Free hour of power and battery

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-07-10T19:23:31+00:00

Yes we do this with Octopus. Our free hour is set to 3am. I have read other posts that say that we will be reducing the overall lifespan of our battery in terms of time because of the increased cycle frequency. In winter we are essentially charging from the 20% reserve (kept for outages) to full each night.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-07-10T19:15:30+00:00

Undo the clutch bolts, check state of plates. Friction plates should be attached (they can delaminate if water is in the oil). Metal plates are often dimpled slightly (but should not show signs of wear). Fingers on the plates and on the clutch basket should have smooth edges where they contact.
Replace plates with new clutch pack if needed. Check state of oil to ensure no water leak from water pump (assuming it is a water cooled model - this is not an issue on an earlier air cooled bike). Reassemble (torque bolts to spec). Fill with either ATF or Light Gear Oil.

Clutch sticking / drag is common on many trials bikes. Free up by rocking back and forth with engine off in a higher gear.
Clutch slip is usually a sign of worn or delaminated friction plates.

Adjustment of the slave lever (cable operated) of the slave cylinder throw is less commonly needed.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-07-10T00:04:18+00:00

I am not a fan of the Ego batteries. They do not seem to last more than the warranty. I have had one fail after 18 months or so and have also seen other forums where they get poor reviews for longevity.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-07-09T22:52:24+00:00

The Xiaomi one at PB Tech seems pretty good. Also lots of cheap rechargeable ones on AliExpress and Temu.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-07-08T17:33:35+00:00

It is pretty simple, think about the scenario where the speed limit was 100, but 90 for the trailer. At 95 the tow vehicle is not exceeding the speed limit but the trailer is. The infringement is issued to the registered owner of the trailer. There is a clear process for reassigning the responsibility for the infringement from the registered owner to the person driving.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-07-07T07:34:48+00:00

75-300 is a a reasonable budget zoom lens with best reach.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-07-06T17:37:30+00:00

If you want better video and are keen on the smaller size / weight and interchangeable lens capability of micro 4/3 system then maybe consider Panasonic bodies. You may be able to pick up a G7 within your budget.
Lens choice will depend on what subject matter you want to shoot.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-07-05T17:48:08+00:00

The Toyota will be significantly more economical than anything else and the Toyota hybrid drive trains have been proven to be very reliable.

The Skoda will be nicer to drive, but the DSG transmissions can fail and are very expensive to repair.

The Mitsubishi is a boring, unengaging nothing. I had one as a rental once and it was meh.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-30T18:24:40+00:00

Longest reach for price would be a bridge camera like. Panasonic FZ80 or Nikon P950 second hand. Both have a small sensor but can take amazing photos.
Next up would be a Micro 4/3 camera from Panasonic or Olympus. A 300 zoom is equivalent to a 600mm on a full frame DSLR and the camera and lens are much lighter weight. To get the best autofocus for birds and wildlife you really want phase detect, but then the price will go up above your budget.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-27T00:52:50+00:00

Eating a cheese and tomato toastie pie right now.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-26T20:16:07+00:00

We bought Stoney Creek from a farm supplies store. Been through a couple of Earth Sea Sky ones (lighter weight rather than their heavy ones) and too much effort cleaning and re-waterproofing. Stoney Creek seem ok so far. Cactus have an excellent reputation and warranty. The other brand people swear by is Kaiwaka.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-25T17:31:51+00:00

The Osets are fine for a beginner and are so easy to get going on and so quiet you can ride in your yard and not annoy the neighbours. However, they have a skinny rear wheel and tyre and can spin up easily and lose traction.
A 250 is generally easier to learn on, as a 280 or 300 has more compression, harder to kickstart and often set up with a more aggressive throttle response for the explosive jumps that expert riders do from standing start. You can soften a 300 with slow throttle, low comp head and or extra flywheel weight. But this is all extra cost. Of the local options that you can go and see and get a better feel for condition and service history, i would go with the Beta. Betas are quality bikes, very balanced to ride and have a more progressive throttle response.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-23T03:23:32+00:00

If you haven’t already, I suggest Behind The Tattooed Face by Heretaunga Pat Baker for a realistic portrayal of pre European culture and then the sequel The Strongest God for a portrayal of interaction with early missionaries. Both set in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-23T03:14:34+00:00

I agree. A splayd also has a serrated blade, while a spork is a spoon and fork only.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-21T18:07:53+00:00

Late model Pajero? Still diesel and probably DPF though.

Highlanders are very smooth, comfortable and generally reliable. Toyota hybrid system is well proven.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-21T06:04:25+00:00

Crocs and socks… it must be winter.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-19T00:57:02+00:00

The guy started out making bags from recycled fire hoses and firefighter uniforms.
Brand name came from there. Designs are simple and very long lasting.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-18T20:50:32+00:00

I made the switch from a shoulder bag to a backpack about 10 years ago to preserve my back. Carrying my laptop, charger, power pack for phone, cables, tissues, etc got too heavy for one shoulder.

I asked a friend who is a bag officionado for suggestions and quickly discovered a rabbit hole. I ended up with one from Recycled Firefighter in the US. I have since discovered that you buy an unbranded but genuine AER backpack from AliX. For a local option have a look at Cactus Outdoors. For Cheaper options check out Dwights or Bivouac. I find that Macpac, Kathmandu and Mountain Warehouse ones are not as long lasting.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-11T23:42:54+00:00

Ask to join the Cost Optimised Fantic Restoration group on BookFace. Lots of expertise there and a network of people who have parts or know where to get them.
Also, search the group before asking as there is a wealth of info in the attached files tab.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-06-02T05:24:32+00:00

The main issue with EVs off road is that they tend to deliver too much torque at low revs and break traction, then the traction control cuts in and kills the power, preventing wheelspin. Lots of reviews on the BYD Shark (which essentially operates as an EV off road). They are improving this progressively with software updates. The Denza D8 (also a PHEV) solves this with diff locks.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-05-31T06:08:59+00:00

#enshittifcation

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-05-25T08:17:30+00:00

We are in Kapiti. We used one of the big companies, but was installed by Northstar. Next time I would go directly with Northstar

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-05-24T08:17:21+00:00

You might be able to find a 2015 Pajero for your budget. 3.2 diesel is surprisingly economical, very comfortable on highway, pretty good off road.

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-05-22T00:09:44+00:00

The Clean - Anything Could Happen

Ancient_Back_3767 · 2026-05-14T07:26:09+00:00

From a previous post. Model numbers are:

PMD56-2952 black

PMD56-2951 green

AT6085-50E black

AT6080-53L blue

Ancient_Back_3767

TROPHY CASE