Month: February 2026

  • I explore whether the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC can be modified into the ultimate modern classic Scrambler. Through my own experience with the bike, I look at how subtle, well-considered modifications enhance its character, style and performance without losing its…

    Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC – Can It Be Modified Into The Ultimate Modern Classic Scrambler?
  • The EnduroL8NAV tower, installed on my Honda CRF300L, offers exceptional durability and performance for adventure riders. With impressive lighting, it enhances visibility at night and withstands various riding conditions. learn why I think this is a highly recommended upgrade for…

    EnduroL8NAV Tower Review – A Proven Upgrade for the CRF300L
  • Reflecting on my first solo shift as a Blood Bikes volunteer, emphasising the responsibility and meticulous checks required for safe riding. The day included hospital collections and deliveries across Birmingham.

    My First Solo Blood Bikes Shift
  • After four years of solid use, my REV’IT! Pioneer Pro boots are undeniably showing their age. They remain comfortable and still perform as intended, but the signs of long-term wear are impossible to ignore. In the end, I decided it…

    When Is It Time to Replace Your Motorcycle Boots?
  • Read about my first trip to Hetty’s Tea Shop, tucked alongside the canal near Froghall in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Its classic tearoom character and freshly prepared, comforting dishes make it a great place for riders to pause and refuel. The…

    Hetty’s Tea Shop – A Perfect Pit Stop for Motorcyclists
  • If you’ve ever restored an older Honda, you’ll know that finding the right parts can be half the battle. When I was working on my 1978 Honda CB750 I came across David Silver Spares – and if you’ve not heard…

    David Silver Spares – A Hidden Gem for Classic Honda Parts
  • This post introduces a tech-focused blog series on motorcycle components, starting with the comparison of radial and axial brake setups.

    Radial vs Axial Motorcycle Brakes: What is the difference?
  • Road safety discussions often emphasise technology and infrastructure, but cultivating awareness of motorcycles in everyday journeys is crucial. Read how the “Count the Bikes” initiative encourages families to spot motorcycles, fostering recognition from a young age.

    Boosting Motorcycle Safety: Count the Bikes Habit
  • The Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival in Kendal on February 28th celebrates films about adventure riding, showcasing real-life stories from riders navigating challenges. Organised by popular podcasts, the event promises an inspiring atmosphere for motorcycle enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and…

    Adventure Motorcycle Film Festival in Kendal
  • My Yamaha XJ6N began life as a sensible winter purchase but soon became a bike I grew genuinely fond of. Its smooth 600cc engine and comfortable layout made everyday riding easy and enjoyable. Although it was never a styling icon,…

    Yamaha XJ6N: An Unsung Hero of Everyday Motorcycling
  • I completed a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) assessment course as part of my Blood Bike training. The course focused on the critical role of GMP in safely transporting blood products and medical samples. It emphasised the importance of training, quality…

    GMP Training: The Safety Behind Every Blood Bike Delivery
  • Green laning is about patience, skill, and rediscovering routes that have been used for centuries. In this post, I’ll share a little of my own experiences of riding green lanes, highlight the challenges of shared use, and offer a few…

    Motorcycle Green Laning in the UK: Exploring Byways on Two Wheels
  • Staying warm and focused is vital when riding, so I invested in KEIS heated gear powered by my motorcycle and noticed a big improvement in warmth and comfort compared with battery-operated options. The setup has really helped my concentration and…

    My First Ride with the latest KEIS  Heated Jacket & Gloves
  • Looking back on a salt-covered winter ride on the Africa Twin – cold air, striking landscapes, and the simple pleasure of riding quieter roads. A pause in Bakewell and Matlock Bath before crossing the Peak District again and giving the…

    Time for a Cold Bath –  Matlock Bath of Course
  • Motorcycles face tough conditions that can cause corrosion and wear. Regular washing and using protection like ACF-50 or ceramic coatings can help reduce long-term damage. Understanding the pros and limits of each method helps you maintain your bike effectively.

    Best Motorcycle Protection: ACF-50 or Ceramic Coating?
  • After completing my advanced riding training, it was time for my Blood Bikes practical induction, learning alongside another new volunteer. Guided by an experienced rider, we carried out vehicle safety checks before shadowing the Blood Biker on their first jobs…

    Behind the Scenes of Blood Bike Training
  • I reflect on selling my Honda CB750 café racer, a motorcycle that begins life as a neglected import and gradually becomes a deeply personal project and weekend escape. Although selling it brings a mix of pride and nostalgia, the decision…

    Saying Goodbye to My CB750 Café Racer
  • Changing adventure motorcycles should feel like pure excitement, but the reality quickly follows: most of the gear from your previous bike will not fit the new one. Suddenly you are back to buying pannier racks, crash protection and navigation mounts…

    The Hidden Costs of Changing Adventure Bikes
  • Motorcycle culture in Britain has come a long way – from casual café stops to carefully crafted destinations that draw riders from far and wide. But what really sets the North and South apart – and how has it shaped…

    Biker Destinations: Does the North Need a Modern Café Hub?
  • See how I got on when I undertook the riding assessment to become a Blood Bike rider. SSCBB – the closest local Blood Bike charity to me – provides a vital medical courier service to the NHS using motorcycles and…

    My Journey to Becoming a Blood Bike Rider
  • The first 24 hours with the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 1100 began in miserable weather during collection, followed by a much-needed wash the next morning and a rewarding first proper ride. The day ended perfectly with the year’s first…

    First 24 Hours with the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports 1100 DCT ES
  • Saying farewell to the Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and welcoming the 2025 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES. A real-world rider’s perspective on fit, confidence and preparing for European touring.

    Goodbye Tiger 1200 Rally Pro, Hello Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
  • A lively group discussion about favourite motorcycles soon turned into a moment of reflection on personal riding experiences. Curious to know which bike stood out as my top choice? Read on to find out which one I picked.

    Why My BMW R9T Isn’t My All-Time Favourite Bike
  • Initially skeptical about the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT; however, I found it surprisingly impressive. So did the big Honda with its DCT and electronically controlled suspension change my perspective on automatic adventure bikes?

    Exploring the Honda Africa Twin: Are Automatic Motorbikes better?
  • I’ve always enjoyed working on my motorbikes, swapping parts and making upgrades to suit my riding. Like most riders, that’s left me with a growing pile of original components that were still usable but ended up boxed away in the…

    Why Selling Old Motorbike Parts Matters
  • The distinction between “modified” and “custom” bikes is significant in the motorcycle community. I reflect on my CB750 Café Racer project, to help explore the gap between modified and custom bikes.

    Modified vs Custom Motorbike: Where Does My CB750 Build Really Sit?
  • The BSA Thunderbolt, is hitting markets in 2026, it marks BSA’s venture into adventure motorcycles. Combining classic British design with modern features and in my opinion a striking aesthetic.

    BSA Thunderbolt – A Fresh Take on Adventure