This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Topics - MadDogMcQ
2
« on: 10 June 2014, 10:26:27 am »
When I get a new bike I usually tear off the big bulbous manufacturer's can and replace it with a nice oval with twin-ports from the likes of BlueFlame. But this time I spotted these gorgeous Ixil exhausts and took a chance on them. They are stainless-steel with removable baffles and sound AMAZING as standard! They were a perfect fit and I especially like how the slash-cut matches the lines of the swing-arm. Well pleased!  
3
« on: 24 April 2014, 02:35:21 pm »
Just bought a bluetooth headset and thought I'd share my brief experience with it. I opted for the SENA SMH10-11 which cost around £150 through Amazon. The SMH10 comes with a fixed "boom" mike whereas the SMH10-11 includes the option to use a smaller (some would say neater) microphone that is positioned in a location of your choice. Initially, I plugged in the boom-mic and plan to test that for a while and then change over to the small mic at a later date once I know everything works okay. Fitting the headset to my Shark S700 was an absolute breeze and I encountered no problems whatsoever. HOWEVER, I didn't like the speakers making contact with my ears (I'm a sensitive soul), so I thought I'd relocate them BEHIND the helmet-padding instead of on top. My only concern was that the padding would muffle the sound and mute the volume too much, but I needn't have worried because it worked out just fine! Next up was to pair the device with my iPhone 5. Piece of cake and within seconds, I was making and taking calls, using apps like Co-Pilot and listening to music in stereo. The speakers have quite large magnets and produce some decent sounds, but bass is lacking slightly as you'd expect of a lo-fi piece of audio. Happy with the mobile phone performance I thought I'd try my iPod Touch using the supplied 3.5mm lead. Needless to say, the process was simple and it all worked flawlessly. Finally, I switched on my TomTom Urban Rider V3 and got it to search for the new headset. It found it immediately and paired without even asking for the pin. Everything functioned perfectly well and my iPhone contact-list uploaded to the TomTom and gave me direct access to call making facilities. So, all in all, I am over the moon with this product. It mated with everything perfectly and presented me with no issues whatsoever. The volume ramps up to a VERY high level and is clearly audible at all speeds. The volume control is amazingly easy to use thanks to the glove-friendly rotary knob. It just couldn't be better! The only issue I can see being a problem is the fact that the padding of the helmet has effectively been increased by the presence of the speakers and so I am concerned that on one of my typically long rides (6 hours+), my ears might start to hurt. But if that's the case, I'll switch to the ear-buds option that is available with the SENA system. Currently, I have no interest or use for the Intercom facility offered by the SMH10-11, but from all accounts, it's a great system, providing good range (albeit line-of-sight) and allowing multiple users to chat. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
4
« on: 16 April 2014, 09:35:01 pm »
I installed the FCE tonight to my 2007 FZ1 and found it very straightforward with the help of a pictorial-guide from another forum. There were no installation problems at all. Fired the bike up and everything seemed fine, so I got my gear on and went for a ride. Initially, it seemed okay (apart from the usua; 3000-4000 flatspot still being there), but then when I reach some traffic lights and came to a halt, I noticed that when I blipped the throttle, I got what I can only describe as a "Dual Response"!! One blip produced the expected increase in revs, followed immediately by another slight increase! If you blip the throttle twice in quick succession, the second produces MUCH higher increase to the revs. As you can imagine, this makes the bike feel extremely odd out on the road. In all other respects, the motor runs fine - pulls strongly all the way through from 4500 to 11000. It's late and dark, so I couldn't really do any more testing. Anyone got any ideas please?? I'm gutted!  Tom
5
« on: 16 April 2014, 11:14:15 am »
Hasn't it been great weather?? On Sunday I spent 10 hours and 300 miles in the saddle riding through North Wales with friends (including a Welsh guy who showed us some AMAZING roads) and then Tuesday I went all over North Yorkshire with some girl friends(!) and covered another 260 miles in an 11 hour period, spending time in some wonderful places. This is what biking's all about :-)   
6
« on: 05 April 2014, 04:43:15 pm »
Hi, In case you don't know me, I'm Tom from the posh part of the NW - Bolton  I've been a member for a while as an FZS1000 owner and ended up selling it. I have now come back to the fold with an FZ1-S in that weird (but attractive) Teal Tech colour. It's the first time I've seen one "in the flesh". My bike is a 2007 model with 18,000 miles on the clock, in superb condition! Already(!) I've replaced the screen for a Puig Racing tall screen, installed a set of new pipes (which sound fabulous) and fitted a PUIG Carbon Belly Pan. Also added some crash-protection bobbins, front and rear. Next up will be heated grips and satnav. Good to be back  Tom   
7
« on: 03 April 2014, 10:05:54 am »
Popped into Halfrauds last night to pick up a Haynes Manual and to my surprise learned that they don't do one for the FZ1. Luckily, the factory service manual is available for download. Or is it the fact that these downloads ARE freely available and accessible that makes Haynes decide not to invest? Hmmm.
