I almost tossed a coin to make up my mind as to whether I would ride today or not. I knew I wouldn't be on the TDM which is currently sorned so that left me with the much lighter and more agile KTM. Not that agility helps you much when neither tyre has any grip, but light weight definitely does, so it was most viable with the KTM winter hack because my street was covered in ice this morning.
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The fog hung in the air for the first few miles until I climbed out of Livingston, towards Linlithgow, which takes you up over a few hills, at the top of which you see over the fog, often able to see the whole of the Forth Estuary filled with white cloud.
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A few miles up the M9 later, I was heading up to the Trossachs. The fog steadily turned into lighter mist, and now and then as I climbed in altitude I would ride in perfectly clear air above it all, the bright sun shone through the clear air and handed to me the best views on a plate.
Stunning photos Fixit , just a shame it wasnât the TDM in shot on a couple , deffo contenders for the next calendar
<p> Now Sold ð......850 MK2A 4TX6 in Silver, Stainless steel hand rolled slip on end can, stainless 2into1 headers, K&N air filter, Hagon progressive front springs, Gdogg modified rear shock, Else Made "Ridgeback" Gel Seat, Gdogg under seat fender extender, Powrspark leads, Carbon fiber effect vinyl wrap fairing decals & logos, Michelin Pilot Road2's, V-Strom hand guards, Givi monorack & box (colour matched side rails).
Doin valve clearances? Use dappers valve shim exchange program and the job will be carroty - Free (other than you postin me yer shims) for sporting members.
Bigred mk1 R1 Calipers- Braided lines- Givi wing rack-Crash bungs- Hi vis bullets-PR2's- and a hoot to ride.
Quad 900 Silver Laser duo tech pipes-Scott oiler-Engine crash bars- Radiator mounted see me ring LED's-Datatool system 3 alarm -Centre stand- Extender fender-Renthal bars-Handle bar risers-Mirror extenders-BMW GS Handgaurds-Acumen uprated horn & Nautilus-Stainless steel Radiator guard-Givi wing rack-OEM screen-Yammy touring screen-MRA Vario-MRA Double bubble cut down for fast as fk riding-Tiger screen-Tank protector-Stomp grip panels-Optimate lead  Gone to Heaven orry:
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1991 MK1 in need of some TLC watch this space   Sorted and on the Road Mick   it's the bike that Jack built  Gone to Heaven Â
Thanks for the comments My fault it wasn't the TDM, but I wanted to share the pics with guys I knew would appreciate them
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Yes Ramo, I'm lucky to have this an hour from my home, to be able to go find a bit of open space so easily is a blessing. The weather can throw up a lot of pleasant surprises too., I'm sure you know.
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It was a bit sketchy where the temperature dropped below zero, indicated by frost on the grass verges, but there was just enough salt on the road surface to make it safe. A warning though -Â stay away from the six inches of tarmac at the edges in the gutter, it's usual to find a slime covered surface there, very slippy !
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The KTM was another bargain (though not as good as the TDM) , and makes the best second bike for me after the TDM. I wish it had a sixth gear, and didn't vibrate as much, I thought about trading down to the KTM 450 with six gears and fitting road wheels (an even lighter solution), or going up to a smoother six speed 690 (heavier than the current 620 but much quicker), but then again the situation is like the one I face whenever I start thinking about changing the TDM, in some regards, it still does 90% of what a modern bike can do, so why not just ride it and enjoy it.
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Shame the right hand heated grip stopped working on the way back, I really started to feel the cold by the time I got home
Shame the right hand heated grip stopped working on the way back, I really started to feel the cold by the time I got home
I bet you did. It was bl**dy cold all day in Linlithgow - I got no further than the garage! We still had frost on the grass in the pm. I salute your cold endurance.
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Great pix - which loch (lochs?) is that? Lubnaig / Earn?
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PS Did you keep stopping for pix to get under the 60mph average speed camera limit on the A85?!!
TDM900A 2008/09 in use, with     Â
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CBX750FE in reserve; Cagiva N90 125 now rebuilt & in use.
Quote:I bet you did. It was bl**dy cold all day in Linlithgow - I got no further than the garage! We still had frost on the grass in the pm. I salute your cold endurance.
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Great pix - which loch (lochs?) is that? Lubnaig / Earn?
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PS Did you keep stopping for pix to get under the 60mph average speed camera limit on the A85?!!
Lubnaig I think Steve, I can never remember the order which I pass them on the way out. !
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lol yeah the pics kept my avg speed down, but it was down nicely due to the -1 tooth sprocket on the front, plus the vibes, combining to make it more pleasant to ride on the sane side anyway. I was deer spotting too.....don't need another broken shoulder !
Those lovely pics stirred memories, thank you. I haven't seen weather like that for decades, miss those cold crisp days. A bit.
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The first thing I thought of was a permanently misted visor and the all day nasal dew drop.
TDM 850 Loud and unusual. CRM 250r Woo hoo! DT 230 Lanza Fiddled with.... Bloody hell, is that legal? GG Randonee AKA "I didn't think that was possible".