Lunch, central Welly, Tuesday 30 November

[jrandom]

Righto you lot.

I'll be turning up at Wellington airport at 11:30am on the above date to pick up me new boike. Transport deals were available, but after three bikeless weeks, I couldn't wait the extra few days.

I need to be home by teatime-ish, so I'll be fanging it (only for 110kph values of fanging, of course) straight back up SH1 :crybaby: by about 1:30-2:00.

A KBer who shall be ever blessed with good karma as a result has offered to store my steed over the weekend, pick me up from the airport and take me to it. May large numbers of 2005-model YZF-R1s fall gently from the sky and land in her driveway...

In any case, I'm not overly drenched with spare hours, but it'd be criminal not to hook up with whichever Welly KBers are able to escape work for an hour, grab a bite and/or pint and tell some tall stories.

I have no idea about where's good and not too far out of the way, etc, so suggestions are welcome from anyone who can attend.

[Antallica]

New bike? I must have missed something?

[James Deuce]

Righto you lot.

I'll be turning up at Wellington airport at 11:30am on the above date to pick up me new boike. Transport deals were available, but after three bikeless weeks, I couldn't wait the extra few days.

I need to be home by teatime-ish, so I'll be fanging it (only for 110kph values of fanging, of course) straight back up SH1 :crybaby: by about 1:30-2:00.

A KBer who shall be ever blessed with good karma as a result has offered to store my steed over the weekend, pick me up from the airport and take me to it. May large numbers of 2005-model YZF-R1s fall gently from the sky and land in her driveway...

In any case, I'm not overly drenched with spare hours, but it'd be criminal not to hook up with whichever Welly KBers are able to escape work for an hour, grab a bite and/or pint and tell some tall stories.

I have no idea about where's good and not too far out of the way, etc, so suggestions are welcome from anyone who can attend.

You want nice stuff or Pub Fare??

Oh, and count me in!!

In fact I'll see if I can get a half day off to ride north with you and we'll go out through the Hutt and over the Haywards and the Paekak hill rd so you get at least a bit of fun on the way.

[jrandom]

Ant - I've bought Blakamin's old Zeal.

Weird how we both upgraded within a few weeks, eh?

Jim - I don't really mind where, so long as the food is digestible and emerges from behind the counter with a minimum of delay; I won't be drinking anything alcomaholic myself before a 7-hour ride on an unfamiliar bike, in any case.

And it'd be absolutely fab if you want to head oop norf with me. (Hey, if it's raining, we can be the Parka Boys.)

I might even be tempted to go non-SH1 if t'locals can show me a just-as-quick route that's more picture-askew... and just before I post this I see you've edited in some suggestions along those lines, so it sounds like a plan to me :niceone:

[Antallica]

Haha we've both got similar bikes again. It's a naked isn't it?

Right on brother!

[Hitcher]

Keep me posted regarding time and venue. The Zeal Alumni Association of Wellington will make an appearance if at all humanly possible.

[James Deuce]

Jim - I don't really mind where, so long as the food is digestible and emerges from behind the counter with a minimum of delay; I won't be drinking anything alcomaholic myself before a 7-hour ride on an unfamiliar bike, in any case.


Right then - the next question is - how well do you know Wellington?

Do you like Excellent Malaysian food?

[jrandom]

Right then - the next question is - how well do you know Wellington?

I don't.


Do you like Excellent Malaysian food?

There are very few things I don't like, and even fewer I won't eat.

Slipstream, my chauffeur (one of the resident Francophiles can tell me what that word should be in her case) had a couple of ideas earlier today, but I don't know exactly where they were...

[Paul in NZ]

I'll see what I'm up to that day as well.. Sounds something like fun.. I remember fun... It was ... well.... FUN!

Paul N

[Ms Piggy]

Would love to meet up but I only get a stinkin' half hour for lunch. :disapint:

[Hitcher]

One of those kebab places in Manners Mall would be cheap, nutritious and delicious... Not to mention convenient and, well, fun!

Where is said Zeal to be uplifted from?

[jrandom]

Where is said Zeal to be uplifted from?

Said chauffeur will have it from Saturday onwards in her gargre.

I had to do it that way, you see; the seller is up in some inconvenient Bob-forsaken place near the coast where no decent KBer would ever hang out :devil2:

[jrandom]

Would love to meet up but I only get a stinkin' half hour for lunch. :disapint:

There *must* be a way...

[Ms Piggy]

There *must* be a way...
Hmmmmmmm - well I work on Boulcott St, the Willis St end. So if everyone wanted to convenen sonmewhere like...Neos or Sardines maybe I could be persuaded and my Team Leader :)

Is that possible for everyone?

[James Deuce]

Slipstream, my chauffeur (one of the resident Francophiles can tell me what that word should be in her case) had a couple of ideas earlier today, but I don't know exactly where they were...

Get her to post the ideas and we'll try and figure out a middle ground.

[jrandom]

Well, it'd be nice for CSL not to miss out.

If the places she can get to are OK, and the rest of you can turn up there, that sounds like a good plan to me...

Only caveat - in case Slipstream doesn't find the thread before we settle on the place, I should mention that it'll probably need to be reasonably kiddie-friendly for her sidekick.

Jeez.

KB lunch meets - it's like herding cats, isn't it? :apint:

[riffer]

Yeah, I'll be in too for the lunchtime ...

And as I usually never take lunch, I've got a whole load of lunch hours in store.

