Tag Archives: Tyclyd.com

In (Someone Else’s) Workshop

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The V85 has been a revelation. At last an adventure motorcycle that gets attention for its blend of classic styling, modern technology, and versatility. The V85TT features a retro-inspired design that pays homage to Moto Guzzi’s heritage while incorporating contemporary elements including classic styling and build quality. The power output at around 80 horsepower and 80 Nm of torque delivers balanced performance suitable for both on-road and off-road use with the Guzzi unique transverse V-twin layout providing a distinct sound and feel and a maintenance-free shaft drive, which is a boon for me and moving forth chain drive on the XT660Z.

The V85 has long-travel suspension (170mm front and rear) and in my experience can handle rough terrain while providing a comfortable ride on tarmac and its spoked wheels (19-inch front and 17-inch rear) are fitted with tubeless Dunlop Trailmax Meridian dual-purpose tires, making my V85TT capable of tackling both tarmac and light dirt trails. The bike has all the expected technology, riding modes, traction control and switchable ABS, TFT display full LED lighting, self cancelling indicators, cruse control, heated grips and Brembo breaks. The tank is 23 litres and in reality that’s 250 miles of high speed riding or almost 350 at a more gentle sedate “bimbling” pace.

Its not a common bike in the UK or northern Europe and I often get asked what’s it like… its about as analogue as you can get in a modern E5 bike, with loads of character and is the smaller Italian twin to its German big brother and sub £10K new its a bargain. If you have not ridden one go for a test ride… you won’t regret it.

The Jura Massif and Mr Pasteur

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Rode through the Jura massif yesterday and came across Arbois, a little town in the Burgundy Franche-Comté region. Stumbled across a little garden and there was a memorial to Louis Pasteur who moved to the region as a child and undertook some of his most important work to make both cheese and wine taste a lot nicer… as much as I love both wine and cheese I guess for me it was the discovery of the rabies vaccine that puts him in a landmark position.

Teithiau Dydd XT660Z yng Nghanolbarth Cymru

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Or “Day Trips on the XT660Z in Mid Wales”… Just down the road from the Overland Workshop is Llyn Brianne, test rides and day trips over the Epynt Army Range will lead inevitable to the circular route round Brianne, and in all honesty it is possible to ride a few hundred miles in 7 or 8 hours and avoid most of the traffic on the coastal roads running south from Aberstwyth. I have like many, missed the opportunity for overseas tours so have been making the most of what we have to offer here in the UK, which to be honest, is quite a lot. I dragged the XT660Z out of the workshop and loaded up the MetalMules with lunch and randomly set off on a back road bumble – 7 hours later I was back home… time flies for me on the bike – its a great mental health reset.

Domestic Travel

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With so many of us longing for longer distance travel options and with restrictions still in place for both EU and non EU entry and exit, let alone the changing dynamic of return to the UK – domestic trips are the answer. In November I was able to return to Scotland (still deep in area by area lockdown) and toured a little of the West coast (avoiding the NC 500) and the wild beauty of the highland uplands. After meandering up the A82 and missing my ferry for Skye, like many I chose the “long way round” and the 836 and one of my favourite roads via the River Tirry. Scotland has some amazing roads, fantastic food and lovely wild camping spots – reminded me of Norway in places and with lockdown continuing into 2021, I will be back this November.

Overland Event

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I was lucky enough to join Paddy and his team supporting Metal Mule at the Overland Event in September. The event is not just another bike rally as nearly all the presenters are either published authors, have written for Overland Magazine (that includes me), or are film makers. Paddy describes the event as an “immersive experience that has a uniquely relaxed atmosphere” — and he is right. It was a relaxing but frenetic September break and Paddy delivered a varied agenda with motorcycle travel at its heart. There was food, drink, and music from around the world, and hundreds of riders with stories to tell, motorcycle test rides, historic and modified travel motorbikes on show, specialist equipment vendors, author presentations and workshops. I had my XT660Z and R1150GSA on show, much beer was drunk, many friendships renewed, the bands were great and where else can you get woken up to the sound of a travelling accordion player.