Tabla de contenidos para May 2023 en RiDE

‘Live the dream of perfect roads on a perfect spring day’ Welcome to a celebration of great corners and perfect riding. Spring is the best time of the year to be a motorcyclist: I've ridden through the last 26 winters and don't hate the cold or the slime but now, with the salt (mostly) gone and the (odd) warm and sunny day, there's a buzz about riding a bike again. This issue of the mag is full of great places to ride. Our ‘UK's 20 Must-Ride Roads’ feature is packed full of jaw-droppingly brilliant scenery, amazing views and corners that make the boredom of a motorway schlep a price worth paying. I'm making it my resolution to tick off as many as I can this year, starting with the B4574…

I'D ARRANGED TO meet Dave at a coffee shop near Ross. I'm on a BMW R1250RS and, coincidentally, so is Dave, so we spend a few moments trying to spot the differences between my new test bike and Iris immaculate 20-plate example (paintwork, mostly, at first look…), and then we're off. The roads are a bit greasy and the skies are grey behind us but there's just a hint of sunshine to give us shadows. A mile or so of dual carriageway and a couple of miles of the A49 towards Hereford, and then the ride really starts. The ride Turning off on the B4521 towards Abergavenny, we're straight onto a quick, rolling B road between tall hedges. The characteristic local red soil has been washed into the road, making…

THIS WEEK FRONT END MONTH IN BIKES YOUNG GUNS NEEDED THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY is in desperate need of more young technicians or in dealerships if it wants to survive for future generations, warn the UK's biking bosses. “The challenges we face in attracting young people to work in the sector are the same we face in attracting new and young riders,” CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), Tony Campbell, warned. “Over the past two decades, we have been great at servicing an ageing rider community; this, in part, is mirrored by our workforce. “As with attracting new young riders, we need to be at the cutting edge of new technology, innovation, and design. In my view, we have an identity problem when it comes to attracting young talent to…

After your question on the state of biking in 2023, these are my thoughts… 1) There is still a great community in the biking world. Really quite unique. 2) The bikes are becoming a bit too much alike though. Parallel twins are everywhere. Take the badges off and you would be hard pressed to know which manufacturer made them. 3) The prices are putting all too many machines out of reach for many. PCP is one thing but it is just adding to the cost and three years down the line, you have to stump up the cash or lose the bike. 4) Another more-worrying aspect, in my view, is this. In the March issue, there's a great article on being a home mechanic. Reference is made to using the…

GOOD BREEDING The engineers responsible for the Transalp were previously involved in the RC213V-S, Fireblade and Honda's motocross bikes. That expertise shines through and makes it a handy tool, despite its practical leanings MIGHTY BUT NOT HIGH The listed seat height is slightly misleading — the narrow seat and amount of suspension sag when you get on means it's not too high once you're onboard PERKY PARALLEL Parallel twins are often a bit bland but Honda's new unit Is full of life whether you use low-rpm grunt or let It spin out to peak power REVIVING A MUCH-LOVED name from the past is risky but Honda is making a habit of succeeding when it does. This year, we fell in love with the twin-cylinder Hornet, just as we adored the…

Extras push the price Heated grips, seats and pannier kits are extra, as on most adventure bikes. The Travel and Radar’ pack adds these for a total of £25,790. The ‘Full Adventure’ pack adds a carbon mudguard and Akrapovic silencer, for £27,140… Engine is cooler An enhanced version of the rearcylinder deactivation means the back half doesn't fire below 3,800rpm. There's enough torque for town still, but fuel consumption and heat are reduced. Easier for short riders Ducati has tried to make its biggest bike as accessible as possible. You can set preload to minimum to make the floor easier to reach, and there are two options for lower seats, to 855-875mm or 825-845mm.…

The V100's natural ergonomics, effective aerodynamics and supportive seat make it a pleasure to grind out the miles on. Stick it in top, set the cruise control and waft along effortlessly to the bassy thrum (vibes are minimal) of the 1042cc engine. The 17-litre tank will have you stopping before your body cries enough. Guzzi claims the Mandello has the best wind protection in class and the riding experience largely bears that out. However, the fairing's thin front profile leaves hands exposed; particularly noticeable in the cold and wet when the optional heated grips (standard on the S) would be most welcome. Rotating the cylinder heads through 90° has created space so even leggy pilots can be accommodated with ease. The adjustable screen is equally welcome, deflecting the worst of…

