I did hardknott pass both ways on a CBR 1000. And on a BMW LT1200 2up, and on a Honda Goldwing 1800, 2 up. Fantastic rd. I didn't even know there was a Roman fort there. You learn something every day . Great vid..
Over the years I've ridden these passes on several different bikes. The easiest bike to ride over the Lake District passes was my Honda SH125 Mode twist and go scooter in 2022.
Wonderful part of the counrty, magnificent. Many years ago I took a fully laiden Honda Goldwing over those two passes; never again as it wasn't the gradient but the almost 180 degree turns on a gradient of 30 percent making the gradient on the turns even higher. Frightened the life out of me but manages it without dropping the Wing. Luckilly there wasn't a car coming the other way otherwise the thought of dropping the Wing and seeing it roll down the hill would have been too frightening to comprehend. The first time I did the route over those two passes in a car; I met a large lorry coming the other way that was stuck on a bend; someone must have sent him that way for a laugh. Always wondered how they got the lorry out.
I drove a car over the passes in 2000 from East to West to get to the eskdale YH where I was staying while doing several Wainwrights. I didn't return that way! Since then the road seems to be narrower and is now in very poor condition in places. A wonderful video and you had an eventful day. Thank you.
Did that run in the car in October I can safely say I won't be going back in the car or bike my wife and myself were a nervous wreck by the time we arrived at the fort.....thanks for the video I have to tell my biker mates about it I tried to explain what drive was like they can see for themselves now.....again thanks looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Best wishes Colin W from Sunderland 👍
I think the advice of keeping the momentum is certainly a crucial one and well said, keep in an easy gear and keep momentum steady 😊 The other crucial one is to make sure you look up and down the road way ahead of you to make it easier for yourself and other users (stopping and waiting where necessary). And always give right of way to people coming up the pass, something a lot of people visiting our local area don't abide by. That being said, It's not a difficult ride on any bike or most vehicles including vans up to medium wheelbase and some long wheelbase (but not extra long wheelbase). Heck I've even taken trailers over Hardknott on many occasions 😜 A lot of people spread a lot of fear about this pass, a lot of it unnecessary. At the moment the local councils are looking for excuses to close these passes to traffic, Corney Fell to the south is currently closed due to a failing bridge, but there are talks to permanently close the pass which would be an in incredible shame. Now multiple authorities and organisations are advising against the use of Hardknott pass, it's a slippy slope that will lead to these roads having TRO's issued against them if we're not careful, which would be a shame for people visiting, but would be detrimental to many of us locals who use the passes on a daily basis, heck I mean Hardknott and Wrynose is the route to my local cinema 😅 Shame about the guy on the Kawasaki who dropped his bike. Not even sure what he did there, looked like he got distracted looking at the view, hopefully no damage, it's a lovely bike 😊
Hi another Brilliant vlog yes i was talking i do enjoy them i was talking to a chap in a cafe last week and he had a 1200gs i was on my royal Enfield Himalayan how did i like i said i loved i used to ride a benelli trk 502 which i loved to bits but my right knee is no good (beeing replace on the 1st of december ) and it keeps given way no the trk is a big heavy bike and i did not want to give bikeing up so when to swop it and i got himmy and its put the smile right back any sorry gone of trac this lad say been over them pass with a himmy and is gs and the himmy was far better than the gs he said it went over the pass and it surprise him are good it was so when said knee is done fingers cross i ma have a go as i am now retired and can ride anytime mid being the better option so from one happy 67 years old bike thanks for the vlog P.S. JUST BEEN IN THE DEALERS NR ME AND TRK 800 LOOKS NICE A LOT OF BIKE FOR THE PRICE
Bonkers meeting the previous owner,i was up the devils staircase in wales,when an slightly older chap than me just took the bend all wrong,lost his momentum, lost the floor, put his foot down & dropped it,bike landed on top of him trapping his leg,just a bit of luck I was at the junction& helped him out,sport bike shop,cannot speak highly enough about them superb service & after sales. Great vlog again 👍🏴✊
Haha I know what are the chances to meet the old owner. Super nice guy, had a good chat with him. Yes love Sportsbikeshop, super service as always. Thanks 🙏
What's up? May I share this video for a youtube project of mine? Of course, I'll credit you with watermark and I'll drop a link down in the description as well.
I added to this experience pass 3 times. I loved it every time, once with my mother, once with my girlfriend and once in the large van and that was very scary. But if you get the chance to visit Hardknott and Wrynose pass i would say you would have the best experience in a van, car or bike ever, it is amazing............
Not been over the passes for many years and never on my bikes. But I did take a Sherpa minibus across them in the early 90s... Eastbound was in the dark! We had to stop to cool the brakes!!! Nice video, thank you
Great quality vid really enjoyed watching it... Took my Harley over the pass last year after only having her for 4 months..lol I made it, but boy was my heart pounding in my chest.... Wrynose & Hardnott are a great ride... thankfully there wasn't much traffic when I did it as weather was poor... :)
Great ride. I did this a month ago on my zontes 125G1, absolutely sailed through with full load of camping gear and a 16stone pension er driving! Little stub exhaust did resonate off the hi,ls though,!
