SEAX - July 2007 - Essex Crusaders

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The newsletter of the Essex Crusaders, Centre 19, Virago Star Owners Club.
March 2007 contents:
Contacts
2. Reps Rambling 3. Essex Rally 2008
4. A cautionary note. 5. Ride procedure change!
6-7. A damp do….. 8-11. A Swedish sauna!
12. Merchandising T shirt advert. 13-14 Fun in Finland!
15-19. Wires of woe. 20. July rides
21. Forthcoming meeting details
Centre Rep.
Chas ‘Bomber’ Harris
12 Fillioll Close, East Hanningfield,Chelmsford, CM3 8UY.
Tel: Home 01245 400883 mobile 07824 337684
chas.harris@lineone.net (e/mail preferred)
Deputy Rep. (North)
Peter ‘Mr. K’ Gauntlett
Home 01206 570604 mobile 07967 692088
petergauntlett03@aol.com
Deputy Rep. (South) Sue Haynes mobile 07930 150464
susanhaynes64@hotmail.co.uk
Seax Editor
Webperson
Merchandiser
Still vacant – I’m sure someone out there could do a great
job!
Ray Rawlings
Raymond@chatswell.fsbusiness.co.uk
Gary Daisley
gdaisley@blueyonder.co.uk

Reps Rambling……………..
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Hi all,
Whilst I’m sure we have all seen some really dreary summers in the past, I’m sure most
of you will agree that there’s not been one for a very long time, if ever perhaps, that’s
been so dire that it’s had such a devastating impact on our riding. Every UK main event so
far this year has been blighted by rain to some extent and its not so much a matter of
looking at the weather reports to see if there’s likely to be a decent day over a weekend,
more trying to spot a dry window of a few hours to get out in the dry. Even then you can
get caught out! It’s rather sad when the best front (weather pun…geddit…sad but the best I can
manage!) people can put on it is saying to me ‘…at least its doing wonders for my wet
weather riding!’
So far I think only the International in Sweden was completely dry but even then I think
some that had further to get home once back in the UK still got wet! Talking of Sweden,
I think all the large group of crusaders who were able to go will tell you what a good
event it was. See report on page 4234.
Next june will see the inaugural Finnish Rally which will surely be one not to miss. There’s
a full itinerary suggested on page 2324 but if you fancy sorting your own plans to meet us
there, that could be a great adventure too. I think its going to be THE event for many
years and who’s been to Finland on their bike anyway I’d urge you all to have a good
think about the trip – I booked my time off for it when I arrived back at work after
Sweden.
Looking not quite so far forward, Sunday coming is the legendary C19 BBQ at Mersea. I
won’t even think about the weather, just save to say that the usual set-up will be in place;
bring your own meat, tofu etc and soft drinks. T, coffee, rolls salad etc will be laid on.
Hopefully not on rafts!
All we can hope for is that maybe the summer is a bit on the drag…… like me finding time
to compile Seax….. and it turns up eventually!
Anyway, that’s plenty from me for now although I’ve compiled a little account of my
anguish before the Swedish trip just to make you all feel better.
I hope you enjoy reading/viewing this edition. I’ve set aside a day to get it done and as a
guide, its taken about 6 hours to put together and then printing/collating time on top –
which is the easy bit. If you’re out there and fancy giving it a go, your Club could really
do with you!
Ride safe and I look forward to seeing you all out and about soon,
Chas Centre Rep.

Essex Rally 2008
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We now have secured the venue for our event. A number of us have been down to
Wickford to have a good look round and I think it has good potential for what we need to
offer the VSOC a good event. The location is the Runwell Hospital Sports and Social
Club, situated just off the A132 from Rettendon Turnpike. It is quite secluded at the
end of The Chase and offers a pretty site with plenty of room. Most regular Rally-goers
will probably agree we have been to many less ideal venues over the years!
It’s a little over half way ‘down’ Essex but has easy links with the M25 and M11 via either
the A12 or A127. It will also be less than an hour from Harwich for our European friends
which should help encourage them!
We’ve now had two meetings of the Rally Committee and the consensus has been to put as
much of the budget as possible into the entertainment and event quality - the things
people really remember!
There’s not a need to have meetings for a while through the summer as those involved
know what they’ve undertaken to organise. Unless anything arises, I’ll look at September
for the next meeting to start to really firm things up.
Chas
Centre Rep.
Details of National VSOC events
For details including local events, flyers etc. go to
National web.
@
www.vsoc.org.uk

