As someone who lives in a country where -20 C during winter isn't unusual, just adding more layers of clothing can infact work against you in the cold. They key to staying warm is to have an insulating layer of air trapped between your body and the outer layer of your clothing, the outer layer needing to be windproof of course. So having 4 layers of clothing can infact be colder than only 2 if you missing that important buffer of air.
Andy, This format is evolving into something really fresh and entertaining. I wonder how long it will be before cheap imitations emerge! Fabulous job. Gives your overall UA-cam presence a real leading edge. love it. Thank you.
Thanks Andy. Alway enjoy your little talks. Passed my test in 1982. Yes it was a man with a clip board, looking bored and sitting on a garden wall in the sun while ride round in circles. First one way and then the other. Great days. Still riding at 77years old on a Yamaha MT 03.
Passed mine on a freezing February day in 1977. I can still see the examiner huddled up in his sheepskin coat with his nose turning blue standing by the side of the road as I chugged past on my BSA Starfire.
Passed my bike test in 1974, favourite memory is the examiner jumping out from between parked cars to test my emergency stop…… don’t think they do that anymore! 🤣🤣🤣
It would be worth mounting the wheel chocks on transverse rails, so they’re adjustable and removable. Enabling more variety of bikes/bike to be carried. 👍🏽🏍️🏍️
Andy great content I passed by test in 1965 on my Royal Enfield Crusader 250 cc . The examiner just stood on the corner of the street I rode round the block, did some hand signals at the junctions ( no indicators) then an emergency stop when he threw himself in front of my bike waving a clip board a couple of questions on the Highway Code job done. Full licence ride any cc bike after that. And before the test he even sorted out some gloves for me to wear. As my riding gear consisted of a open faced helmet, donkey jacket, jeans, Wellington boots rolled down off white fisherman’s socks and a pair of safety goggles borrowed from work. Still riding today at 75.
Lovely video, my Scrambler is in winter hibernation here in Sweden now so it was well needed to get a little bit of taste of motorbiking again. Thank you for this.
Nice Goldwing. I passed my test in 1980, and yes, the emergency stop was conducted by the examiner jumping out in front of you waving his clipboard. Rumour has it this all stopped when an unfortunate examiner jumped in front of the wrong motorcycle and ended up getting severely injured.
Hi Andy. Enjoying TWITS format. Here is the meaning of the daN marking. Lashing capacity (LC) The lashing value allowed to calculate with, received by a straight pull in the end fittings. This value is used when the lashing is used as a direct lashing or loop-lashing. The value is given in daN for web lashings and kN for chain lashings. 1 daN ≈ 1 kg 1 kN = 100 daN ≈ 100 kg I see plenty of comments about how to secure so you don't overload the securing points as those look strong ratchet straps, good advice and the transverse adjustment you can see how your other bikes fit before investing. Keep up the good work! Happy Xmas to The Flyers
In terms of keeping warm on a bike, I agree many layers are good but can be a bit restictive. A couple of years back I invested in a gillet to wear under my jacket. It keeps you warm without resticting your arms. Another old school trick was to wear a pair of tights under your trousers. Keep up the good work.
I find this an interesting format, gives the channel a more spontaneous feel, which contrasts nicely with the reviews and other features which are obviously more ‘scheduled’. Nice work, and good job at mixing the format up a bit 👍🏻
Hi Andy, you could really do with Tie down points in the front corners of your enclosed trailer. That way when you ratchet strap the bikes down it will hold the bikes in the most forward position and you won’t even need to secure the wheel chocks to the base. If you use the current tie down points the bikes will want to slide back. Get yourself a couple of the handle bar straps (ebay or amazon) if you haven’t already done so, they’re ace and work really well. The only time the above isn’t needed is with trials bikes as they’re so light. Good luck and have fun 👍🏻
I love this this weekly update. I also love the stack of beer sitting on the shelf. Last time i had beer in the garage it took me two months to put my sv back together after a beer fuelled stripdown😂
Another very welcome and enjoyable episode thanks Andy. I have found that hand guards are a positive step to reducing the flow of cold air over the hands on naked bikes and makes heated gloves more effective...lots of aftermarket options out there, and they can be quickly removed again when the warmer weather arrives. Really looking forward to your on-road review of the Desert X. In addition to what will hopefully be a great riding experience, I think it could have a very good 'look back' rating👍. Cheers, Simon
Beautiful looking Ducati, the desert X the service and maintenance cost frightens the life out of me , I done my test in Wales in 1975 the instructor would send you on a round loop stop ask you some questions send you on the same root opposite direction, like you mentioned he chucked his hand in the air 😮 emergency stop time , CCM looks stunning but Really expensive
Loving the new addition of Twits to your channel.Watching regularly as a Brit over here in the Philippines. Keep up the very entertaining channel ,thanks.
I had the same trailer. Three tips (shame I can’t attach a picture to help explain). 1) stagger the chocks so that the handle bars of the two bikes don’t clash, 2) add a third chock in the centre to make fitting the larger bikes on their own easier, 3) add more tie down point in the centre so two bikes can be strapped in easier. Bonus point, always load the left bike 1st. Have the left on slightly more forward than the right. I have a photo of my set up if you want it
I agree with point 1 - point 2 doesn't apply to me (I won't be trailering my big bikes - or unlikely - chocks aren't fixed down anyway so they can be moved wherever I need them). Point 3 Exactly what I am planning to do - bought the tie down points today just pondering how to actually fix them in the floor given I need access underneath to tighten them and aren't sure on the strenth of the floor to bolt too. On the Bonus point why do you say that?? Can you explain?? Thanks...
@ Most people (well me) push a bike whilst standing on the left (side stand). As that won’t be possible when loading because of the trailer wall, it is easier to load the bike with no other bike in the way. If you have the left one further forward you also make it easier to load the 2nd bike. Slightly more space. Also, with the right one located slightly back (about 18 inches or so ) you can use the side door for access to help tighten the straps Personally , I always load the smallest /lightest bike up on the left side too (for the same reasons: more space to get the 2nd bike) I hope this makes sense Concerning the new tie down straps, just use big (as big as you can get hold of) washers under the trailer. Be very careful about where you drill. If I remember correctly the brake cable/bar is located down the middle. Lastly, I bolted my chocks down through the floor (for no other reason than piece of mind). Don’t forget you may pull the trailer with no bikes onboard. You don’t want the chocks to be thrown around the back of the trailer. They could puncture the GRP. Anyway, it’s your trailer, you need to do what you feel happiest about, it’s just my opinion. Good luck with it, I wish I hadn’t sold mine. They are a great addition to your toy box
I have t tried the Mono yet, although it IS enticing. I rode my base DesertX from California to the Arctic Ocean in Northwest Territories over varied terrain and through daunting weather conditions, all without a single hiccup. I loved that machine so much that I bought the DesertX Rally (even taller, and I’m only 5’8”), and the upgraded suspension is truly a huge step up in handling, making it fantastic for railing around mountain roads. I really look forward to your review of the Discovery edition.
