Gas up - Let's Go!

It's because they are driving because they have to - not because they want to. Motorcyclists tend to ride because they want to not because they have to - totally different attitude.

but no one has ever reached 60, on account of there's never enough fuel in the tank!!!

I know what you mean. I've been down the dealers today, my missus will kill me and feed me to the dogs if I buy another new bike. But one of these days I'm fairly sure that the TTR will get traded in against a 450 !!

A challenge ! Thats normally a good way to shut someone up..... no good challenging me though, my days of sitting on a hard ass sportsbike are well gone. Gimmy dirt, rocks, mud, snow, ice, sand, water - but you can keep the tarmac! It was an open question, some folk would go naked, some would go further than that. You might want to think I'm just reffering to showing us your riding skills (YouTube ??), could be anything? Interesting how you assume 'naked' though - I like your thinking!! Right - celebs' and the publicity they deserve. There are many celebs who I admire and for different reasons, some because they are good at what they do, and it's very subjective, Suzi Perry always gets my vote for many reasons. Actors I'm don't really go for, it's their job so I expect them to be good, they get paid for it so you don't get a pat on the back for doing what you're paid for. Some celebs go out of their way to use their fame in a good way (Esther Ransom and what she does for ChildLine for instance) and I think that's fairplay, to give something back (yes the get some glory too, but if it helps others then so-be-it) OK XX, so, you've got the body, I don't think anyone is desputing that. Lets see how you add to this hijack of your thread. First off your English, you get a plus point for that, English speaking countries are abismal when it comes to second languages, but how are your debating skills? show us what you're made of - apart from the "gimme a 10" threads no-one knows much about you. it takes more than a body to get a 10...

I cover all of Europe last year, and did a run down to Gib in the spring, so I'm fairly comfortable with the whole riding abroad thing. So, here's some sound advice: First of all, legal requirements, For France you must have (and will be fined if you're stopped and don't have it); Hi Vis vest - keep it somewhere easy to get at, or wear it!. Make ssure you put it on if your stopped on the Autoroutes before getting off the bike. First Aid Kit - you must have one, but I can't find anywhere that specifies the contents. I use a fairly comprehensive one - think about the thinks you need, then consider basic first aid stuff, and put in some trauma stuff too - only if you know how to use it though, otherwise it's just taking up space. Bulb kit, you can pick these up from most bike stores in a protective case. Warning triangle, OK this is a pain as they're huge, but Hien Gericke do sell a helmet cover that doubles up as a warning triangle, costs about a £5, packs down to the size of a cream egg. They also do a first aid/bulb kit that fits behind your number plate. Spares, never bother with them. Take a kit, tire repair is a good one (as long as you have plenty of canisters, three isn't enough) if you know how to use it, if not don't bother. Make sure you have good European cover, some insurance policies have this (Carol Nash), or join the RAC / AA and get the extra cover. It comes in two regions, pretty much east or west Europe. They will repair, or repatriate you depending on what's gone wrong. Tools, think about what you might need, then think if you can double up on things. Remember - Duck Tape and Cable Ties hold the world together. Don't take what you don't need, or don't know how to use. You want to travel as lite as you can. Petrol is available more easily in the continent than in the UK - honestly, in 24 countries the only one I had trouble finding a filling station was the UK (Newcastle, straight off the ferry), other than that Bulgaria is a bit funny as the Credit Card hasn't proliferated the countryside yet! ATM's can be a bit hit and miss too. Anyway France, it's not the back and beyoned, it's a well presented country and you'll find everything you need (unless your on some wayward trail) very easily. I wouldn't bother with spare fuel, or a can - just know when you need to fill up and plan accordingly. If you are worried, get a MSR fuel bottle form a walking shop and put a litre of fuel in it just in case. Consider that 1litre of liquid is 1Kg in wieght. Cash & Credit, Take some Euro's, but get them out of an ATM over there (the exchange rate is better as the banks work on the international exchange rates rather than the 'public' stuff you get over the counter) and two credit cards. Keep two wallets, one safe inside your jacket, and another in an easily accessable (waterproof) pocket. Use one as your 'day' wallet, the other never comes out except when you wish to top up the cash in the other. One credit cards goes in each. If you are mugged (and it does happen, not often but better safe) give up your day one. Now the craps out of the way, you need to enjoy yourself. Pack your clothes light, thin layers are best. You can put more on when it gets cold, strip off when it's hot. Make sure you have the right underwear. Get some seamless shorts/undies/boxers as these will help you stay in the saddle without getting numb-bum, breathable ones are prefferable, as is good quality breathable baselayer tee-shirts, remember go thin, you can alway put more on. Get some Anti-bac spray from any good walking shop, spray this on all your clothes except your boxers! It will stop you smelling like a pig, and means you can take less with you. Waterproofs, France in April is as wet as you get, if this spills over into May then you aren't going to have a good time. Get some good waterproofs, take a couple of pairs of gloves and make sure you proof them before you go. When they get wet, you get cold. Visor - fog city is the way to go, get one in and make sure it works OK. If pinlock is your thing then it works nearly as well (I've got both), forget the sprays and wipe that are supposed to stop the thing from misting, as soon as the water get's in these are useless. French drivers are a relief from riding over here, look out for other riders they will give a flick of the leg as they pass, it's like the hand wave over here. You'l have no problems with cars, bikes or trucks. Riding on the wrong side is often a cause for an dbit of though, but to be honest I find riding on the right more natural, you'll be with another group so it shouldn't cause any problems. However when you're tired, take care at junctions as you may find you turn into the wrong side of the road!! And when you get back to the UK take extra care to move back over the left. You are on an organised tour, so most things will be catered for, just enjoy the ride. When you get back, and you are looking at another trip, you'll already know what you used, what you need and roughly what you want - go for it. I've written a fair bit of stuff up on my website about this sort of thing. I've been so busy I've not updated it with my European trip last year, but there's still lots of stuff on there, although it is aimed at the more adventerous rider you should be able to pick some stuff up. www.smokingtailpipes.com Have a blast!!