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THE PROBLEMS OF MODERN HEALTH & SAFETY CULTURE
I was delighted to have won a bungee cord in the June 19 raffle at the Center 19 club
meeting at the Windmill Tavern in East Hanningfield. My pleasure was heightened by the
knowledge that Trevor had not won a prize. Then I read the safety label attached to the
40” x 10mm (someone getting their units a bit mixed) Heavy Duty Stretch Cord. A total of
163 words of caution and use instruction as follows:-
“Bungee cords should be stretched and released carefully. Do not stand directly
inline of tension. To avoid rebound, never exceed 50% of unstretched length. Over
stretching can cause hook failure resulting in sudden uncontrolled release that can
cause severe injury to unprotected body parts, especially eyes. Safety goggles
should be worn when stretching or releasing bungee cords. Never use bungees on
large flat items that can rise with air pressure created while traveling. Tie-down
and anchor points must be checked every 30 miles (48 km). Do not use worn or
frayed bungees. Keep cord away from sharp edges. Choose the correct length of
bungee for the job, ensuring not to stretch beyond the maximum usable length and
keeping a reserve of elasticity. Do not join several bungees together nor tie knots
to reduce the length. Locate hook securely and hold firmly before securing elastic.
Do not alter hook shape in any way. Not recommended for use by children unless
supervised by an adult.”
Winning a prize in the raffle was nice but the danger associated with its use has left me
concerned for my safety, and for the sanity of the legal departments associated with the
manufacture and distribution of the product. As a motorcyclist and user of bungee cords I
am in a privileged position compared with other bungee cord users. As long as I put on my
bike gear before using the hazardous cord I should be OK – full face helmet has to be
better than safety goggles (as long as I keep the visor down) and an armored leather
jacket will help should there be a “sudden uncontrolled release”. However, as a cyclist with
a need to secure shopping to the bicycle rear carrier; and a motorist with occasional need
to secure DIY items to the roof rack; I feel that my prize will be of limited use unless I
put on my motorcycle gear before use.
For the benefit of all club members I think that there
should always be a heath and safety review of potential
raffle prizes before purchase. Next time you feel the
need to purchase a rubber restraint device; be it in
Halfords or Ann Summers; please ask and I would be
delighted to assist you.
Bob Owen.
Eds note: Don’t worry Bob, you won’t win again!

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Important! Change in ride-out procedure
As a direct result of the necessity to comply with the
vital H&S guidance that Bob has so dutifully…
(……. Yuk ……. What a horrid font…. I’m going back to one I like!)
…alerted us to, it will now be necessary for you to stop every
30 miles (48 Km) to check the security of your bungees and
fixings.
You can feel free to catch me up later (if you can!) as I will
continue to use superior items that have served me well for
many years. These only require checking once in a blue moon.
They also have the advantage of being capable of
withstanding stretching to over 10 times their original
length (ooeeerr missus!) and positively thrive on being linked
together and/or frayed over sharp edges!
They must be up to the job or I’d constantly be dropping
luggage all over the place….. now where did that H.Gericke
bag go……………
Ch.

