A post from the top of Stelvio Pass

Just ridden up Stelvio on the CBR600RR, simply an amazing experience- biking Mecca 

CBR600RR touring edition....

Whilst I am sure some would think slightly  mad I have done a reasonable amount of touring on it. Last year down through France and into Spain. 

This year another trip planned, and thought it was time to make the pannier install better. 

Using a cheapo rentec carrier which is only installed when carrying luggage have welded on some extra bars to prevent the panniers rubbing on the paintwork. 

The panniers mount on bars off the rear foot pegs and again are only in place when carrying the luggage. 

Using cheapo B&Q tubing welded them up and a quick cost of aerosol paint and voila!

Hoping to change the bike next year for a GS always wanted one, and as such probably the last time I will use the carrier so haven't been too precious about the finish. 

Suzuki V Strom 1000

This surprised me today, went into Orwells to pick up some new waterproofs and spotted the new v strom, looked so much better in the flesh.

Images borrowed from the web

Spotted on A14

Heading home today and spotted some Volkswagens, think they were enjoying the sunny weather as much as I was. 

Lovely evening for a road trip once you get through the traffic..

New barrels and pistons

Took the opportunity to replace the barrel and piston set for a better quality Mahle set. 

Also upgraded the pushrod tubes to a set from CSP which have a wider head opening. 22mm up from 19mm with the scat tubes, which should avoid the pushrods "touching".

The seal sits out a bit due to the width but presume will seal ok. Makes you wounder why the aftermarket heads don't have an increase hole size for greater clearance with higher lift cams. 

 

They come with a fitting tool which maks the install super easy. 

A view from inside the head: