Spokey

I saw this on the MCN FB page. The proposed Yammie R9 with the absolutely gorgeous MT09 engine. I first road an MT09 at one of the Kyalami shows when the machine was new to SA. What a stellar engine. This would be a beautiful use of the triple engine. I miss an MT09 from my collection. This moves me big time, the colours of the ‘98 R1……..wow! My 60 year old brain says stick with my T7 ADV…….Actually the T7 with the CP2 engine is certainly a keeper. Lovely engine too.

That little lot was a little over 24000 Swiss Francs. A lot of cash. So much was used because of the thick ice layer below the snow. Sadly the available hangar to rent was already booked. It also a tight squeeze for a Global 7500 so the handlers are reluctant to use it for anything larger than a Global 6000. Anyways, we do not de ice often so I guess we can’t grumble…..not that there is any choice if you need to go flying!!

Yeah, was very lekker. I like St Gallen where we stay. Came in from St Maarten in the Dutch Antilles then 2 days in Kuwait followed by a long flight to Nassau in Bahamas. Sitting in Bahamas now.

I was recently at WEF in Switzerland. we parked at Altenrein for 3 days. Lots of rain followed by freezing conditions and snow. Took 57 mins and a 24000 litres of Type1 to clean the aeroplane for flight. Fortunately no anti icing required on departure, very light snow flurry did not last. Was - 8 overnight and -6 when we arrived at the aerie at 0800.

I may even be in SA as there is a chance will be sent home during Ramadan (10 March for a month). I head to Swartburg Pass 6 to 8 times a year……love it there. Would be good to join if you fancy company! I ride all over the Klein Karoo when I get home off contract.

Thats a bit sad…….the reason for the ADV bike, pack flask or better still, pack MSR cooker and Stanley drip filter coffee kit or even a small Stanley French Press and hit the trail! Coffee with an outlook of your choice!

Before you buy that GS, get yourself to Hoekwil and have a go on a small selection. I do need to be home of course! I would even welcome a Harley parked in the drive way……… seriously though I do not know your off road skills but I caution against a big old GS (as good as they are) in the dirt unless you have some dirt track knowledge!

Yeah, a talented but troubled young man who grew into a talented but troubled adult. What a shame. I have had a scenario in my own extended family some years back ,with a talented young adult ( mountain biking) passing to soon due various reasons. It is very sad to deal with. Strength to his family.

I am super happy with mine. Yes as Ice Cream Man says perhaps a bit down on hp but I truly do not miss that from my 150 hp KTM 1190. Sure it is over 120 lbs heavier than my KTM 690 with about 4 hp more but that CP2 engine is a dream. It pulls well in any gear with a beautiful torque spread. It is very easy to ride in the dirt. The faults are well documented but I will live with them and address them over time (not the hp obviously!) I have a few mods on mine……..crash bars, proper engine bash guard, a swing arm chain guide (IMO essential for off tar riding) a headlight protector, Bark Buster’s and a Black Widow end can . In addition I have had the paintwork VPS protected. I wanted to carry my soft luggage but I find the racks available are wide and ungainly on the narrow bike. To this end I bought a set of Turkana bags with their rackless mounting system. The cost was similar to a Touratech rack and they fit brilliantly. Next change are the tyres to a more dirt focussed pattern. I recommend the bike but if you will carry a pillion perhaps look at the GS 800/850 range.

I also think the cheaper kit will do the job on a bike tyre but not with my Hilux. I helped my brother with a plug on his Fortuner tyre…….aye, that was very difficult. I am going to try the 12v drill route too, just to see if it works/ helps.

This is great, l love how that ‘Busa is airborne on some of those ramps!

Okay, Orange brand, not GS but I am a big fan of Anakee Wilds. The rear does not last long though, 3000 kms and a bit, with traction control on, perhaps a lot less if off. The Adventures are great, I tried them on a trip from Hoekwil to Josie and back, excellent tar touring tyre and (for me) very dry dirt roads. Currently I run Dunlop Trail Max Missions on my 1190. Excellent on tar, wet or dry but sketchy on all but dry dirt roads (the front surprisingly good in sand). They look like they will get well over 15 000 kms. I am awaiting the Trail Max Raid tyres to arrive in SA before I change on the 1190 as I would like to get a more dirt focussed tyre back on there but one with some longevity. I now have my Yam T700 which has become my go to ADV bike if riding with no pillion. Standard Pirelli Rally STR’s are not my favourites. I will be changing to Anakee Wilds or Pirelli Rally MT21 when next in SA. The Wilds have good tar handling and may be a bit more suitable on the T7 than the MT21’s which are more heavily dirt focused. Generally I don’t mind the noisy knobblies, the benefit is the confidence in the dirt on the heavier mid to large ADV bikes. The cost of tyres appears to be going up with nearly every shipment to SA, the Wilds have been quoted at around R5500 for the pair for the T7. Be even more for a GS (only a 150 size rear on the T7). Hope that gives you an idea.