Sherwood Shindig 2007
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The weekend always promised to be something of an adventure. As you may recall, the extensive
flooding in the Sheffield area (20 miles north of the camp site) had not yet receded, and radio reports were
awash with "severe weather warnings" for the weekend with the threat of more rain the way. The police
& emergency services were warning us to avoid any unnecessary travel! Always looking for an adrenalin
rush, a number of Essex Crusaders decided to go anyway, and so too did around 300 others!
The camping field at Alfreton was tucked behind a building site, down a perilously muddy & slippery path
with a steep incline, which was to see several bikes slip over and hit the dirt during the course of the
weekend. As bikes were not allowed access to the camping field, after unloading, it was back up the hill
to the public car park where the bikes were to be kept for the duration of the event. The camp site was on
the side of a hill, so choosing a good spot and making sure that the tents faced the right way was only
hampered by the taping-off of the "designated areas". Relying on common sense was not an option that
the organisers thought us capable of! Having pitched our tents and renewed old acquaintances, someone
produced a bottle of "Black Pig" (Vodka & Lickerish/Aniseed cocktail) – yum yum. There then followed
bottles of Bourbon, Rum, Whisky, and about six more bottles of homebrew Vodka cocktails including (of
all things) one called "Essex Girl"..!
As the Rally venue was only a few hundred yards from the main road, a quick stroll to Tesco ensured that
we were replete with the prerequisite provisions for the weekend. It also revealed that Alfreton was more
than a one-pub town! It seemed that no one had warned the local Wetherspoon bar/restaurant that there
would be several hundred bikers all looking for food & beer, so after waiting for over an hour, we sent
"Upgrade" (Adrian) to negotiate a refund! – All credit to JD Wetherspoon, we not only got our money
back but they also served up the food, and the beer was cheap too!
Returning to the campsite where most of the rally goers had finally arrived, we went to the Sports Hall to
check out the band. The aptly named "Jurassic" played their hearts out, but with the hopelessly oversize
hall, expensive beer (over three pounds a pint) and a smoking ban in force, it was little wonder that many
opted for the alfresco option and voted with their feet. At precisely 10pm, outside the sports hall and
amidst much hugging and shaking of hands, a call went out for "Tosh" to take his heart pills. Pretty soon,
the whole of the site erupted in a chorus of "TOSH – TAKE YOUR TABLETS"..! The rest of the evening
was much of a blur (the Black-Pig effect). I can remember someone falling over (might have been Poly),
and somehow making my way back to the tent, then shivering, and eventually getting into my sleeping
bag…
For some reason I couldn't face breakfast the next morning, and trying to avoid the planned ride-out, went
for a walk to find the Custom Cruisers shop based a mile or so down the road in Somercotes. Mike
Chadwick was there, and offered us hospitality with free coffee & biccies, whilst some of us bought more
shiny bits for our bikes. The drizzling rain still persisted, but the walk had done us good. On the way
back a few of us called into another local hostelry for a "hair of the dog" and a game of pool, but as the bar
prices seemed to increase with each visit, we didn't stay there long! I went back to the camp site to find
Paul & Sue struggling to put up their new tent, so offered a hand and prepared my barbecue lunch –
yummy!

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Sporadic rain continued to spoil most of the day, but as the evening approached, we prepared ourselves for
what was to be the main event of the Rally – an evening off-site at the local Tandoori Restaurant. With
much "tutting" from the general public, and screaming kids who really didn't want to be there, we
consumed the entire contents of their menu, and much of their beer cellar too! We waddled back to the
sports hall in time to hear another failing band strut their stuff and, unable to hear what was being said
during the presentations (must do something about that PA system), retired to the mud village (campsite)
for a relatively early evening before the following day's ride home.
An intrepid rally goer kitting up for the
ride back up the track to civilisation.
Taking about an hour longer than normal (due to the many trips back and forth to the bikes, through the
mud, across the building site and public car park), the tents were eventually packed and the bikes fully
loaded. Waving good bye to everyone as we went, and promising to return next time, we were told that
Centre 9 were already planning to hold their next Rally at the same venue! As we left the site, the burning
question on everyone's lips was… why
Skynet.
Response from Ed.
One member’s view of an event dampened by the weather (sorry!). I wonder how much
better things would have seemed in fine conditions Nonetheless, as always, it was the
company that made for the good time that was had. Mind you, the track down to the site
was more suitable for 80kg off-road bikes than 300kg rally-laden cruisers and you only
found that out beyond the point of no return. Deep joy!
We hope to learn from our experiences……. See p3!

