet continues to fall further down almost covering my eyes completely - at this point the inside of my Visor is like a mini sand storm and there is dust in my eyes so I have to come to a standstill. I notice what looks like bright yellow Dandruff on my shoulders and can taste something powdery in my mouth.
I slowly ride back home with my helmet fully back at a jaunty angle. On taking off my crash hat a huge circle of yellow padding falls onto the kitchen worktop.
Yes I need a new helmet as the inside is now in the bin as is the rest of it.
Amendment/Update my oddometer now reads a heady 1.4 miles - now need to wait until the weekend when I plan to buy a new crash hat.
Post by: Johnny4428 on April 21, 2022, 06:09:17 PM
Post by: Nurse Julie on April 21, 2022, 06:30:13 PM
Post by: Moorey on April 21, 2022, 09:44:49 PM
Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on May 17, 2022, 06:11:42 PM
Post Covid my right eye has been causing me issues but am happy to report that the condition seems to be easing on it's own albeit at a glacial melting pace.
Yesterday had a visit to Dermatology to have an "iffy" mole removed from the middle of my belly. I kid you not it was barely 2 mm in diameter. Painless procedure with only 5 sutures needed to close the resulting quarry dig. Clearly it would be stupid to ride the bike until its healed up. Appointment for stitches to be removed on the 27th May so if its a clean heal I'll be looking for a dry warm day on or about 30th May 2022.
Watch this post for what will be a long awaited trip from Derby to Ashbourne & back.
Post by: Spitfire on May 18, 2022, 12:45:40 PM
My late father in law had one on his head which my daughter did not like the look of so she asked her doctor colleague to have a look at it and it turned out to be cancerous and was duly cut out.
Hope the next ride goes well.
Cheers
Dennis
Post by: Moorey on May 19, 2022, 11:45:23 AM
The trouble with waiting is the clock keeps ticking. ;)
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on May 20, 2022, 04:45:19 PM
At the moment my body is telling me to wait never mind the life clock running down!
The trouble with waiting is the clock keeps ticking. ;)
Just wearing my seat belt is uncomfortable as the diagonal part of the belt pulls on the scar.
Bruising is still coming out hence tenderness / soreness. Currently no sign of infection or bleeding so fair progress for my age.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on May 27, 2022, 05:11:27 PM
Tbh wound still feels too raw for sneaking a ride out without permission from the Boss - really annoying as it's brilliant sunshine here in Derby.
Post by: Sesman on May 27, 2022, 09:01:38 PM
Actually take it easy and report back.
Waiting……..
Post by: Moorey on May 28, 2022, 07:34:00 PM
Nothing ventured nothing gained, it will soon be the longest day then rundown to Christmas. ;D
Post by: Laverdaroo on May 29, 2022, 01:47:39 PM
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Post by: Nurse Julie on May 29, 2022, 02:02:25 PM
Away Ted, we’re all gagging to hear how she lifts up in third gear off the throttle passed the private girl’s school gate!😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂
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Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on May 29, 2022, 06:21:49 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on May 29, 2022, 06:23:17 PM
Away Ted, we’re all gagging to hear how she lifts up in third gear off the throttle passed the private girl’s school gate!😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂
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Your living in the past Laverdaroo its a co-ed now. 😂😂😂
Post by: Laverdaroo on May 29, 2022, 06:29:16 PM
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Post by: mike the bike on May 29, 2022, 08:18:50 PM
Sitting astride the bike, in 2nd, clutch in, my mate pushing for all his worth, I let the clutch out and.....
Huh? What?
I hadn't refitted the chain 😀
Post by: Laverdaroo on May 29, 2022, 11:32:24 PM
I once bought a 400four that needed a lot doing to get it going. After a week of fettling, it was time to test it. The battery wasn't up to much in the way of spinning the engine so a mate offered to assist. My road had bit of a downhill slope to it, which helped.Priceless, quieter than electric
Sitting astride the bike, in 2nd, clutch in, my mate pushing for all his worth, I let the clutch out and.....
Huh? What?
I hadn't refitted the chain
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Post by: Matt_Harrington on May 31, 2022, 08:38:13 AM
I once bought a 400four that needed a lot doing to get it going. After a week of fettling, it was time to test it. The battery wasn't up to much in the way of spinning the engine so a mate offered to assist. My road had bit of a downhill slope to it, which helped.
Sitting astride the bike, in 2nd, clutch in, my mate pushing for all his worth, I let the clutch out and.....
Huh? What?
I hadn't refitted the chain 😀
Ha, that made me laugh!
