LETTERS

Daydreaming, Sheene, big muthas and bikes are great.

was cycling to the local Coop for my newspaper when an isolation breaker came past on a Suzuki GSX-R . (It had to be a Suzuki didn’t it). After a brief period of anger and jealousy the answer to isolation came to me. I set out to ride the 110 miles from home to Donington Park in my head, with the few brain cells that are still active.

It’s a trip I think I must have done three times a year since about ‡ˆˆ , when WSB started. The first part was easy through Lechlade then Burford, Stow, and onto the Fosse Way. It was a struggle remembering the give way stops and going through Hinckley I cheated. Going up early I usually ride straight through the town, but this time I decided the A and past Triumph was much easier. I filled up at Tesco at Ashby and nearly picked the wrong exit on the roundabout after. I’ve done that when I’m actually there. Into Melbourne and into the back entrance. Easy. Next is the Antwerp ring road – that should send me to sleep!

II’ve just ridden up Weardale, from the Helme Park roundabout to Hartside Cafe and, judging by the time it took, I must have missed out about 20 miles. Or maybe I was going quicker than I thought. Please write and tell us about your lockdown amusements. HW

It’s not a gas, gas, gas

In reference to your mention of Britain going to E gasoline, those of us in the US have had to deal with this for many years as the national standard. It is still possible to find some ethanol free gas at a few stations, but they are few and far between, and now our government are trying to make E  the standard. Count your blessings while you can. Steve Berto, email

Independence

I have always loved going into independent motorcycle shops. The smell, the stuff on the walls and the banter is something else.

They already have a really hard time and they have to make their money for the year in the spring. The lockdown must be really hurting.

If we want to keep them, and I do, then when they open again go and buy something. I am sure there is room in your garage for something else you don’t need!

I mean where else could I get a  Triumph Bonneville prepared to take to the Salt Flats for Utah’s Speed Week. Probably not a main dealer.

Ian Glover, email

Built where?

June issue and the page „ ‘dig at Triumph’ for being made in Thailand. I have an iphone designed in the USA (made in China), a Bosch dishwasher designed in Germany (made in Spain) and I once had a Raleigh bicycle ‘handbuilt’ in the original factory in Nottingham. Made in China.

The R‘’s ‘Berlin Built’ branding doesn’t have to mean ‘Made in Berlin’ does it? If the bike was ‘Made in Berlin’ would BMW not have put that on the bike? Parts made in China (or Thailand) and ‘Berlin Built’ more likely. A good future article?

Richard Moyse, email

Funny you should mention this Richard. As you’ll see from this month’s cover it’s been taxing us too. HW