I haven’t put up a post in a while, mostly due to my cloud storage being so full I couldn’t upload photos and being too tight to pay for additional storage I’ve only just got around to posting Motorcyle Live Photos from last November. Here we are now in February and usually I would be thinking of unwrapping my bike from the vacuum bag with excited anticipation, but not so this Winter since I decided to ride it throughout the year instead.
I’m still riding with Patrick my IAM Observer and getting close to taking the test. I’ve been out most Sundays in all weathers…torrential rain, below 5 degrees, flooded roads with the first time I’ve ever seen the ice warning pop up on the dash TFT! We’ve been out riding routes designed by Patrick out as far as Crossgates into Wales during January and recently more motorway, dual carriageway, lanes and backroads for as much unfamiliarity as possible, testing me in all sorts of situations dealing with many types of hazard. The GS has never been so dirty just lately, up to session 15 now, and I’ve even attended the KAB AGM as an associate and really enjoying meeting other Observers and Associates too. I’ve finally invested in a heated jacket recently, bought from the Gerbing stand at the Motorcycle Live show with 15% IAM member discount, it’s been a game-changer for me, below 10 degrees and I’m riding like it’s a summers day. Great bit of kit!
I’ve noticed some interesting advancements in Electric bikes on display at the show, as we head toward the Net Zero Carbon emissions. Quite a few manufacturers offering Scooters and all sorts of re-chargeable electric machines. Personally as a MAG member I find myself campaigning for choice instead of being told we would lose access to new Internal Combustion Engine bikes in favour of EV’s in the future. I may not be riding in 2050, but the thought of a total ban and the impact on industry is reckless in my mind. I’m not against Electric anything it’s a matter of choice and myself and Will really liked this little Maeving as featured on Henry Cole’s Bike Show a few months back.
Made in Coventry the battery detaches so you could take it in work to attach to a charger, and the offer additional tank storage for an additional battery giving you greater range. Nice little machine, I wouldn’t mind a go. Unusually though there seems to be few accessories or a rear rack .. how would one transport a laptop, sandwiches and a banana to the office? I couldn’t resist mentioning the lack luggage space to the young chap on the stand, he agreed it was an oversight, and they are working on some accessories.
Good to see BSA are back, still in production for a second year. Indian made I think, I wouldn’t mind one for a sunny Sunday ride. No oil leaks on these thankfully. Can’t wait to see some at the bikers cafes this Summer. A few celebrity racers too, Peter Hickman (fastest around IOM TT) and James Whittam. Will was quite taken with the latest Ninja, seemed to fit him quite well. I must say since I saw Top Gun Maverick last year I’m smitten too.
A good few rarities and classics like this mint ‘fizzer’ that takes me back to the late 70’s so too the Zed. Cracking bikes my early teens staring in the window of the Kawasaki Centre in Cradeley Heath drooling at the bikes I could only dream of affording. I’d have happily settled for the ‘fiz’ (Yamaha FS1E) but ultimately with later visits watching the Z750’s 900’s and 1000’s wheeling down the straight near Bobbington, Halfpenny Green. Mental times, happy days.
Always good to have a mooch about the Harley stand, they are really pushing the Pan-American Adventure bike, and I guess they must be selling a few. I haven’t seen many out there on the roads but I really do still like the Street Glide CVO models with that huge Batwing fairing. Some of the tech’ on the Harley looks great, so too the custom paintwork. i wouldn’t want one though, couldn’t afford one and would need a new garage building to keep it in. Always amazes me the Harley stand with exhaust fume extractors so we can actually rev the bike and get the real vibes and ‘potato,’potato’ sound even with a fan effect blowing in your face. I only wish they gave you a free bandana !
Me on the latest RT 1250 blood bike from one of the local groups. Great charity and spending time with Patrick listening to him explain how the advanced riders run the group on a volunteer basis, on call 24x7 as as I understand, delivering all sorts of ‘body tissue’ between hospitals. Always worthy of s good donation in my mind, so too Air Ambulance.
I think we are all pleased Norton and their new owners are going from strength to strength. As I understand made in Solihull, they are such a quality retro’ cafe racer style they look so special. Quite a price-tag compared to the Royal Enfield or the BSA, but the Commando really does look the part. Real good quality. The off-road section at the show is always popular, never really had chance to have a go and good to see the new Triumph Tiger 1200’s on display and doing the circuit.
A good day out with Will as my Birthday treat. A bit light on manufacturers this year again though, not quite recovered from the pandemic but better than last year. A good variety of alternative and classics there. I can’t wait to start thinking about this years tour away on the GS now.
