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doghammer
29-07-15, 12:42 PM
So the SV650 is going to get its first long distance ride out.

UK (Oxford) crossing Dover to Dunkirk (Calais is screwed at the moment), through Belgium and then the long trek through Germany to Berlin to see a an old friend of mine for the weekend.

Plan is to leave on Thursday the 13th of August, stop somewhere on the way for the night, then get to Berlin for the Friday, then leave Sunday afternoon, stop somewhere on the way back for the night, getting back to Oxford for the Monday.

Has anyone else completed this journey? Any advice? or any suggested places to stop for the night on the way there or the way back that will involve parking the bikes up and having a few lagers to get to sleep :D So far I have seen the Bikers Loft in Belgium that looks OK: http://www.grd.be/bikersloft/

doghammer
29-07-15, 12:58 PM
Also I have just been told that we are better off going Harwich - Hook of Holland at the moment, to cross over that direction, so it may change to that!

Mr Speirs
29-07-15, 04:02 PM
Yeah was going to suggest that route.
Longer ferry and less riding though.

Heorot
31-07-15, 02:52 PM
On the news today it said that the Harwich to Hook ferries are doing bumper business and are now crossing with full loads.

Mr Speirs
31-07-15, 09:34 PM
Yeah I did a crossing a few weeks ago. Sailed 2 hours late as they were filling the boat with as much cargo as they could. They made the time up on the crossing though and docked pretty much on time.

andrewsmith
01-08-15, 07:34 AM
I would say the same avoid Dover
If your further north use hull


Sent from my D2303 using Tapatalk

doghammer
03-08-15, 08:20 AM
Had a friend do the Dover - Dunkirk this weekend and he seemed to think it was OK. Only queued for 45 Minutes.

Its also the price of Harwich - Hook thats putting me off. The timings that I want is £120 ferry out and £95 Ferry back!

Luckypants
03-08-15, 11:43 AM
Am I missing something? A long weekend break, surely flying is best option, especially with the problems at Dover? You are hardly going to be enjoying nice scenic roads given the miles you need to cover.

Forgive me if there is a point to taking the bike.

doghammer
03-08-15, 11:53 AM
Well we wont be blitzing there on the motorways. Intending to take Thursday/Friday riding there, and also Sunday /Monday riding back, so will get some good roads in I hope.

I have never been out of the UK on the bike, but I will be travelling with my housemate who is a veteran with the euro touring.

Luckypants
03-08-15, 02:01 PM
Fair play, I hope you guys have fun :-)

doghammer
03-08-15, 02:08 PM
Thanks! I hope the SV doesn't let me down.

I have a 2001 SV650S with 31000 miles on that I have had about a month. Done oil, oil filter, plugs, 2 new tyres, chain & sprocket kit, new headlight bulbs and new grips so far in preparation for the journey... think i'm covered!

embee
04-08-15, 01:53 PM
Things to check on a curvy -


1 check wiring harness behind both the riders seat bolts (behind the black triangles) - the bolts are a shade long and can rub the harness.
2 similarly check under pillion seat inside the cubby box, towards the rear on the left side (as you sit on it), a harness bends round a frame bracket and can chafe
3 check charging voltage is good
4 check condition of contacts and fuse inside the starter relay behind the right side black triangle
5 check condition of connector in the alternator wiring up to the reg/rec, signs of overheating are not good
6 check the choke cables are lubed and free and return properly, springs/plungers in the carbs can corrode and stick.


Enjoy, and take it steady.

doghammer
05-08-15, 10:38 AM
Thanks for the tips. :)

5 out of 6 of those I have checked already. Not checked the regulator Rectifier yet. Will have a gander today after work.