Spokey

Shout of you need some route recommendations. I am out of SA until month end but would be happy to help if your routes bring you to South Cape, Klein Karoo.

Yeah, I believe that. I am looking at high pipe options, like an Akropovic or Remus end can with the high mount link. Means moving the indicators at the rear. Other option is to fit rear luggage racks. Good protection but bulky looking……… I shall wait and see, not rush to get this off road.

Ha Ha, As you know the last bike is always N+1! Theory is my last bike for me to ride. I have a rather daft idea involving more older bikes in an attempt to make a few bob. If it works…..great, if not……I get more bikes than are really necessary…………….so, no difference then!!

So, after a few glasses of the Capes finest fermented grape juice, I had decided to swop the big old Katoom for an R model with the big wheels, which was available at my friendly local bike shop. With some sanity prevailing and a sensible determination of my biking requirements as I age, my Missus has treated me for my 60th!! Yes, she is a keeper……, the Missus and the bike!I shall only collect her at month end as I am out at work. In the meantime I am having her coated with the VPS film, and having a headlamp protecter and crash bars fitted together with a tougher bash plate, to replace this tooth paste tube original. This bike is now meant to be my last bike purchase. Crazy thing is, when she is as old as my big Katoom I will be 70! Anyways, the big Katoom will be cleaned up and used as my two up sports tourer.

Am sitting in London, back earning my crust. Took a lovely ride through the Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp areas last Sunday before my return to work Tuesday. The flowers have been stunning. I was thinking to get rid of this big machine as with the 60th approaching more rapidly than I care to wish, I find she is a heavy girl to manoeuvre around the garage. But boy, she sure rides nice, will just leave that there ………….

Really like your TRX, if you ever wish to sell……………

That was a long day, 8 hours! However, this was due to me stopping often to wait for my Missus and Daughter to catch up in the bakkie. Then they needed to check out the wild flowers! Normally 5,5 to 6 hrs including stops if just me. Trip was actually closer to 330 kms, about 75% dirt, some very rough.

Took the old KLR for a 300 km jaunt around the Klein Karoo last week. First ride in ages on the old Stofdonkie! The steady duk duk duk of the old thumper put a smile on the dial! This week a swift short run down Seven Passes to Knysna showed the quality of the 690’s suspension and the near 60% power increase and over 100lb weight saving over the old KLR. Both bikes are fun………..for different moods!

Yes, I did, spent too much money on things I do not need. T Shirt to hang in my bike room kind of stuff. Did pick up a cool sweatshirt. Had lunch, was good. Quiet day as it was rainy.

Went for a 300 km jaunt last week around the roads just south of Swartberg. Cold…… properly dirty!

I have been eyeballing this little machine. Looks cool. I may nip over to Mosselbaai this week for a look see.

This is super gorgeous. They do not come up often in SA. I recall about R160 000 the last time about a year ago. I like the 748 that you looked at too. A neat little late ‘90’s aircooled 900 Super Sport has come up in SA for R95000. I am very keen but am just spending a fortune on Trellidoor security in my bike room. The bike will have to wait.

Am in Dubai and off to Londinium tomorrow. Hope to take in a visit to The Bike Shed!

So……I did pull the plug and let the funds flow from account……..I did end up with the BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika in the Mamola colours. Sure the Certificate of authenticity from BMW Heritage in Munich has added to the cost but hopefully adds to the overall collectibility. Anyhow, despite all that………the machine is a delight to ride. All of 97 HP, less than my big KTM 1190 in off road mode, but what a lovely bike, decently fast without soiling ones Y fronts! I am adjusting to the quirky rocking of a Boxer engine and I love it. This is a 2003 and bought to keep the km”s low…….this will be tricky!

That little Duke is gorgeous. I saw a really beauts 749 in SA but my bike budget for the year is largely exhausted!

Bought me a new bike. I was in Cafe Mille Miglia in Dubai a while back and saw a lot of this art from the Argentine artist Guillermo Forchino. Managed to obtain this last week. Anyways………now to get it home!!!

Righty Oh, I have gone a little “off piste” so they say, with regard to the bikes that I have constantly on my radar. Bought this today…….. She is a 2003 Randy Mamola R1100s Boxer Cup Rep, with a Certificate from Bee Em SA as an authentic rep and not just the painted 1100s.Really looking forward to acquainting myself with this machine in 39 days when I get home!

Oh yes,I am off to London around 5 June for a few nights, think I will make the effort to go there. Been once before but many years ago, it had recently opened.

This os gorgeous!

Yes, love them, but I like fact that with my 1190 I can blast off on all roads…….though in all honesty, today I avoided the dirt to Sedgefield after all this rain……..not as much faith in the Trail Max Missions in the mud as other tyres!

I am looking at a 748 in Cape Town to complement the 1098. Undecided though. Another Katoom RC8 is available!

This looks good. I need to find suitable waterproof gloves. I do not mind riding in the rain but I do not like cold hands. The heated grips of the Katoom are super but my gloves….mmmmmm

Took my little red bike to Somerset West for a service, decided to ride it there, a 450 km exercise in managing discomfort ha ha. Was indeed a challenge, so much easier on my big KTM. However, I am happy I did it. The N2 is not as smooth as it seems in a saloon car! Pic just outside Caledon.

The bug has bitten……..fantastic!

I try to get to the Ace when I am in London. So, not too often then. Each time I wonder why I bother, food is shite, service not much better, yet I feel I need to get some stickers or a T Shirt…………must be better to arrive on a bike, train and walking perhaps not the way! Anyways, next time in Londinium I will trundle down to The Bike Shed for a gander!