German DR-Z, DR Big, and V-Strom specialist Hessler Rallye Team (HRT) has created this V-Strom 1050XT Desert Express. Shown for the first time at the reveal of the new-for-2020 V-Strom 1050XT at Eicma in Milan, Italy, the Desert Express is based around the chassis and V-Twin engine of Suzuki’s flagship adventure machine, but uses a host of new components manufactured in-house by HRT, plus modified suspension and aftermarket bolt-ons.

Thought I'd catch up with the subject of helmets.

My Schuberth as used on the LDU (see below for full explanation of LDU) has been getting tired for quite sometime but its an old friend. The lining has been washed a couple of times. My inability to use a washing machine has required me to hand wash it in the sink but that's just me making sure I don't learn how to operate the white god that sits in the utility room.

It has been dropped. I do a lot of miles and as careful as I am it has had a slight amount of misuse. Its been on several flights probably covered nearly a hundred thousand miles and been used in snow and on blistering summer days. It just feels right; like the coat that you walk the dog in.

Well the time just seemed to be on fast forward and boom we are on the week of the event. I decided to work the Wednesday and leave from Manchester having arranged to meet Charlie one of my mates at Lymm truck stop at 15:00 hrs I left our Manchester store just after 14:00 hrs and arrived at Lymm at about five to three. Charlie was duly located in McDonalds stuffing his face with a burger and chips, some things just don’t change. We made good progress down to Bristol Charlie just tucked in behind me and we were soon at the motel.............

Arrived at Lands End

Well its the 19th June and I'm about to embark on the Longest Day Up Challenge. I'm both excited and nervous at the same time. Louise wished me well but I know secretly she's being strong for me and would probably much rather have me where she can see me for the next couple of days. But she knows I need to do this we have always supported each other and yes long distance motorcycle rides have there dangers but I wouldn't be me If I sat at home all the time getting old without ever taking a chance. Its who I am.

I've arranged to meet Charlie at Lymm services at 15:00 today where we will ride to Bristol stay overnight in Bristol and then set off for Lands End on Thursday. Whilst on my way to Lands End I've arranged to meet my aunty Zelda at Cornwall Services for a spot of launch. My bike might only have cost me the princely sum of £500 but to me at this point its the best bike I've ever owned. It feels good and I've every confidence in it. My doubts are in me my staying power and mental attitude. Clothing wise Im in the Triumph Malvern suit which is just amazing.

So with a bit of luck I will complete the challenge and raise a few quid for a good cause to all those that have donated so far a big thanks. I must mention in particular Suzuki Racing for supplying a whole raft of genuine parts and Cambria tyres for supplying the rubber.

Subject to technology you should be able to track my progress Friday on Facebook. But if it doesn't work I wont be stopping to fix it !!

Facebook HERE

The first job was to give the bike a wash, then seat off; which exposed that some little mice had made it home. With all the disused husks of thier food stashed above the back mudguard. Pressure washer out again and a quick blast soon shifted them. The bike looked so much better for a wash but I couldn't move it without knocking the brakes off with a block of wood and a hammer. So I knew they needed sorting although the fork dust seals were really perished the actual chrome stanchions looked good and the seals didn't appear to be leaking.

he Challenge is to travel from Lands End to John O'Groats on the longest day of the year between sunrise and sunset.

I've spent my life selling and promoting motorcycles so when one of your oldest friends is killed on one it hits you hard. Rob was killed in July last year on his bike. As motorcyclists we all know its a possibility. But my friend was a confident rider I rated him. He had crashed before, years ago, so he knew it hurts when you crash a motorcycle. Yes sometimes you can be lucky but often your not. Maybe this for some people is part of the attraction, the risk, the knowing that what your doing is potentially lethal. But the up side is well worth the risk, well for me anyway and I know Rob felt the same. He was motorbike mad riding off road and loving the whole scene his life revolved around bikes.