Time for a little R&R before the IBA UK Brit Butt Rally

Well the sun is shining once again, that’s three days in a row now, you know I could get used to this.

It’s been a little hectic in the Walton Household since successfully completing the IBA Ireland SS1000. I can say that now with confidence as Chris confirmed the verification by email a couple of days ago. This means I now have 2 of the four SS1000’s required to qualify for the British Isles SS 1000 Insanity Certificate.

Jeannie & I celebrated our 16^th Wedding anniversary up in Grasmere the Friday night after the Ireland ride, with Ben joining us for a walk on Saturday morning. What we didn’t bank on was Ben staying the night in our bed as he just fell in love with the swimming pool and treadmill. Best laid plans and all that but we had a great weekend all the same in a beautiful part of England.

Here's one just for Sue & Clint

Tomorrow I head over to the start location of the IBA UK Brit Butt Rally, a 36 hour point to point event which I have never competed in before. If it were not for Ron I probably would not be entering this year’s if the truth be known, however since I have committed to taking part, I’ve thrown myself into the preparation 100%.

It started two weeks ago with a good ride down through the centre of Wales to visit the Touratech Head Office in Ystradgynlais just the other side of the Brecon Beacon National Park  in South Wales.

The ride was very enjoyable as it is predominantly on 50 mph A roads. Of course that is once I’d got the M62 and a couple of junctions of the M6 out of the way. Pulling over at The Raven Cafe to input the post code for Touratech I found it’s not listed on my Garmin 660. As ever another great start I thought but remembered that it was in my ”custom routes” so minor catastrophe averted I set on the final 126 miles of the 212 mile ride down.

It was Wednesday, the roads void of any kind of traffic whatsoever give or take the odd car or two and obviously a couple of rear tyre hugging vans.

The A483 is a fantastic road as long as you don’t mind riding at 50 mph and staying within  what must be the longest set of double white lines in the whole world. They just go on and on and on. Part of me got a little sick of the damn lines and speed limit but having been blasted past by a couple of impatient, not to mention, illegal van drivers, I soon settled into what turned out to be a leisurely stroll all the way to Ystradgynlais.

What more could a biker ask for?

The Fantastic A483

Stopping off at a roadside cafe and toilets in a lay-by just on the A4067 road into the Brecon Beacon’s I was completely ignored by four aged “born again bikers”. You can spot them a mile off, fantastic 1000cc Sports Bikes, “Chicken Strips” the width of Colonel Sanders Fillets and Fifty Pence’ing to turn the bike around, that and the immaculate new leathers, which always give the game away. Don’t get me wrong I am not prejudice in any way shape or form and welcome everyone to the wonderful world of “Two Wheeled Bliss” but passing your test in the late 60’s and 70’s and then going out and buying a GSXR1000 30 odd years later just makes me shudder with fear. Not just for the rider but for any poor soul who has the misfortune to have to ride anywhere within a 100 yards of them. They’re just a liability! (rant over).

Arriving at the back of the industrial estate upon which the Touratech Unit 14 is based, I was somewhat dismayed to discover them “Closed” 1.35pm on a Wednesday, 212 miles ridden to find the shutters down. There was signs of life inside but there was no way in. (Having just pulled an invoice out from November to check the address it clearly states

***Showroom Open 10AM to 5PM Monday to Saturday ***

along the bottom, maybe I should bill them for my fuel?). Anyway, laugh I could have bust gut. I sent Jeannie a quick update text to pass on the good news. It saved me a small fortunes so it wasn’t all bad news.

Come out, come out where ever you are.

I know your in there ......... Touratech Closed!

Small bottle of water drunk, Snickers bar devoured and my next destination, Stratford upon Avon plumbed into the Garmin 660, I set off on the next 148 mile leg of my trip.

The reason for riding over to Stratford was to visit the Adventure Bike Riders Meeting taking place there which I had read  about on the ABR Forum. The ride became just a little boring from here on in. The single lane, double white lined roads from North Wales turned into a set of very straight dual carriageways which meant I could travel at 70mph also meant there was little to see in the way of views. Mind I had seen so many castles on my travels already I’m planning my return trip already, time permitting that is. Anyway before I knew it I was heading south down the M6 two junctions then off East to Stratford. Traffic was building up horrendously and filtering was not really a viable option as the lanes in the town centre are so tight. 5.25 pm I pulled up outside the restaurant to see three bikes parked right at the side of the building.

