Road Trip Planning: A 6,000 Mile Euro Trip on a £5,000 Adventure Bike
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- Опубліковано 22 січ 2024
- Welcome back to Tuesday at Dobbs'!
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Please do leave a comment and share your thoughts. If you've got a story, insight or pictures to share, you can also email hi@tuesdayatdobbs.com
Instagram: instagram.com/@tuesday_at_dobbs
My other UA-cam channel: @FreddieDobbs
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Time Stamps:
0:00: Intro
0:51: A Huge Euro Trip on a Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer
4:00: Open Face Helmets to be Banned?
7:08: All the gear all the time?
11:19: Buy a Dream Bike (Triumph T120, Harley Davidson Low Rider S)
16:35: Searching for the Right 125cc Motorcycle
24:08: Finding a Bike Right for the Surroundings (Suzuki Intruder 1800, Triumph Thunderbird 1600, Harley Davidson Road King, Yamaha XVS 1300) - Авто та транспорт
Freddie, about riding gear, I have a personal experience I really hope you'll share out because it's something everyone needs to hear.
In summer of 2008 I was living in Oxford and riding only a mile & half across town to a mates house. I am I should add a all the gear all the time kind of person . I was half mile from my house travelling at 30 mph when I came up behind a stopped bus. A narrow city street I could see a car coming the opposite direction but with enough time to clear the bus before said car reached me I throttled up slightly, passed the bus only to find a transit van pulling out of a side street just ahead. The bus was blocking both of our view of each other and leaving neither enough time to react properly. I grabbed all the breaks I had and ended up laying my bike down. I actually walked away with only a few bruises but my bike ended up under the van and was totaled. I was wearing a nearly new alpinstar jacket and trousers and an Arie tour X helmet. They did their job well though none were wearable again. The helmet chin bar came off the worst as was badly scrapped up and cracked. I still to this day shudder to think about my possible fate had I not been wearing a full face helmet especially, but both my jacket and trousers were also heavily ripped up.
Just to hammer my story home Freddie. It was a warm sunny Saturday afternoon and I was only riding from one side of a neighborhood to the other. That's exactly the moment most people wouldn't bother with more than a helmet and even leave the gloves behind. I was riding my old Yamaha XT 600 Tenere but my fate & story would have been no different had I been riding a scooter instead.
Please everyone, wear all your kit all the time and open face helmets are just another way of playing russian roulette.
*This is in retrospect and not wanting to get you shell shocked again... but don't all buses have a surprise for us?* Without checking to see what's on "the inside," we're partially blind when we choose to go on "the outside" of buses.
@@hulkhatepunybanner yes, I've never passed another bus or lorry again on throttle and never clear beyond coasting untill I know what's on the other side !.
For me it was a double whammy though. Almost world wide the #1 accident for bikers is someone pulling out in front of you who just didn't see you.
Still, the lesson I learned the most was, random shite happens so always ride like it might !. All the gear all the time!.
@@max.fleming1045 *Half-jokingly, my No. 2 rule is **_"Anyone making a left turn is trying to kill me."_*
Little to do with gear and lots to do with a poor choice as you've acknowledged. We're always learning.
Not a high pass mark in hazard perception maybe?
Lucky you didn't kill one of the passengers running out from behind the bus to beat that car.
I personally feel unsafe riding without a jacket + helmet + gloves, like a mental block. Just been brought up in a way that these are absolutely essential.
Don’t forget the boots. That feeling of a proper boot is something that just can’t be replaced.
Fully agree, even shifting through the gears, i have noticed with an improper boot I hit neutral a fair bit more often that I would like ot admit. Never happens with my TCX boots@@903lew
Nice to see some one with sense.
When I ride I’m fully clad in leather, full suit, boots gloves, I can barely move 😂. When I was a kid I’d ride my rgv250 with a pair of jeans and jean jacket, no gloves, a helmet (that didn’t fit properly), ripping the sh.. out of it around cheddar gorge.; it was glorious. Now I think if I’d have come off..
All the gear makes me feel much better but it kinda takes away the freedom to some extent. In the summer it’s uncomfortable.
@@gdfggggg Mesh jacket and pants and mesh boots and gloves in summer.
When I first started riding I went along for my CBT. They had a rule that everyone taking the CBT MUST have their own helmet and gloves. Everything else was advisory. The girl with me on the course had forgotten her gloves. They broke their own rules. They told her that it was ok but she must go home at Lunchtime and get her gloves for the road course in the afternoon. It was only in a school playground for the first part of the course. Within an hour she’d fallen off then taken to hospital and had her fingers stitched back on. The instructor was so devastated she never taught again. Wear what you want but I ve never forgotten that day.
