Bike repairs and thoughts of a new bike..

I rang South London Motorrad but was told they only had two techs (out of four they were supposed to have) and couldn't look at my bike until the end of next week. This was too late for my liking as I am planning more off-roading on the 19th April and I want to be sure to have the bike ready for that (I'm assuming/hoping/praying that my wrist will be OK for it!). Accordingly I rang an independent service shop (Mark Holden Motorcycles) who could see me straight away. I took the bike over there pronto and that was easy as it's only a couple of miles from my place. The workshop isn't inspiring itself but Mark Holden the owner seems to know his stuff and after a few phone calls seemed pretty confident of having the necessary bits by Wednesday of next week. Replacing the broken bits should be a very easy job so I am looking forward to having my bike as good as new in short order - albeit at considerable expense because BMW parts are NOT CHEAP!

The cost of the bits has reinforced in my mind the merits of looking at a small bike (a Pogo) that will be a lot easier to ride on the more challenging trails I'd like to try. It would also be a lot easier to pick up being lighter. The bike I am very close to ordering is a Honda CRF 230 F which has a very good reputation and although perhaps best known as a beginner's trail bike is also apparently very competent in more experienced hands as some of the Youtube video attests. I am not that experienced but equally not a beginner anymore so I want something that will satisfy me for a while. Other possible contenders are the Suzuki DRZ 400E and possibly the Yamaha WR 250R but I like the idea of simplicity too and the Honda has an aircooled motor and a spark plug that is actually accessible, so even if it gets drowned in a water crossing, it ought to be easy to sort out..


It doesn't come road legal but I have found a place online that will convert them and ship them, so that is not a problem. More of an issue is understanding what mods I might need from the start, there are all sorts of possibilities ranging from stronger handlebars to a new front suspension. I shall do some phoning around next week and see what I can find.

March Moon Rally

I had a great time at the weekend in North Wales with the folk who frequent ADVrider.com.

The occasion was the March Moon Rally which saw 60 riders and their very varied choices of bike gathering at the Three Pigeons in Graigfechan near Ruthin. Many of us camped at the pub while others chose the soft option of a B&B somewhere nearby. I rode up early on the Friday, leaving at 6 am to be in good time to pick a decent spot to pitch my tent - not a problems as it turned out for the available space was quite large enough and there were no flooded areas (unlike last year's foray to Ireland!

When a few others had arrived, we elected to go for a road ride around various of the Welsh lakes (Bala and Vyrnwy amongst others)a very nice introduction to the Welsh hills.



Friday night was cold - as Terry could testify the next morning



But it soon warmed up and we had some great riding on the lanes



Although it wasn't always smooth sailing..


I like the puddles - when I stay upright



But it's a bugger when I don't



This tumble put an end to my day's outing as I sprained my wrist badly and had to make for the campsite without further ado - I am thankful my wrist wasn't broken, it felt like it at the time.

Getting home on the Sunday, my bike was clearly very dirty



But sadly, also the worse for wear







So I shall be seeing what the dealer says about the repairs later this week..

Practicing with a Leatt neck brace

A few hours of sunshine is enough to make me feel I should be on the bike and this morning I was out and about looking like a Dakar rider who lost his way. I was wearing my new neck brace that I mentioned previously to get used to the feeling of it in preparation for my trip to Wales. It felt rather awkward at first and seemed to sit higher than desirable, I think because the distance from the front chest piece to the back piece is a little short and it rides up over my jacket with its built in back protector. I would undoubtedly fit better over bare skin and under body armour but I am not thus equipped and besides, the weather is cold enough for me to need my jacket!

In any case, after a few miles, I get used the the feeling and was able to turn my head sufficiently to do a "lifesaver". It still remains to be seen how it will be when off-roading but I don't anticipate any great difficulty after today's experience.

Getting ready

I am going to the March Moon Rally in Wales in a couple of weeks and have been thinking about the stuff I need to take. As I shall be camping and considering the changeable weather we have been enjoying lately, I decided that a new sleeping bag was in order so I ordered a Rab Ladakh 800 Down Sleeping Bag.

It is a four season bag and should keep me nice and warm even if the weather is crap.

For the bike, I have invested in a Motion Pro Trail tool from Adventure Spec and a couple of Motion Pro tyre irons. With the addition of one or two Torx bits, this kit should enable me to do most small repairs and change a tyre if need be. The nice thing is that I can get it all under the seat of the F800GS in the very restricted space that exists there.