Been and gone and done it.

[72degrees]

Deposit paid on a Husky 401 Svartpilen to replace the worthy but utterly dull ER6n.

Morini 350 weight <150Kgs, a bit more go, very good brakes - an electric start that works! Lowering kit ordered should make it manageable height. I like the 'any colour you like so long as it is black' approach. Went for the Svart rather than Vit as the riding position is more my favoured sack of potatoes style these days. The looks are so funky as to be grotesque - but I can't see it when I'm on it. What the new Morini should have been more like in my opinion. Don't buy KTM/Husqvarna shares though as the last two new bikes I bought all ended up with closed factories within a few years (Gilera (the scooters are NOT) and Voxan

Meanwhile I have to decide whether to swap the wee vee engines yet again to reunite the 375/L5 but a fair few miles lump, with the frame it was in for 35 years, or keep the recently rebuilt but weird cam equipped 350 unit in the road bike. The 'old' engine had the benefit of new pistons, running no base gaskets, and lightened rockers with titanium lock nuts when in the Forgotten Error last year and by the last event I did in May was going really well - just that I wasn't - so I've decided to hang my racing leathers up after 40 years. Then there's the ignition experiments - but that's another story.

The remaining GFR 125 will be up for sale soon. I just can't cope with the racing crouch anymore. I get my Arcore lightweight thrills on the 57 175 'Sport' now.

Talking of Italian lightweights. Anyone up for a UK cut down version of the Moto Giro (just one day and no average time to keep to)? I'm floating the idea with the VMCC. In fact, any capacity of VMCC eligible (> 25 years old) Italian bike will be welcome if the plan reaches fruition.

Must close now - got to research Svatrpilen 401 Supermoto wheels !

[Ming]

That looks interesting, and at a reasonable price - hope it's all you expect. TBH, I've wanted an ER6 since I first saw one at the NEC many years ago. Somehow never got round to it...

[72degrees]

That looks interesting, and at a reasonable price - hope it's all you expect. TBH, I've wanted an ER6 since I first saw one at the NEC many years ago. Somehow never got round to it...

Don't get me wrong. The ER6n has been an utterly dependable and competent machine. It fulfilled the need I had for a reasonably long range, touring two up with hard luggage, machine admirably. I used it to go down to my old stamping ground near Limoges in May. Mostly done on D roads in mostly pouring rain. I can't think of a bike I would rather have used - other than one with more weather protection than a fly screen. I did find the standard budget suspension rather harsh and vague when I acquired it. I had a Wilbers rear shock and Ktech progressive springs and fork cartridges fitted which transformed it. A bagster comfort seat transformed both rider and pillion satisfaction. It will make a very good buy for someone with only 14000 miles on the clock and recently had a major service. Performance was adequate and if revved like a 350 Morini it could pick up its skirts and make good progress if required. I've never really liked 180 degree crank twins when I've tried them (mostly Can I Have A Go Mate rides). I thought I would learn to love it but I couldn't - V twin (90 or 72!) or single definitely my preference ( don't do 'multis').

My wife has decided pillion riding (other than very short bimbles) is no longer for her and so the ER6n just wasn't getting used. It was not the kind of machine that was constantly making siren calls of "just take me out and ride me". We are looking to downsize in the house department which will most likely force a downsize in garage space, so all the fleet must earn their keep. I'm not a 'collector' - the GFR comes the closest to that, but it is time for that to go. I'm keeping the 'Forgotten Error', as if nothing else it is a pretty complete spares kit for essential components for the road 2C/375

I'm hoping for Morini 350 levels of grin factor - but with a 24 month warranty, stoppie brakes and certain button starting

[Steve Brown]

Talking of Italian lightweights. Anyone up for a UK cut down version of the Moto Giro (just one day and no average time to keep to)? I'm floating the idea with the VMCC. In fact, any capacity of VMCC eligible (> 25 years old) Italian bike will be welcome if the plan reaches fruition.

Yes! Me!

Quick edit-I know you're aware I'm not Italian or lightweight anymore but if you can turn a blind eye to that I am definitely (just) over 25 yrs old.

[72degrees]

Talking of Italian lightweights. Anyone up for a UK cut down version of the Moto Giro (just one day and no average time to keep to)? I'm floating the idea with the VMCC. In fact, any capacity of VMCC eligible (> 25 years old) Italian bike will be welcome if the plan reaches fruition.

Yes! Me!

Quick edit-I know you're aware I'm not Italian or lightweight anymore but if you can turn a blind eye to that I am definitely (just) over 25 yrs old.

Heh!

Best place to start is to express an interest by registering on this dedicated forum I've set up :
https://www.gilera.org.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3

[corsaro chris]

Pete;

UK one-day version of the Moto Giro; great idea, but be aware that the Scottish have been doing something similar for a whote - the McGiro it's called according to Alan Pike; we were talking about it at the recent Scottish show, and I know that one of these events will be taking place in September this year, another (possibly) earlier in the year.

Having said all that, I'd certainly be interested in a one day event, using the Strada (1974); and I'm in Berkshire, but you know that already!

Good riding,

CC

[72degrees]

Pete;

UK one-day version of the Moto Giro; great idea, but be aware that the Scottish have been doing something similar for a whote - the McGiro it's called according to Alan Pike; we were talking about it at the recent Scottish show, and I know that one of these events will be taking place in September this year, another (possibly) earlier in the year.

Having said all that, I'd certainly be interested in a one day event, using the Strada (1974); and I'm in Berkshire, but you know that already!

Good riding,

CC

Yes, was mentioned on the VMCC forum. Probably realistically a Moto Giro d'Inghlaterra. In fact, I favour Moto Giro di Salopia There may be an article in the VMCC Journal soon.
It might end up as a fairly low key event, but the more Morinis the merrier!