Thought it was about time I took the K13 out and got it dirty and got the battery charged up. So yesterday set off with the intention of doing a run from Exeter up to Dunster avoiding dual carriageways and the like. However a later start than planned put paid to that, but I did get along to the Chequered Flag cafe on the A38 near Liskeard. It was shut so I went in search of the large unhealthy brunch I had promised myself. Liskeard, Callington, Tavistock, Dartmoor
(I went right past - well you wouldn't want to go in would you (the sharper eyed amongst you may have noticed HMP Dartmoor in the background))
all passed by without a cafe appearing, but there was a veritable glut of them in Moretonhampstead. Refuelled and warmed up I then went across the moor to Exeter , up to Bridport (nice Christmas lights by the way), and back along to Bude. By now it was dark and getting colder so another brew in Bude Morrisons and home again. Astonishingly I got away in the dry except a brief shower near Newquay which for 225 miles in mid December I thought was pretty good. I can recommend the B3212 across Dartmoor if you get a clear run without sheep snoozing in the road, some big views.
I filled up twice during the day, and the fuel gauge is definitely pessimistic. The first time it said range 4, and I only squeezed 18.2 litres in, the second time I went 3 miles past range 0 and managed 18.82 litres. So there's 2 litres left at range 0 then if the tank is the same as the K12. Must go out with a 5litre tank strapped on the back and wait til I run out. The fuel computer is better, showing about 3-4% optimistic compared to the 12 6-7%.
Still noticeably stiffer than the K12, and I'm still nervous of the tyres. However after a few squirmy moments, and little slides step outs etc by the end of the day the new front was scrubbed in a bit, and I was following some briskly driven traffic down the A39 in the dark and damp occasionally wet road without a worry. Still finding it a bit tippy into corners but getting used to it. Not sure if its the tyres, the K13 v K12 geometry and tyre sizes or what. Not tried to travel at any great speed around corners yet as the weather hasn't allowed it. Still getting used to the quickshifter, jumping off the 12 onto the 13 leads to some jerky changes as I tend to hold my boot under the 12 gear lever before a change, the 13 says "hallo lets change gear then" before I want to. The 12 gearbox is so slick now (read: worn) that clutchless changes up and down are pretty easy and smooth, not on the 13.
Talking of being in the dark, less than impressed with the headlight. I have brighter bulbs in the K12 now, but even so its not great. Saw a LED mod on the net today, plug and play variety but not shipped to the UK. There are lots that are available on the web, any recommendations for those that actually fit and are better than others?
Oh and finally, went looking for a Bagster tank harness. Feck they are expensive. Lets hope I get some money for Christmas. Right better go and clean the 13, its covered in crap
