Comfort add-ons

[lamin]

Just fitted the Heli risers, big big leap in the comfort department and combined with the MRA screen, this bike is now a serious long distance machine! I've no problem with the seat and wifey more than happy with it.Does anyone have any other add-ons that i may be missing out on which would add to the all day comfort of the GTR, as i've booked a couple of long tours this summer. Mines an 011 bike with heated grips and lowered pillion pegs. Also fitted the Givi Quick-lock tank bag.
                     Anything obvious, thanks in advance   javascript:void(0);                                                              Cheers,  Stephen

[Kwikasfuki]

Heated clothing and a comms system come to mind.

[2kwacks]

stabilizers! then you dont need to take your feet of the foot pegs when you stop at lights ;)

[Rusty]

Yep ... heated clothing ... EXo2 heated tops are good ... also just invest, if you have the dosh, in good waterproof trousers etc, oh and dubbin those boots to keep your toes warm and dry. Where are you going in the summer ?

[lamin]

10 day trip at Easter, Calais- Andora- Northern Spain and back up the west coast of France (fish supper in La Rochelle) then Calais and back to Liverpool for early May bank holiday, anything to miss that bleedin weddin'.
         Early August were off east through to Transylvania, 17 day tour, visiting Vlad the Impalers castle (Count Draculars house !) Thats with MCI Tours, 3000 mile round trip, and defo looking forward to that one.
                    Stephen

[Lonewolf]

10 day trip at Easter, Calais- Andora- Northern Spain and back up the west coast of France (fish supper in La Rochelle) then Calais and back to Liverpool for early May bank holiday, anything to miss that bleedin weddin'.
         Early August were off east through to Transylvania, 17 day tour, visiting Vlad the Impalers castle (Count Draculars house !) Thats with MCI Tours, 3000 mile round trip, and defo looking forward to that one.
                    Stephen

What I wouldn't give to be able to take part in a tour like those. I'm very envious of you!

[aldav]

[/quote]

What I wouldn't give to be able to take part in a tour like those. I'm very envious of you!
[/quote]
me too :(

[Lonewolf]

My wife's already started moaning about me going away on my own in June up to Scotland.  ::)

[fatharry]

My wife's already started moaning about me going away on my own in June up to Scotland.  ::)

Weirdly enough, the missus has never had any interest in bikes (and i quote 'they all look the same to me' ), however what i'll say is she is always very good about me going away (reading this back, maybe this isn't a good thing.......... :-\ ), I'm away for 10 days in France at the end of May, a long weekend in June, a weekend in April, GTR wekeend in August, plus multiple day rides, social meets and another long weekend somewhere, although dates not confirmed yet...the only stipulation i have is to leave enough leave for her and I to head off to the sun at some point!!...honestly i can't complain!!

[Lonewolf]

Well you cant argue at that. Sounds like you have a very understanding other half.  :)

[Kwikasfuki]

Can you get your half to talk to my half?

[fatharry]

Can you get your half to talk to my half?

I can try ... but she may also teach your other half 'how to hide your salary' , and prefix every sentence that involves Farkel/Trips away/servicing/Tyres with 'How Much' followed by frowny face and then 'how you going to pay for it' (knowing that you salary has already dissappeared into the ether!!) :o

[Rusty]

Fatharry .. Mrs's are alike then !! Lady Rusty has NEVER shown any interest in bikes, which really is a shame as I think she would make a good biker chick ! Bikes have always been used 99% of the time to commute with so they are a tool as much as anything but like you I do days out with the chaps from work, and have 7 days in France planned for end of June .. down to the Massif Central and a few overnighters at campsites around the South.. nothing too adventurous just ride out to Dorset, find a pub, drink, ( ALWAYS erect tent first ) eat, sleep, big fat boys fry up, and ride home ( don't forget the tent ).... Mr Wolf, when I get a moment later I'll post the French itinery just for you to salivate over !! Sorry !!! ;D ;D ;D

[Rusty]

Sod it can't wait ...
Mr Wolf and others ...this is a standard 7/8 days "HOON" to South / Middle Francais. Tunnel out and ferry back,( already booked ) just so we have a bit more time to chill out on the return trip. No more than an hour and a 1/2 to the Ports so there is an advantage to living on the South Coast ! At the moment there are 6 of us going, leaving early on a Tuesday morning, so a bit of midweek riding taking advantage of " out of school " time and the longer June daylight hours ...
Day 1 .... about 255 miles  To Calais and head for SE of Paris down towards Orleans and stop at Chateauneuf-sur-Loire.

