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A collection of your motorcycle-related tales, trials, tribulations and tremendous days out!
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In the Bleak Mid Winter – Out and About on a YZF600R Thundercat
Late January 2024 and it’s beginning to feel like it has been raining forever. The sky is grey, and world is dark and dank. The UK is just recovering from being battered by a series of named storms and everyone is skint after Christmas. We are all waiting for pay day as if it is Continue reading
The BMW GS – Was the Success Really Down to LWR?
2024 will mark the 20th anniversary of perhaps the most iconic tale of motorcycle adventure to reach our TV screens. For in 2004 two actors, both riding a BMW R1150GS Adventure set out from London to reach New York, via The Long Way Round. They went over land, east to west. An epic trip, spanning Continue reading
The Rotary Engine Bike – A Blind Alley or Genius?
There have been a few development blind alleys for motorcycling over the years. One that immediately springs to mind being turbocharged engines. Others such as hub-centre steering still regularly crop up. Arguably even the brave shout by Kawasaki to develop the mighty supercharged H2R could fall into this category. I even find myself wondering if Continue reading
The Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum – Review
Six years have passed since I last called in on this wonderful museum. I was in the area again and as I heard that some changes had been made a re-visit seemed appropriate. Changes for the Better I am pleased to report that the changes have been entirely positive. More importantly the great man himself Continue reading
Yamaha RD250F – Friends Re-untied!
I bought my Yamaha RD250F, registration MHK 210V in March 1980. Gleaming and brand new. The bike looking fantastic in the now iconic yellow with black racing blocks colour scheme. I was a proud young man as I rolled away gingerly from the forecourt of Mistley Garage. They later moved to Colchester and became T Continue reading
Are You Riding the Wrong Bike?
Do you find yourself coming up with reasons not to go out and ride your bike? Weather is too hot or too cold. You come out with phrases such as ‘I don’t like going out in the wet’ ‘Shame I have to carry a pillion and /or some kit’ ‘I don’t want to get it Continue reading
Clutter – Is Biking Getting Too Complicated?
A couple of things happened over a weekend away with some fellow bikers recently that made me ponder: Not about places to go, the best line to take a corner or the merits (or otherwise) of this bike or that. No, rather it was the technology we all saddle ourselves with these days. Let me Continue reading
Norton Motorcycles – Finally a Bright Future for a Legendary Brand
I have been extremely curious to see how things have been progressing at Norton Motorcycles since the takeover by the Indian giant TVS, a company that produces thousands of motorcycles per year. The Norton Motorcycles name re-born again, and again They seem to be doing the right thing by this illustrious, but often troubled, brand. Continue reading
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R or S? The Tale of Two Twins
Being an engineer is sometimes a curse. I can’t buy anything on a whim, I have to ponder my options, consider the pro’s and con’s, sample the market, take some advice. It’s applicable to the majority of all my purchases but especially true for motorbikes. How to Replace a Trusted Friend? Now, I was in Continue reading
Ice Cold in Aberystwyth
The weather forecast stated 25ºC and warming sunshine all day. This isn’t bad for early October in England. The last few days had all been in a similar vein. Just about perfect conditions to enjoy riding motorcycles! It’s Such a Perfect Day You can’t beat an English summer’s day: Temperate. Sunny and lush green countryside Continue reading