How would you plan to get from Ireland to Scandinavia. I’m asking because I’m an Irishman in Stockholm and just got my license last year. Been thinking that some day I’ll take a month off and take the Bonneville home to Ireland and back. Through France to Ireland or holland to England and Wales ?
Freddie, Please please please don't neglect wearing PROPER protective riding gear including boots. Those flimsy shoes you are wearing wouldn't save your feet or ankles in the event of an off or if you twisted your ankle if you put your foot down awkwardly you would likely break an ankle. Your trousers don't look to have ANY PPE protection in them. I want you to continue to be able to live the good life and not be in a wheel chair or lose a limb or suffer horrific injury because you weren't dressed for the slide. You have lots of good biking jackets, AAA rated jeans and boots, please please wear them. My suggestion for a destination in your Fiat would be to drive over the Alps and down through Italy from north to south maybe ending in Sicily and back. I know you went last year, but make a real trip of it this time. Your Fiat would be making a pilgrimage back home. Your Thruxton RS is a lovely looking bike. Triumph could have at least given you a new one! The clocks suffer from condensation developing inside, well early ones did circa 2017/18. The bars could be changed I think if you seriously wanted one. Enjoy riding it. I rode a demo mk1 Thruxton R for a day around Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland about 4 years ago. Loved it.
Morning Freddie! Actually, Monika’s idea for Lithuania isn’t bad. Summer is kicking here finally. If I could give you a tip ; Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and take a ferry to Sweden from here. Best time of the year to do it. All the best!
Your videos are fantastic. I am writing from the US but lived in the UK for a while. Your style, appreciation of quality motorcycles, and comments bring me back. Thank you!
One day if you happen to be nearby, I would love to see your take on a road trip through Armenia too, it's got a very rich & ancient history. The country itself isn't massive so it's filled with incredible structures & nature all over. I went last year after escaping the tourism hotspots of Europe. I found that they take joy in being hospitable, and English wasn't a problem for anyone under 50
Threw a leg over the Thruxton here in Alicante. It was the latest incarnation, plus the small but horrendously expensive fairing fitted...l imagined myself swinging through the country roads of my youth....It didn't feel to extreme ....for a Cafe Racer style!...however you still need a certain amount of suppleness of body l no longer have....Love the lines, love the whole concept...
Brian I have had my Thruxton R since 2016 and a couple months I'll be 70 years old. I think you probably would be alright for rides up to 100 miles so probably not a bike if you only one bike in your garage. I will say I seriously love mine and will keep it in the rotation because of how it makes you feel wneyn you ride it.
@@flatcapcaferacer l arrived in España over twenty years ago bringing my Triton with me......I've always been drawn to the Cafe Racer /Sport Bike but alas at 76 and a misspent youth ....what can l say.....It was great ....
Loving these glimpses in to your lifestyle and approach to riding, planning, and photography Freddie - my mind is blown how quickly you put these out as well, so dedicated to content, love it :)
I admire your optimism with regard to minimal vehicle maintenance and minimal protective gear. The vids are always superbly made and entertaining though 😀
I have passenger pegs on mine and have dual Corbin seat which allows two up riding but more importantly allows the rider to move around a lot using the passenger pegs. I had an BMW R9T which was pretty comfortable but your ride about the racer version of the R9T it was a torture rack. However it was sure a beauty. I just wanted to add that the motor in the Thruxton RS is very flexible and responds well to sprocket changes to lower the rpms at any given speeds. The 2nd tip I would suggest is adjusting the front preload, rebound and compression settings for a softer ride. You should also change the rebound and compression on the rear to softer setting too...easily done. You'll lose a little sharpness in handling but the ride will be much better.
More than a destination, if it is going to be a proper Monika & Freddie road trip, then we should get more input from Monika in the videos, giving us her insights and comments on the discoveries, encounters and general experience throughout the trip (could be in the form of a voice-over or even simply written comments). We know that she always plays an essential role in planning and shaping your trips, so the videos should reflect that this is not Monika accompanying Freddie on a road trip but really a true Monika + Freddie trip :) Also, I'd love to see videos of how Monika prepares and does research for such a trip, starting with her tips and tricks to find all those pearls of accommodations she always finds for the two of you. And during the trip, maybe some videos or video segments reflecting her passion for photography. That would allow us to get to see the genesis and context surrounding the photos we can then find on The Villon afterward. Again, this could be done in a voice-over format or through written comments And do not hesitate to do more of those "shopping in preparation to a trip" video segments, including for non-motorbike clothing, it's always nice to discover new brands or get new ideas from you (it would also be nice to get it from both of you, of course). Have fun on the Thruxton! Edit for the comments below: First, no, I do not need to “see” Monika. I would like to see her work and learn from her skills. I am well aware that Monika is camera-shy. I respect that and what I am suggesting here could very well be done without actually appearing on the camera. Hopefully the wording is now less ambiguous. Second, what your pathetic insinuations are telling us is that you cannot even imagine that a woman could be valued for her skills, talent and the general orientation she gives to the channel. It must of course be reduced to some base objectification. Given the general spirit and wholesome character of this channel, it is disappointing to see viewers automatically defaulting to these kinds of sordid comments here.