8
« on: 02 April 2014, 11:25:53 am »
Hi. When I had my FZS1000, I bought a TCP Fairing and right now, it's sat in the back of my garage gathering dust. They cost over three hundred quid new, but this isn't new and will need painting if your bike isn't black. It's in good nick - in that there's no damage to the plastics. There's a piece of wire mesh missing but you can buy that from B&Q!! You're welcome to come see it and make me an offer - I live in Bolton near the Reebox Stadium. This is how it looked on mine...  Tom 07976 766 340
9
« on: 01 April 2013, 08:37:02 pm »
Though I no longer have a Fazer, I do still keep visiting the forum and enjoy reading the posts :-) Just wondered if anyone else had had a fab weekend with all this lovely (but cold) weather? I had a brilliant time floating around Lancashire and North Yokshire. MORE PIX HERE
10
« on: 01 April 2013, 07:34:37 pm »
I have a full fairing made by TCP for sale. It's sat in my garage and they cost £350 new. Originally, it was Yamaha Yellow but I had it sprayed black. You could have it sprayed whatever colour you like I guess. Offers to tommcq AT ntlworld.com or PM me.
11
« on: 19 January 2013, 10:12:04 pm »
Pair of GENUINE crash-bungs / frame-protectors for the 2001-2005 Fazer1000. £35 plus postage (or collect from BL6 6HR, Bolton). They're at least £70 new. Here's some on ebay.
12
« on: 01 December 2012, 07:03:01 pm »
For anyone in the North West, you might be interested in the deal that my local bike garage is doing. It's a winter service for a great price. The owner is a brilliant mechanic and has been featured numerous times in FAST BIKES Magazine.  Bolton Motorcycle Workshop No, I don't work for the company :-)
13
« on: 23 November 2012, 11:44:44 pm »
Booked a day off work today and had a hoot around North Wales with a mate of mine. We started with breakfast at Ponderosa, then went over to the Electric Mountain in Llanberris (Dinorwic Power Station). Brilliant roads, stunning scenery, 260 miles in all.
14
« on: 19 November 2012, 03:56:46 pm »
I have this URGE to have a 675 in my garage. Anyone got/had one??
15
« on: 18 November 2012, 10:18:00 am »
Boy, are those headlights crap, or what?? I don't normally ride at night, but I did a couple of days ago and was shocked at how poor they are. Has anyone tried the Philips MotoVision bulbs or something similar? I don't want to do a HID conversion.
16
« on: 15 November 2012, 11:26:59 am »
I've only had my FZS1000 for 6 months, but already it seems like an old friend. Of all the bikes I've owned, this is the one that keeps growing on me. Normally, I see something which I think suits me better or that will be faster or better at touring or whatever! I usually think of a dozen reasons to change, but the Fazer Thou does just about everything I want! In the past, I've had commuters, tourers, roadsters, sports-tourers and supersports. 250cc through to 1700cc, singles, twins, triples, 4IL and V4's, chains and shafts, Superdreams to Fireblades. The only thing I've not had is a cruiser . Only the Fazer has the right balance. I say balance, because every bike out there is a compromise in one way or another. My only regret is failing to buy a brand new one while they were still in production  .
17
« on: 12 November 2012, 03:26:53 pm »
Hi. Anyone got a Bagster (1419u) Tank protector fitted to their Gen-1? If so, how good a fit is it? I've had quite a few on various bikes and some were a better fit than others. Photos??
18
« on: 22 October 2012, 02:22:34 pm »
Visit " Bikes & Travels" - a great Biker's Blog. I've got a couple of rideout-logs on there and there's PLENTY of other interesting stuff to read. Tom.
19
« on: 14 October 2012, 06:24:38 pm »
Last time I tanked up, I decided to see how much I could get out of the old girl by riding more sedately. I'm not talking about purposely riding for 150 miles on a motorway at 56 mph - that would be pointless. I'm talking about typical rideouts but with sensible takeoffs, smooth acceleration and sticking rigorously to the speed limits.
150 odd miles later, I managed 47mpg. My worst was 36.7mpg, so not what you'd call a dramatic difference, but over time it'll add up. Will I stick to the new "eco" riding style - maybe!
Tom
20
« on: 13 October 2012, 09:49:57 am »
Bling Bling! 
21
« on: 04 October 2012, 09:31:39 pm »
Mmmmm, I used to have one of these back in the late 80's (second hand obviously). Wish I still had one! GT750 Collection on eBay
22
« on: 26 September 2012, 11:17:34 pm »
I'll have to fill up again on Friday and that will mean that I've spent over £170 on fuel in one month!!! And that's purely " Fun Fuel", not commuting. Truth is, I just can't afford to spend that every month. On top of that, I always end up spending more when I'm out on the bike because I go to places and become a tourist every weekend . I guess I need to stay in more or get a 125 Is anyone else feeling the fuel-pinch? Tom
23
« on: 18 September 2012, 03:15:12 pm »
Or is it just me?
24
« on: 17 September 2012, 06:28:54 pm »
25
« on: 07 September 2012, 08:37:22 am »
Did you know that we have talent in our midst? Rusty, for example, is a brilliant painter!! He's also good at painting vehicles too! I do a bit of painting too, but at a very amateur level Mine is the still-life and the wonderful aircraft painting is Rusty's. What hobbies do you have??
|
Show Posts
