One More Week

It's now been seven weeks since I've been on a bike on the road. Not a sunny day goes by where I do not yearn to get back out there on the road. This is the bane of waiting for bone fractures to heal properly. Medically, they say I should be fine in eight weeks, so that leaves me one more week. Yes!

My knee is still swollen but only mildly. There are still niggles of discomfort moving my right arm but it's functional. Will all this be sorted in a week? I really, really hope so. 

On top of all of this, the weather is increasingly biker-friendly and there are oh so many places to see, roads to ride, places to visit, biker groups meeting up... I could go on. And I just have to settle for being the passenger in a 4-wheeled cage to get around while all of life moves by. Sigh. 

But, I am grateful. I am alive. I am here. I am present. 

Being still (or off the bike... same thing) for weeks on end has given me much pause for thought on the things which really bring me joy. Riding a motorised two-wheeler is right up there in the top three. What's a woman to do but do what brings you joy?  I've also planned the purchase of extra protective gear and full body heating clothing for cooler days. I won't be riding any faster than before and, for sure, I'll be extra cautious. However, I've fantasised that these will make my riding experience even nicer. 

I've mapped out a couple local runs and even an ambitious dash on the continent. I'm not sure I'll have enough time for the latter but the locals are very do-able. Plus, there's the Brighton Burn-Up and a few others similar I'm looking forward to. 

One more week and it's on, baby. Yeah!

Honda Integra Test Ride

There's a saying along the lines of not knocking something until you try it. Too right. 

I set out today to take a 2015 Burgman 650 for a ride and decided to try out a red 2015 Honda Integra instead. Thing is, it looks like a scooter, but it's so not. It is a pretty authentic automatic motorcycle... complete with clutch and all. 

Packed with 750cc, it was the deep growl at the engine start up which changed my mind from taking out the Burgman. The Integra sounded like a massive truck engine compared to the Burgman's purr. I mounted it. 

Firstly, let me clear the negatives out of the way.

Number one: no real step through. Although not impossible to get on leg-over front-ways, it's the kind of machine you bend your right leg and throw your knee over standing at the left of the bike facing it. 

Number two: no massive storage. In fact, the under seat won't even store a helmet. But really, for storage, there's nothing two nice panniers and a top box can't fix. (See stock photo below). Besides, there is a handy compartment at the front left just under the handle bar... big enough for a smart phone. Only just... and not an iPhone 6 plus size one either.

Number three: no special standard features like heated grips, retractable rearview mirrors, and sliding windshield. Nope. None of that. What you will get is a fully digital dashboard with large numbers indicating speed and a smaller set displaying which gear you're currently in. 

This unit, my friends, is not a scooter. This is a motorcycle cloaked in plastic bodywork. In fact, the body frame is precisely as the Honda NC750 and its DCT version. Very same bike. Engine in front. Large wheels. Chain drive. ABS and disc brakes. (The ABS was awesome, by the way). 

The bike offers two modes of riding: auto or manual. Auto is basically twist-and-go with a drive or sport option. You really hear and feel the gears changing up and down, too. Sport option delays gear change longer. Manual mode is handled by two levers on the left handle for gear change up or down. Brakes are on the handlebars: right for front, and left for rear. No right foot braking and there's a parking brake which when engaged, keeps the unit from rolling away.

Riding it offered so much stability because of the wheel size and centrifugal balancing of the weight distribution. It's a heavy bike and it sits very solidly on the road. I felt very secure on it; like there was just nothing it couldn't handle.  I rode just barely turning the throttle before it hit 50 mph. Felt great. 

Phew! What a contender this bike is. I had no idea. If you're looking for a motorcycle with the feel of riding a scooter, this is absolutely it! I rode with my legs extended forward the whole time. It was such a pleasure to ride that I'm doing it again next week and again the week after next. 

So current status is, I want one. 

An Almost Ride-Out

I planned all week to ride yesterday as I had been watching the weather closely. I had the use of a silver Honda CBF500 and I wanted to take her around on some back roads for a good feel.  

There was lovely sunshine in the morning, but around midday it started to cloud up. Looked to me like it threatened to rain. Perhaps the weather guys got it wrong again? Sigh. I put my gear on and included some waterproof bottoms for good measure. 

I mounted the silver lady, backed her out of the garage, and hit the road. Took me only to second gear to get to the first turning. I made a left, then a quick left again up along a long avenue with a mild incline. 

Very smooth to ride. Forgiving. But... I wasn't enjoying it. I pulled up to the side and sat for a while, thinking. 

I dunno if perhaps I had too much gear on. I just wasn't into it. The bike just didn't excite me enough to keep going. I'd done less than a mile. What now? Should I continue? 

I exhaled and did a mental check of how I was feeling. Nope. It's a no go. I don't want to ride when it doesn't feel good. It didn't feel unsafe, I just wasn't turned on by the ride. I didn't want to ride like that. Call me moody, and you may be right. 

I turned around and took her home. 

In hindsight, I think the ride failed to thrill me enough the way I feel about my upcoming Southern Ireland tour in a few weeks. Yeah, let's put it down to that. 

