It’s not the GSes that gave up, it’s the riders! And the main reason they gave up is a serious lack of off-road riding skills (and some lacking even on-road riding skills). That track is, in dry conditions, no problem at all for a properly prepared and skilled rider on a GS-style adventure bike.
Hi Sean. That was one hell of a ride on what is a basic road bike, well done that man. I watch your channel because of the easy going nature of the videos. I personally don't want to learn the history of every town/village a tour takes you through. I think that you have the information about right with the names of towns/villages and the road numbers. I like to check out video tours on google maps and I am able to track where you have been from the information you are passing on. Three of us stayed in the Picos several years ago but were on sports tourers so did not see half of the hidden gems you have shown us. Great tour on that BSA which is turning out to be a do anything machine.
Thanks Mike, that's a nice comment and appreciate your kind words. Also appreciate the vote of confidence in my take on touring videos. I'll keep to the same style in the tours in future. Happy Christmas!
Well done completing that route Sean. The BSA coped very well and thumbs up 👍 to you for having the balls to do it. The views over the mountains are just spectacular 👏
While the family have been watching Arthur Christmas on the telly, i have been working away in the kitchen , doing the dishes,finishing all the wine and watching your video. It has been great. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas 🎅
Shaun for future reference bud and i only say this because of what you said in the video on the picos climb, your whole upper body should not be tense when off road mate - you should be relaxed but especially the upper half including hands - the work is done with the legs and hips :-) well done for getting up and hey, no Kujo dogs this time hahahaaa
Sean, super video thanks. I've done that trail 2 or 3 times BUT on a Honda CRF300L - much lighter and far longer suspension travel than your BSA. I can vouch that it's a scary route - the camera doesn't really show the steepness and difficulty of some bits. So I thought you did brilliantly to keep your cool, keep going and continue your commentary.
Thanks, that's a very kind comment. Much appreciated. As a CRF 300 owner are you excited by Suzuki DRZ4? The 2025 bike. Would be interested to know your opinion. Thanks 👍
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Hi Sean - yes, the DR-Z4S looks excellent from what I've seen/read although I've not ridden one. If it'd been available when I bought the CRF300L (3 years ago now, when they first came out) I think that the Suzuki would have been my choice - about the same weight, but 36% more power. But the CRF is okay for trails in the Picos and the like - I don't feel an urge to replace it yet! Are you thinking of swapping to the DRZ?
As you said, the guys on the big adventure bikes couldn't do it because they were on very heavy bikes. They also lacked the skill to ride them on such a difficult trail. Your BSA isn't light but it does have decent tyres plus plenty of torque. And you definitley have commitment on your side. What an adventure.
Thank you Stephen, I honestly think it would be easier on my bike, a modern classic at 213kg than one of those huge ADVs. You're right the 650 single just chugs and chugs up the trail. It's class act and a lot of fun.
Most people when they do off road and tense up their breathing gets short. U seemed calm all the way. Such solitude and beauty. I find descending harder.. wont be buying urs 2nd hand😂😂
Old Mercedes I think 😊 your right about tempeture change in the mountains Sean rode from frejus to Barcelonnett left the coast 28c got a couple of km from Barcelonnett 1c and snowing, turned back as 🥶 in summer gear 😳, always carry a first aid kit on tour, for that reason. Love the Picos I found you have more of a sense of being in the mountains as everything is in your face, more so than the alps n Pyrenees imho, I reckon that’s where the grit came from that’s scratched your tank mate in those road works. Fantastic roads I was leaning on the sofa going round those twisties what a blast really enjoyed that (264) especially, brings back great memories, great ride, thanks Sean. ….. Pete 🇫🇷
I will be back to the Picos for sure. I haven't actually done the Alps really (been to Austria a couple of times) or the Pyrenees at all. Perhaps a trip to plan this year on the BSA (with a spare inner tube and some knowledge )😂Cheers 🍻
Next year that will be a wonderful, solid new paved road. Gives a reason to return! Also, to say the totally obvious, early bikes were used at the time modern roads were just being created and thus many roads were quite old and gravel etc. Not suitable for modern motorcraft. The “old” geometries of motorcycles, until, well in to 70’s in many cases, were fine on all kinds of roads. You still see such things as people riding happily around on “street” bikes in places that GSA riders struggle with in SE Asia, Africa, South America, etc. Those street bikes are deceptively capable and strong. It’s the magic sauce of Royal Enfield so far, but there are a lot of these things out there. Heros and XR150Ls and lots of small almost indestructables. Just can’t run 70 mph on the motorway. I really like that sort of bike and riding, being a bit old I guess, and I am impressed with both the Gold Star and your willingness to just get on in and go there. Great video.
