CB500X Big trip - S-1 Ep. 32 - Stelvio Pass and beyond
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- This is day 36 of our journey together, today we reach the Stelvio Pass, far more "technical" than I'd anticipated but great roads and scenery once again. After Stelvio the journey continues to a lakeside campsite in Switzerland.
I hope you enjoy the video!
Due to time pressures, I am running way behind in publishing the journey and I am now back in the UK, but many thanks for your comments, suggestions and observations, keep them coming!
Hoping you can "Like" the video, as this does help the channel.
Nick
#CB500X
Vango Tryfan 300 (3 person tent)
Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self Inflating Camping Mat
Trekology air bag (topping up mat inflation)
Snugpak Nautilus sleeping bag (Comfort +3 degrees, Low -2)
Scottish silkworm sleeping bag liner
Trekology Aluft pillow
SW-Motech dry bag (60 litres)
Lomo dry bag motorcycle waterproof panniers -soft
Oxford tank bag (need to use rain cover in heavy rain)
Hepco & Becker Tank bars
Rally Raid CB500X 2019-on Engine Guard-RRP 747
R&G Kickstand Shoe-RRP 474
Shad H0CX56SE KIT Side bag holder Fitting kit (check this works with your intended luggage, it did not with mine)
Garmin Zumo XT GPS device
Rally Raid Billet Multi-Mount for 12mm (1/2") Crossbar - part number RRP 643
GoPro Hero 10 (helmet mounted)
Dango Design Gripper Mount for mounting GoPro
Drift Ghost mic (I do not recommend for GoPro)
Campark X30 (handlebar mounted)
Cyberlink PowerDirector 365 - video editing
RST textile jacket
RST textile trousers (slight seepage in crutch area in heavy rain)
Frank Thomas Tempest Ride boots
Nolan helmet
Lying in bed on a Sunday morning watching this beautiful scenery and admiring your skills. You took those very tight twisties very well my friend, don’t be so hard on yourself.
@@VStrom2019 Many thanks, really appreciated and I'm glad you enjoyed the scenery
Nick
Glad to see I am not alone in having a constant conversation with myself to talk my way around bends. The battle with my own lack of confidence is constant.
I know the feeling!
Nick
I just wanted to tell you that I was thinking of you today when I drove the Furka and Grimsel pass. Temperature was about 20C! Always a pleasure watching your videos. Next time when you are in Switzerland you call me and my wife will cook you some fish & chips. 😀
Hi @Dagestan, many thanks, I hope you enjoyed the passes and next time I eat fish & chips I'll be sure to think of you 😊
Nick
I bet the free coffee. was because she did think you are Sean Connery 😅😂🤣
🤣🤣🤣 Coffee shaken not stirred!
Nick
Wrong Bond! Nick is a dead ringer for Pierce Brosnan if ever there was one.
😂
Fantastic ride man.
Many thanks!
Nick
Hi nick enjoyed the ride did stelvio opposite way round 2019 loved it..at the top were you parked placed sticker that guy with stall loverly sarni there ha ha.until nxt vide 👍🏍
Hi Kelvin, should have grabbed that sarnie while I was there by the sound of things. Good ride and a lovely sarnie, how good is that!
Nick
Thanks for the video Nick. Enjoyed the trip down Stelvio. Looked liked you handled it well! Campsite by the lake looks lovely. Would be good if you leave links in the description for the sites you would recommend. Cheers 😎
Hi Peter, many thanks and yes, I should leave links, I'll follow up on that.
Nick
Another great video thanks, the vast majority of right handed bikers find left handers easier, something to do with receptors in the brain I believe. Looking at other riders you did very well. The Stelvio has to be ridden once in a lifetime but to be honest once was enough for me ! Thanks again for sharing.
Many thanks for the comment and information Clive!
Nick
Great series Nick, I look forward to the next...
I toured lots when I was younger in the 70's, we (3 or 4 other bikers) did all the motorbike rallies in the UK, German and France. It was important to us to travel as a group because bikes then were not the best for reliability and I can safely say someone broke down on every trip, from frames breaking, engines seezing, punctures and running out of fuel. The comradery was excellent, we all helped each other (all for on and one for all) we often won the trophy for longest ride or most attended. We even did winter rallies in the Lake District and one in Germany (on one occasion we had a Suzuki 750 water cooled freeze as he had no antifreeze in).
Memories, I'm 69 now and still a biker and love every mile most of which I do alone, I love the freedom now of riding alone and taking any turn I fancy...
Love your video's Nick..
Hi Harry, many thanks for your comments and sharing your memories, hope you had a hair dryer to unfreeze the "Kettle". Yes, I remember the days of touring in a group so we could all help, in the days where most of us could still strip and rebuild an engine, with modern bikes (and cars) I wouldn't know where to start. I've been a marshal on the National Road Rally a couple of times and been amazed by the distances folk travel.
