Preparing the Bonneville for Morocco | Off to the Pub

[@mikerider58]

A few years back l was seriously ill in hospital with leukaemia and prostate cancer, 63 years of age and I'd spent a lot of time watching motorcycle video's. Long story short, thats were l meet up with you and Monica. You guys were my wings, and after watching you test ride a Honda Transalp 650 in Tenerife, l decided l wanted to ride motobikes again. When l was young l almost got signed to race for Aprilia in the glorious 70s. Anyway, l never done my motorcycle test, and being inspired by your video's Freddie , l thought, if l ever get stronger im going to get a full motorcycle licence. Today l did, after 8 months of Theory, CBT, Mod1 I finally done my MOD 2 test today, a 65 year old and l passed. Thank you Freddie and Monica ..

[@albertorudi5168]

Fantastic news, Mike! Hope your health is better now. I wish You thousands lot of miles to ride. Motorcycle is often a pure medicine, it was for me too, as I had some healthy issues too. Be strong, keep your mind focused on pleasure about your beautiful bike. It helps. Have my best , warm wishes

[@mikerider58]

@Alberto Rudi Thank you Alberto .

[@Simonpocarroll]

Good man!

[@trainsbelper7386]

Hi Mike, nice to read that... enjoy your new journey! 👍

[@mikerider58]

@@trainsbelper7386 wouldn't have mentioned it but l thought it may inspire others.

[@NnaEvansOnyebuchiCYB]

There’s nothing sweeter than being able to afford the luxury of traveling to different locations as enchanting and beautiful as this

[@NnaEvansOnyebuchiCYB]

I like the sound of this guy, I am also a travel enthusiast but sadly I don’t have the financial power to live my dreams of a n adventurous life, if it’s possible I would also like to do business with this guy, what is the best way I can use to reach out to him

[@NnaEvansOnyebuchiCYB]

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate the information

[@dave8549]

Comedy gold. "I've lost all my stuff. I don't have a funnel anymore. What's this? For stirring? What is it?' It's a funnel Freddie.

[@leonmcdonald6567]

Love the fact you seem to be living a carefree lifestyle, which 99% of people can only dream if. Have a great trip, im looking forward to the video's 🙌

[@mrcintheuk4641]

There's laid back and then there's Freddie Dobbs horizontal! 😂 I can't compute that you leave the bike prep until the day before you leave. 😱 With 3,000 mile oil and a 3,000 mile trip coming up to probably hot climates, I would definitely have changed the oil and filter. Looking forward to the videos of your trip. 👍

[@thefooleryoftom]

same. Service intervals on the air-cooled Bonnies are 6,000 anyway, and it's going to have a hard 3,000 miles. I would have chucked a new air filter at it, too along with 'plugs. Doesn't take long or cost much. At least he cleaned it :D

[@neilurquhart8622]

And what about his minimalist “toolkit” eh?

[@volt8684]

Along with the tyres Fred I would have renewed the chain an sprockets and brake pads. Oil and filter maybe air filter with dust. Also some duct tape like you needed for the fiat and trailer

[@Jalan_Hendrikus]

Persiapan perjalanan jauh kawanku🙏semoga selamat sampai tujuan👍

[@LondonCarnaval]

Sometimes, it's the simplest options that work the BEST. I couldn't agree with you anymore 💯💪👌👍👏🏆

[@Simonpocarroll]

Might just be the camera angle but that front sprocket looks knackered!

[@russelllocke7180]

Thought the same & the rear looked well rounded off too.

[@handymattadventures]

Not just me then.

[@marcio_de_oliveira]

I spot that as well, hope it handles ok! 🤞

[@gdfggggg]

Freddy has big cahoonas. I absolutely love the British weather. There something soothing about hearing the rain outside your window while you’re relaxing inside. Hot and sunny all the time is boring. And when we do get hot weather we appreciate it more. Rain is life.

[@allseeingotto2912]

Riding in high heat is horrible .

[@gdfggggg]

@@allseeingotto2912 yes

[@shaunlambe7072]

Freddie, the ‘stirrer’ is actually a tube which pulls out of the cap, so that you don’t need a funnel. Safe travels, buddy.

[@user-xl2st4xk5w]

Good man Freddie. Too many people over do the fettling before a run. If it's been OK for the last few thousand, it'll be just fine for the next few thousand. Have a great trip, ride safe.