Weather, Weather, Ginger Beer !!
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Being a “virgin” to international rallies, I was unsure what to expect but can assure all those reading this
article that I had a brilliant time.
13 members from Centre 19 (including myself) attended the rally. (Eds note; even if our rep was in his car p 133.)
By 3pm on the 6 th June, we were on our way to Harwich for the 18:00 hrs ferry to Esbjerg.
Whilst browsing through the Duty Free shop, we bumped into Chas, who informed us that he would be
leading a group, as long as riders didn’t mind following a car. Terry questioned this and Chas said that he
had had an electrical problem with his bike which he thought he had resolved, but at 1pm the bike decided
not to co-operate and died. Hence Chas immediately rang DFDS, who confirmed that Nikki and him
could travel by car.
It was a smooth 18 hours crossing and all were suitably rested for the 240 mile ride across Denmark into
Sweden. Centre 19 riders were in group two. Unfortunately, group three missed the last fuel stop and
went sailing past – leaders new name “Satnav”.
(Eds note – follow Big bill at your peril or if you have a bigger fuel tank than him!)
The outward and return journeys
meant crossing two impressive
bridges, one being at least seven
miles long. This snap gives you an
idea!
Once we crossed the toll bridge into
Sweden, we were then escorted to
Hanksville Farm by the local Polis.
We had three nights on the site, with music and dance by BBBrain and food supplied by the Swedish
military.
The on-site facilities were definitely not something to write home about, especially as over 500 people had
to use them.
According to the long range weather forecast, we could expect good weather whilst away. To our surprise
they weren’t wrong – we couldn’t have asked for better weather – in fact it was too hot on occasions and
we were all trying to find a bit of shade.

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The ride out on the Friday to the Elk Park at V. Torup was enjoyable and we actually saw four Elks – this
included two new borns!
Since Nikki & Chas had travelled by car, Chas teamed up with Bruce and Nikki rode pillion with Adrian.
babies
The one thing we all noticed about riding in Sweden was the lack of traffic on the roads – wish the UK
could be more like this!
On Friday evening, we were treated to a ride through the barn by a character called “Otto 1 ” (unknown to
Terry and myself), who decided to ride illegally, i.e. in the nude, accompanied by a well proportioned lady
dressed only in her knickers. Strangely the Swede’s weren’t going to allow this to happen but apparently
after some “negotiations” they agreed to let just Otto perform his stunt. A
Saturday ‘s entertainment began with the Yamaha Scandinavia Competitions. The mini-moto slalom was
the first race. Centre 19’s team consisted of Chas, Terry and John (“Footpeg”). Having won their first
heat, they subsequently came second in the overall competition and were each presented with Yamaha
rucksacks. Unfortunately John sustained an injury to his leg (hence the nick name).
2nd place team
1
Otto; A Czech VSC then VSOC legend ……. Or is that leg end Ed.

The “slow riding” competition was unfortunately, I am told, not as good as other rallies, as individuals
were timed and did not compete against each other. Mr K. took part and was also presented with a
Yamaha rucksack.
Page 10
On Saturday afternoon a few of us went to the local beach “Landskrona” and it was lovely to get a breeze
from the sea.
Reliable sources told me that Alan confused the Swede’s by asking for a Ginger Beer!
Sunday was all too quickly upon us and we all had to take our tents down and reload the bikes to travel to
the YCC Denmark Club House for the remainder of our break.
On arrival at the Club house, again the weather was excellent, much too hot to be assembling tents. Mr
K. and Bruce opted to share a tent rather than assemble two. You can imagine the ribbing and p… taking
that took place.
Jan, the Chairman of the Club, was our host and had arranged an evening meal. Unfortunately Trevor,
Pete, Terry and myself missed out on the meal - a slight miscalculation with the food – but we were quite
happy to use up some of the food we had brought with us – less to carry home and it also gave me some
space to buy something!!!
A group of us decided to ride into Copenhagen on the Monday. While, Mr K. and Phil decided to stay in
a bar and watch the world go by, my “entourage” of men - Terry, Bruce, Barney, Trevor and John “Mr
Pipeman”- plus myself decided to walk to the famous Mermaid. Bruce, having been to Copenhagen the
previous year, took on the task of “tour guide” and enlightened us with local information as we passed
certain sites. On arrival at the Mermaid site, we were all a bit disappointed - not quite what we all
expected.
En-route Pit Stop !!!
Chris’ entourage

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On return from Copenhagen Trevor ribbed Pete about his night with Bruce and Mr K. promptly picked up
the “fire bucket” of water and threw the lot at him. Even though Trevor was quick off the mark, he still got
soaked. This was the second time Trevor had got a soaking that day, as at one of the fountain’s in
Copenhagen, Barney had sprayed Trevor – who, by now, was not impressed.
Terry mentioned that if camping could always be like the last couple of days then he would attend every
rally!
Having had five days of non stop sunshine, our time away was quickly coming to a close. We packed up
our tents yet again on Tuesday morning and headed for the ferry. Esbjerg itself must have wondered what
had hit it when over 100 bikes arrived in town, since we had a couple of hours to mull away before
checking in for our home crossing.
As a final comment, I would like to thank those who attended from C19 for making my virgin trip very
memorable.
Chris Hobbs.
Note from Chas.
It was especially good to get this from Chris as it was her first main International event. I
chuckled when recalling what a hoot we had – even without my bike!. There’s so much more
we could write but that’d take a book! Why not think about coming to Finland with us next
year

