bippo

Depending on your VFR variant Katie, you're looking at at least 20kg heavier than my Tiger - ouch! Definitely technique - some guys on the Tiger forum struggle with that bike on the centre stand and they are 6 foot blokes...

... And be careful boarding the ferry with the amount you've lowered it... Last thing you want is to ground out on the ramp, ha! Seriously though, sounds like a right adventure, enjoy! Afraid I can't offer any advice on the other countries - but maybe try checking out the adventure bike rider forum? They might have write ups on the countries you'll trek through.

Great pic of you both - and the bike of course!

Your bike manual will tell you the running in period specific to you bike - so maximum number of revs for X number of miles. Each bike is slightly different you see so best to check what the manufacturer says for your own bike.

Glad you had a good time Tommy, looking forward to hearing more about it!

Centre stands are all down to technique and confidence. I use exactly the same technique on my Tiger as I did with my YBR... - Left hand on l/s handlebar - Right hand on l/s pillion grab rail (or whatever you can get your hand on) - Right foot on centre stand arm, gently push it down and make sure both feet of the stand are on the ground (important). In terms of building up confidence, at this point the bike is pretty stable. - The key is to use your weight, for me I stand fully on my right leg (which is on the centre stand arm). My left leg just off the ground. - Whilst doing this my left arm is there to pull the bike backwards if needed (not up to the sky, but towards you). My right arm is there to pull the back of the bike upwards (towards the sky). Practice a few times and it'll be easy, especially on the YBR. In fact it's useful to know how as my side stand failed once so it was my only means of leaving the bike unattended! Overall the process should be smooth (made possible by ensuring the centre stand has full contact with the ground to begin with, and by using your body weight - not brute force). Finally, don't panic once you stand solely on the centre stand arm and the bike doesn't pop up immediately - it will! It's not a balancing act at this point (although it feels like it), trust that the bike won't topple over unless you do something silly.

Excellent Jimmy, well done you! I want a Bonnie too, or a Scrambler. Was at the garage yesterday eyeing them up...

Ha ha ha! Dead ringer for Tommy that...! Looking forward to hearing of his adventures, although if he suddenly wants a Beemer - we're in trouble...

Thanks, it's a great bike I have to say, so much fun. Once the weather is a little warmer it'll be taking me up to Scotland. Hoping to get a week off work, plan on camping and spending my time riding all around. Heard good things about the 1050, bet that's even more fun!

Managed to get out yesterday - loving this weather at the moment. Was a good opportunity to get my new tyres scrubbed in (the miles are racking up on this bike). Police were out in force around Matlock Bath though - as were the sports bikes. Rode past some young lad who had been pulled over. Forgot to check my trip meter when I got back home, but think I did about 150 miles. Happiness.

Good intro, welcome to the forum! The YBR (non custom) was my first bike, loved it. I'm onto a Triumph Tiger now which I love even more! Also living in Derbyshire, in fact the sun is shining and I've finished walking the dog so I think I may go out for a ride! Stay safe.

Enjoy yourself Tommy! Looking forward to hearing all about it. Safe travels!

I think the suit would compliment Betty well Noise... Ha ha! That aside, good buy Feliks!

Oh my goodness. This is all the more psychedelic after a few drinks...

Zen Overland and Metal Mule are approved UK sellers of the cyclepump.

Ha ha ha!

I really like that, enjoy!

Yeah Katie... We'll let you play still!! As Blackhat says, post a piccie up of your new steed! What made you choose that?

Cool - I hear good things about Altbergs!

Itchy feet for me - not been out since the weekend, ha ha!

Oi!! Ha ha! Mind you, any difficulty in balancing would have been related to the massive "make-up bag" I had balancing in the back of the bike, as you so elegantly put it, ha!

I am envious of their balancing skills...

I'll second that... Ha ha!

Signed.

That's a shame Grouchy. Hope the cosmetic damage isn't too bad.