NEW BIKES MOTO GUZZI V100 MANDELLO 1 Engine Guzzi has gone to great lengths to modernise the V100's engine while retaining the traditional layout. As a result it's smoother, more responsive and less vibey than of old while retaining character. That said, the gear lever requires a good prod, the transmission is clunky (especially into first) and the sometimes-grabby clutch has a horrible ‘dead’ feel on down changes. 2 Details There's a lot to like about the Mandello's detailing, from the obvious aerodynamics and clean, well thought-out TFT instruments to the easy-to-use switchgear, decent mirrors, brilliantly supportive seat and attractive styling. No toolkit is a disappointment though, as is a lack of wind protection for the rider's hands and the noticeably modest 17-litre fuel capacity. a 3 Finish Overall, the Mandello's finish is…

It isn't. The Mandello doesn't even come with a tool kit. There's an Allen key under the pillion seat – that's it. But it comes with a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty, with free roadside assistance (you can upgrade the warranty and assistance for a further year or an additional two; £276 and £436.60). Attempts at home servicing will invalidate said warranty. And besides, you'll need a diagnostic tool to carry out the appropriate checks at each service. You can check the engine oil level by the dipstick on the left-side crankcase. There's no chain to lube, so the lack of a centrestand as standard isn't too much of an issue. Having one would make cleaning easier – it's a £188.99 option. Prices estimated by MSC Nottingham…

OVER THE LAST 25 years, Rapid Training's coaches have watched hundreds of riders making thousands of mistakes over hundreds of thousands of miles. But here's the thing: the same errors keep cropping up. If you've been riding for a while, it's easy to assume you won't be making these mistakes but Rapid's experience says there's a good chance you will. Even when they train serving police motorcyclists, they often see the exact same errors creeping in. The uncomfortable truth is that unless you're getting constant feedback from an expert, you may well have picked up a few bad habits. And maybe a few dangerous ones. Here's what you need to do to help make your riding mistake-free and full of fun this spring. YOUR EXPERTS RAPID TRAINING RiDE's favourite motorcycling…

ROK Straps From £12.99 www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk Panniers on a bike are all well and good but sometimes you need to carry a bit more. My go-to solution is an Oxford Aqua rollbag (see below) and to hold it on to the bike, ROK straps as a safer and more bikefriendly alternative to bungee cords. Instead of plastic-coated metal hooks, the ROK straps have loops of webbing you wrap around suitable fixing points. You then join the two halves with quick-release catches and the elasticated section allows you to apply the necessary tension to keep your gear in place. They come in three sizes – 12mm, 16mm and these 25mm monsters – and have kept my gear securely in place with no issues, JIM BLACKSTOCK Oxford Aqua rollbag From £69.99 www.oxfordproducts.com Constructed…

PERSONAL CONTRACT PURCHASE (PCP); three words that in recent years have changed the way many of us buy a new bike. Previously, if you wanted a new machine but didn't have the cash on hand, you got a traditional loan. While this was all very well and good, the problem with a loan is that you are paying back the full amount you have borrowed and therefore, the monthly payments are quite high. PCP, however, is quite different. When you enter into a PCP contract, which is generally over three years but can be more or less, you are effectively only paying for the depreciation on the bike and the interest on the loan amount. This means that the monthly payments are considerably less, saving you a hefty expenditure over…

HONDA HAS A long, celebrated history of 600cc+ four-cylinder bikes, dominated by its 80s/90s/Noughties CBRs and its spin-off, naked-roadster Hornets. But after their demise, Honda chose to revive their spirit and style in more budget, novice-friendly forms – first with the 2011 CBR600F then, with the larger, CBR650F and its sibling, the CB650F, from 2014. Both have proved enduringly popular and have also been successively updated since. The CBR is the faired sportster, the CB the naked roadster. Both remain unique as affordable, first big bike, four-cylinder machines with the latter standing out as a smooth-revving, more substantial alternative to Yamaha's best-selling MT-07 twin. Now into its fourth generation, power has gone up, weight is down, its style sharpened, suspension improved and its spec modernised although, at heart, all are…

