Google Maps Timeline - why the straight lines?

 

Four of us went for a spin on the bikes yesterday. Jeff came up with the route & it was a cracker: Denmead, Clanfield, Chalton, Finchdean, South Harting, Hurst, etc. A lovely spring day for a fab ride in the beautiful Hampshire countryside!

As I have no sense of direction, nor any idea of where I am most of the time(!), I rely on SatNav, Google Maps etc. However, I've noticed that generally Google Maps doesn't track roads - it tends to draw straight lines. Last time I checked, not all roads are Roman roads!

This became really apparent when Kim & I were doing our West Coast road trip in 2018. One day Google / the odometer on the bike were dozens of miles out. When I looked at the Google Timeline - apparently we had ridden across the sea! Funny, I don't remember the wheels getting wet! 

So why does this happen? Here is an excellent article on GPS accuracy, drift & update intervals. An interesting read. Doesn't help with working out the route where one has been tho! Have to zoom in on the map & try to spot the roads, villages & places of interest we've travelled through...

www.google.com

Bike geek! How to read the manufacturers markings on a tyre

 

1. Tubeless: No tube is used, when mounted on a tubeless rim; abbreviated "TL"
2. Rear: Direction of rotation for rear tyre, indicated by an arrow on the tyre sidewall
3. Michelin: Tyre manufacturer
4. 73 Load index: I.E, 73 corresponds to a load of 805 pounds (365kg) per tyre
5. Radial
6. Pilot Power 3: The tyre's model name
7. 190: Nominal section width of the tyre, expressed in millimetres
8. 55: Aspect ratio, the sidewall height as a proportion of the tyre width
9. R: Radial construction
10. 17: Bead-seat diameter of the wheel, expressed in inches (1 inch = 2.54cm)

www.michelin.co.uk

Latest MC upgrade: Ariel gets a new Akrapovic exhaust

 

This video shows the before, during & after of swapping from the Honda OEM exhaust to the Akrapovic Slip-On End Can (Titanium & Carbon) S-H10SO20-HAPLT.

Fab soundtrack, great looks & approx half the weight - what's not to like!

With thanks to Stef & Mel at Road Racer, Purbrook.

www.youtube.com

Love your bike, keep it safe: Lock, Chain Cover!

Over 9,000 scooters, motorcycles and mopeds were stolen in London in the last year. It takes a matter of seconds for a thief to steal a moped, scooter or motorcycle, especially if they are left either unsecured or with inadequate security. Lock, chain, cover - Reduce your risk of becoming a victim by taking steps to layer your security.

Lock

Use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc, or a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls. You could also use a D lock on the front wheel to stop it being wheeled away.

Chain

Thieves often steal a bike by breaking the steering lock and wheeling it away. Use a chain lock through the back wheel (the front wheel can be removed). Secure your bike, with the lock taut to an immovable object such as a ground anchor or street furniture. This will stop thieves from cutting a lock trailing on the ground using an angle grinder. If this isn’t possible, thread the chain through your bike frame and back wheel.

Cover

Thieves often ‘shop’ for particular bike models. Using a cover instantly makes it less attractive to them. A cover also provides another time consuming obstacle for the thief.

Unfortunately security measures can’t guarantee your bike won’t be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it harder and less attractive for thieves.

www.met.police.uk

Don tests the Indian FTR1200 - with Moore Speed Racing, Poole

Today, I took some time out of the office to visit Colin Moore & his colleagues at Moore Speed Racing in Poole. A great day to do ~100 miles: fine dry weather!

I love going to bike shops, playing with new toys (buying them too!). Usually the guys & gals who work in bike shops are nice peeps. Colin & his colleagues at Moore Speed have just raised the bar! Everyone who I chatted with (maybe a dozen people) was friendly, polite & helpful. Moore Speed have a fantastic selection of new & used bikes, upgrades, parts & clothing. Their engineering facilities are especially impressive - from bike customisation to bespoke product machining!

I was really impressed with the Indian FTR1200. Colin had two demo bikes: a standard stock machine (which I rode & loved) & his own one which had the entire toy shop thrown at it (stunning!). The FTR that I rode was a lot of fun! When most people think of an American motorcycle, they think Harley. This isn't a Harley! It is compact, sporty - most definitely not a cruiser! Powerful - with a V-Twin 1200cc engine. Crack the throttle & the response is immediate. Handling is light & dynamic, with superb road-holding. Build quality is great, finish is lovely.

So, to sum up. If you are around Poole, or just fancy a trip to the south coast - visit Moore Speed Racing for a real treat. If you are undecided about your next bike, do checkout the FTR - it's a truly superb machine - I'd love one. Here are some pix from my visit, including my lovely tin mug which reads "Indian Test Rider" :0).

www.moorespeedracing.co.uk