Last Ride with the Meteor | Winter Riding Essentials

[@greerbox]

Oh Monica. You’ve done it again. What stunning photography. ❤

[@paulhunter6178]

Watching this has made me overjoyed that I no longer have to drive that A12 route from London to Suffolk! The one thing this video has shown is the effectiveness of flood plains in the UK - great to see nature working as it's done for 100's of years!

[@Sandro-vx3yx]

A beautiful country and a lucky man! Motorcycling without ice and snow in winter, good rides continue!

[@bt6850]

Hi guys, Brett from Brisbane Australia here, just found your channel as I’m looking at trading in my old FJR 1300 on a new Super Meteor, classic 350, Interceptor or a Bonneville and I’m loving it. Really enjoy your style, love bikes and coffee, haven’t been to Britain since 97 but my 21 year old daughter is there at the moment and in some way this makes me feel I’m there with her! Thanks for the brilliant work your both doing, can’t wait for more, cheers Brett

[@ChancellorBeeHaw]

8:37 nice to see you passing through those puddles at a slower speed :)

[@trailingarm63]

Good demonstration of the thermals, I'm impressed, I thought you were going to freeze your butt off. And good news about the Honda, it will be a nice break from all these old codgers' bikes you're so obsessed with. I'm almost as excited as you are.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thank you (I think)😆

[@jedw9983]

Lol, made me laugh out loud...

[@glynhannaford7332]

🤣

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*Heyyy. I resemble that remark.*

[@ianfutcher1518]

I thought Freddie would freeze too. Must be miraculous thermals.

[@andyaptc2907]

Honda transalp "little adventure bike"! I remember the day when middleweight bikes were 400-500cc, not 700cc as discussed today and beginners bikes were upto 250cc...

[@biker_dale]

I need to look at those thermals, just setting off tomorrow with my Keis heated jacket for palma, via Valencia on the Guzzi V7, nothing really planned just hit the road for 10 days and head south towards the sun hopefully. I'm sure I'll miss pronounce everything thu France and Spain 🤣 Great video and I'm sure you'll fall in love with the Honda

[@639viablecarrot]

This bike really suits you,you can see how comfortable you feel on that bike.

[@markwilliamson2795]

I'm so jealous Freddie you are getting more and more motorcycle rider patina from video to video...your winter riding outfit also looks like a warm winner. Thanks for the motorcycle testing videos ! Some cold nights here on the coast of Calif....

[@mavoriginals]

Looking forward for the Transalp. Great stuff as always Freddie. Be peace with you Good Sire. ❤

[@ThatBobGuy850]

Great video, Freddie! Meteor looks like a great bike. Hopefully you'll like the Trans Alp just as much. I wish that underwear of yours had been invented sooner. One Spring, I rode my bike from Florida where it was already nice and warm to Washington State, where it was not - in fact it was still winter in the mountains I had to traverse. Crossing the north end of the Rocky Mountains in northern Idaho on Interstate 90 westbound (and in a snowstorm), I was so cold that I could not believe it. Somehow made it down into Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and pulled into a gas station, colder than I've ever been in my life. God protects the ignorant and idiots, I guess. I must have had mild hypothermia or something because for the life of me, my stupid foggy brain could not figure out how to work the gas pump. I stumbled inside the convenience store and mumbled something apparently incoherent to the clerk. He pointed and said, "Get some coffee!" He let me drink as much as I wanted while I warmed up - didn't charge me a dime. Figured I didn't need to go any further that day, and luckily there was a hotel right nearby. I got a room and lay in a warm bath until I stopped shivering. Lord, I wished I would've had that Uniqlo thermals on that trip! May you never need yours again ;-)

[@preethamkumar4492]

@9:14 - Man, what a shot!

[@ZZR1200ZX]

Great presentation no shouting no screaming and waving arms in the air like some presenters laid back and calm just great.

[@andrewkay114]

Well I will now be getting myself some of those thermals as I do like to ride all year round, they sound perfect. After all " there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad choice of clothing! "

[@s.crambling3795]

Dririder Winter trousers are waterproof with a removable thermal liner and I've ridden in -6°c without noticing.