It’s fine for a day’s ride, but allows a fair bit of buffeting if you wear a peaked helmet. I fitted the Ducati Touring Windshield which is shaped similarly but is just enough taller to eliminate the buffeting entirely. (Wunderlich make an even wider version). I also added heated grips. That engine is just perfect for that bike. I have much more powerful bikes, ADV and track, but the 937cc is simply a low-end torque star, sounds great, and is just right for dealing with gravel and other tricky surfaces. By the way, I just added the new Garmin Tread 2, which is deserving of a review. It replaced my Zumo XT2.
Today In The Saddle, love it. I hadn't even considered that one! 😂 I don't have much in the way of winter gear, or any heated ANYTHING on my two bikes, so mine have been confined to the garage for the last week or so. I do still ride throughout the year, but only usually local short rides in the middle of the day when it's the warmest part of the day! I'm over 50 now, I have a car. I really can't be doing with riding in bad weather just for the sake of it, too old for all of that! 😁
Evening Andy. Just settled down before and watched the ‘show’. Great stuff as usual. If it means anything in order for you to continue with this concept, you definitely have my vote.
@@davidkeppler56 Know the feeling...l remember the 250 mach one in the mid sixties. What beautiful little bikes they are. They were faster than a lot of Brit 500cc and in some case 650cc. Bevel drive ohc engine when most bikes were still using push-rods...Over here in España the a well restored 24 horas Barcelona (Montjuïc) Ducati command a high price. I've followed a couple on classic bike meets ....the staccato bark of the exhaust is like a mini Manx Norton....
I had a moments madness and bought a 698 this year. To be ridden like you mean it. Flogged it around Mallory park on a James Witham track day. Great fun.
The trailer floor you can get adjustable runners to tie down and I think you will need one down the middle between two bikes, enjoying the channel thanks
When I passed my motorcycle test in 1980 I’d been riding on L plates covering thousands of miles on various bikes including a Ural 650 combo, I took the test on a 250 Honda in order to get a bigger bike,I didn’t own a car and rode to work in Yorkshire every day in snow, ice you name it. Motorcycling was different then we lived for bikes. I’m still riding now aged 70 so the examiner ( who had a bike ) and decided that I could ride well enough wasn’t a bad judge in my opinion, you never stop learning even after years of riding. Lots of fancy bikes ridden by riders who’ve passed the current testing procedure live in the garage for six months of the year and come out of hibernation in April and so do the riders, just saying.
Great stuff, Andy....many thanks! I did know of a train spotting group called This Week At The Station....but it eventually had to close...not enough members!
Handlebar mitts are brilliant. Makes the most of heated grips, and gives you the best chance if you haven't got them. Nice hat, I think you should pull it down a bit further - can't be too careful! Did my test about the same time as Phil, and yes it was the days of jumping out in front of you for the emergency stop. My tester was about 150 so he wasn't jumping anywhere fast.
Andy, Looking at those tie down points in the trailer. You might want to slacken them off and turn them round 180 degrees, as they will probably bend when you tension the straps with the way they are facing currently. Also, you might find it beneficial to stagger the two wheel chocks rather than have them next to each other. It will give you a bit more scope for fitting different bikes, as the bars will be more likely to clash when you have them the way they are at the moment. I have an almost identical setup in a very similar trailer.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes, I put two extra tie down points in the middle. One front and one at the back. Makes life a lot easier. You may already have some Andy, but the short straps with an eye at each end are much easier that using the end of the ratchet strap to attach to the bike. Sealey do them. The part number is TDL01. Looking at the tie down points in the video, if they are what I think they are, they’re not the strongest in the world. Just a bit of a heads up. The trailer I bought had those fitted and I swapped them for something more substantial. Pete.
That’s the day that family gives thanks for all the blessings that the Lord has given us i didn’t know that you guys have a similar day in england but here in America we call it thanksgiving day
Very much enjoy this series, Andy! Very impressive having two press bikes at once, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on both. Love the looks of the CCM, I hope they follow through with it…and bring it here to the US at some point. Safe travels!
Hi Andy. Be sure to mount your straps to the un-sprung portion of the bikes. Best way is to slip a rod through the axles and strap-down the rods. This is how Ducati secures the bikes in the transport crates.
As a former Desert-X owner, when I saw it and "trailer" in the title, it seemed appropriate. The Rally at least has a chance without the porcelain wheels of the standard version. As a multi-time Ducati owner, that bike and Ducatis' response to the issues has cured me of the brand ( at least the new ones).
Another great episode of TWITS, a section I find really good. The Readers Ride this week was a beautiful looking bike, no wonder it gets people talking. The Ducati's, though to tall for me, look fantastic, and I'll be looking out for your rdviews, and hopefully the snow and cold will be a distant memory. Thank goodness for the 'Winging it tour'.
Evening Andy, I remember being outside a pub we used to go to in 1979 of which the road that passed formed part of a roundabout. A guy on one of the original Goldwings came howling into the roundabout, scratching on both sides on entry and exit. We were surprised to say the least a to see a Goldwing being ridden that spiritedly and b that it could actually do it without going down the road on its side. Admittedly the early Goldwing were a lot leaner than the lardy leviathans they grew to become but they were still heavy beasts. Never really been a Ducati or super motard fan so a Ducati super motard is a double no from me I’m afraid, but we’re all different so whatever floats your boat. As for the cold I have heated grips on my Eliminator but non on my Dax, though I did pick up a pair of Oxford ones from Moto GB as they have them on sale at the moment for £39.99 instead of £89.99, just haven’t had the time to fit them yet. I also have some battery heated gloves and a battery heated vest which help enormously when it’s very cold. Though to be honest when it been below freezing overnight I don’t ride much due to salt on the road and the chance of coming across ice that hasn’t melted. I ride for pleasure these days at 63 so enduring painfully cold hands and feet or risking coming off on ice isn’t something I’m going to do anymore.
Something of a surprise, the Aoocci discount works on Canadian orders. Tough to beat for C$129. I hate to admit it, but the Desert X does look very nice. I especially like the headlight treatment. 🙂
Hi Andy, thanks for the walk round of the trailer .. 250 daN is pretty much 250 Kilograms force which should be more than adequate. Those chocs are fabulous.
Really loving this format. The quality of the content is superb; the fact that you do it all yourself as opposed to having a whole production team is a testament to your skill and dedication. Long may it continue! I had a GL1000 in the 90s and used it to commute from Henley on Thames to London! It was quite a different ride to the MZ 125 I passed my test on in ‘89! Both fabulously characterful bikes in their own unique way. Those Ducatis are lush - maybe trailer them down to Pendine Sands and do a beach run with you on the Desert X and Mrs F on the other one? 😉 Great work, sir!
Fun watch on this week Andy. Appreciate the updates. Thumbs 👎 for no Mrs. Flyer in this TWITS! Will you have amy more of the tour videos? They are my favorite! Thanks, John
Ducatis look terrific. That Goldwing too. I passed my test in 1979. Yep guy with a clipboard. Was drizzly, he stepped out in the road for the emergency stop and I locked the back wheel. Good enough to pass.
