Spokey

Gosh…..a Rocket would be an interesting addition to my collection……however, Katoom 950/990, old Africa Twin or Triumph Thruxton 900 have my attention right now.

So……my smallest and largest bikes are per chance Yamaha. A dinky FS50 from last century boasting 5 HP and no torque as it is perhaps less than thrilling! The next is a 2005 MT01 of 1670cc but a less than impressive 90 HP but torque figures that do impress……Tis a very lazy engine and a delight to ride.

We blasted out of Kuwait the other morning 15 mins ahead of our 0200 departure. 33R is closed for no apparent reason and that being the closest runway to the GA ramp it was a long taxi to33L. Bumpy as……. Anyways, max fuel on board and just 1500lbs below our 114800 MTW the performance was awesome. This aerie always makes me smile even when heavy. Rock solid and stable. We climbed out to FL430 over Iraq after being told 300is our final due traffic. I had to say no to the controller, we would not make our destination. Long story short we were vectored to climb. Over Turkey we took a non standard FL 450. Over Scotland we went to FL470 for the Atlantic crossing. Smooth flight throughout but stonking headwinds of over 100kts (185kph). We climbed at 275/M.83 and cruised at M.85 versus the normal 300/M.85 and M.88. We had over 20 hours of darkness since the sun had set in Kuwait with it finally rising just prior to New York city. Anyways, my longest flight ever in the Global 7500. 15 hours 10 flight time with legal dispensation for 2 crew. It was tough but certainly not impossible!

Thanks Man, heal up well. I had surgery in 2006 for a well busted up left AC joint. Made the mistake of getting back to riding too soon, motorcycles and MTB, was a drama for years…….now I put the pain down to age Ha Ha (61) Anyways, I am in US on a work trip and have not been home for months……..I have to collect my Yamaha MT01 and the TLS when I return home in 10 days……am like a young kid at Christmas! Jeeze and a Giant Stance that I have not ridden!!

Congrats on the new bike. That is a fine one for the country lanes of The Mud Patch!

I have not seen these around much since my freight days, so was a treat to see this beast in Kuwait a few days ago.

Righty oh…..the Ducati Monster has gone the hard way. I obtained a fine deal on a new addition in my mid 90’s to mid 2000’s twin cylinder collection. Bit of a mix but I like them…….. Yamaha MT01, BMW RS1100R Boxer Cup Rep, Ducati 1098 and Ducati 749 and now one of these..…

Tis a beautiful bike, but I am after a yellow Duke. There is a 2018 821 or whatever Monster for sale in SA. However, I do really want an 1100 EVO. Couple for sale in Josie with Nicky Haden and a certain VR paint scheme…….prices too salty for me!

Merry Christmas All, well, those of you who celebrate it anyway. I decided on a quiet day of introspection in the Kamanassie, Prince Alfred Pass Diepwalle and Gouna Forests……Actually the Missus turfed me out so she could get on with her art stuff!

Jeepers, I think I would benefit with all this on my 1190R!

Yeah, the MT01, but riding home today I figure the RC8 is the way forward! I am a huge fan of the LC8 engine…….as I sure you are aware!

So…….here I am in Cape Town having ridden across from George to check out and test ride the big Yam MT01. What an interesting though off the wall bike. Rides really well and handles way better than that engine configuration would suggest. Bit of a tractor, revving to just 5000rpm but at 2500/3000 it pulls like a train…….no panniers for touring…..take the caravan!! Anyway……..to screw all my plans up a KTM RC8 has become available. This is a dream bike of mine, I am a huge fan of the LC4 and LC8 engines. Perhaps my plans will change!This bike is in the colours of my 1190R……..would be a great addition to the stable. The Laverda I posted earlier has perhaps gone the hard way…….I think there will be more drama than fun in that ownership experience. Right now I am between the RSV Aprillia 1000 and the MT01……..until this…..

Photo from advertisers page. This is a little beauty……

I have just been thrown a curve ball…. I am in Joburg heading home tomorrow and have been to see a really interesting little Laverda 750 S Formula in bright red. I expect that is even more rare but in all honesty it is unlikely I would ride it much. Very pretty Italian exotica though.

Been far too long away from my bike, had a couple of rides recently up behind Witfontein in George. Was great getting back into it though the 60 year old body did take some strain!