Good news about the new shop in Preston. That’ll be handy. It was a god job you were there to help the Harley rider. One heavy bike. Great drone footage. Never knew about the ruins. I’ll check it out next time I’m there.
I know I’m super excited Jon, like I said my wallet will suffer though 🤣 I actually thought at first it fell on him. Always happy to help a bike 👍 btw it was a Kawasaki 🤣 I didn’t realise
I too last did the Hardknott in 1976! Two up. It wasn't scary but the girlfriend on pillion had to dismount on the steepest one in three bits to avoid the bike flipping over backwards. It wasn't a 400/4 but a Kawasaki 125 trailbike. A tough tiddler. In those days there was virtually no traffic.
Very enjoyable video, thanks. I've never done those passes on a bike but I've done them several times in a car. When our girls were little we took them over by car and they still remember the amusement of going through Wrynose Bottom ("we've been through a Rhino's bottom!"). I ran an IT project at Sellafield in the '80s and came back that way one day with my boss in his car, me driving (VW Passat). We got over the passes OK but my boss was a tad concerned at how high the car's temperature gauge got! The last time the wife and I did those passes was a year or so ago while on a short Lakeland holiday. It included a day out in one of the Mountain Goat mini buses. Those drivers certainly know their stuff. I think I'm getting a bit old these days to take a bike over there, and my Triumph Speedmaster is maybe a bit too long and heavy for that route. I'd rather do it on my little lightweight Honda Innova 125 but don't fancy the 55mph max ride up to there from Cheshire on it! Cheers Vince
Hi Nick, another brilliant video. how coincidental is that meeting the previous owner. When i am out and about and i see my previous bikes i look to see if they were mine, but no joy . well done for helping the Harley guy. I used to have a Harley fat bob and there is no way i would take it up there.
One of my favourite roads the infamous Hardknott pass, great video pal and well done stopping to help the chap who dropped his bike, amazing running into the bikes previous owner 😎
Wouldn’t like to try those passes on that Harley , but what a lovely day you had , I wonder what that chap thought after seeing his old bike ? Another great video thanks 👍🏍
A lovely ride, I done it in 1988 and should get up there again. That was an amazing coincidence bumping in to the previous owner of your Tiger. And that poor guy fell off his Kawasaki, it wasnt a Harley! Good of you to help him.
Passed my full test in August last year and have put 10,000 miles down since then on my versys 650 - Did the pass this past weekend and it was insanely challenging, but I did it! One of the best parts of the country, though I think Honister pass has it beaten on beauty.
Great ride......amazing coincidence meeting previous owner. Havent risked pass on my vfr1200 but did it in a vauxhall Carlton in 1991 ...Kids loved the trains. Managed Applecross pass on my CB1300s ....exciting ride. Thanks for sharing 😊
Nice video, thanks for the ride along. now subscribed. I do like the Lake District, I find Hardknot is the most difficult of the lakes passes. I agree Hardknot is not for the inexperienced. Must have been tough being a Roman soldier up there in the winter. Brrrrrrrr, no thanks, just thinking about it makes me shiver. I once pulled up at Ironbridge, got off the bike and realised I'd parked right next to my old 1200 Bandit, It's nice when you see one of your previous steeds is still out on the road.
Brillaint video. I passed my test last week and am looking at the Tiger 900. Can you share some information on your accessories? The sat nav, phone mount and jacket etc. Loosk like a brillaint set up you have.
Did it in 2005 when I first got my full bike licence. I swapped my Suzuki VanVan 125 for a Yamaha SZR660 (Both of these models are rare in UK). Today did it in my Chrysler Ypsilon I stalled on Hardknott east to west on that incline right bend.Tried to start and wheel spun so I reversed back and knowing what to expect I did it fine the second time
Lovely video with interesting commentary, last time I was there was in the 1990's two up on a Kawasaki ZZR1100 with luggage, that was fun!! 😱I'd love to do it again but I'm a little nervous about taking my R1250RT up there, I'm not as fit as I was back then!! 😉
Nice to see a trip over the passes, in good weather too, which is always a bonus up there. Incidentally, by far the most exciting vehicle across there, in particularly The Hardknott, is a sidecar outfit. It's a rite of passage for every vehicle of ours, be it bike, outfit, car and campervan. (pretty good on a pushbike too!) Cheers for this anyway. 👍
Thanks for the video Nick. Took me back to when I rode those passes, along with Honister, Kirkstone and Whinlatter, on my Honda CB250 Superdream one weekend many years ago. Given me the bug now for repeating it on the RE Classic 350. I think it'd love those roads😊.
Thanks for the video,I try to ride the same route at least once a year on either my CB500X or my NT700 Deauville,I'm 70 and it's a 250mile round day trip for me from where I live near Warrington(J23 M6).As you rightly say,choose good weather and be prepared for some steep and bad crapmac,not to mention the odd occasional bad car driver😮. Lovely ride on the right day but don't go in the middle of the summer tourist season or mid winter when the water run offs are likely to freeze over.You need full confidence in your riding ability on roads like that. Thanks again.