ESSEX CRUSADER
2007 RALLY T-SHIRTS
Page 12
Back by popular demand, at just £11 each.
If you’re planning to attend any of this year’s VSOC Rallies, Parties or Events, then this is the item of you! Fly the flag
with our official Centre 19 merchandise and support the Essex Crusaders.
Black, red, green or blue “Gildan” T-Shirts with the colour Essex Crusader logo printed on the front and the 2007
VSOC Events List on the back. Become one of the first to own this very special, bespoke item.
This season's must have – even BSH Magazine has copied the idea..!
Rally T-Shirts will be available for collection from your Local Centre Meeting, or delivered to your home address for
£2.50 (per order) - please specify. This is a limited offer, and only available until 3rd August 2007.
Order early to avoid disappointment!
Please send cheque payable to VSOC Essex Crusaders to:-
Centre 19 Merchandise, 10 Woodlow, Benfleet, Essex SS7 3RL
BLACK
RED
GREEN
S M L XL XXL XXXL
BLUE
Order value @ £11 each =
P&P = £2.50
2007 Rally T-Shirts Total =
Name:
Address:
Post code:
Telephone:
Limited availability – Orders to be received by 3 rd Aug 2007

Finland 2008.
Page 13
Here-there
Granna
Right, don’t be shy, most of us didn’t REALLY know where it was either!
So, just to make it clear…… I’ve included a map!
The date for the event is over the weekend of 13 th -15 th June 2008 but obviously we’ve a
bit of travelling to do either end. The main UK VSOC contingent will be leaving on the
ferry from Harwich on the evening of Sunday 8 th June. We will arrive in Esbjerg at
lunchtime on Monday 9 th and have a pleasant ride of about 190 miles to the YCC clubhouse
near Copenhagen. Having stayed overnight there, we will ride probably with the Danish
group across the spectacular bridge into Sweden and up through Sweden to a campsite on a
lake at Granna. This is a ride of around 200 miles on Tuesday. Leaving Granna on
Wednesday we’ll ride on up to Stockholm on Wednesday which will be about 190 miles and
get to the ferry there Wednesday evening. Then there is an 8 hour ferry crossing to
Turku in Finland where we’ll arrive Thursday morning. The Rally site is just under 50 miles
from the port so we’ll be setting up before noon on Thursday!

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As you can see, the most riding we’ll be doing in transit is 200 miles in a day! That means
they’ll be nice and relaxed rides with loads of time to potter/stop/enjoy the scenery! You’ll
be so fresh after that you’ll probably be off exploring in the evenings.
On the return we’ll leave the site on the Monday evening boat arriving at Stockholm
Tuesday morning to ride down to Granna. Wednesday will be a ride back to the YCC Club in
Denmark staying there until Thursday lunchtime when we’ll zip over to the ferry home to
Harwich where we’ll arrive Friday lunchtime.
There is a link to the web page of the main rally site in Finland if you want to look – and
your Finnish is ok! http://www.lomasakyla.com/
This the ‘official’ invite from VSOC main site
YCC Finland has decided the rallyplace of the 2008 International Rally. The rally will held on 13th - 15th June 2008
in Säkylä, about 75km from harbour of Turku. There will be lots of area to all arrangements we need. A large tent
area, inside accommodation for 160 persons (cottages for 4-8 persons with wc + refrigerators etc... these will not
include the rally payment, but if you need one, you will get it by paying some extras...) Vacation resort locate in
lakeside and I think you all will be pleased about it.
The nearest harbour ( and the best rational way between Sweden and Finland) is Turku. Arriving to Helsinki means
that you must drive about 2, 5 hours to the rallyplace. I think it's too much for you, especially on Sunday, when you
will leave for home. We will send more info about the Rally and the timetables of ferries etc during next Spring.
I and all YCC Finland`s members wish Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!
VeePee Särkkä, President, YCC Finland
Now, the astute of you will have already picked up that there is scope for chalet type
billets on the main site in Finland. That’s no good to us you cry; we’ve got to camp at Yans
and Granna! Well that’s not necessarily the case! I am told there is to be provision at both
those places for inside (non-camping) billets. Before you all jump up and shout; ‘Yippee! No
tents required.’ I would mention a couple of things. I’ve done the chalet/non camping
option before. {Czech 2001(ish)} and whilst it does have merits, there’s not the
camaraderie of the camp site and sitting around talking b*ll#$%s etc.
Coupled to that, with a tent you’re completely independent and not reliant on anyone else,
should that suddenly become desirable! Also, obviously not everyone will be able to use the
inside facilities which I think would make me feel somehow left out……..
However, if camping really isn’t your thing and you’d seriously like to go on the trip, it may
be a good option for you. If interested, contact me ASAP. I’ll be in my tent……….. and no
doubt moan about it for ages after!
So, give the trip some thought, its over 500 miles north of where we’re used to so it’ll be
very short nights less than a week before the longest day of the year. What a hoot!
Who’s coming with me then
Chas.