[@flibbertigibbet6200]

Stunning shots you got there fella. Nice video

[@ianseddon9347]

Another lovely film beautifully photographed and edited. I drive those roads every day but they look more lovely in your video!

[@georgeouthwaite5397]

Well done Freddie, how beautifully shot was that. You,or may be Monica has the ability to show off this beautiful country at its best 🫶🏻

[@iggyzorro2406]

when you went though that big puddle at 8:30, I actually said out loud, "O no. Not again." after the Riumph debacle. As for the sunsets: oh to be in England now that spring is here.

[@Bruce-fd9lm]

Retired expat from the US living in T Thailand 5 1/2 years. Happily never cold here. Lived-in Connecticut on the US before. Plenty of cold and snow there. When I left the US i vowed never to get cold again. I have RE Continental GT and 2004 Honda CB 400. Both great bikes. I only ride locally. Theses a big motorcycling community here and a lot of touring. Happy New Year and safe riding everyone.

[@CharlesDaleActor]

For gods sake Freddie, just buy one. You clearly love it, it costs buttons compared similar bikes, the triumph could be ages and will you ever truly trust it again, especially on long trips. Get yourself a decent new bike with a warranty and support, much less anxiety all round. I have spent two years farting around not buying a new bike because there was always something potentially better just round the corner. And guess what ? I finally decided on the Transalp after having one from the Honda press office for a couple of months and going round Ireland with Tony from mancavemoto. You’ll love it, it’s so easy to ride. Enjoy.

[@mraidymaddful]

The background music for this weeks esipode was wonderfully dreamy. It reminded me of something floaty from childhood. Nice one Fred...........

[@grahamcuthbert783]

Freddie, you rode past East Bergholt Church with it's Bell Cage and a heavy ring of 5 bells all rung without ropes. Opposite the church is a large Italian styled house which is a commune, very interesting old house. And you didn't even mention them!

[@ronoldcross8189]

Two days ago, I put on light thermal undergarment beneath my riding pants, the lining from my summer riding jacket, my leather jacket, and a winter scarf around my neck. As I didn't have winterized gloves, I delt with that. Nice and warm but for the hands.

[@petrol_head_garage]

Thanks to your video, ordered Uniqlo thermals. :) I live in Croatia so we get occasionally daily 5C :)

[@Hawksterd2]

Hi Freddie just catching up on your vids, I find each time I watch you for a bit , feel the need to get to my garage and get my 4 old bikes out ! But due to spending most of the time doing jobs of my discovery that my dad left me , and I have fallen for it , think I need 10 days in a week, but thanks so much for your channel cheers rich

[@shaunlayton9814]

70 miles today and it was 3 degrees when I set off keis heated vest and gloves lovely and toasty on the Transalp 👍

[@colinhailey830]

Lovely seeing "Bugolt" and the "Stoowa" valley. :-) I used to live around there, now live on the top of the Gt Divide in Australia. Winters here can mean riding in minus temps and I use thermals designed for skiing, cheaper than the dedicated motorbike ones and much warmer. The high neck ones work the best as they ensure no gap betwixt neck wrap and thermal. Added advantage of the man made fibre ones is that on a long trip they can be rinsed out in a motel sink and are dry by the morning.

[@s.crambling3795]

Check out a Halvarsson's Neckcollar. Can't recommend enough.

[@colinhailey830]

Tried neck collares, no good for me, my neck is incredibly short. Can't even get the stand up necks on jackets to do up, have to leave the collar tab undone and zip down a bit. 😞

[@s.crambling3795]

@@colinhailey830 this one's stretchy, put it on the tip of your chin, helmet over it, and the rest spreads across the outside of your jacket

[@Butlers_Bike_life]

Roll on the warmer weather so I can get out on my SM, best bike I have owned. Royal Enfield have done a fantastic job on this bike. Shame the USB is not on the bars but I can sort that. Pity the service wasn't done before you got it so you can experience the silky smooth gearbox. Not a fan of the colour, a sold colour is better. Happy Biking 👍 Great video

[@FreddieDobbs]

Aaaaah, so the service does sort the gearbox?? Solid colours: I agree

[@Butlers_Bike_life]

I noticed a complete difference after a fresh oil change, no problems after that with my Super Meteor @@FreddieDobbs

[@stephenberrill8613]

Freddie you have just given the RA a good spit and polish. Now having gone up then country lanes full of mud and water, you will have to get the jet wash out again before collection. You cannot tarnish your good reputation with these kind manufacture supplying you excellent bikes to enjoy.

