Going well, so far, thank you.
186 miles today, 95% along French D roads.
It sat outside all night at Cap Gris Nez in a light drizzle. It turned over OK but wouldn’t fire. Then suddenly it did, for no apparent reason beyond, that it is what it’s meant to do. Other than that, it’s fired up off the button every time.
I can’t, so far at least, adjust the left (ie off side, in France) mirror so that I can see much other than my Rukka jacket sleeve. The French tailgate ‘slow’ motorbikes on very rural D roads; I can’t see the car in my left mirror. You certainly get a different view travelling around at about 55 mph, some will sit right on the rear wheel but be afraid to overtake, despite me pulling to the near side right to let them past.
The bike, on its side stand, stands very nearly vertical. I have fitted a plate to widen the ‘foot’ of the side stand, which means I have to tip the bike a bit past vertical to flick the side stand up. A member of UKGSer says it’s worthwhile fitting an adjustable stand, as it makes using the side stand a bit easier, when the ground slopes up to the left.
As for mud? It’s clearly been raining a lot. I did a bit of light off-roading up a sort of unmade farm track, which was OK. Also a very potholed lay-by was no problem at all.
These little problems aside, it’s been nice fun at about 82 mpg. The bike handles really well. The CEAT tyres seem OK wet and dry. The gearbox works. The Royal Enfield ‘Touring seat’ is fine for all day riding; a good improvement on the standard seat, which feels too soft to me.
For two nights away, I am hardly laden. The suspension isn’t bad, just on its standard settings. My XT is mounted above the clocks, which means I cannot see the markings between about 50 and 70 mph. Above 70 is pretty much irrelevant. Likewise, I can’t see much of the rev counter. However, somewhat conveniently, 55 mph is just about when the needle is at vertical. Likewise, vertical on the rev counter’s needle is a pretty good place to change gear. That being said, you get a pretty audible clue from the engine about gear changes, there really is no value in red lining it through the box.
Oh yes….. The tank bag hasn’t made a bid for freedom. Vive le (or is it la?) cable tie!
Tonight’s gastronomic delights are:
A snail stew, to commence.
A trio of lamb to follow.
Beer is, la Goudale.
Undecided on pud but will definitely have a calvados to aid digestion.