I guess sometimes it's best to get off the road when your mind is just not feeling it. 

Bimble Around Hertfordshire

Just got back from taking a Honda CG125 for a mini-tour. Mostly misty weather with a few moments of sunshine, but the roads were welcoming and curvy for the journey around Hertfordshire. That's the thing with us bikers: as soon as we have a weather opportunity, we hit the road. Does not have to be ideal weather, just enough to stay safe. 

This was my first ride on a CG125, and this one bore signs of a very used machine. She had over 11000 miles on her, and a few rusty bolts to show for it. Once she got to fourth gear, she ran very well. Picked up to 60mph. Could possibly have hit more but I wouldn't have. Comfortable at 55, I'd say, without much shakes. 

I kinda dreaded slowing down with her as she didn't respond well in the gear change downs. Perhaps it was the engine size and I was demanding too much of her. First gear seemed only for pulling off a few feet, then too quickly into second. Could almost bimble in third, but she settled well in fourth. Even so, between 40 and 55 miles per hour felt like the comfort zone. 

A nice little rider, but I wouldn't buy one. It did feel like too small an engine for all that metal. Struggled up hills, and not responsive enough at junctions. 

Next I'll be doing the same with a Honda CBF500. With over double the bph, should be smoother moving away and sailing at over 70. I'll let you know how I get on afterwards. 

Oldies, But Goodies

I happened yesterday to make my way up to a town called Nuneaton for work yesterday and was thrilled that it was about 30 minutes away from the National Motorcycle Museum. Of course, I had to visit. 

First of all, the building looked nothing like a traditional museum. There was no political gravitas nor bold nuance in the architecture to suggest that this was the home of treasured relics, let alone a public community building. Perhaps it is none of these? It was just a regular ole office building used to house the over 900 plus bikes on display. 

That said, it really was pleasant inside. I didn't miss the expected lofted ceilings et al. The reception area welcomed visitors with a few tasters of units with side cars from around the 1800's. The walls were replete with photos of royalty and other dignitaries each sitting on a particular motorcycle labelled as number 61.  So, I decided I had to get a photo of this number 61. No idea why it was so special. 

Just passed reception is a souvenir shoppe and cafe. In the same area are dozens of early motorcycles of all kinds and shapes. I thought, wow, this is not even the museum yet and there is so much on display here. Turns out that the real museum area has five large rooms housing the 900 plus bikes. My BFF and I paid our entry fee and went it. 

There. Were. So. Many. Bikes! But what struck me more than anything was how defined and clear it was that what we accept today as a modern motorcycle had its beginning as an ordinary bicycle with a motor attached. Simply that. And for very many years in its evolution, it very much continued to resemble a bicycle with a motor attached.  Some even maintained the original pedals.  I was mostly interested in cruisers and found that there were not that many. I was also continuously on the hunt for the elusive number 61.

I liked ones which had a few modification to fit one purpose or another. Others would have large farings covering the front or side complete with floorboard to resemble an early scooter of sorts. Of interest too, was the gear system used on these older bikes: quite similar to a car's gear stick. Imagine riding at high speed, and having to change gears with one hand off the handle bar!

But still, after walking out the five rooms and back, we could not find number 61. So we doubled back. Still not found. We exited a bit defeated, assuming it was only brought out for photo opportunities with celebrities and the like. 

After we left the museum area, we browsed the bikes on display near the cafe area. They were equally very interesting. They all felt much like masses of mechanics and metal on wheels. I'm guessing aerodynamics and aesthetics applied to motorcycles is a recent phenomenon, or else these all may have been 'the thing' back in the day. On the very last row, there it sat! Number 61! Who would have assumed it was right there on display in the free area? I took a few photos of it, including its description, and still have no idea why it is so special. 

Anyway, I am very pleased to have visited and glad the museum was close by. If you're ever near the Coventry area in the UK, it's a must-visit destination. 

New Year Disillusion

Very happy new year to you. I'm planning to have a really good one myself. 

After a period of hibernation and much thought, I've decided to stick with my 125 for now. I just haven't yet found the next perfect bike so I'll be waiting for a bit longer. Quite frankly, I'm fed up of looking and I want to get on with my plans. I'm particularly waiting on the 2015 models of everything to see if manufacturers have come up with anything which remotely suggests that they're listening to consumers. I know there's no such thing as the perfect bike (is there?) but I want something darn near close.

In the meantime, I'll be making some modifications to my 125 to make it more comfortable for riding. I've got two major rides planned this year so far which should cover most of the areas in the UK I'd like to tour: Wales, Scotland, coastal England, and Ireland. I may get Northern Ireland in, too, while up in Scotland. 

So, I'm looking at installing some footpegs which will allow me the option to ride with legs outstretched. This is one of the top bonuses on a Burgman. Also of importance is a rider backrest. I'm looking at various options and will most likely settle for a rolltype seat bag which doubles as a rider backrest. And that's it! Nothing else to add. Fill up with fuel and cruise along in comfort. I'll keep you posted of each installation as and when. Ciao!

