Discussion
MrsMiggins said:
If I had a gixxer I wouldn't consider hiring something else to do the job. Do you seriously consider it unsuitable for going to Spain?
Still considering it to be honest tho my mate has a CB500 so bit of a performance difference there
I think the gixxer could do the job but hire of bikes are quite cheap nowadays with insurance / breakdown cover etc
Tell your mate to get a decent bike then Unless you have money to burn.
In your shoes I'd be a bit pissed off if I spend all that time getting to the great roads down there and then couldn't enjoy them on my own bike. Mine isn't considered great for touring either, but that's all b*****ks, IMO. I've toured for days on my TL and it's been fine. Worst case the gixer'd need bar lifters. Do you really want to ride all that way, and then ride those roads, on another bike?
Unless you have money to burn. In your shoes I'd be a bit pissed off if I spend all that time getting to the great roads down there and then couldn't enjoy them on my own bike. Mine isn't considered great for touring either, but that's all b*****ks, IMO. I've toured for days on my TL and it's been fine. Worst case the gixer'd need bar lifters. Do you really want to ride all that way, and then ride those roads, on another bike?
I really don't understand the logic here??
I've taken about 4 or 5 of my various bikes to Spain, yes the road trip is great but I've been with big groups that have included everything from an RS250 and a Blade.... I'd never consider hiring something in the UK if I had a bike in the garage - no matter what it was... anyway - sorry but can't answer your hire question really.
Just ride according to your mates pace & if you want to press on for a bit then arrange a rendezvous?
I've taken about 4 or 5 of my various bikes to Spain, yes the road trip is great but I've been with big groups that have included everything from an RS250 and a Blade.... I'd never consider hiring something in the UK if I had a bike in the garage - no matter what it was... anyway - sorry but can't answer your hire question really.
Just ride according to your mates pace & if you want to press on for a bit then arrange a rendezvous?
Another vote for taking your own bike. You will not be familiar with the bike you hire and will probably become quickly frustrated at the “different” handling/performance, especially at the first decent bit of well surfaced, interesting road. (Shortly after getting off the ferry then!! 
)
As has already been mentioned, arrange rendezvous points in case you feel the urge to pick the pace up beyond that of the 500. Spend a little time “preparing” your bike for touring work (good article on exactly this in recent Bike mag.) and have lots of fun.
) As has already been mentioned, arrange rendezvous points in case you feel the urge to pick the pace up beyond that of the 500. Spend a little time “preparing” your bike for touring work (good article on exactly this in recent Bike mag.) and have lots of fun.
I actually think you're all right and taking my bike is a sensible option after doing the sums last night. Thinking about it now, the logic behind hiring a bike was that a) wear was on the hire bikes b) more comfortable riding position c) less stealable than the GSXR...
We could hire two FJR1300's for £395 each but thats a lot of fuel / food on the way...
Plus, better to have the memory of riding my own bike rather than somebody elses hire bike I guess...
My bike it is!
As for the CB500, I wouldn't leave him behind it's just that you get used to the acceleration of the 1000 which would leave the CB500 flat out trying to keep up... Just more to think about but if you both have the same bikes (hire bikes), it's easier...
We could hire two FJR1300's for £395 each but thats a lot of fuel / food on the way...
Plus, better to have the memory of riding my own bike rather than somebody elses hire bike I guess...
My bike it is!
As for the CB500, I wouldn't leave him behind it's just that you get used to the acceleration of the 1000 which would leave the CB500 flat out trying to keep up... Just more to think about but if you both have the same bikes (hire bikes), it's easier...
I think you've made a good decision
You'll have a great time - there have been some posts on here over the last couple of years regarding the route through the Massif Central and around the Pyrenees it's great - avoid motorways!. If your journey/ route permits after you've crossed the Pyrenees I'd urge you to head through the Picos de Europa mountains along the old pilgrims route towards Santiago de Compostella & on to Bayona it's awesome!
If your budget permits I'd recommend you stay in at least one Paradore (the national hotels of Spain) they are not overly pricey but are 4 or 5 star, most are national heritage buildings (old monastries etc) each serving regional food....and are absolutely fantastic!!
enjoy!
You'll have a great time - there have been some posts on here over the last couple of years regarding the route through the Massif Central and around the Pyrenees it's great - avoid motorways!. If your journey/ route permits after you've crossed the Pyrenees I'd urge you to head through the Picos de Europa mountains along the old pilgrims route towards Santiago de Compostella & on to Bayona it's awesome!
If your budget permits I'd recommend you stay in at least one Paradore (the national hotels of Spain) they are not overly pricey but are 4 or 5 star, most are national heritage buildings (old monastries etc) each serving regional food....and are absolutely fantastic!!
enjoy!
s2rr kitty said:
I think you've made a good decision
You'll have a great time - there have been some posts on here over the last couple of years regarding the route through the Massif Central and around the Pyrenees it's great - avoid motorways!. If your journey/ route permits after you've crossed the Pyrenees I'd urge you to head through the Picos de Europa mountains along the old pilgrims route towards Santiago de Compostella & on to Bayona it's awesome!
If your budget permits I'd recommend you stay in at least one Paradore (the national hotels of Spain) they are not overly pricey but are 4 or 5 star, most are national heritage buildings (old monastries etc) each serving regional food....and are absolutely fantastic!!
enjoy!
Sounds great - thanks for the info.
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