[@FreddieDobbs]

I’m delighted to see this comment, because this was my thinking too. Thank you sir!

[@geebee6737]

It's people that have this philosophy you see on the hard shoulder 🤣 Don't fix it till it's broke....really. I like to fix issues before they become a problem.....46 years trouble free motoring in my opinion makes me a guy who got it right 🙃

[@peterhobbs7609]

@@geebee6737 bet you are a fun guy to be around!

[@1990-t1j]

I agree. I'd have changed the oil, though.

[@IanDocherty335]

Funny that, all the bikes that have ever let me down have been OK for the preceding few thousand miles.

[@aidebethune]

I like the way you do your mechanicing in your Sunday best clothes! And the marigolds😅

[@Lindyhop1958]

Marigolds and sand coloured jeans to work on your bike Freddie you are a legend.

[@neilurquhart8622]

How does that make him a “legend”?

[@walmir8070]

Check sprokects and chain also, they look a bit worn-out . Good travels!! 👌

[@deanfryers1407]

Freddie, check your front and back sprockets mate, they don't look all that in the video, safe travels,

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks for the heads up🙌🏻

[@neilurquhart8622]

Doubt he’d know whether a sprocket or chain is knackered!

[@allanhughes7859]

ALWAYS POSOTIVE AND THATS WHAT i LIKE ABOUT YOU TWO YOU DO THE REST OF US ENDLES GOOD TRUST ME YOU DO !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@aintnodisco7127]

What an AWESOME video series. Easily one of the most watchable travel-logues. As a tuition-bound worker bee, thanks for taking me along!

[@timparry5028]

Absolutely the correct attire for grubby maintenance tasks Freddy!!! Love it

[@philroberts5537]

I’m so delighted to be back in the gloomy weather….. although you were going to Africa the following day 😂😂. Enjoy your travels .

[@benhart1512]

Freddie.. my hat is doffed to you sir.. I'm now an Aussi but born in Bury St. Edmunds,my great grandad drowned leaving the Butt and Oyster, I just bought a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and have just returned from Bali. and no....I don't miss the drizzle !! love your work.

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

Yes, England is wonderful. Lived in worked in Brisbane for two years and I was happy but I missed Blighty so much.

[@futureproofd]

I'd recommend a windshield for your longer trips. It's a real game changer.

[@FreddieDobbs]

I’d love to try a proper full sized wind shield to see the difference it makes. I tried a headlamp fairing mini one, but it didn’t do anything obvious

[@DanTube2010]

That tube in the lid of the oil bottle will push up through the lid after peeling the top of lid off. You can then cut the top of the tube and dispense the oil through that in to a hard to reach place without need for a funnel.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Ahhhhhhh!!! Ok… that makes perfect sense now

[@stevesanelli90]

Ohh Freddie, dishwashing gloves in yellow 😂😂😂👌 Only your coolness can make that so stylish & blend with your motorcycle mechanic chinos 😉😎. Absolute coolest ⭐️. On a serious note, I hope you have a great adventure & ride safe🙏 See you on the magical roads of unlimited possibilities & under unlimited ceiling🤙

[@evildeadalive]

Should've started it up with the baffle out for us to hear! It does sound great now.

[@MaxUtley]

I think it’s brilliant that Freddie returns from Bali and sets off to North Africa on his “beastie” with minimal planning - this is way to go. Just ride out of the drive way - and go off on adventure 😊

[@richardbartlett6932]

Arrived in Vilnius with Dalia to enjoy Lithuania and for my cancer op 🏥 Beautiful daytime weather walking around it really is a lovely place. Apart from the traffic getting in and out of Vilnius (not quite Bali tbf mind) its fab. BUT Evenings very very cold for my delicate self. Walking around night time reminds me of my living in Cheltenham. Lovely restaurants, wonderful old buildings has a great vibe etc. However I was bloody freezing all night 🥶 l get how beautiful and moody uk can be but its climate just doesn't do it for me anymore... Anyhoo back on topic l love all these armchair experts telling you what to do. Not one of them has the balls to actually get out there and actually do it themselves..you can only do or carry so much.😂 Enjoy the trip really really looking forward to the videos as and when you get the chance Good luck and safe journey 🏍️ 👍

[@andrewaveyard3336]

I am dat outside on holiday in Cornwall. Blue skies, hot sun and coffee whilst watching this….. plans for bike rides when we get back.