Please don’t consider riding without wearing protective equipment. I’ve been riding 47 years and had a couple of off’s. Without doubt my protective clothing saved my life on the last off. It’s just not worth it, you only get the one body
TOTALLY STUPID TO RIDE WITHOUT PROTECTION. I’ve seen and HEARD people with scrape injuries on a plane trying to sit….screaming so much that the cabin crew allowed them to lay on the floor on blankets. DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT “JUST GOING FOR A COFFEE AROUND THE CORNER”
@neilurquhart8622 Yeah always wear a condom..........when riding
I am old enough that when I started riding [in the UK] helmets were not legally required, and I often rode with no motorcycle specific clothing. I once rode my Suzuki Katana 1100 [1983, 40+ years ago] wearing only an old DOT open face helmet, swim shorts, and beach shoes, [it was a very hot day]. Now when I set out for a ride, the minimum kit I wear will include bike boots, bike gloves, leather jacket, and an Arai helmet, older, wiser, and more afraid of road rash 😜
I had my first major accident in 2015 in France. A car lost control and hit me head on.. I blacked out and came too in hospital. The full face saved me.. Apparently I hit the car with my head in the accident.. Open face I would be dead..
Mr. Mr. Dopps! You should probably reconsider. Driving in the city without protective clothing is probably the most stupid thing you can do. The risk of an accident there is so much higher than out in the countryside. It is usually the small turns where accidents happen. As you just said, I'm just going to drive and have a cup of coffee. I put on the jeans and the t-shirt, it's hot today. I've seen too many who thought that way. Their scrape injuries don't look too pretty. I never drive without protection. Even if it's just to have a coffee. I understand you want to drive lightly dressed when it's warm. You feel freer and move more easily on the bike. It's no fun putting on several kilos of clothes for a short ride. Drive safe 😊
Tomorrow will be my very last payment on my 2018 fatbob FXFBS.
I told the salesman that i want to pay the whole thing off in 5yrs, yes i know 5 years seems a long time, but monthly payments of £299 per month was well worth it.
So the day has finally come when i own the bike outright. A very happy harley owner and i how you get your bike back soon, love the videos👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The summer tour starts in the depths of winter. Maps on the table, google searches, do your research.
Plan the route on your map and if you use one, transfer it onto your gps system or phone of choice.
Involve management in hotel or accommodation choices. Get excited abiut things you want to see.
As for bikes, just take whatever you have. The important thing is to go. Choose your route appropriately and anything will do.
Spend the saved money on the trip.
Just go. You won't regret it.
Safe and happy travels 👍
As an addendum Freddie. You'll probably remember, I've ridden bikes since the late 70s and was a Fireman for 32 years. (You've used quite a lot of my correspondence on your show) so im not reckless and have seen more road carnage than most. Neither am I flippant about safety, I am just very keen on freedoms and keeping hold of them. And for that reason alone I will not criticise anyone's personal choices. Hope you get over to Northern Ireland on your planned trip. Id love to buy you a pint.
there is no such thing as a free will. all of your actions and behaviors are imposed on you
I agree with you. Liberties are like muscles, they atrophy if not used. Do not comply.
@@NoPrivateProperty Well, they will if you get your way. And that kinda strengthens my point. It's important that we fight communism , tyranny and authoritarianism.
@@stevenrobinson5035 Why have the freedom to get yourself killed? Costing the NHS tens of thousands trying to stitch you back together because you decided to wear a t-shirt on the M25? Just don't get the mentality.
*At some point, it seems safety requirements might be substituting for rider impulse and/or practice.* Governments can legislate to reduce motorcycle _deaths_ but it won't reduce motorcycle _collisions_ the way continuously educating both cagers and riders to do better.
Strange that you're still recommending used Triumphs after the parts debacle you experienced with your bike.
Working on the motorway attending accidents and incidents for the past 10 years.. I can say first hand the results of the people who crash with and without the proper gear is usually a matter of life or death or at best, not losing limbs or chunks of flesh/muscle.
Anecdata is only useful for storytelling.
Err I think maybe you could describe the air vest as inflating and not exploding Freddie 😬
I was on 2 lane motorway with a 50mph & got side swiped by a car that hadn't seen me when they changed lane,
I was knocked off the bike & slide face down on a wet road, luckily I was wearing a full face nearly new Aria & armored jacket/trousers,
the lid was a right off but it did its job & 20 odd years later, the old lid is in my back garden after I turned it into a hanging plant pot.
