Triumphrat

Tone in't Fens · 06-24-2009, 06:12 PM

It was the night before our holiday in Ireland, last year; panniers packed, all fluids checked, all cables and chains adjusted and all pressures correct. When, in the garage, I came across a previous impulse buy of long ago - an "aircraft compass". A solid and dinky thing. Offering it up to the dash I could see how wonderful it would be, fixed behind the screen, knowing the cardinal points at every junction.

Who needs satnav, this thing didn't even need batteries.

Off with the screen and fairing, out with the cordless and there it was, an integral part of Tigger. Spent an hour working out how to adjust the thing, then to bed. Oh how proud would wife be (although they never appreciate shiny metal things like we do). How pleased she was going to be when she realised I'd saved us £550 by not buying a Garmin.

Up at 6am. 10 hours to do 280 miles to ferry; a leisurely ride. Wife very excited, plugs in intercom, sees compass as soon as she jumps on. Fire up the beast. Deafening laughter from her as the compass spins around at around 10 rpm. And when it stopped spinning one way it then started in the other direction.

It's so utterly useless I decided to leave it in position. I never did work out if it was some Electro-Magnetic Pulse or harmonic vibrations that set it off. To add to its uselessness, all the violent spinning has done something to the damping fluid; turning it a dirty, opaque brown colour, further enhancing its absurdity.

My wife issues a light cackle everytime she spots it. I think it cost£42.

bigred900 · 06-24-2009, 07:12 PM

ARFF ARFF ARFF!

I like it! Maybe it could be a electron gyroscope to keep the bike steady at incredibly low lean angles.

Wayne

KuzzinKenny · 06-24-2009, 09:03 PM

Thanks for sharin, Tone in't Fens !! Years ago, the cage i was drivin had a compass in a helmet stuck on the dash, it was a very hot day and as i was go`in round a roundabout the thing broke loose, rolled along the dash and shot out the open window !! i did think about go`in back for it but it was as much use as a chocolate fireguard so just drove on !!

still makes me smile when i think about it !!

KK

Sin_Tiger · 06-24-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone in't Fens

- an "aircraft compass". A solid and dinky thing.

Would you like to share with us what type of "Aircraft" that came from, just so I can check when I pick up my next boarding pass

That should go in the same usefulness catagory as the lurid Christmas sweaters I used to get from relatives.

Most useless for me is probably handlebar brace, can't see it being any use, other than when (not if) I drop her, then only to ensure that the bars get equally bent on both sides.

Tone in't Fens · 06-25-2009, 05:19 AM

It was described by the seller as "Aircraft Quality", I think this term possesses the same kudos as "Chef Quality" for knives and "Special Forces" for anything remotely connected to the army.

When I said 10rpm, I should've said 500rpm - I'm recovering from 'flu at the mo - the only reason for posting this inane post.

It's been a while since I posted a pic but here goes:

Tone in't Fens · 06-25-2009, 05:21 AM

Hah!

Note that the bike is pointing due West at the time of the photo.

Sin_Tiger · 06-25-2009, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone in't Fens

Hah!

Note that the bike is pointing due West at the time of the photo.

I spotted that straight away from the sun slowly setting behind your garage door

I hope you get better soon. Oh and I wish you a speedy recovery from the flu also

: nothing bacon related I hope.

iansoady · 07-01-2009, 07:10 AM

Thast's funny.... I have a little compass fitted to mine (but mine was only a couple of quid) and although it's nowhere near accurate it does give an idea of which way we're pointing. I've found it really useful in deepest France on the D roads a few times when I just want to go in a general direction (although if the sun'rs shining that's more reliable). And have come across some excellent plats du jour as a consequence.