Staffordshire to Durham by F650cs

[Happy-Wanderer]

Hello everyone. A brief report of the trip home after buying an F650cs. I travelled on Saturday by coach to Birmingham, a rather long six hours, then a short train journey to Stafford to collect the motorcycle for the 240 mile evening ride home, using the relatively quiet M6 motorway to Lancaster then across the Yorkshire Dales (superb twisty roads) to Harrogate and finally the A1M to home. The weather was cool and unfortunately rain quickly set in for most of the trip, but I was fully kitted-out with waterproofs which kept my leathers totally dry, although my gloves and boots were soon waterlogged which made things a little uncomfortable. Trying to keep my helmet visor clear was a real challenge and quite tiring.

The motorcycle though performed splendidly, a steady, smooth and quiet 60mph cruising on the motorway and a little less on the country roads and a reassuring feeling of stability and balanced road-holding despite the weather. The fuel economy of this 650 was simply amazing. With about five litres already in the tank, I put another ten and half litres of E5 as I left Stafford, then topped-up again in the Dales, some 130 miles later, but could only squeeze in just five and half litres! That's about one-hundred miles to the gallon! The motorcycle's saddle though was painfully hard and its material rather slippery, sliding me forward against the dummy tank and quite unbearable without regular breaks. I've since sourced a nylon-mesh type slip-on saddle cover which I'm hoping will solve the problem. I arrived home in Durham just after midnight, dangerously cold and very tired but quite elated with the F650!

I have taken some photographs of local rides over the last couple of days, but cannot figure-out how to upload them to here!

Geoffrey

 

[steve hughes]

Hello everyone. A brief report of the trip home after buying an F650cs. I travelled on Saturday by coach to Birmingham, a rather long six hours, then a short train journey to Stafford to collect the motorcycle for the 240 mile evening ride home, using the relatively quiet M6 motorway to Lancaster then across the Yorkshire Dales (superb twisty roads) to Harrogate and finally the A1M to home. The weather was cool and unfortunately rain quickly set in for most of the trip, but I was fully kitted-out with waterproofs which kept my leathers totally dry, although my gloves and boots were soon waterlogged which made things a little uncomfortable. Trying to keep my helmet visor clear was a real challenge and quite tiring.

The motorcycle though performed splendidly, a steady, smooth and quiet 60mph cruising on the motorway and a little less on the country roads and a reassuring feeling of stability and balanced road-holding despite the weather. The fuel economy of this 650 was simply amazing. With about five litres already in the tank, I put another ten and half litres of E5 as I left Stafford, then topped-up again in the Dales, some 130 miles later, but could only squeeze in just five and half litres! That's about one-hundred miles to the gallon! The motorcycle's saddle though was painfully hard and its material rather slippery, sliding me forward against the dummy tank and quite unbearable without regular breaks. I've since sourced a nylon-mesh type slip-on saddle cover which I'm hoping will solve the problem. I arrived home in Durham just after midnight, dangerously cold and very tired but quite elated with the F650!

I have taken some photographs of local rides over the last couple of days, but cannot figure-out how to upload them to here!

Geoffrey

Sounds like a solid introduction to your new to you bike. Enjoy

 

[The Other PaulG]

I never mind travelling for a bike because by the time you're home you've started to get to know it and you've immediately gained confidence in it.

 

[Wapping]

you've immediately gained confidence in it.

Or not.

 

[timeandtide]

Or not.

No, I think he has!
Well done Geoffrey!

 

[The Other PaulG]

Or not.

Indeed, I did once have a 'not'.

 

[drimcong]

happy motoring, 'Yorkshire Dales (superb twisty roads)' that's why she's called a scarver

 

[Happy-Wanderer]

happy motoring, 'Yorkshire Dales (superb twisty roads)' that's why she's called a scarver

Yes, the Yorkshire Dales and many, many other still rural areas of Britain have some excellent roads and scenery for two-wheelers especially. Locally, I often enjoy a leisurely exploration of the North Pennines area of County Durham, from Middleton-in-Teesdale west towards Alston and diverting onto the various country lanes north and south. No hurry of course, plenty of time to stop and admire the views and take pictures - motorcycling heaven!

Geoffrey

 

[Happy-Wanderer]

I never mind travelling for a bike because by the time you're home you've started to get to know it and you've immediately gained confidence in it.

That is very true in my experience too. Somehow, you seem to 'gel' with the bike, become familiar with its clutch and gearbox and importantly, confidence with its handling. The latter I particularly noticed on my recent trip when after leaving the M6 - motorways are always my last choice for a ride - I felt instantly impressed with how well the BMW took to the twisties of the Dales, despite the wet weather. I had a similar experience some years ago riding a K100 home from Preston, always aware of the machine's weight and bulk, yet feeling surprisingly nimble for a Tiger Tank!

Geoffrey