Theme of life

The same theme – continues – “One Man | Two Wheels | Endless Destinations”

Coming soon … to lifesize reality  – With little amendments as and when they happen.

XC ADV – The Story Begins.

The commitment to myself to seek what I have left behind in the time and be myself is back. I want to do what I love and live doing what I love. There will always be challenging along the way but that is what we all have in our lives. We love to live these challenges and challenge ourselves to the goals we want to achieve.

As in my last blog post, I mentioned the about the XC Adv. The story begins – I don’t know how far, how exciting and how boring this will get but this has begun. My long wish to prepare a motorcycle meant for my needs has started its beginning. It has been long search to get started with it in first place. I am athletic build with 1.78m and 70kgs that needs something light to take me across places fast, light and easy to handle. My choice between the motorcycles has been based on lots of help from Walter Colebatch and the likes of other adventure motorcyclist including the rally and world touring peeps.

A very interesting point of view was what I used to have in my life about a decade ago – the lighter you go – the faster you will be. This is not just applicable in one respect of weight but overall planning of your trip. Everything adds up from one to another to the next. The weight of the bike should be something that is reasonably manageable by you in any or most of the conditions you are in without the help of anyone in miles of no human reach. The big adventure bikes never were in my league with pure reason being they are not manageable at any extent in a solo long ride if the terrain is more than rough surface. I wanted a bike to meet my demands that fulfill my needs in terms of weight, reliability and capability of going beyond European tarmac. The list was pretty neat with what my options are – 650cc or 690cc.

The reliability being a big concern with travelling to the far away regions becomes a big issue if your motorcycle is little more than simple and more complicated with advanced technology. They do not make life easier rather hellish if you are stuck in middle of nowhere. KTM690 is an ideal bike but the reliability and few other concerns puts me off where as BMW 650 is tested for its reliability and comparably lot lighter than 690 in long run solo terminology of adventure travels. Although BMW 650 strikes each to each variants available. You can get the F650Gs, Sertao, Fundro 650 and the limited few which were produced as X-series. In the very obvious between the 650cc – the search has been for the lightest and that was none other than G650 Cross Country rather the name came up as XC. With a dry weight of just around 150kgs I know it would be ideal as pointed out the expert Walter himself.

It was not an easy one to begin with. On the first search that is the end of December 2014, I found no XC available in whole of UK be it a dealer or be it a private seller. The search moved on to the next available market – the EU Continent. The search was not an easier one as most common online platforms returned nothing and then few local searches from a help of Austrian friend and Belgian friend pointed me to German\Austria\NL market with few to look at. They all wanted an excess of £3000/- which sure was not my range to begin with. I was looking for a bike that is probably as old as 2007 and not a whole lot of mileage in between all these 7years. None to the point that would interest me as most were over in excess of 30,000kms. I found one in north of Italy with a private seller asking about 3800Eu. with 500kms but he never responded back to the emails or the calls hence it was over.

Two weeks in the hunt, 2015 has clocked itself in the new dates. Happy New Year, the search is still on and not a single one selling in UK. The limited production of these bikes was an interesting point that BMW never focussed on the sales of X series as these were not the market sellers for BMW potential adventure aimed buyers. BMW has made its name for selling the big boxers and not really the low spec 650’s. 650’s have been there since long time and have made its market in lower numbers compared to the 1200’s of big twin boxers. Rather I call them big boobs of BMW in the bike porno language. The first week went on and I was closing on the European market but kept myself on the hold. Not to jump the gun of crossing into the Continent as it would mean more expenses – bringing the bike, changing the currency, transporting the bike and all the paperwork to follow.

Second week on – the casual search back on online platforms – Ebay – None, Gumtree – Hey Hey (someone is selling one). I have located the first BMW G650 X Country in the UK. The seller was asking about the price I was looking for and it was 12000miles on the odometer so it would have equated to the lowest kind of mileage I was able to get compared to EU sellers. I weighed in my options to compare the other and I was well in my reach to find the bike I wanted. This just was the beginning of the whole XC Adv Story now.

Bike Search – After 3 weeks.

I contacted the seller, tried to see if we can reach a lower price than the asking but it was more or less the same as I would have not realised it until late that I ended up buying a bike which added a nearly £450 in terms of the van hire, diesel and simple transfer from A to B. I found the bike in South Devon, Somerset. I gave in the deposit to the guy to ensure that it was already locked to my name before anyone else points a finger on it. It was a long journey to begin with and added to that was the 100mph+ winds. I decided to stop in at Bristol to use it as split stop instead of doing a long 500miles in a single day.

500 miles return to gather the XC and back to base.

10.01.15 – Hiring an Enterprise Van was not  big deal but I must advice every one of checking the windscreen as I feel I have cheated. Anyways more on that later. I hired the van as they offered to pick me up from the home. It was nearly 10.30am by the time I reached home from sorting out all the paperwork at van hire and I had to take a small bicycle to be offered to a little girl who I knew would love it in her coming years.