Here’s a trip for you, Monica and the Fiat 500. Through the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Norway to the most northerly reaches of Norway (you could visit Sweden along the way). Then back through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, belarus, Poland, chéchia, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and back to England. I have no idea how many miles this would be, or how long it would take, but it would be a great journey for the little Fiat 500. Cheers
I've had a Guzzi V7 for 6 years, now an air cooled Bonneville and I'm thinking of changing my sports car for a standard Fiat 500. People laugh at the idea but I think they're a beautiful design and the twin air is excellent on fuel and great in the city. I love your enthusiasm for all of these things. You have a keen subscriber here. Keep up the great videos.
Btw, for the India trip I suggest a book by Gordon G May called Overland to India where he rode a 1953 Redditch Bullet from Manchester to the Royal Enfield factory in Chennai. One of my favourite books of all time.
For the Fiat trip, I think heading north all the way up to the top of Sweden, and then back down through Finland, Estonia, Latvia etc. Seems like that trip would be too cold on a motorcycle, so a good opportunity for a car trip you wouldn't normally do. I'll add that I also have a Fiat, the 2017 500e, in bright orange, and absolutely love it.
MOROCCCO FOR SURE! Most beautiful landscape, the people, the history the food and so much more Sir. I think your last trip you Just got a small glimp of this country. I hope you Will take us back again.
Phenomenal performance by your Fiat 500. I would consider including a trip around the entire coast of Italy as part of your overall trip. As a tribute to your marvellous little 500. You could maybe include a visit the historic Fiat factory and banked track which featured so much in the 1969 Michael Caine film, 'The Italian Job'...
My suggestion..., take that cute little 500 down to the southern most point of mainland Greece, driving down the coast line of what was once Jugoslavia, making sure to stop over in Plitvica national park in Croatia and Tirana in Albania. It all makes for good driving with many a scenic view to melt a photogapher's heart (Monika), as well as being able to get bye with broken English from friendly inhabitants, in many a bigger town. To come back, get the ferry in Patras (Greece) to Bari (Italy) and enjoy the many wines, pizzas and pastas on the way back up north. Happy days☀.
I definitely instantly thought of north, up towards Finland, Sweden and Norway. You'd not be troubled if you get colder weather in the car and it would be a beautiful place to visit I'm sure. I hope to go there eventually.
Hi Freddie! Just wanted to say that I am glad you made it safely back from Africa... You reminded me of my more adventurous younger self, but at times I felt that you were at risk... It was a very lonely trip in a very remote place.. I couldn't help but think that there is a reason bikers do such trips in pairs or more... Please stay on the safe side, be well and continue to do what you love! Peace! 🙏
Hi Freddie.. I'd recommend Romania taking in the Transfagarasan pass and the bears :) did it last year on my RE 650 Interceptor.. great trip, nice people and inexpensive! Really enjoyed your Morocco trip it's got me dreaming now of doing something similar. Loved it that you did it on the Bonneville and not some generic adventure bike. Cheers
Had a friend who got one and it was probably the most expensive and nicest bike I've seen in the wild and up close. He bought it from a older gent that was hanging up the gloves. We wondered why he was retiring but I quickly found out being young does not make the bike more comfortable you just have a stronger will to fight the discomfort. I couldn't blame the older gent after taking a quick spin; my friend can barely manage 300miles straight. Good thing you have a Bonnie Fred, you wouldn't be able to leave England on a thruxton. Still more comfy than an actual sports bike tho
Ispwich to Istanbul, going through Romania (via the Transfagarasan - the greatest driving road in the world, according to Clarkson 😅). Anywhere you decide to go, be sure we'll be tagging along! Safe travels!
taking a pillion is no problem on the Thruxton check out the all year motorcyclist trip to stonham barns bike show he takes his wife on the back of his Thruxton and she loved it, i'm intrigued how long the luck of the Irish will hold out on these long tips with the lack of prep and maintenance you do but pleased Morocco went well.
Overland to India is hard to beat. If you go via Italy (Brindisi->Corfu) then it's just Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India (Lahore->Amritsar). Iran is amazing and the people are so kind. Pakistan very friendly, too, very welcoming, but can also be a bit wild west.
What about a trip to Croatia and Montenegro? My wife, Margie and I are from South Africa and called in to Croatia and Montenegro on a cruise to Europe in 2019. We were blown away by the beauty of those two countries! I'm sure you would love them! Thank you for your super videos which we've been following for a long time now. Best wishes, Gerry and Margie Umkomaas in South Africa ❤
Hi Monika and Freddie, after Lithuania into Poland, take the ferry to Bornholm (even has a Motor museum!) unload the Bonnie relax and check the island out. Ferry then to Sweden (only credit cards!) followed by the rest of Scandinavia ending with Denmark. Back through North Germany, maybe even visit Westerland where the Fiat + trailer (with Bonnie!) gets taken over to the island on a train, if not there’s plenty of other islands to choose from. Followed by crossing over into the Netherlands but, unsure if there’s ferries leaving Holland to the Uk. Might be that this could ever so slightly exceed 5000miles. Wish you lots of fun on the Thruxton, big hugs (currently I‘m riding through the Dolomites staying on a farm)
Ref comfort, I had one for a few years including a day trip to Brugge and back in a day. 500 miles. Felt fine. And mine is jacked up rearsets, lower bars, decat, pipes, quickshifter and suspension set for track riding.
Yeah really like the Thruxton, looks so cool. How about taking the Fiat up through Norway to the most northerly city in Europe that's reachable by car? Honningsvag in the Artic Circle. Superb roads, scenery and a mild summer climate.