For cold weather I can recommend thermals from Millets or Blacks Outdoors. The paint on the two Ducati's is absolutely gleaming under your lights! Liking Phil's bike and good to see it back on the road. The trailer is coming together nicely and should serve you well when you get away on a trip with it.
There's interaction for you!! Thanks for measuring the Aocci Andy. Like you, not sure about the Desert X til i saw one in the metal, think it looks great now.
Wheel chocks work fine but the WheelDock system doesn't require rocking the bike out. I've been using both systems for a few years and the WheelDock system is far and away. the best.
Excellent production on your shows. Ducatis in your garage mega upgrade. Just bought a hypermotard 1100 10 plate fantastic bike . My 3rd L twin in my garage. Your France trip was good. Done that a few times. But now we trailer our bike to a friend's place down south west. To boring on motorways and kills back tyre. And Frances national roads have silly speed limits ever where. Shame the bikeshuttle company stopped.
Hi Andy, I've just swapped my 1250GS for a DesertX Discovery. Had it 3 weeks and have done just under 600 miles. I love the lightness of it compared to the GS. The way it swaps directions is effortless. The knobbly tyres are much better on the road than you'd expect too. Very comfy but not quite as much wind protection as the GS and also a few more vibes, but nothing to really bother me. It comes with turn-by-turn nav (you need the 'Ducati Link' app for it) but not as good as a proper sat nav so I've just bought a Garmin Zumo XT which I will mount on an Evotech bracket soon. I will look forward to your in-depth review.
@@TheMissendenFlyer I've done one long motorway trip and didn't find it too bad. I'm just over 6ft tall so tend to get a wind blast off the screen whatever the bike. Yes, it's more than the GS with the standard screen in the high position, but bearable. I bought it to do some light off-road stuff which I wouldn't want to do on the GS. However, if it does become tiring on longer trips I might swap my Streetfighter for a Multistrada V4S or V4 Rally. The advantages of selling Ducatis for a living!
@TheMissendenFlyer Hi Andy, I can attest that the turbulence on the stock bike gets unbearable at anything above 60mph. I have found that most of the turbulence is actually coming from the stock micky mouse shaped mirrors. They also sit quite high and inwards causing the turbulence coming off them to hit you in the sides of your helmet around your ears. I replaced those, together with a wider windshield and spoiler. Now it is so smooth I can ride with my visor open on the highway. As a side note I am 6ft3
Andy, you mentioned the motorcycle test of yesteryear when the tester was on foot and would leap out into the road holding clipboard aloft signalling they required you to execute an emergency stop. My mate had just come round the corner into the road where he expected to do the emergency stop. Up ahead there was a small group of people on the carriageway clustered around someone on the ground. Yes, the tester had jumped in front of the wrong bike. 😱 I took my test in 63 😬
Hi Andy. Please don't laugh too much but I passed my test in 1974 on an MZ 250/2 Trophy, manufactured (thrown together) in East Germany. In 1974 the MZ cost less than half the price of a Honda 250, and at £225 it was £60 cheaper than the CZ250. The indicators, rather than being fitted in two sets, were a single pair mounted on the ends of the handlebars with lenses on each side of each lamp. Looking at them the examiner said "what on earth are they?" He didn't beleive that they were manufactured that way. It didn't matter because you had to use hand signals anyway! My main memory of the test was riding in a figure of 8 circuit with the examiner leaping out at unexpected points with instructions - but my main problem was a mad Jack Russell Terrier attacking me and biting my leg and hanging on my trousers at every circuit. Despite it all I passed first time.
Nice one Andy. I'm really liking twits. BTW. Ducati produced many twins back in the day. This is the first modern one since the Super Mono racer in the 90s. The museum in Bologna is a fab visit if you haven't been already.
Always a great watch this Andy. Yes I was also stopped in my tracks when I saw the KTM adventure R at the NEC. They didn’t have a price yet but I’ll be watching with close interest. Next time you buy a camera, gimme a shout first.😉🎥 Have a great week mate.
It is a great camera and lens Dave - just not sure I can be doing with the faff required to set it up and in this game I think "good enough" (my hand held DJI) is better than "best"!
"Back In The Saddle Again", sung most often by Film Cowboy Gene Autry. I owned a '76 GL1000 and until it began to fail it was great. The water pump and stator are buried deeeep within the bowels of the beast. If one failed you had best get both replaced while in there as the motor must bed dropped/opened up. Mine was painted white to better simulate a '70s ear motorcycle officer's mount. People did notice it and I was not run over or into on that bike! The Ducati X is really cool looking and for those out there that feel otherwise, this genre of motorbike is fast becoming the preferred touring mount as it is much lighter than a Wing or Ultra. They are the SUVs of the motorcycling world and there is nothing wrong with not going off road on a bike that looks the part but unless you are a very experienced off rode rider or just want to destroy your bike, there's not reason to go (really) off road on them. The thumper is also a beauty but that wedgie of a seat isn't for this seasoned citizen! I like that the X has tubeless wheels and a fairly good sized fuel tank, which on any real touring rig is very important. Thank you for this week's installment and I look forward to many more, my friend! Keep putting the great back into Great Britain! SS in "The Land of The Knee-Walking Turkeys" (aka: commiefornia), USA!
Back in the 70's I failed my 1st bike test due to back wheel locking up, which was virtually impossible on a CD175!! (Ugliest bike in Christundum) but passed second time a month or so later. Same examiner/ same route as before, but this time when it came to do the "Emergency Stop" he was distracted chatting to someone on the path, so I rode past and went round block again, only for his mate to point out at the very last second that I was coming, so he leapt out into the road with clipboard held aloft...... I knocked him flat & ran over him!!!! Amazingly I didn't come off the bike, just recall feeling a bit miffed presuming I'd failed once more, especially as his mate on the path was creased up laughing at him, but No - he apologised perfusely and Passed me . Been riding ever since.
will thegoldwing fit in the trailer on the wheel chuck where they are currently positioned - if not you should consider having fittings in place in the centre on thetrailers so you can adjust one chuck then fit the large single bike
Hahaha....You know at the exact moment you said 'chopsy' LCR maybe more suited, I was thinking the same thing... Not really my thing these style of bikes, but they look gorgeous!! Maybe I'm a sadist or it's my farmer's trait, but I used to enjoy a cold ride. I do miss it bizarrely. Nice TWIT that, a good blend of different things. 👍👍
We got our first snow a couple days back. I hope that's all of it but it's not. My friends who have the Desert X love it. Maybe the most dependable bike DUC makes at this time. 17k for it isn't bad considering the quality and expense of those options if you buy them separate. I saw that at the UK show, yes, very beautiful for that type bike. Fit finish looks great. Mot, not the first single. Years back, 200 or so they removed a cylinder from a V twin and made a single of it. Good bike fairly rare to ever see. Couple years of production. 600 I think. Interesting when an ADV of the mono shows up. Look forward to your review of it. I don't think those are over here. You better hold on to that one, wild as hell. Comfort won't really matter. Pay attention to the road it's coming fast. I'll be damned, a white van every time you pull out. It takes a serious alternator to power all the heated clothes and seat. BMW Honda and not many more will do that. Wing is in great shape. Older man friend bought on in '74 and rode to Florida some eight hundred miles and back. They interviewed him on the radio and TV. So far on a motorcycle at that time quite an accomplishment. Although I had seen and done more, not a celeb for this mountain man. They werte simple but stone reliable. Fairings were extra as well as bags. Laugh now but cat's meow then. BMW had just came out with the R90S with bags then and the RT followed. They had an boxer 4 prototype. The wing came and program shuttered. Saw it in the basement of BMW. Ancra soft hooks come in handy tieing down. Use them on frames. Keep the spare mounted. Roll or move just a little mars the paint. Those hooks make a positive connection. They can bounce out. What you have to consider is what bike fits with Mrs. Fly's bike. Glad they both do. Lots new bikes in 400 to 600 class. Manufacturers are listening to consumers. Hey liking the show very much. Movers along good and interesting. All good from east Kentucky USA Nomad Mountain Man. RTW Be safe in this cold weather. Black ice
Oo crisp audio with the new mic. New camera makes you look younger too 🎉😂. Very interested to hear about the Ducati X! If I win the lottery, I’d love this for off-roading (one can dream). Also, as a year round rider I was out in the snow in the Midlands putting in 100’s of miles on my naked bike! May not be stylish, but my MVP NATO surplus waterproofs cut the wind chill completely - highly recommend to the house.
Really enjoying your TWITS feature, the Ducati Desert X Discovery looks fantastic only downside is the price which is a bit "salty" , looking forward to seeing your review on it in the coming weeks.
Crikey you are right - I did, I can't believe you lot know better than me what I've ridden and what I haven't, how could I have forgotton that (got great views too that one!)
Interesting vid. Those Ducati's do look very nice, especially that Supermono which looks like a little jewel. Never owned a Ducati but very much hope to in the near future & have my eye on either the new Panigale or Streetfighter V2. Just going to give them a year or so to see if the new engine's reliable & time to iron out any potential issues should they arise.
Given the turmoil that appears to be going on at KTM, it would great if, given your contacts and abilities, you could shed more light on whether the rumours are actually true. Great show by the way and love the Goldwing tour.
If it was my trailer I'd have somewhere to secure the bike down the middle, on the racecar transporters we use Loadlok tracking to secure the cars and flightcases, could put a row on either side and a row in the middle, give flexibility where you put the tie down clips and you can also use it to secure anything else you put in the trailer. if the bike are properly secured not really sure why you'd need the blankets, unless you going to put other stuff on top of them.
Thanks for the tips - the blankets were just to go over and between the bikes incase there's any movement to stop possible rubbing together damage.....
The CCM sparks my interest in having something different, however the BMW GS 450 and the KTM 390 adventure bikes are a more realistic option. They may tempt me off my bigger off road adventure bike in the future. Or maybe I need both!
Thanks Andy. Enjoying the weekly TWITS. I noticed all your nice helmets hanging up in your garage. Any chance you can review any of them that are flip up as I am thinking of getting one and would like your opinion on what you have experienced with them
Very short mudguard on the ducati. Most people won’t take it to the desert and barely off road and they will get wet while riding in the rain. The bike will get very dirty. I’m not riding soon, the roads are full of salt and it was and will get bloody cold again very soon. Nice trailer.
As someone who lives in a country where -20 C during winter isn't unusual, just adding more layers of clothing can infact work against you in the cold.
They key to staying warm is to have an insulating layer of air trapped between your body and the outer layer of your clothing, the outer layer needing to be windproof of course.
So having 4 layers of clothing can infact be colder than only 2 if you missing that important buffer of air.
Maybe a bubblewrap jacket is in order?
@@TheMissendenFlyerI ride all year as well. Personally I find heavy rain to be the worst.
Andy, This format is evolving into something really fresh and entertaining. I wonder how long it will be before cheap imitations emerge! Fabulous job. Gives your overall UA-cam presence a real leading edge. love it. Thank you.
Wow thank you David!
I like the format too,
"Today in the saddle" sounds great Andy 🤣🤣🤣 great to see two more spaces in the garage.....😉
Thanks Andy. Alway enjoy your little talks. Passed my test in 1982. Yes it was a man with a clip board, looking bored and sitting on a garden wall in the sun while ride round in circles. First one way and then the other. Great days. Still riding at 77years old on a Yamaha MT 03.
Nice one Les!
Ditto that!
Passed mine on a freezing February day in 1977. I can still see the examiner huddled up in his sheepskin coat with his nose turning blue standing by the side of the road as I chugged past on my BSA Starfire.
@@leskirkland2894 I did mine on a C50, so didnt even have to worry about stalling it 😂😂
Passed my bike test in 1974, favourite memory is the examiner jumping out from between parked cars to test my emergency stop…… don’t think they do that anymore! 🤣🤣🤣
It would be worth mounting the wheel chocks on transverse rails, so they’re adjustable and removable. Enabling more variety of bikes/bike to be carried. 👍🏽🏍️🏍️
Andy great content I passed by test in 1965 on my Royal Enfield Crusader 250 cc . The examiner just stood on the corner of the street I rode round the block, did some hand signals at the junctions ( no indicators) then an emergency stop when he threw himself in front of my bike waving a clip board a couple of questions on the Highway Code job done. Full licence ride any cc bike after that. And before the test he even sorted out some gloves for me to wear. As my riding gear consisted of a open faced helmet, donkey jacket, jeans, Wellington boots rolled down off white fisherman’s socks and a pair of safety goggles borrowed from work. Still riding today at 75.
Brilliant!
Same here - 1974 and BSA Bantam D7 (175cc). Still going at nearly 70 (can I really be that old??)
Mine jumped out from behind a tree holding up his clipboard, to initiate the Emergency Stop - that was in 1981.
Lovely video, my Scrambler is in winter hibernation here in Sweden now so it was well needed to get a little bit of taste of motorbiking again. Thank you for this.
My pleasure - more to come!
Hi Andy … love this magazine weekly production… content is spot on. Ducati’s look wonderful .. Trailer activity very interesting … Thanks Mike
Glad you like them!
Loving this format. Passed in 77, man with a clipboard!
Brilliant….
Today In The Saddle. keeping you abreast of the issue of the day. 😊
You're the second to make that comment! Still good though....
@@TheMissendenFlyer sorry, I boobed 😀
Now you're showing off...gave me a titter though....
Really enjoying this format, I think the culmination of your biking and UA-cam experience over the years is really coming together well now.
Thank you very much!
Nice Goldwing. I passed my test in 1980, and yes, the emergency stop was conducted by the examiner jumping out in front of you waving his clipboard. Rumour has it this all stopped when an unfortunate examiner jumped in front of the wrong motorcycle and ended up getting severely injured.
Hi Andy. Enjoying TWITS format. Here is the meaning of the daN marking.
Lashing capacity (LC)
The lashing value allowed to calculate with, received by a straight pull in the end fittings. This value is used when the lashing is used as a direct lashing or loop-lashing. The value is given in daN for web lashings and kN for chain lashings.
