Golden Wing - 2004 Winter

Golden Wing Winter 2004.qxd 12/01/2005 23:30

Winter 2004, Volume 42 No. 4

Editor / DesignerTim Lee

[email protected]

HOConsumer EditorMark Clargo

[email protected]

Junior HOCJude Brown

[email protected]

Sports Correspondent“Jethro”

[email protected]

US CorrespondentTodd Edeker

[email protected]

Thanks to all contributors

All feedback regarding the content and delivery of Golden Wing should be addressed to The Editor at the

address below or e-mailed to: [email protected].

Golden WingHonda Owners Club (GB)

Units 1B & 5BKemps Quay Industrial Park

Quayside RoadSouthampton

SO18 1BZTel/Fax: 023 8022 6045

Web Page: www.hoc.org.uk

Spring IssueCopy Date 1st March 2005

Published by end of March 2005

Printing & Distribution by:LPC Printing Ltd

Hardley Industrial EstateHythe,SouthamptonTel: 023 8084 6334

© Honda Owners Club (GB) 2005

We believe the contents of Golden Wing tobe correct at the time of publication. TheHonda Owners Club (GB) cannot be heldresponsible for any errors, omissions, orfor subsequent changes to details given inthis publication or for the consequence ofany reliance on the information.

The views expressed in this publicationare not necessarily those of the HondaOwners Club (GB) or the ExecutiveCommittee

ARTICLES

Dibble Rattle’s On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Editor Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Kicking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Barry’s Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8The View Over the Bars . . . . . . . . . . . .9Membership Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Caption Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Helping Out a Bit in 2005 . . . . . . . . . . .13Classic Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Down Your Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Reports from: Bedfordshire,Birmingham, Cambridge,Eastern, Lakes & Coast, Manchester, Northants, NorthLondon, Oxford, Solent, South Wales, West Yorkshire,ThreeShires, Varadero, West Coast Riders, Wilts.

Showing Off (at Tilford) . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Soapbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Black Round Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50A Day at Tecstar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52New Discount Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . .53Well Oil be Seeing You . . . . . . . . . . . . .54An Independent View . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Highland Fling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58HOConsumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61Shop@HOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Members Free Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70Members Discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

PLACES TO GO & THINGS TO DO

East Midlands Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Devon & Somerset Polperro W/end . . . .19East Midlands Camping Weekend . . . . .20Oxford Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Solent Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Varadero VUK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33National Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Diary Dates centre pagesWiltshire Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

CCHAIRMANHAIRMAN

Golden Wing Winter 2004.qxd 12/01/2005 23:30

WINTER 2004 1

THAT WAS ANOTHER YEAR!The AGM came around again, and

about 1.5% of you got there and voted insupport of the motion to put the subs up soit is happening and by the time you read thisthe rates will be in place.

We said goodbye to the GeneralSecretary Elaine Hall and welcomed MarkClargo to the post as well as still maintainingthe PRO role. We also welcome the newPresident of the club Trevor Thompson.Many of you already know Trevor and I amsure he will be an active President.

We then had the NEC Show which wasan excellent stand with classic and custombikes on show. We recruited approaching200 members and view the show assuccessful yet again. My thanks go to thevolunteers who gave up their time to manthe stand. However, I am looking into thematter of those who failed to attend whenprovided with passes which cost the clubfunds we can ill afford to lose.

The last rally of 2004 was ably hostedagain by the Oxford Branch and hopefullywill become a regular calendar event.

NOW FOR THE NEXT YEAR!At the AGM I said I would organise the

National Rally for 2005. My original planwas for a log cabin site in the YorkshireMoors but there were too many conflicts tothe model we have for our nationalgathering, so I have gone for a site we haveused previously. This years rally will be atBainland, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. Thevenue offers Bungalows, Caravans andCamping with a central bar come restaurantand other superb facilities. That's inSeptember, but between now and then

there are numerous other rallies and ridesto do so get on out there and get more outof your club.

Talking of getting more, when are moreof you going to join the members area of theclubs web site and take part in the forum. It'sa good place to place ideas for discussionand perhaps get some answers withoutwaiting for the magazine to come aroundagain.

The management of the club will bemeeting on Sunday the 16th of January. Atthat meeting the main budgets for showsand events will be decided. If your branchneeds support for an event this year that'sthe time to be there and present the case. Ifany of you have items for the committeethen get them to one of the Executive or oneof the Branch Secretaries so it can beraised. These meetings are where the clubis effectively administered from and has thefinal say on where your funds are spent.This is your chance to have your say in howthings are done please take an interest, andif you wish, attend to see the workings of theclub.

Last but not least have a happy andprosperous new year and hopefully aHonda Owners Club Packed year.

“Ride on but most of all ride safe”

Dibble

CCHAIRMANHAIRMAN DDIBBLEIBBLE RRATTLEATTLE’’SS OONN!!from Andy “Dibble” Young - Club Chairman

Golden Wing Winter 2004.qxd 12/01/2005 23:30 Page 1

PresidentTrevor Thompson

Vice PresidentsDave Barton,

Tony Eldridge,Graham Gull

ChairmanAndy ‘Dibble’ Young

1 Severn Way, Kettering,Northants. NN16 9H

( 01536 412086 . [email protected]

General SecretaryElaine Hall

Station House, Challow StationFaringdon, Oxon SN7 8NT


Membership SecretaryGraham Gull

61 Vicarage RoadWare SG12 7BE

. [email protected]

Saddle Sore Shield Co-ordinatorJohn Churchill

78 Queen Margaret’s RoadCoventry CV4 8FW

( 024 7667 0999 . [email protected]

Display Materials Co-ordinatorChris Wright

16 Auckland RoadMexborough S64 0AN


Regalia Co-ordinatorJustin Goddard,

19 Linkfield Avenue,Mountsorrel, Leicester, LE12 7DH

( 0116 230 3277 . [email protected]

TreasurerDebbie Millard

20 Tilden CloseHigh Halden, Ashford, Kent TN26 3LR


Public Relations OfficerMark Clargo

9 Hendred WayAbingdon Oxon OX14 2AN


BMF Liaison OfficerJim Peel-Cross

15 Hill View Caravan ParkOare, Marlborough SN8 4JF( 01672 564680

Classic SecretaryDave Barton

53 Northlands Road, TottonSouthampton. S040 3HA

EEDITORDITOR

2 WINTER 2004


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EEDITORDITOR SSAYSAYS....By the time you read this, the Christmas

festivities will be over and most people willhave recovered from the excesses of theNew Years' celebrations. You will havenoticed that this issue is a little late, and Ihave to say that it is nobody's fault but myown.

Just before the deadline on the 1stDecember, my other half decided that it wasan absolute priority that the lounge wasdecorated in time for Christmas. Thinkingthat this involved a little stripping ofwallpaper and the application of a couple oftins of paint, I reluctantly agreed, workingout that even if it took a whole weekend, Iwould still have time to finish this issue andhave it at the printers well before Christmas.

I first suspected that her intentions wereless than modest when I arrived home fromthe office to find an eighteen yard skipnestling alongside the "Santa Stop Here"sign in the front garden, and a twelve inchdisc cutter and two acroprops lying in thekitchen. Since that day, we seem to havelost two walls and a doorway, and two otherdoorways seem to have moved to differentlocations. In addition, we seemed to havemisplaced one fireplace and discovered anew one, and a number of carpets havemetamorphosed into laminate flooring. Aslayer upon layer of brick and plaster dustfound their way into every nook and cranny,I decided that the only way to save mycomputer from terminal harm was to box itup and move it to the loft. Even as I writethis, I am having to explain that skirtingboards and architraves are non-essentialfinishing touches that can wait a couplemore weeks.

So what will 2005 hold? Well, for me,the store of brownie points should besufficiently large to allow a little more bikingthan 2004; let's hope the weather plays ball.

Being involved in the running of a clublike the HOC can be very rewarding, and Iwas both surprised and honoured to bepresented with the Allan Augustin Memorial

Shield at theAGM. Thankyou Dibble, itis very muchappreciated.

One ofthe problemsfaced by themanagementof any clubsuch as oursis knowinghow our efforts areproviding the members with what they want.We know that we are not going to please allthe people all the time, and the line betweentrying to fix something which isn't brokenand complacency is a very fine one. As theChairman has already mentioned, the bestdecisions come about as a result offeedback from those who attendmanagement meetings or make their viewsknown by taking part in the discussions inthe members forum on the web site.However, for whatever reason, thisinteractivity does not appeal to the vastmajority of members and therefore, thecentre pages of the next issue feature afeedback survey designed to find out a bitmore about you, and what you want fromthe club. The survey will be duplicated onthe web site, so you will be able to fill it inthere and save the cost of a stamp.

That's enough from me for this issueand it only remains for me to thank all thosecontributors who have supplied articles forthis issue along with Rich Hartland and CarlHipkin from Three Shires branch for thephoto on the cover of this issue. The photodepicts Ringo on his VFR. If you are in anydoubt as to the sort of photo's needed forthe front cover, this is a perfect example.

Keep it tidy!

Tim


4 WINTER 2004

A CHILLY CHAIRMAN?Dear Members,

Having just returned from the first "BrassMonkeys" rally I want to express a big thank you tothe organisers Jim and Betty McCulloch forbothering in the first place to answer the challengeof the "Nothern 'Ardmen" to have a rally in thewinter. They did, and those of us that got there hada great time and enjoyed good company, good foodand a good time. I was pleased to see a few ofthose NA's make it reet down souf and be shownthat those south of the Watford Gap can have agood time out in the winter.

Chris Cooke had to do a recount on his age onlyto find that he was in fact the 4th oldest at the rally!Never the less he had a happy birthday although"Ringo" may now regret speaking up. Jimmy sawanother age dawn but the following breakfast was abit too much. The rest of us had souvenir monkeysto bring away with us and the Irish Gorilla that I wonwill probably adorn these pages at sometime in thefuture.

As to the rest of you that failed to get to theBrass Monkey Rally then shame on you and I hopeto see you at next years.

Thanks to those that did, and AbingdonMotorcycles for the donation of the raffle prizes.

Andy Young Chairman

TALKING OF CHRIS!The following is a peom which was given to

Chris at the Brass Monkeys Rally to celebrate hisbirthday.

Happy Birthday to this manHe comes to see us when he canOff to the rallies he always goesHe doesn't let the grass grow beneath his toesPillion riders he leaves behindTheir own way home they have to findThe Saddle Sore Shield he tries to winHe goes for it all with a great big grinHe should be riding on a HONDABut instead rides his scooter way out yonderHe has won the shield again this yearHe's done it all without any fussThat's our Chris he doesn't give a cuss!

Betty McCullochOxford Secretary

Caption Competition?.....I was tempted. Ed

KK ICKINGICKING BBACKACK ........Something to Say - Say it here

Kicking BackKicking BackLetters for the next issue need to arrive

by 1st March 2005.

E-mail to [email protected] post to:

Golden Wing, Units 1B & 5BKemps Quay Industrial Park

Southampton. SO18 1BZRemember to include your Membership

Number


WINTER 2004 5

NOW FOR JIM’S TURNDear TimI was surprised to learn that we have 3000

members in the HOC yet only 55 of us bothered tocome to the AGM on Sunday 24th October, doesit make you who attended feel good or proud thatthe other 2945 members has so much faith andtrust in you.

We would wish not one man more:-…we few we happy few we band of brothers(and sisters)For he to-day that votes his hand with meShall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,And gentlemen in England now a-bedShall think themselves accursed they werenot hereAnd hold their membership cheap whiles anyspeaksThat voted with us upon that Sunday!!!

Jim McCullochOxford (with apologies to the bard)

Jim, thanks to you and Betty for your poems,they always make me smile when they arrive inmy inbox. Ed

IN REPLY TO JOHNFIDDEL

My wife agrees with John Fidell!But I would argue that having spent most of

the 1960’s bearing 3 children then looking afterthem - and me - whilst running a household, bythe time our eldest child was in his teens, her lifewas in danger of being dominated by domesticity.It took some real effort on her part andencouragement from me to open up her ‘outside’interests.

This is I suspect an age gap thing - ‘modern’women do appear to have a ‘fuller’ life. Theyseemed to be expected to do a multitude of jobs -bearing children, running a home, cutting thegrass and doing a full time job outside the homein order to subsidise their men's motorcycling!

Barry Tinson

IN REPLY TO MRTRIMBLE

Dear Editor,I am writing in response to a letter printed in

your Autumn 2004 Magazine from P M Trimblewith reference to pricing and the Motad advert inyour publication.

Motad sell most of their product range throughdistributors or dealers, the catalogue is printed fortrade use and therefore excludes VAT andDelivery, we do however send a copy to the publicwhen requested.

The items shown in the advert are specificparts with appropriate prices and are not there todeceive or mislead. Mr Trimble did not speak withMotad to clarify the situation, and I am thereforeaggrieved he felt it necessary to put his concernsin print before discussing the matter with us.

Could you please ask Mr trimble to contactme, or provide some contact details so that I maycontact him to remedy the situation.

We are in the middle of moving factories so Iwill give you 3 telephone numbers to try:

01922 72840201922 71470001922 714711

New address:Unit1,Unity Buildings,Robottom Close,Leamore Lane,WalsallWS2 7EB

Best Regards

J L AthertonManaging Director

Thank you for your letter John. Unfortunately,we are unable to release contact details formembers as we would breach the Data ProtectionAct if we were to do so. However, I have printedyour new contact details in the hope that MrTrimble will read this and contact you. Ed


6 WINTER 2004

BARRY’S KIPPER FEETSomewhere in the Far East, they call XXL

"king Kong" size. As for kipper feet, I used to wearout a pair of boot soles every meeting when I wasracing my Norton. ( Luckily, we have several shoerepairers in the family)

Didn't get my knee down on TT100s, so usedmy feet to judge my angle of lean. Should havelistened to the exhaust scraping instead. Pete

Pete BroadMembership No 21281 (France)

I seem to recall that the exhaust scrapingtechnique was the one I used to use on myCD175 when I was a lad! Ed

WHEEL WOBBLE!Please help!Does anyone in club knows why front wheel

wobble. l have changed bearings, headracebearings, fork oil and checked rear bearings. Thefront wheel does not show signs of being warpedor damaged and the tyres are OK. It seems tohave started on a trip from Spain with my wife. Wewere carring a bit of weight at the time and itstarted after that.

Any advice would be a great help.

Pete Robinson If you think you might be able to offer a

suggestion or two to Pete and Susan, you can e-mail them on [email protected] Ed

A SUGGESTION FORGRAHAM

Hi Tim,If Graham the Deauville rider has a full face

helmet,he might like to try a neoprene helmetskirt. They tend not to stay in place very well, butwith all purpose glue and black insulating tape,(tosmooth out the join) "perfic"; draughts zero, noise50% down.

All the best

TrevMembership No 29060

Thanks for your suggestion Trev. Ed

AND FOR A PAN 1300!Two vents for minimum turbulence and backpressure 31.5" wide and 23.5" tall. 6.5" wider, 4" taller than stock Excellent coverage of hands, arms, torso Exceptionally quiet cockpit area Shape designed to compliment the lines of the ST Made from 6mm thick (1/4") DOT certified impact resistent plastic Laser cut for precision aerodynamics and fit Includes storage cover, micro-fiber cleaning towel, and mini-spray bottle of windshield cleaner.