Drive to Halkidiki in Greece then go Island-hopping from the port of Thessaloniki. It has routes to the North Aegean islands (Lesbos, Lemnos, Chios, Samos, etc.), the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, etc.) and Crete, as well as to some popular destinations in the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Syros. You really can't go wrong...
I have Thruxton R with the lower clipons and I have no problem with comfort. I can ride all day and no issues. Just depends on what your used tobi guess
Obviously, you need to head north to Northcape, Norway. The most northerly point on the European continent. By road, via France, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and all the way north to Norway, close to the extreme north region of the country. According to RAC routplanner it's just 2524 miles. The summer has got to be a great time to do this trip as the extreme conditions of an arctic winter should have largely abated by now. Around a 5.5k roundtrip should either prove the final demise of the Fiat or as you suggest, it will simply shrug it off. Good luck!
I owned a Fiat 500 Abarth. I loved the car. The turbo was awesome. I was single at the time. After the 3rd women laughed when I pulled up to pick her up for a date, I traded it in on a Jeep Cherokee Limited. I would love to see more of Eastern Europe.
Visit Romania 🇷🇴 (you have: Mountains, Danube Delta❤, Black Sea, Castles, lovely rural areas and people, Best road în the world - Transfăgrășan, and of course Dracula :)) ) all of them at the best prices 😊
For your next trip I'd suggest MONTENEGRO, not very famous, but a true synthesis of Nature, History and Sea. Little wild and not too tourist. Reached by crossing the Croatian coast or, by ship, from South Italy (Bari)
Croatia driving through Slovenia and Austria is lovely Freddie. Ferry across the Adriatic and bimble around Italy. Just make sure you take a spark plug spanner with you x
I would never tell you to upgrade, but thats a pretty slick bike. New seat and raised bars and youd be golden. Also for someone who has been, Afghanistan is not exactly safe. Friendly people everywhere, but the less friendly people are agressively.....unwelcoming. and they are also everywhere. I would proceed with a large bit of caution.
I say ride to where it suits your fancy . Some place you haven't been for sure . My age and body have caused me to give up riding so I am riding vicariously through you and the other bike channels i follow . I will watch you and Monica no matter the journey
I would suggest Eastern Europe, it isn’t too far but it isn’t too close. You can visit so many countries in one trip since they’re all small and you get to experience the Balkans. Highly suggest it. Different experience. Croatia to Greece, stop in all the beaches in between, Montenegro, Albania. You won’t be disappointed and it’ll be fun content for us.
You should do the Dalmatian Coast! Croatia and Bosnia, gorgeous scenery, great food, smooth roads, and very reasonably priced. You may want the Bonnie there though.. maybe the rental idea would work!
Would love to see that road road trip in the fiat. You could do Greece and hop the islands on car ferries down to somewhere like Santorini? Not sure if it’s doable but would be amazing.
Theres nothing quite like that p twin sound! It would be awesome to see southern Italy, Siciliy, island of Corse and Sardinia. Consider these places whilst on your Fiat trip! And great video as always
There are passenger footpeg and dual seat options for the Thruxston. Maybe the dealership can help you out. Road-trip wise, why not South Africa, via the African coastline? Beauty and adventure!
Hi Freddie, really enjoyed your trip. You have the personality and great attitude to go anywhere. As a suggestion you need to focus on a adventure bike to allow your riding to take you on any road or track. Sometimes the best trips are the people you meet, especially in rural areas. Your bike held up very well, all things considered. Next trip New Zealand?
I own that Model Thruxton R, You can get Genuine rear foot pegs and a Double seat for it. I have both seats as it's a 10 second job to swop it over. Love the Bike Ride it in Sport Mode :)
I know its not too far but i would love a week or two going to all of europes micro states. Starting at Andora, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein and ending in Luxembourg. Either that or an alternate route including Malta aswell. If you could couple that with a couple of days in the Swiss Alps along the way... oh what an amazing adventure that would be. P.s. just a quick note to say that me and the better half have watched your videos relegiously pretty much since the beginning. The production quality of these videos have come such a long way. You two are awesome. Wishing you all the best. Glen and Daniela from Buckinghamshire.
Gosh that’s a pretty bike!! I don’t think I could get on with the seating position beyond the occasional joyride, but she’s a looker! Love your Barbour jacket, too. Hope you make it to the States again someday!
Great looking bike but a Speed Twin and a visit to Hagon would be a lot more practical. Thanks for the videos Freddie, you've inspired me to take my Street Twin across the border to - Norfolk!
Nordkapp. The nothern most part of Europe. It's 1250miles there through Sweden. The go through Finland and estonia, latvia, lithuania, poland and back.
Those clip-ons with the STALKS are "gentleman's clip-ons" - as are the ones on the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. "Real clip-ons" have NO STALKS - the short handlebars are welded directly to the clamps that clip-onto the stanchions. It requires the tank to be modified with big "dents" to accommodate the handlebars at full steering lock, but that's what a baseball bat is for, :-) - or a friendly metal smith, or tolerance of limited turn radius. The rider feels like he's on a Tour de France race bike, but the feel of control as one is wrapped around the tank and over the bars is addictive.
Go to Croatia, not a crazy challenge but a beautiful country the route is nice to, through Belgium Germany and Austria. Lots to see on the way, including the Alps
How about : Ferry to Oslo - North to Olderfjord, south to Karigasneimi, Finland, south to Helsinki, ferry to Tallin, Estonia, south along the Gulf of Riga, through Lithuania to Gdansk, Poland, through Berlin, Hamburg, The Netherlands, and ferry home from The Hague or Rotterdam. Is that epic enough? Mostly friendly countries...additional Europen destinations available on the way back from Poland...
