HR0
Registered user
F800gs on holiday
just back from 2000 mile one week trip based in montelimar.
great riding countryside and food !!!
(haven't quite got the hang of this picture posting though!!!)
i did Montelimar home in one go yesterday about 1350km's and the bike never missed a beat.
yes it can tour and i filled up at between 150 and 180 miles and still had spare to go!
tank bag and BMW silver roll bag as luggage was plenty.
the dead lamb seat cover was off my 1150adv fitted really well but not really needed, just saved packing it !!
get out there and enjoy the bike
H
just back from 2000 mile one week trip based in montelimar.
great riding countryside and food !!!
(haven't quite got the hang of this picture posting though!!!)
i did Montelimar home in one go yesterday about 1350km's and the bike never missed a beat.
yes it can tour and i filled up at between 150 and 180 miles and still had spare to go!
tank bag and BMW silver roll bag as luggage was plenty.
the dead lamb seat cover was off my 1150adv fitted really well but not really needed, just saved packing it !!
get out there and enjoy the bike
H
Attachments
TERRY RYAN
Registered user
waiting for some more pictures and write up on this one 
looks good seems like the sheep skins are universal then
looks good seems like the sheep skins are universal then
HR0
Registered user
a little more.........................
Well it all starts here
www.ragingpimps-mc.com
It is work safe despite the tile!!. A group of us “do” Europe each year.
The rest live and work in Zurich, Inc my brother. I normally have to do the Crewe to Zurich trip before the proper tour starts.
This year was different; we agreed to meet in Lyon.
I set off Friday after work to Eurotunnel, packed with a TT tank bag and a BMW silver bag, (never travelled so light as previously I was fully kitted with Ali panniers on my 1150 adv) unfortunately on the M20 I run out of fuel.
The thing is all the bike computer trip info had gone tits up, range was still big and the fuel “bars” still there. Yeah I should have realised that my miles had clocked up but hey I’ve done 229 before and the light worked!!! Not this time it just died.
A short walk to a Zumo directed garage!! And I’m back on the road.
Cross the channel on the train and stop in a B & B hotel in coquelle out side Calais.
Saturday dawns wet and grey, so set off through France on the auto routes. As I’m not due to meet the crew till Sunday I stop in Chalon son Saone hot shower and a great steak one of many to follow !!!!.
Sunday dawns bright and clear and I have a quick run to Lyon where I book in the hotel with inside parking. The afternoon spent wandering beside the river. Fantastic “proper” market. The town starts to fill and everyone starts heading in one direction and being a sheep I follow, the town square is heaving with Lyon football supporters apparently they have won the French league or somut ?? The team came out on the majestic town hall balcony . The crowd was great and red flares everywhere, then people drifted home. Unlike the Manchester debarkle earlier.
The other lads turn up, K1200 RS (brother Adam), CB1300 (john), CB1000(bill), K1200s(Michel(a Swiss bloke)), fazer 1000 (Hannu) and my F800 GS.
Monday we all head off to Montelimar the home of Nougat apparently.
The next few days were spent riding wonderful roads in great weather, in great company.
Our riding area was Montelimar, le puy, privas, ales, mende, on the yellow and white roads. If its possible I’ll post the GPS routes.
These routes are less “every turn a hairpin” of the Alps, more sweeping country roads and lanes around valleys and rivers etc., stopping for a brew and lunches, but still long riding days. And for a change ending up at our base hotel in Montelimar. Previous trips have been a continuous run to make the next hotel, before closing time. This was much more civilised. My fuel range was nota problem in this company 16 litres was plenty.
We’d fill at about 70 to 100 miles with 10litres from memory, but with one of the few credit cards to work in the rural card only pumps the others fill up on the same pump fill.
4th gear was so flexible on the twisties it did everything. We did everything from auto routes to pure gravel and the bike was fantastic.
Hannu and Michele are quick and good riders, who tend to disappear into the distance, the rest of us take a more sedate pace with stops for pics etc.
Friday arrives and some of us have to head back brother and Hannu to Zurich and me home promising my brother I’d stop on the way. I have a history of Zurich home in a day !!!
However the run was great and I kept on going and going filling every 150 to180 miles 13 litres is cruising at 120kph ish.
Anyway 13 hours later midnight (with time change) I’m home in Cheshire 1300 odd kms later.
The bike was brill, over 2000 miles in the week from hours and hours cruising at 120 140 kms on the auto routes to twisty French rural hill side roads. Plenty of power and torque. Very comfortable even without the dead sheep seat cover.
Now pics how do I sort this one…………………………
H
Well it all starts here
www.ragingpimps-mc.com
It is work safe despite the tile!!. A group of us “do” Europe each year.
The rest live and work in Zurich, Inc my brother. I normally have to do the Crewe to Zurich trip before the proper tour starts.
This year was different; we agreed to meet in Lyon.
I set off Friday after work to Eurotunnel, packed with a TT tank bag and a BMW silver bag, (never travelled so light as previously I was fully kitted with Ali panniers on my 1150 adv) unfortunately on the M20 I run out of fuel.
