The Buell 1125R captured my imagination long before its release which, unfortunately, was quite the anticlimax. Not ready when it was released, Buell was still struggling with quality issues on early models. On paper of course, this is an awe inspiring machine, but put to the test of most riders is left wanting more… something.

Whether its performance or handling you want, the Buell delivers, as I found out on my hour and a half test ride around Kent on the Café Racer 1125cr. With the red arrows overhead and a heavy police presence around Biggin Hill air show it was difficult to focus on the growling twin’s true character, but once I left the confines of the M25, all became clear. On the road the rotax engine seemed endlessly capable, a slipper clutch allowing any corner to be approached in the right cog with a satisfying munch down through the gears. Passing is a dream with standard controls and a typically Buell short wheelbase to ensure this beast is as agile as it is powerful. Mind that giant front disc however as it does have a tendency to dive hard under braking, unsurprising with 8 pot callipers!

On the Motorway I expected the same easy life format but Buell have failed to generate any wind protection and the term ‘naked bike’ really does feel relevant. The power is there, as is the stability, but rider comfort around a ton is poor. The main consolation the Buell Café Racer gets is that if you’re to own an 1125, having no fairing will probably save your license time and time again. I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday morning on the Buell and am intending to give the R the motorway treatment in a future post.

We had a sunny day, lots of beer and all of the parts needed to fix the bike after Mikey's off at druid, Brands Hatch. The scene was set for a top day of maintenance and idealistically we'd planned a ride out the following day.

In the book "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance" Robert Pirsig mentions that the right part may not be available. A lesson Mikey learned by experience with the Kill switch on his SV1000S K5.

Progress was fast initially, fairing off, foot peg and clip on handlebar went on quickly. Hampered somewhat by the need to remove the fuel tank and airbox we pressed on only to find that the new kill switch had an 8 pin connector, and we needed 10... After completely dismantling both assembly's we decided that 95 pounds for the correct part was worth it to avoid dodgy wiring melting the electronic ignition of a 3 and a half grand bike. The Suzuki SV K5 has two different types of this part so choose carefully when ordering, an expensive casualty of motorcycle maintenance.

Unfortunately only one bike made it out on Sunday.

Who knew? A tricked out triumph Bonneville twin could be so much fun on the track!

Last Tuesday Mikey, Tim and myself set off for a novice track session at Brands hatch. I booked because it was cheap and although I don't own a sports machine; this was an experience worth the coin. (£75)

Started off with briefing, making sure everyone was present and correct... I had to borrow a helmet from Mikey's girlfriend as the cheapo thing that I replaced my Arai with wasn't motorsport approved.

I tried db testing without baffles in, no go, 150db with Arrow 2-2 system and no baffles. The limit for this session was 102... Awesome.

All three of us sorted we waited, I was noise tested again and eventually set free into the pit garage. The pros had been going all day and were getting debreifed in the superbike school, somehow we found ourselves sitting in the classroom with them, then realised. Oh.

Our evening session began with 3 slow laps. Then we went out for twenty minute sessions, intermediate/advanced went first and then…Amazing! I never expected the Bonneville to be anything but a hindrance, it may be a café racer but most of the machines on track were super sports rockets. It was simply glorious, no brake fade, full throttle through pit corner and whoosh. Pegs down, blinding fun.

I was passed by a higher end sports bike, maybe once every two laps, but all in all the bonne held it’s own.

Before the session I was truly intimidated by the water cooled, high compression sports rockets in the pit lane, at the end I couldn’t have been happier.

Unfortunately Mikey was not enjoying the same advantage, his bored out V twin savaged him in the last session, on the last exit of druid the famous hairpin and we’re still repairing his bike.

Thankfully no one was hurt, although apparently the pain of riding pillion home still stings...

This summer we are planning to ride the Grimsel Passhöhe in Oberwald, Switzerland and surrounding passes en route to Croatia. 2 bikes, 3 people. My better half is going to be riding pillion and friend Mike is riding his SV1000S.

I've always thought I'd do in a Lamborghini like in the italian job, but what's the fun in an air conditioned sports car when compared to a 150db cafe racer in the alps!? These roads are made for leaning.

Long rides are difficult at the best of times, we're looking at 20 hours of riding each way so I expect there to be some trials of paitience by at least the 3rd day and that's if it's not raining.

The route will take us through France, mostly on motorways so we can get to Zurich where we will stay and prepare to enjoy what are widely known as the best roads in the world. From there we will head across the alps getting as many known passes in as possible and down to Lake Como. On to Venice after a stop where I can drop off my passenger and enjoy the rest of the ride to Istria in Croatia at high speed.

I expect the route to take 4 days. Generally you shouldn't plan fixed accomodation as bad weather can tire you out and deadlines make the whole thing less enjoyable.

I'm expecting to add some detail around bike prep and things not to bother taking, but will do this as I progress.

Route Plan

Riding from London to Amsterdam is fun, but the main advantage is that it's a short ride.

Zeeland was the highlight for me with it's Florida Keys style bridges and a 6.6 Km tunnel.

Apart from that. There are practically no good biking roads in The Netherlands, the only one I found was between Rotterdam and Lopikerkapel "kind of" on the way to Amsterdam.

By the time we arrived in Rotterdam and had some battenballen, which are the best snacks ever, we couldn't be bothered... so many straight roads and the occasional windmill had sapped our will. My advice, take the motorway and make the most of the Dam when you're there!

This was our route:

Route Map