The Riverbank Restaurant in Stratford upon Avon

Just as I was tucking into another bottle of water another 2012 plated bike arrived, I watched only 15 foot away as the rider dismounted, helmet & gloves off, steering lock on, and walked straight into the building without even a nod. “Am I bloody invisible today?” I thought aloud. An old guy who was watching and had shouted across to the new arrival “You’ve dropped your glove” looked at me and grinned knowingly. Heading into the building it looked like a very nice bar/cafe but without a single sign of anything bike what so ever anywhere. I even had a nosey upstairs but to no avail, I couldn’t find anyone to do with the meeting at all. I know I was early but surely there must be someone around due to the bikes outside.

Not to be put off I took a couple of pictures of the 5 brand new 2012 plated selection of “Adventure Bikes”, the looked really well all sat in a row. There was a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, BMW GS1200, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Yamaha XT1200Z, Yamaha XT660Z. I finished my drink and chocolate bar, walked over to the bins to dispose of my rubbish, then in and walked the 30 foot back to my bike. As I started sorting my top box out two more bikes arrived the new Honda Varadero XL1000 and Triumph Tiger Explorer 4 or 5 chaps suddenly came out of the building to greet the new arrivals. “I am invisible!”.

 A great selection of Adventure Bikes

Looking very impressive.

I took a couple more pictures of the assorted bikes in a line, put my camera away and started pulling my helmet on as no one seemed to even notice I was there. Typical, as soon as my lid was on one of the guys came over and asked if I was there for the meeting.

“I was but I’m not now, thanks for asking” was my polite reply.

Plumbing “home” into my trusty Garmin 660, up popped 138 miles to destination, sorted. Riding back out of the car park Stratford was now at a standstill, it was 5.45pm and my ETA went from 7.00pm to 7.25pm in the blink of an eye! “Not good”  I said, as Wednesday night is “Respite Night”. So once I was back at the M6 I didn’t hang around until I caught the tail end of the Manchester Rush hour. Walking in the house at 7.15pm, I was showered and walking back out again by 7.35, not bad going that, if I do say so myself. So with just shy of 500 miles clocked up in a little over 10 hours I put that down to a very enjoyable training ride.

On a positive note the ride confirmed the petrol gauge on the bike does not move at all for 180 miles, it registers Empty/Reserve at 320 miles and will return a combined overall mileage range of 370 miles. I am delighted with the new tank as it has transformed the XT1200Z into a true “IBA Mile Eater”.

On the negative side it re-emphasised the fact that the seat is terrible, giving me a sore backside after 300 miles of constant riding. Plus the MRA Vario Screen just does not suit me on this bike, on the FJR1300 it was amazing, on the XT1200Z the hole at the bottom just lets the wind blow straight through and it’s just too noisy. I have to wear my thick ear plugs all of the time which  is no good at all.

With that in mind I spent a couple of nights trawling the web to find reviews on the Givi Airflow Screen. The reviews all raved about the new designed screen and so it was on to eBay, Amazon and my local dealers to price up the screen. It ranged from £135 to £157, don’t you just love the Internet.

Keith called me to say Yamaha had sent me a box of “Yamaha Goodies” for the RBLR1000 and could I collect them any time, we agreed on this Monday.

With the weather being so great I’ve had a couple of short rides out, one to collect the “Yamaha Goodies” from Keith Dixon Motorcycles where it just so happened that Keith had the Givi Airflow Screen on his demo. One quick look and I was sold, what a push over (mind with 10% discount who can blame me). I fitted it there and then on the pavement in front of the shop, Wow! What a massive difference, I can ride with my visor fully open and still hear my music and not deafen Jeannie with the wind blast as before. Minimal buffeting and so much adjustment I’ve not even had chance to try out all the different height settings available.

So I went from this MRA Vario Screen ....

To this Givi AirFlow Screen

In ten minutes flat.

