I rang South London Motorrad but was told they only had two techs (out of four they were supposed to have) and couldn’t look at my bike until the end of next week. This was too late for my liking as I am planning more off-roading on the 19th April and I want to be sure to have the bike ready for that (I’m assuming/hoping/praying that my wrist will be OK for it!). Accordingly I rang an independent service shop (Mark Holden Motorcycles) who could see me straight away. I took the bike over there pronto and that was easy as it’s only a couple of miles from my place. The workshop isn’t inspiring itself but Mark Holden the owner seems to know his stuff and after a few phone calls seemed pretty confident of having the necessary bits by Wednesday of next week. Replacing the broken bits should be a very easy job so I am looking forward to having my bike as good as new in short order – albeit at considerable expense because BMW parts are NOT CHEAP!
The cost of the bits has reinforced in my mind the merits of looking at a small bike (a Pogo) that will be a lot easier to ride on the more challenging trails I’d like to try. It would also be a lot easier to pick up being lighter. The bike I am very close to ordering is a Honda CRF 230 F which has a very good reputation and although perhaps best known as a beginner’s trail bike is also apparently very competent in more experienced hands as some of the Youtube video attests. I am not that experienced but equally not a beginner anymore so I want something that will satisfy me for a while. Other possible contenders are the Suzuki DRz 400E and possibly the Yamaha WR 250R but I like the idea of simplicity too and the Honda has an aircooled motor and a spark plug that is actually accessible, so even if it gets drowned in a water crossing, it ought to be easy to sort out..
It doesn’t come road legal but I have found a place online that will convert them and ship them, so that is not a problem. More of an issue is understanding what mods I might need from the start, there are all sorts of possibilities ranging from stronger handlebars to a new front suspension. I shall do some phoning around next week and see what I can find.