[Blakamin]

I had to do it that way, you see; the seller is up in some inconvenient Bob-forsaken place near the coast where no decent KBer would ever hang out :devil2:
hmmmmmmmm <_<


I will be either In town to meet you guys (depending on work or lack of it)
OR.... I will be at some inconvenient Bob-forsaken place near the coast where no decent KBer would ever hang out :bash: working until 1... then having an hours lunch

[Ms Piggy]

Well, it'd be nice for CSL not to miss out.

If the places she can get to are OK, and the rest of you can turn up there, that sounds like a good plan to me...

Only caveat - in case Slipstream doesn't find the thread before we settle on the place, I should mention that it'll probably need to be reasonably kiddie-friendly for her sidekick.

Jeez.

KB lunch meets - it's like herding cats, isn't it? :apint:
I thought it more like sheep actually, I'll go where he goes...

Actually the suggestion made by Hitcher sounds good. In Manners Mall there's a place called Kebabaholic. We could all meet there b/c it's quite roomie and from memory Sardine & Neos are both quite small & noisey - we don't want to have to compete!

Now what time would it be? Then I can grease my Team Leader. :)

[merv]

I'm usually a starter for lunch but on 30th I'm at a staff member farewell.

I meet regularly for lunch with some KBers up Waring Taylor St end of town as CSL knows (she's been to our haunt) and wouldn't mind meeting up the other end of town from time to time - I can be pretty flexible with lunch hour, just not on the 30th. Another week maybe.

[jrandom]

Actually the suggestion made by Hitcher sounds good. In Manners Mall there's a place called Kebabaholic. We could all meet there b/c it's quite roomie and from memory Sardine & Neos are both quite small & noisey - we don't want to have to compete!

Right. Done. Let's call it Kebabaholic, then, unless anyone comes up with a stunningly better plan.


Now what time would it be? Then I can grease my Team Leader. :)

Better make it on the dot at 12. Shouldn't take me more than half an hour after the plane turns up to get there, I'm sure. I want to get on the road ASAP after lunch. Slipstream was going to give me a tour but if we're all getting lunch I won't have time for much else, I 'spec.

You coming for a ride then, Jim?

[rodgerd]

I thought it more like sheep actually, I'll go where he goes...

Actually the suggestion made by Hitcher sounds good. In Manners Mall there's a place called Kebabaholic. We could all meet there b/c it's quite roomie and from memory Sardine & Neos are both quite small & noisey - we don't want to have to compete!


Oooooooh. Kebabaholic is deeeeeeelicious.

[Hitcher]

Diary locked and loaded. Will perambulate in a largely southerly direction to collide with said venue at scheduled time. Top stuff!

[Slipstream]

Right. Done. Let's call it Kebabaholic


Mmmmm Kebabalicious :)

As for the tour dude...It's Wellington, checkout a postcard or two and you've practically seen it ;) :P

When you and your lady are next in town, I'll babysit so you guys can explore the un postcard sites :)

[F5 Dave]

Will check diary close to day, might make it in. if not have a good ride.

[jrandom]

When you and your lady are next in town, I'll babysit so you guys can explore the un postcard sites :)

w00t!

She'll probably like it too much and start whinging about moving down. I'm already fending off regular remarks about how much nicer it'd be if I worked out of the Chch office for a bit.

But as of today I can just point my finger at our mortgage balance and falling house prices, and take refuge in financial arguments. Muahahahaha! Leave civilisation? Not I!

[jrandom]

Bugger me (figuratively speaking), but Protecta are pretty good, aren't they?

$370 fully comp on the Zeal as of five minutes ago.

At that price, it'll almost be a shame not to crash it.

[Ms Piggy]

Right. Done. Let's call it Kebabaholic, then, unless anyone comes up with a stunningly better plan.

Better make it on the dot at 12. Shouldn't take me more than half an hour after the plane turns up to get there, I'm sure. I want to get on the road ASAP after lunch. Slipstream was going to give me a tour but if we're all getting lunch I won't have time for much else, I 'spec.

Righto! About to send a greasey email to the Team Leader :yes:

[Blakamin]

Bugger me (figuratively speaking), but Protecta are pretty good, aren't they?

$370 fully comp on the Zeal as of five minutes ago.

At that price, it'll almost be a shame not to crash it.
yeah...why not!!! a zeal wrecking party!
I cant remember if I ever had it insured......hmmm

[James Deuce]

You coming for a ride then, Jim?

I've put the request in, but both tiers of management are away.

You will know anon.

[Velox]

Sounds good - I'll pop in for a bite and to say howdy! :wavey:

[Mr Skid]

Bugger me (figuratively speaking), but Protecta are pretty good, aren't they?

$370 fully comp on the Zeal as of five minutes ago.

At that price, it'll almost be a shame not to crash it.

Have you checked out the excess on their policy?

25% of value in a single vehicle accident + $250 extra for learners/restricted licence.

20% of value in a multiple vehicle accident (under 25) + $250 extra for learners/restricted licence.

I'd try not to crash it it I were you.. :eek:

[Blakamin]

Have you checked out the excess on their policy?

25% of value in a single vehicle accident + $250 extra for learners/restricted licence.

20% of value in a multiple vehicle accident (under 25) + $250 extra for learners/restricted licence.

I'd try not to crash it it I were you.. :eek:
would it be single vehicle if it exploded at a petrol station??? :bleh:

coulda used it to test a theory :2thumbsup :lol:

[riffer]

Have you checked out the excess on their policy?

25% of value in a single vehicle accident + $250 extra for learners/restricted licence.

20% of value in a multiple vehicle accident (under 25) + $250 extra for learners/restricted licence.

I'd try not to crash it it I were you.. :eek:

Boy oh boy am I glad I'm getting old... $30 a month fully comprehensive for my fizzer, $250 excess. AMI.