[@ricatiman]

Excellent video Freddie. You look great on the Super Meteor. I have been considering the Transalp for my next, and likely final, new motorcycle. I started riding in 1969 on a then new 250cc Yamaha DT-1 Enduro - an early dual-sport bike that was the first of 43 motorcycles for me over the past 54 years. I am checking out a lot of videos online about the Transalp. But, the problem has been, most KZbin motorcycle testers are way too concerned about specifications to such an extent, that I lose the thread. However, when you do a review, you are not concerned about those spec numbers, but emphasize how the bike feels, and how it might fit into certain riding styles. As I am 71 years old now, I won't be going far off-road like an enduro rider anymore and risk injury. A bike with decent handling on the road and the capability of riding down a gravel lane is what I'm looking for. Plus, a really good style and state of finish, and great quality. I've owned 6 Hondas over the years, and have never have I been disabled, nor disappointed in my purchases. I look forward to the reports of your rides with eager anticipation.

[@stevek3636]

As an ex resident of Kent I appreciated your correction re pronunciation. Trottiscliffe is near Wrotham, not too far from Ightham and I used to ride through Meopham on my way to college. Now explaining Leicester and Towcester as well as Bicester isn’t any easier!!!

[@michaelbrewer3777]

I have those exact thermals! Used them for the first time on a 30 degree Fahrenheit day here in Indiana. Only thing that got cold were my hands, but that’s just because all I have are summer riding gloves, LOL!

[@PeachesB]

Would love to see if you could get your hands on the new Triumph 400 and hear your thoughts.

[@vanyalizza9871]

Thanks Freddie for another lovely video. Looking forward to see your opinion on the Transalp.

[@thepracticalman5905]

Keen to see the Transalp in action

[@lord.onk99]

Good stuff Freddie, loved it.

[@freebird4708]

Hi Freddie. I had a Transalp for many years as my daily bike to ride from home to work. Did also trips round Switzerland, France, Spain and Portugal. It never let me down. Looking forward to see and hear, what you think about that bike. Ride free and safe!

[@EnglishVeteran]

Good you got The Transalpine. Always had a good reputation. I have never owned one.

[@sayanmondal1303]

Beautiful countryside Freddie!

[@gutsy.trails.adventure]

Can't wait to hear your opinion of the new Trans Alp, and see which adventures it will take you on. I considered the Trans Alp last year when it came out as a replacement for my Forza 750, but I now want a classic, namely the old Africa Twin instead. As always Freddie, awesome content you and Monica make... Fav channel !

[@DaroriDerEinzige]

From a Forza 750 to an old Africa Twin? Those with the Carbs still or already injected?

[@gutsy.trails.adventure]

@@DaroriDerEinzige Yeah, got a bit bored with the new stuff. But yeah, the first AT's har carbs ;-) Good clean, new jets, new hoses, clean out the tank and new filters... should be ok 🙂

[@DaroriDerEinzige]

@@gutsy.trails.adventure I like Carbs, until I've to tear apart mine and pray that the rubber fittings don't tear. ;) Seriously though, Carbs are great if you wanna have extra work. Idk what you plan to do with the Africa Twin (btw, the old ones are incredible and the new Hondas are great too), it's though a big bike. No offense, but Trans Alps are easier for everyday, yet if you plan big trips over ... well ... e.g. the Alps, keep in mind that you may have to adjust your Carbs on the go. And that older Bikes don't like it to be ridden "economical minded" all the time; means, you've to give sometimes some full throttle for a time, yet due to age you have to do it also reasonable and so on. Because Engines with Carbs tend to "Carb up" faster if you don't give them the revs they were made for. Although that's alot of "Yeah, in certain cases here and there" - So don't misunderstand me please. I'm just sayin', good Injection Systems are easier in day to day situations and don't need extra "thoughts" often. I also don't know which expierences you do have with Carbs in general, if you have some you probably already knew everything I pointed out. So no hard feelings.

[@mjotd8670]

Nice gentle vid Freddie, pleased you didn't freeze your butt off on that journey!

[@Nifilheimur]

Coldest ive ever been was riding a sportster home in -5 degrees for an hour and a half on the motorway. Pure agony of a ride haha

[@martintaylor5879]

Really interesting was a fan of the RE Super Meteor 650 but my bike of choice is Moto Guzzi 850 special edition with twin clocks and that V Twin had a a Breva 1100cc so I know they are quirky but so much more characterful riding experience.

[@instant8195]

Looking foward to the Transalp

[@ttxela]

Thermals are great but for commuting I just use heavier jackets or a waterproof coverall to stop the wind. Then you just take them off once at work. With thermals you either have to strip down and change completely or swelter all day! Brilliant for long journeys though 👍

[@jabjab1010]

Love the Triumph shirt bringing back the RE! LOL!

[@henrietn]

Body liners really are the way to go. Small tip: you can get them cheaper if you go for snowboarding or ski thermals. It's all the same stuff anyways. Good tip on the gloves though. I've never thought about the seams being sown not on the tips b

[@martinmountford3281]

Thanks Freddie for recommending the Uniqlo thermal underwear,I ordered some on the strength of the review,they arrived this morning along with snow and arctic conditions.I had to go out on the Hunter to get my prescription from the pharmacy (I lost my leg in the pandemic but still ride as I can't drive a car) and despite the weather I was toasty warm.These Uniqlo thermals are better than any motorcycle specific ones and half the price.Again thanks

[@reinmansmith]

Beautifully filmed as ever 👍 I’ll be very interested to hear your thoughts on the Honda Transalp and how you think it compares against the Moto Guzzi V85TT that you tested, they both appeal.

[@martingavinbolger6902]

Great countryside and great camera shots. Freddie you will really enjoy the transalp it is really great bike. Especially for riding around areas and country roads as you where on in this great episode. And Kent has got some beautiful road in the country to ride as well. And the names we'll who cares as long as you enjoy the ride that is all that matters. Have a great weekend regards Martin

[@Pigdowndog]

You're right Kent, where I live has beautiful lanes and roads to ride on. The abundant potholes......................................not so much.

[@stevev3102]

Great video as always. Just ordered a set of thermals following your recommendation so really looking forward to given them a trial.

[@clayfarnet970]

Last summer when the temps were hitting 115 degrees everyday, I shopped on FB market place for a set of used Gerbing heated gear. It’s the best $150 I’ve ever spent. This weekend is predicted to hit high teens to low 20 degrees and I can’t wait.

[@OrrinLepp]

I'm excited to see your "adventure" reaction/review. KLX 300 rider from Canada considering a upgrade this season if things work out right.

[@peterhobbs7609]

Another excellent video, look forward to seeing how you get on with the Honda Freddie

[@rufysufy]

Going to miss the super meteor, but looking forward to seeing your take on the transalp, especially since its so off brand for you, (ADV, tech laden bike). Hope you go on some cool adventures on it! My dealer confirmed that my Honda NT1100 won't be arriving before May, and I don't have any bike other than a 125cc scooter, so in the meantime I'm going to gave to bide my time and live vicariously through your videos.

[@Cj-nu7nx]

Beautifully shot video! Great Post Prod and a lovely motorcycle! I work with Estonian's and have become quite close to their country! Looking forward forward to the next... Keep up the great work! ❤

[@johncrawford2304]

After watching your previous vid I ordered Uniqlo top and bottom gear, turtleneck top Just arrived and they feel lush on. Very comfortable and warm. Yet to try while riding Cheers Freddie

[@drramasubramaniam6724]

Super Meteor (aka Laidback ride) + Beautiful English Countryside = BLISS. Wonder how Transalp fits in this scheme of things, unless you're travelling to Alps itself!. Anyway, enjoy the rides Freddie😊

[@Jam-bp6hb]

Just bought the gloves after watching, been struggling for good winter gloves, been using heated hiking gloves but they haven’t provided good movement with the hand controls. Ended up buying a spare helmet on sale too, oops

[@RonaldoBagaRonnie]

Love every episode and the beautiful scenery.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

It will be very interesting to see what you make of the Honda, it certainly hasn't got that character and sense of achievement you get with every ride on the RE. Will it be too boring for you or will you love its fantastic engine and its famed reliability and the fact it does everything it says on the tin.

[@kaizen2049]

Oh meteor it's time to say goodbye hope we meet again❤ off to the next one

[@FreddieDobbs]

I hope so too!

[@longdog67]

Great content as usual Fred. Ive just ordered a set from Uniqlo on the strength of your vid. I live out in Cambridgeshire so Norfolk & Suffolk are not far away. (20% off these online at the moment too) Rubber side down mate.

[@philroberts5537]

Thermals are great . For those suffering from financial woes army surplus thermals are great . Johnson’s of Leeds will do you a set for around £10

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Always meant to go around that area. Just moved to Kent; can't wait for thaw. Please get rid of that irritating muzak. I'm sure 99.999% of viewers would rather the sound of a bike....or almost anything else! I'm getting the thermals. Safe riding.

[@UKPete]

Beautiful country side, The Meteor looks like a great bike!.

[@Normaalne]

Don’t forget to visit some motorcycle dealerships when you are in Estonia. Also One Sixty Smokehouse for some quality food. :)

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Great video. Loving the bike.

[@s.crambling3795]

Fred, my favourite bit of winter kit for winter riding is a hard to find Halvaarson's Neckcollar. Wind-proof, rainproof (front), which sits under your helmet, over your jacket, elastic at the back. It takes up no space in your pannier and makes your neck feel like it's inside a good winter jacket. Can't recommend enough! Great vid. I do like this bike, your vids have flattered it.

[@vevey75]

Be interested to get your thoughts on heated vests for winter riding. Enjoy Estonia....!

[@d.c1104]

unreal freddie, can't wait for the transalp!

[@unconditioned_ride]

Likewise, interested how you get on with the Transalp, as this was my comparison test ride before I decided on the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE and it was the Suzuki dealer who had suggested that I do that in the first place!

[@TheNorthernClassicRider]

OMG, can't wait to see you riding and your thoughts on the TransAlp

[@FreddieDobbs]

I’m very excited!!

[@R-Tap]

Great look on the bike today Freddie. Murdered out

[@akhilshah-wtf]

You are probably one of the best moto vloggers across the globe. Nothing but just a classic ✨️ 👌 premium stuff Freddie 👌

[@greyriddance64]

Sad to leave such a fine bike. But you are surely gonna like the Honda. Looking forward for the vintage ADV rider gear kit you're gonna pull off in your style. Time for a helmet with peak visor!

[@nigelfreeman1]

I ordered the same thermals on line after your last video. Would like to have seen you get a kickback.

[@roybowden5456]

Freddie if you are so sincere about missing the super meteor I think you should buy one I think it will be an ideal replacement for the Bonnie 😀 Less trouble and cheaper available parts🎉

[@oldbloke9270]

Hi Freddie. You may remember the old Honda advert.......you meet the nicest people on a Honda. You do need to try out different marques. Try a (if you can) a BMW R1200. This is the most underated beemer going. Both of you stay safe and please keep these great vids coming. Old Bloke.

[@Mowser63]

Loving the fact you address it when you occasionally get things wrong Freddie… you’ll only endear yourself more with that approach chap 👏 Enjoy the Transalp when it turns up

[@Rush650gt]

Who else freaked out when they saw the water on the trail 😂. Thought it might be a repeat of the Bonneville. Enjoy Freddie!

[@2wheelsbetter]

Get yourself a Keis heated jacket for fantastic cool weather riding.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Googling now, thanks🙌🏻

[@OurManInCumbria]

When I came back to biking two years ago I bought an Enfield Classic just to get me back into the swing of things. After a few months I found it just didn’t quite have enough poke for me, lovely as it was. I switched to an NC750 and love the thing but I tried a TransAlp a couple of months ago and LOVED. Will possibly move on to one of those in a year or so. Will be interested to hear what you think of it. All the best Freddie and Monika.

[@1teem]

Wear high vis vest please Freddie. It'll make you visible on those country roads you love. Did you know country roads have the highest fatality rate? Not to scare you but visibility is key.

[@jamesonpace726]

Well done....

