Spokey

I gave this a lot of thought last evening. I believe the value growth is there on such a bike but the market is way too small in SA as you say. People who have the money seem more into the classic cars. These 1100R’s can fetch as much as 25000 Dollars but this might be the peak price for many years. The guys here are asking overseas prices already for bikes like the CB1100R, RD350 etc. I think I will pass it up…………and perhaps kick myself years down the line!

Guys……thoughts from you, investment potential of a 1981 CB1100R? I have the opportunity to purchase one in extremely good condition one owner since new, original purchase documents, but it is expensive and I wonder if it has potential for further growth in around 10 years. Any ideas welcome! I wont hold you to any dodgy decisions I may make!!

Yeah, really enjoyed this, looking forward to Part 2.

She is back in Holland now. Not sure where she is up to in her her rally vids but I saw her bike at The Motorcycle Room in Knysna last week. Savannah looking a little worse for wear after a prang.

Congrats BSG……wish you many happy miles. I am up the road in Hoekwill, shout if you need info in various routes (though sure you know the area) or feel the need to share road space with a Katoom driver! I have trekked the surrounding area for several tyres worth. There is so much good dirt riding in our area. I am however back to mid east on Wednesday.

Man, I admire you guys carrying your bicycles…….if I am on my motorcycle I think the bicycle will be the last think I think about!! Honestly, I would be riding to an MTB area and just think…….buggar that, got in excess of 100hp……let’s s jol!

The top box has grown on me. I did not like it at first as it is harder to get on and off the bike. I am getting on in years and also only 5 ft 8 tall ( sorry, old money there ha ha). However, I like that it is lockable and secure. Mine had an issue where the pin holding the C clips that lock on the rack was working loose when bouncing along gravel tracks. I dismantled the lot, drilled through the pin with a 1,5mm bit and inserted a split pin. It does not move now. Further to that I loop a strong bungie strap through the rack and stretch it forward over the box to the hand holds. The box is very stable now. Also pack that box tight. Any free space in there and the content of the box will bounce around unbelievably! If necessary I even stuff in an old towel or piece of foam to pack it tight.Sounds like a good sized tank bag is what you need for your camera gear. I would advise against putting that in a top box unless well wrapped in foam. I have had no problems with stability with luggage on the bike and I do cruise at enthusiastic speeds . I run Motoz Tractionator GPS on the rear in the dirt orientation and a Pirelli Rally STR on the front. Very stable up to speeds approaching the tyres rating. Great on tar and hard pack dirt. I prefer my Anakee Wilds in the dirt but recent trips have been tar biased. For me the GPS tyre is sketchy in the wet. If I do not put the rain mode on the bike spins up very easily! My favourite tyres if travelling long distance predominantly on tar or hard gravel are the Michelin Anakee Adventures. Which ever bags you choose ensure they are well tied down. Gives huge peace of mind to know the luggage is secure when steaming along a Karoo dirt road trying to get airtime off any natural ramps in the road!

I use an ATG roll bag as well as the ATG Overlander soft panniers in 30l size and my Tourtech topbox in varying combinations depending on my trip length. I do have a tank bag for small items, like leatherman and phone charger. I carry my tools, puncture repair kits rain suite and first aid pack in the top box for easy access. I don’t carry any camera equipment beyond my phone and occasionally a Go Pro type action camera. My iPad and chargers travel in my back pack. I do carry a hydration bladder in my backpack too. Clothing I keep to a minimum. The ATG roll bag has a great strap system which clips onto D rings on the bag. I also use cheap ratchet straps as extra tie downs. On the dirt I also secure the top box with strategically placed secure bungee. Seen too many accounts of these boxes bouncing off! I like the soft panniers as they can be strapped up small if not filled up. The internal waterproof bags are brilliant. I only stay where I have secure off street parking so I leave the bags on the bike when overnighting. I don’t camp with the bike, easier to take the bakkie!

Anakee Adventure…..I have a set for my Katoom 1190. Excellent tires for general touring. Brilliant on tar dry or wet and hard pack dirt. If I do a long tar trip I fit these…….otherwise Anakee Wilds! Although currently running a Motoz Tractionator GPS on rear and Pirelli Rally STR on the front. I think I will go back to the Wilds and suffer the reduced milage.