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ST1300prod.html

I only have an e-mail address for thiscontributor, but thank you Red Leader anyway. Ed

LOCAL ADVERTISINGBranch Secretaries

If you want to advertise your branchmeeting place, or event, in your local

newspaper, then drop me a line. I have the addresses for most of the well-known local newspapers, and could send

you your most local ones

Mark ClargoNational Public Relations Officer


WINTER 2004 7

NEW CAMPINGLOCATION

Dear Tim,On Sunday the 14th November, I was sitting

in the local pub having a quiet drink and watchingthe football with my wife when I was approachedby a gentleman who noticed my T-shirt with theHOC logo. We do not have a local branch, but wedo join up with the Wrexham Bikers Club, RailwayInn, Rosddn, which is a suburb of Wrexham inNorth Wales. Any way, back on track - thegentleman who spoke to me offered campingfacilities, and I thought they might be of interest tothe club. The details are as follows;

Brian & Jacqui (managers)Whittington Cricket ClubTel: 01691 655509E-mail: [email protected]

On offer are the clubhouse and groundsfacilities. The tent area will take up to 300 tents,and there are male and female toilets andshowers. The normal charge for a tent is £2 pernight, and full English breakfast can be providedat £3 per head. The clubhouse and food isavailable all day and evening, and entertainmentcan be arranged if required. Alternatively, thereare three pubs in the village, a 2 minute walkaway, and all do food. We even have our acastle.The location can access all the good roadsof North Wales, and I would be happy to arrangeguided routes (I know where all the biker friendlycafés are); we would love to be of service to theclub for perhaps a weekend in this area. I havepreviously offered my workshop and tool facilitiesto club members who find themselves in difficultyin the area, and would repeat the offer now.

Brian and Jacqui wait to hearYours sincerely

Les & Olwen JonesMembership No 26598

PS. It was very nice to meet other membersat the NEC on Sunday 14th November.

Thanks for the info and kind offer.Unfortunately, the lack of static accommodation atthe cricket ground rules it out in terms of aNational Rally venue, but it sounds ideal for abranch camping weekend.

I was a little concerned about your commentsthat you do not have a local branch. The West

Coast Riders branch at Port Sunlight is within30miles of Wrexham, and my AA route plannertells me it will take you around 35 minutes tomake the journey. How about giving Phil Bell acall on 01244 811244 or 07973 462848 andfinding out what is happening Ed

DAVID O’SHEADear Mr. GullI am writing to let you know that I will not be

renewing the above membership. Unfortunatelymy husband David died suddenly on 21stSeptember following an accident at work.

We had only been members for a year but inthat time we thoroughly enjoyed our copies ofGolden Wing.

David's pride and joy was his HondaDeauville 650 NT in Honda red. I even had tomake sure that the new helmets matched and hehad various extras fitted, a colour matched topbox and a lower faring. Even the new jackets hadto have some red on them.

I know that the magazine does have a for salespace and I was wondering if I could perhapsadvertise the Deauville and the accessories eventhough I will not be renewing the membership. Tobe honest I don't really know what to do with it asI do not have a license to ride it.

If it is not possible to advertise perhaps theclub might be able to give me some idea howmuch it is worth so at least I could advertise it andat least sound fairly knowledgeable about it.

It's a 2000 (W) Honda Deauville 650 NT withcolour matched top box and a lower fairing it isalso fitted with the HISS and is marked withSmartwater. Its MOT is runs until May 8th 2005and has been serviced to schedule, its mileage is10400. Also I have 2 colour matched systemhelmets both with very little use and kept in theircarrying bags when not in use.

Any help you might beable to give me wouldbe greatly appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Denise O'SheaI am sure I speak for the whole club in offering

our sincere condolences. I have placed an advertin the for sale section of this issue as requested.As far as value is concerned, it seems that mostDeauvilles of similar age and mileage are pricedat £3,500 - £4,000 Ed

......Kicking Back continues on page 10


8 WINTER 2004

WHERE AM I ?I have always believed that paper maps are

expendable. As maps seems to become out ofdate quite quickly, I have always advised ridersgoing on a tour, to pick up the latest map as soonas they get 'over the border', then pick up a largescale map when they get to the area they wish toexplore.

You could ask, why, If they are expendableand date so quickly, do I have a pile of maps,covering the UK and the whole of Europe, somedating from the 1950's?!

I like maps! Each of my water stained, torn,written on maps reminds me of a previousjourney, they act like a diary or an aid memoir. AsI stare at them, memories come flooding back. Mymaps are very personal to me.

Then came the PC and AutoRoute Express.Here was a reactive system that actually joined inand helped with your route planning. Trips couldbe planned and timed. Changes could be madequickly and easily. The scale of the map could bechanged instantly from the whole of Europe rightdown to street plan level. You could print off mapsto suit you. Journey planner's heaven!

So progress brings us onto the GPS - theGarmin 2610 to be precise. This has all thebenefits of the AutoRoute Express, plus you coulddown load the routes prepared on your PC to amobile unit that not only traced your progress ona screen map, it gave voice instructions aboutwhere to turn - magic! It also gave you a host ofadditional information regarding your progress.

So, no more paper maps for me! Well, notquite. I have the 2000 version of AutoRoute andas you cannot update the maps 'on line' some ofits maps are out of date. Then there is thequestion of printing off maps. It is OK for aspecific route, but for any trip of over say 100miles, you do end up with several sheets of paper.Then if you do wander off route, the printed offmaps may not cover the area you have wanderedoff to. Then there is the question of rain. If themaps get wet, the colours run and your mapmutates before your eyes!

But, with the GPS, with its memory containingthe map of the whole of Europe, down to streetlevel - problem solved. Now I can get rid of thepaper maps. Possibly!

With its ability to tell you when you are 'offroute' and to instantly plan another route to yournext planned 'way point' you will never be trulylost.

But, just a moment, I have already written offthat 'way point' in my mind and was thinking ofpressing onto the 'way point' further down theroad. Ha, but you didn't tell the GPS that did you?You can of course, stop and push a few buttonsand delete the 'way point'. The GPS will thenredirect you to the next 'way point'. Or if you canget back onto the proposed route to yourdestination, the GPS will disregard the earlier waypoint and continue to direct you to your next 'waypoint' and destination.

You may well ask 'what is all this 'way point'business'?. If you get a GPS, be prepared to getused to 'way points'. When using a paper map,you no doubt made a note, on the map or a pieceof paper, of places along your proposed route.Places to head for that were likely to be named onsign posts. These were your 'way points'. Many ofthem would be towns that you did not actuallywish to visit or go through; they were just alongthe way.

With the GPS these 'way points' become adefinite objective and are not ignored unless youare on route and past them. This can be a bitirritating!

Then again, we have the question of out ofdate maps. Garmin, do provide a map updatingservice 'on line', but map preparation never keepsup with actual road changes. The Garmin 2610, isvery good at realising that you are probably on anew road and tells you just to keep heading in aspecific compass direction until you pick up withthe route again. Mind you, at other times it willalmost 'bust a gut' trying to get you to do a 'U' turnor take some other action, it will pick up on whenyou have rejoined the route. This does requireyou to realise yourself that you are on a new road.

.........continued on page 10

TTHEHE


WINTER 2004 9

General Secretary - Mark Clargo

TTHEHE VVIEWIEW OOVERVER THETHE BBARSARS!....!....

Well, after much cajolement by othercommittee members and others who know me,especially during the weekend of the NationalRally, I succumbed at the AGM and got co-optedinto the position of General Secretary.

For those who don't know me, I'm MarkClargo. I've been an HOC member for manyyears (can't quite remember for how long - maybeGraham will be able to enlighten me!) I wasOxford branch secretary for 5 years or so - 3 ofthem whilst riding a Suzuki - and am now thebranch's Chairman. Nationally, I have mostrecently been holding the post of public relationsofficer (I sounded like Ned from the Fast Showthen!) and contribute to the Golden Wing asConsumer Editor.

In the summer I swapped my long standingCBR600 (47,000 miles on the clock and still goingstrong), for a bright yellow Firestorm, which I'm

enjoying very much at the moment, especially thepower and low down torque - the riding position issurprisingly comfy too, it got me from Oxford tothe Lakes for the National without too many achesand pains.

Anyway, as General Secretary I will be doingmy best to keep the club running smoothly (withthe help of the rest of the committee, of course)and if you have any problems, drop me a line andI will get on to it as professionally as I can.

Looking forward to a dry season,

Mark Clargo


10 WINTER 2004

With roads that you are familiar with, it is noproblem, but when on unfamiliar roads you canfind yourself going through the middle of a townrather than taking the new by-pass. My GPS tookme along the route of the old A41 throughAylesbury, when I should have followed the signposts for the A41 and taken the by-pass - as it is,I joined the by-pass where it met the old A41 theother side of Aylesbury.

The Garmin also has a number of additionalfeatures. It will give you the location of servicestations, hotels, restaurants, and a host of otherplaces. It has a 'get you home' feature - just pressa button and it gives you the route home!

The map detail is very good - down to townstreet plan level - for many countries, but for Spainand Portugal detailed coverage is not so good andthe many new roads in Spain, do give it a problem.For countries like Poland, Slovakia and Greece,the maps are just the main roads with very littledetail - not as good as AutoRoute Express.

There are a number of GPS units on themarket. If you get one, make quite sure that it ismotorbike compatible, which is waterproof, canrun off of the bikes battery and its voice can be

plugged into earphones. Avoid units with a lot ofsmall buttons. A removable Flash Card that can beuprated is worth having.

One of the main benefits I have found, havingthe GPS unit mounted just behind the windscreenit is at a distance that I can see it clearly with myglasses on, whereas a map mounted on my tankbag is too close to me to get into focus.

So, I can, at last get rid of all my paper maps.But where will I write 'nice road through fields ofsunflowers' or 'great view over the valley' etc.Where will I store my aid memoir?

You already have a GPS? Tell us about it.Have you done away with your paper maps?

Barry Tinson

continued from page 7

PROBLEMS WITH HONDAINSURANCE

Dear Ed,It is with great sadness that I write this letter

compaining of a service that bears the Hondaname.

I have only been riding a Honda (VFR) forabout 5 years after a lifetime of Triumphs, but whata 5 years. I have enjoyed every single minute of itand has only been brought to an end by a serious,but freak accident. However, when my insurancewas due in May last I thought that I would tryHonda Insurance - the ones who state 'We designthem, we make them and now we insure them'.They gave me a quote, not the cheapest, butbeing Honda I thought I would be best going alongwith it and duly signed up.

That was on the 22nd May. Four months on,after repeated telephone calls, Emails etc, I havenow received my 5th temporary cover note. Notonce inspite of all the promises have I beenphoned back to give me any estimate of when Iwould officially receive the proper documentation.I have now cancelled any contract that 'may' haveexisted and will persue them through the courts if

necessary, for a full refund of my premium. I sincerely hope that no other Honda Club

members experience the same standard ofservice. I have, incidently, reported the facts toHonda UK.

Yours sincerely

Robin Simmons. Member No 25799

I am sorry to hear of your trouble Robin, andcan only hope that the matter is resolved quickly.We do send copies of Golden Wing to Honda, sohopefully someone will read you letter and offersome assistance.

Personally, I have no experience of theirservice standards. I am sorry to say that when Icontacted them for a quote, they were a good dealmore expensive than my current insurers, whichwas a little surprising, as I am not a youngster,have full no claims and a clean license.

If anyone else has had experience of HondaInsurance, good or bad, please drop Golden Winga line. Ed


WINTER 2004 11

MMEMBERSHIPEMBERSHIP MMATTERSATTERS......MEMBERSHIP FEES

As you will have read elsewhere and in thelast issue of "Golden Wing", there was a proposalat the AGM to increase the membership fees ofthe club from 1st January 2005, and although thismotion was carried, it was coupled with theproviso that we investigated and put into placeadditional methods of payment such as DirectDebit etc., As there is a logistical delay in puttingthose measures into place, the current fees willapply for the time being, which is why a numberof you will have had renewal notices formembership at the old rates. This situation islikely to last until at least the end of January.

MOVING?Don't forget if you move, let me know, and no

other club official, as I keep the address files up todate, (You can write or send an email). We getseveral copies of each magazine returned byRoyal Mail each issue so don't let it be YOU whowe lose contact with.

Graham GullMembership Secretary

Congratulations to J Trawford of Frome, Somerset who is the latest memberto achieve 25 years membership and qualifies for honorary membership.


12 WINTER 2004

CAPTION COMPETITIONCAPTION COMPETITION

If anyone is in possession of pictures which they feel will make a suitable CaptionCompetition, then please send them in to:

Golden Wing, Units 1B & 5B, Kemps Quay Industrial Estate, Quayside Road, Southampton. SO18 1BZ

or e-mail me at [email protected](If sending pictures by e-mail, please send at 300 dpi or greater)

This picture of John was taken by the Editor during a busy day onthe HOC stand at the NEC Show this year. It has been hand picked

by the Chairman as being a worthy entry......do your worst!!

Entries by post or e-mail to the address below, to arrive no laterthan 1st March 2005

1st Prize: An HOC Club Sweatshirt

2nd Prize: An HOC Club Polo Shirt

3rd Prize: An HOC Club T Shirt


WINTER 2004 13

Helping Out a Bit in 2005Helping Out a Bit in 2005

Having advertised this event for 2003, I metup with these chaps again at the NEC. Their pleais different, in that what they really need is notmoney, but people to come along and take part.The following I have copied from their flyer:

On Sunday 11th September 2005, “TheJumbo Run” will be taking over 100 children withdisabilities and special needs for a fun day out.

Using a convoy of motorcycle outfits, trikes andthree wheelers, all safely escorted by an army ofsolo marshalls.

We need over 100 three wheelers and at least300 solo bikes, with or without pillions, and areoffering free camping for the weekend, a socialevent on Saturday, free entry to the event andmiles of smiles.

THE BASICS44th Annual Jumbo Run 11th September 200508.00 for 09.00 Start

From: The Birmingham Civil Service Sports ClubOLd Damson Lane, Elmdon, Solihull.

(off the A45 Coventry Road, opposite the Airport CargoTerminal / Freeport)

Going to Drayton Manor Theme ParkContact: Lyn Stokes (Secretary)

Tel: 0121 605 4530e-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.jumbogb.org


14 WINTER 2004

To show the impact that these machineshad on the motorcycle world and the Britishmarket we need to turn the clock back to thebeginning of 1947.

Mr Honda started by providing smallpowered engines for push bikes. In 1948 theHonda Motor Company was formed to keepthe bank happy and to borrow large amountsof money in order to expand.

In 1955 Honda become the largestmotorcycle producer in Japan and by 1961were producing over 100,000 machines amonth, making Honda the largestmanufacturer in the world. Most machinesbeing produced were the 49cc "Nifty Fifty"bikes giving "Power to the People"

In 1959 Honda started producing the C71"Touring" and CE71 "Sports Touring" 250cc,and the C76 300cc machines for the homemarket.

In 1961 The CB72 250cc and CB77 305ccmachines were introduced. Honda was by nowexporting into America and Europe, with thefirst machines arriving here in the UK. Themaximum capacity for learner machines at thetime was 250cc, and so new riders starting topurchase a Honda as their first machine,although they are expensive in comparison.This year also saw the birth of the HondaOwners Club (GB) in order for the members totry and help each other enjoy owning a Honda.

