Should You Ride The Hardknott Pass UK | One of UK's top 10 most dangerous roads | Motorcycle Ride
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Ай бұрынI found this road on two lists, one for most dangerous UK roads and the other being Britain's steepest roads. I thought it would be a good idea to go and ride it one day. So in March 2024 off we went on the BMW R1250GS Adventure with full luggage, Dawn on the back and John on his Honda Blackbird, it can't be that hard to ride.
We rode 223 miles and stopped the night in a small place called Nether Wasdale and they even had a micro brewery. It rained all the way there and fortunately it stopped the next morning just as we set off to ride the Hardknott pass.
The Hardknott Pass is a mountain pass which rises to 400m (1,312ft) above sea level, located in the Duddon Valley of Cumbria, in England. It’s one of the steepest roads in England with a gradient of 1 in 3 (about 33%).
The road surface is shiny, bumpy and offers poor grip. On the day we rode the Hardknott pass the roads were wet and in places water was streaming across the road. It is extremely narrow road, the bends are tight and video just does not show how steep this road is. I found when I returned home that drone footage did the best job of showing just how severe this road is.
Would I ride the Hardknott Pass again 2 up, full luggage in the wet, absolutely not. I would ride it on my own in the dry.
If your thinking of riding the Hardknott Pass then watch some videos to get an understanding of what you are about to ride.
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@SteveM109r Ай бұрын
I love the look of that road ! But that corner would be a nightmare. Great video. Subscribed
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Not the easiest road to ride in the wet. Thanks for watching and the subscription. 👍
@adriancresswell9110 Ай бұрын
I've rode that road many times on a Honda GL1800 Goldwing, 2 up and with a trailer on the back. Now that's an experience.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thsts a beast to ride up there 👍
@andywozza2079 Ай бұрын
Your a brave man well done 👏
@Mj83Mj 29 күн бұрын
I agree. I haven’t see a single video that does it justice of just how steep and tight the bends are! Good fun tho
@2SpareTyres 29 күн бұрын
See is believing 😂👍
@mrfairsthename7470 29 күн бұрын
You did a great job on the GS two up over that ,First time over Wrynose and then Hardnot with a friend I was on a CBF1000 [ one up ] and at the base of Hardnot was a team of GS riders deliberating and briefing each other as we swept past , on the very first of the tight zig zags going up [ you came down them ] I instinctively stood up on the pegs , and where that came from I have no idea ,, to biking i was a recent convert I just did it as I realised the Bike needed to move freer under me , and that was the key , uphill you have to grasp the bull as it were but going down you have to dial it back and be sensitive and get a feeling for the Bike , was a real eye opener and taught me some good stuff right there .
@2SpareTyres 29 күн бұрын
Love your story. Thanks for watching👍
@Itsthejourneynotthedestination 18 күн бұрын
I'd like to think I'm a fairly confident, accomplished well travelled rider and that road is probably the only road I get nervous about riding but what a great challenge it is. Great work two up fully loaded.
@2SpareTyres 17 күн бұрын
Its not my favourite road two up. Thanks for watching 👍
@apacherider7110 Ай бұрын
The video does flatten it out a lot. I did it in a car 4 years ago from Wrynose end. All i can remember is looking out of the windscreen looking at the sky, thats how steep it is. I'm going to do it later this month on my Himalayan, I've got a Triumph Trophy and wouldn't consider using it. You do need to give it respect, or you will he on you arse. Imagine a campervan coming down and you have to stop 😮
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
We were so lucky with the traffic and every bend on the GS two up I thought is this where we drop it 😒 The Himalayan is the perfect Motorcycle for this road. Have a good trip👍
@user-zh5ec5oz2q Ай бұрын
Great video. Although does not do road justice. Good day out anyway x
@stephenleece3319 Ай бұрын
Nice to see you drive through 2 road closed signs
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Road was open that day as the work force was off due to the weather, the cones across the road had been removed and all the machinery parked up. Well spotted 👍
@micla6221 Ай бұрын
Nice video, that looked pretty intense!! Rather you than me😂 I've not done this yet, but I bet the pass is a pleasure with some decent weather.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
You should add it to your bucket list
@chriswalker8378 28 күн бұрын
Great video i bet its Great on a summer's day when you can see the views
@2SpareTyres 28 күн бұрын
I don't think I'm going back 2 up to find out 😂 but would do it on my own. Thanks for watching 👍
@tooyoungtobeold8756 28 күн бұрын
The trouble is, in the summer, there is quite a lot of traffic.