I recently had the Duke serviced in Somerset West, full Desmo service plus belts and valves. Perhaps I mentioned it before. Anyways, I did not ride the bike much as the mirrors were shite, full view of my shoulders. So I ordered some mirror extenders from Ducati…….Wow, what a difference, nice to see the Polos and GTI’s coming now as they try to dice when I am cruising at a whopping 130 kph! This bike is insane…..no traction control or ABS, in fact no rider aids whatsoever. I love it. The roll on acceleration is ridiculous especially after fitting the 14 tooth front sprocket…….it scares and excites at the same time. Turns out it is actually reasonably comfortable for a 200 km ride! The brakes are outstanding, the front end feel is remarkable. I explore the capabilities each time out on the machine, of course not wanting to exceed them! For she me is a 13 year dream fulfilled! I have removed the rear foot pegs and also ordered a seat cowl to replace the “rear seat”. I look forward to the next outing on this beast!

I am in Cape Town for the evening, quick meeting with my tax guy tomorrow. I could have Skyped, Zoomed, or whatever else one does, but I chose a lekker bike ride for a face to face meeting. Left Hoekwil at 0845 and took the Outeniqua Pass then the Mount Hope dirt road toward Calitzdorp for breakfast. Seweweekspoort to the N1 at Laingsburg……..wow, what a beautiful dirt road. Checked out Maitjiesfontein for a future visit with Missus Spokey. The N1 was crazy busy……..no stopping for pics, just jostling for position in traffic ha ha!

This is a very lekker bike……enjoy it!

Certainly is…..N is currently 7, the target for my modest collection is 10………or was it 12? Ha Ha!

Thanks, yes I am lucky to be able to head off with the bike when back in SA. If I have trips I need to do I invariably take the bike. The Motoz I have is the GPS on the rear, seems really good. I will run it at about 1.8 to 2 bar when on the dirt. I am going to put a Motoz Adventure on the front or maybe my Anakee Wild that I have in the garage. I feel I need a more aggressive front than my Rally STR. That tyre is great on the tar and hard dirt but I don’t like the way it handles on loose stones which I have come across a lot on recent travels in the Karoo. Anyways, those Anakee Adventures are really brilliant. I used a pair for a trip to Joburg and back last year. Fantastic in the wet too and good enough on hard dirt roads. I have that old set in my garage which have around 5500kms on them. I will finally wear them out on a tar trip somewhere! I will check out Fortnines video shortly. I am a big fan of Kyle Bradshaw on Chaparral Motor Sport. He has great tyre reviews. I fear my plugged Rally STR will just gather dust in my garage along with another 4000 km front. I do like the Anakee Wilds better but clearly they do not have the longevity. I do feel I want the confidence of the Wilds in the dirt especially here in the Hoekwil area when the dirt roads are wet. Perhaps I need an old 990 for the dirt and keep my 1190S for road touring!!

The Little Orange and I recently completed a 3551 km trim from Hoekwil and back via Barkly East, Scottburgh, Josie and Middleburg. These pics are in the Karoo. I turned toward Beaufort West from Aberdeen and around midway I turned toward Rietbron and eventually to Klaarstoom and home. I punctured badly with my Pirelli Rally STR on Naudes Neck, taking 4,5 hours for the 105 kms from Barkly East to Maclear……bit of an endurance day that turned out to be to get to Scottburgh………over 11 hours in the hot seat! In Josie I fitted a Motoz Tractionator GPS on the rear. It is a very tough tyre and Is apparently good for over 20 000 kms……..well, will see. I did fit a Mushroom plug in my Rally STR in Amanzimtoti but felt to replace it all the same when in Josie. I welcome coments on the use of tyres with internal mushroom plugs. This is the second time I have changed a tyre early with a puncture although fitted with said plugs. Previously was Pirelli Angel ST with just 800 kms on. I am not the most trusting of these repairs when barrelling along at speeds that may be exceeding the recommended! The Motoz is great, even in the dirt, especially when aired down to 2 bar. Anyways……rambling over!

Hi there I use the ATG bags. They are the medium size if I remember correctly. Perfect for a week away and staying in guest houses. I carry tyre repair kit and rain suite in the top box including basic tools though am aware of the weight higher up. I bought a second chain tool today with the correct links as I forgot my other one in my KLR’s saddlebags. I had visions of a busted chain on Naudes Nek……….the puncture was enough of a hassle! I do have a great water proof barrel bag to sit on the rear seat but did not need so much volume this trip, that would be good if camping. If two up I would have to rethink my system. I carry my back back for the hydration bladder but invariably end up strapping it to the front of the top box as I get tired of the weight on the shoulders……..my wife kindly reminds me that I am not as young as I once was! I can really recommend the ATG bags. The inner bags seal by the roll top method and are totally water proof.