[Ms Piggy]

The kebab place is called Abrakebabrah (sp) sorry (not Kebabaholic), it's is in Manners Mall about half way along, same side as Dick Smiths.

[jrandom]

Have you checked out the excess on their policy?

25% of value in a single vehicle accident + $250 extra for learners/restricted licence.

20% of value in a multiple vehicle accident (under 25) + $250 extra for learners/restricted licence.

I'd try not to crash it it I were you.. :eek:

That's horrendous. I didn't know about that, since I haven't received the policy documents with the details yet.

I might switch back to AMI... that 'cover' from Protecta isn't, really. What's the point of insurance without a fixed excess? *Particularly* in the case of third party claims.

[Mr Skid]

That's horrendous. I didn't know about that, since I haven't received the policy documents with the details yet.

I might switch back to AMI... that 'cover' from Protecta isn't, really. What's the point of insurance without a fixed excess? *Particularly* in the case of third party claims.

I get the impression that Protecta are the 'National Auto Club' of motorbike insurance..

I had full insurance with Protecta (sic) but have cancelled it, and gone 3rd party only.

I figure I can spend the difference on a back protector, on the basis that if I binned the bike badly enough to write it off, that it would be the least of my concerns..

[Ms Piggy]

Bugger me (figuratively speaking), but Protecta are pretty good, aren't they?

$370 fully comp on the Zeal as of five minutes ago.

At that price, it'll almost be a shame not to crash it.
I'm with Protecta - they were the only 1 that would cover me for fire & theft as well as 3rd party. :niceone:

[jrandom]

I'm with Protecta - they were the only 1 that would cover me for fire & theft as well as 3rd party. :niceone:

But... what about that '25%' excess, which presumably applies to third-party claims?

What happens when you run into the back of a Ferrari? 75% cover on a $20,000 repair bill is still going to leave you up the creek.

Obviously it's still better than nothing, and I guess you're just paying less money to accept more risk, so... meh. Pays to be aware, though.

[Ms Piggy]

But... what about that '25%' excess, which presumably applies to third-party claims?

What happens when you run into the back of a Ferrari? 75% cover on a $20,000 repair bill is still going to leave you up the creek.

Obviously it's still better than nothing, and I guess you're just paying less money to accept more risk, so... meh. Pays to be aware, though.
Yes I saw that :eek5: Must admit I hadn't really thought about that. I guess I was more thinking about my bike getting nicked or burnt by a DH.

[jrandom]

Yes I saw that :eek5: Must admit I hadn't really thought about that.

Yeah. Third party liability where I'm at fault is always my biggest worry. I mean, if I trash my commuter bike, I'm down a max of, say, two or three grand, but the cost of the damage I can theoretically cause to *other* stuff in the process is almost unlimited. It's the Lambo or Bentley pulling out unexpectedly (and they DO) scenario that worries me.

[matthewt]

Right. Done. Let's call it Kebabaholic, then, unless anyone comes up with a stunningly better plan.

I should be able to make it as well. Probably can't do the ride but can certainly scoff down a kebab.

[Mr Skid]

But... what about that '25%' excess, which presumably applies to third-party claims?

What happens when you run into the back of a Ferrari? 75% cover on a $20,000 repair bill is still going to leave you up the creek.

Obviously it's still better than nothing, and I guess you're just paying less money to accept more risk, so... meh. Pays to be aware, though.


:Offtopic: I've had a look over the policy, and the excess is 25% of the sun insured. So if you happen to rear end John Bank's Bently while agressively lane splitting on the way to work on your Zeal insured for say $4000, then your excess would be $1000 + $250.

The cheaper the bike, the lower the excess, subject to a minimum $250 excess on a <=$1000 bike.

However if you've got a $10,000 bike, then you'd be looking at a $2500 excess before any additional excesses on their policy.


As mentioned previously, it is my honest opinion that Protecta will insure anybody on anything, but they jack up the excess to discourage claims.

[jrandom]

:Offtopic:

It's my party... er, thread, and I'll cry and/or change the subject if I want to.


I've had a look over the policy, and the excess is 25% of the sun insured.

Well, that's fine, then. I'll stop worrying.

And on a < 4K bike the excess ends up much the same as what I can get elsewhere, in any case. CSL and I are probably in the small demographic that can actually get decent benefits from that policy.

[Ms Piggy]

And on a < 4K bike the excess ends up much the same as what I can get elsewhere, in any case. CSL and I are probably in the small demographic that can actually get decent benefits from that policy. :2thumbsup Phew - only got back to read this today, thanks for checking that out.

[jrandom]

At this point I'd just like to note:

(1) it's sunny outside,

(2) I haven't ridden for three weeks,

(3) I don't get my bike for another 48 hours,

(4) WAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

:crybaby:

[James Deuce]

You're here for sympathy aren't you?

Well stop whining you big baby! :)

Looking forward to meeting you.

[jrandom]

You're here for sympathy aren't you?

Yes.


Well stop whining you big baby! :)

Snuffle. Snuffle.


Looking forward to meeting you.

I'm uglier than I sound.

[Hitcher]

I'm uglier than I sound.
We'll be the judge of that!

[Blakamin]

So are the final plans organised????
where is there bike parking near this place?
(who picked a MALL?????)
can i actually ride my bike up it?
I really dont like leaving the Duc unattended in the middle of welly! :crybaby:
(Havent been able to afford a lock yet)

[Hitcher]

So are the final plans organised????
where is there bike parking near this place?
(who picked a MALL?????)
can i actually ride my bike up it?
I really dont like leaving the Duc unattended in the middle of welly! :crybaby:
(Havent been able to afford a lock yet)
Yes, you can ride up the mall. You can even sit on your bike and eat your kebab if you want.