Go to Greece and all main Islands 🎉you will not regret it. Do it before end of September. Drive down through ex Yougoslavian countries and into Greece or go to the boot of Italy and enter through Greek Island Corfu and then go to Spartan Greece. Avoid Albania as all beaches are clubhouse types where you have to pay to swim 😅
I’m fortunate enough to have a Thruxton RS Showcase and of all the bikes I’ve had this will be a keeper, as of course it timeless - if any more bikes come and go then they will be second bikes to this - amazing to ride, amazing to hear (even better with aftermarket end pipes) and to me the best looking cafe racer out there. I also have a spare Triumph ‘comfort pillion seat’ so I can lose the rear cowl and load up some (Kriega) luggage. If you want a pillion option then also buy the rear pegs. You can get Triumph and aftermarket saddle bags but a) they need a frame and b) limited in size and weight. Essential is to have the suspension setup for your weight and riding - no point in having adjustable suspension if you don’t dial it in 🙏🤓 Oh and lots of farkles available from the likes of Thruxton Hundred (incl bespoke builds) and Motone (Freddie maybe a visit to Thruxton Hundred in your future) 🤓😎👌
Freddie great video, great Thruxton, but where are your socks and armoured Trews!!! You're not in Bali 'on the way to the beach' now!!! Be safe mate. I'm surprised Monica isn't having kittens!!! 😅 P S. Love the beach shoes with gear lever protector!! 🥴 P.P.S You've got loads of fashionable safety gear, wear it !!! Freddie, you don't want to do videos from a hospital bed!!! Take care mate.
Northern France,Swiss alpes, into northern Italy , down to Milan , find the Vespa, museum,visit the site of the lambretta factory. Ferrari country . & back home.
Freddie loved the Morocco trip. I would also suggest an episode on how you film, edit and post such episodes if you are traveling. I think you mentioned in one of the Morocco episodes that you needed to get the footage to Monica to edit and post. How do you get the raw footage to her ? Thruxton looks lovely. Ride safe
Hi guys. Get yourselfs off to the Isle of Wight for a week first. Drive round the coast and explore inland. Stay at the hotel the wife and I use. Harrow Lodge. Try and get a sea view room👍
My suggestion has to you both would be to drive to the Fiat mirafiori factory in Turin. You could surely fix a factory tour. Find some fantastic cafes and then return home with a glint in your eyes. 😊 what a fantastic present for your Fiat 500 to return home.
How about a trip to Norway's Nordkapp and back via Finland? The Nordic countries are beautiful in the summer in the midnight sun. I feel that Nordic summers are overlooked because of our winters. I genuinely think summers are way prettier here than winters!
You’ve inspired me and my crew to do a motorbike tour of Ireland, into Scandinavia. Thank you for all the joy you spread.
I’m delighted to hear it, Ravi🙂 What a trip this sounds like!🤘🏼🤘🏼
@@FreddieDobbs and that could be awesome trip for Fiat.
How would you plan to get from Ireland to Scandinavia. I’m asking because I’m an Irishman in Stockholm and just got my license last year. Been thinking that some day I’ll take a month off and take the Bonneville home to Ireland and back. Through France to Ireland or holland to England and Wales ?
Great idea ! Just please make sure you wear proper boots with ankle protection. Safe travels !
I would recommend my home country, Romania. Beautiful scenery, great food and so many nice places to stay for the night. 😁
Hi Freddie, I trust if you are going to make the most of the Thruxton you’ll put some proper gear on ! Bare ankles at any speed is just mental. 🇬🇧
Freddie, Please please please don't neglect wearing PROPER protective riding gear including boots. Those flimsy shoes you are wearing wouldn't save your feet or ankles in the event of an off or if you twisted your ankle if you put your foot down awkwardly you would likely break an ankle. Your trousers don't look to have ANY PPE protection in them. I want you to continue to be able to live the good life and not be in a wheel chair or lose a limb or suffer horrific injury because you weren't dressed for the slide. You have lots of good biking jackets, AAA rated jeans and boots, please please wear them.
My suggestion for a destination in your Fiat would be to drive over the Alps and down through Italy from north to south maybe ending in Sicily and back. I know you went last year, but make a real trip of it this time. Your Fiat would be making a pilgrimage back home.
Your Thruxton RS is a lovely looking bike. Triumph could have at least given you a new one! The clocks suffer from condensation developing inside, well early ones did circa 2017/18.
The bars could be changed I think if you seriously wanted one. Enjoy riding it.
I rode a demo mk1 Thruxton R for a day around Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland about 4 years ago. Loved it.
Thruxton looks the part! Very good looking machine, but sadly, my back aches even looking at it 😂
I have one and I have lower back pain. The secret to 400 mile days on it is laying down on the tank bag while riding.
Morning Freddie! Actually, Monika’s idea for Lithuania isn’t bad. Summer is kicking here finally. If I could give you a tip ; Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and take a ferry to Sweden from here. Best time of the year to do it. All the best!
Hmmmm, this sounds very very good! This is a genuine possibility. Thanks Wesley🙂
Watch out for NATO in Estonia.
@@FreddieDobbs few years ago we drove that way, basically making a circle around the Baltic. Great fun, but Scandinavia a bit pricey.
Your videos are fantastic. I am writing from the US but lived in the UK for a while. Your style, appreciation of quality motorcycles, and comments bring me back. Thank you!
