Brake update

There was nothing much wrong with it, as it happens.  Sure enough, a clean was in order and the slight dragging has pretty much gone away.  But the rear has always made a gentle contact.  Always.

I reckon the brake fluid I had was old/contaminated so I have flushed it again and replaced with brand new stuff.

Tomorrow, the acid test...

Seconds away, round two...

Back to base today and I'll be having a good look at that brake and then try the ride up to Belgium again on Sunday.

Hopefully, it's nothing more than a strip'n'clean on the rear brake and (another) fluid replacement job.

Wish me luck...

Pan Gathering 2010

I had hoped to go to Pan Gathering this year (in Germany) but my brakes problem meant I couldn't get there.

Next year, the venue is Lancashire in the UK. Which is where I grew up.

I'll be signing up for this one as soon as I can. It's being organised by the UK owners group Pan-Clan (website here) and promises to be a fun weekend. Even if they will be riding through the Lake District. In September... ;)

The year after is due to be hosted in Belgium and, asssuming I am still working there, I'll be along to that one also.

Failure to launch

Well, in spite of all my preparations, I didn't make it up to Belgium. Well, not with the Pan, anyway. (The TGV really is an amazing train.)

After about 20 miles, the brakes siezed on at the back. Looks like dust (wet by the dew) has clogged up the pistons so I need to strip 'em down and clean 'em out.

Next time, I'll get further...

Back on the road.

Big smiles all round... After working abroad for a few years, I am now back in action.

The Pan has been stored in our garage with little attention beyond a start every few months and attachment to an Optimate charger so the battery doesn't get drained.

On the list for checking before riding again:

• A thorough cleaning
• Checking the tyres for signs of perishing
• Check/replace brake, clutch fluids
• Check the brakes/disks
  
• Replenish coolant
  
• Regreasing bits and bobs

Upgraded the insurance from "laid up" to active today and I'll be getting everything sorted over the next few days before a trip to Belgium at the weekend.

Looking forwards to that, I can tell you...

Another year another post...

I'm not entirely sure I should continue with this blog but what the heck...

I've just spent another year abroad and the Pan has been mothballed the whole time. I have cleared it out and fallen at the first hurdle as the battery has died a death. Two years from a battery seems a bit poor but this one has been deep-discharged beyond any hope of recovery.
I live out in rural France now and the cost of the replacement has been, er, frightening to say the least.

Also, the low use and storage for the last two years means that the tyres are looking perished so that is also on the replacement list as an urgent priority. I shudder to think what that is going to cost.

First things first, I guess. Let's get the battery in and the oil flushed and see how we go from there...