When I posted my last message, due to my complete lack of knowledge as to how these blogs propogate, it has appeared quite low down. On the grounds that it might be missed, since it does ask a question, I have taken the liberty of repeating it.
"Hi everyone, Martin from Burwin M/cs worked his magic on the MZ's gearbox some while ago now and the bike has again been working properly (almost). Though my perambulations via motorcycle have mainly been limited to local trips I have a few times now gone to Alsmeerderbrug to a shop called Luchtvaart there.
Aalsmeerderbrug is a few yards south of Schiphol, Amsterdam's airport and involves a trip of 50-70 kilometers depending on route.
As you may (or may not) know Schiphol has more runways than Heathrow. This involves the airliners taxiing over at least two roads to get to the furthest runway.
On the way home, I decided to take the motorway via Haarlem to Alkmaar before going through Heerhugowaard to Obdam (love those foreign names).
Going along the motorway I noticed a Boeing 747 taxiing towards the boundary fence around the airdrome. At about the time I thought it was going to end up on the motorway the road went into a tunnel and the airliner went over the bridge constructed over the cutting!
Unfortunately, I have now discovered that the odometer has taken on a life of its own. It is currently at 99,100 km but it has taken to winding back 10 or even a 100 kilometres without warning. At least it did wind forward 200km when I took Hannah to our nearest large town, Hoorn, when the trains had a problem a while ago.
The week before last I went for a short trip to Heerhugowaard (circa 15 km.); the d***ed thing wound back 3 times. Last week I went on a 150km trip to Amsterdam and back; the odometer registered 100km!
On a more distant note, next year I shall hit the big six-zero and the Civil Service should pay out a pension plus lump sump based on my almost 20 years service there. Chris has acquiesced in my wish to get another big bike. I had the idea that if my medical condition permits,which is starting to look more remote, it would be a good idea to come to England with Chris on a reasonably long legged bike and re-visit my old, and some new, haunts for one last time. One place I would like to visit is Norton sub Hamdon in Somerset, where the Greenham side of my ancestry can be traced back to 1470, as I discovered quite recently.
The bugbear is what bike to get? I mentioned in a previous post that I was leaning towards a moto Guzzi but since then I have made a few enquiries. I was warned off the Guzzi Florida, the Breva engined Classic Guzzi and any 4 valve 750 Guzzi. Since a Le Mans or a California are too big for me (or my pocket) I was wondering what s/h bike of 750cc or less anyone here could suggest as suitable for two up longish distance touring? I still find recent BMW styling repulsive, by the way.
I would prefer shaft drive and an electric start is a must."
12 comments:
some cool bike photos here. yet to see these bikes in India. Here we are passionate about royal enfield motorcycles.
Had an Enfield India Bullet some yrars back. It was, not to put too fine a point on it, rubbish.
Terry
What bike?
Shaft drive, electric start & weather protection.
MMMMMMMM - let me see.
Got it!!!
It's got to be a scooter - I'm serious, the big ones are fantastic.
I once chased a big Honda scooter down the motorway to Amsterdam. He left me almost standing.
The idea is intriguing.
Do you have any makes or models I could investigate?
My mate, Steve, has a Yamaha TMAX.
This combination is unbeatable, although that might be more down to the rider than the scoot. (Ask Chris Barrett - he has suffered at the hands of Steve)
I have covered quite a few miles on it, and if I was to head off to Europe today, that would be my machine of choice in this weather.
The Suzuki Burgman is also very capable.
Hi Roger, I have just looked up the TMax and the Burgman and they seem rather good though a tad pricey when new. I went to one of my local dealers today and he showed me a Kymco Downtown which is 5000 euro new but is only a
300cc with a top speed of 80mph, possibly not really big enough.
Terry
Terry
Kymco do a 500cc Xcite and Kymco do seem to have a good reputaion, but if it was me, I would go for a 2nd hand Honda Silver Wing, if only for the reason it's a Honda.
Avoid the Italians!!
This dealer did have a big Piaggio so thanks for that tip. The Silver Wing does seem best and I shall have to go to Alkmaar where there is a big Honda dealer and see what they have.
Roger,
A thought struck me today, remembering a time in Piccadilly Square where I saw a guy wearing a dirty and torn DR coat. He got on a very smart Vincent Black Shadow!
Again, only a few months ago, I saw someone come out of the shop at the local petrol station wearing a one piece leather suit and he left on a Vespa scooter!
The point is, what does one wear on a Silver Wing? I don't have a parka anymore, and never with a roundel on the back. (grin)
At this time of year a fur trimmed red suit would suffice.
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