Day 2 ... about 230 miles ...On to Auvergne region .. so heading central South.

Day 3 .. ???? miles .. either stay put and have a look around the local sites or on the bike and choose a village to visit.. usually half a day so a bit of a rest or a total slob day.

Day 4 .. about 200 miles  onto Beynac et Cazenac .. this is a lovely place we have been to before.. about 80 miles due east of Bordeaux.. just stunning ! 2 years ago we had a day off here and went on a canoe trip along the Dordoigne River ... it consisted of getting in a van and being driven 20K up river, then buying a plastic waterproof barrel to place your lunch in .. grapes, bread,cheese,ham, crisps,beer .. get the picture ??... then floating ( god NO rowing !! ) back down to the campsite ... we just drifted all day and it took about 6 hours, dipping as we went ...

Day 5 .. 200 miles or 0 miles ... again.. either off to the Millau Bridge or laze about or go somewhere local

Day 6 ... about 270 miles .. now heading back up North to Le Mans to stay in the grounds of an old Chateau and force some more local wine down our parched throats !

Day 7 .. BooHoooo .. about 200 miles .. heading back up to Calais, usually taking some RN roads just to get some fast miles in ... then back to Blighty.

We camp all the time and in previous trips we have booked but not this year as there are plenty of sites and have never had a problem before finding a pitch. We are always polite, try a bit of French and clear up after ourselves so we always get a "come again" handshake when we leave.
When the time comes I shall post the story.

[fatharry]

Heres m itinerary fir my trip this may...we're using a bikers place as our base...and we've got full board an free beer and wine (which helps) think there is 14 of us going

Friday 20th May:

Assemble at Euro tunnel (time to be notified). Catch a midday/afternoon train to Calais, Fuel stop at Chunnel exit fuel station. Ride to Evreux and overnight at B&B.

Saturday 21st May:

Ride from Evreux to Riders Rest, Le Theil. Comfort and refuel stops as necessary. Our first night at Riders Rest, there will be cold beer, tea coffee and wine, plus a freshly cooked three course meal waiting and ready for us.

Sunday 22nd May: 

Start the day slowly with a cooked English Breakfast, check bikes out and then enjoy a ride out to Oradour-Sur Glane along some exceptional biking roads. Back to Riders Rest for a home cooked meal and cold beer.

Monday 23rd May:    

Gentle ride down to Guoffre de Padirac and Rocamadour taking in this spectacular town and climbing a cliff and see the Eagles soar before once more enjoying  a few beers and telling tales of the trip at Ridersrest.

Tuesday 24th May:

Up early for an English breakfast then a ride to Mary Peak in the Cantal Region of France with a visit to Aurillac then returning to a relaxing evening meal cold beer and wine

Wednesday 25th May:

A long day, up early for breakfast at 07.00 depart no later than 08.00 for Millaux Viaduct over and under, taking the Lot Valley enroute for this 380 mile round trip. A hot meal and cold beer will be waiting our return at Ridersrest at about 21.00. ( not for the Faint Hearted).

Thursday 26th May:

Late start- riders ride their own ride today, for lunch either at Lac Vassiviere or Argentat. ( Routes Provided).

 

Friday 27th May:

Ride through the romantic Dordogne stopping at Argentat for lunch then on through some winding roads and picturesque villages - Collonges-la-Rouge,  Beaulieu- sur- Dordogne.

Saturday 28th May:

Depart Riders Rest late morning for B&B Evreux.

Sunday 29th May:

Depart B&B Evreux and ride to Calais Euro tunnel. We should be in the UK at around 15.00 hrs.