To Sam planning a Euro road trip, may I recommend making a note of a couple of bike shops along your daily route before you set off. I was in rural Eastern Poland with a loose chain and it was here I remembered I’d forgotten one of the tools I needed. Luckily I had a Lithuanian friend who found me a great place in Vilnius to sort me out (Restart Moto) and give the bike the once over but without this help I’d have been stuck, stressed and potentially stranded. You might find yourself needing a service or new tyres, in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and to a lesser degree Estonia this is going to be a lot cheaper than in Finland, Sweden, Denmark or Germany. Have a great and safe trip.
I bought a Harley at the age 30 back in 1990 and paid cash, it was a low mileage, used low rider, owned it for a month, biggest regret of my life, it turned out to be the worst bike I owned, no brakes, no ground clearance, lack of power, uncomfortable and way too heavy.
Now at the age of 63 I own 2 DR 650s and a DRZ 400, in June 2023 I shipped one of my DRs to the UK from Australia, clocked up 13000 Klms in 2 months, currently in storage in Croatia before returning in May 2024 before riding back to the UK and the IOM and shipping back to OZ.
Point being you don’t need a litre plus bike to tour Europe, my DR is a 2014 with 330,000 Klm’s on the clock and the only issue I had was a leaking fork seal from being tied down in a crate for a few months, Europe is full of back roads.
FortNine did a great video recently on air vests/ rucksacks 👍
I’ll check it out!
Some people I know only insist you need a 1000+ cc bike to tour...
I've got a Kawasaki Versys 650 GT for touring, ideal bike.
Recently I acquired a Honda ADV350... I'd tour on it, also well recommended.
An example being a UA-camr went from London to Africa on a 125cc scooter!
Any bike can go for a tour... get out there!
Or the many people who walk or bicycle around the world............... most so called 'adventure motorcycle riders' are complete pufters
Exactly… Don’t finance anything - especially a motorcycle!
Hi Freddie, thanks for the mention! Since that email was sent the plans have slightly changed but still a 6000mi trip. I’ll try and document as much as possible
Ride safe 🙏🏼
Freddie, all I can add is get your dream bike! I’ve had my Harley Davidson Roadking for 26 years! Bought new. I still feel the same buzz riding it all these years later.Buy the the bike that stirs your soul
*Before "hi-viz," folks should consider high sound. Your horn.* Sometimes you're in someone's blind spot, sometimes they're somewhere else. Left turners. I honk. Snaps them out of their lull. Helmet, gloves, boots, long sleeves and pants (and practice) is my strategic outfit. But the horn, that's _tactical._
Absolutely. Your horn is there specifically to make other road users aware of your presence. The rash of silly ineffective over revving we see on social media gets right up my nose. Use your left thumb for the reason we've got one!
Many of the experienced London commuters have louder Akropovic type exhausts which work well in traffic!
@@ColinCarFan I'm not convinced. YMMV
Majority of bike manufacturers fit crap ‘beep, beep’ horns that sound like toys…..fit a decent air horn (car manufacturers fit great horns)
I have literally today (Tuesday) bought a Honda NC750X to tour on. This year in June I am going to explore the Scottish Highlands (not the NC500) then next year I am hoping to ride to Tafraout in northern Morocco. The reason I have chosen the Honda is many fold. Phenomenal fuel economy; suits my riding style; seat/back position, lightweight (low-down too), cheap as chips to buy; frunk; easy to maintain. Furthermore these bikes are often seen for sale with incredible miles on so clearly they are a proven bike with a proven motor....
It's a Honda. They're almost unkillable. Have fun!
Need to wear the correct gear Freddie. There is so much choice now for protective gear that fits all weather situations and designer stealth, worth making the investment in your safety.
I bought my first bike, a new Triumph Speedmaster based on the “ buy the bike you really want” thought. I love it and it is a beautiful bike, don’t think I’ll ever sell it. Don’t need to be riding fast to enjoy the ride, Happy riding !
What a trip. That tiger will be perfect. Nice one brother!
6k on the big Triumph FANTASTIC , Ride Free Sam.
I’m like you Freddie - a short trip in nice weather ; shirt, gloves, jeans ( pkev) and boots but longer rides ; full protection. Last year in Italy the gf and I just had t-shirt ( she had a dress ) the feeling of freedom was awesome. Just jumping on and jumping off with just a helmet 👍🏼👍🏼
Gosh, I loved riding my rgv around as a kid with no gear on. I’d be blasting around cheddar gorge, or wherever. Pure joy and freedom. When I stopped riding I came to the realisation that one wrong move and my fate may have been sealed.
Got back into biking recently and I have the full leather gear, but I feel quite constricted; definitely not something I’d wear for long journeys. It would be unbearable. It’s full armour and if I did come off I’d be fully protected, other than the inflatable stuff.
I’m a Sunday rider, so I can handle it knowing I’m gonna stand half a chance. A difficult one.
absolutely brilliant. i look forward to tuesdays , now my fav day.