I’ve ridden it several times on 800gs & 1200gs but each time I’ve done it west to east so that you arrive in civilisation when your done, it’s still pretty dam tricky which ever direction you decide.
Great video as always , I came up from Wales 5 years ago , stayed for 3 nights and toured the lakes and rode over the passes , I had an amazing time , one of my best biking memories , really should do it again very soon 😎👍
Loved the video, great commentary, the guy that feel if was riding a yamaha dragstar, he was probably inexperienced although it does catch out more advanced riders as well. My harley chapter go over there at least once a year, so far touch wood we haven't had anyone drop their bike. Being an amputee I've not yet walked up to the Roman Fort, but it's dinars in my bucket list, i can only imagine how bleak it must've been to be posted there, especially in the winter, but i really enjoyed watching this, great news about sportsbike shop opening in Preston, ghost bikes and J&S are going to have a bit of competition which is great for us.
Thanks for tuning in, 🙏 yes I have passed over there many times and never knew a fort or walls existed. Agree the others in Preston will have some competition now. I see soortsbikeshop have about 6 new stores opening up all over the country now
yes, it was a Kawasaki decked out to look like a Harley and the rider decked out to match, it certainly is a Pass to take your breath away, your Roman history is excellent, have always said it should be for 2 wheeled vehicles only and maybe one way, you were blessed with great weather and great clear video quality, will check out what "Refreshments" mean with Sportsbikeshop due in Preston soon.
Brilliant video. It's so frustrating that GoPro levels and minimises everything out as it "looks" easy, but clearly the Harley guy was having issues and would continue to have them going forward.
Yes all action cameras do, gradient at that point was 1/4 I was nervous to leave my bike on the side stand. 😂 found out it was a Kawasaki, never seen that model before, looked like a Harley 😮 I’ll probably get slated now 😂 he didn’t continue but went back another way.
I moved to Penrith last Dec, so this is my playground. Dont forget the North Pennines, geeat riding. I'm an experienced rider of 40years, i would give the Hardknott a miss as i have a Triumph Trophy, bit too large and heavy for it. I did drive it in my hybrid Mercedes, not a problem when electric motor kicked in.
Very much enjoyed the video - been over the passes many times (tour guide) by van but always go west to east - somehow the view looks better to me, the sun isn't in my eyes and dealing with opposing traffic is easier. Never done it on a bike - having taken my little YB100 through some challenges in Ireland and Scotland the Hardknott was next on my list but will be selling it soon - now bought a XSR125 for my silly challenges. Don't watch all your stuff.....not into the adventure bikes but also have a Bonneville - year old T100. Love it! Thanks for sharing.
Brilliant footage. Many years (1984/5) since I biked it there on my ‘79 R100RT. Tough enough on slow centre of gravity bike. Wouldn’t fancy getting it wrong on your Tiger!
Been over that pass many times, R6, R1, Fz1s, Multistrada, and many other motorcycles…..Biggest problem is the car drivers AND motorcyclists who do not ‘read the road’ ahead. Fail to plan, plan to fail! It is essential to look well ahead on that pass.
Good comment. Also the number of go pro vids from bike 2 following bike one ridiculously closely. I think a lot of these people have literally done no miles on unclassified or tiny B roads, single track with mud and shit and wash out all over them, unannounced sharp bends and reverse camber climbs. It’s a culture shock and they promptly fall off. First time I rode from Beulah to Tregaron , Elan valley Dams in mid Wales, was in the dark and wet on my Spada. Coming back that way in daylight a couple of days later I could see what a precipitous route it was!
You don't recommend going over in a car? I've been over regularly in all sorts of cars. Used to use a Rav 4 often. If you go before 9am it's just about clear and good for a blast.
My now wife drove over both Hardknott and Wrynose passes in a Simca 1000 in 1976 in fog - without difficulty. It's not a big deal., just pay attention.
Wonderful video Nick. I`ve done the very same route in the car years ago ! It`s definately on my list for next spring, those roads remind me of my Ireland trip last month ! 😀
Did the Hardknott in May on my Kawasaki GTR 1400 on a bike trip from Northern Ireland... The big GTR was a handful but we made it even with the od squeaky bum moment😂😂😂
I did the same route in May when it was hot! Only going in the opposite direction. I didn't have a jolly time on Hardknott as there was a bit of traffic in both direction, including a car driver who REALLY shouldn't have been anywhere near the place they were so lacking in confidence. I also had a bunch of old German cars coming from the direction of Wrynose who seemed to think that motorbikes have both handbrakes and reverse gear! You really cannot convey just how steep Hardknott is in places, it feels near vertical. Wrynose was a delight by comparison. I also stopped at the Herdwick cafe and got 10% discount for being on a motorbike!
I ride a BMW R18 Transcontinental, I’ve ridden across the lake and the Pecos Spain on roads that challenge all types of bikers and when I bike the Pecos I’m touring with a pillion and on some of the most challenging and enjoyable routs. But experience is important but equally awareness of over confidence as well. Even experienced bikers on the best suted bike drop bikes.. you be surprised what a Harly esk / cruiser bike can do but it’s down to experience and skill. Personally I don’t enjoy riding GS types bike to tall for my likeing, I use to be a sports tourer bikers and know a cruiser tourer biker and have found so far my favourite type and comfortable and the handling is very deceptive and handle very well for the size and Waite. But enjoy your Chanel and have sub.
