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First Trip on XT600E
This is not my first trip to mainland Europe on a bike but it will be my first on the 03 XT600E :D
It will only be a short ride out but I am going to use it as a tester RR for much longer trips. I am just popping over to Hamburg to visit a mate for a couple of nights. Going to get to Hamburg quickly then have a leisurely ride back on the last day Ferry booked....sorted Day 1 Travel to Hull and get overnight ferry to Rotterdam Day 2 Rotterdam to Hamburg, Bier and Bratties Day 3 Bier and Bratties Day 4 Hamburg to Rotterdam, overnight ferry to Hull Day 5 Travel home Proposed route from Rotterdam to Hamburg, I know its not very exciting but want to get to Hamburg for Bier :rofl: http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psaa86a995.jpg Route back will be a little more scenic http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps8920a004.jpg My parcels have been delivered so my trousers and sheepskin have arrived although I have not seen them yet due to being out of country at work :thumbdown: bierbierbierbier |
Hey Lonerider,
when will you arrive in Hamburg? Maybe we can meet for a Beer too? bier I am leaving Hamburg for a little Tour with a friend on the 5. September and be back on Saturday the 13. |
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Sent you a PM |
Just ordered some Wolfman Tank Panniers on a quick delivery so the should be at home by the time I get there
adventure spec soft luggage wolfman tank panniers The count down is on now, days to do before I am on the ferry :D |
Getting Closer
Days to do are getting few
Sorted the bike out today, getting it ready for the trip Had the seat and panels off to give it a good once over Put on the new bits I had ordered http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps6e7d3175.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps5e40c2d8.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psa7dca75a.jpg |
Well the journey has begun, waiting to board the ferry, bike doing well.
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Looking good :thumbup1:
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Set off from Goole to Hull to catch the ferry to Rotterdam, I was the first motorbike there and once through check in i went to queue in my lane. Boarding was not until 1630 so had ages to wait.
Whist waiting 2 Beemers turned up fully loaded with touratec stuff, each with a pillion. As i was admiring the bikes (as you do) I noticed that the one just behind mine had an Horizons Unlimited sticker on the windscreen, so we got chatting. Turns out he was at the Donnington Meeting as i was. It passed the time just nattering about bikes and stuff in general. On to the ferry, eventually found my cabin, dump kit and go find the beer. The food on the restaurant was good. Now just chilling for an hour or so (and writing this) in the cabin then go for another beer before sleep, got a long day tomorrow http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps2e49ecdb.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps61302461.jpg Waiting to board the ferry http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps0d9c2dbc.jpg All fastened down and good for the night, now to find the cabin http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...pse84fe9ce.jpg The sun setting over Hull, in the back ground you can just make out the Humber Bridge |
Had a massive breakfast on the ferry before getting off, at about 0830 it was time to disembark and we were called down to the vehicle deck. I didn’t take long to unstrap the bike and ride off the ferry. Once through the passport check I pulled in to sort my stuff out, then I was off. Before boarding the ferry yesterday I had filled the 23ltr Acerbis to the brim as I wanted to see how far I was going to get on a tank doing between 60 and 70mph. I had both fuel taps in the on position so then all i had to do was turn one at a time to reserve and I would then roughly know how far i was going to get out of a tank. I was doing really well for time and had stopped for coffee and food and had a good ride. So I started my last leg to Hamburg. My bike start to cough and splutter, give me fuel, so I turned ones of the taps on to reserve and checked my milage, 301 miles from fill up. This is when I start thinking of getting some more fuel and pulling in at the next station. Things started to get fun, the bike stated to cough and splutter again so i changed the other tap to reserve and looked at the miles, 306! Now I thought Sh!te I am going to run out here, anyway I drafted behind a lorry until I thankfully saw a sign, 5km for fuel, but will I make it? Drafting was still in order as I watched the km’s tick away. I was shaking the tank trying to get every last drop of fuel out of the bike, I would have rung it out if I could have done. On to the slip road now, stood on the pegs and there it happened, she died, no juice left and I coasted the last 100meters to the Fuel point. Bonus. I looked at the milage 313 miles. So at least now I have an idea of how far I can get out of my tank doing decent speed.
Then it was on to Hamburg to meet my mate, shower, shave and down town for Bier and Bratties which was well deserved after 345 miles in around six 'n' half hours. http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps6890f6c5.jpg I can see you! The bike giving me the sad eyes because I am going out for bier, :rofl: http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps5ae75149.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps2e07e0be.jpg St Georges http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psd13cbc3e.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps553719c2.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...pscd4c2494.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psb4411780.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps6cac71e5.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps2519ce3b.jpg Sight seeing at its best!! The Reeperbahn :rofl:beer:funmeteryes: |
Had a bit of a lay-in the following day and waited for it to stop raining the went back into the centre, back to the Reeperbahn, the shopping area and visited the harbour front, drank and ate more bratties. Not too late coming back as I planing to be out and on the road by 0700 the following morning.
Some views of Hamburg around the Harbour area http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps92a691f2.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps8cbde639.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps1558a5da.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psd2bc6933.jpg |
Up at 0600 and on the road for about 0700 as it was going to be a long riding day, eventually covering 400 miles. Set of from Hamburg and followed the route at the top of the thread on the way back to the Europoort for the ferry back.
It turned out to be a very long day to the point that my left wrist and my back was starting to ache. Didn’t even get chance to do much stopping to get any good photos due to the time restraint I put on the journey, as I had to be back for the ferry. But all in all I had a good run out on the bike and found a few things out which need looking at or changing. Sheepskin seat cover is good for not getting a sweaty a**e but I would not say its comfy for doing loads of miles on. The brakes on the front are crap, not sharp enough The front suspension is too soft for me Other than that the bike ran well and it was a sound investment. :D :funmeteryes: Thanks for taking the time to look and read. |
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Hi, Lonerider - I've only just seen this thread. That short screen in the first few pictures looks pretty good: please can you tell us what it is (and where you got it, if still available there)?
Many thanks |
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If you look on the My XT600E thread (link in my sig block) there is a link to screen there by a guy called 'rndef' Wayne |
Oh i see. No, not stock (they don't come with them - unless maybe it's a Tenere accessory).
No, I've seen the long type like rndef's reference, but was intrigued by yours because, although it's a bit of a halfway house - likely not the best for long-distance tarmac touring - it really suits the look of the bike (unlike the tall ones). |
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