Matt
Post by: 400 Cafe Racer on June 03, 2022, 04:23:08 PM
You can't rush a 74 Yr old body that's already doing it's best to heal ASAP.
Hi Ted,
Just a catch up.
Hope you are soon sorted mate, up and running, firing on all cylinders !!
All the best
Dennis
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 12, 2022, 01:51:37 PM
Pre-flight checks found a small wet area of brake fluid where the banjo union sits at the bottom of the block where the brake lamp switch fits. Nipped up a union, wiped off fluid drip (Dot 5.0). Engine started followed by a clang as a small dome nut fell off at the front from the speedometer fixing area onto the bike ramp. Nut re-fitted to speedo all four clock nuts nipped up a liitle more.
Had a bit of a faffle getting my helmet strap to tighten up, boots & jacket on - Chihuhuas secured in conservatory, engine warmed up slightly, drive gates opened, into first gear and away.
To build up my confidence I did the short loop of the housing estate behind me managing to get into third all good.
Out onto the main road and away managing to find all six gears starting to realise that the engine really likes to be at 4k revs if possible. After a brief wait at some traffic lights I became aware of a horrible sound as I moved away that I was not at all happy with - turned out to be split face visor wind vibration noise thank goodness. Only did just over four miles so now have a total of 5.4 miles on the clock.....wow.
Only thing I am not happy with is there is still some popping & banging from the exhuast that needs to be sorted - I'll probably leave that until I have done some more miles. I arrived back home wearing a big grin trying to understand why I had been procrastinating for the last four days.
The plan now is to do some gradually longer runs to build up confidence in myself & the bike before Crich Show - absolutely loving the Daytona Boots.
Post by: Sesman on June 12, 2022, 02:02:14 PM
Glad you have finally Broken your duck.
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on June 12, 2022, 02:38:32 PM
Post by: Johnny4428 on June 12, 2022, 07:48:32 PM
Post by: smoothoperator on June 12, 2022, 08:26:12 PM
Post by: Laverda Dave on June 12, 2022, 08:38:46 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 12, 2022, 10:18:50 PM
Good news Ted. You should leave the exhaust popping and banging as it is a) Badass and b) We'll know it's you arriving at Crich!
I'm optimistically thinking its the nature of the Motad system - no knowing if the PO had tinkered with the inside?
Post by: Moorey on June 12, 2022, 11:53:09 PM
Post by: Nurse Julie on June 13, 2022, 08:12:36 AM
Post by: Spitfire on June 13, 2022, 11:25:06 AM
Cheers
Dennis
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 14, 2022, 11:48:55 AM
This morning I did a run to Ashbourne & back primarily on the A52 this section is a two way road with a 50 mph limit along most of it so my speedometer now reads 32 miles in total. I managed to get into top gear on the odd section but found myself having to drop down to third gear on the very hilly sections to retain anything close to 40/50 mph. The ride remided me very much of my old Honda 250 Dream S.S. that would loose speed on a flat road with a head wind unless I dropped a gear or two.
I did feel as though I was riding a moped not a four cylinder 400 cc Honda. Not sure if I have some fueling issues as opening the throttle fully did not seem to make it go any faster up a slight gradient dropping a gear seemed the only way to maintain 50 mph for most of the journey. I'm a tad under 15 stone so I do not think it's my weight. I know I can't compare it to my XJ900 but I feel a bit underwhelmed today in terms of performance.
On one de-restricted section of my route I managed 60 mph in 5th but the approaching bend meant I could not safely go any faster. Luckily the current lack of performance suits me as I build up my riding confidence, I feel pretty sure my float levels might be too low or the in line fuel filter is causing me an issue. I am minded to get a few more miles on the clock before I start tinkering with things - a check of the spark plug colour might be a starting point.
I might try a run on the local dual carriageway to see if I can build up to somewhere near 70 mph in top gear assuming the revs at that speed are below 6k.
Despite all this I had a huge grin on my face when I arrived back home.
Post by: SeanFD on June 14, 2022, 12:11:28 PM
I once bought a 400four that needed a lot doing to get it going. After a week of fettling, it was time to test it. The battery wasn't up to much in the way of spinning the engine so a mate offered to assist. My road had bit of a downhill slope to it, which helped.
Sitting astride the bike, in 2nd, clutch in, my mate pushing for all his worth, I let the clutch out and.....
Huh? What?
I hadn't refitted the chain 😀
Laughed out loud! Who hasn’t done something similar?