I had a honda xr150 in Mexico, loved it and I rode through deep sand on the beach without a worry in the world. Can't get them here i don't think though?
Well done for that. Of road does take a bit of getting used to. i raced off-road for 38 years, so well done you and the buzzer. I love N. Spain, first trip was in 1918. No one spoke english then. i had some Spanish so it up. From W. Sussex.
Thanks for the comment Jim. If you are experienced could you tell me what sort of pressure I should have put in the tyres? I didn't know here. Thanks 👍
@@MindfulMotorcyclist That's a bit tricky. Soft for mud/samd but, Too soft and you can get concussion bursts. Too hard and you'll bounce everywhere. Sorry, it's a bit 'suck it n see' dependant on terrain
Hi Sean - it’s Big Rodders in Ireland. Lovely video, particularly the gravel road section. I’m envious of you as your trail was wider, drier and longer than the ones I transverse in Co Donegal with my trusty Ordinance Survey map. The real learning for me from this video was how irrelevant heavy, pricy and overhyped so called adventure bikes are for actual adventure riding. By the way, my bike of choice for this type of riding is my 2020 yellow 4 speed Monkey with 15k miles clocked up - most enjoyable and comfortable bike (even though I’m 6’ 4”) I’ve owned in my 55 year career.
Hi Rodders, there's something hugely satisfying about taking a machine outside its design remit and using it for something completely different! If we had done this type of riding on a Yamaha Tenere 700 then it's not really as much fun even though that bike is designed for that purpose. Love your Monkey story! Cheers.
FairPlay Shaun. Really cool video. I have a modified old 1961 Triumph 3ta that is my trail bike (I’ve even done a Long distance trial competition on her) but good to see my BSA 650 shadow black is potentially a trail bike too! I’d be dropping my tyre pressures down for a route like that. Do start practicing standing up on the pegs chap, it does make the off roading easier. Good job & much respect 👍
Thank you for this comment and sorry for the delayed reply. Could you tell me what sort of tyre pressure I should use. The road setting is around 30-32psi from memory. 18inch on the front and 17 on the rear. Thanks for your advice.
@ No worries, festive season and all that and a happy new year to you. As you don’t have rim locks I wouldn’t go less than 18psi, but that will improve the footprint/ traction/ comfort. In a tough spot where you are really stuck maybe 10psi. Observed Trials we run at 4psi - but we have rim locks and ultra light machines. Obviously you need a way to reinflate after a trail session (pocket co2 inflator or mtb pump) I must point out that your tyres will run hotter at road speeds at lower pressures and handling might be affected, so stay safe!
Caveat to add, I mentioned rim locks, or lack of, but forgot to say… If you’re lowering tyres it’s arguably best to slacken the valve retention nuts off to the bottom of the valve cap(or remove them altogether) That reduces the risk of ripping out the valve if the tyre does slip on the rim, which with tubeless tyres on a tube rim is a bit unlikely to be honest, tight as a ducks arse! Anymore questions don’t hesitate to ask 👍
Well done on the gravel Sean and not a GS in sight 😂 sketchy mate you would be truly buggered if you had a puncture on tubed tyres up there 😬 just when you think it’s the last summit oops nope there’s another 🤣🤣🤣🤣 best of your Spanish trip vids 👍🇫🇷
Thanks for this comment Pete and apologies for the delayed reply. Well i would be buggered up there with a puncture. I'd have to push her down to a paved road and call the breakdown. I do want to learn how to change a tubed tyre... this year one of my bike goals...
The safest option would be an airhead BMW (pre '88 twin). There are lots there with many, many other makes. More British riders than any other nationality but also German, Spanish and French mainly.
Cabrales (ka-bra-les) that you struggled to pronounce, is home to possibly the best blue cheese in the world. It is worth a trip to the Picos just for the cheese and the great riding is a bonus. 😂
Quick question, related to the BSA, not really the journey... Can you turn it on it's side stand? I know there's no centre stand, so I wouldn't be able to use a turntable in my driveway, to get it in n out... (I'm having visions of me doing an Austin Powers scene, only on 2 wheels... 🤣
No, it all belongs to the rider; a real adventure rider makes it with an real adventure bike (from bmw, ktm, yamaha, suzuki, honda) in half of the time!