Regarding gear - it's not just the amount of gear but also the quality. I was rather perturbed to realise that my AA jacket only really protected me below 30mph, and have seen AA rated jeans split when touching the ground. What's the point being ATGATT if you have cheap gear that won't actually protect you? AAA Hood jeans and AAA RST leather jacket for longer rides, but too tight for my Keis jacket in the winter! So risking with a AA.
The Honda Super Cub 125 would make a great first bike. A gorgeous. motorcycle and the biggest selling vehicle of all time.
@Tuesday at Dobbs
My dear daugter died following a fall from a hourse not a moving bike. She was only 14 years of age and had no safety equipment . Not going into any datails BUT if your going to ride a bike why not invest in good gear .After all you bought the bike and want to be safe .I have been riding for over 42 years now and would never ever ride without my gear on.Its that quick trip up the road that going to catch you out not the long haul. Saves lifes and it should be the law. My lid cost me £500 and will last 2-4 years and then i always buy a new lid. Gloves a must good quality a must not Temu crap. Just ask some one whos dropped a bike whos been hurt . Think safe think self dont get into the it will never happen to me thought patern . If you do then it will be you .Please read this out online . please please
Hi Freddie, re the Triumph tiger 1200. Just beware the valve adjustment service will cost over £1,000 at a Triumph dealer, it takes approx eight hours or something ridiculous! The Tiger I had suffered with gearbox issues, Triumph were unable to sort it out so I got rid, it was a shame as it soured my ownership experience, the engine is sublime though and gives serious performance! Really looking forward to seeing your mammoth trip ! 👏👍😀🏍
Fortnine did a very good video this week of an airbag rucksack. Well worth taking a look. I'm considering one.
Nice Gilera runner on that lads trip, was the first 2 wheeler i ever bought, 180 2 stroke, cracking scooter.
Your Greek story brought back memories of our holday there in the nineties when we hired a Yamaha 535 Virago for the day. Insurance was included they said so I asked about collision damage waver, excesses, the usual car hire stuff. The agent just said, "No, just be very careful"
I think I hired that same MT5! I took it back after about 100 yards and adjusted the brakes so I actually had a chance of stopping if necessary!
I'm getting back into biking after a 35 year gap & horrific accident as a learner / dispatch rider back in the day.
Soon and finally, will pass my MOD2 in Feb 2024.
4 x Pairs of AA rated boots
2 x Heavy AA rated Jackets
1 x Light AA rated Jacket
2 x AA rated Jeans
3 x Helmets and mix Between the open face and the full face SENA's.
Oh and I have a cb125f 🙂
When its cold, like now, I wrap up like a mummy and when warmer I travel lighter but reasonably safe for when that thing we will never talk about happens.
My "pass my test" bike is already bought but at the shop and will be a CB500F (2022).
I don't wear the same clothes in and outside the house so, for me, it's simply a matter of getting dressed with motorcycle gear instead of my regular clothes. Makes zero difference to me but at least I'm fully protected.
I can understand how having to change from motorcycle gear to, say, a suit for office work and then back to gear could be annoying for some
I bought a Helite vest a few years back when I was commuting every day all weathers. Fortunately never deployed but I still use it whenever I go out.
We travelled 110,000km on our triumph explorer... (Australia) fantastic bike ...we beefed up the suspension for two up plus gear. Probably one of the best bikes we've owned. We now ride a triumph trophy....also superb. Gave up on BMWs....too much going wrong and too expensive to fix.
Love your videos, their relaxing and more of a conversation with a freind!
Just watned to say, I recently got a T120, in no small part to your T120
and Royal Enfield Int650 comparison. I'm very happy with it, and my kids
call it my Bonnie.
Hey Freddie, keep doing what you are doing! Love the travelogs as well as the bike reviews. So does my cat!
Did 10k miles in Europe on my £3k TDM 900 last summer. Serviced and new tyres before I went, new brakes, chain and fork seals when I got back, didn't miss a beat the whole time.
Hi freddie, just got a 400 burgman, something different and cant wait to take on some trips this year.
Harley payments 😮 There is no way in the world I would pay ANY finance at 10.9% APR. Outrageous! I always look for 0% finance wherever possible… I prefer new bikes as I don’t want all the hassle of MOT’s etc. Bike/Car finance is ridiculous at the moment! 🤦🏻♂️😩
Freddie : What we never get from vloggers like yourself is the question of reliability. So many stories about how bad KTM bikes are and how good BMW is. But what's the truth, which manufacturers comes out best for reliability and who's the worst. It interests me and I'm sure many others would find this subject of interest as well, how does Triumph get on, of interest to you, surely.