Wires of woe!
Page 15
Now’s the time for a tale of someone else’s misfortune…..or maybe it wasn’t, you’ll have to
read on to find out, to make you all feel a little bit better!
On arriving home from Doncaster, wishing I had been wearing a wet suit rather than
leathers – good grief, I’ve never been so cold!, I drained the oil out of my beloved Queenie
so she could have fresh before the ride to Sweden and the main Rally season. Several days
later, new filter installed, I filled with oil and started her up to fill the filter. As I did so
I thought there was a tinny ticking noise that was unusual. Switching off quickly, I looked
round the bike to find what metallic and potentially paint damaging item was vibrating, that
being what I thought the sound was. Nothing found, I restarted and the sound had gone. I
happily discounted what I had heard (mistake #1!) and continued pottering about.
A week or so later saw me beginning to get organised (yes – organised!) the day before
leaving for Sweden. Rolling the old girl outside I thumbed the started and there it was
again – ominously the same noise. Horror! This was not good. Note mistake #1, previously
dismissing it!
Switching on and off revealed it was intermittent; possibly the most difficult thing to
isolate (pun here – make sense later…), but was persistent. Straining my ears to identify the
source I soon realised it was the starter motor running intermittently even though the
engine was running yet while the starter was not being pressed. This was a good clue that
was easily overlooked in my initial panic!
I correctly realised that this could spell terminal, read expensive, starter motor damage if
not remedied PDQ. Taking her to Sweden in this state would be lunacy as the starter
WOULD fry sooner or later and trying to bump start 320kgs (unladen) of Mr Yamahas
finest V4 is not sensible!
Having eloquently explained my dire position to my better half ‘…%*ck, I’m right up @#it
creek…’ etc. I began to wrack my tiny mind for a fix.
Summoning both brains cells to co-operate for once I reasoned that whilst our revered
XV’s are known for starter clutch/gearing ailments, this is not something ever to have
blighted the completely different system of the XVZ or their V-Max’s cousins.

Page 16
Not yet realising the depth of the mire, I confidently assessed that the extreme soaking
from Doncaster had introduced water to places it shouldn’t be, so I embarked on a crash
course on becoming intimate with the XVZ electrical/starting system.
First stop was clearly the starter switch on the handlebars. Not really clean, but it is
almost 8 years and 30 odd K miles old and worse…….. no signs of dampness. Damn!
Next was a foray into the headlamp where more plugs and sockets than you can shake a
stick at are to be found lurking.
Now, I expect most of you will have seen either Biker build-off or the muppetts from OCC
ranting their way to creating new bikes. You may well have noticed how little wiring is
involved when Vinny or whoever the sparky expert is ‘laces her up’.
I was now to realise why this was! Whereas they have a wire to the battery via the switch
to the starter, Mr Yamaha has seen fit to protect us from our own incompetence by
including multi circuit relays and the like that preclude starting unless; the side stand is up,
the gear is N, the clutch is pulled in etc etc etc…. This involves many, many, lots(!) more
wires and nasty little and certainly expensive, black boxes, that cannot be bypassed!
Now not quite so optimistic, I began to search for signs of moisture or unplugging things
that would make my fault go away. As time passed I reasoned that Queenie might be
staying at home unless I had a lucky break and began to make plans to mump someone elses
bike, or spare bike for the trip.
With several offers available I continued into the night knowing that I had the following
morning to decide Queenie was definitely not going if I couldn’t sort it out.
Having been through the affected circuits several times I wasn’t able to find the fault but
at least I knew what it was! The starter was getting a signal to start all the time whether
the switch was pressed or not! By around midnight I made the decision to cut a wire
feeding the demand signal to the starter relay and introduce another switch which I would
cobble to the pillion foot-plate. Thus once the bike was running, I could isolate the starter
from whatever was trying to start it all he time! Mistake #2!
In retrospect this was a bad plan as it would only have, at best, treated the symptom and
not sorted the cause. This is one of the many lessons learnt!
By 3am the deed had been done and it appeared to have sorted things out. Having checked
and double checked we went to bed thinking what a clever old Hector I was.

