Stew

Michelin Pilot Road 5's have me stunned by how much grip they have, and I am currently riding in cold wet leave strewn tight wee roads. With confidence and enthusiasm.

Went to the seaside.... , seashell beach , lovely.

Grats on the new bike. I have always had a soft spot for Guzzi's , since riding one back in the olden days. Be interesting to hear how you get on with this one.

Some amazing technology there. I am still struggling with non double D ring helmet chinstraps I'd be a nervous wreck in case I somehow set off that sos system without realising though. Heard any horror stories about the BMW bike Sos button yet?

Gave the new Michelin Road 5 rubber things their first workout in the wet. VERY impressed. I was only marginally slower on twisty roads, and the conditions were that horrible wierd mix of totally wet road, dry road with drizzle, and damp but drying road. Seriously loving these tyres (tires)

That silver sleek one is proper sci fi looking. Like Futurama. Why can't we have cool designs like that nowadays.

@rustyshackles I took my vstrom 650 places you wouldnt believe it could get to. But it was brutally hard. They are far too top heavy, so once they start to go , abandon ship. I crossed deep rivers, climbed stupidly steep hills, rode around sand quarries, rode in deep mud often. The bike could do it, but slowly, and it was rarely relaxing. I can find you some photos if you want Tenere 700 would be much better I reckon, in fact I am sorely tempted by one, might even get rid of my CRF250L for one.

I don't remember every seeing a covered bridge here in Scotland. They may exist, perhaps I'll make that a wee mission one weekend, seek out a covered bridge

Beautiful, I could almost feel the slight chill in the air as the weather changes. And with the fastest colour (color) Tracer as well.

I feel your pain. I coated the bike with acf50 water repellant, but didn't put gloves on. The joy of trying to wash my hands afterwards. It's not senility, it's lack of interest in cleaning, I mean, it's only going to get dirty again.

Don't forget that without the advances in tyres (tires) , brakes and suspension the engine would be practically unusable

My 2015 sounds like it is in the middle of a horrendous asthma attack when sitting in neutral, it is quite hilarious once you realise it's not about to explode, and the clang into first is spectacular. Pretty sure it is a Yamaha 'feature' , my old FJ1200's used to be the exact same, at least that clang into 1st gear.

Wise words lads. It has just started raining here, and the weather forecast for the next 48 hours is flooding. Phew. Glad I got out to abuse some fossil fuels while it was nice (Sowwy Greta, not really sowwy)

You should see the mess that is my motogp fantasy league team What a bizarre year for racing, eh. Now this morning I have the dilemma of watch the race or go burn more petrol

Woke up and had to choose between watching the motogp qualifying and going out for a ride on the bike. After checking the weather forecast, meant to be wet all next week, so I thought, hmmm, might be an idea to go out and play on the bike for a wee while. I had great intentions of going for a good long ride, but just felt so chilled out and relaxed that I decided to go for the lovely single track road just a couple of miles from home. Had such a cool time, it was around 45-50f, with perfectly dry roads, and the new tyres and suspension made this wee road a delight to ride, whereas the last time I went along it was a wee bit nervy and bouncy and vague feeling. Stopped for some photos of the bike, and the changing leave colours (colors) , and a lady came over and offered to take my photo on the bike. I said nah, it's ok, the bike is all that matters, but for some bizarre reason she insisted. (what is it about this bike that attracts the ladies?) All good fun, hope you like the pictures...

That tracking system website is brilliant

I did wonder that, but I could feel the back end was digging in more, so I sort of instinctively knew it needed just a wee tweak to the geometry to sit the front down a wee touch. I've not properly scrubbed the tyres (tires) in yet, but if I am in the mood I might head off for a couple of days on the bike next day or two.

I gave it a good thrashing last night, and it's just about right again now. It's got sooooo much grip with the new tyres, I'm sure you'll love them. Just give yourself a minute to get used to how different they feel, then feel your confidence rise and rise.

Went with 1 turn on the rear preload to see if it made any difference, and it is improved , so I'll put another turn on tomorrow and have another wee test, but it would appear that the front was just going light, but not light enough to lift. I'll update after more testing, but still loving the grip and all from the suspension/tyre (tire) improvements.

I'm wondering if I need to take the curvature of the earth into consideration as well now. I may never be able to ride again

Mine stopped showing 6th for a while, then started showing it again a few days ago, but it is gone again. I'm not bothered. If it is blank it is in 6th.

I've just been out tweaking the rear shock, and , to the delight of my watching neighbours, took a big spirit level to the bike on the centre (center) stand All lovely and flat I am happy to report, and also happy to report I left the neighbours utterly confused

Such a personal thing. At 6ft I ride with the puig touring screen with my visor up. It is completely still behind it, I love it. But I live in a colder place, where it is rare to want more airflow

Thanks all, I really do appreciate all the helpfulness. I got the distinct feeling that the rear end was digging in, making the front go light, but not light enough to get flighty. So I'll start with fiddling around with the rear preload. BEcause other than this one specific state, the handling and grip on my bike now is stunning. I love it

What an excellent trip. The bad weather adds to the whole story.