I don’t think Freddie has the wherewithal to discuss reliability!
On safety gear, one of the overlooked aspects is being seen in the first place. Considering how often accidents are a result of car drivers not seeing motorcycles anything you can do to improve the situation has to be a help. I find that motorcyclists with hi-vis vest and helmets are far more obvious. The best accident prevention is not being in the accident in the first place. I know it looks a bit daft but then laying broken on the hot tarmac doesn’t look exactly appealing either.
Hi Freddie. Firstly thank you for your Chanel. Absolutely love your work. I’m originally from England (Bolton) and now been in Australia since 2009. We have it great here and Im luck enough to have several motorcycles. I was knocked off my beautiful 2007 Honda nt700v Deauville in March of 2023. I was wearing hi viz jacket white modular helmet and the driver still didn’t see me. The police who attended the accident commented on how I looked like one their boys. I would still wear all my gear even on short journeys as with all the gear on I still suffered a broken collar bone and six broken ribs. That was at 55ks an hour. The bike was a right off unfortunately. I have replaced her with a 2013 Honda ctx700 manual. Yes perfect for work duties weekend riding and camping. Such a universal bike. I’m currently listening to you at Redcliffe beach (Sutton’s beach) in Brisbane at 10pm and it’s 25degs. I’m on my Honda vfr800 2000 model. Yes I love this bike as all vfr owners do. Keep up the good work and I’m keeping my eye on your triumph. Fingers crossed for you sir. Best wishes to you and Monica Anthony in Australia 🤗
Freddie, Freddie, Freddie, you're going to start a cc war. Kieran might want a litre-plus bike, but it's it fast he needs? To Kieran
Your mate has a 750 Shadow, why not buy the same? Otherwise won't he be the one at the back?
Think of the advantages, you can carry spares between you, that's if you need to, it is a Honda after all.
Imagine, you can cruise along side by side, conquer the hills with ease, not flounder under the weight if you hit an unsealed road.
Mate nothing says mateship like having the same bike as your mate.
I rode a couple of small older used 250 or 100 Kawasaki back in the 80’s. The Dream I couldn’t afford was a Bonny. Manage kids dog mortgage I quite riding 30 years later. I went and got my learners permit and the entry course.
Next morning started looking round for a bike I stopped in at Honda. On my way to triumph.
I left the triumph dealer on a 2018 Red Street Twin. It took me one round trip ride to run it in.
It was a Bonny. Cost more than I intended to spend but it put a giant smile on my face.
Mutt 125 is a brilliant recommendation. Wondered where you were going with your other random recommendations! If I was 17 or a learner again, I would definitely go for a Mutt - a real Peaky Blinder 👍
Hi Freddie, I wear a Nolan N70-X helmet. It’s fully legal open face but it’s a detachable chin bar so you have a choice. It’s even got a NComs headset which can be ordered fully installed and is the neatest installation ever for an intercom. I’ve also just bought a couple of Furygan Inmotion airbag vests for myself and my partner which fits under our touring jackets. I’ve just had my 69th birthday and ride a Ducati multistrada V4s. Thought it wise to take the police BikeSafe course ( highly recommended) as I hadn’t done any training since I passed my test 40 years ago and they talked about the accidents they attended and the fact that they saved injuries and sometimes deaths. Cheers Simon
Thanks Freddie. Good show. An observation for Kieran. Mate you're certainly looking at going from one extreme to the other with the mega cruisers. I would caution that before you shell out on a big boy you make sure you are comfortable with the weight. An extra 100+ kgs of motorcycle to pilot will definitely be noticeable. They won't be anywhere near as 'chuckable' as the RE's and will be much more challenging to push around the garage. You will also have to take much more care with where you park, as an ill placed bit of gravel underfoot at the wrong moment can lead to dropsies at these weights. I would suggest trying some of the mid capacity (750-900cc) cruisers from the Japanses brands (e.g. Suzuki Boulevard 50ci - 800cc) and the likes of old Triumph Speedmasters and Americas. I think they woulkd do the job for you but with much less weight penalty. Cheers!
Thanks for the info Tony!
I will definitely bring doing my share of research before pulling the trigger. Im a fairly built man on-top of being quite tall, the weight while stopped is not what's worrying me on the larger bike, throwing potentially 500kgs of motorcycle and rider and gear through a corner is my main concern on the bigger cruisers. I do have my eyes on the Triumph America and smaller Boulevard's the issue is they are so rare to find un-thrashed bikes because they stopped selling them in 2018/19 due to ABS laws. I fear if I buy a C50 for example, and ride it for a few years, the other bikes will gain that Harley $$ due to rarity.
