Joe85

I told him. He emailed my manager asking where is bike was

Yep, utterly bizarre. I meeting him next week to hand over the keys (bike is already back at work). He's already asking "did you damage it", "why did we move it" etc. He basically got a free service, although there was no chance I was giving him it back with a fully-charged battery (annoyingly I threw the old one out) so I let it discharge overnight. One of my senior managers has told him he has to get it off-site before year-end or we'll scrap it.

Alright. I’m starting to get offended now.

You'll be fine. The good thing about a bike test is the adjudicator isn't sitting on your lap like in a car test. Good luck!

I think im in agreement - they're just too large.

Can't you just fold them up and glue them?

Installed a new carbon fibre air box cover and transferred the mirrors from the Touno. Not sure if I like them or not.

I was feeling a bit philosophical about it earlier, but I've been thinking about it all night: I'm f**king gutted lads. Heartbreaker.

Unfortunately, im a bit buggered. Originally, I suspected he was a tenant. Bizarrely, it turns out he is employed by the same company as me (and is far more senior so could cause me pain) and did indeed import the bike over in 2020 after a short-term stay in the US. He has also provided proof of ownership in the form of the export document from the US, dated, and in his name. Fair is fair, it's his bike. Just a bit gutted as his resurfacing was the last thing i was expecting - i searched high and low for this guy, and spoke to the police, the DVSA, the DMV, HMRC, Tower Hamlets borough council, the on-site security team with everyone not knowing who or where he was. As far as i was concerned either COVID had got him or immigration. Now, the issue is it has been re-coded. He'll be scratching his head if ever decides to fit a new battery and take it for a spin. Might just leave the keys and the code under the passenger seat. His key will turn the lock, it just wont start the bike.

I suspect the MVSA test application must have triggered some kind of contact with the owner. Not sure how else he’s have known. One things for sure, he ain’t having the new battery.

He proved it’s his. Ah well. Was a fun project while it lasted.

And the “alleged” owner has resurfaced. Shit.

Drug dealer?

Do they come with the keys and/or a functioning steering lock?

My season kinda started in December with my trip to Paris on the GS that ended in disaster on the M20 when a fecking blizzard appeared out of nowhere and put my roll cage to good use. That being said, with the right winter gear, riding on a clear day, in early morning France - superb. I followed that up with an ill-fated trip to Prague in March which had me sliding down the autobahn at 60mph when the GS slid out from under me due to what I suspect was oil on the road. Following that, my S1000R (which I traded for the GS) became available again, so i made the decision to trade back (costing myself a few grand in the process ). I do miss the GS, but at the same time, it really was a nightmare to commute on. Looking forward to next year. Now i have the Tuono, I may well trade the S1000R for a used 1250GS, or even a new 900GS.

Also, can't remember if I mentioned it - but it's only done 4500 miles! Practically brand new.

Thanks mate. I'm sure there is much frustration and disappointment still to come. The MSVA Test manual is enormous, with some absolutely ridiculous requirements for conformance (one example being the curvature of the windscreen!!) Even if that is successful, I still have to resubmit my application to the DVSA, get an MOT, get a number plate and then get the effing thing insured. I reckon it'll be some months yet! Following the amateur service, I gave her a good clean - think she scrubs up pretty well!

Right... MSVA application for a test in Gillingham submitted. I've read through the manual, and it's pretty in-depth but i can't see why the US Spec wouldn't pass - the headlight conforms to E13 which is Luxembourg (apparently) but it doesn't dip to the left or the right, which I think is acceptable. I also looked at UK and US parts lists for the Tuono and both have the same part numbers for the headlight and bulbs. Curiously, the side stand has a different part number . The only thing i can think may be different is the emissions/noise. I think the test is £80, so easier just to let them inspect it and give me a list of things to correct. Does anyone know if hazard lights are a UK requirement? Because this bike doesn't have a switch for them. Also, the Immobiliser antenna comes today, so i can finally button it all up completely and give it a good clean and some chain maintenance - then i think it's pretty much done until the inspection. PS. I gave it a cheeky spin up and down the road - it's awesome.

I slid down the autobahn at 60mph after 6 hours straight in a downpour in Rukka goretex laminate and still stayed dry. It really is the best investment an all-year biker can make.

Replaced oil and coolant today. Also flushed/replaced the rear brake fluid as the lever had a lot of travel before actuating the brake; I thought there might be air in the system, but it didn't cure it. Normally used to maybe an inch of travel on the peddle to activate the break, on this is a good two to three inches of movement - you have to press it all the way down.

Ran it up for 20 minutes to warm the oil, and have now left it draining. Again, it didn't look too bad but may as well. New oil and filter come tomorrow so in the meantime will disassemble the brakes for an inspection and clean. Unfortunately, immobiliser antenna is not a standalone part meaning I need to buy an entire ignition kit (which Aprilia wants £300 for). Luckily managed to find a used one on eBay for £170. Shame as I dont need the other components, just the antenna but it is what it is. Weighed out on some new Rizoma mirrors and will probably put some new grips on it too. All in all, spending so far has hit just under £900, with another £200-£300 to go (MSVA Test, registration, MOT etc)

New battery in, tank removed fuel drained. This is it...

Just let me wheelie it once.

Not sure why these videos are so massive