How about a trip to Nordkapp? Would be great that the Fiat had reached the Artic Circle and it's a brilliant, beautiful journey.
Could even make it a trip from one extreme to the other, North Cape in Norway to Punta de Tarifa, Spain.
To Turkey and back in the Fiat 500!
I think this may be my favourite option🇹🇷
Yes, a great trip across Europe to Istanbul.😊
I support Turkey as well, a friend recently took a trip to Turkey from the US and said it was the best place he had ever visited by far.
Yes turkey, with a detour into Italy enroute.
One more vote from me. Came here to write Turkey, with a visit to Torino.
Thats what u call style ..when u manage to match the Thruxton forks with yr trousers!! 👍
One day if you happen to be nearby, I would love to see your take on a road trip through Armenia too, it's got a very rich & ancient history. The country itself isn't massive so it's filled with incredible structures & nature all over.
I went last year after escaping the tourism hotspots of Europe. I found that they take joy in being hospitable, and English wasn't a problem for anyone under 50
Threw a leg over the Thruxton here in Alicante. It was the latest incarnation, plus the small but horrendously expensive fairing fitted...l imagined myself swinging through the country roads of my youth....It didn't feel to extreme ....for a Cafe Racer style!...however you still need a certain amount of suppleness of body l no longer have....Love the lines, love the whole concept...
Brian I have had my Thruxton R since 2016 and a couple months I'll be 70 years old. I think you probably would be alright for rides up to 100 miles so probably not a bike if you only one bike in your garage.
I will say I seriously love mine and will keep it in the rotation because of how it makes you feel wneyn you ride it.
@@flatcapcaferacer l arrived in España over twenty years ago bringing my Triton with me......I've always been drawn to the Cafe Racer /Sport Bike but alas at 76 and a misspent youth ....what can l say.....It was great ....
I would be intrigued to see an overland to Turkey road trip, (as it would be doing the ground work for a journey I've contemplated doing).
Very interesting- Turkey is very probably top of my list!
I was going to suggest a run down the Adriatic coast to Greece, so yes, why not extend it on to Turkey?
Loving these glimpses in to your lifestyle and approach to riding, planning, and photography Freddie - my mind is blown how quickly you put these out as well, so dedicated to content, love it :)
I admire your optimism with regard to minimal vehicle maintenance and minimal protective gear. The vids are always superbly made and entertaining though 😀
Its called freedom nothing more nothing less re riding gear I also love what I call free riding Just like cold water swiming L.O.L. !!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@allanhughes7859 yep. We are all free to make our own choices 😀
I have passenger pegs on mine and have dual Corbin seat which allows two up riding but more importantly allows the rider to move around a lot using the passenger pegs.
I had an BMW R9T which was pretty comfortable but your ride about the racer version of the R9T it was a torture rack. However it was sure a beauty.
I just wanted to add that the motor in the Thruxton RS is very flexible and responds well to sprocket changes to lower the rpms at any given speeds. The 2nd tip I would suggest is adjusting the front preload, rebound and compression settings for a softer ride. You should also change the rebound and compression on the rear to softer setting too...easily done. You'll lose a little sharpness in handling but the ride will be much better.
More than a destination, if it is going to be a proper Monika & Freddie road trip, then we should get more input from Monika in the videos, giving us her insights and comments on the discoveries, encounters and general experience throughout the trip (could be in the form of a voice-over or even simply written comments). We know that she always plays an essential role in planning and shaping your trips, so the videos should reflect that this is not Monika accompanying Freddie on a road trip but really a true Monika + Freddie trip :)
Also, I'd love to see videos of how Monika prepares and does research for such a trip, starting with her tips and tricks to find all those pearls of accommodations she always finds for the two of you. And during the trip, maybe some videos or video segments reflecting her passion for photography. That would allow us to get to see the genesis and context surrounding the photos we can then find on The Villon afterward. Again, this could be done in a voice-over format or through written comments
And do not hesitate to do more of those "shopping in preparation to a trip" video segments, including for non-motorbike clothing, it's always nice to discover new brands or get new ideas from you (it would also be nice to get it from both of you, of course).
Have fun on the Thruxton!
Edit for the comments below:
First, no, I do not need to “see” Monika. I would like to see her work and learn from her skills. I am well aware that Monika is camera-shy. I respect that and what I am suggesting here could very well be done without actually appearing on the camera. Hopefully the wording is now less ambiguous.
Second, what your pathetic insinuations are telling us is that you cannot even imagine that a woman could be valued for her skills, talent and the general orientation she gives to the channel. It must of course be reduced to some base objectification.
Given the general spirit and wholesome character of this channel, it is disappointing to see viewers automatically defaulting to these kinds of sordid comments here.
Dude have you got a crush on Monica??!!
It seems you reeeally want to see a lot of footage of Monica...
Go to Italy in the Fiat to the factory where it was made...it's birthplace .
Yup Fix it again Tony
A good trip for you guys and the Fiat would be Scandinavia, head up to the Arctic circle!
Here’s a trip for you, Monica and the Fiat 500. Through the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Norway to the most northerly reaches of Norway (you could visit Sweden along the way). Then back through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, belarus, Poland, chéchia, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and back to England. I have no idea how many miles this would be, or how long it would take, but it would be a great journey for the little Fiat 500. Cheers
A fiat 500 trip to Iceland would be pretty great. Ferry from Denmark to Iceland, with a possible stop over in the Faroe Isles.
