What have you done with your V-Strom today?

[Upt North]

Sorry no pictures for now.....but I feel very privileged to say we rode around a steaming angry Mt.Etna today. It was only 95 f's.
The roads were mostly sublime with stretches of old lava flow crossing the road. The coffee was good and the cannolis better.
The ride took about 3 hours before stopping on the coast at a fish restaurant for lunch.
Did I say, I feel very privileged and even more so doing it on The B. Lubed the chain today, we head north tomorrow.
Upt and Er'Indoors.

[Joe Rocket]

Great travels! 

I hope you'll be putting the tour together when you get back for a compact viewing. 

[nigel s]

First use of the heated grips today since last winter had thrown up a minor problem.
The throttle seemed slightly stiff after the grips got up to temp. Not much, it still returned properly, and if someone else rode it for the first time they wouldn't have noticed. But it was there , so back home to investigate.
Took the throttle all apart, cleaned the tube and handlebars ( I am thinking heat expansion gummed it up) and made sure the bar end weight was replaced far enough outboard ( again heat expansion may have meant it was just rubbing).
Not sure on the exact cause but what I did worked , and now it is back to normal when the grips are on.
A run up to Bury confirmed it was all good.
And that the auto shut off still works.....I forgot to turn them off when I left the bike in town

Ho Hum

[Sir Trev]

I went out today expecting to need the heated grips for the first time but no. Still using my summer gloves too, but the warmer ones were in the topbox just in case.

Made the mistake of heading for Helmet City at Kings Two Wheel just north of Oxford, not realising how bad the flooding was on the way (turned back twice to try different routes) and that the A34 northbound was closed causing chaos on the Oxford ringroad.  Got there to fing the food wagon was already closed too... Not the most calming ride but any ride is better than none.

[SteveO]

Took the wee for only its 2nd ride of the year yesterday. Managed to end up at a Suzuki dealer a was persuaded to take a GSX8s out for a spin. I loved it. Seems like a very well sorted bike as standard, (except for the hideous number plate holder). Dealer offered me a good price for my 9 year old, 8500 mile wee. I’m sorely tempted….

[Sir Trev]

Same engine as my 800RE, and it's a belter of a unit.

[The Doctor 46]

StevO, 9 years old and only 8,500 miles. I think you should keep it. It seems to me that another 9 years and 8,500 miles with a new bike would be futile. Sorry but the old girl in the garage seems perfect for your needs and better the devil you know. You could spend the money saved on wild women, drink, drugs and loud gigs or just sweets. 
 

[SteveO]

@The Doctor. You’re right, but, there’s something about getting on a new bike… it all works smoothly & feels exciting.
Not that there’s anything wrong with my current bike, the dealer commented on its condition, for its age.
I’ve been considering changing it for a while, I’m obviously a fairly low mileage rider, but I do love getting out when time permits.
Also conscious that with the sanitisation of the roads and the phasing out of petrol vehicles, it may be my last bike, so why not???

[graingerblaze]

If you can afford to change and fancy it, why not? You never know, a different engine my tempt you ride more often 

[Jim13_Wee_Strom]

@ SteveO

... this ain't no practice for the next time around     and how long will it be before you realise... 'I should have"?

[Upt North]

Here yesterday at Le Bourget du Lac.
But not now.
Now at Troyes, pronounced the best I can figure out as twarr.
First proper cooler day at 13 to 16. After 35, 13's a shock.
Yesterday was forecast crap but the ride from Turin through the Alps was stunning, blue skies and 16 to 20.
I think we're at around 3600 miles so far. The B is performing well.
Off to Belgium tomorrow.
Upt and Er'Indoors.

[luv2andy]

...Sunshine and warmth here in Cambs so went for an 80 mile round trip to Mildenhall to a Suzuki dealer .... Lots of USA aircraft dodging around but none on the "b " roads so unaffected  ...
Nice bloke there asked if he could help.. unfortunately he wasn't the psychologist I thought he might be so "no "....
BUT when I said I'd just come to look at the 650 Vstrom new in stock he said I could take his personal bike out for a ride... to compare my 2010 ... I will go back in the spring and take him up on that only to see what the power delivery is like.. v.happy with my bike as it happens...
( new ownership )
Nice cruise on the A1001 from Mildenhall to Littleport / across the wide open fens. 50 mph just sweet and winding it on it's really surprising the get up and go from that speed... I think I broke the limit there for a minute (  or some ) not realising how quick the bike is...
They have a Cafe there so it might be a good trip out  ? 

[Barbel Mick]

Yesterday (3rd) a late call saw Deb & myself meet Ianmc of this parish for a little ride across South Derbyshire for a bacon & egg cob, Ian had a breakfast.
The weather was very pleasant & although we wore our heated jackets they didn't get switched on.
A nice chat over a couple of extra coffees & we headed home. Just under 60 miles, so not far but very enjoyable.
A couple of photos to prove it happened.

[Joe Rocket]

Pas de croissant ni saumon fumé? Quelle horreur!

Bientôt peut-être.........

 

[nigel s]

jamani nini?

Ho Hum

[Rusty Nuts]

Les croissants sont interdits depuis Brexit. Et saumon fumé est trop cher.

[Joe Rocket]

I bet you buy them from the supermarket from time to time RN and nigel s........

[UK_Vstrom650]

Another ride to Liverpool for work and the roads were strangely quiet with no queuing at Manchester in either direction - a rare occurrence. Like Mick, I also plugged the heated jacket in thinking it might be needed, but only the heated grips were needed. It won't be long now before the jacket is a must though 
Best set some time aside to give the bike a clean and smother it in ACF50 again.

[nigel s]

Kore wa kokode wa funinkideshou.....watashi wa choshoku o tabemasen. 

Ho Hum

[Upt North]

I'm off to buy chain lube in Belgium.
What could go wrong?
My small tin of Motul has spat out its last.
Lubrifant pour chaine, apparently will suffice.
Pfffffffft.
Upt.