[Blakamin]

Yes, you can ride up the mall. You can even sit on your bike and eat your kebab if you want.
YAY... thats alright then... (probably would have anyway)
see everyone at 12 then
:niceone:

[MrMelon]

So where's kebabaholic?
doh.. stupid internet freezing up on me and making me think i hadn't posted.

[MrMelon]

Hey it's Arbakebabra not Kebabaholic isn't it? I'll see you guys there at 12ish.

[Hitcher]

Hey it's Arbakebabra not Kebabaholic isn't it? I'll see you guys there at 12ish.
Abrakebabra it is indeed.

[Ms Piggy]

Abrakebabra it is indeed.
Jaz & I will see ya'll soon. :niceone:

[rodgerd]

So where's kebabaholic?
doh.. stupid internet freezing up on me and making me think i hadn't posted.

Next to Dick Smith's in Manners Mall, basically.

[Ms Piggy]

Well aparrt from the Guest of Honour arriving really, realy late it was all good.

He admitted that he omitted a little detail when telling his wife that he was collectling his new bike i.e.That the bike is in Wellington!! :lol:

Good to meet ya Dan and a few other KBers that I hadn't met before.

Hope you have a great ride back! :2thumbsup

[Velox]

Yeah - good to meet a few new KBers - JR, Hitcher and Rogerd. It 's always really good to see that people are real since we always hear heaps from each other online! JR - you've got a mission mate if you want to get back un-noticed before dinner!
:wavey:

[Paul in NZ]

Yeah - good to meet a few new KBers - JR, Hitcher and Rogerd. It 's always really good to see that people are real since we always hear heaps from each other online! JR - you've got a mission mate if you want to get back un-noticed before dinner!
:wavey:

Yes I kinda thought that too... he will have to ride Zeally fast.....

Paul N

[Hitcher]

Well, this past week has been a bit of a revelation in putting faces to the people behind the logins -- and a couple of Aucklander KBers as well!

It's a cracker day for a blast up the island. I am envious. I hope that you had a great ride and that Mrs Jrandom greeted you appropriately!

[Blakamin]

Well, this past week has been a bit of a revelation in putting faces to the people behind the logins

It's a cracker day for a blast up the island. I am envious.
Yeah... and some complete dick forgot he had the camera in his bag until we got to the zeal... :weep:
oh well, who wants photos of all you people in suits anyway :shifty:

would be a cracker day if I didnt get blown all over the road... JR didnt..(fat blokes) :Pokey:
seriously windy in parts... and going up SH1(t) would be pretty boring!

[Hitcher]

Oh well, at least the Zeal started and got headed off in the right direction!

We should run a sweep on Mr Random's estimated arrival time. I reckon he'll be lucky to make it before 9:00pm.

[Joni]

Oh well, at least the Zeal started and got headed off in the right direction!

We should run a sweep on Mr Random's estimated arrival time. I reckon he'll be lucky to make it before 9:00pm.

I'll be on the road around that time Hitcher.... :blink: , I'll keep an eye out for him seeing we live in the same burb... You know the welcoming committee... :spudbooge

[Hitcher]

You know the welcoming committee...
Don't overdo the bunting!

You may also like to run a "diversionary manoeuvre" if Mrs JR asks the Newly Zealed One why he's late home from work...

[rodgerd]

Yeah - good to meet a few new KBers - JR, Hitcher and Rogerd. It 's always really good to see that people are real since we always hear heaps from each other online!

Hell, I may even manage to put names and faces together at a later date.

Actually, more likely to have a vague, uncomfortable feeling about some faces that I should know the names of 8).

[Yamahamaman]

Hmmm. Has anyone had a progress report at all? Er ah Wellington to Auckland ride.

[jrandom]

Sorry guys, I crashed and died. Funeral's on Friday.

Nyuk nyuk.

Well, I didn't get home until 9:30. Sarah's just gone to bed so I thought I'd grab five minutes for an update before I enter unto my rest.

Stuck behind many trucks through the central NI, I was. Only three [edit: hmmm, more like 3.5] hours to get home from Taupo, but slow as a wet week getting there from Welly.

And I made 5 (FIVE!) petrol stops. Although I could possibly have gotten away with three, but I didn't want to test the reserve switch on the Zeal's maiden voyage.

I think the front brake rotor is warped. Immediate attention will be required, but the Obligatory Undisclosed Greeblie could have been worse, I guess; I'm not too bothered.

A very pleasant and cruisy ride, all in all, apart from feeling like I was leaning at a 45° angle just to keep the bike in a straight line through 100kph crosswinds around Himatangi/Foxton. Wee bit chilly across the central plateau, but no rain to speak of. If I hadn't been yawning my head off by the time I hit South Auckland, I could have just carried on to Kaitaia. The Zeal's comfy for a wee bike.

Blakamin's little 'rotated handlebar' mod is quite good, too. It gives the Zeal an almost cafe-racer style when seen from the front. Squint, and it looks like it has clip-ons. I just had to stop and admire it from a few metres away at each gas station.

And I'm sure I have some more interesting remarks to make, but they'll have to wait until the morning when my brain is re-engaged.

Oh yes. Hitcher, you were dang right about that awful bit of surfacing as you come down off the Desert Rd towards Turangi. I mean, what's *with* that? It was right narsty. Weren't even any 'road munting in progress' signs up.

And 'twas nice to meet you all.

Even the Government employees.

[Ms Piggy]

Hmmm. Has anyone had a progress report at all? Er ah Wellington to Auckland ride.
I'm sure he got home ok but, did he survive the "explanation" he gave for being home so late from picking up the new bike?