Dilemma

Strolled into a local Piaggio dealer on Saturday to get a first hand look at the MP3 500ie. They had two in the showroom: a black one and a blue one.  My first thought on seeing it was, "This thing is huge!"

I decided to view the black one as it looked very menacing. The showroom wall to the front of the bike was all mirrored from floor to ceiling, so you could see yourself clearly on the machine.  I kinda fell in love, and I didn't like that. By that I mean, the MP3 felt like someone who tries to steal your heart knowing you are committed to someone else. 

It compared with the Burgman very very well for me. Lots of storage, ease of getting on, digital display, large with road presence, and ample cockpit switches for flexibility. The one drawback I had with the Burgman 400 was how low the seat was, which is why recently I had resigned to getting the higher seat 650 instead. The MP3 500's seat felt just right in height. Plus, the two wheels up front meant I do not have to stop riding at any time during the year. This gives me a good reason to buy one right away rather than wait for the Spring like I was with the Burgman. It'll also do off road tracks easily, and has enough horse-power to climb hills without lapsing. 

Two wheels at the front also means I don't have to put my foot down at traffic light stops. It also means I don't have to find a chair (nor take a folding chair with me) on long trips when I stop to take view in and have a snack. Me likey much!

Gotta tell ya, the MP3 felt strong, solid, heavy, and ultra stable. Corners take some adjusting to because the unit really wants to remain upright, but when you lean into it with handlebar turns, the road grip is awesome! You really feel the three wheeled secure difference to a two wheeled bike. 

So, the two challenges the MP3 presented for me are, firstly, the 500 does not come in white. How am I going to ensure road visibility? I decided to have a black one partly sprayed with hi visibility green. I even did a PhotoShop preview to see what it might look like. I've shared it here. 

Secondly, how will I say goodbye to the Suzuki Burgman whom I have been in love with since my college days? This is still my dilemma. No solution to that one just yet. Sigh. Heartbreaking. 

All Year Riding

This abysmal weather here has me really re-thinking some things. I want to ride all year. All year. Period. 

I've been looking at perhaps getting a road-legal ATV quad bike which I would use during times of heavy rain, snow, or ice. It would double up with my Burgman to give an all year round ride experience. There are so many wet days here in the UK and further, quite a bit of cobbled and non-Tarmac roads in the city centres. I think it's the same for most of Europe. 

Recently I came upon an article about the Piaggio MP3.  I've been looking into it much. It's a three-wheeled scooter, and it has really rave reviews out there. It also has generous storage, comfortable seating, and apparently compares to the Burgman... although not as fast with acceleration. So I'm thinking if I get one, I won't need to have two units to get my year round riding going on. This machine promises to deliver whatever the weather or terrain. 

Well, with that, it's now a serious contender to bump my Burgman dreams off the rails. I am going to have a look at one very soon. Hey, they even come in white. 

Stay tuned. 

What To Wear?

Weather is changing everywhere now, but I'm determined to get my bike groove on to the very last day. I often wonder how bikers doing round-the-world tours stay warm travelling through snow. For me, snow or icy roads are the only two conditions that'd keep me off my bike. Luckily, we don't get snow really here where I live, and if we do, unless it's some freak weather, it melts within hours.

But for those who ride in snow, my research suggests that they layer and layer, plus thermals and ultra-warm outerwear. That is exactly what I do too for colder times. I also find wearing a hoodie works really well as part of layering, especially when I put the hood top on and my helmet on top... really toasty. I recently mail ordered a hi-vis armoured version from GoGo Gear in Los Angeles. Looking forward. 

What I'm having challenges with is keeping my hands warm. Friends suggest I get heated grips installed but they have such varied reviews all over. Thing is, I ride with my left hand's index and middle fingers propped on the brake all the time. I'm thinking that heated grips would be useless if my fingers aren't continuously totally wrapped around it.

So I recently tried out some cheapie heated gloves. These ones use a massive D battery which is installed on the other side of the wrists. Quite heavy, I think, and perhaps because they were a cheap trial, they only nominally changed the temperature. I'd say though, to be fair, that the although the heat was low, it did take the edge off from the nipping cold.  I will most likely now upgrade to a pair of heated gloves with a little higher spec. Nothing too pricey, as the Burgman 650 comes with heated grips. I'm thinking with the Burgman's heated grips and decent heated gloves, that should cure my hands in the cold. So yeah, I've got something specific to hunt for at the Motorcycle Live Show in Birmingham this weekend. 

DVSA Motorcycle Theory Test

On my way in to get ready for the last leg of the Guinness Book of World Records attempt for the longest relay ride on a 125cc bike, I made a small detour stop in to my local testing centre to try out the DVSA Motorcycle Theory Test. 

It is the prerequisite if you want to commence learning on any bike larger than 125cc here in the UK. I hate tests and so I thought I'd pop in to give it a test run ... You know, just by the way ... no pressure... since I HAVE to do it to get to that Suzuki Burgman I'm after. Ugh!

Anyway, I'll cut this long story short because I've arrived at my destination now after a few hours riding, and I'm hungry and tired. So yeah, I PASSED!!!!!  Yay!  Celebration time, babee!