GARAGE THE DIRT THE DIRT AFTER THE REVOLUTIONARY ride-mode pioneering 2010 1200 original, then the 2015 Skyhook and WT update, the enlarged 2018 1260 Multistrada was the ultimate V-twin incarnation of Ducati's adventure all-rounder before it switched to V4 power in 2021. Grunty, fast, cultured and sophisticated – especially in S semi-active Skyhook-suspension trim – it has proved to be largely fault-free and remains a genuine do-anything superbike, but there is the odd glitch… 1 Check for coolant leaks The 1260 uses the longer-stroke Testastretta L-twin from the Diavel with different mapping and exhaust which add 6bhp and 18% more torque. There are no major faults or recalls but oil consumption is high, there are some coolant leaks and rad guards and a 43-tooth rear sprocket are recommended. How common? Not very…

Trollstigen Pass, Norway I treated myself to a fabulous Norway trip with BMW Motorrad tours last summer. This epic location is the top of the famous Trollstigen Pass - and the sun shone for the first time in a week! It was a terrific trip of 3500 miles over 16 days and my first overseas tour. What an amazing experience! David Haggett Lake Vyrnwy, Wales Here's my Triumph Tiger GT Pro at Lake Vyrnwy in Wales. It was a beautiful clear day and the lake was so still that I had a perfect reflection of the surroundings. From here, I went over the tops to Bala Lake, then home via the Berwyn Mountains, stopping off for coffee and the infamous Knockin Shop (the shop in the village of Knockin and…

‘How do I set back into the groove after winter?’ Q LAST SPRING I bought myself a new bike but I couldn't bring myself to use it over winter so I guess I might be a bit rusty. Any ideas on getting back in the groove? Sarah Jessop, Kendall A YOU'RE HALFWAY TO overcoming the first problem because you're aware that your hibernation might be an issue. Winter lay-offs tend to manifest themselves in a couple of ways – rusty machine control and a rusty road-reading brain, both of which can create havoc if you're not prepared for them. The rustiness probably won't be in basic muscle memory – you'll still manage a smooth pull-away – but it could present as tightness and tension in your upper body, so your…

It's trail capable I'd class my off-road ability as average, and found little fault with how it handled offroad, so it should look after most riders for the light trail work most will be happy to tackle. The preset ‘Gravel’ electronics setting is too restrictive, responding to non-critical slip and spin but ‘User’ lets you adjust or turn off the rider aids, including disabling the rear ABS. Simple but effective suspension Compression and rebound damping functions are split between the Showa SFF-CA forks. It helps keep the price down but is also used on high-end suspension to eliminate the compression valve's effect on rebound damping, and vice versa. The result is less compromised action, which benefits ride quality and handling. It's also comfy… ish The seat isn't as wide or…

KTM'S OWNERSHIP OF Husqvarna and GasGas makes for a slightly baffling choice of bikes that are very similar on paper. The Norden Expedition is the Swedish-themed variant of the highspec KTM 890 Adventure R, with fully-adjustable WP X-SPLOR forks and the same 104bhp motor, frame, JJuan brakes… we could go on. The versatile and potent abilities are only enhanced, with no penalty and greater scope for setting it up as you like it. There are two very good reasons to choose the Norden over any of its already capable siblings. The first is simple - a much better screen. The basic Norden has a short screen that lacks protection, especially at motorway speed or for standing up off-road at a reasonable lick. The Expedition affords more comfort whether you…re sitting,…

NEW BIKES MOTO GUZZI V100 MANDELLO BIG QUESTIONS ANSWERED MOTO GUZZI HAS been churning out characterful V-twins for over half a century. However, the Italian marque has fallen behind, trading too heavily on its past in an increasingly more sophisticated world. But Guzzi has fought back with an all-new bike, the V100 Mandello; it's a sports tourer that's packed with modern tech, electronics and ground-breaking design. Guzzi claims the Mandello (named after the factory's location; V100 signifying capacity) combines the ‘grit of a roadster and the comfort of a tourer’. Not only is the V100 the brand's first liquid-cooled production bike and the first to use a wet clutch, it's also the first ever production motorcycle to feature adaptive aerodynamics. But is the Mandello good enough to win sales from…

In terms of outright power, the Mandello's claimed 115bhp (rear wheel 108.44bhp) is modest for a litre-class engine. Even the torque figures –77.4lb·ft claimed and 72.47 measured –aren't spectacular when you consider BMW's R1250RS makes over 100lb·ft. But when applied to real roads, the Guzzi' performance is deceptively effective, with a fat slab of torque between 5800-9000rpm making overtakes and off-corner drive an always available weapon. The engine produces drive all the way to 8750rpm and it's willing to stretch its legs when the fancy takes you but it's the low to midrange stomp that's most impressive. THE FACTS Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Engine 1042cc DOHC 90° transverse V-twin, 4v per cyl, l/c Power 115bhp @ 8700rpm (claimed) 108.44bhp @ 8600rpm (measured) Torque 77.4lb·ft @ 6750rpm (claimed) 72.47lb·ft @ 7000rpm…