Cheers to the trip completion and the new motorcycle. Great vid!
I've had a Guzzi V7 for 6 years, now an air cooled Bonneville and I'm thinking of changing my sports car for a standard Fiat 500. People laugh at the idea but I think they're a beautiful design and the twin air is excellent on fuel and great in the city. I love your enthusiasm for all of these things. You have a keen subscriber here. Keep up the great videos.
Btw, for the India trip I suggest a book by Gordon G May called Overland to India where he rode a 1953 Redditch Bullet from Manchester to the Royal Enfield factory in Chennai. One of my favourite books of all time.
Old jokes are the best F I A T, fix it again tomorrow 😂
For the Fiat trip, I think heading north all the way up to the top of Sweden, and then back down through Finland, Estonia, Latvia etc. Seems like that trip would be too cold on a motorcycle, so a good opportunity for a car trip you wouldn't normally do.
I'll add that I also have a Fiat, the 2017 500e, in bright orange, and absolutely love it.
Ipswich to Istanbul in the Fiat! What a trip, all through Europe, the Balkan peninsula, Greece, and into Turkey!
A trip to Jordan would be awesome!
MOROCCCO FOR SURE! Most beautiful landscape, the people, the history the food and so much more Sir. I think your last trip you Just got a small glimp of this country. I hope you Will take us back again.
Phenomenal performance by your Fiat 500. I would consider including a trip around the entire coast of Italy as part of your overall trip. As a tribute to your marvellous little 500. You could maybe include a visit the historic Fiat factory and banked track which featured so much in the 1969 Michael Caine film, 'The Italian Job'...
My suggestion..., take that cute little 500 down to the southern most point of mainland Greece, driving down the coast line of what was once Jugoslavia, making sure to stop over in Plitvica national park in Croatia and Tirana in Albania.
It all makes for good driving with many a scenic view to melt a photogapher's heart (Monika), as well as being able to get bye with broken English from friendly inhabitants, in many a bigger town.
To come back, get the ferry in Patras (Greece) to Bari (Italy) and enjoy the many wines, pizzas and pastas on the way back up north.
Happy days☀.
All the gear all the time ; )
I definitely instantly thought of north, up towards Finland, Sweden and Norway. You'd not be troubled if you get colder weather in the car and it would be a beautiful place to visit I'm sure. I hope to go there eventually.
Hi Freddie! Just wanted to say that I am glad you made it safely back from Africa... You reminded me of my more adventurous younger self, but at times I felt that you were at risk... It was a very lonely trip in a very remote place.. I couldn't help but think that there is a reason bikers do such trips in pairs or more... Please stay on the safe side, be well and continue to do what you love! Peace! 🙏
Hi Freddie.. I'd recommend Romania taking in the Transfagarasan pass and the bears :) did it last year on my RE 650 Interceptor.. great trip, nice people and inexpensive! Really enjoyed your Morocco trip it's got me dreaming now of doing something similar. Loved it that you did it on the Bonneville and not some generic adventure bike. Cheers
Had a friend who got one and it was probably the most expensive and nicest bike I've seen in the wild and up close. He bought it from a older gent that was hanging up the gloves. We wondered why he was retiring but I quickly found out being young does not make the bike more comfortable you just have a stronger will to fight the discomfort. I couldn't blame the older gent after taking a quick spin; my friend can barely manage 300miles straight. Good thing you have a Bonnie Fred, you wouldn't be able to leave England on a thruxton. Still more comfy than an actual sports bike tho
Ispwich to Istanbul, going through Romania (via the Transfagarasan - the greatest driving road in the world,
according to Clarkson 😅). Anywhere you decide to go, be sure we'll be tagging along! Safe travels!
Overland to Cyprus!!!! Did it myself about 6 years ago.....just awesome!!!
taking a pillion is no problem on the Thruxton check out the all year motorcyclist trip to stonham barns bike show he takes his wife on the back of his Thruxton and she loved it, i'm intrigued how long the luck of the Irish will hold out on these long tips with the lack of prep and maintenance you do but pleased Morocco went well.
Overland to India is hard to beat. If you go via Italy (Brindisi->Corfu) then it's just Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India (Lahore->Amritsar). Iran is amazing and the people are so kind. Pakistan very friendly, too, very welcoming, but can also be a bit wild west.
Sicily! Surely it has to be!
Great videos.. My partner and I love our 1996 Thunderbird!
What about a trip to Croatia and Montenegro? My wife, Margie and I are from South Africa and called in to Croatia and Montenegro on a cruise to Europe in 2019. We were blown away by the beauty of those two countries! I'm sure you would love them! Thank you for your super videos which we've been following for a long time now. Best wishes, Gerry and Margie Umkomaas in South Africa ❤
Thanks for the videos Freddie, I can imagine how long it takes to produce them.
Road trip to Turkey would be so interesting in my opinion.
I agree. Istanbul.
Hi Monika and Freddie,
after Lithuania into Poland, take the ferry to Bornholm (even has a Motor museum!) unload the Bonnie relax and check the island out. Ferry then to Sweden (only credit cards!) followed by the rest of Scandinavia ending with Denmark. Back through North Germany, maybe even visit Westerland where the Fiat + trailer (with Bonnie!) gets taken over to the island on a train, if not there’s plenty of other islands to choose from. Followed by crossing over into the Netherlands but, unsure if there’s ferries leaving Holland to the Uk.
Might be that this could ever so slightly exceed 5000miles.