Tuesday I rode over to the Adventure Bike Warehouse in Sale and bought a pair of Klim Dakar Summer Gloves and a T Bar Wrench with 5 sockets. The gloves are brilliant and for the first time this year I am now taking my gloves off without the linings pulling out with the sweat. I can’t recommend them highly enough and Adventure Bike Warehouse is not bad either, but seriously, If you’re looking for anything Klim, or bike suits, boots, helmets, gloves, bags give them a call or better still drop in as you get a free brew guaranteed. There a pair of top blokes and well worth visiting, plus they run a great servicing department.

Wednesday saw Jeannie and I head off over to Derbyshire to visit my Dad and Ang who we’ve not seen for a couple of months, “where does the time go?” The ride over was all A and B roads out through Ashton, straight through Glossop over the “Snake Pass” stopping for a cracking “brew and  a bacon and egg buttie” at a road side cafe where we got chatting to Frank. A really nice guy from Rotherham on a Triumph, having passed his test only a year ago he’d already clocked up 4000 miles. I was well chuffed for him especially when he said he was trading in the Street Triple for a 675 Daytona. Top Man Frank, I hope you enjoy your 675 as much as I did mine and make sure you go for it and get off over to Europe as soon as you can, “You know you want to”.

All "de-kitted" ready for a brew

With a fantastic view of the

Lady Bower Reservoir

Lunch with Dad and Ang was really nice, we sat outside, like I am now, in 34 degree sunshine. (110 in the conservatory- or Library as Ben calls it). We all had a great catch up with Ang showing us pictures of my brother Steven renewing his wedding vows in full military uniform, to his wife of 21 years Tracey. They even hired the car used in the TV series “ Poirot” so it all looked very impressive indeed. Shame I wasn’t invited but hey that’s families for you, plus the little fact we’ve not spoken more than 10 words to each other in 18 years. All the best to you both.

So that brings me squarely bang up to date. I have lowered the new screen and the Touratech Adjustable Screen Mount so it is now mounted to the bike in the lower mount holes. I’ve tided up my “Box of Tricks” removing the full mini socket set and replacing it with the T Bar Wrench and a few useful sockets. The food is bought; cool bag is in the fridge because if the weather is this hot over the weekend “cold water” is going to be the biggest requirement of all. Pies, Pasties, Sweets, Chocolate bars and finally boil in the bag food all set and ready to pack away into top box and if need be a waterproof roll on the back seat. No panniers as they take up too much space when filtering.

Kit I will be wearing is full Hein Gerick Airflow Jacket, Gortex trousers, HG -Summer boots, Gerbings Heated jacket and High Visibility waterproof over jacket are in the top box along with 2 pairs of waterproof gloves for the colder evening time.

All I need to do now is, clear the Garmin 660 of all my old waypoints and routes to make way for the Rally Book Points. Charge my iPod and give Ron a call.

Mr. T all set for the

IBA UK Brit Butt Rally

Roll on Saturday mornings fun and games...................

Early in Belfast, Breakfast in Cork & Lunch in Letterkenny. “Brilliant!”

Ireland SS1000 in 24 Hours

Well after talking so much about the petrol tank I’ve almost forgotten how to write  a ride report.

As ever I had a plan, a big old plan to be 100% honest about it. I’d been looking at a multi-day ride and had drawn up an IBA UK Saddle Sore 3000 mile ride. The idea came to me after reading a few posts on the IBA UK site about riding a 1000 miles in each of England, Scotland & Wales. Before I could get off my backside, Kevin and Lynn Weller had bagged the Wales SS1000. Top marks to them both for a completing a very intense ride covering two laps which were roughly like a figure of eight. You can read the ride report on TheWellers Blog.

So meanwhile back at the old MapSource program I was beavering away to sort out the logistics of covering the whole of the UK’s three countries. It was all slotting together nicely with the Scottish leg starting just north of the border at Gretna and through Glasgow up towards Fort William carrying on all the way up to Durness up in the far north west then across the north coast to Wick.

I then planned to tracking the coast line all the way around the Murray Firth and across to Fraiserburgh, at which point I would head south to Aberdeen down to Perth, Dunfermline and across, then crossing the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. Finally riding along the A1 as far as Bellhaven Bay were I would back track and head down through Moffatt returning to the services at Gretna. A very interesting and enjoyable 1033 miles door to door.

