Well im back after my first bike road trip to Italy. Covered 2016miles in the 10 days i was away covering Wales, England, France, Switzerland, Italy and back again. All in all a great trip despite the rain and constant fuel stops (XTX tank range). Well chuffed with the XTX as well. For a bike that im guessing wasnt meant to be a tourer it did good. Stuck at an indicated 80mph which was showing and actual 75mph on the gps. This seemed to be a nice comfortable cruising speed on the motorways. Off them i could slow it down and relax more. The bike never missed a beat and my obsession with punctures was miss placed.
I guess it was inevitable but i learned so much from this trip its stupid! Those butterflies when i got into France and it started to rain and the voice in my head saying "what are you doing". It all went away about 50 miles into France once i decided come rain or shine i was going to enjoy myself, and i did.
Its true what they say, you do meet people and speak with randoms in ways you would never do if in a car. I met a guy in Switzerland on a B-King who lives only 10 miles from me in Wales and he was eventually going to pass through my final destination. I saw a number of accident, illegal immigrants cuffed and at gun point on the road side in France, huge traffic jams, hot tunnels and high mountains all on such a relatively small trip. The mind boggles as to whats out there.
Heres to the next trip whenever it may be..............

was the chap on the B King 2 up with camping Kit ?

Nope, alone and traveling very light.

glad you had a great trip, traveling by bike is a great way to experience other countries hey! think we need to see some pics though!

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Here are some of the pics from the trip:

http://s369.photobucket.com/albums/o...2011%20XT660X/

Ah,,, that takes me back.

Sitting at the port in Igoummenitsa in Greece and I saw a whole truck load of them, cabletied together. I love memories from past trips.

It's true though, when you're away you talk to anyone.

Last year I left Stoic Bloke chatting with a local, chatering away in Spanish. neither of them understanding what the other was saying.....

Glad you had a good trip.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Sounds like you've had fun
I like seeing another person taking the X on an adventure.
Did you travel alone? Where did you sleep where you camping?
I see you used a seat pad, for me the XT's seat is probably it's biggest sore spot. I've had gel put in mine, but still get the sheep out for long rides.
2016 miles, to me that's a fair distance.
Is it possible to do a rough map of your route? I'd be interested.

Awsome Pics!

Where to next?

Your post has made me wanna go somewhere, Doh.

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PCV REPLACEMENT ECU WITH 04 WIRING LOOM STAGE1&2DNA GEL SEAT INSERT LOWERED 20mm FRONT+REAR CLUTCH ARM MOD
FORKSPRING SPACERS TALLER SCREEN THROTTLE GRIP CAM MOD DISTANZIAS 46TOOTH REAR SPRKT
SPEEDO HEALER 30MM HANDLEBAR RISERS TOPBOX MOUNT 08 XTX SORTED, ALMOST.
...SHEEPSKIN - Because a pain at the rear is not just a moany pillion.

This is the rough route i took. A mix of motorways and smaller back roads:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msa...F8&z=6&vpsrc=0

Let me know if this link doesn't work.

nice1
No holidays left for me this year, just little trips for me.
But thinking of my options for a spring ride already.

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PCV REPLACEMENT ECU WITH 04 WIRING LOOM STAGE1&2DNA GEL SEAT INSERT LOWERED 20mm FRONT+REAR CLUTCH ARM MOD
FORKSPRING SPACERS TALLER SCREEN THROTTLE GRIP CAM MOD DISTANZIAS 46TOOTH REAR SPRKT
SPEEDO HEALER 30MM HANDLEBAR RISERS TOPBOX MOUNT 08 XTX SORTED, ALMOST.
...SHEEPSKIN - Because a pain at the rear is not just a moany pillion.

Now I wonder what could be going on in the springtime.....

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.