On a road trip. Left Hoekwil on Thursday for Scottburgh. Took the scenic route via Barkly East, Rhodes and Naudes Nek Pass.left Scotties yesterday for Joburg…wow, crazy wind at Sterkfontein Dam, there really should be speed sailing events there! To Pretoria today for my FAA flight medical. Heading back toward home tomorrow, route as yet undecided. The Katoom has been amazing but she likes her 95 Octane a lot when ridden enthusiastically! The posters are in Walkerabout Inn in Rhodes, I never had the pleasure of riding the Rhodes Challenge but it seems it was one tough event. Shame it is no longer on the callender.

Lovely 260 km jaunt into the Klein Karoo with the Missus this past weekend. Vergelegen road and the Mount Hope road between the Swaartburgs and Outeniquas.

Not to be out done Big Zed took me for a repeat blast over the Outeniqua Pass a day after the Duke. This bike is also rather engaging. Way down on HP to the Duke but it has a stunning acceleration. The engine is a beautiful piece of work, pulls effortlessly from 60kph in top gear. I have installed Ducati Monster bars and 1 inch bar risers, very comfortable riding position. She runs upgraded suspension front and rear. Lovely in the corners but likes to be set up correctly before corner entry. She is a tad flighty if one needs to adjust riding position under braking for a corner. But more experience in the suspension adjustment may help!

This is a gorgeous bike!

Just picked up the little Duke from a major belt and valve service from Superbike Solutions in Sommerset West…….wow, the machine is the Mutts Nuts! Took her for a blast over the Outeniqua Pass yesterday. Today was the turn of Big Zed, not to be out done! I have added a 14 tooth front sprocket in place of a 15 on the 1098. Works out to be about 2,7 increase on the back. Acceleration is great now and no need to slip the clutch. The bike was super hard to ride in town with the Racing ECU and 15 tooth front. 160 kph in 1st gear! Anyways, grateful to live where I do for these machines to be exercised in the appropriate manner!

Man, so excited. A quick overnight trip to Cairo from Sharjah tomorrow and then due home. Covid test Monday night and EK home on Wednesday. 1098 is booked in at Superbike Solutions in Somerset West the following week for a belt service and electronic bypass of the exhaust valve. Looking forward to sorting that out. My bike garage is also completed so will move the machines out of the mudbrick building into their dedicated accommodations. 10 weeks out of SA, am looking forward to some bike rides!

Jeepers Guys Any of you seen this Challenger 605 crash at Truckee Airport in California. I saw on Blancolirio on U Choob. Man, what a horrible accident. I even woke up this morning at 0430 with this playing over in my head. In my opinion and before even watching Juan on Blancolirio it seems to be a screwed up Circle to Land. Sadly the procedure is not even authorised for the Challenger which despite being a Cat C aeroplane is required to use Cat D mins for the Circle. This resonates with me as I have relatively recently (end of last year) stopped flying the 605 having Typed on my 7500. I do the FAA 61.58 recurrent in sim each year which includes a Circle to land at night to a Max effort landing. My heart bleeds for this crew. I believe they were going to hammerhead the turn to final and stalled while trying to tighten the turn. Again, my opinion at this stage. So so sad. The little Chally is a handful and a busy aeroplane. But such an unnecessary crash considering conditions with a perfectly serviceable aeroplane. Check it out on U Choob……..let me know what you all may think. Sorry for no link, I can fly an aerie around the world but some tech eludes me ha ha!

LWB Good Luck with your new ventures. One of my brothers friends has also lost his job there after many years. In 1981 I did my one year as an “appie” at SAA Technical. I left and joined the hotel industry. In 1994 I started my flying training and bar one period of two years around 2007/8 where I worked freelance for only 12 months, I have managed to stay flying. Not without tough times however as with many in this industry. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be on this new Global having also flown aircraft as ancient as the DC4 in my career. I really wish you and your colleagues all the very best. With out you engineers us pilots would have nothing to break! Swing by Hoekwil for a beer and a chat if ever in the area (if I am home too!)

Arrived Biggin Hill on the Mud Patch a few days ago. Routine maintenance, nice to be here after recently reading the Sailor Malan story from WWII.