UK leg was very easy, Carlisle, South to Clacket Services on M25 across to Gordano’s Services on M5 all the way down to Penzance then return all the way up the M5 and M6 to finish just west of Chester a cool 1036. The last leg of my trip would be a ride around the coastline of Wales, twice for good measure coming in a respectable and all-important SS1000 beating 1056 miles.

How easily those routes have tripped of my tongue but I can assure you getting a route that is both above 1000 miles and not madly over ambitious and achievable within the 24 hour cut off time was not that easy. Then add in the final requirement that each leg must finish as close to the start of the next leg as physically possible you then begin to understand how much thought and time I’d put into this ride. At the last minute after days of sorting cover and working out when to start the ride to cause the least amount of upset on the “home front” I thought why not do all four countries and added Ireland to the mix. The route was very easy as Stena Line sail from Cairnryan just north of Stranraer into Belfast. Perfect!

Belfast, Cork, Letterkenny job done 500 miles each way. A quick email to Chris who advised me to  ride via Galway to ensure 1068 miles. I then emailed the routes to Phil to give them the once over not wanting to waste 4 days riding.

Only to read Phil’s post on the IBA site a little later

British Isles Saddlesore Insanity

FazerPhil Admin Group

Posted: 01 May 2012 at 2:34pm

“After discussions with Mike Kneebone IBA President I am pleased to announce the "British Isles Saddlesore Insanity"

The rules will be published on the website soon but the basis is to Ride and get verified a SS1000 in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland”.

You can then apply to IBAUK for a special "BISSI" certificate which will be issued FOC”

Posted: 01 May 2012 at 6:43pm

“You can collect them when you want as long as they are documented as separate SS1000 within each country. If course if you want to do one after another altogether that’s up to you as long as they are documented SS1000's with each of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Yes the reason we went for British Isles rather than UK was so the Ireland ride could include the North and South. It would be very monotonous to do a SS1000 in N. Ireland. I thank Chris for his previous advice on the title”.

So the challenge was  on 4 SS1000 mile rides back to back each being logged individually in each of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom.

All ready for the "Big Adventure"

I’m not going to bore you with the sandwiches, drinks and snakes plus my usual riding back up kit packed in the top box.  Setting off from Kendal at 8.00pm on Sunday night with my ticket for the midnight ferry to Belfast tucked away in my top-box. The ride north was fantastic as my Garmin 660 is running on 2012 maps and route was planned on 2010 maps. This resulted in a weird and wonderful ride once I had left the M6 north bound heading towards Dumfries I was taken straight through the Galloway Forest at dusk.

Riding happily along the A75 the “Garmin Lady” instructed me turn right  onto the A712. First thing I saw was A712 Closed from Monday 8^th May. Damn, “What date is it Raymondo, is it Monday yet?”.

There is nothing worse than following the Sat Nav instructions into a set of road works, not wanting to moan ,(having been berated for it on line recently) I’ll just say the road surface was amazingly smooth. Within 10 minutes the road began to twist and turn as the forest lay down the rules as to where it would be allowed to run. The dark night started to close in and there was a really thick mist settling on the road which thinking back I should have stopped and taken a photo of.

The view took my mind straight to a scene from the “Robin of the Hood” series introduction on TV a few years ago. The mist floated up from the new road surface, the trees hung over me causing the road to turn into a deep, dark tunnel. As the trees backed away from the road the whole area took on a mystical feel and there I was all alone riding through this wonderful mysterious land. I could have quite easily have been astride a mighty black stallion. The mood overtook me and I just loved being there, my senses were working overtime seeing all sorts of moving shadows and magical building appear and disappear as I rode by. The road is called “The Queens Way” which just added to its mystique.

Suddenly a huge black dear bolted across the road some 30 feet ahead of me, I really was part of Robin Hood’s wonderland. Shame it was totally the wrong forest, Nottingham being a good 230 miles further south, I didn’t care the experience was mystical and I loved it. (Note to self, return to Galloway Forest as soon as possible).

Sadly, all too soon my magical ride came to an abrupt end as I was thrown out of the forest, having not seen a single vehicle, back onto the A75 to join the train of trucks heading north to Stranraer.  