The CB72 held a top speed of 93mph andthe CB77 showed an impressive 98mph. Thisgave Honda the distinction of being able tomatch the speed of machines twice thecapacity from European manufactures,becoming something of a living legend inGrand Prix racing. In fact until 1965 the 305ccCB77 was the largest capacity machine to beexported from Japan.

The CB72 / CB77 machines had alwaysprovided motorcycling at its best. As acomplete package, the handling and brakeswere at least a match for the performance.

Providing the rider kept down to areasonable speed (there was no nationalspeed limit then) a tank of fuel would keep yougoing for about 125 miles, which worked out atabout 70mpg. This meant that you could usethem on long journeys and hold on to thespeed even two up. These machines alsoproved to be very reliable with just the usualroutine service intervals. I will admit that Iprefer oil changes at 1,000 miles and a serviceevery 2,000 miles as I always feel that if youtake care of a machine, then it will always takecare of you. In fact I part exchanged my CB77in 1968 with 32000 trouble free miles on theclock and I have always felt that it was thispoint that sold Honda to me! I will also admitthat I still own a 1965CB77 as it is one of thosemachines I will always enjoy riding.

The CB72 and CB77 formed a major partof this club for the first few years and alongwith the smaller 125cc machines, they werevery active on club runs and rallies. Thanks tomembers like Pete Goodger, Tony Eldridge,Trevor Thompson, Jim Wheeler, Dave Lindenand Graham Gull, we were kept very busy.

The photo shows Jim Davies saying " Thisis me at the tender age of 21 on my1962 CB72(note riding gauntlets). It was an unbelievablemachine after riding British machines for a fewyears. I am now restoring a 1964 CB77 andknow that I will find a great difference afterriding my Vtec VFR800".

The CB72 and CB77 form part of ourHonda history and I am sure that there aremany of us who still enjoy the memories andcould tell us lots of stories.

Dave Barton

CB72 & CB77


WINTER 2004 15


16 WINTER 2004

DDOWNOWN YYOUROUR WWAYAYReports from the Branches

There's only 25 shopping days left toChristmas as I write this which must meanthat yet another year is almost over!

Once again we captured the attendanceTrophy at the National rally. (If you win itthree times do you get to keep it?). Manythanks to Peter at the Lakes branch for hisefforts with the organisation on our behalf's.Apart from the usual glitches you get atthese sorts of camps, everything went wellas far as we were concerned and inbetween spells at the bar we managed toget out and sample some cracking roads.Heavy rain and gales made the returnjourney interesting on Monday!

We have 32 booked for the branchChristmas dinner next week at an hotel inLuton. Several have booked rooms so wecan stagger straight upstairs at the end ofthe evening. (Sober but very tired youunderstand). Hopefully a good night will behad by all and more plans can be hatchedfor next year.

We have provisionally booked in theClappers rally at the usual place for May27th-30th next year. (2nd May bankholiday). Advert and booking forms to followin the next issue as soon as all is confirmed.Hopefully all our regulars will be back withmore new faces to ensure that this eventcontinues to grow.

It looks like we'll be taking another largeparty to Ibiza in the spring for a longweekend as it proved so popular last year.Not too much in the way of biking but sittingaround a pool in the sunshine does give you

something to look forward to over the wintermonths!

Quote of the month by a Honda dealerwhen my Transalps nearside indicatorsrefused to work last week, "You need towash the bike every night because the saltgets into the switch. We are such a smallmarket they don't bother to make the bikesto stand up to our weather". And its onlyNovember folks!

Right. Now for the party season.Rational thought will be resumed inFebruary!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Yearfrom all at Beds branch.

Graham

BEDFORDSHIRESecretary: Graham Seymour - 01438 749075


WINTER 2004 17

BIRMINGHAMSecretary: John Churchill - 024 7667 0999

Hi All,

By the time you read this Christmas willhave come and gone and I am no longer theSecretary of Birmingham Branch.

I have been Secretary of the branch forsome 8 years and have decided to take abreak.

I would like to take this opportunity tothank all those who have helped over theyears to make things a little easier for me -you know who you are.

I have made a lot of friends in the HOCand I still hope to see most of you out thereon the rallies and at the meetings.

Paul & Jill Arnold left us this year due topersonal reasons - Paul being our Branch

Chairman - thank you for all you have donePaul & Jill, we are all very grateful.

Our AGM was on Tues 14th Decemberand I am sure the new Secretary will let youknow what the outcome was.

I want to call out to all you branchmembers who don't attend the meetings -you don't know until you try it - so come on- make it your New Years Resolution tocome along and see what we get up to.

TTFN

John

Highway TollPayment in Greece?

A very progressivesystem!

Kindly supplied by“Big Ed on the Web”

Andy 'Stritchy'Stryczko


18 WINTER 2004

Secretary: Bill Brown - 01480 382295

Hi Folks,Our Tuesday night ride-outs have

now finished for another year, and havebeen replaced by the meeting at the Mill,Hartford Marina. Let's hope more memberscan make it to this meeting this year.

It was our branch AGM inNovember, and there was a fantastic turnoutagain this year. Once again we wereinundated with nobody coming forward tostand for any of the committee places that

were up for grabs. We have made a start onwhat we will be up to next year, so if anyonein our branch has anything they want to do,then please let us know.

Safe riding,

Bill

CAMBRIDGE

RALLY 2005RALLY 2005EAST MIDLANDS BRANCHEAST MIDLANDS BRANCH

JULY 8TH, 9TH AND 10THJULY 8TH, 9TH AND 10TH

New Venue

Full details will be sent out when finalisedRally Co-ordinator -Dave Sansomemailto:[email protected]

BRANCH SECRETARIES & EVENTS ORGANISERSPLEASE SEND DIARY DATES FOR 2005 TO

GOLDENWING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (DON’T WAIT FOR THE DEADLINE)


Devon and Somerset Social WeekendKilligarth Manor, Polperro, Cornwall

29th 30th April, 1st and 2nd May 2005

BOOKING FORM

Name: ____________________Address: ____________________

________________________________________

Price £60 for a caravan that sleeps up to 6

Please make cheques payable to:John Fowler Holidays

Send to : Jill Moore, 31 Willshere Road, Barnstaple,

Devon EX32 8EL

No later than March 1st 2005

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU


WINTER 2004 21

Secretary: John Hewson - 01469 560306

Steve and Vi are back after the shortestemigration to Canada on record. Steve couldn'tget into the Canadian way of life. It wasn't somuch the hanging around in bars that was theproblem, it was the high heels and suspenders hehad an issue with. Steve didn't waste any timegetting back on two wheels and is now the proudowner of a blue Blackbird.

Ken, Joyce, Steve, Vi, Dek, Mick and mewent down to the BMF Tailend Rally, where weenjoyed the organised events, consumed beerand hunted for bargains in the myriad of stalls andconsumed even more beer.

Dek and Mick made it down the OctoberClassic Bike Show at Stafford, rummaged throughthe auto-jumble and admired the many bikes onshow.

I attended the Bike Show at the NEC for thefirst time since 1999. While it is expensive forwhat it is; I found it enjoyable even though therewasn't anything new on display. I particularlyliked the metallic black BMW R1150RT, the last ofthe line, as it is due to be replaced by theR1200RT next year. Yes, I know it's not a Hondabut I can appreciate all types and make of bike.

If you feel you would like the Eastern Branchto meet at additional/different locations let meknow. Any branch is only as active as itsmembers.

John

EASTERN

Eastern Branch at the BMF Tailend

A Knight at the Tailend

Yes it's a BMW and I like it

Moped mayhemat the BMF

Tailend

Inside a Kwak


22 WINTER 2004

LAKES & COASTSecretary: Mike Bell - 07952 777941

After the successful hosting of the NationalRally in September, (unbiased reports no doubtwritten elsewhere!), we have held numerous runs,mainly on Sunday's but exploring further thiswonderful part of the country, to which many hada taster of during the runs on the National Rally.

We held a Autumn BBQ, sailed onWindermere, Coffee at Devils Bridge andBarrow's Dock Museum, had Afternoon Tea inBoot, Skipton and Hawes, Lunch in Keswick,Aysgarth and Broughton, found the fell ponies onCalderbeck, (home of John Peel) climbed thepasses of Honister, Hard Knott and Wrynose, allas we explored the Lakes and Dales withoutmeeting too many Touriods on the way. Yes wemay be within the National Park, but ourplayground has some wonderful roads for boys(and gals) to enjoy their Toys!

So let Mike or I know, we will add you to ouremail address books and keep you informed onwhat is happening within this The Most BeautifulCorner of England. We can even manage snailmail!

We also are hosting a meeting of all theNorthern clubs within HOC, sometime in thesummer of 05, and as we are out to play mostweek-ends (and even during the week) get intouch, we look forward to seeing you.

[email protected] [email protected]

NATIONAL RALLY REPORT

Hi everyone, I have just started to chill after agood weekend, and Peter and myself would like tothank to all who turned up and enjoyed theCumbrian hospitality, with plenty of food and drink.I also would like to thank all those who came onthe Lakes and Coast tour on the Saturday andRawtenstall run on the Sunday, I must admit onthe morning of the rides I was trying to make up anexcuse to not to go, like " I got wet last night andI'm going home or something more drastic, like,some buggers pinched me bike when I haveactually hidden it, but that excuse would neverwork, especially when we had a Police Officer onthe campsite and in our party, believe me I wascrapping myself, things was going through mymind, like what if…IF I LOST MY PARTY!!, whichdid come TRUE!!!!!!!, I'll tell you later. But therewhere a lot of what if's went through my mind, it'snot to bad when you know the people who you areleading, but when you are leading strangers it's abit nerve racking.

But I thought, no, the Members have taken theeffort in coming up from all parts of the British Islesto take part in the National Rally, I have to makethe effort and take them out on the runs that wherearranged and have to admit I enjoyed everyminute of them.

The Management Committe is pleased to announce that the post of Saddle SoreCo-ordinator has been accepted by Steve Davenport, Secretary of Manchester

Branch. Contact details:

27 Welbeck Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9PD Home Tel:0161 688 5843 Mobile:07968 810435

Email: [email protected] Please note: Entry forms issued in the last edition of Golden Wing should be

ammended as follows;References to John Churchill should now read Steve Davenport

Closing date for receipt of entries ismidnight on the 30th September 2005


WINTER 2004 23

That was of course apart from approximatelythirty minutes, when I lost my party which took metwenty nine sweaty minutes to find and catchthem, thanks to the guy on the yellow and blackFireblade, he was the one who pointed out thatthe rest of them had gone straight throughBroughton village and not turned first left as I did,anyway panic over, ( cock up No 1 ) I turned themaround, who were actually heading for Conistonand not St Bees. On the right route, we headedfor St Bees and we had our first stop at the Caféat St Beeshead near the shore, when GraemeBurroughs explained the drop off system to meand what a bloody good system, thank youGraeme. From there we went to Keswick alongthe A66, from Keswick to Ambleside then toConiston Water, where stopped for a Ice creamand good stretch at the Bluebird café, which isaptly name after the ill-fated Blue bird speed craftwhich flipped at a horrendous speed with tragicconsequences. Ho! I forgot, we lost matey on theyellow and black Fireblade, but his Rucksackwent on the tour and bloody well enjoyed it, nowyou probably thinking how on earth mateysRucksack complete the tour when we lost matey,well. I offered to carry it because it was hurting hiswife's back and I assumed he was behind uswhen we set off, which he wasn't. (cock up No 2)I didn't realize until we arrived at Keswick. Back atConiston, we took photo's and then set off toFlookburgh, through to Torver turned left to godown by the side of Coniston Water and roundsome really challenging bits of tarmac too.Greenodd onto the A590, then turned right at thecross roads and onto the Mosses andFlookburgh, where I found Mateys wife (yellowand black Fireblade ) and re united them withtheir Rucksack. Totally shattered but happy withthe days proceedings.

Option 1 was supposed to be done by ourChairman, Peter, but there was a mix up and hehad to work, so Tony Richardson took the party,Tony normally rides a BMW but a monthpreviously a car crossed his path at Devils Bridgewhich resulted in a damaged Bike, Helmet,Leathers and Broken Toe. Peter let Tony borrowhis Fireblade and saved the day, Thanks Tony, Iheard it was a crackin' ride out, the blade was acomfy bike to ride, much to his surprise, withChocolate and Ice cream thrown in, that'sbuggered the Diet!.

Sunday, started as it finished, with Peterlooking for his blade. Tony thought he was playingall weekend with it, Peter had better idea for histoy, which he loves to feel between his legs, not

others. Finally joined them back together atPeter's house in Windermere, having led the runup through the Lyth Valley in a Honda with toomany wheels on. The day started as Saturdayhad ended, with a little rain in between the blueskies. We waited for the rest of the NorthumbriaClub to turn up and then set off with 13motorcycles in tow, straight through Grange andstopped on the A590 at the Little chef for fuel (forthe Bikes not us). After we filled, we headed forKirkby Lonsdale to stop at the famous andpopular Devils Bridge, we stopped there foraround 30 minutes for Tea and a Coffee. All fedand watered, we started on our journey toRossendale Bike show, as I hadn't been toRossendale before, and leading a bunch ofpeople who did know the way was quitefrightening to say the least, I know some off youwould say " He should of gone and recce theroutes", Peter did, but he did an excellent jobleading option 2. It is all well and good, but whenchange of jobs for both Peter and I, and thestinking weather come into the equation, it's verydifficult, but not just for me, it was the same forPeter and some. 2 of his closest friends hadCancer which he visited regularly, plus there onlythe two of us organizing the whole event, soconsidering I think we did well, but you can'tplease some people. Gripe over! Thanks toSteve, Richard and Tony for their help on theweek-end. As Peter promised your ChairmanAndy, we Shall Deliver, and deliver we did. Webroke new ground with a choice of two led routesand a Go As You Please option each day forwhich Peter organized discount voucher books.We showed you our area, and is it little wonderafter we return from a ride out, when you haveroutes like we showed you to play upon everyweek, in this "The Most Beautiful Corner ofEngland." That the grins fill our helmets

Best wishes

Mike Bell & Peter Steen


24 WINTER 2004

Firstly, hello to all from Manchester.I know you may not want to be thinking

quite this far ahead just yet, but just areminder that the G-Mex bike show islooming in January and as always we wouldlike to meet any existing members who aregoing along and hope to recruit a few more.Last year was our best yet so I am hopingwe can keep up the trend and have anotherbumper show, so please introduceyourselves.

We have had another great year "upnorth", with attendance at meetings and onride outs up on last year. So a very big thankyou to all for coming along and giving yoursupport. Fortunately we seem to be goingagainst the trend with small clubs byincreasing numbers and I would hope thatthis will continue into the next and futureyears.

Our new ride outs calendar for 2005 willbe on the website soon so I hope we may

see a few new faces on some of those. Alldetails can be found at www.manhoc.co.ukfor those that may have not yet visited thesite.

Also for 2005 Manchester will bebacking the, "HOC Sunday Dinner Run", thesuggested date being the 17th July. We areleaving this date open on our ride outscalendar, so if any clubs in our area haveany suggestions or know of any good eatingplaces at the end of some good roads, (wedo have some ideas of our own), pleasecontact me at [email protected], which is an email address I have set asidefor this purpose.