Definitely taking your advice into consideration though.
A couple of slightly different options for the 125cc is the husqvarna svartpilen and vitpilen 125. In my opinion they look great but i know some that really dislike the looks.
I'm a big fan of layering so you can adjust as the weather dictates... i.e. moisture wicking base layer, light insulating jacket (£15 Primark!😃), lightweight cool Motorcycle jacket, outer waterproof jacket.
Remove and add items as necessary..... I hate built in waterproof liners. When you get warm you just 'boil in the bag'.... !
Loving the channel BTW.
It’s interesting reading some of the comments here about safety and personal choice etc, yet no one has mentioned the knock on effect to family or emergency services as well as hospitals, especially the strain most UK hospitals are under. Look if you wear all the protective clothing you have taken some of the risk away from injury not all but some, this not only benefits you but also your loved ones and all the emergency services including the NHS….. so why are we even having this conversation???
WELL SAID BUDDY
Mr D, I have a 125 VanVan and it gets favourable comments wherever I go. I love the little thing.
Yep, start on a 125. Honda CB125R/Yamaha XSR125: good options. Wow: that Mutt GTSS. Get that one, lass. Nick
Stefanie (hope I spelled it right!) - if you want a true classic, you could look for a restored or at least well tuned Honda CL100 or CB125. Or there are some Yamaha's with small engines too! It would be a true vintage bike - my first bike is a CL100 from 1971 and I love it! They do not go fast at all, and are very simple to operate. I would make sure you get one that's had a recent tune up or been fully restored so you feel confident with it. They are very easy to learn on and you get the cool factor of the Kick Stand :-) I am getting a new bike now, but will keep my Honda and still would like another vintage one in the future. They are just so beautiful and fun!
Freddy, the triumph 1200 is great but there are even better touring bikes for less in the triumph range...
The 1050 tigers come fully loaded for well under the price of the 1200..
Unless needed to generate income (e.g. courier) or to commute, motorbikes are dispensable purchases in my view and I would never buy one on credit unless there was a 0% interest offer. I have had motorbikes all my life, always saved up to buy the model I fancied (and always sold the motorbike I owned before buying a new one, unlike a lot of people judging from the ads I come across), always bought secondhand (because depreciation of new bikes is insane, because there’s plenty of great, low mileage bikes out there and because I love bikes with a story and fixing/customising them is part of the fun). To each their own, credit is not for me.
I was quite surprised how low the Motorcycle death rates are in Spain. When I've been over there everyone in t-shirts and flip flops .
Freddy, what we wear depends on where we are. For me I have been living in Thailand and Vietnam for the last 7 years. On proper rides I’m all the gear, short around town it’s at least pants, boots and a light mesh jacket as heat is the enemy. Road deaths in Thailand are 50 per DAY. Many of which are locals and many are also tourists getting on a bike with no gear or experience. Don’t tempt faith and never ride at night, poor visibility and lots of drunk driving
Hi Freddie, Top quality video's as always but more over the audio you seem to get perfect not easy to do it seems as many other video's on here blast your ears off, wanted to say the young lady thinking about hi-vis air jacket why not get a plain black one & use a hi-vis vest over the top then you have best of both worlds ? you have a choice, Also my brother got his other half a Fiat 500 lounge & they have what Fiat call seat safe under passengers seat ? you lift the front of the passengers seat then tilt up from the back & it's a fairly big storage bin under the seat ? ATB Wayne....😀👍
How’s everything going?-Tuesday! Super. amazing vlog, =))
I remember riding my 650 triumph twins, And 750 tridents without helmets,
I was an all the gear all the time bloke until I had my big off.I had life changing injuries (I have one leg and died three times and am still having operations six years later).The best gear in the world will save you if you go skidding down the asphalt but if you get run over it won't make a bit of difference.I think you should wear whatever you are comfortable in and makes you a confident rider and legislation will not make riding any safer-riding a bike is dangerous fact but confidence and comfort both go a long way to making you a better rider without spending your time worrying about the what it's.
You have an advantage with the exchange rate at the moment. For us up north ( Norway) it's the other way around. Apparently, our currency is not a safe haven asset. Anyway, safe travels:)
I have an XSR125 and I think it's a great bike. Not much has gone wrong with it in the past year of ownership, except for a broken gear indicator sensor which I suppose was due to some less-than-smooth gear changes. I brought it down to the garage and it was fixed under warranty, no questions asked.
The bike is great out on the back roads, riding through the mountains and going through town. I've never brought it on the motorway and don't plan to but I'd say it probably would struggle in that setting. Also on faster roads, it lacks the torque required to overtake with the level of urgency that I'd like but, to be honest, the roads are empty around here so hardly ever need to overtake anyone. It's also decent enough on gravel roads, maybe not for the full off-road experience but I have taken it down some dirt tracks and it handled itself well enough. Also, for some reason, the one I got came with trail tyres, don't know if that's standard, but didn't hurt on the rougher terrain.