[jrandom]

Oh yes, and thanks to Blakamin for accompanying me 60km or so to Waikanae, putting his Instructive Face on and waving his hand in an appropriately detailed northwards direction before departing.

Wellington's a maze, I'd probably still be riding around looking for the motorway north if I hadn't followed you out, mate...

[jrandom]

did he survive the "explanation" he gave for being home so late from picking up the new bike?

I haven't given it yet. Sarah just raised eyebrows, looked at the bike, said "harrrrumph", stomped around a bit, drank the hot chocolate I made in penance for her, and flopped into bed.

I think she's had a hard day... might take half a day off tomorrow, let her have a sleep-in, maybe take the kids out and repair my standing as Husband *Not* About To Be Divorced For Extreme Uselessness.

[Yamahamaman]

Your first marathon?

Be up for the 1000 next year... :ride: :2thumbsup

[James Deuce]

Woohoo!

Well done that man.

Good to meet you, you quiet little thing.

Well done on navigating home.

[jrandom]

Your first marathon?

Well, it's certainly the longest distance I've ever ridden in one day.


Be up for the 1000 next year... :ride: :2thumbsup

Yeeesss... I'd be tempted, you know, although the Zeal would stand at a disadvantage with not being able to eat the easy bits at [eek] kph. But 120kph plodding may well see it through.

However, I probably won't, because permission from The Boss would *not* be likely.

[Ms Piggy]

Woohoo!

Well done that man.

Good to meet you, you quiet little thing.

Well done on navigating home.
Yeah great to meet you. Sorry I had to rush off - Govt Dept pleb. :angry:

Glad you got home ok - phew! :2thumbsup

[Hitcher]

You were surprised that some people in Wellington work for the Gummint?

Yes, Zeals are surprisingly comfy rides. I did some big distances on mine and neither I nor the Zeal were any the worse for it. [Pauses for moment of quiet nostalgia]

A starting tip: Don't start on the choke. They're warm-blooded wee beasties. Only use the choke once it's running. If you apply choke before ignition it will just pout and sulk. Even on the coldest winter's day too.

[riffer]

Nice to meet you yesterday too, Dan.

Remember - its not good to piss the wife off too much. I know. I spent Saturday night sleeping out in the sleepout...

[James Deuce]

Nice to meet you yesterday too, Dan.

Remember - its not good to piss the wife off too much. I know. I spent Saturday night sleeping out in the sleepout...
Ahhh come on, you love it.

The guitar's out there.

[Blakamin]

A starting tip: Don't start on the choke. They're warm-blooded wee beasties. Only use the choke once it's running. If you apply choke before ignition it will just pout and sulk. Even on the coldest winter's day too.
Actually, this Zeal wont start without the choke... choke her for a minute in the morning will keep you going unless you let her sit for about 4 hours.
(something I learnt the hard way... which is probably why I had to give her a new battery after 2 weeks of ownership.. that and the previous owner hadn't ridden for ages)

Glad you made it without any hassles, JR :niceone:

[jrandom]

Actually, this Zeal wont start without the choke... choke her for a minute in the morning will keep you going unless you let her sit for about 4 hours.
(something I learnt the hard way... which is probably why I had to give her a new battery after 2 weeks of ownership.. that and the previous owner hadn't ridden for ages)

Well, I started it this morning with nothing but the electric boot and some judicious throttle twiddling, although it stalled about three times as I was waddling it down the driveway.

How does one make a clutch bite sooner? The Zeal's clutch engages very suddenly in the last 5mm or so of lever travel, which I don't like.

I've booked it in to Spectrum next week for a general refresh of fluids and filters, brake bleeding, fork oil change and carb balancing.

The problem of the apparently-bent front rotor will take a little longer to solve. I hope I don't have to replace it, because a new imported one is about $600. Its effect on the handling under brakes will be much less unpleasant after the front suspension is TLC'd, though, I suspect.

[Devil]

The problem of the apparently-bent front rotor will take a little longer to solve. I hope I don't have to replace it, because a new imported one is about $600. Its effect on the handling under brakes will be much less unpleasant after the front suspension is TLC'd, though, I suspect.
Ask the spectrum guy, you can get locally made ones $400 or less.

[Blakamin]

Well, I started it this morning with nothing but the electric boot and some judicious throttle twiddling, although it stalled about three times as I was waddling it down the driveway.

lol... which is why i used to use the choke :innocent:
no throttle twists needed!

[F5 Dave]

I just got some EBCs in for my bus (RF900) from Cyclebrakes in the US, cost $720 for the pair landed.

[vifferman]

How does one make a clutch bite sooner? The Zeal's clutch engages very suddenly in the last 5mm or so of lever travel, which I don't like.If it's cable-operated, just loosen the locknut thingo at the lever, then wind the threaded cylinder thingo IN, then retighten the locknut thingo.


The problem of the apparently-bent front rotor will take a little longer to solve. I hope I don't have to replace it, because a new imported one is about $600. Its effect on the handling under brakes will be much less unpleasant after the front suspension is TLC'd, though, I suspect.They are able to be straightened, and you may find that if you can't get a secondhand one in good nick, another one will fit (works with Hondas, at least). Failing that, aftermarket ones are available for WAAAY less than $600 (like the FGB[?] ones from Waihi.

[jrandom]

Ask the spectrum guy, you can get locally made ones $400 or less.

The Spectrum Guy was the one who told me this morning that nobody makes them locally, and my only choice is to import the Yamaha part ex Japan for about $600. :spudwhat:


They are able to be straightened, and you may find that if you can't get a secondhand one in good nick, another one will fit (works with Hondas, at least). Failing that, aftermarket ones are available for WAAAY less...

