2024
news for 2024
Now we are in 2024, I am looking back at the last two years, as my seasons have been obliterated with either mechanical catastrophe’s, or some other ‘event’ that has demanded my time and attention.
I am now back on-course and hopefully fully sorted.
Quick recap of 2023
The BMW needed to have a new alternator installed in August 2023; it was way before that when the issue first (sic) came to light. (Blog post HERE)
As most will be aware this is a huge job, and certainly way beyond my skill-set! It’s an engine out procedure, which makes the repair expensive. A local workshop did the job for me expertly, and I am very grateful to them for doing the job for me.
I have also added Denali lights, and a Soundbomb. I bought the D4 lamp set, and used the hybrid lenses rather than the spots, a B6 brake light, and of course the Denali Cansmart to make it all work. (I installed the kit myself).
I do like to ride at night, so the cost was justified (not that I have to); along with Nippy Normans running a very generous discount at the time too! I bought this bike specific kit from them here
I have also added a Remus end can which I had sat in the shed. It does sound very good; all subjective of course, but in my opinion the bike feels more responsive. It sounds great (baffle in for me), especially at higher revs and on the overrun! Great addition.
Lastly for ’23, the GS shows 33,000 miles…
2024
For 2024 I am currently I am doing a lot of research for the rides and tours ahead. I really enjoy this aspect of the process, especially in down-time when it’s miserable outdoors.
Lots of camping is planned too. All UK based for now. I’m not a wild camper by choice, so will add the details of campsites used, along with a quick review of my experience there.
MOT is due in March, so will get that done, and start the season thereafter.
Currently considering some new tyres. I am currently running Continental Sport Attack 3’s. The workshop recommended Dunlop Meridian’s as an option (great price); whereas my ‘go to’ preference was the Metzler Roadtec 01’s; or the new Roadtec 02’s when they’re available?
Given my proclivity for ‘making progress’ shall we say, I am keen for the tyre to aid but not hinder said progress; deliberations continue…
Planning the Scotland trip in the background also. I am not going to do the ubiquitous NC500 route though. So much more to the country than just the coast road(s).
If I can do Scotland this year I’d be a very happy camper indeed. It’s a high priority destination for me, as I’ve not been in more years than I care to recall.
I will be creating a catalogue of the YouTube videos on this website, from the very start to the present. This is good, as it will be easier to see the videos in order and by topic etc.
The camping side of things is another area for improvement. I’d love a taller tent because I am tall myself, but it’s not critical by any means.
The Slumit tents are on my radar presently. Certainly for moto-camping they make a lot of sense. The larger pack size doesn’t really bother me, so I just need to think on this a little more.
My current tent is a (now discontinued) Coleman Batur 3. It’s essentially a Coleman Cobra 3, but with the blackout interior, higher hydrostatic head, and ever so slightly larger dimensions.
It’s definitely a superior tent, when compared directly with the Cobra. So I am surprised they discontinued it to be honest. Perfect as a moto-tent. Small pack size and low weight. Fits in a pannier, so happy days!
Hopefully I’ll see you out on the road sometime soon.