OldEssexMan

This post does back up my comment about BMW reliability. The bike is being sold at 53k miles and has already had a new clutch and a new cam chain adjuster. My Yam XJ900F had had no major parts replaced when I sold it at 100k miles. My first Pan was bought at 40k and sold at 140k with no parts replaced. My second Pan was bought new and sold at 180k miles having had the alternator replaced at 98k. To have to replace major components by 53k does not fill me with confidence about BMWs.

I too am in the market for a new bike. Having had shaft-driven machines since 1991 I am not exactly spoiled for choice these days! What has happened to the manufacturers to make them all so shaft-phobic? No Japanese company has a shaft-drive in their portfolio (except Honda with the Goldwing) and, having heard too many stories about BMW unreliability, I am loathe to go that route. Guzzi? No thanks! Yes, another Pan would be nice but they are all at least 10 years old. I fear I will be 'forced' into having something with a chain - ugh!

i have tried Beadmaster (like a beaded seat cover) and Cool Covers. Of the two, I prefere the Beadmaster but, they are USA-made and there may be import hassles now. CoolCovers are good, I have one on my1200 Explorer now, and both have the added advantage of allowing water to run off the seat if riding in the rain so you don't end up sitting in a puddle!

OK. Firstly, this is a great trip. DON'T GO IN THE CAR!!! Riding in Europe is an eye-opener whichever route you take. Personally, I would make the journey out as quick as possible to enjoy the Slovak hospitality with your contacts there and make the return leg a bit more meandering - if you have time, etc, etc. Make no mistake, even if you just grind the miles out on the Autobahn you will learn so much about your bike, see riding from a different perspective and whet your appetite for more. Yes, your girlfriend's family say they can do it in a day and a half in the car - that's pushing it! I used to drive to Poland and Czhechia quite a lot and I'd be looking at minimum two days. And don't forget, it's easier in a car, there's snacks and drinks on hand, stopping for breaks is easier because you just lock the doors and walk into the restaurant, not like on the bike where you have to faff about with gear and worry about people nicking stuff. I would do it by leaving UK late afternoon/early evening by the Tunnel. It's so much quicker and easier than getting on a boat. Get into France and head for into Belgium and after maybe 100 miles rock up at a motorway hotel for the night. "Wild camping" may be your thing, it ain't mine, and I'd be worried about security. Also, in a hotel, you get a good night's kip, up early, breakfast and on your way by 07.30-ish. If you put in a decent day that day you'll have broken the back of the trip and be a good way there. Most of your luggage will be going in the car, you hardly need to take anything, just clean undies and waterproofs. Don't worry about borders, I think all the routes you mention are through Schengen countries and there are no actual borders as such. If you go via Hungary you'll need a "Vignette" to stick on your bike for the motorways, i.e. a toll sticker. get it at the border when you cross. You have probably looked at all the document requirements but don't forget bike insurance, travel insurance, bike V5 and MOT (if it has one) Hope this helps, have a great trip!!

I have found Traders and General Insurance Services in Essex to be very helpful. Give them a call on 020 8519 5950, ask for Steve.

Another EU myth! White and yellow plates were introduced here in 1967, we didn't join the EEC, as it was then, until 1973

Well the tank-badge says "Chaise", a French manufacturer in the 1930s

I don't want opinions, I want facts

In response to the OP's point: I too have difficulty with this question of "character". I have asked many people what it means and received just as many answers. The nearest I can get to understanding it is, "the indefinable aspects of a bike that either mean you like or dislike it." As it's indefinable that means it's a matter of personal opinion, let's keep our opinions to ourselves!

Well, I did say MOST and I wasn't including cyclists.

An entertaining vid, rather like riding in central London apart from the ignoring of road signs, which MOST riders here still obey! Interesting that he only reached the heady heights of 25kph once. I particularly liked the section where they passed the copper on traffic duty, the step-through rider on their right was riding one-handed, phone to his ear. Hardly anybody was using the horn, unlike when I have been in Saudi or Jordan where everybody seems to have the horn sounding all the time.

The manual for my newly-acquired 1200 Triumph Explorer says the engine should be run for 30 seconds before moving off

Let's not lose sight of the fact that filtering is seen by the law as overtaking. So, all the caveats and restrictions and warnings about being observant, etc, that apply to overtaking, apply to the special type of overtaking commonly referred to as filtering. There have been numerous cases through the courts over many years that reinforce this view, i.e. filtering is perfectly legal provided it is done with regard to other road-users and in a safe and controlled manner. Living as I do in SE England and having to travel frequently in London, if I couldn't filter there would be no point in having a motorcycle!

Funny, I have a Neotec II and I can have my visor cracked open a little. It's good that Feridax have responded well to your query, I wonder what the new base plate will do?

I'm a member and have been for some years. No, I don't share their keeness for camping rallies that seem to be peopled by heavy metal fans but I do like the idea of an organisation that appears to be well-run, on democratic lines, that is actively scrutinising legislation for anti-motorcycle bias. Most of the bias is down to ignorance, many drafters of new rules, regulations, etc, just don't consider motorcycling as important, we are a minority after all, and MAG raises our profile to the point where legislators mindsets may change. OK, if you don't agree with this, nobody is forcing you to join but I welcome their efforts on our behalf, even if some folk see it as naff or unwelcome. There ain't nobody else doing it, I love riding and would hate to see it ground down. OK, many see their objection to compulsory helmets as unwanted and illogical. I, for one, have no problem with it but I always wear one out of choice. It was the legislation that provided the impetus for the Group to be formed and if they see it as part of their raison d'etre then so be it. Good luck to them and long may they continue.