I've a TTR600E, with knobbly enduro tires on it, totally setup for off road - from the lights, up to around 40 mph it will beat anything on 4 wheels and most things on 2. It gives up at 70mph, and wont go a single mph faster!! Brilliant when you get some idiot trying to impress his GF (why are they always blonde?) and you pull up on a spluttering single that looks like it's been through hell, pissed on the Devil, and come back again...... only to leave them in your wake... It does go through the tires in about 800 miles doing this though - so I tend to take it easy. I had an Escort RS2000 4x4, one of the last of the new shape (1995 on an N) - this was just the normaly asperated 2L Pinto engine (not the Cosworth), through the twisty roads of the Lakes I would quite often leave the fast cars for dead M3's, Kangaroo Shitters (sorry Subaru), Turbo this, turbo that (use to work at Sellafield - loads of money there, lots of fast cars, all racing home - like wacky races every day!). So power isn't the key to sucess, how you drive, how you balance the car and how the car is balanced are much more important factors. Not to mention taking your brain out first, and having little or no respect for human life. (I was young and stupid)

Recycling - it's the future !!!

fair point. Who is that? her head is wider than her waist, what's the point, she can't eat, drink and must spend hours in the Gym - so like I say, whats the point. Gimme a real woman, who; Is real, not a persona Can hold a conversation Can enjoy herself Isn't self obsessed Doesn't mind geting dirty Can wap my arse off road (anyone can goe fast on the road - with the right bike) Can have a good old argument, then still have a laugh about it after Lady at dinner, what the hell she wants to be after that! Has shape, like tits and an ass Has a real personality I have to say, my missus just about passes - but the Lara Croft impersonations in Africa put an end to her adventure side (rolled the 4x4 down the mountain, then 5 opperations later she has her arm back in use!), so she's got no chance of wupping my ass off road - she got way better scares though, and her recovery back to normality is inspirational.

They're OK, these are bad..... ------ How many honest, caring, sensitive men in the world does it take to change a lightbulb? both of them...... ------ A snail walks into a bar and the barman tells him there's a strict policy about having snails in the bar and so kicks him out. A year later the same snail appears and says, "What did you do that for? " ----- Why did the blonde get fired from the M&M Factory? for throwing out the W's (think about it)

I'm not sure that's what the competition is about. I've not voted, but if maybe if you borrow those lace up jeans of Goffs............. and how far would you go to win ??

I've been looking at this picture for ages, wondering where the hole was... did, think you ment the starter motor mount! anyway, the XT600 motor is the same as the TTR600E, there was a bloke on ebay a couple of months ago selling the bits off his. I have a workshop manual for the TTR on PDF, I'll not be back till Monday (and I'll forget!), but if you send me a PM I'll put it on the www and send you the link. if you want to fit an electric start at least you'll have a wiring diagram !!

and fluffy dice ??

I might be way off here, but looking through the workshop manuals and the Owners book, it looks to me that the new key is to be registered to the ECU/YISS. For this you need the red key, the new key and the dealers knowledge. It's got me thinking, I'm down at the dealers this week, I'll have a chat

You got it there! Did get 150kmh in Germany last year but it wasn't enjoyable, just seeing where it would stop. I had the same problem with the VFR800 I alway belive this is paradoxical, those that are good riders, never claim to be. Those who do claim - rarely are... I realised that too, comes with experience I think. It's the point when you figure out that life is a journey, not a race...... For some reason I awlays end up at the front, not because I'm fastest, but I am usually the most consistant. I often find some riders feel pressured into riding fast and having someone at the front who rides thier own ride often makes the whole thing more enjoable for all. Then again you always get Mr Hero complaining that the pace wasn't quick enough.... Funny thing is, it's the girlies who seam to preffer a smooth consistant rider at the front....... Ain't that the truth....