“Good evening Mr Walton, how are you tonight?”

What a welcome, I’ve never arrived at a dock where the staff knew who I was before I’d even switched the engine off and lifted my helmet front up.

“I’m fine thank you”

“If you would just like to ride over the my colleague at the next gate we will get you loaded straight away”

Within 5 minutes I was watching the deck hand fasten Mr T down in readiness for the 2 and half hour crossing. Finding a nice quite seat near the front restaurant I started to get my boots off and get my head down as it was quarter to midnight. No chance, the coaches had unloaded their teenage contents and that was the end of the peace and quite for the entire trip. There is nothing worse than a teenager drinking coffee at midnight, it was like watching a human pinball machine on speed. They were everywhere, sleep? you must be joking! Still the barman was kind enough to sign my start witness form with a single word question “Why?”………..

Riding out of the docks I pulled into the petrol station to fill up self-service. My card was rejected!

Pulling off the main road through Belfast I was lucky enough to find a 24 hour service station but I had to pay for my fuel before he would switch the pump on, a little like Spain really.

I only had £7.50 on me so that’s what I put in.

The route south was easily found and with next to no cars what so ever on the M1 / A1 / N1 amazing it was just like being back in England except the N1 name. The weather was mixed but the Gerbing Heated jacket and gloves worked well when the temperature bottomed out at just 3 degrees.

I noticed just south of Dublin I’d only got half a tank of fuel, so pulled off and filled up at 6.00am for the final hours ride down to Douglas which is just at the back of Cork.

Riding through the town at 6.15am was really nice with some amazing buildings lining the River Lee in the town centre. Again I just could not be bothered to stop and take any pictures. Tank full I headed off towards Mallow, Limerick and on to Galway where I required a receipt. As I didn’t need petrol I just bought a bottle of cola- which is still in the garage! Then it was off up the N17, N83 and then onto the N15 past Sligo finally arriving at Letterkenny the turnaround point for lunch. Then it was back the way I came back to Belfast via Galway and Cork, 1068 miles in 22 hours.

The south bound route is simply a dual carriageway motorway so nothing I’ve nothing to say about that other than I just wished the UK roads were so empty. 266 miles of simple riding with three 1 Euro tolls, if only France was that cheap.

Heading north was a lot more interesting and fun with the roads more akin to A & B road status in England. The mountains, streams, villages, towns are so interesting and beautiful.

Riding back to Belfast my jacket gave up the ghost. The weather was not great with everything from sunshine to rain and I even got pelted with hail stones during the evening. The weather really got stuck in, just north of Dublin. The rain was relentless but so was I and pulling into the same garage in Belfast around 11.45pm Monday night the attendant was amazed at where I’d been.

“You’re mad you are, so let me get this right. Since 2.15 last night till now you have been to Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Letterkenny and back again, Mental!”

Then he signed my end of ride witness form. Nice lad and I assured him I would be back as I really want to see Ireland properly next time.

So that was Day 1 SS1000 Ireland DONE!

Belfast by night

Lying on the floor at the side of my bike in the staff car park from 12.00 till 2.35am was not great as it was still raining. My return ferry was at 3.30am but the ferry was on time, empty and I slept all the way back to Scotland where Day 2 SS1000 was just waiting for me to get on my bike and ride. BUT!

Something happened on the return trip between Cork and Belfast which I never thought in a million years would happen. I got bored, not your run of the mill not impressed with the weather type of bored but seriously board shitless (excuse my French).  Jeannie had told me earlier in the day that Ben had had a really bad nightmare about me, not going into details about what but judging by the Back breaker hug I got when Ben arrived  home from school to find me waiting for I can only surmise the night mare was horrendous.

I realised that it wasn’t a challenge any more to ride 1000 miles in less than 24 hours and what was worse is I was doing it on my own again! After the last couple of rides I knew and had promised myself that I’d ride with a riding partner or pillion in future and here I was doing it alone again. The question the barman had asked was screaming at me “WHY?”. You know what I have no idea, I’d just been to Ireland one of the most beautiful places in the world and all I’d visited and seen properly were 4 petrol stations. How sad is that?