Page 17
8am arrived a little too soon but as we weren’t due to meet until 2pm, there was loads of
time. Testing that all was fine over coffee, I even wasted an hour or so fitting a flagpole
for the Centre pennant. As it was now time for final packing I wheeled her off the ramp,
outside and tried the starter again….. just to be sure. Fine exactly as planned, engine
starts – switch off feed to starter and engine runs but started stops. Great.
Time went by, calls were made explaining that I’d be on my bike and wouldn’t need to
borrow one etc and we were all ready to go earlier than we ever have been before – I
should have known!
A good hour before the allotted time we mounted up, helmeted and kitted, enough luggage
for a small regiment to invade a moderately sized principality and I hit the button….
NOTHING!
It took me three seconds to decide that Queennie wasn’t going to Sweden this year. I
reasoned that it was pointless to even look for a cause as this could happen again on the
ferry ramp to leave Esbjerg or anywhere else on the way, which would be a disaster!
By now it was too late to borrow a bike (thanks for the offers guys) and options were errr,
limited. With that inimitable female coolness and logic, Nikki suddenly suggested we try to
take the car. Although not ideal it was a sensible option as otherwise we’d miss our main
holiday whilst most of our mates were away without us.
Mr Motorsport travel, Craig Thorley was brilliant and had us booked on the ferry within
half an hour for only a few quid more than two bikes.
We even arrived at the truck stop on the 120 for grub before the rest of the mob!
Sweden was excellent and Chris has penned an excellent article to tell you about the trip.
I had days to ponder the cause of the problem and seek views from all quarters. By the
time we were on the ferry home I KNEW what the problem had to be, where it was and
how I would have to fix it! (I was almost right…..)
Are you bored yet I’ll try to keep it amusing… you may as well hang on to the end!
The day after getting home I was out to the garage with renewed vigour as I was totally
confident I knew where to look. I was sure there would be a broken or shorting wire in the
harness from the handlebar switch into that jungle in the headlamp.
With the multi-meter earning its keep I soon had the old girl stripped down to this
stage………… not a pretty sight!

Page 18
To my dismay I was unable to detect a
fault in that harness… worse still, t
was looking like the fault was in the
main loom from where it started in the
headlamp to where it came out to go
into that multi circuit gizmo. With
some pertinent text advice guiding me
logically and preventing me from going
mad, I had even identified which wire
was at fault. Thanks for your help
there Gary.
The problem was that whilst just replacing the wire would work, that would again be
treating a symptom and not addressing the cause. Gary chirpily told me that the industry
fix for a suspected fault in the loom was to replace it……. That made me feel so much
better!
Taking a deep breath I decided that I had to slice open the main loom sheathing that bent
around the headstock as that must surely be the culprit for a break or chaffing.
To my dismay the wire inside were clean and fresh as the day they were sealed in there.
Whilst I was closer than ever, I know knew that the culprit blue/white wire had a fault
somewhere in the main loom between the headstock and battery box.
Over another coffee I reasoned that a careful examination of all the loom I could get to
would be better than to start trying to cut it open willy-nilly. Patiently as ever, Nikki
directed the torch as I peered in the nooks and crannies where the loom ran beside,
around and through the frame. As eased a section away from where it lived a polished
metal section of carb mount attracted my attention, shouting out to me; ‘Its my fault!’
Looking at the back of the loom at the polished area, sure enough, there was an area of
worn through insulation (isolation!) and the wire that was exposed was blue/white with a
small area of copper exposed. This was the fault that had been causing the short to the
starter! Carefully cutting away the insulation in the area revealed that only that wire was
affected so it was re-insulated and the loom repaired.

