rob m

A ZX9R, 1994, the B model. I traded in a GSXR1100 for it in 1998. First couple of days it was fine then the brakes went, then the radiator, then…I crashed it. The only bike I’ve truly hated. Got rid of it for a Fireblade which in contrast was one of the best bikes I’ve ever owned.

Remember this in Germany fella? It was the same day we went to Aachen and were dying in that shop because it was so hot.

I fill the BMW with whatever's the highest octane available, as advised. In Wales last year I found a garage that only had 95 and the bike definitely ran rougher after filling up. It was really noticeable. In Switzerland in 2017 I found this Shell garage that had 100 octane (probably for the classic and sports cars that drive the passes). I was properly excited for a moment

So, the Alps next year?

Yeah, I saw that. I’m doubtful the situation will change anytime soon. Goes to show how quickly things can change.

Covid: Fully jabbed arrivals from France must still quarantine https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57869880 Woke up to this. Applies to those transiting through France too. Taking into account the devastation in the Eifel, this news and the cases in the UK and France rapidly rising, my mindset is changing to 2022. Have to admit, this ‘can we/can’t we’ situation is doing my head in!

Just terrible.

When @Gerontious and I were touring France a few years ago, I was met with this on a campsite we stayed at. I used the ladies.

Looking forward to your report!

Happy Birthday!

My formative riding years were on scooters, I was in the scooter scene of the 80's/early 90's. Such great times and memories. I rode them to all four corners of the country to scooter rallies, which is maybe why I love touring now as I loved the ride there as much as the rally. Some of my mates are still into the scene and ride all over Europe. I had a dig around and found a couple of pictures: My mighty T5 with a Mikeck exhaust, 172cc Malossi kit and 30mm Dell'orto carb. In scooter terms it absolutely flew. The same scoot in the foreground at Margate '91.

Nice bike bud.

Timing chain let go?

Happy Birthday chief!

Unfortunately par for the course for certain Hondas of that age. I went through 2 rectifiers and a stator on my 929 Fireblade in 6 years. In the end I kept one of each spare and classed them as consumables. There’s not enough air flow where they’re sited and they overheat.

Plan?

I managed this in the Pyrenees in 2016

After the announcement that no countries are being added to the Green List, I’m not confident that things will improve in 2 months but we’ll see I guess. You had the best opportunity last year @Gerontious I think, countries have more evidence and data this year to support restrictions. That said, I’m ready to mobilise at short notice, my leave is still booked. However, I have enough midge repellent just in case it doesn’t go ahead Don’t mind a week in the Highlands.

Bought a top box. I’m officially old.

I'm waiting to see how things pan out but would be up for Scotland if a Euro trip is a no-go. Apparently though, everybody and their brother is heading to Scotland so it'll be busy. I'll have a couple of trips to Wales regardless of what happens. You can never have enough rain in your life.

The page says (thanks Google Translate) that other European tours are being added over the coming months so you never know they might be back!

Right here: https://www.adac.de/der-adac/regionalclubs/nrw/motorradtouren-fuers-navi/?redirectId=quer.navbiketour All ADAC maps and suggested loops still available as PDFs and also downloadable GPX routes for yer sat nav

It's a home from home.

Excellent!