27 August 2011
I’m taking a day off today and indulging in all that Sinop has to offer to recharge my batteries.
It is Day 31 and my Turkey motorcycle tour to date has put 4,130 miles (6,647km) on the Family Truckster. And I’m still not at my furthest point away from London.
Out of the 31 days since I left London, I have been on the road for 21 of them, slightly less than I had expected but new tyres in Poland and the new front wheel in Istanbul have probably cost me 2-4 days. On average I have covered 197 miles (317km) per riding day. Again less than expected but a couple of low mileage days in Poland have made it a bit lower than it otherwise would have been. This should increase from here and maybe end up around 250 miles per day for the whole trip.
I’ve had two over 400 mile days, but only one day in the 300’s, six days in the 200’s, 9 in the 100’s and three less than 100 miles. These stats make it sound like it has been easy riding. However daily averages have been on the decline since I left western Europe. It definitely does get tougher the further east you travel.
Fuel consumption has averaged out at 41mpg or 6.8 l/100km – the Family Truckster can get close to 50mpg under the right conditions. Average speed is 45mph.
I think it will take me another 5 riding days and 1,000 miles to get to my furthest point from London meaning I will have around 5,000 miles to make it back.
I’ll have to make plans for the 12k mile service. Hope the tyres are good all the way back to London. This will be touch and go.
Just a few more stats about the bike for those who are interested (maybe BMcK and PR – I don’t really understand all this stuff myself):
Engine type: l-c inline-six
Valve train: DOHC, 24v
Displacement: 1649cc
Bore x stroke: 72.0 x 67.5mm
Compression: 12.2:1
Fuel system: BMS-X EFI
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 6-speed (no reverse gear)
Claimed horsepower: 160 bhp (120Kw) @ 7750 rpm
Claimed torque: 129 lb.-ft @ 5250 rpm (85% at 1,500 rpm)
Claimed top speed: 155mph/248kmh
Red line/Rev Limiter: 8,500 rpm (I rarely get over 6,000)
Range: 220 miles/350km (I have done 250 miles on a tank several times on this trip)
Frame: Aluminum bridge-type frame with single-sided aluminum swingarm
Front suspension: Duolever with ESA II
Rear suspension: Paralever with ESA II
Front brake: Dual BMW four-piston calipers, 320mm discs with part-integral ABS
Rear brake: Two-piston BMW caliper, 320mm disc with part-integral ABS
Rake/trail: 27.8°/4.2 in.
Seat height: 31.9/32.7 in.
Wheelbase: 63.7 in.
Fuel capacity: 6.3 gal/24litres
Claimed curb weight: 703 lbs/318kg
The day off in Sinop has been great. More on this soon.