Fair play tackling that trail on the BSA. I saw the Vida video when the GS's gave up.👏
Thank you. It was fun and to he honest Richys video inspired this trip to his credit.
It’s not the GSes that gave up, it’s the riders! And the main reason they gave up is a serious lack of off-road riding skills (and some lacking even on-road riding skills). That track is, in dry conditions, no problem at all for a properly prepared and skilled rider on a GS-style adventure bike.
This does prove the point, "Almost any Motorcycle, can be an adventure bike" It just take a little imagination and a sense of adventure!
I could have done with a little more suspension travel but generally yes the old style of motorcycle does everything well!
From 27 min in epic test for the BSA and the rider. Well done, I’m knackered just watching.
Thanks Lumpy, appreciate the comment and supportive words. BSA does alright doesn't it...
Hi Sean. That was one hell of a ride on what is a basic road bike, well done that man. I watch your channel because of the easy going nature of the videos. I personally don't want to learn the history of every town/village a tour takes you through. I think that you have the information about right with the names of towns/villages and the road numbers. I like to check out video tours on google maps and I am able to track where you have been from the information you are passing on. Three of us stayed in the Picos several years ago but were on sports tourers so did not see half of the hidden gems you have shown us. Great tour on that BSA which is turning out to be a do anything machine.
Thanks Mike, that's a nice comment and appreciate your kind words. Also appreciate the vote of confidence in my take on touring videos. I'll keep to the same style in the tours in future. Happy Christmas!
Well done completing that route Sean. The BSA coped very well and thumbs up 👍 to you for having the balls to do it. The views over the mountains are just spectacular 👏
Thanks Richard appreciate that 👍 🙏. BSA seems to have a few tricks up its sleeve for sure 😀
While the family have been watching Arthur Christmas on the telly, i have been working away in the kitchen , doing the dishes,finishing all the wine and watching your video. It has been great. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas 🎅
Thanks so much for the comment 👍. I hope it was worth it! Happy Christmas and have a good new year!
Shaun for future reference bud and i only say this because of what you said in the video on the picos climb, your whole upper body should not be tense when off road mate - you should be relaxed but especially the upper half including hands - the work is done with the legs and hips :-) well done for getting up and hey, no Kujo dogs this time hahahaaa
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned, guide the bike, don’t force it.
Thanks buddy, appreciate the advice. Im very much a first timer, and I was holding on for dear life at parts 😂. Cheers both
Terrific vlog, thanks Shaun, a great ride, and the autumn light makes the mountains look brilliant!
That's very kind thank you for this lively feedback... 😊
Sean, super video thanks. I've done that trail 2 or 3 times BUT on a Honda CRF300L - much lighter and far longer suspension travel than your BSA. I can vouch that it's a scary route - the camera doesn't really show the steepness and difficulty of some bits. So I thought you did brilliantly to keep your cool, keep going and continue your commentary.
Thanks, that's a very kind comment. Much appreciated. As a CRF 300 owner are you excited by Suzuki DRZ4? The 2025 bike. Would be interested to know your opinion. Thanks 👍
@@MindfulMotorcyclist Hi Sean - yes, the DR-Z4S looks excellent from what I've seen/read although I've not ridden one. If it'd been available when I bought the CRF300L (3 years ago now, when they first came out) I think that the Suzuki would have been my choice - about the same weight, but 36% more power. But the CRF is okay for trails in the Picos and the like - I don't feel an urge to replace it yet! Are you thinking of swapping to the DRZ?
@Oyambre2020 I just noticed the DRZ4 and thought what an appealing package, it's not cheap mind you at £7500...
Wow…! That looked like an amazing ride. Certainly tested you and the BSA to its limit. Great vlog and earned you some bragging rights.
Thank you Nigel, that's very kind. I hope you and Laura had a nice Christmas and have a happy New year!
Well done, another amazing video really enjoyable to watch. 😊
Thanks you Steve, appreciate that 👍
As you said, the guys on the big adventure bikes couldn't do it because they were on very heavy bikes. They also lacked the skill to ride them on such a difficult trail. Your BSA isn't light but it does have decent tyres plus plenty of torque. And you definitley have commitment on your side. What an adventure.
Thank you Stephen, I honestly think it would be easier on my bike, a modern classic at 213kg than one of those huge ADVs. You're right the 650 single just chugs and chugs up the trail. It's class act and a lot of fun.
Most people when they do off road and tense up their breathing gets short. U seemed calm all the way. Such solitude and beauty. I find descending harder.. wont be buying urs 2nd hand😂😂
Hahaha yes do not see my bike as one to buy second hand. You can find a nice low mileage road only GS for mid 3s privately...
Old Mercedes I think 😊 your right about tempeture change in the mountains Sean rode from frejus to Barcelonnett left the coast 28c got a couple of km from Barcelonnett 1c and snowing, turned back as 🥶 in summer gear 😳, always carry a first aid kit on tour, for that reason. Love the Picos I found you have more of a sense of being in the mountains as everything is in your face, more so than the alps n Pyrenees imho, I reckon that’s where the grit came from that’s scratched your tank mate in those road works. Fantastic roads I was leaning on the sofa going round those twisties what a blast really enjoyed that (264) especially, brings back great memories, great ride, thanks Sean. ….. Pete 🇫🇷
I will be back to the Picos for sure. I haven't actually done the Alps really (been to Austria a couple of times) or the Pyrenees at all. Perhaps a trip to plan this year on the BSA (with a spare inner tube and some knowledge )😂Cheers 🍻
Next year that will be a wonderful, solid new paved road. Gives a reason to return! Also, to say the totally obvious, early bikes were used at the time modern roads were just being created and thus many roads were quite old and gravel etc. Not suitable for modern motorcraft. The “old” geometries of motorcycles, until, well in to 70’s in many cases, were fine on all kinds of roads. You still see such things as people riding happily around on “street” bikes in places that GSA riders struggle with in SE Asia, Africa, South America, etc. Those street bikes are deceptively capable and strong. It’s the magic sauce of Royal Enfield so far, but there are a lot of these things out there. Heros and XR150Ls and lots of small almost indestructables. Just can’t run 70 mph on the motorway. I really like that sort of bike and riding, being a bit old I guess, and I am impressed with both the Gold Star and your willingness to just get on in and go there. Great video.
I had a honda xr150 in Mexico, loved it and I rode through deep sand on the beach without a worry in the world. Can't get them here i don't think though?
Bravo Sean doing that track. Some of it looked like you could have gone on the grass but then there might've been hidden rox!
I probably should of gone down on the grass, I would have made a direct route to the church and not shaken out my fillings 😂
Fantastic mountain road. Lovely scenery. Good on you Sean.😊
Thank you Mark, hope you had a nice Christmas and have a happy new year!
Well done for that. Of road does take a bit of getting used to. i raced off-road for 38 years, so well done you and the buzzer. I love N. Spain, first trip was in 1918. No one spoke english then. i had some Spanish so it up. From W. Sussex.
Blimey 1918… that was some going😮😉😊
@@namduran Yes, bit of a faux-pas there. Actually 1981. Put it down to age!! Thanks.
Thanks for the comment Jim. If you are experienced could you tell me what sort of pressure I should have put in the tyres? I didn't know here. Thanks 👍
@@MindfulMotorcyclist That's a bit tricky. Soft for mud/samd but, Too soft and you can get concussion bursts. Too hard and you'll bounce everywhere. Sorry, it's a bit 'suck it n see' dependant on terrain
Great upload. I do miss my 650 single cylinders
Thanks John, did you have an F650 or g650gs then?
Hi Sean - it’s Big Rodders in Ireland. Lovely video, particularly the gravel road section. I’m envious of you as your trail was wider, drier and longer than the ones I transverse in Co Donegal with my trusty Ordinance Survey map. The real learning for me from this video was how irrelevant heavy, pricy and overhyped so called adventure bikes are for actual adventure riding. By the way, my bike of choice for this type of riding is my 2020 yellow 4 speed Monkey with 15k miles clocked up - most enjoyable and comfortable bike (even though I’m 6’ 4”) I’ve owned in my 55 year career.
Hi Rodders, there's something hugely satisfying about taking a machine outside its design remit and using it for something completely different! If we had done this type of riding on a Yamaha Tenere 700 then it's not really as much fun even though that bike is designed for that purpose. Love your Monkey story! Cheers.
Brill, I felt the pain on the audio isdues😂😂🔉👍👍🍻🍻
I don't get it when the camera is set to auto gain, half the time it clips half the time no sound 😂😂😂
FairPlay Shaun. Really cool video. I have a modified old 1961 Triumph 3ta that is my trail bike (I’ve even done a Long distance trial competition on her) but good to see my BSA 650 shadow black is potentially a trail bike too! I’d be dropping my tyre pressures down for a route like that. Do start practicing standing up on the pegs chap, it does make the off roading easier. Good job & much respect 👍
Thank you for this comment and sorry for the delayed reply. Could you tell me what sort of tyre pressure I should use. The road setting is around 30-32psi from memory. 18inch on the front and 17 on the rear. Thanks for your advice.
@ No worries, festive season and all that and a happy new year to you. As you don’t have rim locks I wouldn’t go less than 18psi, but that will improve the footprint/ traction/ comfort. In a tough spot where you are really stuck maybe 10psi. Observed Trials we run at 4psi - but we have rim locks and ultra light machines. Obviously you need a way to reinflate after a trail session (pocket co2 inflator or mtb pump) I must point out that your tyres will run hotter at road speeds at lower pressures and handling might be affected, so stay safe!
Caveat to add, I mentioned rim locks, or lack of, but forgot to say… If you’re lowering tyres it’s arguably best to slacken the valve retention nuts off to the bottom of the valve cap(or remove them altogether) That reduces the risk of ripping out the valve if the tyre does slip on the rim, which with tubeless tyres on a tube rim is a bit unlikely to be honest, tight as a ducks arse! Anymore questions don’t hesitate to ask 👍
Well done buddy, that must've been tough
Thank you Tim!
Well done on the gravel Sean and not a GS in sight 😂 sketchy mate you would be truly buggered if you had a puncture on tubed tyres up there 😬 just when you think it’s the last summit oops nope there’s another 🤣🤣🤣🤣 best of your Spanish trip vids 👍🇫🇷
Thanks for this comment Pete and apologies for the delayed reply. Well i would be buggered up there with a puncture. I'd have to push her down to a paved road and call the breakdown. I do want to learn how to change a tubed tyre... this year one of my bike goals...
Lovely scenery and nice roads
Thank you Andy 😊
Maybe not the best bike for these tracks but the beeza with Shaun doing ok.
Engines good for it and tyres but suspension travel a little short...
Well done you!
Thank you Tony, appreciated.
Well done Sean. Great ride. Question sitting down or standing on the pegs? Until the next time, Mike, Sunny Wales
Hi Mike, thanks for the comment. I was sitting down, I'm not quite confident enough to stand up to he honest. Cheers!
You should get a pre-'88 classic and do the Colombres Rally Sean. It's brilliant.
Which bikes would be good for this, as I don't know much about older bikes 🤔
The safest option would be an airhead BMW (pre '88 twin). There are lots there with many, many other makes. More British riders than any other nationality but also German, Spanish and French mainly.
I'm going to look up this Rally now...
Cabrales (ka-bra-les) that you struggled to pronounce, is home to possibly the best blue cheese in the world. It is worth a trip to the Picos just for the cheese and the great riding is a bonus. 😂
Haha thanks that Jon!
great video
Thank you that's kind.
Hi very nice ride however not sure why you keep on ptessing indicater button all the time is that a habbit or you really doing something with it?
That is my OCD 😂😂
Amazing trip. Are you doing something like this next year?
Probably ER, but things abit up in the air atm with the move etc. Did you have a decent Xmas?
@MindfulMotorcyclist Turned out OK thanks. But still a few bits I didn't like 😂👍
All good though 😎
The same bike with a suspension upgrade would be fun
This is my dilemma, try to upgrade the BSA or get a bike from factory with long travel suspension?
just imagine ya Steve McQueen in the great escape ..haha.
Quick question, related to the BSA, not really the journey...
Can you turn it on it's side stand? I know there's no centre stand, so I wouldn't be able to use a turntable in my driveway, to get it in n out... (I'm having visions of me doing an Austin Powers scene, only on 2 wheels... 🤣
Reverse it in, ride it out. Or vice versa
Hi retro rabbit, no i actually find it too heavy to turn on the side stand unfortunately...
Why exactly did the bmw gs failed can anyone explain. I find the trail very easy for bmw GS
It was mainly the bikes were too big loaded up with luggage etc and riders lost confidence...
J'adore le gros mono mais...il est très vilain ce gros radiateur et l'échappement décalé qui doit bien chauffer le tibia droit l'été 😮...
The bad news , 1080p Resolution, 😁
You can tell? On a phone or on TV?
Dual track. And Spain is not UK in bike safety. Sure locking is key, but ultra-locking and hiding isn‘t.
@30:20 You're bouncing all over the road ; lower your tire pressures.
I will next time, very much a beginner at this kind of thing 👍
No, it all belongs to the rider; a real adventure rider makes it with an real adventure bike (from bmw, ktm, yamaha, suzuki, honda) in half of the time!
All belongs to the rider and rider with Suzuki DRZ4 probably do best up here!