Whilst that’s the slogan Sainsbury’s likes to use to persuade shoppers to enter their doors and part with their cash for products allegedly guaranteed to tickle their tastebuds – frankly now that I am car-less, and since it was closer than Tesco’s, am more interested in whether or not I could indeed try something new and fit my shopping onto the bike……. 😛
Whilst bling may be king, I was lucky enough to find a bike that had many accessories already attached such as panniers, a Scottoiler and R&G crash bungs – and I solemnly promised myself that I would only add what I considered necessary to survival or comfort – which frankly tends to be one and the same thing to me 🙂 Fast forward and I now have a top box (52 litres) and an air horn 😛
One weekly shop later – and ninety quid lighter (doesn’t go far these days does it lol!) and I had filled each pannier and the top box. And was rather pleased that I hadn’t had to strap anything to the seat either.
Of course it made for an interesting ride home! Turning right at T-junctions was rather hazardous to my balance and I certainly was more cautious with the braking. I don’t ride with pillions so have never had to deal with excess weight on the bike – for those of you who know me, no comments please about my own weight or the size of my overnight bags thank you very much 🙂
So what did I learn? Well the Sprint is built like a workhorse and admirably up to the task of lugging my gear about (it’s just me as a lightweight rider that has the difficulties!!). The panniers are fitted with excellent elasticated hold straps to keep your gear from falling out when you open them. They are also deep enough to hold a full size helmet, whilst the top box by GIVI is pure genius!
Having previously considered a 46 litre top box on my FZ6s to be ideal, I was concerned that anything larger would dwarf this bike, be subject to a wind tunnel effect and upset its handling, particularly as the sportier position means the box is more exposed without my body blocking it. I needn’t have worried – I never even noticed the thing! And it’s proving the best item for the bike as it’s large enough for helmet, gloves, locks, spare visor, waterproofs, hairbrush, cuddly toy and anything else I suddenly think I might need on a trip out. With this box there’s no need for the panniers as well which is even better as it makes filtering a breeze 🙂
Incidentally my thanks must go to Mark, at Flitwick Motorcycles, who stood around for 20 mins acting as a hand model, holding the different sized boxes (46, 52 and 55 litres) onto the back of my back so that I could view them in situ and analyse their aesthetic value! How’s that for service!
I did make it home safely but frankly I’ve also have learnt that if I can’t beg, borrow or “steal” a four wheeled vehicle from family, friends, or even complete strangers! that three bottles of wine, a ton of cat food and all the rest of the paraphernalia that I consider necessary to tempt my palate are best purchased through a store’s home delivery service 😉
Ride safe
A bird's eye view to biking! 