Well that just leaves me to say MerryChristmas & Happy New Year to all at theHOC, from all of us in Manchester and hopeto meet more of you in 2005

Steve Davenport

MANCHESTERSecretary: Stephen Davenport - 07970 729384


WINTER 2004 25

2004 has truly flown by, I supposehaving to move the venue of the Branchmeetings twice in the space of ten monthsdoesn't help really. Yes folks, we havemanaged to shut down another pub, I'mbeginning to think they do it deliberately, wemove out then they open up again and havea good snigger behind our backs. We havenow moved to a pub called "The 10 o'clock"at Little Harrowden which is somewherebetween Northampton and Wellingborough.It's certainly one of the most unusual namesfor a pub that I have come across for a longtime, but the name dates back to the turn ofthe century, so it isn't one of these newtrendy jobs. It's just a good old fashionedvillage watering hole; we have been madevery welcome and will be having the Branchfestive meal there.

Things here have wound down now forthe winter, but we will be doing the nowtraditional New Years day run out, and thenit's down to the business of seriouslyplanning the Branch events for 2005.

Already we have chosen France as thedestination for the branch holiday, probablysomewhere in the Charante region at theend of April. We plan to have a campingweekend at sometime around June or July,and we are already looking forward to theNational Rally come September, so as youcan see, we might not all be out ridingconstantly now, but we sure are thinkingabout it.

Congratulations to two members thatjoined our Branch earlier this year and havealready been recognised by the NationalCommittee at the National AGM for thereefforts at promoting the H.O.C. Step forwardSue & Dan Beck and take a bow. Theyvolunteered to help promote the H.O.C atthe BMF tail end rally by handing out leafletson the Avonvale stand, and, to shorten a

very long story, practically ended up runningand organising the stand themselves due tothe "naivety" of the Avonvale staff that weregiven the task, nice also that Avonvalerecognised their efforts.

That's it for now, sorry it's brief, but it ispast the cut off date for Tim, so I hope hemanages to slot this at the last moment……

Happy New Year to you all out therefrom everyone at Northants & MiltonKeynes, we look forward to seeing you all atsometime through 2005.

Cheersmedears

Bri

NORTHANTSSecretary: Brian Dunn - 01604 404706


26 WINTER 2004

Branch Secretaries: The deadline for the next Golden Wing is;

1st March 20051st March 2005These pages are your advertising space, tolet members who are local to you know the

real benefits of active membership. Tellthem what is happening in your area

Secretary: Roger Harding - 020 8888 2751

NORTH LONDON

Now that Summer and even Autumn arenow over our ride outs have diminished, soall we do now is just have a social meeting,the odd quiz night, drink coffee and stilllisten to Larry's jokes!

We had a successful day out on theEssex Air Ambulance run to Harwich. At themeeting point in Basildon, Jodie Marsh wasthere to see us all off safely and even rodethe first twenty miles with us.

Tony went up and got an autographedpicture for all of us individually, saying thatthe rest of us were too shy! It was a greatrun with thousands of bikes taking over theA12 and Harwich was completely full ofevery sort of machine you could imagine.Steve thought the place was a dump, but itdidn't obviously deter HM The Queen, asshe recently went there on a Royal visit!

The next outing was to an Airshow atDuxford on October 10th, a very enjoyableday, especially as we all got in at the SeniorCitizens rate or less!

Unfortunately the following week Rogerhad his Blackbird stolen from his frontgarden, even though it had a chain throughthe bike and an airbrick in the house, he isstill waiting for the insurance payout.

Our Guy Fawkes celebration wascancelled this year, because Tony, who hadalready purchased the necessary fireworkswas rushed into hospital for an emergencyop, but luckily he was not in for long, whichmeant the annual Branch excursion to theNEC was not until the last Sunday. I thinkevery bike in the show was sat on anddecisions were made as to what the nextpurchase might be. Some were eliminatedimmediately, but a good session was had atthe club discussing the pros and cons of thevarious models.

That's about all from the wilds ofChingford, but if you are one of themembers who joined at the NEC and arewithin easy reach of us, do come along onany Thursday from about 8.30, you will besure of a warm welcome.

Ride Safe,

Graham Gull


28 WINTER 2004

Well here we go again, I have just realisedthis year is nearly over and I haven't

done any shopping yet, oops! We at Oxfordhave had a very good year, we have a lot of newmembers and hopefully we will get more. Our rideouts have been enjoyed by one and all so a bigthank you to our leader Don. More of the samenext year please. Erica organised a trip to LeMans, and those who went said it was reallygreat. Thank you to Erica.

Our rally was really well attended and enjoyedby all who came. We are to have the use of thewhole field next year thanks to our hosts at theCross Hands Inn, this means that you can bringyour campers. Details opposite. The next item onthe agenda is our Brass Monkey Rally, and weare hoping this will be a great success. Jimmy has

been working hard on it. We are to have somenew members from the Varadero club they will bemade most welcome.

We have been to the NEC and done our bit,the next one will be the BMF which will hopefullybe a great deal better than this year. Our lastevent this year is our party. Good luck to Stevewho is taking over the Saddle Sore shield. I wouldlike to say a big thank you to all who work so hardfor us on the committee. All I can say now is getthose bikes ship shape for 2005 and get on yerbike.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year toyou all from all of us at Oxford.

Love

Betty

Secretary: Betty McCulloch - 01993 823966

OXFORD

YES it's BackThe Oxford Rally 2005

at "The Cross Hands Inn"Salford Hill, on the A44,

Nr Moreton in Marsh. Glos.Friday July 15th to Sunday 17th

Tents : £8.00 per night Camper Vans £9.00 per night

Arrive Friday Night - Set up and meet friends

(and the Oxford Branch !! )

Saturday - Breakfast in pubor DIY, Ride Out, BBQ

Evening entertainment andraffle, starts 8.00 pm

Sun - Pack up and farewell

All bookings and money to be sent to:Betty McCulloch ( Secretary), 30 Ansell Way, Milton under Wynchwood, Chipping Norton,

Oxon. OX7 6LUTel : 01993 832966 or e-mail: [email protected]


CREATE-A-CLOCK

"WHAT CAN WE BUY THEM "

People will be saying that all over theworld again this year.

The team at Create-a-clock have theperfect answer, just send them the picture ofyour choice and they will reproduce it withinthe dial of a quality wall clock, the result willbe a unique gift for any occasion.

Richard Taylor of Create-a-clock hasbeen offering this service since 1998 andhas produced many clocks with a widevariety of subjects captured within them. "Infact, any clear picture can be used withinour clocks" says Richard.

"Our aim is to produce an item that wewould like to own, to that end we maycontact the customer if we need to and all

pictures are returned with the order." "We use quality components to build the

clocks, which are offered as 28cm woodencases in Mahogany, Pine, Oak or AntiquePine finishes. Alternatively, we offer a highquality 22cm plastic clock case in a choiceof colours i.e. black, blue, green, red orlemon yellow.”

“What ever you choose, you can be surethat great care will be taken to provide youwith a gift to be proud of".

Visit www.createaclock.co.uk to seeexamples of their work or contact the teamat [email protected]

Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.

Richard Taylor


30 WINTER 2004

Hi all,Here we are again at the end of another

year, and Solent branch continues to enjoyan active and varied range of activities.

The highlight of the year wasundoubtedly our 10th anniversary rally,which was once again enjoyed by all, andour regular bi-weekly Wednesday run outscontinue to be well supported. In addition,we have had runs to a number of placesincluding a trip to the London Eye andvarious social events such as skittlesevenings, bowling, a trip to see how aregional paper is printed, and a veryenjoyable evening at the dog track, wheresome of us proved to be lucky.

I am writing this the day after our branchChristmas Dinner, and can safely say thatthis year was one of the best; we seem tohave got things just right. The caterers weused last year had decided to retire, and wewere left to be rescued by the daughter ofone of our members who runs her owncatering business, and luckily had a spaceto fit us in. The food was excellent, hot, andwe were all served at the same time. Therewas even seconds, which went down verywell indeed; even Chris Cook would havebeen satisfied! The provision of flyingballoons and a few bottles of wine ensuredmuch laughter and silliness.

Unfortunately, the year also had mixedblessings. The number of new membersjoining at the major shows has shown adownturn this year, and this is reflected bythe lower number of new members, andsome existing ones, taking part in branchactivities. This is not limited to just theSolent branch, or the HOC, but is a featureof clubs in general. Quite how we combatthis is hard to know, but if an members feelthere is something they want or need which

we are not providing, please let us know.It is a feature of all clubs that at some

point in time there will be issues betweenindividual members, and unfortunately, 2004seems to have been one of those years atSolent. Smoking in public places is a hottopic, both in the press and the media, andtherefore it was not wholly surprising thatthose who would prefer people not to smokein their vicinity made their views known. Asa committee, we dealt with a request forbranch meetings to be non smoking byholding a vote at the next meeting. The votewas comprehensively won by those whowanted to ban smoking, and therefore a banwas put in place. As is always the case insuch matters, some members felt that thevote was unfair, and there concerns didhave some validity. Objections ranged fromthose who felt we could not lawfully imposea ban (as this was the sole discretion of thelicensee), to those who felt we had not givenenough notice of the vote to enable them toattend and have their say. As a result, Ispoke with the national managementcommittee, and whilst it was decided tomaintain the ban until the branch AGM, itwould then be voted on again in a secretballot, all having had plenty of notice. TheAGM will take place on the 26th January.

SOLENTSecretaries:Tim Lee 023 8025 2113Jackie Harris 023 9225 6571

Don’t mind us, we’ll stay out here and look after the bikes!


WINTER 2004 31

I find it personally sad that this, andother matters can lead to friction betweenindividual members, which can result inthose we would count as friends ceasing tobe a part of the branch. My grandmotherused to say that something was six of oneand half a dozen of the other, and in mostdisputes, I think this is broadly true. Perhapsthere are times when it is good to remindourselves exactly what our club is about,and the reasons why we join and take part.The club is about having fun and enjoyingour biking together, and should never bemore than this. There will always bedisagreements between members, butwhen these deepen into animosity, it isperhaps time to take a deep breath andreflect on whether the matter in hand reallydoes justify our position; quite often it doesnot.

On a brighter note, we have alreadybooked the rally field for this years NewForest Rally (see advert elsewhere). Thosewho have attended previously will note thatthere has been a slight increase in the price.The reason for this is that it enables us tobook the whole field, which will now beexclusively HOC. This means there is morespace, and those camped at the edge will nolonger have to spend time "educating" thechildren of those attending other ralliesexactly where and where not it isappropriate to kick a football!

It just remains for me to wish everyone ahappy and prosperous new year from all ofus at Solent.

Keep it tidy

Tim

Santa havingit away with

Tom’sFirestorm

And his little helper

Keith setting an example at theChristmas Partyay out here and look after the bikes!


SOLENT BRANCHSOLENT BRANCH11th ANNIVERSARY NEW FOREST RALLY: 11th ANNIVERSARY NEW FOREST RALLY:

17th - 19th JUNE 200517th - 19th JUNE 2005BOOKING FORMBOOKING FORM

NAMENAMEADDRESSADDRESS

POST CODEPOST CODE

HOC MEMBERSHIP No.HOC MEMBERSHIP No. VEHICLE REG. No.VEHICLE REG. No.

CARCAR

BIKEBIKE

No. COSTNo. COSTNo. OF NIGHTS @ £10.00 PER UNITNo. OF NIGHTS @ £10.00 PER UNIT(TENT OR CARAVAN)(TENT OR CARAVAN)

No. OF BREAKFASTS ON SAT @ £3.00No. OF BREAKFASTS ON SAT @ £3.00No. OF BREAKFASTS ON SUN @ £3.00No. OF BREAKFASTS ON SUN @ £3.00

No. OF BBQ SALADS @ £1.00No. OF BBQ SALADS @ £1.00

TOTAL OF CHEQUE £TOTAL OF CHEQUE £

RETURN TO:- RETURN TO:- HOC SOLENT RALLY CLUB, HOC SOLENT RALLY CLUB,

BARBARA PEACE, 17 QUEEN STREET,BARBARA PEACE, 17 QUEEN STREET,LITTLEHAMPTON, BN17 6EPLITTLEHAMPTON, BN17 6EP

CHEQUES PAYABLE TO: CHEQUES PAYABLE TO: HOC SOLENT RALLY CLUBHOC SOLENT RALLY CLUB

PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS ONPLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS ONBACK OF CHEQUE AND ENCLOSE S.A.E.BACK OF CHEQUE AND ENCLOSE S.A.E.

On arrival call at site office for vehicke passOn arrival call at site office for vehicke pass


September the 16th to 19th September the 16th to 19th at Bainland Country Park,at Bainland Country Park,

Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.The Price List!

4 x Dunston Double bed with single bunk in same room 2-3 berth cottage £1654 x Harrington Double bed en suite and spa bath £1905 x Belton 1 Double and twin bedded 4 berth cottage £2103 x Revesby 1 double and a twin with spa bath £2352 x Cranwell double and 2 twin bedrooms £2403 x Swinderby double and 2 twin bedrooms and a spa bath. £25510x 6 berth caravan £190

All prices include services bedding and towels provided.

Camping pitches with or without electricity and touring caravans welcome. £12.50per night with electric £10.50 without.

For the bungalows there is a quoted rate of £20 per person per night whichdependant upon group bookings will be available in space allows.

Booking with Andy Young (full contact details on page 2)Booking is now open, £50 deposits as soon as possible, first come first served.

(Campers one night fee as deposit please) Cheques payable to Honda Owners Club GB please.

Booking Deadline 30th January 2005

Please do not contact Bainland direct as I am handling all the arrangements and havebooked the whole of their rental accommodation in the first instance.

Further info on the site can be seen www.bainland.co.uk


36 WINTER 2004

First of all I would like to apologise to any ofour members if any part of this issues Branchreport is inaccurate. After having an operation inJuly I've been unable to ride the bike and have topass on tales of what has happened on Ride Outssecond hand

At the beginning of September severalmembers went on a weekend away to Devonorganised by one of our newer members WayneWilliams. A good time was had by all apart fromthe fact that two members managed to crash theirbikes whilst crossing one of the Moors. Thankfullyno one was seriously injured but it did result inone of the bikes being written off.

Ever since our branch was formed wehaven't had a single accident (unless you countthe time in France when I got off the bikeforgetting that I hadn't put the side stand downDOH!)

Then on a ride out last month another of ourmembers crashed whilst taking a sharp lefthander. Hopefully we've had our share of crashedand we can now return to our usual safe andaccident free rideouts.

Whilst on that subject if anyone knows how topatch up a Blackbird let us know (only joking?)

On a brighter note we did have a visit from theEast Midland Branch who were on holiday inWales. Several of our members met up with themin Breacon and took them on a ride out around thearea. Next year we hope to go up to the Midlandsarea and have a couple of days riding around thearea and hopefully the East Midlands Branch willrepay the favour. It has been suggested that wecombine it with the Sunday Dinner run that hasbeen suggested for the 17th July, so watch thisspace.

