all right campaneros, back into action. As mentioned in previous post, been a little bit more active on the motorcycle scene. So, every saturday it's desert riding with Motorzone Dubai.
That's me 2nd fm the left. Forget about me, just enjoy the view. Simply fabulous to start weekend with this scenery and the immensity upon which we ride on. Difficult to describe really....
On the beamer front, it went from good to bad and then really bad. So, as I was about to take a nice sunday ride with X-enduro, I realise the rear wheel wasn't turning smoothly. Went to Touratech for a second opinion and then after opening the shaft, we discovered the rear shaft was broken (or just about to be). Bummer, had only rode the bike for few months.
The mechanic was bit puzzled with it but did confirm it was somewhat usual on Beamer. After doing some research, it appears to be true. Funny enough, got a message yesterday thru whatsapp group that BMW were recalling all their 2014-2018 model to change the shaft as it was subject to rust due to condensation and that lead to failure. Looking at my shaft that's what exactly happen. Also, spoke to few owner that confirm the same, especially for those riding intensively off-road.
And that's when it becomes tricky to live in a "non-bike culture" country. Access to parts is difficult and can sometimes take forever 👿!!! Touratech suggested they order a second hand from Germany. So, I figure, bike's already old and mostly used for off-road so not really a need to get a new and expensive one. So, gave my green light. Part was supposed to arrive with 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, still had not arrive. Not sure who was to be blamed for the delay 👺, but eventually after 4,5 weeks, the part had finally arrived.
And as you can see (or not), they send the wrong shaft !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🙉
So, Touratech felt really bad and decided to canibilize another 2nd bike they had in stock and removed its shaft to put it on mine. So 5 weeks after the original incident, the bike was finally on the road.
Meanwhile, back on using the XT 500.
I had not started it since april after purchasing the GS but the "mother of all modern adventure bike" started on first kick. The XT 500 is simply the GOAT. I just love this machine.
But I felt bad that I hadn't treated her well, so my softer side took the best of me. I decided she needed a little TLC. So, went online and ordered some new front fork spring, brake shoes, rear suspension, headlight, a 6 days enduro number plate and numerous little things to show her, how much I value her, and appreciate her. I'll do a piece when she'll get her lifting.
So, as I drove the XT around town, and the CRF in the desert, I kept busy with few motorbike events. First, I attended the 2nd Annual Dubai Motorcycle Film Festival.
And met, the camera man that did the "round the world" series with Ewan Mc Gregor.
A really nice, down to earth type of guy....
One of the good thing about going to this Film festival apart from watching some great movies, is that I found a nice little bike bar nearby called Moto Rauch & Staub,
A really nice and chilling place.
The following weekend I was off to South Africa, but unfortunately not for motorbiking but to car racing at the AMG driving experience
Had done the same type of course in the UK few years back, and although it can be fun, I found it far from being on motorcycle. Still a nice day out and different type of impression.
Back in Dubai, was time for the beginning of the off-road riding season with all the dealer showing their 2023 model with possibility to try them out at the X-enduro ground at Khamila.
Took the opportunity to the new Harley Davidson Pan America. It handles surprisingly well for such a big machine.
Also rode the KTM 1290 and the 890, but they are comparable to the BMW in my opinion. I wanted to try the 690 but KTM had not brought any of them.
And after 5 weeks I was back on my BMW, ready for the X-enduro Challenge. A fun contest amongst 8 teams of 3 drawn together randomly and competiting over 8 different drills, from salvage to agility. And my team took 2nd....
And for today's blog, few pics of Sigourney Weaver,
See you next time, for new adventure....