@stevesstuff552 23 күн бұрын
I’ve ridden the Hardknott Pass numerous times, on my ST1100, FJR1300, and BMW R1200GS, all fully laden and two up on the Yamaha and Beemer. I’ve also done it solo. In all weathers. Yes, it’s challenging - and would recommend people work their way up to it - as you’ve commented, approaching from the Wrynose Pass is probable the best option. I have a video taken by my pillion on my account on one of our rides. A mate from Norfolk - not hilly at all - will be joining me on a ride that goes over Hardknott, Wrynose and onto Great Langdale past Blea Tarn on his R1250GS. He’s a more than capable rider - I can’t wait for his perspective.
@2SpareTyres 23 күн бұрын
You have some great videos on your channel so I subscribed. Some of the roads I have done or will be doing this year like the Furka, Grimsel and Susten pass. A lot of my riding was pre camera days and are just good memories. Thanks for watching👍
@stephenwilliams6103 Ай бұрын
, You done really well, doing it two up + luggage👍.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks 👍Hope you have a good trip
@rob-fb5xs 28 күн бұрын
That road surface looks to be in much better condition than most of the roads in Devon.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
😂
@youngeroldie5089 Ай бұрын
Its been a few years since I rode over, Done it twice now and you are correct It seems a bit easier doing Wrynose first as it does set you up for Hardknott. I did both trips on a Honda Blackbird a bit of luggage and a pillion, how ever both my trips were on a nice sunny day. Thanks for sharing, liked and subbed
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Love a Honda Blackbird. Have owned a 1997, 2004, and 2007. I would say its harder on the Honda Blackbird than a GS. Thanks for watching and the subscription 👍
@eddiejaoude Ай бұрын
wow looks great! I will get some practice then try to ride it in the summer when it is dry
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Building up your clutch control and slow speed cornering is the best advise I could give you. Thanks for watching and have a safe ride. 👍
@adelejones3746 Ай бұрын
Probably harder in the summer in some respects. A lot more car traffic there, meaning a lot of stop and go, and also questionable abilities of the tourist drivers who have over stretched their abilities.
@phildivalerio Ай бұрын
Well done. I've ridden for many years and must say, I find hairpins to be stressful. Great feeling to get through them OK, but not exactly what I'd call fun. They're more of an unavoidable obstacle on the way to the much more enjoyable, slow-swinging mountain roads that make riding truly enjoyable. I suspect there are a lot of riders out there who feel the same but are reluctant to admit it.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing and I felt exactly same until I rode a road in Slovenia that had 25 hairpins up and 25 hairpins down, by the end they just got easier. It was good practice for the Hardknott Pass 😂 Thanks for watching👍
@johnmoss7227 24 күн бұрын
What is all the fuss? In around 1975? my friend and I went from Coventry for a tour of the lake District. On my Honda GL1000 Goldwing. One of the first in Britain. It was a great day and we passed over the Hardknott and Wrynose passes with no problem at all! I had gone over them earlier on my Triumph 750cc Triple with my friend, who was riding his Honda C90 ,and he breezed over these passes with no problem while I struggled with my bike. One which Percy Tait later told me he had test-ridden for the maker and set it up for a sporty feel (read racing!) Now years later, Percy told me that he had also been one of the factory test riders of the Yamaha XS1100 that I had and agreed that while that bike was good on sweeping bends (‘A’ roads etc) it took a many-point turn to get around in a normal road! Later, in 2007, I finally worked out why my very fast touring bicycle in the 1960s had similar problems. It was the trail of the steering geometry, as while the beautiful frame had caught my eye and I had built a touring bike around it, stubbornly ignoring the signs, that frame was really made to be used on a velodrome and had very little lead in the geometry. That bike could not be ridden ‘hand free’! Likewise, my Triumph had been made for track days but never advertised as such. Great for long sweeping bends but rubbish around town etc. The Gold Wing was set up for touring also but was very chuckable and fun to ride. I suspect that the Blackbird and (some) other modern bikes have fallen foul of the same problem. Set up for motorways they are not so good on the twisty stuff. Does anybody else concur?