At the moment the Branch is busy planningfor next year, several ride outs have beenpencilled in for the early part of next year (weatherpermitting.) See our web site for details. Alsoplans for a French Folic part 2 (week away inFrance 17-26th June 2005) are well under way.

So if you fancy joining in any of the above,come along to one of our meetings or ride outs,we're a friendly bunch really!

Ride Safe

Paul Evans

SOUTH WALESSecretary: Paul Evans - [email protected]

Hello to all that know me and Maria, onceagain I have to report nowt too much happeningup here in Yorkshire.

Me and Maria Helped out at the bike show onthe HOC stand and had a good day. As far as iknow quite a few were signed up during the week.

I haven't been out on the bike as its in RobsGarage and he's in Thailand so we'll just have towait till he comes home wont we! The meetingsare still going on and anyone wanting directionsjust needs to have a look at the web sitewww.cb1000.co.uk and you'll find them.

We need some ideas for runs for next year, socome on down and tell us about a run you'vebeen on and maybe we can try it out. When yourreading this Christmas and the New Year will beover and me and Maria hope you all had a greattime.

We all had a good time at the National Rallyand the photo is from the carvery we went to on

the Saturday night. The rain came down so wedidn't go on the runs, but still did a few milesbetween the showers. Well done to all that put iton for us.

Well that's it for another Golden Wing so ItsGoodbye from Me and Maria.

Big Steve

WEST YORKSHIRESecretary: Big Steve - 01274 772970


WINTER 2004 41nti-social hours

hesGolden Wing Winter 2004.qxd 12/01/2005 23:31 Page 41

42 WINTER 2004

THREE SHIRESSecretary: Carl Hipkins - 0114 2214 882

This summer has seen a few changes atThree Shires. Both the Chairman and Secretarystood down on the same night due to workcommitments .Many thanks to Kevin (don'tmention me in GW)Ludlam for three years in thechair and Chris (good evening!) Wright for whatI'm led to believe is six years as secretary (thoughI stand ready for correction on that point). Takingover as chair is Mick Yeomans with my self CarlHipkins as secretary.We both hope to follow ourpredecessors to the best of our ability.

We have also changed our Treasurer andRun Co-ordinator. Gill Blackwell(NO photo's!) istaking over as Treasurer and John (Ringo) Evans(I bought it on E bay officer!) is taking over as RunCo-ordinator. Many thanks to Jackie and Nigelwho resigned the above posts for personalreasons.

To conclude our recent changes we have alsomoved to a new venue. We can now be found atThe Travellers J35 M1, (follow signs forChapeltown taking first right as soon as you leavethe roundabout) every Monday 7.30pm onwards.

There has been a good turnout for the manySunday rideouts this year taking in some verygood roads around Lincolnshire and the eastcoast. A recent ride to devils bridge hadentertainment in the form of a fully dressed (yesleathers!) gent taking a plunge from the bridgeinto the water and swimming around for a while.Well it was rather hot! One or two of our otherruns proved that my waterproofs were not (cheersKev'n'Kate) but were decent runs nonetheless.Quick question…..Does everybody know how thebuddy system works?? Hands up if you do…Yourhand not up Ringo?? 'Nuff said!

A few congratulations to Hand out this year.The first goes to Tim and Sharon who celebratetheir silver wedding anniversary and to theirdaughter Claire who will be 21 around the sametime. Another cheer has got to go to Derek whoafter six years of trying to win the raffle won it twoweeks running!! Not bad odds as he reckons tohave spent around £250 to win £20.

Must say hello to Steve and co at WestLondon branch who made me and 'er indoorsmost welcome on a recent visit. Cheers all!

THREE SHIRES "CHEESE RUN"

So, it's November, it's cold and miserable, itmust be time for Kev's Cheese run. Kev reckonshe still has some left over from last year!! But wewent anyway.

The day dawned cold but dry thankgoodness, and ten bikes turned up at McDonald'sfor a 9.30 start. Thanks to the efficiency ofMcDonald's staff, it was a little later when we setoff. Kev's call of "who wants to do the backmarker" met with a stony silence as usual, soMick volunteered and off we set throughChesterfield and in to the Peak District on somevery nice quiet roads. We did go over the moorsat one stage where we met low cloud and drizzle,Brian had a one handed journey, using the otheras a windscreen wiper. Mick was nearly sideswiped by a 4x4, SMIDSY, I suppose.

We arrived at Hartington, which is on theDerbyshire/Staffordshire border in time to pile into the cheese shop and stock up on all thewonderful cheeses on sale there. As it was not yettwelve, we leant on the pub door until theyopened up when we all went to gather around thenon existent fire. Sunday lunches of various sortswere enjoyed along with a drink or two.

Off we set, with several laps of the grassyroundabout to start, (funny, but long story), somemore great roads at a good pace for everyone.

The drop off system worked very well again,until the last turn off, when the front four went oneway and the rest another. Apparently this was byprior arrangement, but no one told the backmarker.

Anyway, a good day out was enjoyed by all,thank you Kev and Kate.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPYNEW YEAR TO ALL.

Ride well

Carl


WINTER 2004 43

VARADEROSecretary: Philip Ramsay

VARADERO INTERNATIONALMEETING - VIM

In the last issue of Golden Wing, the VIM -Varadero International Meeting - was mentioned acouple of time.

The VIM, is not a HOC affair, and there is nocentral organisation or committee - it is more of a'floating tradition'.

Since the first VIM in Holland in 1999 - just agroup of a dozen or so Varadero owners who hadmet on the Internet - the tradition has been for amember present, to offer to host the next meeting.If there is more than one invitation, those presenttake a vote and the selected host is left to sortthings out! The tradition is that the VIM, is held onWhitsun weekend - whenever it falls.

The location, the accommodation, the sort ofevents, is entirely in the hands of the host - it is hisparty! In practice they usually gather a group offellow Varadero riders to give them a hand, so itbecomes their party!

When things are sorted out a notice is sent tothe members of the International Mailing List andposted on the International Web pages.

To date we have had VIM's in Holland,Luxembourg, Austria, Greece, Germany andPortugal. Whilst camping has always beenavailable, other 'bedded' accommodation hasvaried: caravans, hotels, cabins, youth hostels. Insome cases a mixture of all four!

The groups have varied from 40 to 140 bikes.The average expected would be perhaps 80bikes, with 130 people. With riders arriving from17 different countries, many riders will haveridden 1/2000 miles just to get there. They willhave ridden some of the most demanding roadsand through the most beautiful and dramaticcountryside that Europe has to offer.

So the VIM is not so much as riding at theevent, but the ride to the event. With nothing toprove, the event rides are a fairly relaxed and'stop to smell the flowers' sort of rides - that is notto say that we didn't 'storm' the Austrian Alps!They invariable include a proper lunch stop - InPortugal, the Saturday lunch was a 5 courseaffair, held in a wine bottling plant! Yes, unlimited,free wine! One of the evenings invariably has a B-B-Q . In both Germany and Portugal we had aproper hog roast over an open fire - very

impressive! Come to think of it there was not B-B-Q in Greece, but then they eat so late, giving youso much time to drink beforehand, that I can'tactually remember any evening meal in Greece!

Next year it is in the Lake district of Poland,SE of Gdansk. I am expecting a record number ofUK Varaderos, to attend. In spite of the fact thatdetails have yet to be posted, some riders havealready booked their ferry.

Have a look at the pictures they will give youa flavour of The VIM. Got a Varadero, then join us.Have a regular riding companion not riding aVaradero - bring them along!

For those who are interested, but withoutaccess to the internet, write to the Editor, withyour phone number and I will see what I can doabout sorting out a 'hard copy' - do it very soon!.

As the International Varadero List is inEnglish, the 'official' language of the VIM, isEnglish, but you will get a chance to practice yourGreek, Russian, Italian, Slovakian, etc. etc.

Barry Tinson


44 WINTER 2004

WEST COAST RIDERSSecretary: Phil Bell - 01244 811244

Well, where to start, meeting attendancehas been up and down, with a few recentnew additions following the NEC, let's hopethis is a taste of things to come.

We've had a few ride outs and had tocancel a couple due to lack of interest buthey, this is our first year and we have to takethe rough with the smooth so we'll keepplugging away until we make this asuccessful branch.

One of our best rides recently wasHawsley, a day that started out at amotorway services and looked as though itwas going to be it. Iffy weather wise.Thankfully the worst we had to contend withwas some fog over the moors which madethings entertaining for a little while! After abrief stop at ? for coffee, the loo and tocomplain about the weather we moved on toHelmsley, a ride which everyone seemed toenjoy. Helmsley itself was full of bikers (asusual) but we still managed to findsomewhere to park. After a bite to each anda short wander around the village weheaded off for the second half of therun up towardsStokesly andthrough theNorth YorksNational Park.Eventually wemeandered ourway backtowards the M6,heading for home,unfortunately theweather decidedto take a turn forthe worse and weended up with thathorrible drizzle thatjust sticks to yourvisor and soaks youthrough!! Otherwiseeveryone seemedto enjoy themselves!

We've also attended a couple of runswith other branches (ManHOC as always -we won their 'Sore Ass' award!) includingthe Lakes guys, thanks go to Peter and co.for a great day out on some fantastic roads- you guys don't hang about do you?!

For next year we currently have half adozen runs planned plus we also have a fewideas for mid week evening runs andperhaps some early morning blasts, we'rewaiting to see what the interest is. Rona & Iare also planning a trip to the Pyrenees withsome friends, we are opening this up toanyone else who may be interested, justgive us a call for the details.

Well I'm keeping it relatively short thistime so everyone take it easy.

Phil & Rona


46 WINTER 2004

We are still busy down here in deepestWiltshire, but the numbers are dropping, showingthat winter is approaching, or we are doingsomething wrong. I sometimes wonder, but thanon visiting other clubs, we don't seem to be doinganything different, and we are keeping up with themonthly runs.

Unfortunately, it was on one of these whichwe had a bit of trouble, when a bike and rider toan unplanned excursion into the roadside afterhitting some gravel and a large pot hole on abend.

The rider was battered and bruised, and theHornet did not fair too well with some bent andbroken panels - but that's enough on this subject- accidents do happen, but not that often here inWiltshire.

On November the 7th, five members met upat the Little Chef on the A303 near Andover andwere pleased to welcome our friends Phil and

Tina and John and Dawn who have decided tosplit away from the Solent Branch.

We were heading off to the MilestoneMuseum at Basingstoke, going via some wet,slippery and muddy lanes to get there, which ismore exciting than A roads. On arrival, my firstthoughts were that there wasn't a lot there, but Iwas very surprised when I and the rest of thebunch got inside. There is loads to see and do,with the exhibits all being local works such asThorneycroft lorries and steam manufacturing andother life exhibits. It just goes to show thatalthough we may look far and wide, there areworthwhile places to visit on our doorsteps. Aftera good look round it was time to depart and go ourseparate ways. Thanks to all who came along.

That's all for now.

Chris Cook

WILTSHIRESecretary: Chris Cook - 01793 725385

Come and join the fun at the Bruces Arms, Easton Royal, Pewsey, Wilts (Just off the Marlborough to Salisbury Rd., A338). At Burbage take the B3087 aCamping is available behindSolo guitarist Saturday Evening Please note on the form the days you are camping, if staying less than 3 nights. For further details plea BOOKING FORMPlease detach One person one tent, Two persons one tent, TOTAL amount payable

Name: .............................Address: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Post Code: ...............................................Telephone: ............................................... Bike Reg: ..........................H.O.C. Branch: ....................................................... I enclose cheque/postal order to the value of £....................made payab

Please return this form with payment and SAE to :

WANT A GENUINE WELCOME & HELP IN FINDING THE BEST ROADS ?Check into Granlea Guest House, Boat of Garten (Nr Aviemore)...

Contact:Jackie or Glen SmithGranlea Guest HouseBoat of GartenInverness-shire, PH24 3BNTel: 01479 - 831601Email: [email protected]

RUN BY A BIKER WHO HASGOOD KNOWLEDGE OF THE

HIGHLAND ROADS

Web: http://freespace.virgin.net/granlea.house

- Ideal base for touring or stopover- Ample dry secure parking- Drying facilities if you’re soaked!- Gut-busting breakfasts- Village centre location- 5 minute walk to pub and dining- 5 comfortable bedrooms- Awesome biking roads all directions- 10% discount with HOC card


HONDA OWNERS CLUB WILTS BRANCH - SPRING WEEKEND RALLY

FRIDAY 29th APRIL 2005 - MONDAY 2nd MAY 2005

Come and join the fun at the Bruces Arms, Easton Royal, Pewsey, Wilts (Just off the Marlborough to Salisbury Rd., A338). At Burbage take the B3087 and the Bruces Arms is on the right. Camping is available behind the pub with toilet facilities. Families welcome. Solo guitarist Saturday Evening Please note on the form the days you are camping, if staying less than 3 nights. For further details please contact:- Chris Cook, Tel: 01793 725385 BOOKING FORM Please detach or photocopy and forward with payment Tick Boxes One person one tent, one night £ 5.00 two nights £10.00 or three nights £15.00 Two persons one tent, one night £ 6.00 two nights £12.00 or three nights £18.00 TOTAL amount payable £ --------------------

Name: ................................................................................................................ Address: ............................................................................................................ .......................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... Post Code: ............................................... Telephone: ............................................... Bike Reg: .......................... H.O.C. Branch: ....................................................... I enclose cheque/postal order to the value of £....................made payable to ‘H.O.C. Wilts’

FINAL DATE FOR BOOKING:- 15th APRIL 2005 Please return this form with payment and SAE to :- CHRIS COOK No.1 LOWER WIDHILL FARM COTTAGES BLUNSDON SWINDON SN26 8DB


48 WINTER 2004

SSHOWINGHOWING OOFFFFReport From the NEC

Dear All,Thanks to all of you and your various branch

members who helped on our standover the 11days of the NEC Show. We recruited 180 newmembers (which although lower than in previousyears, was reflected by the reduced number ofvisitors overall to the show.)

As always, considerable interest wasshownboth by those who joined and potential membersabout our branch network, and hopefully some ofthem will actually make the effort and attendbranches, where I am sure they will be made mostwelcome.

Actual figures,180 New Members,24 Renewals at the show

The following is a selection of pictures whichjust go to show that those manning the stand hada good time. There are further pictures to beviewed, especially of the scantilly clad youngladies of which there is an abundance on pressday. To see these, visit the website at:

www.hoc.org.uk/gallery

Andy “Dibble” Young Ron Haslam paying a brief visit

The HOC Crew onNovember the 12th


WINTER 2004 49

MEMBER APATHY

This is a subject that is probably close to theheart of any branch managers if members in theirareas are conspicuous by their absence.

2004 was the year that my wife and I decidedto try and get a branch started in our area. Upuntil around a year earlier there had been onenearby but the bloke who used to run it workedshifts (which are never useful in thesecircumstances!) and hence the branch folded.

Now when we started, our very helpfulchairman decided to send letters out to all themembers who would be 'local' to us. Our firstmeeting had two people show up. Well, we werejust starting out and we weren't expectingmiracles so we didn't take this too badly. Ninemonths later and we're still not expecting much,and, in this at least, we're not being disappointed.