Nick
Another great video Nick. Totally agree with you on the down hill right handers being the most difficult. When I travel to the mountains from my coastal home, it takes me a day or two to get comfortable in the twisties again. Enjoyed your mantra, “lean the bike, not the rider”; good advice for new or old(er) riders. Cheers
Many thanks Jim
Nick
very nice video .cool
Thank you Kurt
Nick
Thank you. I think your a brave man . I'm thinking of going back to biking before I'm too old brian from hampshire
Many thanks for the comment t Brian. I had a big biking gap too returning to it maybe 12 years ago and really glad I did. There's a big world out there to explore and Hampshire"s not a bad place to start 😁
Nick
Good to see you go over the Umbrail Pass before the Stelvio, i really liked this one when we were there in June. The Stelvio is a challenge, we didn't go down it until after 6pm by which time the worst of the traffic had passed. It was the most memorable day of the tour.
Hi Stuart, many thanks for the comment. Yes, great tip, I'm sure time of day helps, I'll plan that in next time I'm down that way!
Nick
Awesome ride and no need to apologise for the way you ride....it’s yours after all.....
Many thanks Arnold, just a little self conscious!
Nick
Terrific “real world” commentary, just watch your footage back & see all the people making a real hash out of the road. I’m already looking forward to your next trip.
Hi Michael, many thanks... and so am I
Nick
Respect! We've got two hairpins within a 20 mile radius of home and I'm always apprehensive as I ride towards them....at least you can also enjoy the scenic footage without the intense concentration required on the day. A memorable time on the bike for you enhanced by good weather. Thanks.
Hi Quentin, thanks for the comment and yes the weather was a real bonus and yes indeed I can now sit back and watch the scenery.
Nick
Hats off to those cyclists on the Stelio, it’s technical enough with an engine to push you along, let alone leg power only!
Absolutely! Pedalling to the top and the pace they rode down with nothing more than lycra for protection 😲
Nick
Thanks for a great video ,myself and my girlfriend are planning to do the stelvio next year (first time) we both have 500 X's although my girlfriend is a little nervous about some of the hairpins .we can't wait 👍
Many thanks and have fun! I recommend that your girlfriend tries to relax round the hairpins and take her time. Enjoy the ride.
Nick
Great video Nick . Loved the Stelvio pass and how you tackled it . The scenery was stunning . 👍👍
Many thanks @bigjohno242 glad you enjoyed it
Nick
You did really well there, Nick. Got into the swing of it quite quickly. The preference for tight left bends over tight right is one I share - I put it down to the latter bringing the throttle hand and arm closer to the body resulting in throttle control feeling (in my case anyway) a little cramped, which only adds to any sense of apprehension.
Hi Len, could well be the case ref throttle / arm position. Next time I encounter a hairpin I'll have a think about it and let you know. Don't hold your breath waiting though as I'm still in the south east of England, not many hairpins
Nick
@@bikingtravels I'm beginning to worry that your Scandinavian leg may be on hold until next Spring, Nick. I've enjoyed watching this leg of it and am keenly awaiting the next. 😀
Hi Len, things haven't really gone to "plan" this summer for various small reasons that seem to be cumulative, but in reality sad to say you're likely correct, but that doesn't mean there won't be a "Small trip". Trying to finalise now.
Nick
Incredibly beautiful scenery
Loved every moment of what I dared look at
Nick
Downhill always seems more daunting. I’ve found that contrasting and looking to where you want to go always helps you move quickly
Very true Kim, thanks for the tip
Nick
Excellent video and ride !! On another channel I watch the rider when going down the Stelvio was passed by a bicycle going into a corner and he never was able to catch up to him !!!
Hi Vance, many thanks. Those cyclists are absolutely fearless, watching them corner on the slimmest tyre contact and just wearing lycra was a real eye opener!
Nick
I’ve always liked visiting the Stelvio Pass even though it’s hardly the best one to ride, but it’s such a vibrant place at the summit. The construction of the road is amazing, and it dates back 200 years or so as an old military road.
I’ve stayed at the Tibet Hutte (the round guesthouse overlooking the summit) a couple of times. Last time was 2016 where I spent 3 nights there without coming down. I was seeing if the altitude affected me in preparation for a 12 day motorcycle tour in Tibet to Base Camp.
Hi Steve, thanks for the comment. Hope the guesthouse stay gave you an idea of the impact and that you enjoyed your tour to base camp, that sounds a real journey!
Nick
@@bikingtravels The Tibet Hutte is a fabulous little guesthouse with amazing views straight down the pass. What an excellent place to sit on a summer’s evening enjoying a drink whilst watching and listening to the cars and bikes coming up (before it cools down outside).