Really, that's the first thing you should have done - cancel the bank card and inform the DVLA about the loss of a licence. I wouldn't worry about your national insurance card, I've never been asked to produce mine in 40 years! (as long as you know what the number is) A tip for life, always cover your backside, even when you're not obliged to - there's always someone out there who's just dying to take advantage.......

I would agree with that. I use a Scottoiler on my XTZ, I use Dry Lube on the Fizzer and HG Chainspray on the dirt bike, the reasons; XTZ, I do lots of mile son this, so the oiler makes sense, I've 10200 mile son the Z and the chain has not had a need for adjustment yet. These are by far the best way to keep your drivechain alive. I give this a bit 'support' in this weather by putting a light spray of wet lube once a week. Fizzer, I don't do much on this. to be honest I'm not a lover of the 600 in-line 4's I preffer a bike that delivers it's power lower down. Anyway, the dry lube is great for this, I lube after every ride (important point here with dry lube, it only works on warm chains, being wax it needs to melt to get into the joints). I never do more than 200 miles in a single ride on this bike - it's just not comfortable enough (for me anyway) TTR - I need something gooey, sticky and effective on this bike, the Hien Gerricke chain spray is good value, the chain gets a complete clean and re-lube after every ride, so there's little point in spending twice as much on a product that does the same job. The key to this isn't the product (it helps but it's not the be all and end all) it's how you look after your chain. Keep it clean and well lubed and it will last for ages. abuse it and forget it an it will bugger up before your eyes.... WD is a degreaser/water inhibitor, so using, under pressure onto the chain will wash out the grease from between the O rings, alot depends on how well you lube the chain up after too (so if you lube it propperly then you'll be OK). If you want a cheap cleaner for your chain, get some parafin (a few quid a gallon), appy it with a brush and wash off with a hosepipe, then re-lube. You won't damage the O rings, and you'll get all the muck out. It's horses for courses as they say...

That's strange, the Acerbis wrap arounds I have clear all the grips/switchgear/etc, they mount fron the bar ends to well past the bit's 'n ' pieces. I'll get a photo, it'll show it better.

I'd agree with Oldgit, can I ask why you want them ?? I've played with many different type of guards, and I've found that the big, flapy, open ended ones aren't as good as the wrap around aftermarket stuff. If it's for lever protection then these aren't any good (my mate has them on his KLR, and he always carries spare levers!), If it's just weather protection then, these will do, but you could get better. Something like these: http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/__acerbis+han...;agid=566060462

Do you have any pictures ??

Good for you. Half my team are ex-forces (I like ex-forces people, not full of sh1t like most people in this industry), 3 ex army, one navy boy and one form the RAF. 'team meetings' usually descend into a p1ssing game, and I have to say I'm more impressed with the RAF's kit than the others. Resolutions, of course, We never make them, instead we wait until the misiss goes back to School, which is today (Monday) so here it is; 1) the wine is locked away till Friday. 2) The chocolates are all gone (that's why we wait!) 3) Fruit & Veg order from the Veggie man. Simple. Oh, and I've commited to riding the Rievers Trail all the way to Berwick in the summer - on a pushbike! Like Goff, I have a dislike of excersise, but with the lack of a long distance ride on the M'cycle I need something to keep me focused. So looks like I'm on for loosing a few pounds on the run up to summer. Not sure how I'm going to fit it all in, the trail riding takes up so much time Next Year - I'm taking the Tenere to the US of A.............

ACF50 is quite sticky, and if you're riding off-road the finer sand will stick to the chain much more than with other lube's. This turns the ACF50 into very efficient grinding paste, killing the chain, guides and sprockets in no time. Nice polished surfaces though On road it's not a problem, I wouldn't use it as a lubricant, but a coating on each side of the chain is a reasonable way to stop the rust, and it doesn't fling off either.

I did 8224ish miles around Europe last year, leaving from Newcastle and transiting Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourgh, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, The Arctic Circle, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Slovinia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, France, Spain and into Portugal. The rod from Portugal to Amsterdam in a oner!! (not reccomended) then home. I'm writing the website updates at the momment, it's just atking alot of time! the trip blog is on the website though. Here I am at the end: I did this on the Z, without a single problem. There are a couple of minor faults that some people have found, the wiring harness is over tight and it can wear through if you don't release the cable ties a bit, and some have had problems with the rectifier connector get wet. The Yam luggage has iffy locks (but there's loads of aftermarket stuff now) but thats about it. I've done over 10,000 miles since June and it's a comfy as anything else I've riden, and you get some off-road ability into the bargain!! If you want to get a real feel for it, there is a miriad of information available on the XT660 site at www.xt660.com there is a whole section on the Z, and you can see what people have been doing on it!!!

Funny, Intelligent, does gadgets things, knows about bikes. .... and carries off that two piece too........ I rest my case.