A decade ago, after 12 years and over 70k on the clock, it was time for me to change my Honda Varadero. And, while I'd always been a Honda rider, I had been tempted by a Yamaha XT1200ZE Super Ténéré. Although not tempted enough to actually buy one...
Another decade later, and I find myself based in Ankara, Turkey, while my bikes are stored at home in France. A four-day break has given me an excuse for an adventure, so I flew to Antalya to rent a bike from TBR Motorcycle Rentals, with my choice being a 1200 Super Ténéré!
TBR is a small, well-run business with a good mix of bikes, including new Honda Africa Twins. It hasn't the razzmatazz of a Motorrad dealership, but a nice office, a well-equipped workshop, and a fleet of expertly maintained two-wheelers parked out the back in their secure courtyard. They rent out mountain bikes as well, if you're feeling fit.
Formalities complete, I'm heading out on to the D400 west to escape the Antalya city traffic. It's a busy two-laned highway occasionally interrupted by traffic lights, but the traffic flows well enough, and in around 20 minutes I am turning off towards the mountains.
As my work took me to Istanbul for three months last year, and then Ankara for the last six months, I am well used to Turkish driving and their interpretation of the 'rules of the road. My advice is simple: drive at the same speed as the locals, even if it's above the speed limit, keep a close eye in your mirrors, and try to imitate an owl by looking over both shoulders. Also, remember that truck drivers consider they have the right of way whatever the circumstances, particularly on small roads. In the main, though, you will find Turkish drivers quite courteous. If you get your nose in front, the road is yours and you will get a friendly smile. I've never seen any road-rage in Turkey, though I'm told it does happen from time to time.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Honda CRF1100L ES Africa Twin
Without panniers he was adventuring nowhere - so at least Bertie's got something sorted now
BMW R 12 nineT
Chad gets a track day surprise when BMW's R 12 nineT turns out to be surprisingly fun on track
Test fleet: VOGE 525 DSX
After testing the Voge's abilities on a long ride, it was time to take it to the Cotswolds and see how it would manage on the rougher stuff
Portuguese Perambulations
Nearly over before it had begun, a brief workshop stint allows Spain and Portugal to be explored
Highway to Heaven
Three friends take on the challenge of riding the length of Canada, from Vancouver in the southwest to Inuvik in the north. The road is long, the conditions merciless, and wildfires are tearing through the country. To top it all off, the final leg of the journey is the ultimate test of gravel riding skills, nerves, and courage - it's the legendary Dempster Highway...
Battlaxes at the ready!
We tend to take tyres for granted, never really looking at them in any detail, or at how they work, just hoping that they keep us shiny side up at all times. Even in the wet
Ducati Riding Experience
When I rode the Ducati DesertX to France last year, I did have a bit of an explore on some easy fire roads and gentle green lanes in the wilds of the Médoc area, but was left with the feeling that, had I the experience, the DesertX would have been capable of taking me along some more extreme trails to some even more exciting places. If only there was a way of finding out just how well the Italian adventure bike could cope with some more extreme terrain...
Four pot flyer
Many said that sports bikes, and particularly bikes in the traditional Supersports class that was populated by 600cc inline fours, were dead. Maybe they spoke too soon?...
Eastern adventurer
With an increasing interest in smaller capacity adventure bikes, the market expands with a new entry
First Time Lucky?
It's ironic that the first all-new MV Agusta model to hit the marketplace right after Italy's No.1 trophy brand was acquired by Austrian giant Pierer Mobility, owner of off-road titans KTM, should be the company's first dual-purpose model of the modern era, powered by MV's all-new 931cc three-cylinder engine that's destined to form the basis of a whole series of new models in coming months and years.