Morning Nick, have ridden these on a few different bikes, with the Interceptor 650 being the best. Will have a bimble over on my Classic 350 maybe this year, or early in the Spring, more than capable. Nice ride and drone footage.
Great vid, although the footage doesn’t show how steep, tight and challenging some of those bends are in reality. Done it on a BMW RT1200, my current Honda Crossrunner VFR but bizarrely the best trip was on my little RE Himi 410cc…..just a shame the 100 miles getting there wasn’t great on the Himi!
Going in June 24 with my 125 cub but trailer it up to Ravensglass and do the passes between trips out with the other half, ~I have done Applecross on it which was fun but it was loaded up with camping gear this time just me and a few refreshments spare fuel and waterproofs.
@@MOTOUK1 Hi route I took was Hardknott Wrynose Kirkstone Newlands then Honister and to Keswick for a cuppa before going back to Ravenglass via Cockermouth and the little 125 never missed a beat.
Rode both passes a couple of summers back on a hot weekday. I found the Wrynose a basic single track hill pass but the Hardknott was much trickier with much tighter turns. The condition of the road surface was terrible leading to a bit of bouncing from the front. Had thought of doing them for some time but due to riding big heavy tourers I was not that confident however the new bike let me do them with no worries of dropping it. The bike is a Can Am Spyder RT which handles the turns with no problems, the only drawback is the extra width at the front meaning that I had to look well ahead for oncoming traffic.
I did hardknott pass both ways on a CBR 1000. And on a BMW LT1200 2up, and on a Honda Goldwing 1800, 2 up. Fantastic rd. I didn't even know there was a Roman fort there. You learn something every day . Great vid..
Over the years I've ridden these passes on several different bikes. The easiest bike to ride over the Lake District passes was my Honda SH125 Mode twist and go scooter in 2022.
"Some poor sole"? Never seen a fish on a bike:)
I did this on a Chinese 125 and was really surprised it made it over. Probably the most memorable experience I've had on a motorcycle
Looks more like a television studio than a motorcycle
Wonderful part of the counrty, magnificent.
Many years ago I took a fully laiden Honda Goldwing over those two passes; never again as it wasn't the gradient but the almost 180 degree turns on a gradient of 30 percent making the gradient on the turns even higher.
Frightened the life out of me but manages it without dropping the Wing.
Luckilly there wasn't a car coming the other way otherwise the thought of dropping the Wing and seeing it roll down the hill would have been too frightening to comprehend.
The first time I did the route over those two passes in a car; I met a large lorry coming the other way that was stuck on a bend; someone must have sent him that way for a laugh.
Always wondered how they got the lorry out.
Beautiful scenery! So many cars about!
Nice one bro! 👍🏼👍🏼
Cheers 🍻
I drove a car over the passes in 2000 from East to West to get to the eskdale YH where I was staying while doing several Wainwrights. I didn't return that way! Since then the road seems to be narrower and is now in very poor condition in places. A wonderful video and you had an eventful day. Thank you.
Lovely ride. Many thanks for sharing. …….
Your welcome 🙏
Did that run in the car in October I can safely say I won't be going back in the car or bike my wife and myself were a nervous wreck by the time we arrived at the fort.....thanks for the video I have to tell my biker mates about it I tried to explain what drive was like they can see for themselves now.....again thanks looking forward to seeing more of your videos.
Best wishes Colin W from Sunderland 👍
That is a fantastic challenge I did it back in August for the first time on my Z900.
Using your video as a recce for my first two-wheeled tour of the Lakes, on a Tiger 9. Thanks for the info!
Your welcome 🙏
I think the advice of keeping the momentum is certainly a crucial one and well said, keep in an easy gear and keep momentum steady 😊 The other crucial one is to make sure you look up and down the road way ahead of you to make it easier for yourself and other users (stopping and waiting where necessary). And always give right of way to people coming up the pass, something a lot of people visiting our local area don't abide by.
