Pie man

My sarcasm holds no bounds

The reporter can even write an article without errors too

Is this something any of you guys and gals have any experience of? If anyone has any advice, horror stories or successes to share it would be great. Start off with a small property for your first project, be aware there may well be hidden and unexpected costs - invest in a good survey or get experienced help at first. You have to lay out money to buy and more money to carry out refurbishment works, hopefully all goes well and you make a good return on your investment, however be mindful of the age of the property. R&D surveys and asbestos removals and the like can become costly.

I can't help you there Motorcycling and camping are two words that don't go together in my vocabulary

Don't worry about it. As already mentioned, we worry too much about sh1te. If I'm touring on my own, I prefer to take soft luggage. If Mrs Pie is with me, then it's hard panniers 30L tail pack is enough with leg bag or waist pack for passport and money etc. Tail pack strapped on with Rock Straps and a Cargo Net. If anyone wants to take my smellies, 1 pair of jeans, 3 tee shirts, 3 undercrackers and a pair of cheap trainers they can have them. I could probably replace them all at Aldi/Lidl for next to nowt.

Standing at 6 feet and over 17 stone, 'I ride an MT07'....There I said it.... I bought this bike for commuting (the GS is just too big for commuting) however I have fitted a screen, heated grips and chain oiler. The MT07 is a little belter, its quick enough for today's roads and it makes my commute great fun, its light and agile. I would have no problems doing the mileage you mentioned, however my knees are slightly more raised than on the GS. I have also had a 650 V Strom until I had a head on collision another great bike but also quite big/tall. The MT07 for me is the size of a 125 but with 698cc added fun. Go and test ride some and find out if which suits you best and enjoy thanks for the input most appreciated. any issues with the knees or seat for longer trips do you think? The fuel range of the MT07 is anywhere between 120 - 160 so you would have to plan your route, seat is hard, but I believe there is a comfort option. After 120 mile, I would want a break and a stretch anyway. If your knees are bad, I think you may have a problem. Fortunately I don't find it that bad

Standing at 6 feet and over 17 stone, 'I ride an MT07'....There I said it.... I bought this bike for commuting (the GS is just too big for commuting) however I have fitted a screen, heated grips and chain oiler. The MT07 is a little belter, its quick enough for today's roads and it makes my commute great fun, its light and agile. I would have no problems doing the mileage you mentioned, however my knees are slightly more raised than on the GS. I have also had a 650 V Strom until I had a head on collision another great bike but also quite big/tall. The MT07 for me is the size of a 125 but with 698cc added fun. Go and test ride some and find out if which suits you best and enjoy

I will follow this with interest. If you can get down to the Dolomites, the Sella Pass is a must.

"All the best" to all the good folk on this forum. Here's to a safe, healthy & happy 2020

Hello Stu I would like to recommend "Hotel Zur Post" in Klotten, just outside Cochem. A days ride from either Europort or Calais. I have been several times and never been disappointed, short ride to the Nurburgring & Berkastel Kues and the like. Book quick though, its a popular place. Klaus himself is a biker and the facilities there are great. Secure indoor parking and drying room. Klaus and his team are also great cooks, the food is amazing. There is a little Dutch bar up the road and several eateries, and only a taxi ride in to Cochem. https://www.hotelzurpost-klotten.de/en/home.html Also forgot to mention this place http://www.mueller-kyllburg.de/english/

I'm in the market for a new steed next year. I have a test ride booked next week to take out the KTM 1290 Adventure S, a bike I have been interested in for a while, and one that will replace the Bavarian Mudslinger in the New year. I have read this review several times now and thought I need to give the bike a try. So in the meantime I took the big Honda Africa Twin (DCT) out for a test ride today. I have to say I was impressed with the big Honda, I liked the smoothness of the DCT and the ergonomics of the bike were just right, I liked the bars being that bit closer to my body and couldn't believe how comfortable it was to ride. Anyhow this has now thrown a spanner in the works, if the mighty KTM doesn't come up trumps next week, and I resist a test ride on a 1250GS, It might just be the big Honda for me.

Same Oi and to think I'm going to test ride a KTM next week. Oh well, at least I will be used to being ignored by the weekend warriors

Well....Managed all but one day commuting on the bike this year. Today was my last commute for the year, looking forward to doing it all again next year

All the best to everyone

Like William Shakespeare once wrote 'not all one reads on the t'internet is the truth'

Surely If you ride a BMW you wouldn't need to worry about all that red tape and bureaucracy.

I wouldn't think much will change just yet.....however probably an excuse for insurance companies to charge a fee for a green card Oh and plus the added cost of multiple international driving permits,

I thought petrol forecourts have been using ethanol for many years, it is only this year, that they have had to tell you, and by how much ethanol is in their fuel.

Debating whether or not to go on the bike on Monday. It would be a 200 mile round trip. However, just read the bike park charge £1 per item and is a 10 min walk away, might as well go in the car.....

I currently commute on an MT07. Great little bike, good MPG and enough grunt to get away from the lights, and good fun in the twistys.

I found the Howard Leight Rhubarb & Custard soft plugs were OK, However I haven't used them for a while. Currently using Custom Fit Guards, so far so good.

I had to put up with that for over 12 months, until one day my boss said "why don't you make a drying room for your gear".

Thank you for the very useful insight of the bike. I will be changing the old Bavarian Mudslinger next year. I will definately be test riding the Honda, along with the KTM and new 1250GS, however I do buy in to the idea of the DCT, especially as I ride with a pillion. The bike will be for touring, mostly with pillion and luggage

Seriously considering the longest name for a motorcycle, as my next touring steed. Yes the 'Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sport (DCT)'. Planning to go to Motorcycle Live and have a mooch around, also look at all the other options available. Having been a BMW fanboy for many years, I'm now thinking let's have a change next year.......

That's a lovely looking machine, is that a custom seat or standard