Z1OwnersClub GB

Anyone else dabble in Dual Sport bike riding ?

Along with my 2 Zeds I've often had a Dual Sport bike parked somewhere nearby. I enjoy getting out and about escaping the rat race and away from the normal travellers. In my time I've had a few BMW's, a couple of KTM's and one XR600. All have been problem free ( except I did right off a BMW1200GSA in Queensland a few years back ) and they have gotten me to a few interesting places around the country.

My latest is a 2014 F800GSA which, though a little larger than the CC;s would have you believe, is a good fun bike.

Now you’re making me green with envy. Lovely scenery.

Merry Christmas to you and a happy New Year.

Savage wrote:Must be an amazing feeling being miles away from civilisation, here we've got break down recovery, but you must plan for weeks before you set off out. Respect.

We're pretty lucky these days, I always carry an Epirb and on longer trips I usually get hold of a Spot Tracker which allows others to follow my progress and also the ability to send pre set SMS if I need help due to a breakdown where there is no threat to my health.

I'm in the early planning stages of a trip in August this year straight through the centre of Aus from West to East. It's known as the worlds longest short cut. Hopefully it comes off, be an epic 10,000km trip. Be doing this on my BMW F800GSA

Looks like the route I took when on the Isle of Wight.

garyd wrote:Looks like the route I took when on the Isle of Wight.

Ha! I can see the comparison, both are similar in shape - it's just the matter of distance... Bembridge to Freshwater is one hell of a schlepp!

nicomkii wrote:We're pretty lucky these days, I always carry an Epirb and on longer trips I usually get hold of a Spot Tracker which allows others to follow my progress and also the ability to send pre set SMS if I need help due to a breakdown where there is no threat to my health.

I'm in the early planning stages of a trip in August this year straight through the centre of Aus from West to East. It's known as the worlds longest short cut. Hopefully it comes off, be an epic 10,000km trip. Be doing this on my BMW F800GSA

That looks a great and enviable trip, how long would that take you?

Not on a bike but we've planned (well, Bev, my wife has) a 3 week trip in June down to Spain (Ferry: Portsmouth to Santander), then into the South of France and onto the Italian Rivera, up to Lake Garda etc then home via Switzerland to Calais in our Triumph TR6.

Last time we did a trip like this was in 2012, so looking forward to it:

That looks a great and enviable trip, how long would that take you?

Wouldn't mind doing your trip either but have to be on two wheels just to calm the soul. Planning on about 28 days for this trip with a few breaks over east to catch up with family and friends. Longest day is just over 1100km.

Well time has come and I'm off on Monday for a month riding on the 'other' bike. All serviced, new tyres, chain and sprockets, camping gear, fuel , water and 3 days worth of food just to be on the safe side. Have most bases covered as am carrying Epirb and Satellite tracker plus a detailed itinerary. Looking forward to this one.




Since I have been giving so much time to that bike I thought it would be wise to take the MkII out for a run and some love before tucking her back up for a month.

Have a safe journey cobber. That would be a trip of a lifetime. MK11 is lovely.

Journey complete. 10,599km of hassle free riding across our beautiful country. About 60% on tar and 40% dirt, wore out one front tyre and not much life left in the rear.
A few random pics from the journey.

Absolutely awesome road trip Nico with stunning photos, every biker's dream I'm sure - well done that fella!