After 3800 km over Holland, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France and of course, England I am back home with the mystery missfire that plagued me from day three of the trip. I really am annoyed with Mr. Honda San's team and am pretty sure it's the usual modern problem of letting children with computers design things of which they have little knowledge. An example being the way to check the oil level in the Varadero without a centre stand!
While I have it fresh in my mind, since travelling over mountain passes in freezing conditions with my newly fitted Oxford Products heated grip (note the use of the singular). They trade big on their name but I advise everyone to avoid them where possible.
So, Monday we will sadly be back at the dealer's to give them one last chance to effect a repair before perhaps looking for a machine with tuning forks on the tank instead of the wing!
I am sad, because when she goes, she goes so well, as will be attested to by several BMuu riders who saw my tail pipes on the mountain roads.
I'll keep you updated if you are interested.
Ciao, ciao.
Jack
Never check the oil level on centre stand. It will give you a false reading. Always put the bike straight up on both wheels in riding possition and check the level (or let it be checked by a friendly bystander)
Have you checked the exhaust gasket for leaks or tried KENT fuelguard II to solve the misfire? Believe me, a Yamaha S10 isn't everything either...
PS. My appologies for visiting Holland. You should have visited The Netherlands in stead...
Holland is the part we have made up for the tourists.... hahahaha
So back to the dealer's with threats of consumer rights etc. 'Oh! We'll fix it this time, don't worry, just leave it with us and take this ratty old 500 Kawasaki till then.
So check out stock, think very hard and consult 'Blue Leader'. +£1995, I am now proud owner of 2012 4000 mile, under warranty, ABS......Varadero!
I don't think anyone will find the mystery fault with the last one and this one feels so much smoother, I think it's an ICU thing.
(Anyway, they didn't have a Yamaha with luggage).
On the tour I thought of a competition for the international motor cycle press. Of all the 'hog' riders, Harley, Victory et al, see who can send in a picture of one of them smiling! When I was going up the Stelvio (river ) in a thunderstorm on my Vara, I had a grin from ear to ear but these hogsters all look so glum
Jack.
PS Regards to all our readers in the Netherlands.
Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!
And congrats with the good deal. It happened to us in the past, buying a 'polished-like-a-diamant' MK1 Transalp.
But 'polishers' arn't good keepers on maintenance...
Bike totally collapsed after only 3.000 km, but within warranty (6th months). Dealer (not my own Honda agent, but the S*ckers at Motoport Leek - NEVER go there) tried to put the blame on Karinda. Pity for him... I got a very, very good lawinsurance. And a eye withness.
Ended up with a top spec Africa Twin as trade in for peanut money. Never went back to that Motoport dealer again.
No pictures of new bike yet. Friend came to coat in helicopter protector spray. Having difficulty resizing pictures anyway.
JK
Its so sad that you have not post any pictures, anyway congatulation for the deal and enjoy it.
So what is secret to posting pictures without PHD in computer technology?
JK
Trying again. 700KB file. Waiting for it to load....
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Cheers!
You see... No PHD needed!
Hi, guys, I know this is an old topic but there is news! The new owner of my old vara found my secret details, in the handbook and telephoned me. He is a Gold Wing owner and wanted something to 'bash about on.
He's covered 5,000 miles since Christmas! and is very happy with it.
This means that the fault is cured ( fingers crossed), so I will try to find out from the mechanic, what it was and report back.
JK