1 daN ≈ 1 kg
1 kN = 100 daN ≈ 100 kg
I see plenty of comments about how to secure so you don't overload the securing points as those look strong ratchet straps, good advice and the transverse adjustment you can see how your other bikes fit before investing. Keep up the good work! Happy Xmas to The Flyers
Thanks for that - appreciate your advice!
In terms of keeping warm on a bike, I agree many layers are good but can be a bit restictive. A couple of years back I invested in a gillet to wear under my jacket. It keeps you warm without resticting your arms. Another old school trick was to wear a pair of tights under your trousers. Keep up the good work.
I frequently wear leggings under my trousers, keeps you warm as (and you can get fluff lines ones in Primarni for about a tenner).....
Even here in Oz (in the cooler parts) it is good to wear thermals. Aldi sell them occasionally.
I find this an interesting format, gives the channel a more spontaneous feel, which contrasts nicely with the reviews and other features which are obviously more ‘scheduled’. Nice work, and good job at mixing the format up a bit 👍🏻
Glad you enjoy it!
Hi Andy, you could really do with Tie down points in the front corners of your enclosed trailer. That way when you ratchet strap the bikes down it will hold the bikes in the most forward position and you won’t even need to secure the wheel chocks to the base. If you use the current tie down points the bikes will want to slide back. Get yourself a couple of the handle bar straps (ebay or amazon) if you haven’t already done so, they’re ace and work really well. The only time the above isn’t needed is with trials bikes as they’re so light. Good luck and have fun 👍🏻
Thanks for the advice - I shall have a look into it!
I love this this weekly update. I also love the stack of beer sitting on the shelf. Last time i had beer in the garage it took me two months to put my sv back together after a beer fuelled stripdown😂
I got C6 Pro three weeks ago from other recommendation. Took my time with the wiring feed and then fitted the cameras and leads. Very pleased with it.
Another very welcome and enjoyable episode thanks Andy. I have found that hand guards are a positive step to reducing the flow of cold air over the hands on naked bikes and makes heated gloves more effective...lots of aftermarket options out there, and they can be quickly removed again when the warmer weather arrives.
Really looking forward to your on-road review of the Desert X. In addition to what will hopefully be a great riding experience, I think it could have a very good 'look back' rating👍. Cheers, Simon
It certainly has that!
Beautiful looking Ducati, the desert X the service and maintenance cost frightens the life out of me , I done my test in Wales in 1975 the instructor would send you on a round loop stop ask you some questions send you on the same root opposite direction, like you mentioned he chucked his hand in the air 😮 emergency stop time , CCM looks stunning but Really expensive
Loving the new addition of Twits to your channel.Watching regularly as a Brit over here in the Philippines. Keep up the very entertaining channel ,thanks.
Awesome! Thank you!
I had the same trailer. Three tips (shame I can’t attach a picture to help explain). 1) stagger the chocks so that the handle bars of the two bikes don’t clash, 2) add a third chock in the centre to make fitting the larger bikes on their own easier, 3) add more tie down point in the centre so two bikes can be strapped in easier. Bonus point, always load the left bike 1st. Have the left on slightly more forward than the right.
I have a photo of my set up if you want it
I agree with point 1 - point 2 doesn't apply to me (I won't be trailering my big bikes - or unlikely - chocks aren't fixed down anyway so they can be moved wherever I need them). Point 3 Exactly what I am planning to do - bought the tie down points today just pondering how to actually fix them in the floor given I need access underneath to tighten them and aren't sure on the strenth of the floor to bolt too. On the Bonus point why do you say that?? Can you explain?? Thanks...
@ Most people (well me) push a bike whilst standing on the left (side stand). As that won’t be possible when loading because of the trailer wall, it is easier to load the bike with no other bike in the way. If you have the left one further forward you also make it easier to load the 2nd bike. Slightly more space. Also, with the right one located slightly back (about 18 inches or so ) you can use the side door for access to help tighten the straps
Personally , I always load the smallest /lightest bike up on the left side too (for the same reasons: more space to get the 2nd bike)
I hope this makes sense
Concerning the new tie down straps, just use big (as big as you can get hold of) washers under the trailer. Be very careful about where you drill. If I remember correctly the brake cable/bar is located down the middle.
Lastly, I bolted my chocks down through the floor (for no other reason than piece of mind). Don’t forget you may pull the trailer with no bikes onboard. You don’t want the chocks to be thrown around the back of the trailer. They could puncture the GRP.
Anyway, it’s your trailer, you need to do what you feel happiest about, it’s just my opinion. Good luck with it, I wish I hadn’t sold mine. They are a great addition to your toy box
I have t tried the Mono yet, although it IS enticing. I rode my base DesertX from California to the Arctic Ocean in Northwest Territories over varied terrain and through daunting weather conditions, all without a single hiccup. I loved that machine so much that I bought the DesertX Rally (even taller, and I’m only 5’8”), and the upgraded suspension is truly a huge step up in handling, making it fantastic for railing around mountain roads. I really look forward to your review of the Discovery edition.
Wow - how do you find the wind protection from that rounded windscreen?
It’s fine for a day’s ride, but allows a fair bit of buffeting if you wear a peaked helmet. I fitted the Ducati Touring Windshield which is shaped similarly but is just enough taller to eliminate the buffeting entirely. (Wunderlich make an even wider version). I also added heated grips. That engine is just perfect for that bike. I have much more powerful bikes, ADV and track, but the 937cc is simply a low-end torque star, sounds great, and is just right for dealing with gravel and other tricky surfaces. By the way, I just added the new Garmin Tread 2, which is deserving of a review. It replaced my Zumo XT2.
Today In The Saddle, love it. I hadn't even considered that one! 😂
I don't have much in the way of winter gear, or any heated ANYTHING on my two bikes, so mine have been confined to the garage for the last week or so. I do still ride throughout the year, but only usually local short rides in the middle of the day when it's the warmest part of the day!
I'm over 50 now, I have a car. I really can't be doing with riding in bad weather just for the sake of it, too old for all of that! 😁
I tend to agree - if you don’t need to ride in the cold/wet then don’t! For me it’s do much more enjoyable in good weather.
Loving TWITS Andy. Keep em coming!
Thanks! Will do!
Andy loving this format, think you have hit on something well done u👍😃
Thank you Richard - hope so - another one coming this afternoon at 3pm!
Evening Andy. Just settled down before and watched the ‘show’. Great stuff as usual. If it means anything in order for you to continue with this concept, you definitely have my vote.
Cool!
Love this new format Andy, v well edited ! Anyone would think you do it as a profession 😂😉
Thanks 👍
Andy, I am really enjoying this new format of videos.
Good to hear!
In the 70s, Ducati did the most beautiful single cylinder desmo bikes 250/350/450 all in yellow or blue. Ducati need to use that colour!!!
A Ducati 900 SS ..the Bevel drive versions
They were and still are my dream bikes, things of beauty. There’s a 250 for sale in my local dealer for £16k, a bit out of my range unfortunately!
