Morning, all. I’ve been a club member for a few years but lapsed recently. I’ve had a 2020 V7 from new (Sept 2020) which has now done 50000 relatively trouble free miles, including a trip to Mandello and back for the delayed Centennial celebration in 2022. I’ve traded her for a 1400 California Custom Cruiser which will be delivered some day soon and I’ve planned another Mandello trip for the raduno this September incorporating the challenging Route Des Grandes Alpes this time! She’s a sturdy girl, but surprisingly nimble, and I’m hoping the big gobbets of torque will carry us through any difficult ascents! The big twin Brembos should help on the down sections, too.
2 Likes
Oh, I’m in the Cannock area, WS6, by the way.
Welcome, that’s some mileage you clocked up on the V7, I find my bikes seem to survive better the more they’re used..
Re the Route des Grand Alps, although only 67bhp, my little Suzuki Vstrom coped admirably two-up and fully loaded with luggage, so I’m sure you’ll have great fun using the grunt on the big California, it’s a wonderful road, enjoy 
Yeah, I’ve used the V7 for almost everything for the last 5 years. My mantra is “can I use the bike?” whenever I have somewhere to go and I commute 40 miles a day. We covered 12000 miles between the last two MOTs. I agree: machines are built to be used. Thanks for the boost about the RdeGA. I’m flip-flopping between excitement and nervousness, but the consensus seems to be that it’ll be a blast so now I just can’t wait for September!!