Out-Harleying Harley with The Royal Enfield Goan Classic - Or as I call it 'Mrs Doyle Special'

Walkaround

Go-on Go-on Go-on Go on Go on Go on...

Forgive me for having a little dig at Royal Enfield's latest offer, The Goan Classic 350. This the latest variant on the J series engine blings it up to the max, presumably in recognition of that Indian region's colourful nature. However, on seeing it in the flesh for the first time today, all I could think of was Father Ted's Housekeeper and her catchphrase above. I have a friend who is keen on these, but he's currently in denial that the Goan is his forthcoming purchase. Shame as I could see him on one, together with my other Royal Enfield riding Buddy, sometimes known as 'Dave' (not his real name...) so, we shall have to wait and see what transpires in his world which is a dry Spanish one. Here however in the Peoples Republic of Kernow, it continues to rain. Every Day. Without fail. This is getting depressing. So, I suppose the Goan does at least brighten things up a bit. Low-res version of the video below and full-fat YT one in the link below, or click on the first picture. What do You think? Cheers everyone.😁

Goan Classic 350 at Victoria Services

YouTube Version

I need Your Help...

...NOW

You see, this little channel is struggling against the omnipotent YouTube algorithm which practically ignores small channels in favour of big ones and is endlessly pushing Creators to make more Short, vertical format videos for the Instagram generation. I DON'T WANT to make exclusively short form videos, OR pay YT to push my videos. BUT I am dependent on viewers feedback to help me. What really helps are likes, comments, subscriptions AND in particular the Hype button which is intended to help small channels by giving them a leg up. But it doesn't work if you don't press that button. It's free as is liking, subscribing and commenting and only takes a moment. So why not do it? Increasing my visibility not only helps me, but also gives more leverage when negotiating with manufacturers and distributors for Press bikes or test rides which are currently in short supply. That means I can do more independent reviews and tests not shackled by the golden handcuffs which come with the indulgence of big manufacturers. It will also help with the (very) small stream of payments from ads that helps keep this channel afloat. Everything is expensive, so this year I have a new helmet, camera mount and microphones and shortly a new vlogging camera. These all cost, but I'm not asking for money as such although there is a 'Buy me a Coffee' link under every video. No what I need is exposure, so anything YOU can do is welcome. Heck, put my videos on repeat in the background whilst you do something else, or just pop a Hello in the comments, no great wisdom needed.😁  Click on either image to go straight to my latest videos.

Chapter One and Project 83 Bike Night Gallery Added

Throughout the summer months, the sound of Motorcycle engines can be heard across Cornwall as their riders attend bike nights around the county. Chapter One Bike Meet is the café attached to Damerells Motorcycles at Indian Queens where the meet is held in the dealership car park and in 2025 their event kicked off shortly after the dealership closed. This then neatly morphed  into the Project83 one at Newquay a venue providing food, other refreshments and sometimes entertainment later into the evening. I attended one late May evening and had a great time taking in the sights and sounds of bikers having the craic at both events which by chance were held on the same evening. Keep an eye out for the event video which will be out very shortly, but for those who dislike YouTube or who prefer  a more relaxed way of consuming their content, this Blog and my Galleries will always be there to deliver an additional approach. If you were there and see your image here, please comment below if you would like a free digital download. If you would like a mounted Print, Canvas or other hard copy, please email me at: cmdiaries@icloud.com

Fat Boy Dash: Click for the Whole Gallery

N.B This year will be different as the Chapter One event will now be a monthly all day event. It's always advisable to check with the venues prior to setting off to confirm times, dates and any other requirements as these details can change. Links  are in the text above. 

Marazion Bike Night Gallery Added

 I'm still in the process of collating, editing and culling my many images of motorcycles and the events surrounding them, but I'm beginning to make progress. Today, I added a gallery comprising images from the popular Marazion Bike Night to my site. Click either above, or below to go to that gallery. If you were there on that night in May, ask in the comments section below about getting digital copies of the bike you were riding if it's featured. Prints are also available, but I will need to charge for those. I can do up to A3+, effectively 16x12 inches when printed and 20x16 if mounted and framed. p.m me for quotes.👍

Ducati 851 at Marazion

I also filmed a video of the event, so why not have a look at that too by clicking on the thumbnail below.

