On the issue of flying, Yamaha I keep in touch with my Gliding Club through their list server. From what I can see, regulations are killing sports aviation of any kind. I've been restoring old radio control gliders in the hope I can do some sort of relatively regulation free flying!

Interested in your comment white van man. I've looked at and fiddled with several Bongos in my search for the right one. I know there is a main raise/lower switch to raise the roof. And I know there is a switch in the roof that you have to press (and that starts a bleeping sound) before using the ma...

Well thats really interesting and thanks dandywarhol. Sounds like I would be wise to have a full 'baseline' service by a specialist (like Ian Taylor at Cheddleton who is not too far off like me) when I pick up my Bongo (hopefully) on Thursday i.e. - drain and refill coolant (backflush rad at the sam...

...and there's me hoping to buy one on Thursday and set off for 400 mile trip straight from the vendor. Gulp!

Better print out that list of friendly Bongo owners and garages just in case

Mike

Thanks 2sticks and Bumbly1 - I was thinking along those lines. If I ever decide to camp (ooh matron) I'll use the old ones that my daughter says always make her look overweight (!?!)

Mike

I'm about to buy a Bongo (I hope). its done 67k miles. Some seem to say it improves the autobox change if you drain the oil and put in new. Others say doing this often triggers problems in an otherwise happy box, the supporting argument being that they are reckoned to be 'sealed for life' up to 150-...

How does the ordinary person test/measure/ensure their noseweight is within limits (short of breaking the kitchen scales?).

Mike

I know the feeling moonshine. I kid myself I'll get back into gliding, but lack of time, cash, fitness to fly (maybe!) mean I'll probably only do the odd passenger trip. But you never know!

I'm an ignoramus. I dont even have a Bongo yet, but when I do get one a priority job for me is to get a leisure battery fitted. I had imagined that all the Zig stuff etc they put in at the same time took care of any needs like the Australian thing you have bought. Or am I missing something? Grateful...

Woa - you mean you use automatic TRANSMISSION fluid in the power STEERING? Sounds weird to a non-techie like me

Mike