With the temperature gauge showing 16C outside seems strange to think that Christmas is less than a week away.

Whats even more exciting is that Monday is the shortest day, the days start to get lighter and we start moving back towards summer and chance to get out there and ride our bikes. Yes I know if I was a proper motorcyclist I would riding all year long with icicles hanging off my nose, but I'm a 'Northern Softie' and as soon as that temperature gauge drops below 10C I definately loose interest. 

Actually with modern riding gear, heated grips and boots that keep your feet dry I don't really mind riding in inclement weather that much, however, I do hate the dreaded salt on the road, does not matter how carefully you wash your bike it seems to find all the nooks and crannies and turns your pride and joy into a rust bucket.

I took the opportunity of the warm day to drag the bike out and wash it, to my shame it still had all the bugs on it from the Portugal and Spain tour. Although not 100 percent certain, I think I will change either for a Yamaha FJR or another ST1300. I purposely went to the NEC this year to see what alternatives there were, but honestly could not get excited about anything. If you want shaft drive then your choice is pretty restricted, although in fairness chains and sprockets seem to last much better these days especially with the more advanced lubricants. 

Anyway, I hope you all have a really good Christmas and I hope that you can make it on tour with us in 2016.