In the last wee while the Multi has had; Oil and filter changed, screen cleaned. Clutch and brake fluids changed. Coolant changed. Oberon clutch slave fitted. Water pump protection fitted. Decat link pipe and Arrow works can fitted. Rear wheel eccentric hub serviced. 14 tooth front sprocket fitted to replace the original 15 tooth. Brake and clutch levers replaced with Evotech versions. Bellypan removed and sent for powder coating. After 8 years and 12000 miles, i was surprised how little there was in the way of crud inside the swingarm, given pictures I have seen of other people’s bikes. Anyway, it’s all nice and clean, greased and reassembled again now. Really looking forward to some good weather in the coming months to get back on the road again!
I think the winter was only designed to for us fair weather riders to fickle on with our pride and joys
I have even started contemplating getting something cheap and nasty, just to ride from Oct until March
I do feel like I’m cheating myself, with a garage full of bikes, but no inclination to ride any of them. But I’ll more than make up for it when the weather sorts itself out.
That and to plan the bike tour or tours for the summer, book the channel crossings, maybe even book the hotels and if you're like me prepare the routes and prepare turn lists.
I've had my multi out a few times over the past couple of months. For the most part, it stays in the garage over winter. But I don't tease my self, if I want to ride, I'll ride it.
Likewise - 2 Bikes SORN, Multi taxed - but never ridden Going to be even harder for me - new to me V4S imminent .. I might have to actually go for a ride in the cold. Been doing the same with a couple of friends - got a 10 day tour to the Picos mountains locked in for end of June ..
Simon Weir's books are great for finding routes in UK and Europe https://www.amazon.co.uk/Z-Europe-Bikers-scenic-routes/dp/0008547831/ref=sr_1_1 His website has loads of routes you can buy - but I won't pay £120 for his ready-made tours. https://www.simonweir.co.uk/
I get it, look into treating the bike. Then you'll not care about salt for those sunny winter rides. Mine stays in the garage over winter as I'm done commuting on a bike and I prefer riding during the summer these days
Have a look at ride magazine routes. There are loads for Europe and you can download the files for loading on your satnav.
I never bother to SORN my bikes, as I want the freedom to just be able to jump on it and go for a ride, if we get a break in the weather.
Absolutely! I want to be in a position, that if all the ducks and stars align up perfectly, producing dry, salt free roads, I can hop on and go.
I managed around 100 miles yesterday. Bright and sunny but very windy in exposed high areas. Down to 4 degrees at times. Great to get out though and after telling myself id break myself in gently and just ride in urban mode, i lasted about 5 miles before reverting to type and unleashing full power.