@@davidkeppler56 Know the feeling...l remember the 250 mach one in the mid sixties. What beautiful little bikes they are. They were faster than a lot of Brit 500cc and in some case 650cc. Bevel drive ohc engine when most bikes were still using push-rods...Over here in España the a well restored 24 horas Barcelona (Montjuïc) Ducati command a high price. I've followed a couple on classic bike meets ....the staccato bark of the exhaust is like a mini Manx Norton....
I had a moments madness and bought a 698 this year. To be ridden like you mean it. Flogged it around Mallory park on a James Witham track day. Great fun.
The trailer floor you can get adjustable runners to tie down and I think you will need one down the middle between two bikes, enjoying the channel thanks
I need to look into that!
Thanks for the Aoocci discount code Andy... Even works in Canada!
Good to know!
When I passed my motorcycle test in 1980 I’d been riding on L plates covering thousands of miles on various bikes including a Ural 650 combo, I took the test on a 250 Honda in order to get a bigger bike,I didn’t own a car and rode to work in Yorkshire every day in snow, ice you name it. Motorcycling was different then we lived for bikes. I’m still riding now aged 70 so the examiner ( who had a bike ) and decided that I could ride well enough wasn’t a bad judge in my opinion, you never stop learning even after years of riding. Lots of fancy bikes ridden by riders who’ve passed the current testing procedure live in the garage for six months of the year and come out of hibernation in April and so do the riders, just saying.
Snap. Took my 20min test on a 250 SuperDream.😁
Hi Andy
Must agree with the other comments, this is a great new fresh feeling show. Long may it continue.
Wow thank you Kelvin!
Great stuff, Andy....many thanks!
I did know of a train spotting group called This Week At The Station....but it eventually had to close...not enough members!
Nice one!
Enjoying these style of videos. Those ducatis look amazing, looking forward to seeing those reviews.
That CCM needs to make it into production. Looking forward to your Ducati reviews in the new year.
Today In The Saddle. That would certainly keep us abreast of all things TMF. Love that Gold Wing, btw.
Nicely done sir!
Great fun, really enjoyed that episode of Stwits,. I have been out this week, heated grips, gloves and Warm and safe heated shirt, no problem.
Thanks for watching once again David!
32.5c here today Mr Flyer 😎
We did have a few spots of rain though, so it’s not all beautiful.
Ducatis look good btw.
Lucky you!
Loving the TWITS
Handlebar mitts are brilliant. Makes the most of heated grips, and gives you the best chance if you haven't got them. Nice hat, I think you should pull it down a bit further - can't be too careful! Did my test about the same time as Phil, and yes it was the days of jumping out in front of you for the emergency stop. My tester was about 150 so he wasn't jumping anywhere fast.
I like these videos/format.
Wendy and I are loving the new twits segments.
Adrian …
Delighted to hear that!
Andy,
Looking at those tie down points in the trailer. You might want to slacken them off and turn them round 180 degrees, as they will probably bend when you tension the straps with the way they are facing currently.
Also, you might find it beneficial to stagger the two wheel chocks rather than have them next to each other. It will give you a bit more scope for fitting different bikes, as the bars will be more likely to clash when you have them the way they are at the moment.
I have an almost identical setup in a very similar trailer.
Yes thanks for that - the bikes were actualy staggerred, just didn't show up that well. Do you have tie downs in the middle of the bikes too?
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes, I put two extra tie down points in the middle. One front and one at the back. Makes life a lot easier.
You may already have some Andy, but the short straps with an eye at each end are much easier that using the end of the ratchet strap to attach to the bike. Sealey do them. The part number is TDL01.
Looking at the tie down points in the video, if they are what I think they are, they’re not the strongest in the world. Just a bit of a heads up. The trailer I bought had those fitted and I swapped them for something more substantial.
Pete.
That’s the day that family gives thanks for all the blessings that the Lord has given us i didn’t know that you guys have a similar day in england but here in America we call it thanksgiving day
We don't have a similar day in this country - Unlike the US we live in a largely secular society....
Very much enjoy this series, Andy! Very impressive having two press bikes at once, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on both.
Love the looks of the CCM, I hope they follow through with it…and bring it here to the US at some point. Safe travels!
Actually I had 3 press bikes at once for a bit in the last week!
Hi Andy. Be sure to mount your straps to the un-sprung portion of the bikes. Best way is to slip a rod through the axles and strap-down the rods.
This is how Ducati secures the bikes in the transport crates.
Yes - or I've seen over the rear swing arm....
As a former Desert-X owner, when I saw it and "trailer" in the title, it seemed appropriate. The Rally at least has a chance without the porcelain wheels of the standard version. As a multi-time Ducati owner, that bike and Ducatis' response to the issues has cured me of the brand ( at least the new ones).
Oh dear - sorry to hear that!
Another great episode of TWITS, a section I find really good. The Readers Ride this week was a beautiful looking bike, no wonder it gets people talking. The Ducati's, though to tall for me, look fantastic, and I'll be looking out for your rdviews, and hopefully the snow and cold will be a distant memory. Thank goodness for the 'Winging it tour'.
Yes i wish I was Winging it now!
your garage is a life goal as i am just starting out on my bike life love the channel hope to go to Europe nxt summer
Evening Andy, I remember being outside a pub we used to go to in 1979 of which the road that passed formed part of a roundabout. A guy on one of the original Goldwings came howling into the roundabout, scratching on both sides on entry and exit. We were surprised to say the least a to see a Goldwing being ridden that spiritedly and b that it could actually do it without going down the road on its side. Admittedly the early Goldwing were a lot leaner than the lardy leviathans they grew to become but they were still heavy beasts.
Never really been a Ducati or super motard fan so a Ducati super motard is a double no from me I’m afraid, but we’re all different so whatever floats your boat.
As for the cold I have heated grips on my Eliminator but non on my Dax, though I did pick up a pair of Oxford ones from Moto GB as they have them on sale at the moment for £39.99 instead of £89.99, just haven’t had the time to fit them yet. I also have some battery heated gloves and a battery heated vest which help enormously when it’s very cold.
Though to be honest when it been below freezing overnight I don’t ride much due to salt on the road and the chance of coming across ice that hasn’t melted. I ride for pleasure these days at 63 so enduring painfully cold hands and feet or risking coming off on ice isn’t something I’m going to do anymore.
I'm with you on that - if you don't HAVE to ride and it's icy, better to give it a miss....
Something of a surprise, the Aoocci discount works on Canadian orders. Tough to beat for C$129.
I hate to admit it, but the Desert X does look very nice. I especially like the headlight treatment. 🙂
Hi Andy, thanks for the walk round of the trailer .. 250 daN is pretty much 250 Kilograms force which should be more than adequate. Those chocs are fabulous.
Clever aren't they!
Really loving this format. The quality of the content is superb; the fact that you do it all yourself as opposed to having a whole production team is a testament to your skill and dedication. Long may it continue! I had a GL1000 in the 90s and used it to commute from Henley on Thames to London! It was quite a different ride to the MZ 125 I passed my test on in ‘89! Both fabulously characterful bikes in their own unique way. Those Ducatis are lush - maybe trailer them down to Pendine Sands and do a beach run with you on the Desert X and Mrs F on the other one? 😉 Great work, sir!
Cheers Jez!