The Mandello is an amazing comeback from one of motorcycling's most-iconic brands. Wonderfully styled and oozing the kind of premium bits and pieces that always make ownership a joyous experience, even with our cynical hats on, we're utterly captivated by it. Everything about it works as it should – that transverse V-twin is usable, quick and throbs with character; the handling is neat; and the finish is impressive. There is no getting away from the fact that £13,500 isn't a small amount of money but it undercuts rivals like Ducati's SuperSport 950 and BMW's R1250RS (once you spec it properly) while offering a riding experience that's appropriate for the riding us Brit bikers do and the miles we cover. It should be an excellent European tourer as well. The basics…

EVEN AFTER DECADES of riding, we never fail to get excited about the start of the new biking season. Most of US ride all year but there is no getting away from the fact that spring and early summer are the best times of year. It's warmer, drier, gripper and there are great event to ride to. Everthing feels new. These events, which all happen the next three months, are the ones we'll be heading to. We suggest you do the same. APRIL 29 - MAY 1 BRITISH SUPERBIKES, CHESHIRE BEST FOR RACING INFO www.oultonpark.co.uk COSTS £45 for a weekend ticket (advance) Why it's worth a trip Fast, rolling and with a layout that encourages close racing and late lunges, Oulton is perhaps the best circuit in the country. It's…

Optimate cable converter £29.90 Optimate1.com THE CLAIM “Power heated clothing direct from your motorcycle using a regular battery-charger lead. Both plug straight into any industrystandard SAE 2-pin connector.” THE REALITY A great way to power heated kit from an SAE socket. You get male and female leads and a polarity inverter but you will need a separate adapter (£11.99 from Keis) to connect to its or Furygan gear –they use slightly larger male plugs. Gerbing will fit straight away though. KTM long touring socks £18 www.ktmdirect.co.uk THE CLAIM “These functional riding socks are for cooler temperatures.” THE REALITY Some of the best socks that we've used. They give comfort and warmth but are never sweaty nor interfere with snug-fitting boots. The length is a boon on cold days as they…

RATED THE RiDE PRODUCT TEST MANY RIDERS RECKON that textile clothing is the most versatile year-round way to protect yourself from the elements. And the ultimate in textile garments are laminated jackets. However, these typically bring with them a premium price tag but it is possible to benefit from laminated textile clothing without breaking the bank. Laminated textile clothing sees the waterproof membrane laminated — or bonded — to the inside of the thicker outer material. This way, it is pretty much on the front line of protecting you against the weather. Laminated clothing differs from traditional textiles by bonding that membrane to the inside of the outer rather than having it as a separate layer, either built-in to the main garment or as a separate garment altogether – a…

RATED THE RIDE PRODUCT TEST -£400 LAMINATED TEXTILE JACKETS - Regular readers will know we hate a product test with no clear winner. However, this is slightly different; there are two distinct styles of jacket on test here, each with a best performer. There are three jackets the Oxford Stormland, the RST Commander and the Weise Ozark - that are what we would describe as a ‘British’ style and construction. They are designed to protect the rider from the very worst weather conditions, with thick and warm thermal liners to ward off the cold. However, they are also fitted with coolingair vents for comfort as and when the temperature begins to rise. Then there are what we might call ‘European’-style jackets - the Furygan Voyager 3C, the Rev'lt Horizon 3…

The CB650 is not only a popular first big bike, it's a long-lived one that covers four (slightly) different variants. So be sure of what you're looking for and choose well as there are plenty available for sale. This also applies to any fitted accessories – get the spec you want and check they're fitted correctly. Check for the minor oil leak around the water pump. Also, as the CB's a first big bike (and, as a four-cylinder, also bigger and heavier than most rivals) it's quite susceptible to minor novice drops and dings, so carefully check for damage and scars and evidence that it's been maintained correctly – for instance,that the chain is correctly adjusted. On the move, there are no reliability concerns and little reason for faulty controls…