[@iangillett4261]

Drill a small hole underneath silencer tip and through the baffle, them small nylon lock nut and bolt through both. Permanent fix takes 5 mins 😄

[@biker_dale]

Ride safe and looking forward to the next video. Traveling light is great, I see on Instagram you're well under way and you are already clocking up the miles. Have a great time.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Dale- all going well so far!🙂

[@zx9b2]

Your positivity and contentment is infectious mate. It's a common thing in motorcyclists in my experience. All the best on your trip.

[@paulmenard7936]

The pub looks fantastic. I live in Seattle. The weather here looks much like the weather in England. We are going to a have few days of sun and temperatures near 90F. I expect to hear some complaining and longing for 55F and clouds!

[@greerbox]

Freddie. I echo you admiration for the Fiat Panda 4x4. When I was in the Army (Household Cavalry) we were having a cross country horse event at Tweesledown Race Course. I was junior commentator and my friend (senior officer) was Chief Commentator! The commentary box was obviously at the top of a steep hill overlooking the course. It had been snowing previously and the hill was a mix of melted snow and mud. I waved as I drove past him in his very expensive Range Rover with spinning wheels as me and my Fist Panda sailed past him 😂 Too late now for your trip but, wrap your tools in rags. It stops them rattling and useful for mopping up oil etc. I wish you a happy fun trip. 👍

[@stuartdenty3163]

...and what a great valedictory shot of the boats!

[@slantz9]

Safe travels!!! You should of bought the original exhaust system from the breakers yard that time. It would look so much better stock.

[@teneretraveller8980]

And then the mainstand bracket would be free to fit the stand. So much easier maintenance on the road.

[@FreddieDobbs]

100% agree- I wish I’d have bought it!

[@nicksanders1966]

Am I the only one who thought the chain and sprockets looked a bit shagged? Good luck!

[@mikehowlett662]

Are you taking Monica's Mum's Marigolds? Either that or bury them cos you deffo can't give them back like that!😂

[@raymondhall9666]

Circlip pliers is what you need for removing circlips. They come in either internal or external options. Hope that helps.

[@johnbellamy6449]

spot on .

[@FreddieDobbs]

Ahhhh thank you!

[@mphigham1963]

You took the words right out of my mouth Raymond !

[@williammathias1441]

I just got my first bike in 30 years, partially influenced by your adventures Freddie :) (Hillariously, my car is a fiat 500 too!)

[@FreddieDobbs]

We’ll you must be a man of great taste, William! The Fiat was meant to be “for Monika” when we bought it. I’m now certain I love it even more than she does!😍

[@marktaylor720]

Safe trip Freddie,,looking forward to the footage,,,,living the dream

[@richardjohnson3463]

Safe trip!

[@rabukan5842]

Such a beautiful bike Freddie! Glad you sorted out the rattling exhaust, but I think I would have changed out the oil, even if it's synthetic oil and I've only gone 3,000 miles and will end up at 6,000 miles. Such an inexpensive thing to do. Just my preference.

[@flyingdutchman4you]

Haha really the perfect clothes for working on a greasy and oily bike. Happy travels!

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Quick hint, in the1990s, a British dude won an American touring championship on a 1970s Moto Guzzi Le Mans and he used a bicycle pump as his backup. It's smaller, lighter and more reliable than a foot pump. I use a bicycle workshop pump for my bike and it does the job fine. Take a pocket pressure gauge as well, it doesn't weigh more than a few grammes and can get you out of the shit.

[@hisnameisrentoo]

Safe travels, Freddie! Can't wait to see how it goes!

[@FreddieDobbs]

ThNk you so much!

[@keithmartin1328]

​@@FreddieDobbs Bon voyage🎉

[@TheBoozeFreeBiker]

Love Pin Mill used to go there when we lived in Little Waldingfield Suffolk, happy memories from many years ago. Looking forward to seeing your trip to Africa. Good luck.

[@MallePietje561]

Have a safe and nice adventure Freddie. Checking and changing your chain tension on the side stand? Just installed new tyres where they all ready adjusted it perfectly(?) Checking your oil level like this. RTFM😉

[@obionecoyle3295]

“C” clamp is actually a internal circlip 👍. Looking forward to the trip, enjoy 👍

[@neilurquhart8622]

Needs circlip pliers too!