@2SpareTyres 24 күн бұрын
What a lovely story. Having owned three Blackbirds I always found them a great touring bike and more than capable of handling the the twisty bits. On my last 2007 Blackbird I got a company over in Stourbridge to change the stock suspension for Wilbers adjustable rear shock; front springs and matched to our weight. Well the difference was like night and day. The way it turned in was unbelievable, it would give many a sports bike a shock as it kept up in the bends. Thanks for your insights and for watching👍
@RobLittleuk 5 күн бұрын
Having ridden around the coast of Ireland and done the NC500 on my YB100, this is my next test ! Done this many times as a tour guide in the van. Scenically West to east is the most rewarding - the opposite to what you recommend. Fog cant have helped you either. Well done !
@2SpareTyres 5 күн бұрын
Love the NC500 done it in both directions. Doing the Wild Atlantic way in May. I have already done it twice with a friend in both directions but this time will be 2 up. Rides like the two above always give something different each time you do it. Thanks for watching 👍
@ivy-mac Ай бұрын
It's been on my bucket list for a long time. Hopefully I'll get round to it this year.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
I hope you have better weather than we did. Ride safe 👍
@tooyoungtobeold8756 28 күн бұрын
Well done. You're lucky you didn't meet any traffic, that would have made it a whole lot worse. I've driven it a few times in a small campervan and that's about my limit. Guranteed, I would fall over on some of these bends.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Tricky road in or on anything. Thanks for watching 👍
@wimcolet Ай бұрын
Love this road to drive on. Yeah. Make plans to do it again next week. Good to see you movie. wanted to see what the road looks like on high film resolution. see if things have changed here and there since the last time. Thats why i find you youtube nice one. And we loads in the peak to. Live close by. so from now on you will have an extra follower.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it and found it useful Thanks for the subscription
@ragarse3 Ай бұрын
Good assessment and nice vid. Ive done it twice but in the dry on a Vn800 classic and an SR1100 Pan. The biggest problem was oncoming traffic. There isnt much but of course you meet it on the tight/steep bits. The Vulcan was better with its heavyweigh low down and my feet happily on deck, but the Pan, being more upright was a bit of a mare when some driver thought it was best to stop, forcing me to stop but with edge, completely open to the drop, inches away and bike starting to slip. The panic button kicked in and managed to muscle my way out. After Hardknott stopped at King George 1v pub in Eskdale for a soothing pint and vowed never again! I was luckily solo, if you go in a group give yourselves a proper gap (x5!) as your vid so clearly showed. Thanks for the vid.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Great bit of advise, we were very lucky not to meet any traffic and not sure where you go when you do😂 Thanks for watching 👍
@azzman4516 Ай бұрын
@@2SpareTyreswas the reason that you didn’t meet any traffic because the road was actually closed but you carried on regardless….? Even if the traffic cones appeared to have been moved to allow access, the roadsigns still set the precedent.
@johnterry804 Ай бұрын
Just watched and subscribed good video 👍
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and appreciate the sub. 👍
@nurserytv3428 Ай бұрын
What a great honest video! Thanks for being honest most bikers would have felt to insecure to admit it was a tough road and people need to be made aware of the skill needed and potential accidents! Again thank you for a great video
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
I am so pleased you enjoyed the video.👍
@garyedwards8142 Ай бұрын
Great ride.. iv not done this…yet! Done stelvio on an extremely busy day…
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
OMG the Stelvio was hell for us with all that traffic. You will be ok on the Hardknott Pass after the Stevio 👍
@simonbirt6121 28 күн бұрын
What a heroic tale of derring-do, imagine over 1,300 feet above sea level, and wet a wet paved surface, thank God you were on a GS.