It's a very easy bike to ride, it's very light and agile. I think it sits at about 140kg so it's possible to catch it if you mess up while doing some slow speed manoeuvers. I'd definitely reccommend the bike to anyone wanting to start out learning. It's a bit saucy at around 5k euros new but for peace of mind I think it's worth it.
Hi Freddie, the TEX is a great bike for long distance travelling - never let me down over more the 40k miles from different journies. My mpg is much better 45 mpg US / 54 mpg UK respectively and I´m not slow riding. ATGATT is overrated - sure, protection is important and should be worn using common sense. I think the industry plays with our fear of being injured, mutilated or even killed. And we motorcyclists allow to take part in this game because we simply don't want to face reality. The reality is that we have a fun but potentially deadly hobby, no matter what protective gear we wear. Much more important , in my opinion, is to attend training courses regularly. Braking correctly, steering, cornering technique, eye guidance, being able to read the road correctly - constantly improving such skills is certainly more effective than any airbag vest or airbag pants to make us survive another season.
I would suggest the Yam XSR over the Mutt honestly. I own the XSR in the Legacy edition and it’s a fantastic 125. Reliable, looks great, sounds really good for a 125 engine and pretty nippy too. I also have owned a Mutt. Wouldn’t recommend honestly, style over substance with really terrible and unreliable electronics. I could recommend a Suzuki Van Van 125 though. Great for city riding and for a fun beginner bike. The fat back tyre can handle the worst of winter road conditions. Just passed my Mod 2 five days ago and am excited to test ride some larger bikes. I love the classic bikes too and am looking at Triumph and Royal Enfield. All the best, love the content. Thanks.
an MG California 1400 could be a good alternative to the bikes suggested at the end of the video.
Hi Glenn here from Vegas (Swindon boy)
Thunderbird Storm. Can’t sell them over here there has been many for sale here 6k miles $5,000 and under. Great bike I know but most probably a little heavy for the average rider. Keep up the videos I look forward to them every week 😎
Really interesting, I don’t think they’re quick sellers in the UK either😳
Stephanie try a Honda Monkey or Dax, you will love it.
In recommending these old bikes as everyday transport have we forgotten the problem in maintaining them because of the lack of parts? They're ok as a second hobby bike which you can afford to have off the road for several months but not as an only bike.
The best cruiser tourers I know are the Victory Cross roads (or Cross country/Magnum) I have a Cross roads -11 myself... Or the Honda VTX1800 (later models with injection) These two are even better than the Intruder 1800. And If you want the full monty: Kawasaki Vulcan VN2000 is not to forget, nor the Triumph Rocket III.
Freddie….Classic 125s, Stephanie should look at a Suzuki RV125 Van Van, a quirky fat tyred but full size bike, low seat height and super easy to ride, not the fastest 125 but perfect for exploring, and very, very cool. There’s a guy on UA-cam that rode his around the whole coast of the UK last year. Worth checking out.
I had a Mutt Fat Sabbath for a year and it was fantastic. That said, the dealer I bought it from has stopped selling the brand because they told me the "quality isn't there" before taking me to one in their workshop with all manner of small issues....hmm, I don't know what to think. My own Mutt was super.
Never heard of Mutt! Cool thx
🏍 Freddie. Re fuel economy. I have a Ktm 1290 super adventure s. On a trip from Bristol to North Wales, pillion, loaded, rain, 6 hours in the saddle. A roads- 63 MPG!!
That is incredible!😳
@@tuesdayatdobbsI think most newish bikes seem to be pretty good on fuel if you don't rag them . I averaged 56mpg on a tour on my BMW R18 . I was quite pleased with that .
Afternoon good sir. I like the video I've had my dream since 2019. It's a 2018 t100 matte black i have a bit over 32000 miles on it. About 3600 dollars in aftermarket in her probably 4300 realistically. Ive gone thru 4 sets of tires so far. Safe journeys always......🎉
That’s a great distance you’ve covered. Aftermarket parts for Triumphs are all too tempting- they’re the perfect blank canvases
They are very refined machines Freddie. So much so that I'm longing for a royal Enfield twin much like (I've heard) my honda 400 cb twin from 1982 82 cb six speed in a 1980 cm five speed frame......
Motorcycle Kevlar/dyneema gear is getting so good that even if you’re into raw denim you can get some really good looking jeans. D3o stuff is also getting better and better, really no excuse to not wear gear anymore. 1 small accident is enough to make enough damage.
