That last attempt worked. I’ve ridden it hard for about 50 miles and it’s still oil tight. What a palaver. Never even knew that could be a problem. After I’ve finally sealant-ed the defective seal in place and got it working, the new seal has arrived. I had to contact the seller of the seal, and of the Seafoam. I think they may have sent me replacement items.
I was off today so I fitted the handlebar risers and poured the Seafoam into my tank. I fuelled up then rode to the motorbike accessories shop to get a new helmet. I’ve been promising myself one for many months. The difference is amazing. My old one had got worn in, the foam inside had flattened to the extent it was a bit loose, and if I tried to lie over the tank it would fall over my eyes, so I had to ride with my head cricked back. I got a size smaller today and the ride back was fantastic. Suddenly I had a huge field of vision and could lie over the tank or lean off the bike. And still see! It’s crazy what you get used to. It must have been a very gradual process, presumably I wouldn’t have bought a helmet like it ended up.
So, cylinder head, oil, filter, radiator coolant, spark plugs, screen, brake light switch, and helmet replaced. Handlebar risers fitted.
I’m waiting on some bits from China, then do the valve timing, maybe clean my carb jets (if the Seafoam doesn’t work) while I’m at it, then the bike is good for 16,000 miles. Well, the valve timing is, I’ll need consumables. Tyres, oil, etc. but hopefully it will be mechanically solid. It is in such good nick. When I stripped it there were covers around the engine I’ve never even seen before, on any of the many, many VFRs I’ve had. It has braided brake lines, the suspension seems really taught, it’s just a delightful bike. It has taken the Bonneville to make me truly appreciate the VFR. The back brake is comically fierce. A bunch of times I’ve had the back end slide around. It goes like stink. Happy to do 80mph in 3rd gear, doing 120 then remembering to change up to top gear. So I’ve heard. On track days and the autobahn, obvs. It’s a hoot. It’s comfortable, sure-footed, a mile-muncher, and the power when you twist the throttle is just ridiculously fun.
I’m not fond of the design of the fancy Givi top box. You have to lie your lid on it’s side to get it in. Meh.
Other than the valve timing and possibly carbs, all I can think of to add would be mend/ replace the fairings (cosmetic) and fit heated grips for next winter. That’s it. Just ride and ride and ride.
In other news, I’ve been applying for jobs. One agency, Booker, and a too-god-to-be-true one. The latter is taking HGV drivers, preferably with the ADR qualification already, and giving them full training, the relevant licenses and setting them to work as fuel tanker drivers. It’s at Trafford park, which is a lot less of a commute than Ellesmere Port, and it’s £40k plus based on a 40 hour week. If it really is 8 hour shifts… wow. The only downside is they want a 7 week rotating shift pattern, some of which are nights. I could do that.
I was sceptical, but they rang me about it. I’ve been trying to call back today, but no luck so far.
I saw the Booker advert and thought, ‘why not?’. They are probably just going to ignore me, but what they hey, that is an answer. If they did give me a second chance that would be great. Nothing to lose by applying. What I’m most after now is safe, easy, driving. I’ve had enough of skin-of-your-teeth reverses. It’s incredibly stressful. It’s made me a brilliant driver, but driven me nuts. Even after them doubling my loony pills I had another panic the other day. You forget when you are ‘just’ dealing with the anxiety bit, but when it goes to panic it’s bloody awful.
Apparently Lisa is still upset over mum dying and now dad is a massive worry for her. He’s forgetful and vulnerable, he’s not washing, the house stinks, he’s being ripped off, but he refuses to come back to the UK, where Lisa could look after him. She’s stressed out of her mind. Not fun.