It was getting so little use that, despite the emotional tie, it had to go. So it did, but to an enthusiast, so that’s ok!
The MX-5 has gone…
Author Archives: admin
Storage, need storage!
I’ve been sorting out the garage as its getting a little untidy (cough), so I’ve gone for the ‘more drawers the better’ approach. I’ll need to develop an app to find things, or maybe a voice activated LED for each drawer. But first I’ll try colour coding (which isn’t really a good idea for me, but got to start somewhere).
Getting a bit tacky!
I need to repair the bodywork on my LE Velocette as it came with a couple of cracks. These cracks could get bigger if not fixed, so I decided to fix them by tack welding them shut using a MIG welder. Now I just have to learn how to do it!
It’s nice to seem so attractive!
Hello and welcome to my little WordPress site! It’s so nice to have you here. I must say that all my efforts appear to be not in vain as my site seems very attractive, especially to some Americans – they spend so much time and effort trying to break into it. Amazing. Unfortunately for them, and obviously unlike them, I’m not a dullard, so they can’t break through even the very simple initial defences that this site has in place. In fact, their attempts are both simultaneously very simple and very wasted. But, dear would-be hacker, please do keep up the attacks as it amuses me that people (or maybe you’re some robots, it doesn’t matter) have the time to waste on these activities, and the more time that you’re wasting trying to attack my inoffensive little site the less time you have to get into the sites that really matter. Keep it up 🙂 – I’ll miss you when you’re gone, but not a lot.
Your friendly host, Ian.
A ‘New’ motorcycle!
Well, I finally gave in to peer pressure and I’ve bought another road bike! Being of the older persuasion I’ve gone for what is perceived to be an oldies motorcycle, a 2016 Honda NC750S. It’s a DCT model, meaning an automatic gearbox and clutch, so easy riding ahead. I’m really looking forward to putting some miles on this. Currently I’m working on getting a satnav system installed on it, probably using an old iPhone I have. More on this bike here.
Ball Bearings
They’re the unsung hero of most of the machines we love. Here’s a great little video on how they’re made. So, how come they’re so cheap?
Youtube video here
Apologies
There have been no updates from me recently, and I’ve really wanted to get some done, but I’ve been so busy working on getting my Boxford lathe built that I just haven’t had the time. I’ve near as dammit finished the lathe now, so watch out for frequent updates on what I’ve done and what I’ve found out. Hopefully the lathe owners, or budding owners, who read this will enjoy what I’ve done. I’ve very happy to have got it together, literally!
Got a lathe!!
An opportunity I just couldn’t resist. Follow my travails as I try to get an old unloved Boxford lathe back into operation…. Click here to start the journey with me.
Got an LE Velocette!
2019 and I’ve started a blog on the development of my project LE Velocette. Want to find out more? Then click on the “LE Velocette” link in the menu above or click here: LE Velocette
Fantic Casa – The Best Ever Trail Bike?
March 2019
Although I’ve really enjoyed riding my Yamaha Serow, I’ve come to the conclusion it really is just too small for me, so I have bitten the bullet and sold it. I did a lot of investigation for my next trail bike, trying very hard to stay away from bikes aimed at enduro competition use, and short-listed a few:
- Beta 350RR
- KTM Freeride 350
- Fantic Casa 250
- Honda CRF250L
- Honda CRF450L
The deciding specs were seat height, weight, fuel capacity/consumption and maintenance schedule. Then further short-listed by sitting on and testing the ergonomics. Finally, I settled on the Fantic Casa 250, in my opinion it having the best balance of comfort, seat height, weight, tank size, quietness and maintenance schedule. Note that power was not a consideration – the chase for power either ends up with an increase in weight and/or a decrease in drivability. Enough power is enough (which I think is part of the Fantic marketing phraseology!).
And, of course, its low price played in its favour, too!!
So I bought a second-hand one at the end of 2018, a fuel injected (EFI) model (that aspect driven by my recent carburettor induced pains!). I haven’t done many trail rides on it yet, probably no more than 40 miles altogether, but I think it’s great, spot on for what I need for trail riding. The power is enough (climbs everything ok), the seat is the right height (easy to get on and get feet on the ground), the suspension nicely balanced between soft for comfort and firm for stability and the ergonomics are spot on. Just what I was looking for.
But it’s not been problem-free. At first it was very hard to start. This was traced to a loose cold-start relay. And later it stopped mid-trail. This was traced to a bad connection on the fuel pump relay. So electrics may be an issue (well, it is Italian!), and what should have improved reliability (the fuel injection system) has proven to be unreliable. I’m now entering into a bout of cleaning and waterproofing the electrics to cure this and make it the bike it should be. More later.
One minor point is that I don’t think the weight is as low as claimed – 104kg claimed, while I measured (on my trusty bathroom scales) more like 120kg. A big difference, not all explained by the full fuel tank. I’ll be down to my local MoT station soon to double check this ?
Some pics….
The seat height is right for me.
It looks the business. 
Good out on the trail (this is the Pilgrims Way).
Fantic understand!
Quite a good looking bike. 
This is where the engine cut-out… ?
Having EFI, and therefore a computer, it also has a usable OBD connector! That was a nice surprise.