Now when I joined this club I received themagazine, read it from cover to cover (still do),looked at the website for updates, used some ofthe local discounts and wanted to attend a localbranch, go on ride outs and meet other peoplewho loved this biking thing. These days I'mbeginning to think that I'm a bit unusual in this.From what I can gather reading other branchreports actual member involvement in ridesand/or meetings can be calculated like this(figures have been simplified for the sake of easymaths!):

Number of branches: 24

Average meeting/ride attendance: 20 members (optimistic, I know)

Total number of members: 3000 (more than this in reality)

Percentage of members taking part: 16%

I don't know about anyone else but I think thatis pitiful. Those of us involved in this club throwourselves in to it in the hope that everyone enjoysthemselves and gets something from our efforts.On the stand at the NEC some people wereasking 'what do I get from membership', the shortanswer is 'whatever you want to get from it'. Ifyou don't involve yourself and then sit back and

say 'they never do anything for me' then answerthese questions for me - 'Who are you? Have Iseen you on a ride out? Have I seen you at ameeting? Have I read anything you have writtenin the letters or forum?'. Think of it like theNational Lottery - if you don't take part you can'twin (better chance of winning something with usthough!).

For those of you who don't know or don'trealise it, this club is entirely independent, it is runby volunteers with no back up or funding fromHonda themselves. Everything is done by peoplewho love biking and love Hondas, in their owntime, quite often at their own expense. Otherclubs get funds from manufacturers, not this one,and yet the HOC has been running for over fortyyears. When Honda tried to start their own'official' version I believe it lasted around threeyears with most members failing to renew whentheir free membership (for buying a new bike) ranout - the professionals couldn't do it but a bunchof amateurs giving up their free time can!

So, get yourselves off your backsides, go andattend a branch meeting (if there is one near you,if not - why not start one yourself?), go on a rideout, use the member discounts (use 'em or lose'em), read the website, join and take part in theon-line forum and maybe even try the chat room.If you don't, why are you here?

And for those of you wondering about me, Ihave spent this year trying to get a branch started(with my good lady wife), attending meetings ofanother branch (who helped us get started -thanks guys!), leading ride outs, taking part in rideouts with other branches, attending managementmeetings (well, one, we were on holiday for thesecond!), attending the AGM, manning the standat the NEC and I'm planning on helping theManchester branch with the stand at the G-Mexshow in January. We have rides planned for nextyear together with a trip to the Pyrenees. Whatare you doing with the club???

PhilSecretary, West Coast Riders HOC (North Wales & Merseyside)


50 WINTER 2004

THE BASICS OFMOTORCYCLE TYRES

TYRES . . . SIMPLE THINGS, round! black!hole in the middle, you get the general idea. Putthe wrong ones on your bike though and you'llsoon know about it.

There are two basic kinds of tyre, radials andcross-ply with a further side alley called bias-belted. Radials get their name from their casingangle; it lies at 90 degrees to the direction of tyretravel. The casing belts of cross-plies cross atangles to each other and create a sturdierstructure. Bias-belted tyres are a development ofcross-plies; they feature an extra belt or beltsbetween the casing and tread compound. Thisbelt could be used as added reinforcement orsometimes as an additional comfort layer.

Do not under any circumstances mix thesedifferent types of tyre unless the tyremanufacturer approves it. They have developedtheir tyres to work in matched pairs. Oneexception to this rule is that it is perfectly possiblefor a manufacturer to recommend a cross-plyfront with a bias-ply rear; this is usually becausethe bias-ply tyre has been designed as an integralpart of an existing range of cross-ply tyres.Neither will you get the best from your bike if youuse a tyre from Brand A on the front and one fromBrand X on the rear.

In the UK it is illegal to fit the followingcombinations;

* bias-belt front - cross-ply rear* radial front - cross-ply rear* radial front - bias-belt rear

There is a popular misconception that radialtyres are better than cross-plies, this is simply nottrue. In recent years a couple of manufacturershave put a lot of development into bringing cross-plies bang up to date and the best of these cansometimes out perform radials on some types of

bike where manufacturers approve the use ofboth kinds of tyre. The simple rule of thumb is toonly fit tyres in the matched pairs asrecommended by the tyre manufacturer of yourchoice.

Selecting the type of tyre (super sports,sports, touring, etc) for use on your bike is moredifficult. It will depend on the type of bike that youown, what sort of riding you do and what choicesthe tyre manufacturer recommends for your bike,Speak to people who understand tyres such astyre specialists, manufacturers or theirdistributors, but definitely not the bloke you metdown the pub last night!

Fitting a different sort of tyre can change abike's handling characteristics. If, for example,you own a VFR800 the steering can be made tofeel a lot lighter by changing the original sportsrubber for a pair of super sports tyres, but again,only if the tyre maker approves it. Don't betempted to take this too far by fitting tyresintended for racing on street bikes. Pure racingtyres are not approved for road use. Their casingsare very light and can be easily damaged, and theprofiles of these tyres are tuned towards hyper-quick steering and not the stability needed byroad bikes. Road legal race tyres such as thoseused in super-sport racing do not always makegood road tyres either. All out grip on the limit atthe expense of all round handling ability on theroad does not make for an easy life; besides anyroad orientated super-sport tyre will give you allthe grip you can ever use.

Some machines require the use of speciallyconstructed tyres. Outwardly these tyres appearidentical to the standard version but they mayhave structural or compound changes that finetune the handling of the bikes that they weredesigned for. The tyre makers then adjust one oftheir existing tyres until the handlingcharacteristics that the bike manufacturerrequires are achieved. In these cases it is obviousthat you should only fit these speciallyconstructed tyres.


WINTER 2004 51

After having a new tyre fitted you shouldalways ride gently for about 100 miles, avoidsudden acceleration, maximum braking and hardcornering. This period is commonly known asscrubbing-in and

It is necessary because when a tyre is new itstill has some residue of the releasing agent onits surface. This agent prevents the tyre gettingstuck in the mould during manufacture. It canalso help to prolong the tyre's life while it is instorage and this is the reason that themanufacturer does not clean the agent off thetread surface.

You should subject your tyres to a safetycheck regularly and often, It is unbelievable howmany riders only look at their pressures everymonth or so. Tyres should be checked fordamage and correct inflation pressure once aweek, more often if you are covering highmileage, pressures should be checked only whenthe tyres are cold. Tyre pressures are very mucha personal thing and no two riders will agree onwhat suits each best. Tyre manufacturers onlyrecommend one inflation pressure, this is apressure that will cope well with most ridingconditions, whether you are riding solo or with apassenger, with or without luggage, commutingor touring.

It is obvious that by adjusting your tyrepressures you will be able to improve thehandling in a given area. Generally speaking thehigher the pressure the greater the stability andthe longer the tyre will last. By reducing pressureyou can increase grip, this is because the contactpatch has been increased and the casing andtread can move around a little more and thereforeheat up more. But remember, if you lower thepressure too far, instability can result.

As a rule start with the tyre manufacturer'srecommended pressure and reduce the rear by 2psi and the front by 1 psi. Only adjust one tyre ata time so that you can analyse the results. Whenyou feel that you are close, only makeadjustments in 1 psi increments. This is a blackart with no hard and fast guidelines and only youwill be able to tell what suits you in differentcircumstances. Certain bikes, the SuperBlackbird springs to mind, do not benefit frompressure adjustments, and always check withyour tyre expert first.

The marking on the sidewall of a tyrecontains vital information; the main thing that youshould concern yourself with though is the sizeand speed rating.

Let's take a typical size of

180/55 ZR17 (73W)

180 refers to the section width of the tyre inmillimetres.

55 is the aspect (height) ratio expressed as apercentage of the width.

Z is the speed rating (see chart below).

R shows the tyre is of radial construction, a Bwould be bias-belted and a hyphen would be across-ply.

17 is the rim diameter, always shown ininches.

73 is the load index, it denotes the maximumload the tyre can carry at the designated speedrating and with maximum inflation pressure. Thisis to be used in conjunction with a chart, whichconverts the index into kg's.

W is the maximum speed the tyre wasdesigned for. W without brackets is up to 270km/h, W with brackets is more than 270 km/h.

Some commonly used speed ratings are:

P up to 93mph/i 50 km/hS up to 112 mph/iSO km/hH up to 130 mph/210 km/hV up to 150 mph/240 km/hZ over 150 mph/240 km/h

Remember, as long as you stick to the majormanufacturers and their recommendations thereis no such thing as a bad tyre these days, onlytyres that can be unsuitable for your bike or yourriding style.

Graeme BurroughHOC Northumbria


52 WINTER 2004

A DA DAYAY ATAT TTECSTARECSTARTecstar, makers of the Starcom 1

intercom (www.starcom1.com), invited theClub to a hog roast on Sunday 10thOctober. Not being one to turn down a freenosh-up, I jumped at the chance.

Six bikes from the Northants and MiltonKeynes Branch set off, on a beautifullysunny day, for the Tecstar offices in St. Ives.I mention the weather principally because itwas horrible up until Saturday, so I reckon<INSERT YOUR PREFERRED DEITYHERE> must have been smiling on the HOCthat day!

We were amongst the first to arrive andwere met by Sarah with the offer of a coffeeand the delicious smell of roasting pork(coming from the hog roast, not Sarah, Ihasten to add). Alan, Tony, Chris and therest of the Tecstar staff were very friendlyand welcoming, taking us through its variousabilities of the system and demonstratingthe clarity of the system.

As the morning progressed more andmore members turned up, with a largecontingent from the Bedfordshire Branch,munching their way through the deliciouspork, stuffing and apple sauce rolls ablyprovided by John and Sarah. It was reallygood to chat with friends oldand new. Barry(well known onthe ClubForum) wasexactly as you'dexpect - VictorMeldrew on aVaradero!

By the timewe left, at about1.30, there wereover 50 membersand their bikesmilling around,enjoying the freefood, talking about the Starcom andenjoying the day. My thanks go to everyoneat Tecstar for laying on a super day andmaking us all feel very welcome.

The Starcom 1 system offers full rider-to-pillion and bike-to-bike capability, as you'dexpect. You can also plug in your phone,PDA/GPS and mp3/cd player if you want.

How's that for versatility! Itis also frequencycompatible with all themajor intercom systems, sothere's no problem if yourfriends are using any othermake of bike-to-bike radio.

Tecstar give HOCmembers a 10% discountoff their already verycompetitive prices. Theirwebsite can be accessedvia

www.hoc.org.uk/links

Andy 'Stritchy' StryczkoMember(14808)


WINTER 2004 53

NNEWEW DDISCOUNTISCOUNT SSUPPLIERSUPPLIERSMCI TOURSFerry Tickets:

MCi Tours PO Box 750 Altrincham CheshireWA15 8GE Tel: 0161 941 7149

www.mcitours.com Genuine 30% off Seafrance Dover/Calais routeRing SeaFrance reservations direct on 08705711711, quote "MCi 111461" and the normalselling price is reduced by 30% - bargain!!Offer valid from now until December 2005

Holidays:MCi Tours have a whole range of self-guidedtours on offer that start at only £299 for a full

week in the Harz Mountains in GermanyFerry ticket, overnight cabin, hotel

accommodation and meals with wine allincluded. MCi Tours Small & Friendly holidays

are all in properties abroad owned by UK bikers!No language problems and rideouts and routesall provided. Ring MCi Tours on 0870 241 7263

for free 2005 colour Brochure.

MOTOHAUS POWERSPORTS LTD 15% discount for members, well worth visiting

www.motohaus.comor calling 01256 704909

CRUISER ECOSSEPromotion Code 04072601 within our shopping

cart, valid until 30/06/05, which will automaticallyapply 10% discount on all purchases made by

club members.Quoting this code on verbal or written orders orenquiries for items not displayed on our website

will also allow 10% to be discounted againstparts ordered.

13 Kames Place, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland.KY12 0XB

Tel: 01383 734498 Fax: 01383 734498 Mob:07748 790690

www.cruiserecosse.com

THE BENDENE HOTELQuiet central location, Close to railway station,Private Parking (Bikes in very large garage),

Licensed, Swimming pool, Ground flooraccommidation, Luxurious four poster bedroom,

Non smoking rooms15 - 16 Richmond Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4JA

Tel 01392 213526

CAPTAIN MORGAN MOTORCYCLEBREAKERS

Loads of Honda spares.Unit 12, The Piggery, Low Farm, Easton Maudit,

Wellingborough. Tel/fax 01933 667394 members discount available

[email protected]

BLUE FLAME PERFORMANCE01695-733100 Rod's mobile 07709-850311email [email protected]

www.blueflameperformance.comDiscuss discount with Rob

www.retrobikeholidays.comJulie & Paul Bishop-Bailey offer you the

opportunity to ride great classic motorcycles onsome of the best roads in Europe, enjoting

wonderful scenery and visiting fantasticlocations. Based in the Dordogne, the areas

attractions include beautiful Chateaux and pre-historic caves. Prices include airport transfer,

four nights B&B and evening meal at their familyrun Gite, and riding insurance. £50 off per holiday to members

Tel: 0033 6 14 23 44 28 (France)07909 765344 (UK)

e-mail: [email protected]

GITE HOLIDAYSPete & Rusty Broad (HOC Members)

Longueve, Colombiers du Plessis, 53120,France

(80 miles South of Caen, 120 from Cherbourg)10% off for HOC members

[email protected]

Tel 00 332 43 08 00 12(evenings please)

MORTONS MOTORCYCLE MEDIA£5 donation to club funds if you subscribe to one

of their magazines.PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 6LZ

SECURIT (GB) LtdSpecialists in motorcycle garages.

5% discount to club memberswww.securit.gb.com

Alma Road, Rotherham, South Yorks. S60 2HZTel: 01790 828252


54 WINTER 2004

Even motorcyclists with short memories canremember when pub owners hung out 'No Bikers'signs, and the media always assumed that anymiscreant wearing a black leather jacket had to bea biker. At last, this attitude has (almost)disappeared and its refreshing to see.

Part of the problem with leathers was thatthey had to be black, so that the oil stains wouldn'tshow! The perception of the rider as 'greasy' was,alas, often true due to the leaky bike. Of course,this was mostly down to obsolete and under-financed British products built by bitter old men in1920's factories. A certain Birmingham bike waseven nicknamed the 'Royal Oldfield'!

Now, superb oil-tight machines never leavetheir calling cards in car parks and their ownerscan relax that old dress code, but the oil insidethose immaculate alloy castings has an evenmore demanding job to do. For years bikeengine/transmission design has been divergingfrom the mainstream car approach. The mostobvious difference is the combinedengine/gearbox lubrication, yet up until now bikehandbooks have recommended standardautomotive oils. Particularly where low qualitylubricants were used, this dependence on 'caroils' has not really suited the powerful, compactand high-revving bike where the highly stressedoil is also expected to survive in the transmission.At last, faced with global problems and increasingwarranty claims, the Japanese 'Big Four' (Honda.Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki) got together fiveyears ago and decided to ban one particular classof car oils known as 'API-SH'. They also, in theinterests of reducing gear wear and noise, wentagainst the 4-wheel trend towards very thin multi-grades such as 5W/30 or 0W/40, andrecommended 10W/40 or heavier grades. Modernmotorcycles have a number of design features notfound in cars, such as wet clutches, back-torquelimiters and the one-way clutches on the startermotor. These all depend on friction yet they areawash with oil. But the point of oil is to reducefriction! In fact, conventional lubricants gave noserious trouble, the worst problems arises withthin friction modified fuel economy productscommon in the USA, which were really intendedfor big, lazy car engines idling along the freeway

at 55mph. Anything less suited to a bike enginewould be difficult to imagine.