Fun watch on this week Andy. Appreciate the updates. Thumbs 👎 for no Mrs. Flyer in this TWITS! Will you have amy more of the tour videos? They are my favorite! Thanks, John
Ducatis look terrific. That Goldwing too. I passed my test in 1979. Yep guy with a clipboard. Was drizzly, he stepped out in the road for the emergency stop and I locked the back wheel. Good enough to pass.
Nice one.....
For cold weather I can recommend thermals from Millets or Blacks Outdoors. The paint on the two Ducati's is absolutely gleaming under your lights! Liking Phil's bike and good to see it back on the road. The trailer is coming together nicely and should serve you well when you get away on a trip with it.
Hope so!
Saw the 698 Hypermotard up close at my local dealership, what a hot looking bike! Can't wait to see your review.
Yes itis a lovely thing to behold - been out riding it this morning.
Love your content and delivery, keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
There's interaction for you!! Thanks for measuring the Aocci Andy. Like you, not sure about the Desert X til i saw one in the metal, think it looks great now.
No worries!
Wheel chocks work fine but the WheelDock system doesn't require rocking the bike out. I've been using both systems for a few years and the WheelDock system is far and away. the best.
I'll have to look those up!
Excellent production on your shows. Ducatis in your garage mega upgrade. Just bought a hypermotard 1100 10 plate fantastic bike . My 3rd L twin in my garage.
Your France trip was good. Done that a few times. But now we trailer our bike to a friend's place down south west. To boring on motorways and kills back tyre. And Frances national roads have silly speed limits ever where. Shame the bikeshuttle company stopped.
Yes I'm looking forward to trying the trailer option - hoping it will be just the ticket!
Hi Andy, I've just swapped my 1250GS for a DesertX Discovery. Had it 3 weeks and have done just under 600 miles. I love the lightness of it compared to the GS. The way it swaps directions is effortless. The knobbly tyres are much better on the road than you'd expect too. Very comfy but not quite as much wind protection as the GS and also a few more vibes, but nothing to really bother me. It comes with turn-by-turn nav (you need the 'Ducati Link' app for it) but not as good as a proper sat nav so I've just bought a Garmin Zumo XT which I will mount on an Evotech bracket soon. I will look forward to your in-depth review.
How do you find the wind protection off the screen? I ask as I have now ridden the Desert X and found the turbulence above 60mph to be very annoying!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I've done one long motorway trip and didn't find it too bad. I'm just over 6ft tall so tend to get a wind blast off the screen whatever the bike. Yes, it's more than the GS with the standard screen in the high position, but bearable. I bought it to do some light off-road stuff which I wouldn't want to do on the GS. However, if it does become tiring on longer trips I might swap my Streetfighter for a Multistrada V4S or V4 Rally. The advantages of selling Ducatis for a living!
@TheMissendenFlyer Hi Andy, I can attest that the turbulence on the stock bike gets unbearable at anything above 60mph. I have found that most of the turbulence is actually coming from the stock micky mouse shaped mirrors. They also sit quite high and inwards causing the turbulence coming off them to hit you in the sides of your helmet around your ears. I replaced those, together with a wider windshield and spoiler. Now it is so smooth I can ride with my visor open on the highway. As a side note I am 6ft3
And of course you will have to do a retrospective of the year towards new year´s eve, Season´s Highlights in the Saddle
Ooh liking that.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Well, I'm looking forward to that now! ☺
Andy, you mentioned the motorcycle test of yesteryear when the tester was on foot and would leap out into the road holding clipboard aloft signalling they required you to execute an emergency stop. My mate had just come round the corner into the road where he expected to do the emergency stop. Up ahead there was a small group of people on the carriageway clustered around someone on the ground. Yes, the tester had jumped in front of the wrong bike. 😱 I took my test in 63 😬
Haha - great story!
I've just left a similar comment..exactly the same thing happened to a friend of mine!
@@davidallen1213 🤣
@@davidallen1213 Whereabouts did he live, it might be the same guy.
A heated jacket liner with heated sleeves is a life saver. Mine hooks up to my Battery Tender leads.
Mine to.....
All up for today in the saddle 😅
Stay safe and stay warm and have a wonderful thanksgiving
No idea what Thanksgiving is but thank you!
Hi Andy. Please don't laugh too much but I passed my test in 1974 on an MZ 250/2 Trophy, manufactured (thrown together) in East Germany. In 1974 the MZ cost less than half the price of a Honda 250, and at £225 it was £60 cheaper than the CZ250.
The indicators, rather than being fitted in two sets, were a single pair mounted on the ends of the handlebars with lenses on each side of each lamp. Looking at them the examiner said "what on earth are they?" He didn't beleive that they were manufactured that way. It didn't matter because you had to use hand signals anyway! My main memory of the test was riding in a figure of 8 circuit with the examiner leaping out at unexpected points with instructions - but my main problem was a mad Jack Russell Terrier attacking me and biting my leg and hanging on my trousers at every circuit. Despite it all I passed first time.
Well done!
Love these Ducati’s see them at the NEC, quality!! …. The seat height is somewhat high … I’ll would need steps to get on them 😂 👊
Me too!
Nice one Andy. I'm really liking twits. BTW. Ducati produced many twins back in the day. This is the first modern one since the Super Mono racer in the 90s. The museum in Bologna is a fab visit if you haven't been already.
Yes I have - twice in fact!
Always a great watch this Andy. Yes I was also stopped in my tracks when I saw the KTM adventure R at the NEC. They didn’t have a price yet but I’ll be watching with close interest. Next time you buy a camera, gimme a shout first.😉🎥 Have a great week mate.
It is a great camera and lens Dave - just not sure I can be doing with the faff required to set it up and in this game I think "good enough" (my hand held DJI) is better than "best"!
Lovin Twits nice to cover a few different thimgs really refreshing Andy keep up the Great vids
Thank you David - will do!
Agree 390R looks great
I definitely like Today In The Saddle 😂
Me too...has a ceertain something about it doesn't it....
"Back In The Saddle Again", sung most often by Film Cowboy Gene Autry.
I owned a '76 GL1000 and until it began to fail it was great. The water pump and stator are buried deeeep within the bowels of the beast. If one failed you had best get both replaced while in there as the motor must bed dropped/opened up. Mine was painted white to better simulate a '70s ear motorcycle officer's mount. People did notice it and I was not run over or into on that bike!
The Ducati X is really cool looking and for those out there that feel otherwise, this genre of motorbike is fast becoming the preferred touring mount as it is much lighter than a Wing or Ultra. They are the SUVs of the motorcycling world and there is nothing wrong with not going off road on a bike that looks the part but unless you are a very experienced off rode rider or just want to destroy your bike, there's not reason to go (really) off road on them. The thumper is also a beauty but that wedgie of a seat isn't for this seasoned citizen!
I like that the X has tubeless wheels and a fairly good sized fuel tank, which on any real touring rig is very important. Thank you for this week's installment and I look forward to many more, my friend! Keep putting the great back into Great Britain!
SS in "The Land of The Knee-Walking Turkeys" (aka: commiefornia), USA!