Who's the person to authoritatively opine on its straightenability and then actually do the job, or find an appropriate second-hand or aftermarket part, then?

It really annoys me when bike shop people just shrug and flat-out refuse to give thoughtful answers about mechanical problems when you walk in and state that you would prefer *not* to fling hundreds of dollars at OEM replacements for everything in sight.

I mean, yeah, sure, just build me a new bike out of mail-order parts and THAT'LL solve everything, won't it... what a brilliant idea, thank you so much, Mr Expert Mechanic Person.

[jrandom]

lol... which is why i used to use the choke :innocent:
no throttle twists needed!

I'll be interested to see whether balancing the carbs helps with the start-up performance and lumpy idle.

I wonder whether they're gummy. Anyone think a clean-out effort would be worthwhile, just on principle?

[riffer]

Who's the person to authoritatively opine on its straightenability and then actually do the job, or find an appropriate second-hand or aftermarket part, then?

Steve at F1 Engineering, Hamilton.

[Blakamin]

The Spectrum Guy was the one who told me this morning that nobody makes them locally, and my only choice is to import the Yamaha part ex Japan for about $600. :spudwhat:


Theres a dude on trade me that pretty much does them all! or try australia... the sold the Zeal there for years!

and have some pics

[riffer]

I'll be interested to see whether balancing the carbs helps with the start-up performance and lumpy idle.

I wonder whether they're gummy. Anyone think a clean-out effort would be worthwhile, just on principle?

I would start with a new air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs before I pulled the carbs apart.

But its not too hard to pull carbs apart. Just don't mess with the mixture screws or you'll really be kicking yourself.

[Devil]

The Spectrum Guy was the one who told me this morning that nobody makes them locally, and my only choice is to import the Yamaha part ex Japan for about $600. :spudwhat:
Ooook. Nutty. I got one from spectrum barely two months ago.
Ok well there DEFINATELY people who make them. One person (dont have the name on me) can take the disc mount thingy (the centre bit that attaches to the bike) and makes a new disc around it.

[James Deuce]

What's the part number on the rotor?

Yamaha parts are hugely interchangeable, esp. '90s bikes, because they are/were such cheap, errr efficient bastards.

[Devil]

I'll be interested to see whether balancing the carbs helps with the start-up performance and lumpy idle.

I wonder whether they're gummy. Anyone think a clean-out effort would be worthwhile, just on principle?
Id be interested to hear the answer on this too. my bike has a lumpy idle, but as soon as it gets a tiny bit of throttle its smooth as silk.

[jrandom]

Id be interested to hear the answer on this too. my bike has a lumpy idle, but as soon as it gets a tiny bit of throttle its smooth as silk.

My bike rasps as it revs, but I think that's due to one of the end cans having loose-ish innards. The plate covering the 'zorst exit at the end of the can has lost two of its rivets and flaps around, too. Another item on the 'last owner wasn't paying much attention, tut tut' list.

The Zeal I test-rode at Colemans last week idled like butter melting into a tub of KY Jelly. I want mine in the same state of tune.

[Hitcher]

My bike rasps as it revs, but I think that's due to one of the end cans having loose-ish innards. The plate covering the 'zorst exit at the end of the can has lost two of its rivets and flaps around, too. Another item on the 'last owner wasn't paying much attention, tut tut' list.

The Zeal I test-rode at Colemans last week idled like butter melting into a tub of KY Jelly. I want mine in the same state of tune.
Keep an eye on the Aussie wreckers' sites -- particularly the couple that advertise in Kiwi Rider magazine. They always appear to have a couple of Zeals that they're wrecking. Some of the ones that were imported into Australia had the full chrome zorsts too...

[jrandom]

I would start with a new air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs before I pulled the carbs apart.

Yes, is what I gonna do.

I'm just toying with the idea of doing an obsessive carb-scrub before Spectrum tunes it.

Or possibly doing the kid-gloved Gentleman Motorcyclist thing and telling THEM to clean it out. Because weekend time spent fettling the bike could prove Injurious to my Well-Being, at the moment.

[F5 Dave]

Yeah, discs are a curly problem & Yams tend to warp them sadly.

They are 290mm aren’t they?, I seem to remember a thread on this before. The 320 Yam ones are Brembo (ducati etc) swappable.

Straightened & skimmed discs often like to return to their original warp after a bit of heat. + they are hard to skim with the rivets & replacement rivets don’t fall off trees. You have to stick them to a magnetic plate, but not so hard as the warp straightens out only to return when the mag is switched off.

You have to be a bit clever with material selection & manufacturing new ones. Which is why I ended up just plumping the money for EBC ones from the states as our $ isn’t too bad. (My skimmed ones lasted 4000km) These guys were quick & good. Prolites are $190US + pads for $20. Shipping probably $50US. I imagine you would land a disc for $400NZ & be far better quality than local made.

cyclebrakes (http://cyclebrakes.com/html/specials_.html)

Added advantage is you don't often get stung for gst on this small an order esp. around christmas when levels go up through customs I guess.

[jrandom]

full chrome zorsts...

Drool! Have seen photos. Desire such, very much. Will keep out an eye.

[Blakamin]

My bike rasps as it revs, but I think that's due to one of the end cans having loose-ish innards. The plate covering the 'zorst exit at the end of the can has lost two of its rivets and flaps around, too. Another item on the 'last owner wasn't paying much attention, tut tut' list.


