Yorkshire to West Scotland on V Strom

[Davidtav]

So I went on my first long ride on the Suzuki V Strom 650 today. I keep a boat at Portavadie and I rode from Yorkshire to Portavadie. 281 miles. Wet and windy most of the way. But everything worked well. First time using the panniers. All good. I have maintenance to do on my boat and had a lot of stuff to carry. So I strapped a dry bag on to the pillion seat as well. And that worked really well. I’m really liking this bike. It might not be to everyone’s taste. But it does suit me. I arrived at my destination so much more comfortable than when I used to do the trip on my Kawasaki Z650. Here’s a pic of the V Strom parked near the Rest and be Thankful. Just past Arrochar. And the best part of the journey to ride

Edited March 15, 2024 by Davidtav

[Davidtav]

I think I’ve posted this before but this is what I come up to Portavadie for. It’s like a mistress and sucks you dry. Mine is called Scorcher 

[S-Westerly]

I had to get my boat lifted at Portavedie once due to a leaking stern seal.

[Davidtav]

I remember you saying. It isn’t cheap at Portavadie. But it is amazing. But I’m widowed and what else should I do?  I drive a 12 year old car to afford to keep Scorcher at Portavadie. 

[Davidtav]

I could probably afford a Moto Guzzi if I sold Scorcher lol

[S-Westerly]

I still regret selling ours. Grandchildren duties on behalf of my wife killed the boat off. 

[Davidtav]

26 minutes ago, S-Westerly said:

I still regret selling ours. Grandchildren duties on behalf of my wife killed the boat off. 

Mr S Westserly you are very welcome to sail on Scorcher 

[husoi]

I officially hate you both 

[husoi]

It's cheaper to use places like ansthruder on the east coast.

Not as beautiful and far less lochs still cheaper

 

Oh wait. I hate you. Never mind what I said...

[S-Westerly]

East coast sailing isn't very pleasant lots of exposed coastlines and few islands unlike the west coast. The Clyde by itself is pretty good sailing even in winter.

[husoi]

I know. I used to go to the royal yacht club in Greenock,

Never had the chance to buy one

Or the time to sail it 

[Bender]

9 hours ago, S-Westerly said:

East coast sailing isn't very pleasant lots of exposed coastlines and few islands unlike the west coast. The Clyde by itself is pretty good sailing even in winter.

The west cost is just nicer full stop

[S-Westerly]

Quite like Perth and Inverness though. 

[husoi]

2 hours ago, S-Westerly said:

Quite like Perth and Inverness though. 

I don't want to disappoint you.

There is no sea in Perth

Don't remember being in Inverness and not being raining

That A9 to civilization is dreadful not even good quality speed cameras, only average ones

[Davidtav]

On 15/03/2024 at 18:57, Davidtav said:

I think I’ve posted this before but this is what I come up to Portavadie for. It’s like a mistress and sucks you dry. Mine is called Scorcher 

I did realise that my post had a double meaning. But I meant financially 

[S-Westerly]

3 hours ago, husoi said:

I don't want to disappoint you.

There is no sea in Perth

Don't remember being in Inverness and not being raining

That A9 to civilization is dreadful not even good quality speed cameras, only average ones

I'm fully aware that Perth has no sea although the Tay's pretty darned big. Dundee is not my favourite place at all but Perth is a nice town even if it doesn't have sea. I'll agree the A9 has way too many cameras. Would be a reasonable road otherwise.

[bonio]

But Perth to Grantown is one the Nine Wonders of the Biking World.

[husoi]

My favourite route on that area is taking the A93 from Perth to Banchory then take a left at Crathes to the A957 towards Stonehaven.

[bonio]

Nice; I will put that on my to do list.