@2SpareTyres 28 күн бұрын
👍
@lunn77 26 күн бұрын
Great ride that is
@2SpareTyres 25 күн бұрын
👍
@johnschlesinger2009 27 күн бұрын
In those conditions it looks nightmarish. Reminds me of the Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Not done that one, might try it in the future👍
@timwright5466 Ай бұрын
I rode it on my honda blackbird but to my advantage it was lovley and sunny ..but I did have a full luggage pack ..but I did feel I was stand ing on my hands at times ..especially the hardnott
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Great bike but down hill your wrist are taking all the weight. Thanks for watching👍
@janporkpie 27 күн бұрын
I really enjoy riding these passes. Last year it was on my 125 twist and go - this year I'll be taking my Honda CRf250L or Triumph Scrambler 400X.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Both of those smaller bikes are perfect for this road. Thanks for watching 👍
@georgeharsin6292 26 күн бұрын
Nice video and love the music. As far as the road goes, I think I'll "pass" on that one.
@2SpareTyres 25 күн бұрын
😂 Thanks for watching 👍
@GP-pw5wb 27 күн бұрын
Trip down memory lane, been over these passes 3 times going back too many years. Nice to see it again and yes you are right its far more severe in real life then on video. You mentioned it was a old Roman road, just for interest at the top of Hardnott is the remains of the old Roman fort. Worth a visit in better weather conditions if you ever go back.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
We were planning on stopping at the fort but didn't fancy the walk in the wet. Another day maybe. Thanks for watching👍
@GP-pw5wb 27 күн бұрын
@@2SpareTyres Think the Roman's used it as stop for changing their underwear after the charriot ride up!
@Martin37vg Ай бұрын
I have a blackbird and will ride it anywhere but still in that weather would not fancy risking it on that road whitch know well.. My mate fell off his GS on that right hander after stalling and fell the wrong way . Had to ride home with brocken collar bone.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
I remember those wrist aching days on the blackbird coming down the Stelvio. Sorry to here your friend fell off. Thanks for sharing your experience and watching the video👍
@stuipooey1 Ай бұрын
Don't try on a Saturday during the summer, an awful experience due to the traffic.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
I bet Easter will be the same. Thanks for watching 👍
@williambailey1712 Ай бұрын
Me and two pals fell off on that road we looked very silly and had very bruised egos
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing, it highlights that this road is tricky. 👍
@TheSd1cko 26 күн бұрын
I've done the other steepest road a few times now with pillion (Rosedale chimney pass). Some lovely views and it's only an hour from me. I ride a k1300s so also a big heavy bike, but no problems so far. A very nice area. I would advise going up before down, so start from Rosedale abbey side. Also not for from the to the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge too for a nice food and drink stop 😁👍
@2SpareTyres 25 күн бұрын
Sounds interesting. Will add it to the bucket list. Thanks for watching 👍
@AlfFieldArt 26 күн бұрын
Its a good ride but not an easy ride. It's that notorious right hander, particulalry when two-up. Lovely countryside but. Useful video. Cheers.
@2SpareTyres 25 күн бұрын
Well said. Thanks for watching👍
@stevenfreeman7798 Ай бұрын
22 years ago my wife dropped her motoguzzi breva on that same corner she hit a big pot hole the road had at that time and over she went! With my son on the back fortunately there was a land rover behind containing a couple of big lads who jumped out and stopped the bike sliding off the road!! Definitely a bit tricky that one lol!!.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
I'm glad you were ok and that there was someone around to help out. Your experience highlights that this is indeed a tricky ride. Thanks 👍
@cpuuk Ай бұрын
Everyone has to do it once... just do it on a quiet day. If you have to stop don't do it on the bends, so look ahead.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and sharing your advise👍
@10rGreenninja 27 күн бұрын
I reckon I'd pick a better day for that particular pass 🙂
@2SpareTyres 26 күн бұрын
Question is will the sun bring everyone else out. Not which I would chose wet or sun and traffic👍
@timothybrockbank7474 Ай бұрын
I did it with my partner on my 04 gs it would be a great road on a supermoto
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Anything lighter would be better 👍
@BlueHippoMoto 26 күн бұрын
It’s a fun technical road to ride up that way round, I fortunately like yourself found nothing coming down the hill. The camera doesn’t do the steepness justice.
@2SpareTyres 25 күн бұрын
Probably a bit easier the other way and best to get up there early before the traffic. Thanks for watching👍
@markfletcher3728 Ай бұрын
Done this a couple of years ago in the opposite direction with a 4x4 group, was better weather but still a bit hairy! Not sure I would want to do it on my bike in that weather!
