Tag Archives: Bikes

Tyres, Safety, and False Economies

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I had a random call today from a customer asking me to fit two cheap tyres (a 19″ and a 21″) to their bike. They’d bought the tyres online at a bargain price and were now looking for an equally cheap fitting service.

It never fails to amaze me: the only thing keeping you upright and safe on a bike is just a few square inches of rubber in contact with the road. If you’re thinking about cutting corners, tyres (and, in my opinion, your crash helmet) are not the places to save a few quid.

As it turned out, I wasn’t prepared to fit them — and neither was any other bike shop or tyre-fitting service in the area. My advice to them was simple: buy a reputable tyre brand from a trusted supplier, and have the supplying dealer or shop fit them.

It might cost a little more upfront, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job is done properly is, in my view, well worth it. After all, better safe than sorry.

Honda CRF tyre change
Honda CRF1000 DCT Front Wheel and Tyre Change

BMW R1150 GS Adventure: The Ultimate Adventure Bike

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The BMW R1150 GS Adventure (GSA) isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a legend in the adventure biking world. Built tough, designed for long-distance journeys, and with a look that never gets old, this bike has earned its iconic status. This is one of our workshop favourites, now in Portugal.

At the heart of the R1150 GSA is its air/oil-cooled 1130cc boxer engine. This thing is rock solid. I love it for its reliability, with my silver one presently at over 180,000 miles without any major fuss. It’s the kind of bike you can take on a cross-country trip without worrying about whether it’ll hold up. But it’s not just about reliability. The R1150 GSA is built to go anywhere. Its long-travel suspension and BMW’s clever Telelever front end mean it handles rough terrain like a pro. Dirt roads, mountain passes, you name it—this bike can tackle it. Plus, with its massive 30-litre fuel tank, you can ride for ages without needing to stop for fuel, which is a big win if you’re out in the wild.

And then there’s the look. The R1150 GSA has a design that turns heads. Its asymmetric headlights and rugged frame give it an unmistakable presence on the road. Even now, years after its debut, it’s still one of the most recognisable and admired adventure bikes around. If you want a bike with serious character, this one’s hard to beat.

Time for a change?

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Running any older vehicle in the UK gets more expensive and more challenging year on year. I am in favour of air quality and vehicle safety improvements but I sometimes think regulators miss the whole life carbon cost of cars and bikes. With that in mind and now considering the Defender 90, Mary’s Vauxhall and one of my old bikes is now not allowed into London without paying the ULEZ or LEZ or congestion charge it was time for a change. With the R1150GSA tucked up in the workshop the XT660Z moved onto a new owner… enter a Moto Guzzi V85TT. 850cc, shaft drive, tubeless, all LED, cruse control and importantly E5 approved. With more and more cities imposing emissions regulations this bike should keep me free of charges for a few more years.