Very lekker, gosh, must be 10 years at least since I was at Brauhaus! Tis a fine stop over.

Compliments of the Season to you All! My Baviaans Birthday Bash was a motorcycling highlight of my biking trips and definitely a bucket list adventure on a bike. I have travelled the route in both directions in my bakkie and it is an absolute doddle compared to the bike. I elected to take the old KLR 650 as it is tough and repairable with chewing gum, fencing wire and duct tape and if all fails a hammer often does the trick! ( kidding…..) The day was hot and airless, the 66kms of the Reserve really took it out of me. I was tired at the end and managed to have a close inspection of the terrain with a small “off” on a right hand uphill corner. A stupid prang that resulted in bent bars, a busted mirror and a bruised leg……though the ego was bruised more. I was angry too as I had successfully crossed all the water obstacles and had just 5 mins before the crash told myself to be careful and concentrate! Anyways, made it to Patensie for a good rest before the return to Hoekwil via Antoniesburg Pass and Steytlerville. In all, 890 kms round trip with about 85% dirt….

Die Hel is great too. I have done a day ride in and out from Hoekwil on the KLR. Was thinking of heading there later this month. I am truly lucky to live where there are beautiful loops of 4 hours to the whole day. Swartburg Pass return via De Rust, Prince Alfreds Pass via Kamanasie valley, Rooiburg Pass etc. Many splendid connecting roads too, north and south of the Outeniquas and Swartbug mountains. Will take a look at WD’s!

Tis one of my favourite places in the world. We will travel back from Patensie via the Antoniesburg Pass to Steytlerville.

My 60th is approaching rapidly and I decided to forgo a big party at home. I am doing what I want to do and the Missus is backing it all the way…….. So, on a bike theme, we are going to camp in Baviaans, my adult kids and my brother are coming from Joburg. They will all drive the various vehicles while I go on a bike. My Birthday….My choice ha ha. I am fortunate to have a choice of several dirt bikes, KTM 1190, KTM 690 Rally, KLR 650 and new Yammy T7. I am taking my KLR650….. My reasons…….despite the 690 being lighter I think my KLR is a good choice. Centre stand in case of punctures. Easy to sort if dumped in the water at Smitskraal and easy to get my boots on the ground. And above all, I promised that bike a Baviaans adventure…..true bikers will get that!

The Wee bike has been collected in Debben and begun the long journey to Hoekwil via Josie. I hope the poor little thing is not terrified of the big smoke! Little bike after all. i am going to build an elevated display stand above my DT125 and RS 125 for the little machine to chill while I have custody of her!

This is somewhere over Turkey. We set up the below camera in order to see a company colleague who we were passing. They turned to a different route and we passed this fellow, around 8000 feet below us. We cruise at M.88 so typical TAS of 510 kts at FL450. Ground Speed in this instance was over 560Kts. 20231203_192959_59940580280472.mp4

Recently flew from Newark in New York to Kuwait. Just two pilots at the flight time was around 11 hours. We were 12 hours 50 from Kuwait to Newark due to the headwinds. 13 hours plus and we are supposed to use 3 crew. It screws us all up as we only have 3 pilots so the poor bastard off duty has to come out and then it extends all of our duties. I do not have a good relationship with FDP, Flight Duty Periods. You can operate with in the regulations and be more tired than just getting the job done in the first place. Anyways…….this is sunrise east of the UK after take off at 1900local from New York.

Yeah, I will perhaps look for a Honda SS 50 as well. The two little bikes and a few of my others may end up heading to UK at some point. However that is a future plan, will see…….

Looks really cool, but after watching this video I will stick with my KTM 690 R Rally. I enjoyed his talking of the thrill of the 690’s power…..smile on the dial each time I ride it! BM 13000 is new to me!

Late model, 1980 apparently. I believe they were made up until 1983 and even featured disc brakes.

I just had to……should be delivered next week. It is the smallest addition to my collection.

Wonderful. I do hope I can still be tearing it up around the country side at a similar age……if I make it that long anyways!