That being said, It's not a difficult ride on any bike or most vehicles including vans up to medium wheelbase and some long wheelbase (but not extra long wheelbase). Heck I've even taken trailers over Hardknott on many occasions 😜
A lot of people spread a lot of fear about this pass, a lot of it unnecessary. At the moment the local councils are looking for excuses to close these passes to traffic, Corney Fell to the south is currently closed due to a failing bridge, but there are talks to permanently close the pass which would be an in incredible shame. Now multiple authorities and organisations are advising against the use of Hardknott pass, it's a slippy slope that will lead to these roads having TRO's issued against them if we're not careful, which would be a shame for people visiting, but would be detrimental to many of us locals who use the passes on a daily basis, heck I mean Hardknott and Wrynose is the route to my local cinema 😅
Shame about the guy on the Kawasaki who dropped his bike. Not even sure what he did there, looked like he got distracted looking at the view, hopefully no damage, it's a lovely bike 😊
very interesting. I didn't know about that fort. Nice meeting as well
👍
Have a wonderful weekend away with the family Nick,liked and thanks as always...🏴
Thanks 🙏
Hi another Brilliant vlog yes i was talking i do enjoy them i was talking to a chap in a cafe last week and he had a 1200gs i was on my royal Enfield Himalayan how did i like i said i loved i used to ride a benelli trk 502 which i loved to bits but my right knee is no good (beeing replace on the 1st of december ) and it keeps given way no the trk is a big heavy bike and i did not want to give bikeing up so when to swop it and i got himmy and its put the smile right back any sorry gone of trac this lad say been over them pass with a himmy and is gs and the himmy was far better than the gs he said it went over the pass and it surprise him are good it was so when said knee is done fingers cross i ma have a go as i am now retired and can ride anytime mid being the better option so from one happy 67 years old bike thanks for the vlog P.S. JUST BEEN IN THE DEALERS NR ME AND TRK 800 LOOKS NICE A LOT OF BIKE FOR THE PRICE
Beautiful country side.Thanks for sharing.JHB-SA.
Your welcome 🙏
Bonkers meeting the previous owner,i was up the devils staircase in wales,when an slightly older chap than me just took the bend all wrong,lost his momentum, lost the floor, put his foot down & dropped it,bike landed on top of him trapping his leg,just a bit of luck I was at the junction& helped him out,sport bike shop,cannot speak highly enough about them superb service & after sales. Great vlog again 👍🏴✊
Haha I know what are the chances to meet the old owner. Super nice guy, had a good chat with him. Yes love Sportsbikeshop, super service as always. Thanks 🙏
What's up? May I share this video for a youtube project of mine? Of course, I'll credit you with watermark and I'll drop a link down in the description as well.
No sorry I don’t give permission
I've noticed that most drops on this section are bikes stalling in 2nd gear. Stay in first round all those tight bends..
Yep keep moving don’t stop 👍
I added to this experience pass 3 times. I loved it every time, once with my mother, once with my girlfriend and once in the large van and that was very scary.
But if you get the chance to visit Hardknott and Wrynose pass i would say you would have the best experience in a van, car or bike ever, it is amazing............
I took the same route as you on my Fazer 1000 many years ago, about time I revisited, encouraged by you video.
I was up there the other day on my bike and it surprised me how bad the road surface has become. Well done for helping the Cruiser guy up👍
Yes the roads are bad all over the U.K. :(
Just done all the passes in the lake district last weekend .came over from Ireland done the passes last weekend
Awesome 🙌
Great video how amazing meeting previous owner of your bike! 5 minutes either way and you never have met? Unreal 😂 spectacular riding place 👍
I'll have to try and visit that shop in Preston when I'm back in the UK. Great views as usual.
The road surface has gone right downhill in recent years. To be fair, the best way to enjoy that route is on foot! Stunning scenery.
Not been over the passes for many years and never on my bikes. But I did take a Sherpa minibus across them in the early 90s... Eastbound was in the dark! We had to stop to cool the brakes!!! Nice video, thank you
Great quality vid really enjoyed watching it... Took my Harley over the pass last year after only having her for 4 months..lol I made it, but boy was my heart pounding in my chest.... Wrynose & Hardnott are a great ride... thankfully there wasn't much traffic when I did it as weather was poor... :)
That's looks a lovely ride, id like to ride that road. The fort was intresting.
First class 👍
Always welcome bud 👍
That tight right hander at 16:45 is where I see many people have problems, because, as you said, they don't feather the clutch.
Excellent video Nick. Many thanks. I might have a stab at that on my Bonneville next time I'm in the UK. Cheers, Tim
Cheers Tim
Great ride. I did this a month ago on my zontes 125G1, absolutely sailed through with full load of camping gear and a 16stone pension er driving! Little stub exhaust did resonate off the hi,ls though,!
Good news about the new shop in Preston. That’ll be handy.
It was a god job you were there to help the Harley rider. One heavy bike.
Great drone footage. Never knew about the ruins. I’ll check it out next time I’m there.
I know I’m super excited Jon, like I said my wallet will suffer though 🤣 I actually thought at first it fell on him. Always happy to help a bike 👍 btw it was a Kawasaki 🤣 I didn’t realise
Hi, nice video ,brought back memories, did the Hardknott pass in 1976 on a 400/4 with wife and camping kit, very scary
I too last did the Hardknott in 1976! Two up. It wasn't scary but the girlfriend on pillion had to dismount on the steepest one in three bits to avoid the bike flipping over backwards. It wasn't a 400/4 but a Kawasaki 125 trailbike. A tough tiddler. In those days there was virtually no traffic.
A great video and how amazing to meet the man on the KTM 👍
Thanks 🙏 I know I can’t believe he was following his old bike 😂
Hi Nick been over the passes many times.on my Harley"s Went over on a Yam XS1100 in November very scary but fun. Good video
Thanks 🙏
Very enjoyable video, thanks. I've never done those passes on a bike but I've done them several times in a car. When our girls were little we took them over by car and they still remember the amusement of going through Wrynose Bottom ("we've been through a Rhino's bottom!").