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
👍 Thanks for watching
@701Adventures Ай бұрын
No such thing as a dangerous road here in the UK, there are some roads which may be more technical than others but that doesn’t necessarily make them dangerous.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Agreed, it comes down to your ability on a road like this as nothings moving fast 😂
@701Adventures Ай бұрын
@@2SpareTyres exactly, I live reasonably local to this pass, I’ve done it on every bike I’ve owned from a Husqvarna 701 to my GSA and K1600. Read the road, plan for the hazards, anticipate unseen hazards and sit back and relax 👍
@ultimateoutdoors4659 26 күн бұрын
Nice video. Bloody awful weather though! Video always flattens it out so you don't really get the right impression of the awkwardness of some of those bends! The other problem with that right hander is that if you do it in the summer you are bound to meet a car coming the other way and that when riders get into trouble! If anyone is thinking of doing it in summer, do it very early in the morning before everyone is out and about? If anyone wants a big challenge you'd have to try the Stelvio pass in the Italian eastern alps: 2757 metres and over 60 hairpins?
@2SpareTyres 26 күн бұрын
Some great advice for those thinking of doing the Hardknott Pass. We did the Stelvio Pass in 2018. The traffic was horrendous and someone in a car going up stopped half way round the bend to take a picture, needless to say we fell of the Honda Blackbird. Lesson learned, leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front. Thanks for watching👍
@neilr6372 Ай бұрын
The issue with Hardknott pass is the surface. As it faces west it gets the sun, which in summer ( and yes we do get warm summers up here ) the road surface gets softer and cars braking cause the surface to ripple, hence the lack of traction. I’m not saying it’s easy to go down it, but it’s much easier to go down it than up it.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Totally agree thanks for sharing your local knowledge. 👍
@CountViffer 28 күн бұрын
LOL! Yes! 2 up, in the wet, with full luggage, on a sportsbike, tail marking with half a dozen solo riders in front all both feet down😂. We survived.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Well done, must have been tricky on sports bike. Thanks for watching👍
@leehenty3777 Ай бұрын
I have done this on my TDM 900 and on a Royal Enfield Classic 500. It was much easier on the classic 500 due to low weight, low CoG and the extremely low gearing.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Enfield great bike for this road. Thanks for watching👍
@glennsands4675 26 күн бұрын
Have rode it on a Harley Roadglide , 2 up and fully loaded. All good
@2SpareTyres 25 күн бұрын
👍
@andysmith2013 Ай бұрын
Done it in both directions, GPZ 500 & FZS600 Fazer. On one occasion, I followed a couple on a Wing. Lots of fuss about not very much imo.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing!
@paulleviston 28 күн бұрын
Done this many time on a bike and motor car . From the first time in the 70 ' s That is the easy way up . Have a few videos on here. One reason for a smaller bike for riding around the lakes. The reason the road is bumpy now is because of the heat wave after covid. And no one travelling.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching 👍
@hartley383 Ай бұрын
Ive ridden it a few times on a Honda Crosstourer, a big heavy bike. As you say, the most important thing is to look well ahead and not get into a situation where youre forced to stop on a bend. In a lot of cases, if you have to put your foot down the ground isnt there to meet it, well it is, eventually. I view it as a tick, not especially enjoyable but a good one to have done. As an aside, ive taken delivery of a GSA1250, my god its a big bike, not so sure im ready to take that over there lol.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Some sound advice. You will love the GSA. I went Honda Blackbird, Ducati Multistrada and then the GSA1250 and never looked back. It just does what I want two up full luggage. 👍
@goodoldbob1 Ай бұрын
Absolute must, Ride it, I have on my bmw, and also on my Supercub, even in my little camper, just ride safe
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks for watching 👍
@neils1808 Ай бұрын
Loved your video. I've done it loads of times but I only live about 75 minutes away and I almost always do Wrynose first, and that was the other comment I wanted to make, it's Wrynose, not Rhino pass 🤣 Good effort doing it two up on a GS with full luggage though, not sure i'd want to try that and especially not going that way!