Excellent vid 👍🏻 really like this new format. As for scrambler type bikes Triumph had a prototype one at Motorcycle Live!!
Delighted to hear that Chris!
Back in the 70's I failed my 1st bike test due to back wheel locking up, which was virtually impossible on a CD175!! (Ugliest bike in Christundum) but passed second time a month or so later.
Same examiner/ same route as before, but this time when it came to do the "Emergency Stop" he was distracted chatting to someone on the path, so I rode past and went round block again, only for his mate to point out at the very last second that I was coming, so he leapt out into the road with clipboard held aloft...... I knocked him flat & ran over him!!!!
Amazingly I didn't come off the bike, just recall feeling a bit miffed presuming I'd failed once more, especially as his mate on the path was creased up laughing at him, but No - he apologised perfusely and Passed me . Been riding ever since.
Nicely done Philip - sounds like quite the ordeal!
will thegoldwing fit in the trailer on the wheel chuck where they are currently positioned - if not you should consider having fittings in place in the centre on thetrailers so you can adjust one chuck then fit the large single bike
The wheel chocks aren’t bolted down - plus I won’t be trailering the Gold Wing anywhere…
Andy, surely you can remember riding the Husqvarna 701 supermoto ,you had it for a week or two and loved it!
Chopsie said that too - I really don't remember it!! I'll have a look through my catalogue...
....I checked and you're right - 6 years ago!! You know me better than I do!!!
Hahaha....You know at the exact moment you said 'chopsy' LCR maybe more suited, I was thinking the same thing...
Not really my thing these style of bikes, but they look gorgeous!!
Maybe I'm a sadist or it's my farmer's trait, but I used to enjoy a cold ride. I do miss it bizarrely.
Nice TWIT that, a good blend of different things. 👍👍
Cheers Dave!
We got our first snow a couple days back. I hope that's all of it but it's not. My friends who have the Desert X love it. Maybe the most dependable bike DUC makes at this time. 17k for it isn't bad considering the quality and expense of those options if you buy them separate. I saw that at the UK show, yes, very beautiful for that type bike. Fit finish looks great. Mot, not the first single. Years back, 200 or so they removed a cylinder from a V twin and made a single of it. Good bike fairly rare to ever see. Couple years of production. 600 I think. Interesting when an ADV of the mono shows up. Look forward to your review of it. I don't think those are over here. You better hold on to that one, wild as hell. Comfort won't really matter. Pay attention to the road it's coming fast. I'll be damned, a white van every time you pull out. It takes a serious alternator to power all the heated clothes and seat. BMW Honda and not many more will do that. Wing is in great shape. Older man friend bought on in '74 and rode to Florida some eight hundred miles and back. They interviewed him on the radio and TV. So far on a motorcycle at that time quite an accomplishment. Although I had seen and done more, not a celeb for this mountain man. They werte simple but stone reliable. Fairings were extra as well as bags. Laugh now but cat's meow then. BMW had just came out with the R90S with bags then and the RT followed. They had an boxer 4 prototype. The wing came and program shuttered. Saw it in the basement of BMW. Ancra soft hooks come in handy tieing down. Use them on frames. Keep the spare mounted. Roll or move just a little mars the paint. Those hooks make a positive connection. They can bounce out. What you have to consider is what bike fits with Mrs. Fly's bike. Glad they both do. Lots new bikes in 400 to 600 class. Manufacturers are listening to consumers. Hey liking the show very much. Movers along good and interesting. All good from east Kentucky USA Nomad Mountain Man. RTW Be safe in this cold weather. Black ice
Oo crisp audio with the new mic. New camera makes you look younger too 🎉😂. Very interested to hear about the Ducati X! If I win the lottery, I’d love this for off-roading (one can dream). Also, as a year round rider I was out in the snow in the Midlands putting in 100’s of miles on my naked bike! May not be stylish, but my MVP NATO surplus waterproofs cut the wind chill completely - highly recommend to the house.
Maybe I should use that camera more after all!
Really enjoying your TWITS feature, the Ducati Desert X Discovery looks fantastic only downside is the price which is a bit "salty" , looking forward to seeing your review on it in the coming weeks.
Yes it is expensive compared to the competition for sure....
Morning, Interesting, was looking at an older goldwing not to long ago.
I've believe from memory you've ridden the 701 husqvarna SM before... Looking forward to getting my hands on the Mono again myself 👍
I don't think I have Chopsie....I need some proof!
6 years is a long time ago now to remember
Crikey you are right - I did, I can't believe you lot know better than me what I've ridden and what I haven't, how could I have forgotton that (got great views too that one!)
Nice to see the Wild ad hat, I hope Mr Vida gave you suitable sponsorship. I'm looking forward to the Ducati reviews.
Pfft, wouldn't that be nice!
Love the episode Andy, I have a feeling the 450 GS will be a huge hit... Stay warm out there...
Will do!
Hi Andy and Carol
the X is typically short for the word Cross
love the content
Rob from Melbourne Australia
Yes good point!
Love to see what you think of the rally desert x I looked at both and if I ever change my 900 RP would get the desert x love this new vids Andy 👍
Stay tuned - video coming in due course!
Interesting vid. Those Ducati's do look very nice, especially that Supermono which looks like a little jewel. Never owned a Ducati but very much hope to in the near future & have my eye on either the new Panigale or Streetfighter V2. Just going to give them a year or so to see if the new engine's reliable & time to iron out any potential issues should they arise.
Good call!
I almost pulled the trigger on a Desert X untill I found out how much the belt service is, OMG!
Given the turmoil that appears to be going on at KTM, it would great if, given your contacts and abilities, you could shed more light on whether the rumours are actually true.
Great show by the way and love the Goldwing tour.
I wish I did have contacts and abilities!! Thanks for the kind words…
You could do Today In The Saddle in Association with Trotters Independent Traders 😉
Liking these weekly posts 👍
If it was my trailer I'd have somewhere to secure the bike down the middle, on the racecar transporters we use Loadlok tracking to secure the cars and flightcases, could put a row on either side and a row in the middle, give flexibility where you put the tie down clips and you can also use it to secure anything else you put in the trailer. if the bike are properly secured not really sure why you'd need the blankets, unless you going to put other stuff on top of them.
Thanks for the tips - the blankets were just to go over and between the bikes incase there's any movement to stop possible rubbing together damage.....
The CCM sparks my interest in having something different, however the BMW GS 450 and the KTM 390 adventure bikes are a more realistic option. They may tempt me off my bigger off road adventure bike in the future. Or maybe I need both!
Looks like KTM have gone into administration so perhaps don’t put one of those in your future!!
Thanks Andy. Enjoying the weekly TWITS. I noticed all your nice helmets hanging up in your garage. Any chance you can review any of them that are flip up as I am thinking of getting one and would like your opinion on what you have experienced with them
I'll think about it - thanks for the suggestion.....
Very short mudguard on the ducati. Most people won’t take it to the desert and barely off road and they will get wet while riding in the rain. The bike will get very dirty.
I’m not riding soon, the roads are full of salt and it was and will get bloody cold again very soon.
Nice trailer.