I ran an IT project at Sellafield in the '80s and came back that way one day with my boss in his car, me driving (VW Passat). We got over the passes OK but my boss was a tad concerned at how high the car's temperature gauge got!
The last time the wife and I did those passes was a year or so ago while on a short Lakeland holiday. It included a day out in one of the Mountain Goat mini buses. Those drivers certainly know their stuff.
I think I'm getting a bit old these days to take a bike over there, and my Triumph Speedmaster is maybe a bit too long and heavy for that route. I'd rather do it on my little lightweight Honda Innova 125 but don't fancy the 55mph max ride up to there from Cheshire on it!
Cheers
Vince
Hi Nick, another brilliant video. how coincidental is that meeting the previous owner. When i am out and about and i see my previous bikes i look to see if they were mine, but no joy . well done for helping the Harley guy. I used to have a Harley fat bob and there is no way i would take it up there.
One of my favourite roads the infamous Hardknott pass, great video pal and well done stopping to help the chap who dropped his bike, amazing running into the bikes previous owner 😎
Fantastic video really enjoyed it keep them coming your doing a great job
Thanks Chris 🙏
Wouldn’t like to try those passes on that Harley , but what a lovely day you had , I wonder what that chap thought after seeing his old bike ? Another great video thanks 👍🏍
A lovely ride, I done it in 1988 and should get up there again. That was an amazing coincidence bumping in to the previous owner of your Tiger. And that poor guy fell off his Kawasaki, it wasnt a Harley! Good of you to help him.
Passed my full test in August last year and have put 10,000 miles down since then on my versys 650 - Did the pass this past weekend and it was insanely challenging, but I did it! One of the best parts of the country, though I think Honister pass has it beaten on beauty.
Yes agree Honister is the best scenic pass in lakes I think 👍
Great ride......amazing coincidence meeting previous owner. Havent risked pass on my
vfr1200 but did it in a vauxhall Carlton in 1991 ...Kids loved the trains. Managed Applecross pass on my CB1300s ....exciting ride. Thanks for sharing 😊
Thanks 🙏
Great vid. Love the views.
Thanks 🙏 appreciated
Thanks for helping him Harley or not!
Thanks 🙏
Nice video, thanks for the ride along. now subscribed.
I do like the Lake District, I find Hardknot is the most difficult of the lakes passes. I agree Hardknot is not for the inexperienced.
Must have been tough being a Roman soldier up there in the winter. Brrrrrrrr, no thanks, just thinking about it makes me shiver.
I once pulled up at Ironbridge, got off the bike and realised I'd parked right next to my old 1200 Bandit, It's nice when you see one of your previous steeds is still out on the road.
Thanks for the sub 🙏 yes would have been grim in winter 🥶
Great video . . Also knowing that there is someone else that drops his bike !! . . Thank you
Brillaint video. I passed my test last week and am looking at the Tiger 900.
Can you share some information on your accessories? The sat nav, phone mount and jacket etc. Loosk like a brillaint set up you have.
Fantastic looking ride.
Well done for helping the NOT A HARLEY rider out 😂.
Some people
Cheers 🍻
Did it in 2005 when I first got my full bike licence. I swapped my Suzuki VanVan 125 for a Yamaha SZR660 (Both of these models are rare in UK). Today did it in my Chrysler Ypsilon I stalled on Hardknott east to west on that incline right bend.Tried to start and wheel spun so I reversed back and knowing what to expect I did it fine the second time
Fairplay dude well done that man ❤❤
Lovely video with interesting commentary, last time I was there was in the 1990's two up on a Kawasaki ZZR1100 with luggage, that was fun!! 😱I'd love to do it again but I'm a little nervous about taking my R1250RT up there, I'm not as fit as I was back then!! 😉
It’s a magical place in the sun, R1250RT should be ok 👍
Last time I was up there on my Fazer, I stopped at the top, and a black BaE Hawk jet flew past inverted, about 100 feet above me!
Nice to see a trip over the passes, in good weather too, which is always a bonus up there. Incidentally, by far the most exciting vehicle across there, in particularly The Hardknott, is a sidecar outfit. It's a rite of passage for every vehicle of ours, be it bike, outfit, car and campervan. (pretty good on a pushbike too!) Cheers for this anyway. 👍
Thanks for the video Nick. Took me back to when I rode those passes, along with Honister, Kirkstone and Whinlatter, on my Honda CB250 Superdream one weekend many years ago. Given me the bug now for repeating it on the RE Classic 350. I think it'd love those roads😊.
Thanks for the video,I try to ride the same route at least once a year on either my CB500X or my NT700 Deauville,I'm 70 and it's a 250mile round day trip for me from where I live near Warrington(J23 M6).As you rightly say,choose good weather and be prepared for some steep and bad crapmac,not to mention the odd occasional bad car driver😮.
Lovely ride on the right day but don't go in the middle of the summer tourist season or mid winter when the water run offs are likely to freeze over.You need full confidence in your riding ability on roads like that.
Thanks again.
