i'm planning a trip to and around Scotland from Folkestone in Kent but wanted your thoughts on whether a 30yr old bike would be up to such a trip. I was going to get it serviced before taking the trip as I have already notched up a few thousand miles in a relatively short time.
The bike was well serviced before I owned it and had only done 43,000 miles and its runs like a Dream. The only issue with it is a clunky gear change, is this normal? There are no oil leaks and it doesn't use water.
Since I bought it I have noticed a knocking noise from the front of the bike when going over bumps, there doesn't seem to be any movement in the steering head bearing. 
On this trip we are taking small tents, has anyone here camped out around Scotland? Do you Need to find sites or can we just find a quiet spot and pitch up for the night?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Many bikes would not be up to that at 15 years but a K at 30 years, I wouldn't even hesitate and only 43000miles about 10% of its expected life.

Dvfine wrote:Since I bought it I have noticed a knocking noise from the front of the bike when going over bumps, there doesn't seem to be any movement in the steering head bearing. 

If you have a early model (-83 -85).....these was known for a noisy fork.
The noise was from the damper valve....everytime changing direction up/down
and vice versa.

Not exactly a knocking noise.......the noise have been described as hitting a water
surface with the inside of a open hand.

It was rebuild sets available for the old forks...£££...if you can live with it
it isn't any problem.

At 9.30 pm on a day last May I had my 25yr old  K100 stripped to the flywheel. I replaced the o ring, lubed the splines, stuck it back together and left for France the next day. 

I did do an oil & filter change but not the timing chain and the oil/water pump seal as was planned (it was weeping slightly); I simply ran out of time. I rolled off the boat and we did 1800 or so kilometers in the following week without a hitch. The K will do that again and again and again.

Who knows I might even do the pump and timing for this may, time permitting of course.

Scotland only 8 hours up the road from kent

88KE wrote:At 9.30 pm on a day last May I had my 25yr old  K100 stripped to the flywheel. I replaced the o ring, lubed the splines, stuck it back together and left for France the next day. 

I did do an oil & filter change but not the timing chain and the oil/water pump seal as was planned (it was weeping slightly); I simply ran out of time. I rolled off the boat and we did 1800 or so kilometers in the following week without a hitch. The K will do that again and again and again.

Who knows I might even do the pump and timing for this may, time permitting of course.

I met 88KE at 1pm the next day at Rosslare ferry port for lunch and our ferry to France. I was shocked when eventually shown the photos......A testament to the K and of course 88KEs skills.

Both bikes made the trip without missing a beat and we are off again on May 30th for another one, on the same bikes.

Condition, not age is the deciding factor. I took an 18 year old car with 153,000 miles on it for a round trip to Budapest, 3,000 miles in 8 days when all was done. It didn't let me down. But a Merc I had managed to break down twice on foreign trips at under 4 years old. A Skoda at home was towed at less than 3 years old. My advice any day is an older motor that is proven and one you know is good is a much more reliable steed.

Red the forum here, keep a good eye on the things you should do and the K will go forever. And if it doesn't there is a lot of knowledge and expertise here that's way ahead of what main dealer for a newer vehicle could offer.

Don't be afraid to travel. Come over this way, at least you know there are plenty of us around if things did go wrong.

Hi

If you need a break from camping, I recommend the seaman's mission at Lochinver.

http://www.lochinvermission.org.uk/

It has been recently rebuilt with lottery money and has the best sea food in the town. The locals go there to eat. It is a BYOB restraunt.

In summer you may need to book in advance as some organisations have found it out.

A trip to Scotland is nothing for a K. 

Planned my trip and leaving in a weeks time. 😊
Booked a few pitches and staying one night at The Bunk House on the Isle of Skye. The bike flew through its Mot with a new Bridgestone rear tyre, I just need to change the oil tomorrow and check the water etc. I suffer sleep apnoea so bought a burglar alarm battery which fits perfectly behind the rear light, I wired it so that during the day I can charge the battery.
Got all my gear together but my concern is that my mate dropped out and I am now going on my own which makes security of my gear a bit of an issue at services on the way there and back. Any suggestions?

Don't worry. Riding a brick will make you look a bit eccentric anyway and the thieves will probably give you a wide berth in case you are carrying body parts in your luggage.
I'd be more worried about the midges if you are camping in Scotland. They are man eaters!
Relax and enjoy the trip. Motorcycling is Scotland is terrific. (when it's not raining)

I use a CPAP and run it off the 24AH battery of the bike without any problems. I have run it for 3 nights without charging and it started the bike without a problem from the previous 30AH battery.

I never camp without a supply of citronella candles or citronella nightlights. You also get bigger 'Zip' ones as well in a three pack in most supermarkets. A few of those lit up in the evening or when you are stopped will do the business and keep the midges at bay. Store them open inside the tent and they will keep the midges out of the tent too.

Enjoy the trip!!