What’s keeping me going?

I realised recently that I had not posted here for 17 months — it’s been a difficult two years for many people and I don’t know anyone who has not been touched by the impact of Covid… we have lost three friends and family members to this disease and now in the summer of 2021, it feels like we may be coming out of the restrictions and some sense of normality is returning. Recently I dug out my passport, applied for my official Welsh Covid vaccination certificate, and dusted off my currency cards and eastern European maps and have been planning for 2022. I have lots of people to be thankful for, friends, colleagues, my three lovely children, their partners and a beautiful granddaughter and wife. Life in the Overland Workshop has been great distraction, bikes may have low annual milages but are ready to spring into long distance action when called up… and I have rediscovered the delight of local one day trips. Stay safe all, see you on the other side xx

The cost of adventure – London Motorcycle Show

I get asked a lot about bike choice, should I get a BMW, a CRF, a T7, are KTMs reliable… the list is endless but the most common theme seems to be the cost of the bikes. Paying 18K for a new bike is a massive commitment, PCP is not for everyone, so how about a classic fully equipped low mileage adventure bike for less than £4500. This year I am going to be at the 2020 Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show on the Metal Mule stand with my XT660 Ténéré encouraging low cost travel, cheap digs, fuel efficiency and low purchase prices – trust me you don’t need that new R1250GSA to have a great time. So if you are going to the show, stop by and say high and check out the bike, the gear and some of my route suggestions.

Latvia – Where is everyone?

‘Google’ is a dangerous thing – you really do not want to read the reports of driving habits and accident rates if you are setting off for the Baltic States… Be a “bit more Gary” and just take it all with a pinch of salt. Latvia is my new most favourite State, the main roads are well maintained and empty, other drivers give you room and I learnt a long time ago, as I plod along on the XT660, that if you just signal right and let them pass you they will generally always thank you. Turn off the tarmac and you are met with well graded gravel and hard pack and turn off again and you will get sand. Now I hate riding in sand, the adage of power, power, power (I just hear Clarkson when I say that) works well but falling over solo with 230kg of Yamaha and luggage never appeals. Latvia is a hidden gem, think rural French roads with a Swedish backdrop and there you have it. Give Latvia a chance – I loved it.

Latvia - Where is everyone?

Narva Calling

With a few weeks spare and eastern Europe still holding my heart, I headed off to Narva and the Baltic states. The roads here can be challenging, with little tarmac of the few main highways and a combination of hardpack and loose gravel and sand… oh how I hate sand. The XT660Z is an ideal bike for these trips, lightweight, long legged, a proven design, with a long 300+ mile range. I loaded up my Metal Mule panniers, shoved a few clothes into my dry bag and set off…

Buying Off Plan

The CRF1000 Africa Twin has now gone back to Honda. My second foray into ownership via PCP and for once in my life it worked out to my advantage. Honda slashed the price of the new original CRF with the introduction of the Adventure Sports version which addressed the shortcomings I identified in my Overland Magazine review way back in 2016. The new bigger tank, metal grab rails for luggage fitment and more stainless to avoid the much complained about corrosion… it’s not a bad bike just soulless despite my attempts to love it. Trying to part exchange the bike with 32,000 km on the clock was met with cries of derision ‘that much mileage’, and a slashed baseline price, heavy dealer discounts and service and luggage offers meant that no one wanted a high mileage 2nd hand bike. Along come Honda and the PCP promise – they collect the bike and I walk away, albeit with a small excess mileage charge. So what is going to take the place of the CRF? My original 260,000 km R1150GSA is with Cardiff Motorrad getting off a SORN and the XT660Z Tenere is getting a suspension overhaul at PDQ Motorcycle Developments in Slough. I am tempted by the XT700Z Tenere but its tank is too small and buying again off plan like the CRF is not for me – I will wait for 3 years until Yamaha bring out the refined touring version of the new twin and then maybe dip my toe in the water.

Yamaha T7 Tenere 700