After all that….

Date: SUNDAY 13th
Time: 8am
Location: Thame, UK
Altitude: 75m
Weather: damp/wet

The bike is loaded, the MP3 player is set, all waterproofs are on, eurotunnel is booked, its about to P**-down but the neighbours still come out to bid me farewell.
At last it’s here – I’m ready to roll. With a pounding heart I, lift the bike & hit the starter button and the bike fires …..a resounding CLUNK.
Try again.
CLUNK. CLUNK. CLUNK bloody CLUNK
10 minutes later after pushing a fully laden bike up & down the road, whilst fully kitted up, trying to bump-start it, I elect to stop and take a closer look.
After removal of much waterproof clothing, much luggage, the tank and the starter motor, it seems three of the magnets in the VALEO starter-motor have come adrift and assorted crud surrounding them may suggest worse problems further in.
So, change of todays plan – much surfing to look for a fix or replacement but can’t really tell until tomorrow morning. Replacements could be at Motorworks in Huddersfield, but I may find something more local in the morning…when everyones back to work.

The next instalment is here

Posted on 13. May 2007 by micki

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