Freddy ,you talking about Mutt in Germany, there are also many other really good quality brands for the same type of bike here in Germany.
Brixton, Mash and CF Moto just to name a few.... I actually think here in Europe we have more choice than UK. 👍
I think Kieren's biggest issue is riding severely underpowered Royal Enfields and making the assumption all bikes of the same CC are also gutless.
It's simply not the case, unless Kieren is a 'heavy-framed' individual, in which case needs a bike with good torque.
Been riding since the early sixty’s always wore a helmet one of the first to have a full face helmet (kangol) belstaff jacket trousers decent gloves boots you buy the best u can afford don’t skimp they will protect you now it’s time to downsize I have a Honda cb 750 sohc ,,and a bmw r100 r/s both 70 s bikes now to heavy I want to carry on but am in a spin as what to get
It's always tempting to skip gear. Just remember it will always feel unnecessary or overkill until you need it.
As a motorcycle Rider i wear protective gear. Especially since i ride a dual sport bike, being safe on road and off road is very important to me. Especially since i have a family to provide for. Saying all that, im against government imposing their will on the ppl. As far as im concerned, we know the risk we take when we get on a bike, especially without gear. Ride safe.
My mate had a car pullout on him and he crashed. Seems car drivers can't see daylight running lights either
You simply can't see anything if you're not looking 😮
"You can't fix stupid!" - Ron White (Google it for a REAL belly laugh!)
Did you not buy the explorer ..its still up for sale it seems
I'm also from Kentucky. I started to wear a helmet because, one night I was hit be a hawk at night in my right ribs. I also wonder why the law doesn't allow having a small blue light on the front of a motorcycle. That, most people would notice instead heigh viz.
T120 is what you need to buy Freddie
It's not the helmet, it's how it fastened and what's worn with it! Simoncelli died after Rossi ran over his helmetless head,a fullface,yet i had my head run over by a car wearing an openface wearing a JT Racing 'Mouthtrap',only a slight mark on my left cheek....I've managed to find a new one at the Telford Classic Dirt Bike Show,which I'll be wearing on my Americas adventures...lawmakers don't know about such things! Great for offroad, and really hot weather!
Oooohh! Freddie, we gotta 'chat' about gear!!! I'm impossibly broken, as I order, install gear that A) I don't need, B) I end up removing. Gear: "For Offroad Use Only"- WHY? I DON'T go offroad? Now, I've got to lighten it up: remove the exhaust weight, pull the carbon cannister, turn off the noise cut off valve. Ride it for a year, and its gone way down in functionality. I DID the stupid things, again!
Ahhhh the joys of biking. I’ve done similar with the Bonneville😆
@@tuesdayatdobbsFinally, AT 59 YEARS OLD, Freddie, I'm able to 'restrain myself'. However, its saved lots of cash and allowed me to properly 'steward' the bike to a new owner (inevitably, right?) without stories. Yes, new bikes require: phone mounts, tail tidies & fairing protection, but now, I like a year before 'adding/removing' anything! 'Adulting" is hard.
I'm looking to get a second bike ( I don't drive a car) I've got a triumph st 1050 but it's just a bit big to lug around . Thinking about getting something smaller, any suggestions?
Just bought my dream bike - 1200GS but rather than buying new i got a 2015 TE spec with only 11K miles
I have a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and I average 53mpg to 55mpg
With regard to riding without a helmet as a minimum, I have seen the results of what can happen when some one has an ‘enquired brain injuries’ from people who did not wear protection clothing, or even a decent helmet. Believe me it is not worth it.
Tal;king about fuel consumption My 2012 R1200 GS TU model does 55 -57 mpg on mixed types of roads .
I feel uncomfortable and exposed when not wearing a rider safe jacket, gloves and helmet but I do find that full face helmets do limit your 'life saver' and side vision quite a lot and cut's you off a bit from the riding experience but maybe that part of it is a necessary evil. Maybe a slim open faced helmet with an ample and secure chin strap is a way forward to remain safe, give decent peripheral vision and retain the joy of the rider engagement with the ride.... Great video Freddie. I love the diverse range of bikes you show here on these streams.
Had all sorts big bikes little bikes posh bikes not so posh bikes etc etc etc but never ever had so much fun as that on my Triumph tripe which one winter made into a survival/rat/god knows what !! Got more attention than most not that I wanted it left it out in the rain it fell off its stand a few times got hit by a post van just picked it up and carried on great fun no no no stress and it cost me £800 with probably about £80 of stupid paint and bits and bobs to make it what it ended up as ..Funny thing is it was probably one of the most reliable bikes I ever had ???
Also fully protected can give a false sense of security