Motorcycle Explorer August 2015 Issue 7 | Page 164

Owen Lewis
Age
50
Country
Jersey, UK
Current Bike
2015 690 KTM 690 Enduro R (which lives in the garage alongside a 2015 Kawasaki H2, 1979
Kawasaki Z1000, 1986 Ducati Pantah 600, 1984 Suzuki GSX1135 EFE Turbo and a 125cc
scooter)
When did you start riding?
1982 at age 16
Most embarrassing riding cock up.
It goes back many, many years to my early riding days when I took my bike into the shop to be
repaired and get a new clutch fitted because it was slipping – only to be told that I had no
teeth left on the rear sprocket ….
Last memorable trip.
There have been a few ! I’ve just got back from two weeks in Scandinavia but in the past I’ve
ridden in much of Europe as well as Africa – I’ve even travelled the length of India in a 150cc
2 stroke Tuk Tuk, ridden from Jersey to Timbuktu and back and toured Egypt on a scooter. But
I guess the basis that the last trip was always the best, it’s the Scandinavian trip that is most
memorable.
What was the best moment of the entire trip?
The highlight of my last trip was probably finding a campsite at the head of Lysebotn Fjord in
Norway – it had a stunning view down the fjord with sheer cliff faces and waterfalls, a friendly
pub, and a great bunch of fellow riders to chat with.
What are two interesting things about that place that the average person doesn't know?
They turn the waterfalls off at night to save water and, if you want to use the ferry down the
fjord you need to book in advance or you won’t get on (I’m cheating a bit here and in fact only
one of those is true …..)
Most expensive thing you’ve bought for your bike.
On the KTM, the Safari fuel tank – cost about £750 but well worth it in extending the fuel
range to over 400 miles
What brand and model of tyre do you use?
Metzeler Sahara (OEM tyre fitted to the KTM) but I will be trying Goldentyre next on
recommendation from a fellow rider
Self service or garage?
Basic stuff I do myself, but, as I own a bike shop, I leave the more involved stuff to the guys in
the workshop