The thing is all the bike computer trip info had gone tits up, range was still big and the fuel “bars” still there. Yeah I should have realised that my miles had clocked up but hey I’ve done 229 before and the light worked!!! Not this time it just died.
A short walk to a Zumo directed garage!! And I’m back on the road.
Cross the channel on the train and stop in a B & B hotel in coquelle out side Calais.
Saturday dawns wet and grey, so set off through France on the auto routes. As I’m not due to meet the crew till Sunday I stop in Chalon son Saone hot shower and a great steak one of many to follow !!!!.
Sunday dawns bright and clear and I have a quick run to Lyon where I book in the hotel with inside parking. The afternoon spent wandering beside the river. Fantastic “proper” market. The town starts to fill and everyone starts heading in one direction and being a sheep I follow, the town square is heaving with Lyon football supporters apparently they have won the French league or somut ?? The team came out on the majestic town hall balcony . The crowd was great and red flares everywhere, then people drifted home. Unlike the Manchester debarkle earlier.
The other lads turn up, K1200 RS (brother Adam), CB1300 (john), CB1000(bill), K1200s(Michel(a Swiss bloke)), fazer 1000 (Hannu) and my F800 GS.
Monday we all head off to Montelimar the home of Nougat apparently.
The next few days were spent riding wonderful roads in great weather, in great company.
Our riding area was Montelimar, le puy, privas, ales, mende, on the yellow and white roads. If its possible I’ll post the GPS routes.
These routes are less “every turn a hairpin” of the Alps, more sweeping country roads and lanes around valleys and rivers etc., stopping for a brew and lunches, but still long riding days. And for a change ending up at our base hotel in Montelimar. Previous trips have been a continuous run to make the next hotel, before closing time. This was much more civilised. My fuel range was nota problem in this company 16 litres was plenty.
We’d fill at about 70 to 100 miles with 10litres from memory, but with one of the few credit cards to work in the rural card only pumps the others fill up on the same pump fill.
4th gear was so flexible on the twisties it did everything. We did everything from auto routes to pure gravel and the bike was fantastic.
Hannu and Michele are quick and good riders, who tend to disappear into the distance, the rest of us take a more sedate pace with stops for pics etc.
Friday arrives and some of us have to head back brother and Hannu to Zurich and me home promising my brother I’d stop on the way. I have a history of Zurich home in a day !!!
However the run was great and I kept on going and going filling every 150 to180 miles 13 litres is cruising at 120kph ish.
Anyway 13 hours later midnight (with time change) I’m home in Cheshire 1300 odd kms later.
The bike was brill, over 2000 miles in the week from hours and hours cruising at 120 140 kms on the auto routes to twisty French rural hill side roads. Plenty of power and torque. Very comfortable even without the dead sheep seat cover.
Now pics how do I sort this one…………………………
H
HR0
Registered user
HR0
Registered user
HR0
Registered user
Zumo 550 routes Ardeche 2008
i hope these route load up, they were for a Zumo 550
i hope these route load up, they were for a Zumo 550
HR0
Registered user
last couple
these are the last.
enjoy if they are of interest
H
these are the last.
enjoy if they are of interest
H
Looks like a great trip!
TERRY RYAN
Registered user
thanks looked good so never trust the fuel indicator 
BM_donator
Registered user
F800GS on Holiday (2)
Spent two glorious days winding my way through France on route to the Pyrenees (one very wet, one warm & dry) and stopped in a campsite near La Rochelle last night. BIG Mistake.
Set off for Biarritz this morning looking for a petrol station before hitting the dual carriageways (gauge showed 48 miles remaining). 12 empty stations later, I find out the French fishermen have blockaded Atlantic ports and there is no unleaded to be had (95 or 98) anywhere.
With 2 miles remaining I've rolled into a hotel and am now stranded until more supplies reach the fuel stations.
From what I was enjoying, I can tell you that touring is effortless - even with the heavy BMW panniers and a top box loaded with camping gear etc.
6th gear sails up any hills and the handling is top notch as ever.
I also have one of the Famsa tank bags from Winding Roads - brilliant piece of kit that consumes my camera, phone, chargers, laptop, fags, wallet, etc. Much better looking than the BMW bag, fits perfectly - and about £50 cheaper.
If I ever get out of here I may have to head straight back north - the port blockade is going on until Thursday apparently and the South of France has similar shortages.
They say sh1t happens, but this has crapped on the tour I'd planned and looked forward to for over 6 months. I was even singing in the rain through Normandy. Not happy.
(P.S. rumour has it the French unions are going for a 'summer of discontent' to get Sarkozy to change his policies - be warned if you are heading this way)
Spent two glorious days winding my way through France on route to the Pyrenees (one very wet, one warm & dry) and stopped in a campsite near La Rochelle last night. BIG Mistake.
Set off for Biarritz this morning looking for a petrol station before hitting the dual carriageways (gauge showed 48 miles remaining). 12 empty stations later, I find out the French fishermen have blockaded Atlantic ports and there is no unleaded to be had (95 or 98) anywhere.