So about 3 years ago, the Japanesemotorcycle standards outfit (JASO) finally split offfrom the car mainstream and issued their ownspecification called 'JASO MA' which became lawin mid-1999. This covers all aspects of motorcycleengine/transmission lubrication, but perhaps andthe most significant test requirement is a clutchfriction test. This makes it easier for you to pick agenuine motorcycle oil for your bike - one that hasbeen developed specially to suit motorcycleneeds from day one.

UNDERSTANDINGMOTORCYCLE ENGINE OIL

Recent research has shown that most ridersare uncertain about the right choice of oil for theirbike. Some of us refer to the owners manual andtry to make sense of all the different technicalspecifications, some of us ask a mechanic or afriend which oil we should use and some of ussimply pick up a low, mid or higher specification oilbecause we believe without a great deal of reasonthat its right for our type of bike.

Oil distributors are working towards easilyunderstandable (non technical) product claimsthat will help bikers select the right oil for theirbikes but in the meantime here is a brief guide tounderstanding motorcycle engine oils and theirspecifications.

TYPES OF OIL

Mineral Oil

Mineral means "of natural origin" and mineraloil is a base oil extracted from underground andrefined once. Unfortunately, at this stage ofprocessing, mineral oil still contains a number ofundesirable components. Some of thesecomponents burn off at high temperatures andsome form deposits. If the word synthetic doesnot appear in the product description then your oilis a mineral oil.


WINTER 2004 55

Semi-synthetic/Synthetic based/Synthetically fortified

Semi-synthetic oils are mineral oils refinedfurther to remove more of the undesirablecomponents of mineral oil. This means there isless oil loss as less of the oil burns off at hightemperatures and performance and efficiency areimproved as fewer deposits are laid down.

Fully Synthetic

Fully synthetic oils are produced from adifferent, very pure part of the base oil. They arechemically synthesized to form oil molecules thatare extremely difficult to break down providing theultimate protection for an engine. As they do notcontain any of the undesirable components ofmineral or semi-synthetic oils they also provideoutstanding performance and efficiency.

Additives

The other main component of motorcycleengine oils is additives that usually perform thefollowing tasks: detergent (to breakdown depositsand keep the engine clean), anti-wear and, anti-corrosion agents, and dispersants. Generally thebigger brands have the most resource to developthe best additives

Viscosity

The most common technical specificationdisplayed on motorcycle oil packs are viscosityratings. Viscosity measures the thickness of theoil at various temperatures and is usuallydisplayed in the following way:

10W/40

The W' stands for winter and shows thethickness of the oil at cold temperatures. "10W" isquite thin but "5W" products like CastrolSuperbike are very thin. The thinner the oil at coldtemperatures the easier the bike will start fromcold. Parts will also move more freely in thethinner oil making faster acceleration possible.

The second number shows the thickness ofthe oil at high temperatures. The thicker the oil athigh temperatures the greater the protection itprovides between moving parts. '40" is generally

the maximum viscosity recommended bymotorcycle manufacturers because oil thickerthan this would be more difficult to spray aroundthe engine as a lubricant. The letters SAEpreceding the viscosity simply stand for theSociety of Automobile Engineers who createdviscosity scales.

OTHER TECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS

JASO MA - is a Japanese specificationintended to show that the oil in the pack isspecially for motorcycles.

A.P.I. - stands for the American PetroleumInstitute. Under their classification grades SE, SF,and SG are suitable for motorcycles. Do not forgetto check your handbook for your bike's specificAPI grade.

A LAST BIT OF HELP

Q. Can I put different oils in my bike?

A. YES. Putting oil in your bike is similar toputting petrol in it. Just because you last tilled upat Texaco does not mean you cannot fill up atTOTAL the next time you stop. As long as you areputting a well respected brand of specialistmotorcycle engine oil in your bike it will be fine.

You do need to understand however thatadding semi-synthetic oil to a bike previously fullof fully synthetic will down grade the overallprotection and performance of the oil in your bikeand vice versa.

Graeme BurroughHOC Northumbria


56 WINTER 2004

Friday the 17th of September did not start toowell. I woke up late and got out of bed at five toeight, when I am supposed to start at eight; itwent downhill from here. I was hoping to get awayby ten, but did not manage to do so, so made afew frantic phone calls to Tony from Eastbourneto let him know that I wasn't going to be able tomeet them on the M40 as arranged. I finally gotfinished, went home, loaded the camping gear onto the scooter, had a wash and change of clothesand got ready to head off for the National Rally. Igot rolling about twelve, and headed for the M5and onto the M6, which for once was going well.Oh no, I spoke too soon. I hit the M6 interchangeand stopped dead in a wall to wall traffic jam. Iwound my way through this, only to get stuck inanother, a pattern which was repeated mile aftermile. I was thinking to myself that the others mustbe way up ahead, but being on my own I mightjust make up some time (it's easier to filter whenyou are on your own). I decided to stop for petroland a rest at the M6 services just past junction16.

It turned out that an articulated lorry on thesouth carriageway had tried to come through thebarrier and caused a crash on our side of themotorway. We were shut down to one lane andthe hard shoulder, which caused total chaosbetween junctions 15 and 16. I called Tony,expecting to hear that he was miles ahead of meand was somewhat surprised to learn he was onlycoming up to junction 15. I told him about thecrash and what to expect, but he said it hadalready moved back, and they had already had tofight their way through about 15 miles ofstationary traffic. We finally met up, but the rest ofthe run up was not a lot better; some of it fast, butother bits very slow.

When we arrived at Lakeland, Tony and hisfriends made their way off to the caravans, and Iwent to the camping area. The ground was verywet and boggy, but I managed to find a high spotto pitch the tent on. It was then off to the toiletblock to check out the facilities, which were veryclean and tidy with good showers.

Friday night arrived, and it was off to thecomplex for me to take on some food and beerand be entertained. The food came first, as I hadnot eaten since twelve and it was now six thirty inthe evening. I ordered my food, got a beer, andfound a table to settle down and wait. I did nothave to wait too long before the meal arrived, andit was not that much longer until I had an emptyplate. I must say, the food was great with good

sized portions, and this was repeated n theSaturday night; not normally what I have come toexpect on a Hi-de-Hi camp site, so a bonus pointwith me.

The boy band entertainment on the Fridaywas also excellent, although I don't expect itwould please everyone. I retired to bed in theearly hours of Saturday morning and enjoyed agood night's sleep, only to wake to the sound ofrain on the tent. I stuck my head out of the doorand thought I was on a boat. There was water allaround the tent, and it looked as if I had a moat,but no drawbridge.

An Independent ViewAn Independent View 18


WINTER 2004 57

I donned some clothes and waded throughthe water to the toilet block, only to notice on myreturn that the tent next to mine was right in thedeep end. I bet the bloke inside thought he wason a water bed. By that evening, he had moved,which did not surprise me.

I filled the scooter with petrol and waited atthe meeting point for run one, which was the longrun. Pete's team had decided to host two runs onthe Saturday, one around the lakes, and one overthe hills and dales, with me choosing the latter.Our leader arrived, making a total of nine of us,and I was nominated (OK, I volunteered) to be tailend Charlie. It was pouring with rain, and most ofthe "chalet rallyers" had opted out; what a load ofwimps, they know who they ARE.

We set off up over shap and then on to somelovely sweeping bendyroads to the highestcafé, the name of whichI can't remember. Westopped for a bit ofdinner and a look at theview, and welcomed thesunshine which madefor a gorgeous day.

After eating anddrinking, we made ourway onwards, over hilland down dale, thenames of which I can'tremember, but thememories of which arein my head. We allstopped again for somefamous ice cream, and Ipigged out with twodouble portions, onerum & raisin and theother passion fruit - justthink ladies, I was full ofpassion and you did notknow it. We then wenton to a garage where acollection of vintage carsand bikes stand in ashowroom. The newestwas a single cylinderBSA, and some had oldwicker basket side cars.We then made our wayback to the campsite forthe eveningentertainment.. ThanksPete for giving us asuperb run leader, and Iam sorry I haveforgotten his name. He

certainly gave us a wonderful day, and it was justa shame he had a rough old Fireblade to leadwith ha ha! (I know it'd your bike really Pete). Thedrop off system worked faultlessly, even withGeorge and Sandra in hot pursuit in theDiscovery. George's Honda would not start - I hadthe same problem so I brought a Suzuki - Ohthat's bitchy. I did hear that run two had a problemwith lost riders, but after they got the drop ofsystem working it all went well. Tony, who hadgone on the second run said they all had a goodtime and were happy as well.

After a wash and scrub up, it was back to thecomplex for another night of food, beer andentertainment. The entertainment was a covergroup called the Cordes, an Irish jig band whoreally blasted a song out. Again, this probably didnot please everyone, but I like Irish music and itis unusual to see a girl drummer. I was happy, somore points scored.

All in all, this was a very good rally to end theseason, well done Pete and team, even if youcould not influence the weather.

Another good night sleep was followed bypacking the tent up and setting off with anotherChris (in a Skoda) for the Little Chef on the A590for breakfast. After a feast, we shook hands andsaid goodbye until next year. I came home viaKeighley, Halifax, Sheffield, Chesterfield and theM1 to Northampton. From there I went down toOxford and on down the A420 to Swindon. It waswindy but dry, and I had no hold ups all the wayhome.

It is with regret that this will possibly be thelast Independent View, as I think it has probablyrun it's course, unless of course you particularlylike reading my stories.(let the Editor know).However, it is nice to go out on a high, with areport of a rally that there really was not much tomoan about. I shall say it again, well done andthank you to Pete and his crew for a greatweekend which was well worth the journey fromSwindon.

Chris Cook


58 WINTER 2004

Was sitting at home in Essex one late Augustevening. Watching the weather forecast andlistening to the rain bouncing off the widows. Wasthinking: "What has happened to our summer?"Black cloud and rain symbols covered much ofthe country, with the exception of north of theboarders. "If only"; I thought.

Several days and frantic E mails later Paul"Cameraman" Lucas and Les "Slingshot" Martinand I met up for a 0600 start at the BorehamServices. Our destinations being the West coastof Scotland, Isle of Skye and Mullof Kintyre. It was a chillymorning, but was isolated fromthe cold whispery mist by thePan's fairing and warming grips.

Having mingled with themorning rat race on the Al, weenjoyed the-bums-out-of-seatsroller coaster ride of the A68,bathed in glorious sunlight of latesummer. We reached our firstovernight stop just outsideEdinburgh at Musselburgh,overlooking the race and golfcourse; by late afternoon. Havingstuffed ourselves at the localItalian, it was off to bed.

After a hearty Scottishbreakfast, we headed off for theA82; rain clouds beckoning (thisis Scotland after all!). At LochLomond a photo shoot beckoned andwe starred at their preferred means oftravel - private seaplane!

The sun started to break up the dullsky as we headed off towards the ThreeSisters and Glen Coe. WOW!! This iswhat we came for, stunning in your facescenery; peaks and troughs rollingaway all around us. Like riding througha deep thick carpet of continuingvarying shades of ever changing greeninterspaced with brown and grey fleck. Inow know why the A82 is one of thegreatest road journeys on the planet.We reached our second night'sdestination, Fort Augustus; (andconsumed yet another full Scottishbreakfast!)

Sunday morning (and another full Scottishbreakfast!) we stopped to inhale the breathtakingview of Loch Garry at Invergarry, 2,500 feet below.Loch Garry on one side, a forest of Christmastrees on the other. No choking fumes here, justcool air tainted with fresh pine.

Continuing along the A87, the megapicturesque castle of Eilean Donan forced anotherstop. Words cannot do justice to this castle and itssetting, its reflected shadow a mirror image in thestill waters of Loch Duich.


WINTER 2004 59

Following a briefstop at Plockton, for agathering of wilderbeast on the road andice creams, we paidour dues, crossedSkye Bridge and rodeto the capital of theIsle, Portree. The roadwas not the bestsurfaced and the localwoolly populationshowed theirdisapproval by makingsudden sheepishsprints from behindthe relative safety oftheir under growth. (Orwere they wereconcerned by Paul'sthunderous V twin?)

The return journeywas even better, notunlike riding the crest of a wave. (Without the wetbit!) With the cold, rugged, sharp beauty of theFive Sisters towering a 1,000 feet above and toour left and rolling hills to our right, mixed with thecobwebs and skeletons of ancient cottages andmines all basked in the tender glow of the Scottishsun, the air full of malt. It just doesn't get betterthan this I thought; then Les caught me nappingand fired past on his VFR (Embarrassingly not forthe first time- and what's worse - he is 31 yearsmy senior! - Doh!!)

Monday was a day for another full Scottishbreakfast andreserved for anotherone of those greatjourneys - this timeby steam. TheJacobite SteamRailway has theaccolade of one ofthe greatest trainjourneys in theworld. It did notdisappoint. This is afull size steam trainhissing andwheezing its waybetween FortWilliam and Mallaig,a round trip of 84miles. It is bufferedin history. On trackto Glenfinnan,(where in August1745 Bonnie PrinceCharlie raised his

standard for the Jacobite uprising) it travels overthe world's first concrete viaduct. The GlenfinnanViaduct. With 21 arches and at 416 yards long itis most notably known for its use in the HarryPotter films. After another full breakfast, Tuesdaysaw us ride from Fort Augustus to Oban viaUllapool (Yes, you did read that right!) The A835has everything; long straights, sweeping curves,some with banking and minimal traffic. (Get thepicture?) We stopped to admire the peace andtranquility of Loch Glascarnoch, (looked like adam to me) only for it to be suddenly shattered byan RAF Tornado, an arms stretch above and anearly Blackbird on loud cans. Ullapool is wellworth a visit. Glowing in the bright autumn sun,shows this former herring port at its best and isbest enjoyed sitting on the wall of Loch Broom,with a pint glass in hand!

Wednesday and another breakfast later, sawPaul and I ride down to the Mull of Kintyre. TheA816 held a few surprises. Parts of it were narrow,tight and twisty with blind crests sprinkled with 180degree hairpins (thoughts of stopping to changeunderwear came to mind!!) with road worksthrown in for good measure! The waters of theSound of Gigha, beside the A83 were more likethose found in the Med; a rich Hawaiian blue, thesun glittering off its metallic lacquer. Here westopped to scramble over the stones and rocks onthe beach, to see a colony of seals basking ontheir piece of rock; a stones throw away. After abrief stop at Campbeltown, we arrived at (theother) Southend!

..........continued


60 WINTER 2004

The return journey was via a narrow singletrack road with heart in mouth 180 degreedescending (as in drop!) hairpins and morethoughts of undergarments! The Pan's first gearwas too tall; so was a case of rear brake,feathered clutch and er wobble - much to theamusement of our woolly friends. Toour right, were uninterrupted viewsacross Kilbrannan Sound and a lumpof rock (island) majestically rising fromthe water, known as Arran.

We returned to our digs to be metby Les whom had found somewhere toeat that evening (read Indian!) as weadmired the pinks and oranges of thesetting summer sun, flickering in therippling waters of Oban's bay, againstthe rugged backdrop of Kerrera (andtikka masala!)

