Forum

[MHSILVERW]

I am planning thinking about a ride/mini tour (in 2014) maybe to West Wales and around the area and then back (from the East coast; Lincolnshire area) or (but it's further to go from home) up to (and then around) the highlands in Scotland (from same area) and back on my 1990 350 Bullet.
My guess would be to try and avoid MWay's and try to find a route on A and B roads with some B&B's on the way (not sure I can do camping!) - most likely solo; but not sure of sensible distances for the bike (or me per day). Is 200/250 miles per day realistic?? or / and then what spares might be useful to take.
I assume I will/would have to ride to Scotland as I have no trailer I cant think of any other way to transport it that far (and me) - I can't put it on the 'sleeper train' (like a cycle!) - so thoughts of how to enjoy more miles than the gentle 50-100 I have typically used it for thus far. I gather from the web people tour round India on rental bikes so a trip to the West or North should be doable...(I hope!) but a bit more adventerous than my local bimbling. Oh, anyone recommend the 'Army style' boxs - seeing as the bike has the frames on them but not the luggage (yet!).
Any experience from 'experienced' tourers using the iron type 350 Bullet or I guess Redditch type of that size?
Mark

[mustaphapint]

I'd have no problem doing that trip on a 350 Bullet if I was happy the bike was in good mechanical condition before I set off. I've ridden my old 1960's Bullet from Plymouth to Leeds and used motorways some of the way as well as covering over 200 miles a day more recently in India on rented ones. I'd take a spare tube, puncture outfit, pump, spare plug, points, condenser and spare chain link with no more tools than you can store in the tool boxes. If you don't want the expense of the metal boxes you can pick up throw over panniers quite cheaply. Have a great trip.

[Dennis C]

I regularly cover 200/250 miles a day on REAL CLASSICS from the 40s 50s and 60s the longest trip to date is to the South coast of France via a week in the Alps and then three weeks touring around, the most in one day was 532 miles as far as I can remember. The only spares I take are a tube and spark plugs. Whatever other parts you take is your choice but you can guarantee you will not take what you need if you do breakdown. If you don't trust the bike then it is time for a change.

[sa(lincs)]

Hi Mark
Did lincolnshire to london no motorways,took 6hrs,only problem was numb bum.
Wales would be no problem across country.I drove in car to Thurso at top of Scotland for a guided motorbike tour and it is a long haul in car,I did it in two days,stopping at B&B.
I live in N.E. lincs. if you fancy a companion( wife permitting!! )

[ed.lazda]

Sounds like a great trip. If you're not pushed for time, I would aim for 175-225 miles a day, and maybe allow a rest day off the bike every now and then. Stop every now and then for coffee, views, photos, etc. Avoid motorways -- there are lots of great A and B roads out there. For luggage, you could use a waterproof duffle-type bag (Travel Dri website has a selection) and a couple of Rok straps.

I'm a bit lax about spares and tend to rely on phone + recovery. Spare bulbs and cables are worth thinking aobut as well as what's already been said. You'll also want some chain lube, or fit a chain oiler (Tuturo are good, simple, and much cheaper than a Scottoiler).

Go for it!

[PeteF]

Youth Hostels can be useful. They are geared up to deal with very wet people (if you get to Scotland you WILL get wet) and you don't even need to join these days, just cost a few quid more per night.

[mustaphapint]

and of course it wouldn't hurt to have some kind of breakdown cover just so you know you won't be completely stuck if the worst does happen

[Beezabryan]

Hi http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac16 ... 20137a.jpg ... 3600 miles, 6 weeks, 11 States on America East Coast. ....... 1992 500 Bullet ...... spares carried but not used included spare tube & Hitchcocks PUNCTURE + AIR REPAIR KIT catalogue number 98090, set of cables, kickstart pawl & spring, gear shift spring, bulbs, cable ties of various lengths, plus other bits & bobs that I cannot remember off hand. ......... Our trip was two up and immense fun. ....... that same bike takes me/us to Belgium for John Bull Rally, to various weekend camps. .... baggage? Set of throwovers, dribag & rubble bags plus tankbag. ... Go take a ride, good luck, ride safe and most of all - enjoy

[grunda 12]

A 350 bullet should eat long runs provided that it is in sound mechanical order I have done over 200 miles in a day on mine before I converted it to diesel power atb Paul

[Craig]

Just To Add that My 350 Has Twice Been to Scotland From the Midlands, Though Once I had a Lift to Scotch corner From the Midlands & to france Once..
Yes They can Do it! But when forced to take the A Road & M Road for Speed ,Ferry's and conections..At a steady 55/60 the Bike was Happy but My Brain & Bum where Num..... Once On Scotish Bye Roads or The Frech B Roads The "Enfield" Caim in to its element and great Fun was Had....Spares?? I Take cables/Plugs/Points & String with Me , But My Long Hall trips, I think I changed a "Bulb" Once.."With The ENFIELD 350, take Each day by how The Bike Feel's 200 Miles One day, 30 the Next..ENJOY.