Dunno if ya wanna look in there....... I had them off to create a "baffle"... when i got it they was hollow!
you might not like what you seee :innocent: but it did the job and slightly increased power

(made at work in about 8 minutes and was never meant to be permanent)

[jrandom]

Dunno if ya wanna look in there....... I had them off to create a "baffle"... when i got it they was hollow!
you might not like what you seee :innocent: but it did the job and slighly increased power

Ah, that's right. You told me about that. I forgotted.

I might see about getting something a little more permanent done, then.

[Blakamin]

Ah, that's right. You told me about that. I forgotted.

I might see about getting something a little more permanent done, then.
I did that when I cared what the neighbours might have thought :crazy:

did post the photos from yesterday on the last page... sorry 'bout the Duc in them all

[jrandom]

did post the photos from yesterday on the last page... sorry 'bout the Duc in them all

Ah, so you did. The Duc is pretty, anyway, although as I noted upon meeting it, its vast, sail-like expanse of bright red fairing does look better in person than in photographs.

Ta for scrubbing out my number plate, wouldn't want people knowing where I live :shifty:

[rodgerd]

It really annoys me when bike shop people just shrug and flat-out refuse to give thoughtful answers about mechanical problems when you walk in and state that you would prefer *not* to fling hundreds of dollars at OEM replacements for everything in sight.

It does seem to be a difference between bike and car mechanics - car mechanics will generally quote a new replacement and second hand on most parts, and let you choose.

[erik]

The Spectrum Guy was the one who told me this morning that nobody makes them locally, and my only choice is to import the Yamaha part ex Japan for about $600. :spudwhat:


You could try these guys, Hitcher mentioned them to me before when I was looking for a crankcase side cover.

http://www.victorianmotorcyclewreckers.com.au/

My Zeal also needs the choke to start, particularly on cold mornings. It didn't when I first got it, so I think maybe when I lowered the needles in the carbs the slightly leaner mixture makes it require the choke. When I pulled my carbs apart, they were pretty clean, so I guess I wouldn't bother pulling them apart unless the bike had been sitting for a long time or something.

My brakes aren't too great atm, I'm not sure if it's just got more air in them and needs to be bled or if the seals nead to be replaced or what... I'll have to figure it out. Hopefully it's not a bent disc, but then I guess a bent disc would feel different to just weak brakes.

And I've gotta get a new chain and sprockets... oh joy $$$$$

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your new bike :niceone:

[Yamahamaman]

Because weekend time spent fettling the bike could prove Injurious to my Well-Being, at the moment.
Flowers & candy, seldom ever fails (not speaking from experience here, it is just what I have heard :whistle: ).

[F5 Dave]

You could try these guys, Hitcher mentioned them to me before when I was looking for a crankcase side cover.

http://www.victorianmotorcyclewreckers.com.au/

My Zeal also needs the choke to start, particularly on cold mornings. It didn't when I first got it, so I think maybe when I lowered the needles in the carbs the slightly leaner mixture makes it require the choke. When I pulled my carbs apart, they were pretty clean, so I guess I wouldn't bother pulling them apart unless the bike had been sitting for a long time or something.

My brakes aren't too great atm, I'm not sure if it's just got more air in them and needs to be bled or if the seals nead to be replaced or what... I'll have to figure it out. Hopefully it's not a bent disc, but then I guess a bent disc would feel different to just weak brakes.

And I've gotta get a new chain and sprockets... oh joy $$$$$

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your new bike :niceone:
A warp will feel like a shudder braking hard from motorway speeds, or at walking pace stopping at traffic lights it will drag -let go- drag -let go-

For a quick recon pull the calliper off the fork & take the pads out. Pump the pistons a reasonable way out & clean around them with a toothbrush & finish with strips of rags (like a shoe shine), only use brake fluid if you need a lubricant to aid cleaning. Push the pistons back in. Check the conditions of the pads & pad pins. If pads have ever been contaminated with say, fork oil from a blown seal then they will need replacing.

Change the brake fluid. Open the bleed valve with some hose on it & pump while adding new fluid so you don’t suck any air. Careful where it goes ie: bad on paint & discs/pads.

[jrandom]

A warp will feel like a shudder braking hard from motorway speeds, or at walking pace stopping at traffic lights it will drag -let go- drag -let go-

Yup, that swot it is. Didn't take me more than about 10 seconds after I first noticed it riding the bike back to get a very strong impression that a warped rotor would be the only thing that could make the brakes feel that way.


For a quick recon...

Yup, I'll do the brakes (and maybe get brave and attack its innards with a can of carb cleaner) this weekend, all going well.

Anyone got a Zeal manual, by the way?

[F5 Dave]

Yeah if you do pull the pistons out, carefully take the seals out before getting near with any cleaner. Anything like this will swell the seals. Once they are out then go for it. Spectro metal cleaner is king.

Then you will likely notice some white powder under where the seals were which can be cleaned out. If the pistons need more cleaning some fine scotchbrite (plastic kitchen pad) is good to remove minor corrosion without stripping off the plating hopefully.

You can use a small sash clamp (~$4 from you know where) to push the pistons back in, but obviously they need to be straight in the bore to start with using finger pressure.

Sadly this won’t cure the disc issue, but brakes that drag may help cause the problem in the first place.

[vifferman]

If the pistons are really unhappy (pitted and corroded), then they'll need some polishing with Autosol metal polish or similar. If you can, a buffing wheel is best to use for this.
When you put the seals / pistons back in, lubricate them with brake fluid. And don't get this stuff on your skin - it makes it nice and shiny, but takes days to clean off, and while it's soaked into your skin, its hygroscopic nature will wrinkle your skin like an old prune. :eek:

Or so I believe....:whistle:

Incidentally - the brakes on the VifFerrari also pulse, but I took the bike back to the dealers and asked them to check them for runout (warpage) and they said they were fine, so it's just corrosion on the disk surface which should wear off. Unless they're lying, to avoid replacing the disk(s), which is not out of the question... :blank:

This weekend (if chores allow) I'll be checking the runout myself, and pulling the disks off to scrub them (seeing hard braking hasn't done it).