[@andrewhayes4246]

Have a safe trip to Estonia Freddie. 🤘

[@jmdjdy]

The Bonneville has become a character in its own right. I find myself gravitating towards 'the wurks' video working on it to see if it will ever be part of your videos again ...🤣🤣

[@pistolpete6321]

Wonderful video!

[@bigwill4423]

Can't wait till you get your hands on the transalp as well Freddie. So much more sophisticated and accomplished than the Enfield. I reckon you'll fall in love with it! 😎👍

[@geraldscott4302]

The Super Meteor could be a really nice bike. Silver wheels, a bright, unpainted engine, and a lot more chrome, and I would almost certainly buy one. I own a 2007 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 in red and chrome. I absolutely love it, except for its tube type tires. Because of those, I stay within 50 miles of home with it, because a flat tire means a tow truck. But it's basically a 1950s bike, so I deal with it. It's so much fun to ride I'm willing to accept some issues. But I would not own it if it were flat black. I love the overall design of the Super Meteor. I love it's tubeless tires, which make it a long distance capable bike. True, it doesn't have anywhere near the character of the old 500 single, but on a touring bike I can accept that. But again, what I cannot accept is all the black. I really like the red and chrome version of the Classic 350. But it is too small to be a touring bike. You can get tubeless wheels for it, but only in black. No thanks. Why can't Royal Enfield make a red and chrome version of the Super Meteor with silver wheels and no flat black? Me and my money are just waiting on such a bike.

[@volt8684]

When you get the transalp and during your testing go to a dealer and ride it back to back with a vstrom 650 or 800. My winter riding tip is ride a scooter. The weather protection wind and rain is amazing. Riding my x max250 I barely need that much clothing it’s that good. Having commuted for 40 yrs on honda 50-125cc where everything is exposed, give me a scooter anyday. No winter chain maintenance either. Although u love the meteor I think the transalp will blow you away. Comfy for Monica and your Spanish sojourns will be a stroll in the park. I dont like the look of adv bikes but so good nowadays and don’t need a leviathan gs1300. They don’t have the sound of the retros but they have more than enough energy which is a RE deal breaker for me. I rode the transalp and the suzuki2 bikes and I prefer the little 650 suzuki but would have any. Were you trying to dirty that bike up for them😂

[@stevezahn8056]

Good one Freddie, but all I can think about is that you washed that bike up to return it, then rode through a muddy flooded road again. Lol. I’m kinda glad to see it go. It looks ok. Just not as cool as the intercepter. I really can’t wait for the Transalp. And that’s coming from a Harley guy.

[@FreddieDobbs]

The bike looked much worse than after I cleaned it by the end of the day😳 I didn’t think the Transalp would be your thing, Steve! I can’t wait for it to arrive

[@donalharrington6462]

@FreddieDobbs what make is your jacket?.. looks great.

[@davidherbert8132]

Hi Freddy I'm a big Honda fan so excited to see how you go with the Transalp. I had a 450 twin back in the eightys now own a ST1100 Pan and a GL1800 Goldwing. 104000 and 150000Klm respectively and both still going strong. While talking to Honda I would love see you review a Goldwing 1800 with dct and hear from Monica on the pillion comfort. Love your work and cheers from Wodonga Australia Dave H.

[@hudsonrilke]

Nice one. Currently minus 26 here in Alberta, heading down to minus 40 on Saturday, think I’ll keep off the bike 😅

[@arrshyan]

Ooooh a Transalp will be fun you should try and get hold of an Aprillia Tuareg to compare.

[@AlexOnABoat]

I know a man with a Tuareg, I'm sure he'd let you try it

[@FreddieDobbs]

The Tuareg looks brilliant too👌🏻👌🏻

[@scottsimmons6928]

Its a chuckle brothers bike Royal Enfield meteor (me to you) 😂 sorry ...now a Transalp thats better ..oh and great videography again

[@eddiemizen3703]

Cee what u did with sunset and wet fields, cun cun constable 😊

[@albertqss]

Great video as always. Estonia might not be very motorcycle friendly this time of the season. Have fun there. Try Estonian beer. If you are in Tallinn, visit Beer House. Nice food and awesome beer.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Albert, I’ve saved this spot. No biking at all (it’ll be -15 at night🥶)