KNOW THIS ABOUT… KNOW THIS ABOUT… THERE ARE MANY benefits to working on your own bike. Financial considerations rank highly in these cashstrapped times. Harder to put a value on is the satisfaction to be derived from home maintenance. Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is how developing your own mechanical skills improves your understanding of your motorcycle. The more work you do, the more you learn about your bike. Aside from daily riding checks and chain lubrication and adjustment, the next most frequent maintenance task is the engine oil change. This is something any motorcycle owner can undertake, and with dealer hourly rates being what they are, you'd be mad not to even if you've never laid a socket or spanner on a bike. Let's look at the why and…

Hastings, East Sussex I recently purchased a brand-new Royal Enfield Himalayan. During the painfully-slow 300-mile breaking-in period, I decided to do a couple of slow, easy-going local green lanes in Sussex. Obviously I got the bike stuck in deep mud, which confirmed that a bike any heavier would have been a bridge too far. I am absolutely loving the Enfield! Marc Glastonbury Get your bike in RiDE & win a Bike Trace system Each month the Star Picture will win a BikeTrac security tracker with a year's BikeTrac subscription. As well as helping recover your bike if it is nicked, it logs journeys and gives live battery voltage information, too. How to send us your photos Email your most inspirational biking photos to us at ride@ride.co.uk with ‘Your Rides’ in…

FRONT END RiDE INVESTIGATES THERE'S NOTHING QUITE like a trip to the road racing. You can't beat rolling off the crowded ferriy with thousands of other bikers for some of the greatest motorcycle racing action. This spectacle has been under threat this year though, due to question marks over the viability of essential insurance to protect riders and spectators alike. Insurance woes The price of acquiring public liability insurance has soared over the past 12 months, creating a massive headache for race bosses like the TT's Paul Phillips and Mervyn Whyte, who runs the North West 200. Both events have seen the cost of public liability insurance soar as hefty compensation payments added to the strain of the global price increases. The North West 200 is Ireland's version of the TT…

I am wondering if it is possible to get access to old features? A previous owner of my bike said it was featured in your magazine a couple of times. I have searched google but with no luck. The bike is a Suzuki RF600 but I can send other details if you need them. Dan Conway The only Suzuki RF600 that rings a bell is Jim's father-in-law's bike, which he rebuilt a couple of years ago. The registration ended in YBD and it was a great bike but his knees didn't agree… It ran in the magazine from May to July 2027. You can order back issues from bauer@subscriptions.co.uk. MW…

THE MULTISTRADA V4 is already the adventure bike with the most - at least when it comes to overall performance; 170bhp of V4 power with a chassis and electronics designed by 2022’s WSB and MotoGP winner. But adventure bikes are not sportsbikes and their appeal lies in the broader skillset they offer. That's where the more road-oriented V4S falls down, especially when held up to the R1250GS. Higher consumption will see you stopping 50-60 miles earlier than Beemer owners, while the BMW's sub-ton performance is just as good, if not easier to exploit. Ducati could be very close to getting on terms with the almost tediously-dominant GS with the new V4 Rally though. It's Ducati's answer to the GS Adventure, with a 30 -litre tank to take range north of…

The Mandello performs brilliantly on fast A-roads, tackling long, sweeping bends with ease. But attempt to keep up with its natural competitors – like Kawasaki's Ninja 1000SX or BMW R1250RS – on twistier routes and things start to become a bit more of a challenge. The issue is the Kayaba suspension, which is set more for comfort than speed. It's not fully adjustable either; only preload and rebound damping can be changed, both back and front. When pushed, the V100's shock becomes overwhelmed – it's damping struggles to keep up with what's being thrown at it and the ride becomes choppy as a result. Braking is superb though – the Brembo set-up offers immense power and feel, all unpinned by cornering ABS, so bringing the V100 to a halt is…

The BMW is as wonderfully well-developed as you might expect. Every last flaw has been smoothed out through years of gradual evolution. It's sophisticated, refined yet still exudes character – and distinctly boxer-twin character at that. The motor feels noticeably stronger than the Guzzi, especially in terms of torque and roll-on throttle stomp. The fueling is absolutely spot on. The work BMW has done with the electronics, no doubt with help from the car division, has made what used to be a crude-feeling engine layout feel thoroughly modern and astonishingly fast. The BMW's long gearing makes cruising over distance a breeze and the clutch/gearbox exhibit none of the slow-witted, clunky feel present on the Guzzi. The BMW's riding position feels sportier than the Guzzi's too: lower bars and slightly more…