I’ve ridden it several times on 800gs & 1200gs but each time I’ve done it west to east so that you arrive in civilisation when your done, it’s still pretty dam tricky which ever direction you decide.
Great video as always , I came up from Wales 5 years ago , stayed for 3 nights and toured the lakes and rode over the passes , I had an amazing time , one of my best biking memories , really should do it again very soon 😎👍
It’s a fab place Alun especially when the suns shining 👍
Good to watch, these are on my list to ride how would you compare to the Scotland ' Bealach na Ba'
Thanks 🙏 on a par scenery wise, great 👍
A another enjoyable and entertaining vlog
Cheers 🍻
Loved the video, great commentary, the guy that feel if was riding a yamaha dragstar, he was probably inexperienced although it does catch out more advanced riders as well. My harley chapter go over there at least once a year, so far touch wood we haven't had anyone drop their bike.
Being an amputee I've not yet walked up to the Roman Fort, but it's dinars in my bucket list, i can only imagine how bleak it must've been to be posted there, especially in the winter, but i really enjoyed watching this, great news about sportsbike shop opening in Preston, ghost bikes and J&S are going to have a bit of competition which is great for us.
Thanks for tuning in, 🙏 yes I have passed over there many times and never knew a fort or walls existed. Agree the others in Preston will have some competition now. I see soortsbikeshop have about 6 new stores opening up all over the country now
yes, it was a Kawasaki decked out to look like a Harley and the rider decked out to match, it certainly is a Pass to take your breath away, your Roman history is excellent, have always said it should be for 2 wheeled vehicles only and maybe one way, you were blessed with great weather and great clear video quality, will check out what "Refreshments" mean with Sportsbikeshop due in Preston soon.
Thanks David 🙏 yes maybe meet up there if they have a cafe or coffee machine 👍
Making a bit of a meal of that. I went over in a 7.5T 8.5m motorhome, tricky but a car or a motorbike would be a walk in the park.
Haha hardly you had 4 wheels and balance 😂
The dropped bike was a Kawasaki VN800.
There’s no reason why he couldn’t get the bike over the pass and it was probably rider error.
This is timely - I’m currently staying in a cottage near Coniston. I plan to go drive Wrynose and Hardknott!
Awesome
What are the odds on that? Unbelievable 😂
Hope the Harley guy managed to keep it shiny side up 🤞🏻
I know right 🤣 I think the Kawasaki guy didn’t make it. I thought it was a harley too
Brilliant video. It's so frustrating that GoPro levels and minimises everything out as it "looks" easy, but clearly the Harley guy was having issues and would continue to have them going forward.
Yes all action cameras do, gradient at that point was 1/4 I was nervous to leave my bike on the side stand. 😂 found out it was a Kawasaki, never seen that model before, looked like a Harley 😮 I’ll probably get slated now 😂 he didn’t continue but went back another way.
Ridden it twice on a pedal cycle in my teens. Done it dozens of times on motorcycles. Many times in a car and once in a transit van.
Must do again did it 42 years ago on a 1000 goldwing with touring fairing and panniers no problem 😀
I moved to Penrith last Dec, so this is my playground. Dont forget the North Pennines, geeat riding. I'm an experienced rider of 40years, i would give the Hardknott a miss as i have a Triumph Trophy, bit too large and heavy for it. I did drive it in my hybrid Mercedes, not a problem when electric motor kicked in.
That Harley was a Kawazaki..!
Yep 👍 my wife told me too 🤣🤣
I did it in my car both ways in March. It's no problem for a car if you have half decent skills. I'd like to do it on my motorbike one day.
Well done for helping the other rider I never heard him thank you?
Haha thanks 🙏 I think he was in shock as no thank you I know 🤔
Done it two up on a Harley in the dark during a thunderstorm with camping gear. Dead easy , if you can ride you can ride.
Great video as ever, I went up there 30 years ago in my dad's montego. Predictably the car overheated coming down hardknott pass! Great drive though.
Very much enjoyed the video - been over the passes many times (tour guide) by van but always go west to east - somehow the view looks better to me, the sun isn't in my eyes and dealing with opposing traffic is easier. Never done it on a bike - having taken my little YB100 through some challenges in Ireland and Scotland the Hardknott was next on my list but will be selling it soon - now bought a XSR125 for my silly challenges. Don't watch all your stuff.....not into the adventure bikes but also have a Bonneville - year old T100. Love it! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Rob for tuning in 🙏 YB100 love that. Hope your liking the T100 lovely bikes 👍
Brilliant footage. Many years (1984/5) since I biked it there on my ‘79 R100RT. Tough enough on slow centre of gravity bike. Wouldn’t fancy getting it wrong on your Tiger!
Thanks 🙏 me neither 🤣
Great content
Thanks Alan 🙏👍
Been over that pass many times, R6, R1, Fz1s, Multistrada, and many other motorcycles…..Biggest problem is the car drivers AND motorcyclists who do not ‘read the road’ ahead. Fail to plan, plan to fail! It is essential to look well ahead on that pass.
Good comment. Also the number of go pro vids from bike 2 following bike one ridiculously closely.
