Having covered 2951 miles in 2 weeks, it’s time to rest up. After Scotland we came back through the Lake District, Northumbria and the North Yorkshire Moors….primarily as a way to ween ourselves off Scotland.
Just over 2250 miles touring Northern and Mid-Scotland this last 8 days. Today included the ferry from Gourock to Dunoon. Some epic roads were ridden and our “waterproofs” were put to the test….had anyone found actual waterproof gear yet?
Can’t believe our luck today, 26 degrees and no traffic just north of the Cairngorms. What’s not to like?
Despite some short rain showers, another great day in the Highlands for me and the Mandello. I can only presume that the World Cup is the reason for the extremely quiet roads this year, but I am not complaining 👌
Just ridden up to the Bealach Ratagan view point along the north shore of Loch Ness from Inverness. I’ve never ridden such quiet roads in the Highlands and in such glorious sunshine (26 degrees in parts so far today).
After my son bought me an F4S as a surprise, a bike I’d promised myself for 20 years, I found I couldn’t ride it. I handed him back the keys with a tear in my eye and he sold the bike on.
The same day the F4S left the garage, I replaced it with a slightly down at heel Brutale 750 that has the same motor, but a more upright seating position.
All I can say is that I love the engine on these bikes. Characterful, quick and the induction noise on the Brutale is addictive.
Next task is to clean the Brutale up and get her repainted.
After way too long and far too many set backs, I have finally finished getting the motorbike that my father dated my mother on ready to go back on the road. It has been upgraded with electronic ignition, a Morgo pump and indicators (to satisfy my dad’s request).
He’s 77 and I offered to get it back in the road when we lost my mum. I hope it serves him well.
I have to warn anyone thinking of doing this, restoring a 1956 T110 pre unit bike is not for the feint hearted.
So I’m considering buying a Heritage Softail for more relaxed riding across the Cotswolds and possibly further afield.
Has anyone here got any helpful opinions on this? Am I mad to think it will be an enjoyable lug across the countryside?
For context, I’ve ridden all sorts of bikes in my almost 40 years of riding, from 100cc two strokes to full on hyper bikes, sports bikes, naked street bikes and ‘tall rounders’, with only one Sportster for reference.