MEET YOUR GUIDE Simon Hargreaves Si has a brain like a giant historical AA road map. This is because he's spent over 30 motorcycling years delving into every nook and cranny of the UK's tarmac network in search of the perfect corner, most breathtaking view and tastiest café (which he's managed to find on multiple occasions). WE WORK HARD to make sure RiDE is stuffed with great routes but we rarely zoom-in to specific roads. So here's a list of our personal UK favourites, chosen purely because we love riding them - we look forward to it every time - and we think you will love them too. They're a mixture of As and Bs across the country; some are only a few miles short, some many miles long, some…

DUAL CONTROLS The external controls are dead easy to use, even with gloves on. However, for better safety, you can keep both hands on the bars and use easy voice control for the main functions CARDO FREECOM 4X £243 www.cardosystems.com PORTABILITY Buy a second fitting kit (less than half the price of the whole thing) and use the unit across more than one helmet. Great if you use touring as well as adventure lids, for example PROPER SPEAKERS Decent audio relies on decent speakers and the 40mm items from JBL are more than just decent. JBL has an enviable reputation in audiophile circles and the result is excellent sound quality for THE CLAIM “The world's best Bluetooth communicator. Powerful 40mm highdefinition speakers engineered by JBL experts, with specially tuned music…

MAY 2022 PADDOCK STANDS Oxford Zero-G £215.97* www.oxfordproducts.com Easy-to-use stands that make lifting a bike effortless with touches to ensure once in the air, your pride and joy is held there safely. RECOMMENDED R&G Elevation £203.96* Harris Performance £247.20* *Pair inc adapters JUNE 2022 SNEAKERSTYLE BOOTS Spada Striders £69.99 www.spadaclothing.co.uk Genuine trainer-like look and feel, comfortable and a great fit. Confidence-inspiring with good protection and the highest-possible CE rating for short boots. RECOMMENDED TCX Street 3s £149.99 DXR Bernies £64.99 JULY 2022 FLIP-FRONT HELMETS Shoei Neotec II £529.99 - £619.99 www.shoeiassured.co.uk A consistent performer that is hard to fault. Comfortable, plenty of features and works exactly as it should. RECOMMENDED AGV SportModular £599.99 - £649.99 HJC RPHA 90S £419.99 - £519.99 AUGUST 2022 T-HANDLE HEX-KEYS Draper Expert 33873 £18.49 (list)…

GARAGE LONG-TERM TEST BIKES YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ 700 WORLD RAID |0|4|4|8|0| MILES UPDATE 10 BUILDING A GOOD adventure bike is all about finding a compromise in a set of diverse and conflicting needs, but the World Raid has a lot of boxes ticked; it handles well on road and trail, has a great tank range and superb suspension. If only it had 20bhp more and cruise control, it would be my perfect middleweight long-distance, do-anything adventurer. Its latest trip was a great demonstration of the T7 WR's dual-sport ability – a 70-mile off-road loop of Thetford Forest with an old mate. Two decades ago, former MCN editor Marc Potter and I spent much of our lives riding sportsbikes but, in a way that mirrors what's happened to the motorcycling public, as…

GARAGE LONG-TERM TEST BIKES 2022 SUZUKI GSX-S1000 GT |0|9|6|9|0| MILES EDITOR MATT HAS a pet peev; riding around on a bike equipped with panniers that are constantly empty. Most panniers are easily removable and leaving them fitted yet void of contents can not only affect fuel consumption, it can also affect handling with the boxes often creating drag and slowing the bike's corner responses, for example. As a result, although I haven't covered stellar mileage this month, I've left the panniers at home. I've mainly been using the GSX-S as a machine of convenience, partly due to the closure of one of the two main roads leading into the town where I live and with it, horrendous traffic issues depending on the time of day you want to go anywhere.…

COMFORT “The standard ‘comfort’ seat was only good for about 600 miles, so I sent it to Seth Lamb in the US to be modified for long distance.” SERVICING “Very easy to work on, with spares from Motobins Motorworks or James Sherlock. I change oil and filters at 6,000 miles.” BE PREPARED “I carry a first-aid kit, eye wash, 3-litre hydration pack, spare gloves, riding/safety glasses (clear/yellow/ dark), Optrex eye wash, maps, snacks and a heat controller for jacket and socks.” TYRES “I used Bridgestone BT45 and 46 for years, usually getting about 10k miles from a pair. I'm now on Avons which wear very well and don't get squirelly when half-worn.” Name Graeme Ferguson, 66 Bike 1996 BMW K1100LT SE Total Miles 225,214 Miles per year 25,000 GRAEME FERGUSON…