[@banditman1200s]

I had one of these 2 wheel drive but was absolutely brilliant in the snow passed many cars when they were skidding to get grip 👍🏻

[@mphigham1963]

Awesome video Freddie, I`ve been pissing myself watching you work with the Marigolds on !

[@drink4711]

Have a safe trip and enjoy, Freddie!!

[@vprwave]

"I'm delightful to be back in the gloom" he says a day before departing to the sahara :) Have a safe trip, I miss Morocco, looking forward to follow how it goes for you.

[@ExMAB4]

If I were you I'd change the oil if I were you before riding to North Africa. Perhaps go with 15w 50 fully synthetic to help the engine cope in the heat there. 😅 Riding that distance with oil 3,000 miles old isn't something I'd contemplate doing. The oil is the bikes life blood. No doubt the venerable Triumph Bonneville is very capable of completing the task ahead. 😊

[@blipco5]

I think high temp exhaust packing (rope) would have been a better choice, especially when it comes time to remove the baffle.

[@brettsmith7977]

I happened upon that pub whilst on a bimble from Essex on the GS…lovely place…safe trip Freddie, looking forward to watching your adventure

[@colincolquhoun3973]

Cannot wait to watch your latest adventure Fred.... Good luck and ride safe, !

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I think Freddie needs our best wishes along with duct tape, flash light, fuses and of course a spare key.

[@azurecoast45]

Cool pants and shoes! Love your style, mate. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@neilurquhart8622]

A ‘Fashion Icon’…..not a real biker?

[@nobbystyles4807]

another exhaust solution might be exhaust material. you can buy it in sheets it works as a silencer but is of course heat proof. even easier to get hold of is heat proof mats that plumbers use to protect walls when soldering pipes. probably screwfix or toolstation will stock it.

[@merseamoto]

Good luck with the trip Freddie.

[@anasscharef1530]

Safe ride and welcome to Morocco 🇲🇦

[@martinmountford3281]

That tube pulls up through the centre of the cap so you don't need a funnel

[@granthassell9214]

Hi Freddie, I'm looking forward to your trip.

[@crazyelephantlady]

The weather was much better last week when we were there, lovely spot 😎

[@stevezahn8056]

Freddie first of all I got to say I’ve never seen anybody work on there bike wearing dish cleaning gloves. Lol. I think you need to bring a lot more tools and extra stuff like fuel and air filters. That bicycle foot pump is good in a pinch, but they make very compact air compressors for your bike, you could run it off your jump pack. I would take extra fuel line zip ties nuts and bolts. Electrical tape fuses, stuff like that. You never know what you need till you need it and don’t have it. What is your oil change interval? 3k miles sounds like it’s time for a change. If your using oil I would bring some to. I’ve never been to Africa, but from what I’ve seen it looks like a place where your gonna be on your own. Stay safe, and I hope your feeling better.

[@nickneale9205]

Freddie, I love your videos…you make me smile throughout…you really should have your own TV show…good luck with your trip…try not to break down….

[@markwilliamson2795]

Packing ideas.....Tools on top , clean underwear and socks on the bottom of the bag... Have fun Buddy !

[@jameshaydon8922]

You should have started it up with the baffle removed just to see how it sounded. Bet it would sound great and the rattle would be eliminated. You may need earplugs though 😅. Have a great journey.

[@teneretraveller8980]

Light packing definitely the way to go. I'd still fit a Tutoro chain oiler. Almost fit and forget. My whole tool kit has slimmed down over the years to a couple of kilos, and about the size of half a loaf of bread. Should be a great trip! Enjoy. Safe, happy travels 👍

[@FreddieDobbs]

That’s seriously light packing! I think I’d slim down my packing even more next time

[@raulcarmello1163]

Freddie of Arabia, the deserts welcome you. God speed.

[@mihaimihai9254]

Well said, Sir! He doesn't ride a Brought Superior, but I'm sure the Bonneville will do a perfect job!

