Alpine adventure on the Trophy SE

[GarminDave]

Hi Pauli363 sounds like you have a great trip planned.

I've done this sort of adventure many times and my advice would be:

Take half of what you plan to take.
Double the money you plan to take
Don't try to do too much
Enjoy the road you are on
Most people are great and want to help you

ENJOY and ride safe.

[Pauli363]

Thanks Dave.  Im really looking forward to it.  Of all the things I am a bit apprehensive about its parking the bike overnight believe it or not!
I'm looking at hotels out of centres, and avoiding large population centres specifically for this reason.  I suppose its down to a bit of luck where I eventually book into each night.  I'll be carrying a chain plus disc locks and have the bikes handlebar lock on. The bike is also fitted with a tracker (not monitored).  Not much more I can do I suppose other than try and park in the safest places as possible.  I haven't heard of bike theft or vandalism as being a particular problem in the alpine areas, so I'm probably overthinking this.  I wouldn't be as fussed if travelling in a group but travelling solo means being a bit more careful.

I'm getting close to completing my route on MyRoutePlanner.  It will likely be tweaked a bit, but once I have the initial route, Ill post it up here.
Currently looking around 2400 miles. Biggest days are from the ferry in Le Havre France to Dijon (310 miles) and Baden Baden to Compiegne on the way back (297 miles).  Interspersed I have a few 150-200 mile days, and a few at 250 miles.  I have allowed several non biking days as there are a few other things I want to do, such as the Jungfrau railway at Grindelwald and Hitlers Eagles Nest and Berghof at Berchtesgaden. I would likely need a few recuperation days anyway.  I've also a few nice short biking days, such as a day doing the 3 main passes near Grindelwald.

[GarminDave]

One thing I do when parking in suspect places besides locks is a bike cover.  Working on the principle of out of sight out of mind.  In all the times I've parked in the thousands of places I have had one helmet and a Swiss Army knife from my toolkit stolen and no bikes taken.

So far so good!

[Novocastrian]

Originally Posted by GarminDave

One thing I do when parking in suspect places besides locks is a bike cover.  Working on the principle of out of sight out of mind.  In all the times I've parked in the thousands of places I have had one helmet and a Swiss Army knife from my toolkit stolen and no bikes taken.

So far so good!

....and for me, I've only lost a waterproof jacket that I left in a cargo net on the seat.  I've never had undue concerns about theft..... the bike is too big and a stout chain will usually prove enough deterrent.

[Pauli363]

Good to know.  I have an Oxford bike cover, but its yet another thing that has to be brought, so I would rather not.  The TTSE is a beast of a thing right enough, it ain't getting lifted into a van easily.  I'll just do the usual and try and chain it to something solid.  I'll also park as close to reception as possible if not able to get secure parking.

[Pauli363]

So.... the preparation continues.  I have now completed my route using Michelin maps on MyRoute app, in conjunction with research on best roads etc.  I also have all my hotels booked as well.  I have watched dozens of youtube videos on routes and road reports.

Apart from the tyre change mentioned earlier which I will do nearer the date in mid may, I am also going to do an all round brake pad change.

Although not due a service for another 8000 miles, I have just completed an oil and filter change, and just for good measure, I've drained and replaced the final drive oil.

Looking at the clutch reservoir, its very dark, so I'm going to bleed and replace the clutch fluid as well.  The bike went through MOT last Sunday with a clean bill of health and no advisories.  With the forks rebuilt over the winter and the battery having been connected to an Oxford optimiser for the last few months, I've done (or will have done) just about everything I can with the exception of checking the valve clearances and a plug and air filter change.  Given this will need done in the next service anyway, it can wait.

I just got a cracking deal on a Nolan N100-5 Modular helmet, picking it up brand new and boxed on eBay for a steal.  I have also installed the Nolan NCOM B902R comms system to the helmet.  Again at a massive discount from Motocard.com in Spain.  I paid £159 delivered, way cheaper than everywhere else.  This replaces my old GMAC Glide EVO modular and Freedcon comms set.

Other than that, I have bought 2 SW Motech dry bags for the back, but I mightn't need them given the luggage capacity of the Trophy. I have an SW Motech Daypack tank bag on the front.


Just on the topic of MOT's.  I was surprised at how little was checked on the bike.  Lights/ Indicators and horn.  Brakes on the rolling road, and whatever gets checked on the vibration plates.  There was no check for wheel alignment, emissions, suspension etc.  He must have checked the tyres, but I never saw him do it.

[Novocastrian]

Originally Posted by Pauli363

Just on the topic of MOT's.  I was surprised at how little was checked on the bike.  Lights/ Indicators and horn.  Brakes on the rolling road, and whatever gets checked on the vibration plates.  There was no check for wheel alignment, emissions, suspension etc.  He must have checked the tyres, but I never saw him do it.

Testers work to a checklist....a standard checklist.

[Pauli363]

Yes I know that, but I was surprised at how little was actually checked.