With the government looking set to abolish the current Provisional Gasoline Tax of 25.1 yen/ litre, it’s a good time to delve into the breakdown of what we actually pay to fill our tanks and where it goes.
(more…)Riding the Ducati Hypermotard Mono: Twisties Redefined
That big 659cc single cylinder and conrod spinning around between your shins like Thor’s hammer while your perched atop its paranormal suspension with the near telepathic quickshifter and deft brakes merciful of daft indulgences is quite a ride.
The more time aboard this quite un-Ducati contraption, the less clear it became what or who was the tool of conveyance here. It’s good, molto molto good!
It’s a lightweight at 151kg and 77hp but with a large dollop of modern Ducati refinement to round the rough edges off the big single, it had me wondering more than once where it came from.
Pulling things apart
There’s some hair in there! Oh deer.
That’s far more complex than it looked before.
It was just this little DRL. Who knew it hid so much?
Right, let’s start stripping this back…
Oooh…the LED from the DRL still works. Good.
The dash isn’t cactus! Yes!
The impact just uncoupled a couple of connectors. Easy and CHEAP fix. Phew!
Starting it up and…
No error codes funkiness. 🤞
Of course, a test ride could reveal a lot more. Next on the agenda.
Relieved of the carnage, it is far simpler and less hideous.
So, left with a box of parts, some deer hair and some rays of electrical hope.
Next up will be exploring the damage to the right side and radiator.
FUJI 500 – In the bag
Hillclimbing Fuji is always fun and often frought with weather challenges. September is typhoon season but still has a decently long day of sunlight at 12.5hrs. so with a long weekend to allow for prep and copious salutations to the Weather Gods on Saturday, riding on Sunday and recovering on Monday, it was go for the first Fuji 500. 32 signed up, but…
(more…)Ducati + Fuji 500 – Andiamo!
Hypermotard Mono + Fuji 500 = 😁
What better way to enjoy the endless twisties and hillclimbs of the Fuji 500 than on a modern motard!
Grazie mille to Ducati Japan for offering their new lightweight Hypermotard Mono.
Mountain Day Twistybutt #1
The very first ‘Mountain Day Twistybutt’ was an ambitious endeavour in the planning but due to some road closures, it got less ambitious but still plenty twisty. Here’s how it turned out…
Registration Closed: Mountain Day Twistybutt
Thanks for all the interest.
To all those signed up, now it’s prep and focus time. Check your emails for updates. Alternatively, check the Twistybutt News for general info.
See you on the road….
Running on Empty?
Our priority tank fill up points are:
- Exiting the Expressway https://maps.app.goo.gl/nENphatamrpUBgBz6
- Kaminagao https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPkfgi33ThicUSKS6
- Uemura https://maps.app.goo.gl/L6XNXF2nZaSP43Gs7
How’s the Route?
We’re a week away and look to have around 20 joining the first Mountain Day Twistybutt!
Some route and navigation aid was sent earlier so check your emails.
As some of you know, I’ve been out to check the route twice and gotta say it’s a challenge.
(more…)Routes Sent
Mountain Day Twistybutts, check your emails.
More small updates coming to your emails and here at Touge Express over the next couple of weeks but you’ve got the big important stuff now. First update will be fuel/gas…
Now it’s time for your prep. Recommend the following:
(more…)
Touge Express 