Picos & Pyrenees

Not a ride report...just a few pic's & observations.


Having both ran GS's for years SWMBO & I were looking forward to our first decent trip on my TDM & her Versys

TDM fresh from a 6K service & SWMBO's Versys a 16K service we set off from the North East to Plymouth for the Santander ferry.

Weather was kind & we avoided rain for the whole 430 miles. Both Bikes were fully loaded with panniers & top box & I was surprised to find the TDM equalling the Versys for fuel consumption.
Cruising up to 85 gave 53mpg, raising this to 90-100 gave 47mpg.

We both found our respective Bikes more comfortable than the GS's, no neck, shoulder, arm & arse ache !!
Wind noise not buffeting was the only real issue for me, I've since fitted a MRA Vario which is better but as you all know not perfect.

Arriving in a hot (32degrees) Santander we headed up to Potes for a few days then across to Lllanes for a further 2 days.
Cruising round the Picos area up to 70ish returned 67mpg, one 't-shirt & jeans' bimble gave 88mpg..truely amazing.

The TDM proved to be much better than the Versys in terms of handling, ride quality & particularly braking...SWMBO complaining..it just WON'T stop.

Left Potes & headed up to Torla in the Pyrenees for 4 days, such a lovely area that we're planning to go back next year.

The heat caused a few problems for the TDM, temp gauge shoots up, fan cuts in, clutch all but disappears, stalling at junctions.

All in all very impressed, when it's time for new bikes it'll probably be 2 TDM's

interesting read as me udder half is looking to possibly buy a Versys in the same colour next year ! her only concern is after leaving a MK1 Fazer 600 ferra 650 twin, will the twin still 'float her boat' ???? I Loike the look of those 650's alot.

Edited by wicklamulla, 28 July 2012 - 11:05 pm.

Great pictures

Looks like you had a great trip, would love to see some pictures and your thoughts on accommodation and the roads

A mate has an ER6N & it's an impressive wee bike. He thrashes it mercilessly, only oils the chain when I tell him & he keeps dropping it. The only damage is scratched plastics but he is an automotive painter so cares not. It is more nimble than the TDM in very twisty roads & is a shade quicker, probably due to being lighter. It is not as versatile, though & does not compete when it comes to touring or doing big miles.
Good bikes, The Chancellor may end up on something like the ER6 or Versys when she gets her full licence.

Oh, good post too, I'm hoping to be doing some big miles in Spain in the next few years on the up over TDM.

Edited by harvey krumpet, 29 July 2012 - 01:18 am.

I went trail riding in the Picos three times 2 of those as run leader, Even done a Rough Guide for the Magazine TBM(Trail Bike Magazine),could not stay away from the place,its absolutly brilliant and on a trail bike you can get to where others can't.i stayed with a Spainish family at there farmhouse.Got legless at a underground bar in Potes lol and left there at 5am.Plus its only about one hours ride from the coast.Yep i loved the Picos de Europa.

Another good trip report and some great scenery. Those blue spots are great brakes aren't they.

Edited by muddy, 29 July 2012 - 08:54 am.

Going to Potes & the Picos next month, will try to find that underground bar!! Good news about the fuel consumption of the TDM 9er. Not so good about the heat effects. Definitely have to change the anti-freeze mix 0f 50/50 to 75 water, see how it goes as long as I remember to change it back in the winter.

Edited by mototdm, 29 July 2012 - 12:56 pm.

I rode down through France to cross the Pyrenees east to west with Bilbao-Portsmouth ferry back, in late May/early June. Again, 32-38 degs heat and the TDM did get hot in traffic but was fine when "on the move" and the fan always did bring the heat down OK, but not getting that hot in the first place would be a bonus.

Went with a mate on a GS and camped everywhere. Best roads I have ever ridden and we are going back next year, taking the ferry each way this time.

Highly recommended and stunning scenery.

Awesome to see this ride report as I'm off to the Pyrenees on Friday WOOHOO

Its easy to find its near the bandstand in the centre of the town unless the bar is gone now as it was a while ago,6 bars all radiating out from a central one all with different music.I have never touched Vodka and 7up ever again since then lol.

Hi all,
I have been down to the Pyrenees & Picos last couple of years ..... unfortunately on my GSA in my pre TDM900 days.
However the accomodation and roads / scenery was stunning, here is a link to my pics which save a thousand words ........... http://www.pbase.com...of_the_pyrenees
Hope it helps,
Cheers
Mac