Marazion Bike Night 6th May 2025

TEC Adjustable Levers Install Video LIVE! on YouTube

Link to the Video and Short Video Teaser Below!

TEC Levers Video Teaser

TEC Levers Install

 

TEC Bike Parts and...

2026 Roadmap and Adjustable Levers for Goldie

I'm a fan of TEC bike parts. They are a UK based motorcycle parts and accessory manufacturer, specialising in the Retro Bike market. That means Triumph, Royal Enfield and latterly BSA. George Milburn, the owner is a plain spoken  North Easterner and a fine engineer to boot. I was delighted to spend some time with George at the 2025 ABR. So, when I spotted an update video from him, outlining TEC's roadmap for the forthcoming year, I was all ears. and, for BSA owners it seems the news is all good. George has plans to introduce more BSA accessories, cashing in on the sales success of the Bantam350. And, strangely enough, I had just installed the TEC adjustable brake and clutch levers for my BSA Goldstar. Video is in production as we speak. So, as a sneak peek of the upcoming video, here are some photos of the levers on my Goldstar. AND, if you click on the images, these will take you to George's Roadmap video. 

Andy

TEC Adjustable Clutch Lever

TEC Adjustable Brake Lever

First Ride of the Year Video now on YouTube and update

 But, if you were following this Blog,  you could have got to it sooner. Keep checking by more more pre-launch exclusives and content not restricted by the algorithms  of YT and Farcebook...

Click the pic to go and take a look. 👀

First Ride now done and all is OK

Today, I'm going to be filming installing adjustable levers on Goldie, with a new microphone and camera setup. Wish me luck! 🙏

Martin Jennings Run Video is Now Live on YouTube

 Apologies for the very long delay, but with one thing and another this got pushed to the back of the virtual queue. In this 13 minute video, I pick up what is Cornwall's biggest charity run as it heads towards Ladock and again at Victoria Services for the grand departure. All arrived safely despite one rider having a minor off and everyone is in good spirits on a Sunday in late September. Click below to watch and, please do like, comment and subscribe

More Soon.

Andy

First Ride of the Year

 For anyone who rides a motorcycle in the Temperate Northern Hemisphere, this will be a familiar experience. As winter abates slightly, you increasingly watch the weather forecast anxiously for signs of warmer and drier weather. Then, a window opens up and you hurriedly excavate your bike gear from whatever cupboard it has been hidden in over winter. Then you rescue your pride and joy from it's winter lair, hoping that the pre-winter precautions you took will have preserved both it's looks and function. Quick checks of tyre pressure, coolant and oil follow and the starter button is pressed. Aaaah, bliss! as the engine starts and settle to a steady rhythm. Helmet and gloves on and you are off a little unsteadily at first, but as you and the bike gel everything comes together. But, it's still early in the year and the road surfaces are slick and your reactions are rusty.  Your mirrors are fogged by the ACF50 you put on in autumn and your instruments have condensation inside the glass. But despite all this ½ an hour later you are home feeling exhilarated and with a bike in need of a good clean. Is there no feeling on earth better?

Paul Sample 17th February 1947 – 27th January 2026

 It is with great sadness that I heard that Paul Sample an artist and illustrator most famous for the long-running cartoon strip Ogri, has passed away at the age of 78. Ogri was something of a rites of passage for me and countless other teenage boys aspiring to the glamour of a big motorcycle whilst buzzing about on our 50cc Mopeds and small Japanese 2-strokes. Ogri of course rode a Vincent which famously went crob-a-crob-a-crob at every other lampost. We all knew though that although we aspired to be Ogri, unshaven and wearing his trademark winged helmet, we were all really his hapless sidekick Malcolm, needing rescuing in almost every comic strip. There is still a website for Paul, so here is the link for some reminiscing about the glory days of the 70's which for me and probably many others went by in a haze of 2-stroke oil. 😎  

RIP Paul Sample 1947-2026