No, I didn’t think twice about what I was going to do at 5.30am on Tuesday morning, I was going home! The long way home too, so home I rode. Taking in the entire south west coast of Scotland from Stranraer  to Gretna. The scenery is magnificent, the view amazing, the people so friendly  and I rode through some of the most stunningly beautiful countryside I have ever laid eyes on. On road that can only be described as “Made for motorbike riding”.

Carsluith Castle

I like my Castles!

Sandyhills Camp Site

East Stewartry Coast National Scenic Area

Calling in at “Devil’s Bridge” near Kirby Lonsdale I had a nice cup of coffee and reflected on my decision. I would have ridden some 300 miles by the time I’d reach Rochdale, I could have been well on my way to Durness. Did I regret my decision………. Not one bit! I belong with my family it’s that simple. What a fantastic way to finish a brilliant couple of days in the saddle.

The Wickerman Festival

20th & 21st July 2012

So from now on when I ride any amount of miles I will be sharing those miles with either a riding partner or a pillion or even better, both!

My days of solo mega miles have been drawn to a close. Will I achieve the IBA UK British Isles Insanity Saddle Sore Certificate. Well with England in the bag in the form of RBLR SS1000 South Route 2010 and subject to verification by Chris at IBA Ireland that’s two down and two to go.

Wales is next but I’ve already got a group of 5 Manc Rider including myself all gearing up for that.

The riding diary is crammed to the rafters as it is every year and so here’s the next couple of  months agenda

25^th to 27^th May - IBA UK Brit Butt Rally

1^st to 3^rd June – Super Tenere.NetWorkshop Meet in Ashford in Kent

22^nd – 24^th June – RBLR 1000 at Squires near Skipton

1^st July – Manc Riders  North Yorkshire Ride Out

5^th – 8^th July – Horizons’ UnlimitedMeeting at Belper in Derbyshire

7^th July – IBA UK Brit Butt Light Rally

4^th August - Manc Riders Derbyshire Ride Out

So looking good to go, just need to sort a date for the Welsh SS1000………………………..

Scotland at dawn is simply beautiful.

Going for a ride

GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com

I thought it about time I got off out and tested Mr. T's new tank properly!

Ireland SS1000 Track.

The XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project is Done!

I filled the Might Mr. T up today  with 27 litres today and so with the  4 come 5 litres already in the tank that gives me a conservative total of 31 Litres (the fuel pump has gobbled up 2litres of fuel space).

Anyway doing the math, at 55 mpg which is what I'm getting regularly I now have a tank range of 374 miles

31 Litres = 6.8 UK Gallons x 55 mpg = 374 Miles BEST    

31 Litres = 6.8 UK Gallons x 50 mpg = 340 Miles AVERAGE   

31 Litres = 6.8 UK Gallons x 45 mpg = 306 Miles WORST  

Either way I'm over the glorious 300 miles per tank range and my goal has been achieved, on paper anyway. The crunch test will come when I take Mr. T out for a decent ride.

I was asked for more pictures of the tank fitted by guys on the Yamaha Super Tenere Forum  and so here are they are, a few more photo's showing the tank from different angels. 

From Top Box

Sat on bike eye-level view

Left

Right

Seated

Looking straight down seated

Right

Left

He is the final “Walk Around Video” in order to show all the “Farkling”I've done to the bike over the last 10 month.

And that folk's is that

Mr. T is DONE!

I've had a great time getting Mr. T ready for all the adventures we're going to have together. Here's hoping you've all enjoyed the XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project but sadly all good thing come to and end and as far as the Project goes this is the end.

Feel free to leave comments and I look forward to hearing from you.

Now it's time to do what I enjoy best............................... "Go ride!" Till the next ride .......

The XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project – Part 3

The Might T is Ready!

Switching on the ignition confirmed my thoughts. The tank was still three quarters full from the last time I went out. So there was nothing for it, I just had to go for a ride.

Fully kitted up within 15 minutes I headed out to visit TheAdventure Bike Warehouse located in Agecroft Salford although the actual address is Swinton, Manchester.

 It’s a great little set up with a fully operational service bay and a retail outlet. I had a brew and watched one of the videos taken on a recent Moroccan tour which in all honesty, was the real reason for my visit. Morocco is very high on my “places to visit” list only being piped to the top spot by Nordkapp in Norway and of course the Stelvio Pass located in the Italian Alps. I’ll get there one day you just see if I don’t!

