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Advise for my Morocco Trip

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SimonB
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 23 Sep 2005
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PostPosted: 11:58 - 15 Feb 2008    Post subject: Advise for my Morocco Trip Reply with quote

I’ve planned a spur of the moment trip to Morocco which is different from normal as I have usually travelled in Europe. I will be getting a ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao using P and O does any one have any experience with them?

I used to tour on a FZR600 my new steed is a CBR600rr and I’ve discovered after two long rides last weekend that it’s not the best bike for touring. Can anyone provide some advice for some of my problems?

My left wrist was in absolute agony after changing gear a lot. It hurt so much that I was doing clutchless gear changes (only when going up the gears not down) to try and rest my wrist. Will this eventuality go away or is it worth getting a support device for my wrist or do I need to start wanking with my left hand? Razz

What would be useful to try and make the seat more comfortable sheepskin? Gel pad?

My only other concern is bike security in Morocco as I have soft luggage. I’m going with two friends and if we can’t get some form of secure parking then we plan to chain the bikes together. Is there any thing else you can recommend?

One last thing….any tips for riding in Morocco places to see or do?

Thanks for reading my ramble just want to see what wisdom I can get from the wise folk of BCF!
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Bikes: Honda CBR250RR [sold], Yamaha FZR600 [sold], Honda CBR600RR6
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spnorm
Crazy Courier



Joined: 18 Aug 2007
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PostPosted: 14:20 - 16 Feb 2008    Post subject: Re: Advise for my Morocco Trip Reply with quote

SimonB wrote:
One last thing….any tips for riding in Morocco places to see or do?


Some great advice here Thumbs Up
https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89396
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R4nger
World Chat Champion



Joined: 05 Jan 2005
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PostPosted: 22:20 - 17 Feb 2008    Post subject: Re: Advise for my Morocco Trip Reply with quote

SimonB wrote:
I’ve planned a spur of the moment trip to Morocco which is different from normal as I have usually travelled in Europe. I will be getting a ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao using P and O does any one have any experience with them?


I did travel with them in 2006. During peak season, I found the best company to book through is the one BMF recommend. I managed to get a good deal compared to others.

MotorSport Travel 01759 301010, Fax 01759 301030.
Phone them and mention that you are a member of the BMF.

The journey itself was very long, so long in fact that I did have a slight thought of suicide in the back of my mind. Make sure you bring something with you to keep you entertained like a map to plan your route when you depart the ferry or swimming shorts for the on-board swimming pool. It maybe worth buying cans of beer before the embarking on the ferry and drink the cans in the bar; that is what a lot of bikers did when I went. It is also important, depending on how you are with sea sickness to get a cabin in the middle of the ship.
The crew do tie your bike down with old pillows and some old rope but there are no dedicated bike spaces; they use the little cramped space between the walls and the cars on the deck and they actually charge you for this privilege.
If you need any more information on the ferry trip that I have not answered, please ask.

SimonB wrote:
I’ve discovered after two long rides last weekend that it’s not the best bike for touring. Can anyone provide some advice for some of my problems?


Handlebar risers; they are usually sold on eBay for bikes however a quick Google search will bring some up such as..

Helibars

It will be also worth getting a "Cramp Buster" that fits over the handlebar grip and is used to help maintain a steady speed for prolonged periods of time. Another product similar to this is called a Throttle Rocker; it's not the same, just slightly different in design.


SimonB wrote:
What would be useful to try and make the seat more comfortable sheepskin? Gel pad?


I have heard (Chinese Whispers) that the Gel seats get hot when you sit on them for long periods. A product that has been recommended highly is the AirHawk seats which are based on individual compartments filled with air. I think a little more research needs to be done on your side or if someone else replies.

SimonB wrote:
Bike security in Morocco as I have soft luggage. I’m going with two friends and if we can’t get some form of secure parking then we plan to chain the bikes together. Is there any thing else you can recommend?


For your soft luggage, the only product I can recommend is PacSafe, it stops people getting a knife and cutting open your luggage. It is expensive but I understand no one has made a copy of it yet so they are charging around £50-100 for it. It would be worth looking on PacSafe's website to see what products they have available. Apart from that, get hard luggage Laughing

There are a lot of threads on bike security, it just depends how far you want to go and a quick search of the forum will give you the answers you require. I would agree with you and say that the best way to reduce the weight is to carry only one long chain and use it to chain all three bikes to a lamp post. Make sure you use a closed shackle lock.
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SimonB
Brolly Dolly



Joined: 23 Sep 2005
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PostPosted: 22:42 - 17 Feb 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow thanks for everyone's replies karma given. Very Happy

Spnorm, Thanks for the link to the website it certainly has put some of my concerns to rest.

Ranger, Thanks for your long post that has pointed me in the right direction.

This is why I love this forum such a wide base of knowledge and people willing to take the time to help others.

I will have to upload some pictures when I return. I leave in 4 weeks bloody 'ell!

If I Think of anything else I will more than likely ask on here.

Cheers all. Thumbs Up
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Bikes: Honda CBR250RR [sold], Yamaha FZR600 [sold], Honda CBR600RR6
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spnorm
Crazy Courier



Joined: 18 Aug 2007
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PostPosted: 21:00 - 18 Feb 2008    Post subject: Re: Advise for my Morocco Trip Reply with quote

R4nger wrote:
The journey itself was very long, so long in fact that I did have a slight thought of suicide in the back of my mind.


That's one of the things putting me off; wasting 3-4 days holiday in each direction getting there and back Sad

The alternative is to let someone like Moto Morocco transport your bike to Malaga and getting a cheap flight there (link on the GS forum).

A mate did one of Nick Sander's fly-ride tours a few years back, but he said it was pretty disorganised as Nick's more of a facilitator than a tour guide. https://www.bugbitten.com/blogs/Africa/BrianBritch/2005_Morocco_FlyRide_VFR.html
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tatters
Exxon Valdez



Joined: 05 Jan 2004
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PostPosted: 21:04 - 18 Feb 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Best bit of lightweight kit for bike security as well as a lock or alarm is a old bike cover and parking it in a public place both will greatly prevent theft.
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Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV
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R4nger
World Chat Champion



Joined: 05 Jan 2005
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PostPosted: 15:45 - 19 Feb 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Off topic, Nick Sanders is one of THE most boring people on the planet and I have seen his DVD, meet him three times at various shows. Avoid.
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Paivi
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Joined: 30 Sep 2005
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PostPosted: 16:13 - 19 Feb 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Have a read of this; a friend of mine did Morocco on a bike at Xmas 2006. He flew in and rented a bike to do various trips.
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The last post was made 18 years, 128 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
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