Wish you lots of fun on the Thruxton,
big hugs
(currently I‘m riding through the Dolomites staying on a farm)
I will love to see a trip with the Fiat. Maybe Eastern Europe? Cheap prices.. amazing scenery.. I will love to see it! 🏍️
Ref comfort, I had one for a few years including a day trip to Brugge and back in a day. 500 miles. Felt fine. And mine is jacked up rearsets, lower bars, decat, pipes, quickshifter and suspension set for track riding.
Yeah really like the Thruxton, looks so cool.
How about taking the Fiat up through Norway to the most northerly city in Europe that's reachable by car? Honningsvag in the Artic Circle. Superb roads, scenery and a mild summer climate.
Drive to Halkidiki in Greece then go Island-hopping from the port of Thessaloniki. It has routes to the North Aegean islands (Lesbos, Lemnos, Chios, Samos, etc.), the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, etc.) and Crete, as well as to some popular destinations in the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Syros. You really can't go wrong...
My immediate thought was Croatia, theres so much to see there.
Morning Freddie. Well that’s a beautiful bike. It fits you well. Regards John.
go to Scandinavia & to the St. Petersburg) it would be a cool summer trip, beautifull places and arcs))
I hear Switzerland and Austria have STUNNING scenery to drive through
Fiat to the amalfi coast! Has to be Italy!
Wasn’t sure prior to the Africa trip.. but convinced now. Subbed.
I have Thruxton R with the lower clipons and I have no problem with comfort. I can ride all day and no issues. Just depends on what your used tobi guess
Obviously, you need to head north to Northcape, Norway. The most northerly point on the European continent.
By road, via France, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and all the way north to Norway, close to the extreme north region of the country. According to RAC routplanner it's just 2524 miles. The summer has got to be a great time to do this trip as the extreme conditions of an arctic winter should have largely abated by now. Around a 5.5k roundtrip should either prove the final demise of the Fiat or as you suggest, it will simply shrug it off. Good luck!
I owned a Fiat 500 Abarth. I loved the car. The turbo was awesome. I was single at the time. After the 3rd women laughed when I pulled up to pick her up for a date, I traded it in on a Jeep Cherokee Limited. I would love to see more of Eastern Europe.
Freddie, here you go… Ipswich, Palermo, across to Tunisia, Morroco, Spain Portugal and wander your way back home
Visit Romania 🇷🇴 (you have: Mountains, Danube Delta❤, Black Sea, Castles, lovely rural areas and people, Best road în the world - Transfăgrășan, and of course Dracula :)) ) all of them at the best prices 😊
Love the riding gear.....? Ride safe Freddie
Sweet Video brother! Safe travels 🙏🏻
For your next trip I'd suggest MONTENEGRO, not very famous, but a true synthesis of Nature, History and Sea. Little wild and not too tourist. Reached by crossing the Croatian coast or, by ship, from South Italy (Bari)
Take the 500 to the Arctic Circle - The Land of the Midnght Sun!
Croatia driving through Slovenia and Austria is lovely Freddie. Ferry across the Adriatic and bimble around Italy. Just make sure you take a spark plug spanner with you x
I would never tell you to upgrade, but thats a pretty slick bike. New seat and raised bars and youd be golden. Also for someone who has been, Afghanistan is not exactly safe. Friendly people everywhere, but the less friendly people are agressively.....unwelcoming. and they are also everywhere. I would proceed with a large bit of caution.
I say ride to where it suits your fancy . Some place you haven't been for sure . My age and body have caused me to give up riding so I am riding vicariously through you and the other bike channels i follow . I will watch you and Monica no matter the journey
I would suggest Eastern Europe, it isn’t too far but it isn’t too close. You can visit so many countries in one trip since they’re all small and you get to experience the Balkans.
Highly suggest it. Different experience. Croatia to Greece, stop in all the beaches in between, Montenegro, Albania. You won’t be disappointed and it’ll be fun content for us.
My heart skipped a beat, when you were planning for India.
Love to see you both here and drive around in RE.
Cheers Mate!
You should do the Dalmatian Coast! Croatia and Bosnia, gorgeous scenery, great food, smooth roads, and very reasonably priced. You may want the Bonnie there though.. maybe the rental idea would work!
Got to be Scandinavia, Norway, Sweden, Finland.
I'll never get to go so will travel with you.
Would love to see that road road trip in the fiat. You could do Greece and hop the islands on car ferries down to somewhere like Santorini? Not sure if it’s doable but would be amazing.
Theres nothing quite like that p twin sound! It would be awesome to see southern Italy, Siciliy, island of Corse and Sardinia. Consider these places whilst on your Fiat trip! And great video as always
You, Monika and the Fiat 500 cruising up through the Norwegian fjords would be a great trip to watch.
Hi Freddie and Monika, loved this video - definitely a road trip through Turkey 🇹🇷
Lofoten Islands in Norway - stunning
There are passenger footpeg and dual seat options for the Thruxston. Maybe the dealership can help you out. Road-trip wise, why not South Africa, via the African coastline? Beauty and adventure!
Hi Freddie, really enjoyed your trip. You have the personality and great attitude to go anywhere. As a suggestion you need to focus on a adventure bike to allow your riding to take you on any road or track. Sometimes the best trips are the people you meet, especially in rural areas. Your bike held up very well, all things considered. Next trip New Zealand?
