Michel's Motors

[Michel]

As mentioned, this place is like Hotel California....

I've got a beige Skoda. Very nice it is too. It just works and seems amazingly well put together. Apart from a bit of ingrained dirt in the seats, it's like new inside despite being 10 years old. The missus loves it, which is 99% of the battle won.

I still have a Xsara Picasso that belongs to a friend. It's been here six months! He does ask after it occasionally and give me money for parts. He gave it to me to recommission for him back in May.. I did that some time ago!

I'm currently commuting 50 miles per day by motorbike. It's interesting, especially as it's on what I'm told is Britain's busiest bit of motorway. My bike seems to be returning 63mpg so it's not dear either.

As winter approaches, the bike has had heated grips fitted. Amazing difference! I've also disabled the switch that requires the clutch to be pulled in to start it - means I can easily start it and let it tick over without awkwardly leaning over it or getting on it. Finally today I fitted some DRLs.

[Michel]

Ah, also fitted some new LED indicators, with a new flasher unit. You can't really tell from the pic how much brighter they are than the old standard units.

[Michel]

A cockpit view of the flying banana.

The black screen is a "double-bubble" aero screen. It's very effective in directing wind over and around the rider, much better than standard. It's not an issue it being black, as it's too low to look through!

The blingy brake fluid reservoir with the gold lid? I caught the standard one with my elbow while fitting the screen and simply snapped it off its mount . I presume the plastic had got brittle over time. Anyway, Suzuki wanted £51 for what is essentially a plastic pot. A Chinesium eBay one was had for £7.
The switch in the centre of the bars is the heated grips.

[Michel]

With all that light on the front, a bright yellow motorcycle and my hi-viz armoured gear, I reserve the right to swear at anyone who says "Sorry mate, I didn't see you" if I'm still able to..

[daviemck2006]

If they dont see you with that lot on and a yellow bike with lights then i would say they are blind and need a booted arse!

[myglaren]

If they dont see you with that lot on and a yellow bike with lights then i would say they are blind and need a booted arse!

It's an odd thing but I have difficulty seeing where yellow things are - I have a whirligig washing line with yellow line on it and have to locate them by touch - I can see them but not where they are and miss them with the pegs.

[CitroJim]

If they dont see you with that lot on and a yellow bike with lights then i would say they are blind and need a booted arse!

Yes, it looks like an explosion in a banana warehouse

Modern LED lights are just wonderful... I have a tremendous set on my bike... They make Xantia headlights look like glowworms

[Hell Razor5543]

I can get you a hi vis beanie hat and thinsulate gloves, for when you are out on your bike. I got some for one of my brothers (he cycled a long way to work), and he felt they were very useful.

[bobins]

Even with all the lovely yellowness I'd still be tempted to fit a bulletcam to the bike to record your rides. I fitted one to my bike a few years ago and haven't regretted it. The first ride after I fitted it I was cut-up on the first two roundabouts I crossed with half a mile from home. The roads are full of eejuts

[Michel]

Even with all the lovely yellowness I'd still be tempted to fit a bulletcam to the bike to record your rides. I fitted one to my bike a few years ago and haven't regretted it. The first ride after I fitted it I was cut-up on the first two roundabouts I crossed with half a mile from home. The roads are full of eejuts

I have one ready to fit. I'm trying to work out the best place to mount it.
I'm vaguely wary of recording devices as if I have issues, and another road user confronts me angrily, all it will record is me giving them a kicking...

It's not wise to attack a chap wearing a helmet, gloves with hard protected knuckles, Kevlar (pretty stab proof!) clothing and body armour.

[Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur]

nice to see a rider wearing Hi-Vis gear and a brightly coloured bike too. Never ceases to amaze me how few motorbikers, including Couriers, favour something bright to improve their chances of remaining alive.
Hopeyou're always seen Michel.

[CitroJim]

On any bike, motor or pedal, you have to be visible... Rule 1!

Indeed, the number who wear all black on a black bike... It's effectively an invisibility cloak!

We in the club always ride with DRLs too...

I have a good hi-viz lid too...

[Michel]

nice to see a rider wearing Hi-Vis gear and a brightly coloured bike too. Never ceases to amaze me how few motorbikers, including Couriers, favour something bright to improve their chances of remaining alive.
Hopeyou're always seen Michel.

It amazes me too. I run down the M4 from J8 to J3 every day. I see so many bikers wearing dark clothing on dark bikes, often wearing inappropriate clothing. It's bloody stupid.

[Hell Razor5543]

Especially in dark, wet conditions such as we get during winter rush hours.

[Michel]

My new motorcycle is dark coloured (The yellow one is staying). I shall be wrapping the new one in a bright colour. I fancy DynoRod red, if I can find a supplier.