After a nice brew I headed over to the Cat and Fiddle where I left said brew and had another one. The run home was just down through Buxton, where I'd lived and attended Harpur Hill Catering College back in 1979-1981 (how old am I?). Choosing to pass the Rochdale junction on the North M60 circular added 5 miles, passing the M62 added another 5 and finally taking the Ramsbottom junction to cut over “Ow’d Bett’s” added a further 10 miles. Ensuring I arrived back at the ranch well into “reserve”.

So at 5.30pm prompt I started removing the original tank which as per  usual required the removal of the front side panels but as I did not feel like messing with the fog light on the left so I just removed the fasteners and struggled.

Original tank removed and we're ready to go

Original tank safely removed I emptied the last 3-5 litres left inside into a Jerry can using a fuel funnel, liberally dousing my right leg and shoe in fuel. Just as well I was outside as the fumes where overpowering. Thank the lord no one in our house smokes or I’d have gone up in a ball of flames

A direct comparison of the two tanks.

Once the original tank was off I tried the new one on for size, size being the operative word. It looked huge! Mind I only sat it on top of the rear clamp  as opposed to tucked inside where it normally sits.

How BIG!

Original tank 98% empty I removed the filler cap followed by the fuel pump. Now a word of warning here, the fuel pump is BIG! and there is an annoying little tab that the float bowl bar sits on and it just did not want to come out. Using a screw driver I persuaded it’s best cause of action to prevent “terminal injury” was to bend just a little. Advice taken the pump just slid out complete with rubber seal. Finally I removed the tank edging and fitted each piece as removed directly onto the new tank.

Stubborn little fuel pump

Next I fitted the filler cap which went back on very easily followed by the petrol pump. Now not being a mechanic has its down side and on this occasion it manifested its self in the form of not knowing which way round the pump actually went back in! It took me 5 minutes of faffing about until I realised the retainer clamp quite handily has a small plastic locating lug. Now how clever is that of Mr. Yamaha. I still had to line up the retainer clamp on the old tank mind as I just could not figure which way it went back on,  I can be really thick at times.

The locating lug kindly provided by Mr. Yamaha

With all the parts refitted I started to attach the tank and spent another 5 minutes trying to slide the two breather pipes back onto the underside of the tank. In the end I had to remove the tank and said pipes from the bike and went back to the bench where I had to force the pipes on. The new tanks breather outlet pipes are far bigger than the original tanks for some inexplicable reason.

Breather pipes fitted the new tank went on a dream, mind I will have to remember to take the bike in for its service with an almost empty tank and even empty I noticed an increase in weight. With everything fitted, bolts tightened and side panels refitted it was just a case of adding the 3 litres of fuel to ensure there are no leaks.  Job Done! Or was it? I’d just  spotted the Yamaha Tank Protector that I had bought months ago which just had go on.

Can you spot the relocated "Touratech Handelbar Bag"?"

Very tidy indeed

At last an IBA Ready Super Tenere

Like my best mate says

"All it needs now is a BMW Badge!"

7.30pm and the whole process, including taking numerous photos was complete. Rolling the bike to the front of the house to make a “Walk Around Video” the camera switched of in disgust. Battery Dead. OK I can take a hint.

11.30pm just one last peep at the Might T. in the garage before bed. J headed off up and well you know what it’s like I got stuck in and made the tank side protectors out of the Oxford Paint Protector kit that I’d bought on my way home.

1.00am saw me climb into bed and start my latest read, Ewan and Charlie “Long way Down”………

I have no idea what I dreamt about but I can tell you one thing……………….

I really want to go for a BIG RIDE, “Jeannieeeeeee”  …………. “NO you bloody can’t!”

The Mighty T....... is Ready!

 

I would just like to personally thank Jaxon over in the USA for all the hard work and effort he has put into producing what I can only describe as a “Work of Art”.

“Jaxon, You’re the Man”

For more information on how to get your tank converted into whatever size and shape you require contact Jaxon directly at WWW.RIDEONADV.COM or WWW.WILDCARDCUSTOMS.COM