With 2 miles remaining I've rolled into a hotel and am now stranded until more supplies reach the fuel stations.
From what I was enjoying, I can tell you that touring is effortless - even with the heavy BMW panniers and a top box loaded with camping gear etc.
6th gear sails up any hills and the handling is top notch as ever.
I also have one of the Famsa tank bags from Winding Roads - brilliant piece of kit that consumes my camera, phone, chargers, laptop, fags, wallet, etc. Much better looking than the BMW bag, fits perfectly - and about £50 cheaper.
If I ever get out of here I may have to head straight back north - the port blockade is going on until Thursday apparently and the South of France has similar shortages.
They say sh1t happens, but this has crapped on the tour I'd planned and looked forward to for over 6 months. I was even singing in the rain through Normandy. Not happy.
(P.S. rumour has it the French unions are going for a 'summer of discontent' to get Sarkozy to change his policies - be warned if you are heading this way)
Sorry we did not meet up
I am pleased that you had good weather (on the whole) because it has been a bit unreliable lately. Yes, you picked a good day to be in Lyon but I always find it pleasant there; You will understand why I live here; It is easy to go off for a ride and spend an hour on good roads and virtually see no other traffic - i can be in the Ardeche in half an hour!. Pleased to hear that your new bike performed well. I think it is a good solo tourer but not so good (as the 1200 GS) with two up.
I am pleased that you had good weather (on the whole) because it has been a bit unreliable lately. Yes, you picked a good day to be in Lyon but I always find it pleasant there; You will understand why I live here; It is easy to go off for a ride and spend an hour on good roads and virtually see no other traffic - i can be in the Ardeche in half an hour!. Pleased to hear that your new bike performed well. I think it is a good solo tourer but not so good (as the 1200 GS) with two up.
HR0
Registered user
bad luck, and nothing you can do about it
i hope you can escape the country. doesn't matter what your range is if the pumps are dry!
safe journey (when you can)
H
i hope you can escape the country. doesn't matter what your range is if the pumps are dry!
safe journey (when you can)
H
Terry NW
Registered user
great report there bud,
nice pictures too
thanks for sharing them with us
nice pictures too
thanks for sharing them with us
Lone Rider
Guest
That bag looks nice, and big. Does it get in the way at all when standing on the pegs?
To bad about the abrupt change in plans on your trip, I can only imagine staring at such a wonderful machine an not being able to go anywhere.
BM_donator
Registered user
Didn't get to stand on the pegs too much, but it doesn't seem to get in the way - depends how many times you're going to go over the handlebars - might get in the way then!!
Really sorry to hear of your misfortune I think Iwould be steaming mad too.
Just wondered why La Rochelle was such a mistake?
Hope you get back on the road soon.
Safe trip.
Cheers Tom
F650 Two Up.
For reasons not unrelated to me leaving my 1200 Gs on it's centre stand overnight in the pouring rain, with it's side stand down, on grass, Elvie and I explored the 2 up potential of her 650. We needed to get my bike across Budapest to the BMW dealer as the brake lever housing including the brake fluid reservoir and brake cylinder had sheared off the handlebar as it toppled over. I had managed to jury rig the brake handle, and with only residual braking the trip was a little scary. These guys can drive one handed, use the mobile phone, change lanes without indicating, and dangle one arm out of the car all at the same time. At the dealer the news was that the part had to be ordered and would take one week. Back across Budapest this time 2 up on the 650. Increased the preload to max and no problem. Seemed to be plenty of poke. The real test comes tomorrow, when we will park our camping stuff here in Budapest, and set off for some 2 up touring until the bike is fixed.
For reasons not unrelated to me leaving my 1200 Gs on it's centre stand overnight in the pouring rain, with it's side stand down, on grass, Elvie and I explored the 2 up potential of her 650. We needed to get my bike across Budapest to the BMW dealer as the brake lever housing including the brake fluid reservoir and brake cylinder had sheared off the handlebar as it toppled over. I had managed to jury rig the brake handle, and with only residual braking the trip was a little scary. These guys can drive one handed, use the mobile phone, change lanes without indicating, and dangle one arm out of the car all at the same time. At the dealer the news was that the part had to be ordered and would take one week. Back across Budapest this time 2 up on the 650. Increased the preload to max and no problem. Seemed to be plenty of poke. The real test comes tomorrow, when we will park our camping stuff here in Budapest, and set off for some 2 up touring until the bike is fixed.
Elvie
Guest
It hit my bike as it fell so hit metal not earth. Also broke the screen. Fortunately my F650 was undamaged and its crappy centre stand , that everyone here has complained about, kept it upright. It's gonna cost though!
By the way the pillion seat doesn't seem any more uncomfortable thean the riders though we didn't go far. Will report back in 500 miles or so!
By the way the pillion seat doesn't seem any more uncomfortable thean the riders though we didn't go far. Will report back in 500 miles or so!
