The end of the Norway tour during which my American friend Mike rode the Explorer saw the mileage reach 25,600, so thought it was time for a change.

The Explorer has served me well, and I have no issues with it, but for various reasons (mainly to do with my financial year) I decided that it was time to trade it in and buy something else. I believe I had mentioned that I had been very impressed with the Tiger 800 and so decided that I would buy one of the new XRT's.

However, after seeing what the XRT came with and not wanting the heated seats and 'I am so wide that I cant filter luggage'  I went for the XRX which has neither and then adding all the necessary 'toys'. Of course you always go over the top don't you and end up with everything under the sun.....

You will be shocked to hear that the bike is blue and not my usual red, but I can live with that. It is back to chain drive, but I do think chains and sprockets have improved dramatically over the years.

If you are interested in the Explorer I did the deal at A1 York.

I do wish someone would bring out a lightweight, say 1000cc, shaft drive touring bike that does not look like Battlestar Galitica  - think they would make a killing.

I will probably change my Pan European after the seasons end, not sure what to get yet, but another Pan or Yamaha FJR are high on the list so if you know of a low mileage one in excellent condition let me know.

My pan will be for sale, obviously a high mileage at 123k, but always well maintained and the right kind of mileage. This bike has never missed a beat and is one of the reasons I am thinking of replacing it with another Pan. Not really sure what the bike is worth, make me an offer.