It was nearly 1100hrs by the time I could hit the road and the scare of 100mph+ winds was slowly calming down. I was all set ready to leave and resetting the trip meter on the van was the first thing that was on my mind to keep the distance tracked.

A boring drive basically between A1M, M25, M4 upto Bristol where my first stop came as I have some family so I could have used it to my advantage. Driving a van is no wonder lot more relaxed than riding a small car for longer distances. The sitting posture really defines your change of comfort and alertness level at all times.  140miles – 2hour15mins. Not too bad considering that driving a van is lot relaxed.

Destination was still another 110miles or so miles away. The weather was bit calm and the long empty stretches of M5 was like driving into the endless road that won’t come to an end. It was boring as well which eventually led us to A38 and into the South Brent from where the first glimpse of the XC was becoming more and more visible in my mind.

Finally, we reached the destination and the first view of the XC was captured. It wasn’t a clear first view but there was not much to it. It has been in the garage for a while and something to do with battery was mentioned. I didn’t took a big note on it but it started so I counted on it at that time.

It was a very kind and a warm welcome from Peter, who has kept the bike since number of years and was not very first owner. He had some very interesting bikes for anyone keen on the history of two strokes. I have not seen so many two strokes in the same garage as many he had to share. There was an enthusiasm and the wonderful biker brotherhood going on. He was eager to know what all I am planning to do with the bike. The idea of knowing that an XC can go lot more farther is just a spark for the excitement.

There were few that I would have liked to share here a quick note and it was just amazing fun to see them in full working conditions. Impressed is just a small word but the interest that we had in common was a good factor for making this XC story even more exciting – the story from the beginning is a fun if it was more than just a buy and sell deal.

Few more wonderful bikes to look at. There is another amazing Yamaha 125 LC two-stroke which was a gem in its wonderful condition. Although I loved the small 50cc Honda which was used by his son when he was learning two wheels.

I did find myself excited meeting Peter and no wonder it has a perfect recipe for the excitement. A lot of time spent in talks and sharing what XC is capable of with its power range. Ah well we shall get loading the bike into the van and strapping it down. Peter was really kind in his welcome and his passion is reflected in his love for his wheels.

At 12226miles, it has had a new life embedded into its new making. XC that shall see the light of the world from the shades of the garage. This should move itself into a new category among the few others known for what they are.

All strapped and ready to go.

I was glad to have not attempted this within a day as it would have been a good 24hours through the day making it back to base. Tonight it is a halt in Bristol with a last 140miles to base next morning.

11.01.15 Making it to the base, I rested long as I slept like a baby last night. Morning was an easy one and still lazy to do get back on the road but I knew it was to be done before it gets dark as I rather should make the most of the daylight. Days aren’t long in January added with the bad weather not a good idea.  In all this while, I have been in contact with Erik(Expert at its trade) from NL -to update that I have been on my way.

A little break at Reading services, M4 – 435miles into the journey of the XC without being added to its own odo has been quite remarkable so far.

Not a cm has moved on the bike 😀 It is well and truly locked into its place.

Another distance before it can be unleashed and unstrapped into its new base. The journey amounted to a total of 507miles from base to base so it has not been so bad with a day in between.

The interesting long journey with few stops has finally come to the rest. It was now time to make the face to face introduction between the Fz6 Chini and XC Adv on the outside while the Fz6 waits and watches the unloading of the XC Adv.

The power of single 650 vs the inline fours of 600 is pretty much incomparable. The 650 shall set an example of unseen and unknown while the 600 has been ruling the roads for the last 63000miles of European smooth terrains.
This marks the base to base journey of making the XC Adv limelight of the stories ahead.

Interestingly, as I previously mentioned about the van rentals – I was quite stunned when a chap at the rental mentioned about the chip. It was barely 2cms with a slight 2cm line appearing near the base of the windshield. It just took me by surprise because I am quite sure when the van was given to me – the lady who let it rent to me didn’t check the screen and neither did I – so validly I was at the fault but gobsmacked me doesn’t believe it was me. It became a well in excess of £400 for the van hire and the fuel in total amounting to lot more than expected. There was no fun part in the end as it left me bitter!

Just a learning, that rentals should be more carefully sought out in future if you are to take one. It just was no fun that you return it as you got it and took the hit of more than you expected it to be. Rant over.

Story continues …..

Nothing is Still – Time is the Proof.

Capturing life when you move – you realise nothing is still. Everything around us is moving and if we are still – this nature is forever moving.
Crossing the Scotland’s famous Forth Bridge Road leading to the City of Edinburgh and then back out heading down south from the Edinburgh.

Suzuki GSXR 750 – Ride Review

As a child, I grew up thinking of only one thing – “If I could ever get to be on this fast, real fast motorcycle” that will do standstill to 100 in the first gear and 200 in the second gear. Yeah all those thoughts come true with time, desire, patience and passion. I just never knew when, how and where.