Back in 2016 I paid around £50 per night for evening meal, bed and breakfast. Fantastic views from the bedroom and restaurant/bar included...
Nice ride,but up and down Stelvio pass for the first time with loaded touring bike can be scary.
Stille remember my first ride uphill from Prato/Trafoi and down to Bormio in 2013,but have done Stelvio 4 times more afterwards.
Arne, Norwegian biker
Many thanks for your comments Arne, 4 times? I guess you enjoy the passes!
Nick
Really enjoyed that. No Shame in slowing down and taking up road it’s a very technical road
Many thanks for the comments!!
Nick
The ride up Stelvio looked a more relaxed ride than the down part. While I would still like to go there, other passes you've done are more appealing as far as riding goes but maybe the views are not the same.
Hi Jeff, the scenery was stunning everywhere, might just be my video capture and yes, Stelvio down was less relaxing
Nick
when you are climbing a mountain, keep the gear steady to 3rd. no need to keep changing
Thanks for the recommendation
Nick
The camp site was at Bodensee (Lake Boden) by the way at the border of CH - AT - DE
Many thanks for the info
Nick
I've been really enjoying your journeys and look forward to each addition. Thank you Nick for bringing us joy. Oh you've mentioned your right hand cornering would it be due to driving on the opposite side of the road and the camber feeling wrong?
Thanks James, and yes it could well be that, would maybe feel the same if I found similar hairpins in the UK where we drive on the left
Nick
Great video Nick. Have you had any security concerns with the soft luggage? I believe luggage theft is a rare occurrence but I'm waying up pro's and con's
Many thanks. I was concerned at first, I used a cable lock to lock them all together in the UK, but started to relax a little after a few days. I did keep an eye on the bike when I stopped and left nothing irreplaceable in them overnight. By the end of the trip, I left most of it on the bike overnight, mainly camping gear as my clothes were all in the 30 litre bag which I took with me and I covered the bike with the bike cover, just to make it less attractive. All in all, just a little cautious rather than concerned
Nick
@@bikingtravels Thanks Nick. Looking forward to part 2 of the trip. :)
I am guessing that Wrynose and Hardknott passes won't be for you then? 😇
Never say never... but oh my!
Nick
I did the hardknott pass as a passenger on a BSA combination some years ago and had to sit facing backwards on the nose of the sidecar to stop it trying to flip..
Hi Harry, that must have been a sight to behold!
Nick
I'm about to go motorcycle camping for the first time, and although I have quite a big coleman 3 man tent, which being a shortarse 5'8 I can stand up in, I've bought a small lone rider adv tent which is about the same size as yours. I was wondering how you found the tent and whether you'd suggest taking the smaller or the bigger tent? I'm only going in this country for 4 days so it's not critical,but camping alone I thought the smaller tent would be easier to put up and take down.
Thanks for the question Pauly. From my personal perspective the size of the 3 man tent I used is perfect. Many folk seem to be happy with 1 or 2 man, but I like the internal space provided by my Vango as I can bring in all my luggage and riding gear and still have room for bedding and easy access into / out of the tent. Personally I wouldn't go for larger than this one. As you're going for 4 days, try the smaller if it feels too small then it's not for long, but I'd be surprised.
One downside on my specific tent is that although there are vestibule areas, they are quite small so even if my gear is very wet, some of it still has to come into the tent. I think the Lone Rider tent solves this with slightly smaller inner but larger vestibule areas.
Nick
hey, glad to see your trip is going well! can you share with us what helmet mount you use for the go pro? and how does having the camera mounted at the front affect the vents? does the helmet fog a lot with it mounted? Cheers
Hi @themikevlad, It is a Dango Design Gripper Mount got it from Amazon. It tends to work it's way down my chin though so I do have to keep checking it is still in position and not slipped at an angle. It takes quite a bit to squeeze it open, I can do it with my right hand but my left is useless in trying to put it on. It mounts away from the chin so doesn't block the vents, so no fogging issues
Nick
I’m curious to know what was the average grade going up the pass? Did you find the bike underpowered at times? I’m considering this bike for a tourer but I wonder if I should get something more powerful.
Hi Marc, I had a quick check on Google which says "The average gradient is around 8% and the vertical drop is almost 1400 m". Bit of a tough question for me to answer. I wasn't travelling very fast deliberately as I like to travel at my own pace. The CB500X was fine up and down, it didn't run out of steam but if I'd needed to overtake quickly I'm not so sure. I've travelled 10k miles on it now and it has been fine, but I do avoid motorways as a matter of choice. Sorry I can't be of more help
Nick
@@bikingtravels thanks, that is very helpful. I also found your video «is the cb500x the wrong bike..? ». I now have a pretty good idea of its capability, thanks!
Was that 98 octane fuel you were buying?
Hi David, nope 95
Nick