I own that Model Thruxton R, You can get Genuine rear foot pegs and a Double seat for it. I have both seats as it's a 10 second job to swop it over. Love the Bike Ride it in Sport Mode :)
Monica is spot on…from the front it looks very much like the BMW R NineT
I know its not too far but i would love a week or two going to all of europes micro states. Starting at Andora, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein and ending in Luxembourg. Either that or an alternate route including Malta aswell.
If you could couple that with a couple of days in the Swiss Alps along the way... oh what an amazing adventure that would be.
P.s. just a quick note to say that me and the better half have watched your videos relegiously pretty much since the beginning. The production quality of these videos have come such a long way. You two are awesome. Wishing you all the best. Glen and Daniela from Buckinghamshire.
Dont know what to say. Your gear shift shoe protection is the most english thing Ive seen in years. Cheers.
We too love our Fiat 500's and are fascinated by the continuing story of yours. We would like to see you take yours home to tour Italy and Scicily.
You should come to Quebec City in Canada. You could see incredible places
Namibia, but only on a bike.Stunning country.
Gosh that’s a pretty bike!! I don’t think I could get on with the seating position beyond the occasional joyride, but she’s a looker!
Love your Barbour jacket, too.
Hope you make it to the States again someday!
Great looking bike but a Speed Twin and a visit to Hagon would be a lot more practical.
Thanks for the videos Freddie, you've inspired me to take my Street Twin across the border to - Norfolk!
Budapest sounds like a fun destination
Nordkapp. The nothern most part of Europe. It's 1250miles there through Sweden. The go through Finland and estonia, latvia, lithuania, poland and back.
Those clip-ons with the STALKS are "gentleman's clip-ons" - as are the ones on the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650.
"Real clip-ons" have NO STALKS - the short handlebars are welded directly to the clamps that clip-onto the stanchions.
It requires the tank to be modified with big "dents" to accommodate the handlebars at full steering lock, but that's
what a baseball bat is for, :-) - or a friendly metal smith, or tolerance of limited turn radius. The rider feels like he's
on a Tour de France race bike, but the feel of control as one is wrapped around the tank and over the bars is addictive.
Go to Croatia, not a crazy challenge but a beautiful country the route is nice to, through Belgium Germany and Austria. Lots to see on the way, including the Alps
How about : Ferry to Oslo - North to Olderfjord, south to Karigasneimi, Finland, south to Helsinki, ferry to Tallin, Estonia, south along the Gulf of Riga, through Lithuania to Gdansk, Poland, through Berlin, Hamburg, The Netherlands, and ferry home from The Hague or Rotterdam. Is that epic enough? Mostly friendly countries...additional Europen destinations available on the way back from Poland...
Go to Greece and all main Islands 🎉you will not regret it. Do it before end of September. Drive down through ex Yougoslavian countries and into Greece or go to the boot of Italy and enter through Greek Island Corfu and then go to Spartan Greece. Avoid Albania as all beaches are clubhouse types where you have to pay to swim 😅
I’m fortunate enough to have a Thruxton RS Showcase and of all the bikes I’ve had this will be a keeper, as of course it timeless - if any more bikes come and go then they will be second bikes to this - amazing to ride, amazing to hear (even better with aftermarket end pipes) and to me the best looking cafe racer out there.
I also have a spare Triumph ‘comfort pillion seat’ so I can lose the rear cowl and load up some (Kriega) luggage. If you want a pillion option then also buy the rear pegs.
You can get Triumph and aftermarket saddle bags but a) they need a frame and b) limited in size and weight.
Essential is to have the suspension setup for your weight and riding - no point in having adjustable suspension if you don’t dial it in 🙏🤓
Oh and lots of farkles available from the likes of Thruxton Hundred (incl bespoke builds) and Motone (Freddie maybe a visit to Thruxton Hundred in your future) 🤓😎👌
This is extremely useful insight, thank you so much for sharing. And I will- for the first time ever- try and adjust the suspension🙂👌🏻
Freddie great video, great Thruxton, but where are your socks and armoured Trews!!! You're not in Bali 'on the way to the beach' now!!! Be safe mate. I'm surprised Monica isn't having kittens!!! 😅
P S. Love the beach shoes with gear lever protector!! 🥴
P.P.S You've got loads of fashionable safety gear, wear it !!! Freddie, you don't want to do videos from a hospital bed!!! Take care mate.
Take it back to Italy via the South Coast of France, through Nice, Monaco etc hugging the coast to Zinola and up to Turin and take the 500 home.
Northern France,Swiss alpes, into northern Italy , down to Milan , find the Vespa, museum,visit the site of the lambretta factory. Ferrari country . & back home.
Freddie loved the Morocco trip. I would also suggest an episode on how you film, edit and post such episodes if you are traveling. I think you mentioned in one of the Morocco episodes that you needed to get the footage to Monica to edit and post. How do you get the raw footage to her ? Thruxton looks lovely. Ride safe
Hi guys. Get yourselfs off to the Isle of Wight for a week first. Drive round the coast and explore inland. Stay at the hotel the wife and I use. Harrow Lodge. Try and get a sea view room👍
My suggestion has to you both would be to drive to the Fiat mirafiori factory in Turin. You could surely fix a factory tour. Find some fantastic cafes and then return home with a glint in your eyes. 😊 what a fantastic present for your Fiat 500 to return home.
How about a trip to Norway's Nordkapp and back via Finland?
The Nordic countries are beautiful in the summer in the midnight sun. I feel that Nordic summers are overlooked because of our winters. I genuinely think summers are way prettier here than winters!