Now, as an adult I have reached that stage where I do have that childhood realization turn reality with time. I welcome you all to the ride review of the SUZUKI GSXR 750 – the real rocket which does as your imagination can make you think of it. This is for real that this motorcycle is FAST, FAAAST, really very FAAASST and can kill you if not handled with precise control and superb decision making process inside your brain. No, it is no brainer for all the speed freaks out there but this is at the same time a machine meant to take you into the higher level. There is nothing wrong about this bike but everything that is there is just right and light.

Let me introduce you to the SUZUKI GSXR 750, I am sure it needs no introduction – smooth as silk, fast as you can face, corners like a melting butter on hot tarmac – there are not enough synonyms to play with. It is fairly simple if you are a rider – you will adore, love and respect this machine. I have done 2100miles to date on this fairly 3year old Suzuki GSXR which has 18000miles on it when I got it. It now has over 20000miles and it leaves me no box un-ticked for its comparison. I can give an insider out review on it but let’s stick to the basics of what everyone wants to know of.

Acceleration: 0-60mph(0-100kmph) – is blistering fast. Real trait of this is known on the real tarmac or track. Considering you can easily clock 120mph(200kmph) in the second gear shift – it does give you an immense idea of what I am talking here. It is more than a beast considering the way it moves. 10/10

Braking: Well, I won’t have a distance figures but I always say nothing can stop you from killing yourself but yeah if you have got some road and really clean surface you can stop yourself before you kill yourself. Jokes apart, the braking is fairly decent and I would only give it 7/10 as there is plenty of room where this can be improved.

Handling: I, insist – this is going to be a top brass when it comes to handling. This is a superb piece of machinery designed well in line with contours to keep your adrenalin flowing to the fullest. No holds barred. The light weight makes it best contender in its class. You are looking at a 750cc with a handling of a 600cc which makes it one in its category. I call it unbeatable when it comes to the smooth handling of this beast. 10/10

Mileage: Big question, small answer – “Very good” considering I am doing an average of 66miles a day – using this bike same as my other very reliable Yamaha Fazer FZ6 600S2, there is seriously not a huge lot of difference. This will come to reserve or the reserve lights will come at about 135miles. The best I have had so far is 143miles before the reserve kicked in included couple of hours on the motorway. I would give it fairly high ratings of 8.5/10

Comfort: On the longest single ride that I had on it was 143miles without a stop and that was fair grounds to test this ride to its best potential. You can get cracking on with it opening the accelerator or be sensible riding it with constant motorway speed limits and get a wow sort of mileage and same time the comfort. Gxxr750 is kind on wrists, seating posture and your knees positioning. This bike has 3 step adjustable foot rest which can be adjusted depending on how tall or short you are and if you want a more relaxed posture. One shortfall is it does tend to strain the back after a period of time but hey this is not a touring bike which you can go on touring for hours but yes it is fairly good for motorways splash and dash rides. I would rate it 8/10

Nothing beats the beast inside. The Engine in itself is smooth power house that hides itself well behind the plastic shrouds and the sexy looking cowls on its either side – you can absolutely be happy with this machine and never complain about missing a beat. The only thing you can miss on it is – not getting seen by someone and getting over run (on the funny note). Do not underestimate the power of this 150bhp that can get you well over and beyond mental speeds of no coming back. I have called it off at xxxmph after which I did feel this is one helluva motorcycle that is lot more capable in its hidden form under its hood. It still had lot more room but I would leave that till I can head out on the Autobahn the next time.

Enjoy the video after I completed my first 1000miles and some real good insights too.

As for the beginners, this is not the first time bike if you are new on the scene. I am not trying to de-motivate you or stop you but just be kind on yourself and learn to handle the bike on a 600cc. I do see this to be an advanced level bike which has thrills, speed and all the things you want out of a litre bike. The best part is – it won’t leave you with much more to ask from it.

“A one refreshing motorcycle that is – “ Mani Babbar Reviews.

**If you would like to ask something more about the bike – feel free to ask. Happy to help you with the real first hand experience.

Eriskay – Outer Hebrides

Eriskay (Scottish Gaelic: Èirisgeigh, pronounced [ˈeɾʲiʃkʲej]), from the Old Norse for “Eric’s Isle”, is an island and community council area of the Outer Hebrides in northern Scotland. It lies between South Uist and Barra and is connected to South Uist by a causeway which was opened in 2001. In the same year Eriskay became the ferry terminal for travelling between South Uist and Barra. The Caledonian MacBrayne vehicular ferry travels between Ceann a’ Ghàraidh in Eriskay and Ardmore in Barra. The crossing takes around 40 minutes.

Enjoy some views of this beautiful place here :

Some more views from the Eriskay Ferry Terminal

& Finally the views from the Metal cage Pier placed on the embankments

Going Beyond – on next step I take you into the Barra Island, last one of the Hebrides and quite exotic one.  🙂
Watch out this space for more.

Beautiful gem of Scottish Hebrides.