Pie man

I think you're being quite polite there.

You sir are correct, I can confirm the seat is dire. Both the 1290 and 890 were I don't think its directly linked to reliability, many people commenting on reliability issues (not just with KTM but any other manufacturer for that matter) generally, have no personal experience with the brands, however I read KTM bicycle segment had a big input to their losses along with the motorcycles, but still losses everywhere across the group. Lets not forget KTM rapidly became the largest manufacturer in Europe and openly admit to seeing this coming, back in 2023. Admitting they cannot sustain the growth and it has come to this. Many saying it wont be long now until its India owned.

I think I would also choose the North AC route, thinking the long return stretch would be all motorway from Glasgow, still not an easy ride though. Fair play to all those that take part.

@Capt Sisko Do you know what percentage take the North and south routes. I would imagine the North route is poplar however the south looks as if it will be harder.

My old neighbour had a timber shed with beefed up security. It just looked like an ordinary garden shed from the outside, he added insulation and then ply lined the interior with 3/4 plywood. Strengthened up the doors with added hinge pins and security locks. He kept his Ducati 916 in there for many years until he moved up to Perth.

Planning a trip to Euroland. First, I will have an early camping weekend in Scootlund, then decide if the Euroland jaunt will be camping or hotels, although for the last 19 years camping has lost apparently I snore like a freight train.

@Steve_M I was there early in the season. Monday 27th May @11:15am to be precise. The toll booths were open and you could ride through (only about 30 yards before you come across the first barrier closed and locked).

@Steve_M Good shout, I was actually up there last year, sadly the museum was still closed.

@Gerontious its great having good folk on here that have touring experience. If I'm honest its still early days, but its good to put something out there for others to chip in. I make ref to Otztal because I am looking for 007 Elements, somewhere in the Gaislach Mountain. Its the Spectre film location and I think it is only accessible by cable car, home of Hoffler Klinik. One of my favourite passes is the Timmelsjoch. I'm not keen on the Stelvio, but I would like to make my way to Como and then up and across Switzerland, you're right I do miss some good passes but I can't do them all. This might just be a pipe dream yet but I will get to somewhere. I may miss Como and take in the Umbrail, but it all depends on time. Not so much ticking off achievements, but I do need a point of interest or I will end up going nowhere.

I might just try the Rhinowalk 18L Saddlebags

Some of the passes noted for next year Faschinajoch. Silvretta HAR. Otztal. Timmelsjoch. Jaufen. Giovo. Stelvio. Foscagno, Bernina. Malojo. S. Gottardo. Nufenen, Furka. Sustern. Brunig. Grand Ballon. RTE Des Cretes & Colmar. Le Honeck.

Planning my Euro trip. Just a few roads/passes to tick off next year although some have been ridden before.

Such a shame, designated motorcycle parking is on the decline, although the Groves in Chester still has 10 bays allocated for bikes on Sat & Sun from 1st March until 31st Oct, albeit 1hr

Not being a fan of tank bags and top boxes, and there is no room under the seat, so more often than not I carry a small tyre inflator and repair kit in my rucksack. I do sometimes use the Bumot top box when commuting, I just throw the kit in there with my laptop. Its been well documented that a top box upsets the dynamics of a KTM Should add on tour I carry a cable repair kit too. You just never know.

Closures Passes 2025 | Moppedhotel Know which passes are closed or events are on in 2025

Why not visit your local audiologist. I went to my local Amplifon audiologist were they used microsuction to clear any wax and then took impressions, they also have a large selection of custom fit hearing protection.

You could always try this as an excellent alternative XCP Professional - Rust Blocker - SPORTSBIKESHOP The All Year Biker Guy who has treated my bikes for years recommended the XCP, he started using this on my bikes a couple of years ago, I just applied this on Sunday, it mist sprays straight out of the tin, unlike having to put the ACF spray in a bucket of warm water for half an hour.

We run a Ring Door Bell and 3 Blink cameras, works well for us however I was seeking to hard wire a full CCTV system but not sussed out which yet. The Ring is good, but the annual subscription has gone up quite a bit, were as the blink is free, it records and saves the clips for 7 days then it auto deletes, you can set when to record movement i.e. from 11pm to 7am and you receive notification on your phone. We have one camera to keep an eye on the dog, so this doesn't record, just live views.

Purchased some more XCP, set about cleaning the bike (I hate cleaning bikes) Oh and I hate cleaning spokes. Anyhow, removed all the plastics and belly pan, now its all covered in XCP. Well, were I could get it

That's a nice looking bike, I would have one myself if I had any spare cash.

The good will part of their PR strategy I read refers to bikes out of warranty and/or not serviced at KTM but an independent (with receipts) I would rather go to an independent mechanic in all honesty. The one good thing about their reliability, they have one of the best European breakdown covers on offer

To be fair, KTM have put their big boy trousers on admitted there is/was a fault, they are now offering to resolve the issue as goodwill, they claim the cam issues have affected 250 out of 55K so roughly 0.05%. My issue is they don't have enough qualified techs to either repair or service the bikes correctly (don't ask how I know)

I have this suit and IMO its a waste of money, on my 3rd jacket and 2nd trousers. Given up returning them, let water in every time it rains, now I only use them for summer riding, they have decent enough vents. I also have a Rukka Laminated suit for winter commuting, not let a drop of rain water in, my 4/5th year of commuting in them, no issues. Wouldn't waste my money on anything else.

Lets face it, the beemers have probably been one of the best do it all bikes for over a decade. I've had 6 BM's, the last one being a 1200GS, so not new, it was solid, great handling, but a bit pipe and slippers, not totally useless at commuting but there are better bikes for that. Would I have another GS, No. Would I have another BM. Yes. Only you can decide, good luck with which ever option you chose.

I wont ask how you know