Steve_M

Have a word with Kate at Hideout… made to measure may be the way to go (requires deep pockets, mind).

I have rather cheated with this one from today’s little ride. Just to the right, out of shot is a rather nice blue 1961 BSA.

Off for a little bimble today… If I had a bit more time I’d have dropped south of the A66 to avoid it. But, hey, Ho.

We’ve only ever toured in September. The weather’s usually good, and it’s outside peak holiday time. This year is in jeopardy as another grandchild is due to appear at some point then.

You could always camouflage it under Michael Fabricant’s wig…

Good evening. Today I have been mostly setting up an irrigation system in the poly tunnel ready for our break in the Lakes. The strawberries are coming along nicely, too.

Me. We have a small stream (or burn, as they call them around here) running through our garden. I managed to drop my iPad in it while taking photos of the garden. Bugger! Luckily only the speakers have been affected and I can listen to stuff via Bluetooth.

Sorry. I can’t help. Try the forum if it still exists.

Mileage 49,000 miles (ish) I’ll need to check the fork legs when I get home this evening but I would assume yes as the fork seals need replacing.

I’m on holiday for a couple of weeks soon, so 18th June or after is no problem.

Our retirement was supposed to be downsize house, upsize garden. Perhaps a small project (extension / redecorate type thing). The garden upsize certainly happened (from 70’s estate type house to 3 acres), the house is about the same size as our previous one and is a complete gut and renovate project. Aargh.

Damn house renovation (the reason I need to sell).

I think I have the standard screen as well as the double bubble, but would need to confirm.

This is the bike just before I removed the front wheel and fork legs. I’ve started dismantling under the fuel tank - the coils are loose, but that’s pretty well as far as I’ve got. i’ll post photos of the bike pre-dissembling, from a couple of years ago. They’re probably flattering as the bodywork has numerous scratches and cracks.

This one is in pretty good nick. I had a long chat with the owner this evening who gave me the full SP. The good news is that the guy who has been servicing it etc. is the guy who used to service my bikes and is a top guy with a great reputation.

It’s not in my way, (it’s been where it is this long, a bit longer won’t hurt) so to suit you.

Thanks. I’m unlikely to use it in inclement weather. It’s to be my solo Sunday toy, keeping the GS mostly for touring and any two up trips. I’ll probably do my day at Cadwell on it as dropping it (fingers crossed, not) would be less painful to the wallet than the GS.

Long back story cut short. I started stripping my VFR down a couple of years ago when we moved house, expecting to have time to make it roadworthy. Unfortunately seriously underestimating just how much work was needed on the house meant I just don?t have any time to work on it. Pre-strip down it was a good runner but wouldn’t pass an MoT due to leaking forks, leaking oil pipes and a previously notified leaking rocker cover. Cosmetically it was also in pretty rough condition (I’m not really selling this well am I). I’m looking for £400 for spares or repair, collect from near Brampton, Cumbria. I’ll post photos when I get opportunity

We’ve been to Gresgarth Hall gardens today. We were looking forward to a nice quiet stroll around there. As gardeners it was really a superb place to visit. As a motorcyclist it was bloody annoying with all the pillocks with loud exhausts riding past.

I may have just committed to buying a Suzuki SV650S. I know the seller who is definitely reliable, and it has been serviced by a guy who used to service my bikes before I relocated 250 miles away. Which is just as well since I’m buying it having seen it once three years ago (and recent photos) and have never ridden on. I believe we have a couple of people knowledgeable about these things. Are there any obvious pitfalls with buying this model of bike?

Having done three two-up tours and numerous weekends away on one I have to concede that’s a good bike. Beware of the front going light when fully loaded two up and accelerating “firmly”. oh, and you may need to wear platform soles shoes to see into the top box (I’m 5’ 10” and found it a bit high).

Odd. I often forgot there was a 6th gear on my VFR800. Speaking of which, why 1000cc? Give something like the Crossrunner or a later VFR800 (they’d sorted the VTEC on the later ones) a try.

Good evening. I popped up to Glasgow today. Unfortunately in the car as I had to carry some heavy, bulky stuff. Cruise control on, light traffic I took the opportunity to take in the surroundings. It raised the question, is the A74(M) the motorway passing through the most attractive scenery? Also, are what appeared to be Honda C90’s permitted on it? PS. Many, many bikes heading to and from Erskine Bridge …

Lac de Castillon a long while ago. I had to take care to avoid low flying aircraft with that top box.

My good lady first toured as pillion with me on my Triumph Tiger 1050SE. She loved the comfort and elevated seat position. I liked the bike as a competent all rounder but, like the Versys, it had limited luggage options and was top heavy (see reference to pillion seat). I P/X’d it for an FJR1300. It was a good bike for touring. Mostly. We did three tours on that before I finally got fed up with the low speed weight and soggy suspension. My G.L. was glad to see the back of it if only because the pillion position was too low. I now have a BMW R1200 GS. Just the one short tour so far but it is proving to be superb. Comfy, great riding position, loses its weight at low speeds, ESA makes adjusting the suspension a doddle. I would recommend it but the fly in the ointment is the luggage. Odd shaped panniers, and restricted top box capacity (I’ve ignored the advice and gone big, but aware that I’m exceeding its weight capacity by some margin). Which leads me to suggesting you try the BMW R1200RT (or 1250 if your budget stretches). It does most of the things the GS does while being, arguably, a better tourer. If your objection is poor pillion reviews then I would point out that that everyone’s backside is different. The Tiger pillion was supposedly uncomfortable but my G.L. loved it, yet ambivalent about the FJR’s pillion (supposedly an armchair). The GS? No complaints so far. PS. Luggage capacity. How much do you need? The RT has 113 litres as standard. Add in a tank bag…