Author: admin

So, a guy I’m pleased to call a friend has been riding around France, Italy and Switzerland this summer on his fantastic Ducati Diavel writing daily updates to us back in Blighty wishing we were there. He has kindly agreed that I can share a few of his daily musings, some on the people and fellow bikers he met and some on the roads travelled (I trust you don’t mind that I’ve censored a few words Kev!), I hope you enjoy………

It’s true, I’m having a ball, only thing occasionally missing is the ‘right kind’ of company to share the experience with. Certainly – there is a big difference between being ”alone and lonely”, I’m never lonely (ok will admit to 5% of melancholic thoughts when drunk and solo) and very well adjusted to my own company. I think unless you spend time alone you never truly understand or explore the animal you really are?

So far I’ve met some dumb, arrogant and insecure f….ers on this trip, but the majority seem to be decent humans living their life as they choose it to be and with some degree of awareness and consideration of their surroundings and of those around them. Sadly, I have too many good friends with recent health scares (I selfishly wish them all the time in the world as I have not spent enough time with them) and for me this puts things into the correct perspective with how to spend time. Not living like this is your last day on the planet, but smelling the roses along the journey is paramount. I have no time for some of the few (LOUD) self absorbed tw..s I have seen.

Some notes from yesterday at Rendezvous Moto before I left this fine morning.

Couple of farmers from Holland have just left Lunas. Funny guys, one with a diversion 900 the other a black ninja 750 minus the fairing. Farmers are a breed apart. One of them had his sat nav silicone glued to a piece of wood which in turn was somehow glued to the tank. They both left in the pouring rain wearing jeans and old leather jacket. No waterproofs? Big smile on their faces when they left. They had the overall appearance and demeanour of 2 drunks (even when sober). That’s a guess by the way as I didn’t see them consume beer at breakfast but its possible they had a secret stash!

Met some ‘patched’ riders too. To ‘cool’ to make eye contact or say ”bonjour’ to anyone not wearing their ‘creed’ on the back of their jackets in what looked like ‘brand new” stitched badges. They must lead a narrow minded, insular life. T…ers!!. Thankfully they were the minority. Most I have met have seemed quiet, humble people with no need to be the centre of attention, talk over everyone with unbelievable stories of their exploits or just generally brag about their personal biking heroics, (hope I’m not doing that). The quieter ones that first seemed aloof, when they have opened up and started talking have done some amazing things and make my travels look like a trip to the shops and back.. Some English (from Tiverton) guys have left too, not that I spoke with them to much, I enjoyed the banter with the French, Dutch and Belgium bikers.,

Sitting by the fast moving, talking river behind the campsite, I have just said goodbye to ‘Case’ from Holland. Lol, he looked about 70+ (but was probably a lot younger) like a cross between an ailing ‘Neil Young’ and the lead role on the ghost train at the fairground. Yellow teeth, 6ft 2”, maybe 12 stone, scruffy black leathers, V2 patch on back of his jacket, proper ”Rocker ”style. This man has traveled many miles, physically and metaphorically. Visited Scotland 3 times as well as most of Europe. ‘Rock On’ – Case

Quick note abut the food at my previous stop Rendezvous Moto, Christine’s food was some of the best cooking I’ve tasted, the beef bourgignon was excellent, as were all the dishes but that was my fave. Many of you will know I like a good Burger…I can safely assert that the burger I had at R-Moto was the best I have ever had, couldn’t believe it and am quite upset I will have to wait till at least next summer to have another. This new site (Le Camping Moto) seems ok but haven’t really been here long enough to have an informed opinion apart from noticing their measures of Jack D are smaller here.

If your appetite has been whetted for a blast in Europe, even if only to try the best burger….ever! but don’t have a suitable bike, then Motobox UK can hire you a Triumph Tiger or 1050 Sport including full luggage, fully comprehensive insurance and RAC cover.

With our move complete both our address and telephone number have changed, please make a note of these and use going forward from today… thank you.

Neaves Park Barn
Jib Jacks Hill (B2026)
Hartfield
TN7 4HA

Telephone: 07788 274007

After a successful year based near the famous motor racing circuit of Brands Hatch, Motobox UK are moving to the country.

Our new headquaters will be on the edge of the Ashdown Forest just outside the village of Hartfield, the area is well known as the setting for A.A Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh where locations in the stories can be linked to real places in and around the forest.

This new location is just 30 miles south of London with quick and easy links to both the airports and sea port of Dover but now we can boast to be within some of the best biking roads in the south east and with the stunning scenery of the High Weald……the perfect location to start your biking adventure.

We are moving over the May Day bank holiday weekend and will be operational in our new premises by 5th May 2015.

I bought this bike just before Christmas as I was feeling flush and wanted a bike that I could personally use on road but mainly as a track bike for the 2015 season. However, SWMBO has unfortunately decided that a number of home improvements need doing this Spring so to keep the marital harmony intact I’ve decided to sell this bike before it has taken to a track in anger and down grade my track asperations to something less expensive!

So the details are as follows:

Black Daytona 675, 2009 facelift model, 2 owners, 16700 miles, fully stamped main dealer service history until July 2013 which included valve clearances and throttle bodies balanced and adjusted last oil/filter service 1000 miles ago, mot until June, nearly new rear Bridgestone Battlax BT023r and very good front Bridgestone Battlax S20. A few tasteful upgrades including dark tint Triumph aero screen (plus original clear screen), Triumph carbon tank pad, Triumph racing exhaust (plus standard exhaust), GB engine sliders and rear swing arm bobbins. Data tool S4 alarm, 2 remotes (one built in to key) plus installation paperwork, Datatag and original paperwork.

A great bike which has been cherished by the previous owners that will not disappoint.

£4650.00

If you would like more pictures please email info@motobox.co.uk or call/email to arrange a viewing, just so everyone is aware this is my own personal bike and has not been used as a hire bike.