[@raulcarmello1163]

@@mihaimihai9254 🤣🤣🤣

[@karenwiltshire4311]

Good luck Freddie looking forward to your next adventure

[@larespuertorico]

Have a great trip

[@paulwelch4373]

Freddie needs a label around his neck saying ” Please look after this motorcyclist”

[@jameshastings1793]

I have the exact same bike as you with the exact same Tec exhaust system. My advice, take the baffle out and leave it out. Doesn't affect the performance but does sound meatier and guess what...NO RATTLE!

[@NVK85]

Looks like your've overtightened the chain =) There is almost no slack in it) Are you sure you've done that right? It looks like a bow string, I would give a little more slack to it.

[@open_water2411]

Have a safe trip Freddie.

[@coynecolm]

Well done 👏 Brilliant once again 🤘

[@faisalarh]

Good luck and have a fun and safe journey ahead to Africa and back home, Fred.

[@alpinab14]

the portable jump starter is an absolute live saver for when you need it , i wont go on any trip without mine , altho i have taken the led light out of mine as i hate the light that they fit to these as its really easy to turn on the light by accident which leaves the jump starter dead for when your in a pickle and need to use it , but hope you have an awesome time and enjoy the crap out of the trip , its going to be epic

[@grahambrown3718]

Safe trips Freddie! I hope you haven’t tightened that chain too much 😉

[@dinob123]

Nice one Freddie. What trousers are you wearing? Look comfy and cool 😊

[@paulcharlton2353]

That front sprocket looks very worn in the video, maybe it's the angle but i'd definitely check it.

[@TallyHoTech]

This is gonna be epic. Where do you think he will break down?

[@user-xl2st4xk5w]

He's riding his bike to Morocco. What are you doing this weekend?

[@robertcameron3008]

Good luck Freddie… keep it between the hedges…🏍🍀👍

[@timparker9235]

I don't know who is excited more about your trip - you or us?

[@danielmcneil3004]

Best wishes on your Africa trip, Freddie. Will be following along. Cheers, Dan. 🏍✌️🇨🇦

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Safe travels Freddie !! I am heading back to India again.... Only got to ride the bikes once and by new tires for the Triumph Trophy SE @ $1000 CDN ugggg

[@rob2475]

Hi Freddie. You really need to invest in a paddock stand for doing your chain adjustment. That way you can adjust it to the tight spot and prolong the life of your chain and sprockets. Also, as mentioned before, I’m sure your bike has carbs, which surprises me considering your aversion to them! Love you videos. Take great care on your adventure. Look forward to sharing it with you. 👍

[@allseeingotto2912]

Can’t beat good old carburettors

[@volt8684]

Bonneville got Fi in 2008 with mock carbs

[@volt8684]

@@allseeingotto2912yes if you like jelly inside with this new fuel

[@allseeingotto2912]

@@volt8684 indeed , but just drain the bowls if it’s stood up a long time , my old GPZ 500 was laid up over winter and I didn’t drain them , and all was fine .

[@GutoFontana]

That trip is going to be awesome good luck

[@johnmitchell9705]

There is a special tool for removing and installing spring clips and you should wear eye protection.

[@everythinggaming7938]

the paste will wear out and you will have to re-apply it often, best solution would probably get a better fitting baffle or a new muffler

[@joemabry9643]

I’m ready Freddie, let’s go!

[@steve00alt70]

That halfords oil plastic tube I think is the dripper if you dont have a funnel

[@lensmann100]

Digging the marigolds!

[@Busywave]

Wishing you a fantastic trip and looking forward to the videos too!!

[@julesyoung8975]

Great stuff , jump on it and go . Too many riders spend too much time , too much prep and they're just doing 50 miles on their over weight overladen over priced " adventure " bikes . I did the nc500 2 yrs ago on an 865 Bonnie , with just a sports bag strapped on the back . 5 days , great fun . Good luck and enjoy.

[@ukvamp]

Can't believe you're sodding off again, only been back for 5 mins 🤣 Wish i could have a holiday after my holiday 👍 lucky bugger I'll watch the vids, who knows, might make me do a bike tour someday

[@ExMAB4]

Do an oil change before you go. Smith and Allan Limitless 15w50 is great stuff and I run it in my Triumph 1050 Speed Triple which rends to run hot. The 15 50 oil will cope better with heat

[@morrisminor56]

Good luck and have fun.

[@lucho1989]

Good luck Freddie and enjoy the adventure!!!