Thanks to the guys on the forum at Real Classic I managed to unstick the clutch of my new plaything, a 1988 Harris Matchless G80 (the one with electric start and twing front discs). Those who know me would know this is not my usualy taste in bikes, but it was entrusted to me by a sadly departed ‘old boy’, so I’m giving it a good home in his honour.

So, like a kid with a new toy, I couldn’t wait for the new clutch case gasket to arrive so I assembled it anyway just to ride it up the road and back (yes I know the sprocket cover is still off). Very cool sound. Nice ‘fut, fut, fut’ from the 500cc Rotax single. Lots of people stopped and chatted. Annoyingly, I’ve got to take it all apart again to fit the new gasket, but at least I know the drill now. Will take some photos of the procedure to help any other poor soul doing battle with a Rotax 504 E strip down.

Anyhoo, a few pics to show you what it looks like…

Spent a couple of hours making our voices felt this evening in a mass demonstration against Westminster Council’s decision to charge bikes for free parking. They are the only council in the country, possibly the world and unfortunately, it’s all about money. It’s not so much the parking fee but also the over-zealous way they enforce it. Very grubby business but that’s Westminster Council for you.

It was an amazing event, really well run by NoToBikeParkingFees, MAG and the BMF to name but a few. There was a great atmosphere, the police were great and the public were very supportive (if not a little stunned at 1000 bikes revving and beeping their way past Parliament).

Of course, we’re all assuming the council didn’t give a second thought to the wishes of it’s subjects and will force through the bill. However, I feel this is just the start. And what a noisy, slightly smokey and passionate start it was. Axe the Tax indeed!