Thursday and we left Oban for theA85 towards Glen Lochy and GlenDochart. Not only was this yet anothermagnificent example of Scotland's rich tapestry,but one minute we were bathing in glorious sunwith warming leathers, the next our senses werepricked with the sudden drop in temperature,accompanied by that damp texture and smell ofcooling mist as we and the surrounding peakswere engulfed by a giant white handkerchief. Wedarted left onto the A827 and stopped at the Fallsof Dochart, another masterpiece, not to bemissed; given to us by the power of nature. It was

then on to digest the awe and tranquility of LochTay, a shallow bank of virgin mist hoveringmotionless above its waters. A short stop atPitlochry was followed by a trip over the ForthRoad Bridge and back to Musselburgh for ourfinal night (and Scottish breakfast!).

Before long, the three stooges were back onthe A1. Peering through the misty gloom, greetedby drizzle and chewing fumes for company. Thememories of the past 7 days of glorious sun,spectacular scenery, castles, Lochs andmotorcycling nirvana; a fading reflection lost inour mirrors for another year.

Jonathan Harman.Membership No 24081 - Essex Branch


WINTER 2004 61

HOCHOCONSUMERONSUMERCompiled by Mark Clargo - HOConsumer Editor

Retro Bike Dordogne offers you the opportunity to ride great classic motorcycles on some of thebest roads in Europe enjoying wonderful scenery and visiting fantastic locations, Enjoy a tailor madeguided tour at your own pace to attractions of your Choice, places of interest in the area includeBeautiful Chateaux and Pre-Historic caves, Go-Karting and loads more.

All our bikes are in splendid condition and are some of the most appealing from the 70's and80's Bikes that maybe you owned, or dreamed of a few years ago.

You will be provided with airport transfer, four nights bed breakfast and evening meal at ourfamily run Gite and four days riding including insurance.

Contact: Julie & Paul Bishop-BaileyLa Plante24260 Le Bugue, FranceTel: 0033 6 14 23 44 28 (France) 07909 765344 (UK)

It costs nothing to promote your new product ofservice through HOConsumer.

Please send your press release and photo to: Mark Clargo, HOConsumer - Golden Wing, 9 Hendred Way, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 2RN

or e-mail it to [email protected]


62 WINTER 2004

I think someone else is supposed to do the product reviews but what the hell, we all use thesebits and pieces so I thought I'd share my experiences with Blue Flame.

Earlier this year I decided that I was going to splash out on a new end-can for my CBR600.After shopping around and looking at all the (costly) alternatives I found Blue Flame's website(www.blueflameperformance.com). They seemed fairly reasonably priced plus they are basednear Skelmersdale and I was working in Liverpool at the time, so I would be able to collect.

A couple of 'phone calls later (and following discussions with my style guru - otherwise knownas the wife!) I had decided on the road legal oval coloured titanium twin port - they really need tofind names for these! The quoted price on the website was £280 but I'll come back to that later.

So, I arranged to pop over there and pick my up my new 'toy', not the easiest place in the worldto find but I wanted my new can. When I got there I was sent to the workshop to speak to Rodwho may well have fabricated my can that very afternoon (they said they didn't have one in stockbut could have one ready for me).

Rod was very friendly and helpful, even showing me a full race system for a CBR6 which wasas light as a feather. He also explained to me about the two circlips in the exhaust ports, tellingme that they can be easily removed which then allows you to take out the baffle from the large portand the plug from the small port to convert to a race can. I was then instructed that under nocircumstances should I drill a 14mm hole in the plug (starting with a small drill and working up) asthis would make the can louder and hence no longer road legal, even though it would still bestamped.

Well, I took my can home and set to work with the spanners. Old can came off, new can wenton, dead easy and took me about half an hour. Fired it up and it sounded fantastic, then I had tohave a play so I took out the circlips etc and started it again - amazing!! Pity I had to put themback.

Back to the price, as I said, the website quoted £280, I hadn't thought too much about this untilI got my credit card bill, they'd only charged me £260, a great exhaust (sounds and looks fantastic)and £20 off! This may have been due to me asking Rod about perhaps doing discounts for HOCmembers. If you're interested in an after market end can then I can heartily recommend theseguys, ask for Rod and he will try and sort something out for you (be discreet - his boss doesn't likegiving discounts). - Courtesy of Philip Bell, West Coast Riders.

01695-733100 Rod's mobile 07709-850311email [email protected] www.blueflameperformance.com


WINTER 2004 63

We are able to offer yourmembers a new solid simplesecure unit. This comes as aflat pack and is made out of1.2mm galvanised metalwithtwo five lever BSI deadlocksand an integral groundanchor. It is easy to assembleand can be disassembled andrelocated if required, It comessupplied with all nuts andbolts, tools and safety gloves.The price includes freemainland delivery and VAT.Optional extras include a buildon delivery service, wirealarms, shelves and paint kits.

SECURIT STANDARD£599

SECURIT ULTIMA £749

5% DISCOUNT TO MEMBERS

Alma Road, Rotherham, South Yorks. S60 2HZTel: 01790 828252www.securit.gb.com


64 WINTER 2004

THE GITE(HOLIDAY COTTAGE)Self catering - fully equipped - self contained, It has 3 double bedrooms, a bigKitchen/Diner, Shower & seperate toilet. & a small lounge. Accommmodation

doesn't come much better , cheaper or more comfortable, & has a newwoodburning stove for those chilly evenings(logs supplied)THIS IS 4 STAR ACCOMODATION @ 2 STAR PRICES

With 4-6 sharing, it's cheaper than most campsites. The Suzuki club gave us a 7 Star rating.

THE CARAVANNOT LUXURIOUS , but warm & dry Sleeps 2, on 2 single beds or one double.

All facilities are close by. Ideal for that Budget break.

CAMPINGIT'S SMALL, but better eqyipped than anything you will find anywhere. Wesupply cutlery, , crockery, cooking equipment, frying pans & saucepans. Ithas a fridge, 2 cookers, Microwave, freezer, spin drier, hot & cold water at a

sink, B-B-Q, all under a roofed patio, with a long table & chairs. It is lit at night,& the shower & toilets are close by.

OUR BARFULLY STOCKED with quality Wines, Beers, & Spirits at prices you won't findcheaper anywhere else.(lager £1.50 a pint) It has TV , Hi-Fi, Dartboard , TV

Games , & we do superb Cheeseburgers , Pizzas , & Free snacks at thecounter. WHY PAY HUGE PRICES TO WATCH GPs & SUPERBIKES,

when you can watch every bend it in our Bar, on TV ,with a drink in your hand.

IN THE AREARoads you can only dream about , with no Gatsos, & very little traffic. Historic

Castles, Restaurants, Friendly Bars,Bike shops, motor & motorcycle museums,river boats to hire , horse riding , golf, and fishing . LE MANS, ST MALO, &

MONT ST MICHEL are less than a 2 hour ride. We supply Ride out routes &routes from you ferry. Our nearest town is GORRON.

WHO ARE WE??? Pete & Rusty Broad , LONGUEVE, Colombiers duPlessis, 53120, France

(80 miles South of Caen, 120 from Cherbourg) www.bikergite.2ya.com e-mail:[email protected]

tel 00 332 43 08 00 12(evenings please)

PLEASE NOTE Due to our increasing popularity, Your booking is onlyguaranteed when we receive your UK cheque as the deposit(not

needed for camping) Sorry , but It's first with the cheque, gets the booking forthat period.

PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 6LZ or Editor for order form


WINTER 2004 65

We are an English company who last year introduced a new motorcycle accessory to themarket.The product is a totally portable motorcycle cover aimed at all year round commuters andthose on tour.

Originally intended for sports bikes the cover , known as ‘Bivvy Bike’, fits a variety ofmotorcycles, is supplied with full fitting and care instructions and after an initial fitment to theowner’s bike can be applied and removed as required very quickly and packs into its own 6” x 8”carry/bum bag which is supplied. Manufactured in 100% polyester with silver reflective PU coatingthe cover is intended to afford protection to motorcycles exposed regularly to foul and sunny or hotweather.

The cover features a folding spine element which maintains the shape and water repellingproperties when in use and is subject of a pending patent and has attained registered designstatus. The cover is not a ‘full’ cover but provides protection for the essentials.

The product is available to view on line at www.bivvybike.com and has been reviewed by thebike press as follows;

Two Wheels Only - October 2004"The 100% polyester Bivvy bike cover has a reflective waterproof coating and its own carry

pouch that can be strapped to the bike. Designed for sports bikes, it can be used with most bikes.The reflective silver keeps away the sun's harmful rays, while the cover itself keeps your bike dry!"

Ride - October 2004 "Strong sunlight can fade your plastics and rain can affect your electrics - which is where the

Bivvy Bike cover comes in. It's designed to protect your bike from the elements yet be lightweightand portable at the same time. It's made from 100% polyester and is supplied with its own carrybag."

Bike - October 2004 "A lightweight, compact cover designed to fit sports bikes. It doesn't completely enclose the

bike, like a traditional cover, but instead provides a waterproof roof reaching from the seat unit tothe screen. Ideal for touring where bulk is the enemy."

We would like to introduce your members to our product and offer them a twenty percentreduction on the usual price of £25 plus £4.05 Royal Mail next day delivery.

Ami & GuyBivvy Bike Limited07946 580335 [email protected]


66 WINTER 2004

PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 6LZ


WINTER 2004 67

PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 6LZ


68 WINTER 2004

NYLONWALLET

£4.70

NECK-TECTOR

£7.40

CAP - £7.40

SWEATSHIRT£16.90

KEY RING£2.50

MACHINE BADGE£2.50

JACKET BADGE£1.70

LAPEL BADGE£2.50

WOOLLYHAT£8.90

POLO SHIRTS£14

T SHIRTS £10.00


WINTER 2004 69

Baseball CapsAnother new little gem to add to our list. 100% cottoncap with Club logo.Colours: ROYAL BLUE/NAVY/RED/BLACKSize: One fits allCost: £7.40

Sweat ShirtNew style polyester cotton sweatshirt, better fit - betterquality. Colours: ROYALBLUE/NAVY/RED/BLACK/FORESTS GREEN.Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLCost: £16.90

WalletBlack, nylon wallet of good quality to keep coins,notes, credit cards, and all those precious things.Cost: £4.70

Polo ShirtsHeavier weight polyester cotton polo shirt of excellentquality. Colours: ROYALBLUE/NAVY/RED/BLACK/FOREST GREENSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLCost: £14

Neck-tectorsKeep out those chills with our tasty new Neck-tector.Colours: BLACKSize: One size fits all!Cost: £7.40

Woolly HatsNice new woolly hats to keep your head warm.Colours Black & Red onlyCost: £8.90

T-ShirtsCotton T-Shirts with new style embroidered logo on leftbreast.Colours: BLACK/RED/NAVY/WHITE/GREYValue at £10.00

Following recent Management Committee meetings, we have decide to rationalise the stock ofHOC regalia. In the main, this is to reduce the level of club funds tied up in maintaining stock levelsof slow moving items.

In addition, we have taken the opportunity to use a different supplier, offering both enhancedquality and the opportunity to order smaller quantities. The main clothing items will consist ofsweatshirts, polo shirts and T shirts, as these have proved to be by far the most popular items.These are available in a full range of sizes and colours, and prices will be advertised in the nextedition of Golden Wing. Further clothing items may be added in future, dependent on demand.

Due to popular demand, we have taken the opportunity to return to the previous HOC logo asdepicted on the Key Ring, Machine, Jacket & Lapel badges opposite. All insignia is stiched, evenon T shirts.

Please make sure you specify size and colour required clearly. State your membershipnumber, no number, no goods!! Enclose a cheque or postal order made payable to Honda

Owners Club GB - but no cash please.We will do our best to make sure you get your order quickly and efficiently. However, someitems may be delayed - you will be informed if this is the case. Orders accepted subject to

size, colour and availability. Postage and packaging is included in the cost of the itemsordered, but please include a telephone number in case of any queries and don't forget

your address and post code. Allow 28 days for delivery.

Send your orders to:Justin Goddard,

19 Linkfield Avenue, Mountsorrel, Leicester, LE12 7DH(0116 230 3277 . [email protected]


70 WINTER 2004

MMEMBERSEMBERS FFREEREE AADSDSAdverts must be received by the 1st March for inclusion in the Spring IssueWrite to: Golden Wing, Unit 1B & 5B, Kemps Quay Industrial Park, Quayside Road, Southampton SO18 1BZ

FOR SALE

1975 HONDA SL125 K1

1,000 miles from new,original and in excellentcondition. Still has the

original Niton tyres, brassspoke nuts etc

[email protected] 01454 310957

DEAUVILLE NT650

2000(W) in Red10,400 miles

HISS, SmartwaterMOT til May

Colour matched top box& helmets

£3,995 or offers

[email protected].

co.uk

HONDA FES250

Foresight Scooter. 2000.Black. fsh, heated grips,

handguards and Givirack and top box. vgc.

10000 miles.

£1500

[email protected] 01454 310957

HONDA CB400 F2 1999

Green, 7450 miles, MOT,new rear tyre, original

beautiful condition, loadsof extras

£2,300or exchange for road

Tel: 01908 378877R. Thompson (27369)

Bucks

XBR500 D (1987)

UK bike, black, VGC,14,900 miles,

Tax & MOT till May

£1,150 ovno020 8460 531907788 448786

Alison (28782)Kent

1994 L CBR900RRFIREBLADE

Black & burgundy, UKbike, only 8,000 miles,

Taxed & Tested, Race can & original,

New Bridgestone tyres,Braided brake hoses,

Alarmed and Immobiliser,Mint condition

Baby forces veryreluctant sale

£3,250 01274 81714107980 611708

S & K Corcoran (26180J)Bradford


WINTER 2004 71

WANTED

ADVERTISING INMEMBERS FREE ADS

MEMBERSfree all sections

must statemembership number

OTHERS

FOR SALE (BIKES):

£15 1st insertion-subsequent free

(includes freemembership)

OTHER CATEGORIES:

£3 per insertion

ACCESSORIES

MEMBERS ADS APPEAR FREE ON THE CLUB WEBSITEwww.hoc.org.uk/members

DEAUVILLE BD 42LTOP BOX AND RACK

Easily fitted anddetatched,

one key system, holds 2 helmets, cost £110 new.

£55Standard screen for

Deauville£20

01246 27497407752 692269

John Metcalfe(26338)Chesterfield

BARGAIN LEATHERSBlack leather jackets

The Bee Clothing Co .Ladies size 12 .

Gents chest 42/44 Worn a couple of dry

days so literally as new

£50 each .

Tel 023 92 730433Eddy & Brenda

CB250K4IGNITION COILS

Brand new, in box,genuine Honda spares.

£OFFERS01772 671744

[email protected]

Steve (28823)

CB 750 F2N (retro)

Engine or crashed/MOTfailed bike. Working

engine preferred but willconsider anything

01628 850506Mobile: 07752 535087

Peter Denyer (28497)Bucks

PARTS

HONDA SABRE V651984

V4 watercooled shaftdrive, six speed gearbox,new bridgestone tyres,new battery, US import

27,000 miles

£1,20001268 573929

Les FrostEssex


Golden Wing - 2004 Winter

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