Page 19
Here’s the culprit!
Gentle natural engine vibration here
was just enough to wear against this
area through the insulation and
eventually into the wire causing it to
short.
And the damage it caused!
Putting the old girl back together was a joy that probably took 3 hours all told and she’s
run perfectly ever since!
I WAS lucky because if the wire that had been worn through had been one of the many
others (about 16 – see above) it could have done expensive damage to one of those electric
gizmos. I would have hoped a fuse would have popped before a fire started.
Should you worry Not really, Yamaha went away from this sort of insulation some time ago
and the new stuff would take decades to wear through, if at all.
I leant how important it is to identify a fault and address that, not just treat the symptom
and hope for the best.
Lastly, thanks to all those who offered me a bike for the trip and to those who helped me
along my journey to finding the cause. You are too many to mention but all helped so much.
Chas.

JULY RIDEOUTS AND EVENTS
Page 20
SUNDAY 22 ND
BAR-B-CRUISE, CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK, MERSEA ISLAND
Depart Boreham services 10-00 for Peldon Rose P.H.(junction of Colchester Road B1025 and Mersea Road)
depart Peldon Rose 11-00 for Mersea Island.
Bring your own meat and we will supply the Bar-B-Ques, bread rolls, salad, plates ,cutlery, tea and coffee.
FRIDAY 27 TH VSOC C15 SAXON WARRIORS, FEN FROLICS 3, WHADDON, HERT’S
Depart Boreham services 11-00 for Rest Area (A120 between Dunmow and Takley), depart Rest Area 11-45
for Whaddon. Please support our neighbours in C10. You cannot get a more local rally than this!
AUGUST RIDEOUTS AND EVENTS
FRIDAY 4 th – SUNDAY 6 th , SCRUMPIES SUMMER PARTY, YER TIS, SO I’M TOLD!
Banwell Weston-super-Mare
Contact Chas, Sue or Pete if you’re going on this one and we’ll put you in touch with each other.
SUNDAY 5 h , COMFORT CAFÉ, LITTLE ABBINGTON.
One of our much loved venues taking in some pretty Essex countryside and excellent biking roads.
Departing Boreham at 10. Reps favourite!
SUNDAY 12 th , NEWMARKET, SUFFOLK.
Another local ride taking in some pretty Essex
Departing Boreham at 10. Your Reps favourite!
and Suffolk countryside and excellent biking roads.
SUNDAY 19 th , WESSONS OGRI’S Cafe, HORAM, E SUSSEX.
Down for breakfast at that biking mecca, home of Ogri & Mitzi. Leaving Marks Tey at 9.30. Boreham at 10
and Thurrock 10.30.
FRIDAY 24 th – MONDAY 27 th VSOC C18 Swiggin’ in the riggin
NATIONAL RALLY.
The last National VSOC Rally of the season. A number of loons are going down earlier in the week. Bruce
Thompson, with his new mate Garmin, is leading a group down on Friday 24 th . Contact Bruce on
brucey_baby2@yahoo.co.uk or 07811 468724 to sort out arrangements that suit you.
If you require more information please contact your reps.
Please have sufficient fuel for rideouts so we can keep fuel stops to a minimum

Centre 19 forthcoming dates - Diaries out NOW!
August
North meeting
All meetings are now on MONDAYS starting 8pm!
Monday 6th August 2007.
The Anchor, Upper Street, Stratford St. Mary, CO7 6LW.
West of A12, North of Colchester
South meeting
MONDAY 20 th August 2007.
The Windmill Tavern, The Tye, East Hanningfield, CM3 8AA, 01245 400315.
September
North meeting
Monday 3 rd September 2007.
The Anchor, Upper Street, Stratford St. Mary, CO7 6LW.
Page 21
South meeting
MONDAY 17 th September 2007.
The Windmill Tavern, The Tye, East Hanningfield, CM3 8AA, 01245 400315.
End