I think a lot of these people have literally done no miles on unclassified or tiny B roads, single track with mud and shit and wash out all over them, unannounced sharp bends and reverse camber climbs. It’s a culture shock and they promptly fall off.
First time I rode from Beulah to Tregaron , Elan valley Dams in mid Wales, was in the dark and wet on my Spada. Coming back that way in daylight a couple of days later I could see what a precipitous route it was!
An eventful ride out!
MY first time over hardnott was 1973 on a 850 norton i live neer by and still go over them
You still have the Norton ?
@@MOTOUK1 no had about 30 bikes since then
no but thats about 30 bikes ago still rideing at 73 years old but ligter bikes now@@MOTOUK1
Another great video... poor guy on the harley i dont think he knew what he was getting into
You don't recommend going over in a car? I've been over regularly in all sorts of cars. Used to use a Rav 4 often. If you go before 9am it's just about clear and good for a blast.
The Lakes never disappoint - glorious scenery
My friend who rides a Harley Davidson electricglide fully dressed has done similar passes with no problems whatsoever.
That coincidence is amazing.
My now wife drove over both Hardknott and Wrynose passes in a Simca 1000 in 1976 in fog - without difficulty. It's not a big deal., just pay attention.
Wow that was my first car 🚗 🤣👍
Wonderful video Nick. I`ve done the very same route in the car years ago ! It`s definately on my list for next spring, those roads remind me of my Ireland trip last month ! 😀
Nice video. Shame about the chap on the cruiser. I'd want an ADV bike all-day on those roads, ideally something light!
Did the Hardknott in May on my Kawasaki GTR 1400 on a bike trip from Northern Ireland... The big GTR was a handful but we made it even with the od squeaky bum moment😂😂😂
I did the same route in May when it was hot! Only going in the opposite direction. I didn't have a jolly time on Hardknott as there was a bit of traffic in both direction, including a car driver who REALLY shouldn't have been anywhere near the place they were so lacking in confidence. I also had a bunch of old German cars coming from the direction of Wrynose who seemed to think that motorbikes have both handbrakes and reverse gear! You really cannot convey just how steep Hardknott is in places, it feels near vertical. Wrynose was a delight by comparison. I also stopped at the Herdwick cafe and got 10% discount for being on a motorbike!
Lovely to read, they didn’t give me a 10% discount 🤣 I must do the route other way at some point 👍
I ride a BMW R18 Transcontinental, I’ve ridden across the lake and the Pecos Spain on roads that challenge all types of bikers and when I bike the Pecos I’m touring with a pillion and on some of the most challenging and enjoyable routs. But experience is important but equally awareness of over confidence as well. Even experienced bikers on the best suted bike drop bikes.. you be surprised what a Harly esk / cruiser bike can do but it’s down to experience and skill. Personally I don’t enjoy riding GS types bike to tall for my likeing, I use to be a sports tourer bikers and know a cruiser tourer biker and have found so far my favourite type and comfortable and the handling is very deceptive and handle very well for the size and Waite. But enjoy your Chanel and have sub.
Love reading this thanks for the sub cheers Nick 👍🙏
Morning Nick, have ridden these on a few different bikes, with the Interceptor 650 being the best. Will have a bimble over on my Classic 350 maybe this year, or early in the Spring, more than capable. Nice ride and drone footage.
It’s a lovely route in the dry for sure 👌 that classic 350 will make some good pics over there.
Great vid, although the footage doesn’t show how steep, tight and challenging some of those bends are in reality. Done it on a BMW RT1200, my current Honda Crossrunner VFR but bizarrely the best trip was on my little RE Himi 410cc…..just a shame the 100 miles getting there wasn’t great on the Himi!
Going in June 24 with my 125 cub but trailer it up to Ravensglass and do the passes between trips out with the other half, ~I have done Applecross on it which was fun but it was loaded up with camping gear this time just me and a few refreshments spare fuel and waterproofs.
Should have some nice weather in June 👍 if you get chance also a lovely area and run is Buttermere and Honister pass. Great cafe near Buttermere lake
@@MOTOUK1 Hi route I took was Hardknott Wrynose Kirkstone Newlands then Honister and to Keswick for a cuppa before going back to Ravenglass via Cockermouth and the little 125 never missed a beat.
Both passers are quite easy on a bike, done both many times, since I live here.
Rode both passes a couple of summers back on a hot weekday. I found the Wrynose a basic single track hill pass but the Hardknott was much trickier with much tighter turns. The condition of the road surface was terrible leading to a bit of bouncing from the front. Had thought of doing them for some time but due to riding big heavy tourers I was not that confident however the new bike let me do them with no worries of dropping it. The bike is a Can Am Spyder RT which handles the turns with no problems, the only drawback is the extra width at the front meaning that I had to look well ahead for oncoming traffic.
i could rip around there no probs on my trusty cz180. its low its great off road to lol im going to give it a go.
You girl I've done that many times bike,car and
Ford transit mini bus😂😂😂😂
Always one 😂😂😂😂
Great video, i am going to do this road in summer is it really that steep as its hard to judge on video
It’s not bad, just a couple places, tight turn on steep incline. Keep moving don’t stop in those places