Been missing for the last couple of weeks as I’ve gone and got this for doing the NC500 next month. It’s got upgraded suspension (Ktech fork internals and Nitron rear shock) and came with the luggage, Arrow factory exhaust upgrade and an MRA screen along with a few other bits. I’ve put a USB up front from a switched feed, a bar mounted satnav. Also rewired the little running lamps in to similar so can’t drain the battery and a twin USB outlet under the seat (so phone, camera etc can be charged whilst riding). I’ve put the chevron tape on, for this trip at least, but it might stay (it’s growing on me).
It’s almost an HGV Paul . I just figured Scotland in September might be grey and with the bike being satin black and grey I need as much help with being spotted as possible. Even got me a nice fluorescent Oxford textile to complete the look.
And so it begins, set off after work to get a few hours up the road in daylight. Went cross country from M6 junction 36 through Kendal, over Shap, then Penrith and stopping just outside Carlisle. tomorrow in to Scotland
Cracking breakfast to set me up for the day at the B&B. Hopped on the M6 to Gretna and then a big thanks to @CharlieR85 for recommending A75 through Dumfries to Crocketford then off on the A712 to New Galloway. Turned north on the A713 to Ayr, then A78 up to Largs on to Greenock for the ferry across to Dunoon. From there the A815, then A83 to Inveraray and A819 and A85 through Dalmally to the A82 at Clifton. Turned south passed the green wellie cafe to my B&B at Crianlarich. Another cracking place with my bike in the garage for the night. Cracking roads and weather.
I have, but to be fair I was enjoying the A712 so much I missed turning off but in doing so got to see this
It’s performing admirably - super comfy and plenty of grunt. The luggage isn’t causing me any issues (which was a concern at the back of my mind for some reason), but I wish I was on my blade for some of these roads.
Today started with a small mishap - moving the bike at the B&B I was about to start her up and go out the gate when the wind blew the gate closed. Went to get off and wedge the gate when that oh shit moment of you’ve already kicked the stand up dickhead happened. Was on gravel and there was no stopping it go. Down she went in slow motion. Had to get the guy help me pick her up (even though I’d removed the right side pannier and box) she was fully fuelled and weighed a tonne. Some scratches to the engine bars, but that’s what they’re there for. So glad I moved the running lights inboard of the engine bars otherwise that would have been destroyed. No matter onwards….
A few pics from the journey… commando memorial (quite emotional) the overcast was fitting in a way to the sombreness. Eilean Donals Castle (Took me straight back to Highlander) - here’s to you John Applecross was in the clouds and windy as hell, was like riding inside a ping pong ball. A driver wanted me to back up (uphill) on a really narrow bit. Put it on its stand (for a change) and went and had a word - it helps get the point across without raising your voice or being rude when you’re 6’ 3”. He backed up