Post by: Nurse Julie on June 14, 2022, 12:15:12 PM
If you read the last knocking of my rebuild thread, I explained there how and at what mileage it started loosening off.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 15, 2022, 01:46:35 PM
What you have described above Ted is exactly how my 400/4 was after the engine rebuild. The engine felt heavy, tight and slow (in comparison to how it felt before the rebuild). It took a good 500 miles for things to start loosening off and even then, the performance was not staggering. But, all of a sudden, at about 1200 miles IIRC, the engine loosened off and she was a flying machine. Regular up and down the gearbox is a normal state of affairs for the 400/4 even when fully run in. At this stage, with your bike, regular gear changes are advisable. Just keep riding it and I'm sure it will perform better as you increase the mileage.
If you read the last knocking of my rebuild thread, I explained there how and at what mileage it started loosening off.
Today my odometer reads a total of 63.7 miles I did a run to Ashbourne turning back at Mayfield, tbh I found the engine seemed noticeably better at maintaning speed compared to yesterday - not huge but enough to notice the odd undulation did not slow me down as much. Thanks NJ you are spot on with your comments so far.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 16, 2022, 06:35:30 PM
Post by: Oddjob on June 16, 2022, 07:15:53 PM
Post by: K2-K6 on June 16, 2022, 07:31:37 PM
Not that I've ever done that in rush our on London's south circular :-[ and a two mile push to get more fuel :-\ oh no sir, not me.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 16, 2022, 07:37:07 PM
31mpg is pretty bad Ted, you should get over 50mpg on a 400.
I agree I suspect that its as a result of the running in period going up and down the gearbox all the time plus the popping & banging isn't getting any better. I'm pretty much maintaining close to 4k rpm so that might be to blame.
I have established that there are no exhuast leaks at the maniold/cylinder head end of the front pipes pipes or where the four pipes go into the silencer all the noise is out of the silencer end I can feel the shock wave at the tail pipe.
My system is a newish Motad one that came with the bike I'm planning to remove the plugs soon to see how they look currently have only done 115 miles so will wait until I've done a more sensible run probably when I reach 150 miles..
Clean exhaust no smoke of any colour.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 16, 2022, 07:44:22 PM
Good progress Ted. Make sure you switch the petrol back to main tank when you fill up else you get a nice surprise next time it goes to "reserve".
Not that I've ever done that in rush our on London's south circular :-[ and a two mile push to get more fuel :-\ oh no sir, not me.
I made the same mistake when I borrowed my Mums car as a teenager - it was a Triumph Herald - the fuel tap had been left in the reserve position (by me)! Too heavy to push ran out on a country lane where I knocked on a house door in darkness and asked if I could phone home - once they knew I was a local not a criminal it all went well. My Dad was not impressed - I had to treat my Mum to a free tankful - cost less than £2.50 in 1966.
Post by: Oddjob on June 16, 2022, 09:37:58 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 28, 2022, 02:01:08 PM
Not sure if it's me still being a bit tense as I ride or my riding position on the seat. In reality I'm also a bit long in the leg for a 400 as I'm 6ft 1in tall with a 33" inside leg.
One thing I did notice was how bad some of the roads are for potholes & poor repairs the bumpy ride probably did not help.
I'm having another minor operation on the 16th August to removes some more tissue from a nasty belly mole so I need to get a few more miles on the bike before then as it will mean no riding for 4-6 weeks. Just need the weather to hold for the next two weeks - I timed my ride today just right as it started to speckle with rain as I put the bike away for the day.
Post by: Oddjob on July 28, 2022, 02:07:22 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 28, 2022, 02:25:26 PM
I'd say the 500 is a better fit for a tall person like yourself Ted. The 400 was always a ladies bike to me ::) ::)
I always knew it was on the small side when I bought it - for the mileage I am likely to cover I might just live with it unless a 500 project comes my way.
Strange as my old Honda 250 Dream seemed comfortable but then I was a lot younger & more supple as a teenager or the 250 frame was bigger?
Post by: Sesman on July 28, 2022, 03:49:04 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 28, 2022, 04:47:52 PM
Out of interest, I have a 500 four for sale….
Can you PM me the price with some history please?
It will probably be out of my budget but if I don't ask I will never know.
Do you have some photos you can e-mail to me - macabethiele@gmail.com
Post by: Sesman on July 28, 2022, 05:14:57 PM
I’ll do it tomorrow.
Cheers
Post by: SPR on July 31, 2022, 07:25:57 AM
I sympathise with the locking hips ... I suffer from that and when I had the Ducati used to think the day would come when I got to the destination and just fell over rather than dismounting :)
Simon
Post by: Laverdaroo on July 31, 2022, 12:28:31 PM
Didnt drop it but nearly! Sold, I didnt want to drop it, it cost me too much money! :-\