[F5 Dave]

If it’s really bad you will feel it at the lever.

Corrosion on the disc? Oh please! My Iron PFMs would go orange if wet & left. They scrubbed it off in about 4 rotations.

However some pad materials apparently bite & let go, something about gassing & heat.

The big question is whether you feel it braking at high speed. This is a safety issue & can only be the discs.

Discs can warp in several ways. As you would imagine a crinkle or wave warp. Or they can ‘cone’. Or if badly machined they could vary in width. This being the worst scenario.

[jrandom]

Incidentally - the brakes on the VifFerrari also pulse...

That's probably the ABS going off, you creaky old Honda rider. Or the linked braking system, or the ActiveSuspensionReticulation (tm), or the RetroTorquedStabilityEnhancer (tm), or summat...

Anyway, mine doesn't pulse. It shudders. And with the currently way-mushy forks, there are narsty effects at high speed when braking hard over bumpy bits. Viz, to wit, I don't do it, because it will make me fall off.

[F5 Dave]

Yams often have soft forks. Fire in a bucks of 20 cent pieces & another 15mm of fork oil per side should help.

Failing that some stiffer springs. This can be free, If they have enough fee coils not to bind then removing a few coils will stiffen the rate. The top coil needs to be bent flat using heat & ground. Then the preload spacer needs to be made longer to accommodate the lost length.

Let me know if you want to try this I’ve done a few now. Um as recently as last night as it happens.

[vifferman]

If it’s really bad you will feel it at the lever.

Corrosion on the disc? Oh please! My Iron PFMs would go orange if wet & left. They scrubbed it off in about 4 rotations.Well, the right-hand disk did have visible corrosion on the disk in patches, including one patch the shape of a brake pad. If it was even (and just rust), then it wouldn't have been an issue.
The left and right disks don't match - they have different drilled patterns and the carriers are different colours. So one of them has been replaced.


However some pad materials apparently bite & let go, something about gassing & heat.

The big question is whether you feel it braking at high speed. This is a safety issue & can only be the discs.It's only apparent when braking gently at low speed (when tootling along in heavy traffic), and it's of the "bite 'n' let go" variety. Bloody annoying it is too...


Discs can warp in several ways. As you would imagine a crinkle or wave warp. Or they can ‘cone’. Or if badly machined they could vary in width. This being the worst scenario.I've had bad disks before - when I replaced the VF500's front disks with NSR(?)250 ones I couldn't get a straight right-hand one, so I fitted the straightest left-hand one they had, reversed. It had a slight wave warp.

I got rid of most of the warp by fitting different numbers of paper washers under the mounting points.
Judicial bending with a big shifting spanner can also work, or pounding on a hard, flat surface with a large blunt object, like an auto transmission or one's head... :wacko:

[jrandom]

Yams warp their discs. Yams have soft forks. Yams rape your grandmother and leave dirty dishes in the sink. Boiled Yams taste bad.

Remind me why I bought a Yamahahaha, someone? <_<

[vifferman]

That's probably the ABS going off, you creaky old Honda rider. Or the linked braking system, or the ActiveSuspensionReticulation (tm), or the RetroTorquedStabilityEnhancer (tm), or summat...More likely to be the OverabundanceOfTrendyAcronymicalFairingDecals...
And it doesn't have ABS (there wasn't room for another decal on the fairing). Only the VTEC VFRs have ABS as an option (wonder how they fit VTEC, DCBS, HECS, EFI and ABS on the fairing :eek5: ?) And because we're a QuietBackwater, we don't get the ABS version anyway.


Anyway, mine doesn't pulse. It shudders. I'd shudder too, if I were your bike...
Anyway, as Dave said, that'll be summat to do with gassing and heat. Stop eating chilli beans. :Pokey:

[F5 Dave]

Forks are easy to stiffen. The Discs are a problem, but so are many bikes when they get old. Just put new discs on my Suzuki.

As a brand they have very few issues.

[vifferman]

Yams warp their discs. Yams have soft forks. Yams rape your grandmother and leave dirty dishes in the sink. Boiled Yams taste bad.

Remind me why I bought a Yamahahaha, someone? <_<It was an excuse for a Motorcycling Adventure, to whit (to woo...) riding from Wellietown to D'Auckland. :headbang:

[F5 Dave]

. . It's only apparent when braking gently at low speed (when tootling along in heavy traffic), and it's of the "bite 'n' let go" variety. Bloody annoying it is too...


um I was going to suggest just using the back brake in traffic, but ah, ah, somebody done connected them.

Maybe it's the back disc that is bent.

[vifferman]

um I was going to suggest just using the back brake in traffic, but ah, ah, somebody done connected them.

Maybe it's the back disc that is bent.Nah, it's definitely the front end.
When braking with the front brake, it operates two pistons on each front disk, and the centre one in the rear. The brake pedal operates the other two pistons in the back, and the centre pistons on the front disks. The feel is quite different when using the brake pedal as there's less front braking going on (and hence very little pulsing).
It actually works quite well, eliminating a lot of dive (the bike sort of squats down, rather than the front dipping), and means using the pedal when in traffic offers a little more finesse than the lever, but they bite hard when using both.
The worst thing about them is the complexity when bleeding them, and the initially weird feeling after other bikes (lack of absolute control over how much of each brake you're using).

The newer generation of DCBS is a lot more subtle, and very good indeed.