Ducati 250

Ducati 250

Friday 23 September 2011

Breakdown kit

Well, the XS broke down the other day - went for a burn after work and it just cut out. I knew straight away it was electrical, and had a suspicion it was the ignition system fuse as the lights were still working fine. Problem was that the electrical box lid is held on by 4 button head bolts and, despite thinking about it numerous times recently, I didn't have any tools with me.
Pushed it about 3/4 of a mile down a country lane to the nearest village, where I came across a couple of 'lads' sitting in their car.  I asked if they had any allen keys, they had a rummage and found only one old one - it bloody fitted! - fiddled with the fuses and found the ignition fuse had snapped - it hadn't actually blown, must have just been cheap crappy fuses damaged by the vibration. Anyway, robbed one form the light circuit and got home fine.
Went out and put my breakdown bag together today - since I ran out of petrol on my first legal ride, I got a little fuel bottle. Also picked up some cheap, but decent spanners, allen keys and pliers - them and a few cable ties, some fuses and a bungee - i should be set for most common problems:

Friday 2 September 2011

Finally

Took the bike for its MOT today and it sailed through,  although apparently the tester almost broke his leg trying to start it!
Went for a little ride after to get some beers and celebrate, but stupidly ran out of fuel, although I was about 1.5 miles uphill from the only petrol station for miles around, so it turned out nice - didn't even have to break into a sweat!