Pedro

Yes, have it from new. The button used to switch information on the dash started to stick sometimes, and you’d have to press it on the other side to make it pop back up. It was a known issue so they changed that, and the controls on the other grip as well even though they were fine. That was a few months from new. It had a new clutch fitted at around 60 or 70000km, not a warranty thing as it wasn’t even slipping, but worn clutches affect gearchange quite a lot. It would still ride on that clutch today had it not been changed. I had the rocker arms replaced with upgraded ones, faulty coating on the stock ones. It’s a common problem with this generation BMWs, KTMs and Ducatis. I replaced the shocks with aftermarket, but the original ones still worked in their own way, and didn’t leak. BMW replaced the driveshaft even though it was ok, at around 93 or 94000kms. I would have changed it at 100.000kms so it was a nice surprise that they had that recall. Next will be the grips, they’re worn. It’s not the cheapest bike to have, but I am quite happy with it so far. Never used any oil or dripped anything apart from the filler cap sealant, that for whatever reason drips a while after having the oil done sometimes.

Not the greatest choice of brand name to sell in the UK

Picked a nice location too:

One of the prettiest motorcycling days I’ve ever done, there might be a ride report once I’m home.

The drawing on the traffic signs matches that neck, too:

It’s as old as time in golf courses. I Espinho, mainland Europe’s oldest golf course has a road going through it. Perfect for kids to hide in those bushes prowling for golf balls before their owners make it to cross the road.

20 minutes ago

I did like the ones Derbi did a few years ago, the Mulhacen 659, using a Yamaha designed 660 single. They tried to make it look less classic scrambler and more modern dirt track, I once tried one out but ended up not buying, Maria was the prospective owner and she found the whole thing a little intimidating. It was a fun bike to ride around town, though. If it was for me alone I would probably ended up buying a XTZ660 Tenere with that same engine, even though it probably felt slower.

Beta used to make a similar bike using the Yamaha 660 single. That always looked better in my eyes.

Afternoon naps when you’re feeling tired are good.

They never look quite right to me, like they’re trying to be something they’re not.

Yes, no wonder they’re extint!

Say goodbye to ten Euros and crank the heating up. No time to save money in both of your conditions. I’m having some wine, and having roast beef for dinner. Tomorrow I ride!!!!

Do you kill them for sport, or was he threatening his place? Can't help but not like to see an animal like that shot.

Tuna steak with fried potatoes and carrot/date/almond salad with orange juice and spice dressing. It was a very nice lunch

Lovely to see you out having fun on the bike. I might venture to those parts tomorrow and Monday myself.

It's one of the most competent race bikes ever, wash your tongue!

Takeaway pizza in Espinho, pretty decent pizza too. Three pizzas and a garlic pizza bread for 30€, outrageous a few years ago but normal now.

I just realized that within a week I’ll have been a member of the Horizons Unlimited forum for 20 years!

Got home at 03:00 last night, after going to dinner with my brother and a friend. This morning I was on the phone for an hour at 08:30, and now feeling a little tired. It seems the weather has passed and tomorrow we should see no more rain for a few days. On sunday morning I will ride south, don't know where I'll end up, if at home or somewhere, I hope it's somewhere else as I do miss being on the bike for a couple of days of moving around.

Wicked cool bike!