Tag Archives: Roadside Repair

In (Someone Else’s) Workshop

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The V85 has been a revelation. At last an adventure motorcycle that gets attention for its blend of classic styling, modern technology, and versatility. The V85TT features a retro-inspired design that pays homage to Moto Guzzi’s heritage while incorporating contemporary elements including classic styling and build quality. The power output at around 80 horsepower and 80 Nm of torque delivers balanced performance suitable for both on-road and off-road use with the Guzzi unique transverse V-twin layout providing a distinct sound and feel and a maintenance-free shaft drive, which is a boon for me and moving forth chain drive on the XT660Z.

The V85 has long-travel suspension (170mm front and rear) and in my experience can handle rough terrain while providing a comfortable ride on tarmac and its spoked wheels (19-inch front and 17-inch rear) are fitted with tubeless Dunlop Trailmax Meridian dual-purpose tires, making my V85TT capable of tackling both tarmac and light dirt trails. The bike has all the expected technology, riding modes, traction control and switchable ABS, TFT display full LED lighting, self cancelling indicators, cruse control, heated grips and Brembo breaks. The tank is 23 litres and in reality that’s 250 miles of high speed riding or almost 350 at a more gentle sedate “bimbling” pace.

Its not a common bike in the UK or northern Europe and I often get asked what’s it like… its about as analogue as you can get in a modern E5 bike, with loads of character and is the smaller Italian twin to its German big brother and sub £10K new its a bargain. If you have not ridden one go for a test ride… you won’t regret it.

Its Been a While – Navigating Challenges

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Blimey, it’s been a while since I popped in here for an update, due partly to everything that has been going on. The cycle of life and death, redundancy, loss of identity, being disowned by a child and then covid injury just all seemed to get in the way. I needed some help to rebuild my resilience – and without Mary I don’t think I would have survived. What did I learn though is that resilience is often described as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, it’s not just about enduring hardship but thriving in spite of them and the idea that just ‘one more thing’ could break you. For me resilience involves a combination of mental, emotional, and physical capabilities that help me cope with and overcome personal challenges. Life is inherently unpredictable, from personal losses to professional setbacks, stress is an inevitable part of the human experience – and those who follow my unpredictable travel path would I think, say I am pretty good at dealing with the unexpected. On the road you need to build your resilience to be better equipped to manage the unexpected effectively – you need (mental health) tools in your kit bag to solve issues, some you may have already and others you will need help in acquiring. Be ready for the unexpected and enjoy the ride.

Overland Event

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I was lucky enough to join Paddy and his team supporting Metal Mule at the Overland Event in September. The event is not just another bike rally as nearly all the presenters are either published authors, have written for Overland Magazine (that includes me), or are film makers. Paddy describes the event as an “immersive experience that has a uniquely relaxed atmosphere” — and he is right. It was a relaxing but frenetic September break and Paddy delivered a varied agenda with motorcycle travel at its heart. There was food, drink, and music from around the world, and hundreds of riders with stories to tell, motorcycle test rides, historic and modified travel motorbikes on show, specialist equipment vendors, author presentations and workshops. I had my XT660Z and R1150GSA on show, much beer was drunk, many friendships renewed, the bands were great and where else can you get woken up to the sound of a travelling accordion player.