Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Rides, Rallies, & Events Brits - The Hippy Trip 06/08

and it looks like weathers changing, for the better.

Got my bike today. Action said they would deliver it but I had to go and pick it up in the end.

On the way down to Redditch on my TDM, I was having second thoughts. The TDM is a comfortable and great handling bike and much underated. I was worried about the laid back riding position and perceived low ride of the America.

After the paperwork and tour round the bike, I set off. A bit nervouse (new bike) but was glad there were no spectators.

A bit of a wobble pulling away over the speed bump (wide bars + heavier bike )another wobble on the first left at the end of the road (new brakes), and a sharp stop (and wobble) when car came screaming from the right at the junction to come around the back of the dealers. After that, plain sailing. By the time I got on the Birmingham road (1.5 miles) I had a smile like a w*nking Jap !

Just checking the map to see if I can get to meet you on Sunday.

Good one Michael.

Let us know if you want a meet up sometime for a poottle out.

I'll be in Sutton Coldfield 'till just after lunch tomorrow but could say hello shortly after that.

Or ... there's still nearly 4 hours of daylight left this evening ....

(Any excuse to get out, me)

By the way, I know I'm biased, but you made the right choice with the bike

What bike??

Hey up Shaun.
You coming over for the ride on Sunday?

Don't think I fancy the trip Sunday, I've got the bike booked in for it's 500 mile service on the 29th and they can't get me in any sooner.

They seemed pretty strict about keeping it as close to 500 miles as possible. I'd hate to do it all in a week and then have to wait another three to ride some more !

Which way you going to Swindon Ady? maybe I can give you a wave en-route early on Sunday?

Hiya
I took the ST in with 1300 miles for it's first service!

Quote:

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I'd hate to do it all in a week and then have to wait another three to ride some more !

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I had 750 miles on it after 48hrs!
It was their own fault, I ordered the bike a week before collection (on the Friday) and asked them to book it in for the following Monday, after the weekend.
They didn't, I played my face and they said carry on riding it!!

They know me well there and they know I put decent miles on my bikes - my America also had more than 500 miles (nearer 800 if memory serves).

I'll come down the M42 then M40 then ... well I have a couple of days to sort that yet.

It'll give me something to do while I'm putting my gear on Sunday morning!

Probably J15 then A429 / A419 (round Swindon) to M4 J15.

Could possibly look at stopping at Avebury too.... I don't smoke so don't understand...

hi guy's im visiting my brother in birmingham this weekend and would have loved to have a run out, he has a fj1200 but i dont think ill talk him into it?. also im stil rideing a loan bike(basic bonny), cos my bike is stil waiting for a desicion from the factory on what to do, it mis fired for the 2nd time shattering the air box(for the 2nd time), its also had a new front disc n pads, new side stand , speedo cable holder a new back wheel(2snapped spokes and rust) and a few loose bolts. and i only got it 6mths ago 'new', so ive told them i want a replacement bike or my money back,but ill just have to see what the factory say, ive had this loan bike for 2wks now and already upto 600 miles on it. the dealers were supposed to be phoneing me this weekend but no call as yet!.having said that i cant blame the dealers, they have been very understanding and helpful.

You could always come on the bonnie and bring your brother. We could have a go at converting hin to "British". The more the merryer as they say

I thought I'd had problems.....

If he wants to come out as Jim said the more the merrier!!!

And I like taking the perverbial out of riders of other makes....I never mean it though...

ive tried to get him to go, think he is worried about enjoying himself haha,he has only done about 700 miles this year on his bike, and most of that was when we went to norfolk camping.even though my bike has been in n out of the shop ive still covered 4600 miles on it, mind you ive covered overd over 1000miles on loan bikes too. ill see how tomorrow plans out. but one of these days ill manage to meet up with you al!

700 miles in a YEAR!!!???????
For once, I'm keeping my trap shut!

Come on the Bonny Jim and let him know what he missed when you get back.

yes 700 miles in a year!!!,my brother is a fair weather biker!!!, mind you so am i as much as poss(arnt we all). but i have an understanding wife that knows i need to get away now and again,i can ride 400 miles just on a saturday. thats why ive coverd 4600 on my bike and on the loan bikes ive had in 6 mths ive done about 1500ish. i wont be able to make it tomorrow, ive got to go to worksop to see 1 of my other brothers,he has had a stroke and isnt too well. by the way, ive got a big family.6 brothers n 4 sisters!!!! im the youngest n im getting on a bit!.i think its going to be 2-3 weeks befor i get to go on a run, other than that it will be the back end of september, do you guys have an end of year get together?.if not what about it.if it can be sort of central theres more chance of getting a few of us brits together. hope you have a good ride out see you all soon. Alan Smith.

All the best to your kid.
Catch you soon

Have a great time.

Im off to the Ace for the First Time tomorrow, heading down the A1 at 6am for the streetfighter day. A number of friends have told me about the fun that will be there- so hopefully I can report back, perhaps even with a video

Lets hope the weather holds for everyone

Have a good ride

Regards

RodYork

thanx for your support, ill try my best to meet up with you all asap. if you are going on a saturday or sunday run befor the end of the month near the north east area count me in!i live in middlesbrough but dont mind a ride of about 100 miles to meet up(unlike my brother who thinks it will make his jap bike fall apart if he goes that far in 1 go lol). enjoy ur ride out. Alan

Hope you all get home ok....

It was good to be home without having (at least) 140 miles to do after I've left you all!!

I've had a good day, a bit tiring - I've had to think about where we were going... but a good day all the same.

Hope you all enjoyed it.

Right where's my decent coffee before I fall asleep!

Got home about 6.45, it was a good ride out, not too demanding, but then I was'nt leading, see you on the next one.

Hiya everyone

Back in one piece despite the usual M5 on a Sunday evening bunch of aholes who's brains are still at the caravan they left behind in Weston or somewhere!!
Got home around 20:15.

Good day out - thanks for organising it Gina.
Good to meet y'all again and Bryan for the first time - nice bike mate.

Only 390 miles! - I'm slipping.
Next one down your way, I'm going via Norwich to make a day of it

How do think I feel.....only 150 miles....

Compared to the last few weekends....oh but I have stayed at home.

Yea, thanx for organising a great day out Gina. Had a really good day made all the more by the good company.

Think we should make the Hippy Trip an annual event.

Right on man!

(Must remember my sandals and tie dye for next time though)

And take flowers to sit and smell for no particular reason...

Great ride Gina Thanks. Good to finally meet you guys. Home at approx 9.00 after short detour Stourport, Bewdley. O and I thought my bike was too noisy! But after riding with you guys really it’s not noisy enough! Going to get the drill out!

Bryan - whenever you find a group of Americas...you always think yours is quieter than everyone elses... I know mine is. I'm happy with exactly how loud/quiet it is...


Just glad everyone had a good day....