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
I’m rubbish at pronouncing names. In my European video the first thing I do is apologise for the pronunciation and any offensive it causes.😂 Thanks for watching 👍
@andrewcopley9894 Ай бұрын
Gotta be careful up there, Having a clear run helps , The biggest fear all the time is meeting a car or worst still a campervan with a stream of cars behind on one of the hairpins & having to restart , & it does happen all sorts of vehicles go over there ,i have seen some right fun & games going on in summer .!!!!!
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Nice insight. Thanks for watching👍
@roythearcher Ай бұрын
I rode this very road from the Wrynose pass direction back in the late 1980s on a kawasaki GT550, with full luggage and pillion passenger. the bike handled it with ease so theres no need to get some huge engined touring machine to do this as I have proved it can be done on a smaller bike! The weather was much the same as we had then, and we had to put up with far less superiour tyres (metzler ME99/33's) than we have today! I have driven up there again a couple of times since from the opposite direction but its not the same as experiencing it on a bike.... Should you ride it? absolutely! only, pick a day when the weather's a bit better and do it on a bike thats not too heavy. Touring bikes are far too big in my opinion for this kind of terrain but something like a middleweight ADV or sport/tourer would be better suited to this road or even a trail bike or enduro would have no problem but leave the BMW GS's and Goldwings at home!
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Great Advice 👍
@robincooney1263 Ай бұрын
I've helped numerous car and bike breakdowns on this pass - usually with burned out clutches. Three things. 1) Be aware that there is no mobile signal in this area 2) No breakdown and recovery services will go over these passes - they are specifically prohibited by their companies as recovery operations are far too risky. Even an ambulance won't be able to get to you if you run out of skill. 3) No such thing as a dangerous road. Difficult to ride, yes.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Great Info for anyone planning to ride the Hardknott pass 👍
@rob-fb5xs 28 күн бұрын
Do you work for a local garage or something? How did you know they were broken down and needed help?
@justincarter2224 Ай бұрын
It’s tricky but it’s all about being in the right gear end of, remember a mini bus does it twice a day
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Wow I never new a mini bus went up there. Hats off to the driver 👍
@justincarter2224 Ай бұрын
@@2SpareTyres must have a warehouse full of clutches
@jwfx2 25 күн бұрын
Great video, its def a road that requires respect. One time a group of us were going up that steep right hand hairpin and the lad in front of me on an R6 foolishly took his hand off the handlebar to administer a W ⚓sign at an impatiently descending motorist coming towards us. Needless to say who had the last laugh 🤣🤣🤣🛻 I best enjoy going up there at 7:00am on a sunny sunday morning
@2SpareTyres 25 күн бұрын
Love the tale of your adventure up the HardKnott Pass. Thanks for watching👍
@andrewfilson6356 27 күн бұрын
Done it many times. One of my favourite most stupid fun roads in the lake district. Best done on a sunny day though. Ps, i first did it on a SR 500 but the last few times on a gen 1 V Max. Never with a passenger though.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Was the first time for us but I will do it on my own in good weather. Thanks for watching👍
@malcolmabram2957 29 күн бұрын
I have toured much of the Britain, have climbed all the munros, but I will state the hard knott pass is the most difficult road in the whole of Britain. So much so, it might need to be regulated. Saying that from experience, having driven a small minibus of kids over it. Rode a motorbike over the beallach na ba in Scotland, much higher, but no problem.
@2SpareTyres 29 күн бұрын
Ah the road to Applecross done it a few times on three different bikes two up. As you say its higher and also longer. I can also confirm I found the Hardknott Pass harder Thanks for watching👍
@thetaleof2wheels.947 Ай бұрын
Absolutely love Hardknott and Wrynose, have been over with every bike ive owned. Go over one way, then turn around and straight back over. Best fun was a Monkey 125. It is easier going East to West, so Wrynose onto Hardknott.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
I would have preferred a lighter bike and definitely to do it next time east to west. 👍
@thetaleof2wheels.947 Ай бұрын
@@2SpareTyres I've had a Kawasaki ER6-F, Honda CBF1000F, Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, Honda Monkey 125, Triumph Scrambler 900 and Triumph Tiger 900 over the passes. I always go over East to West, get to the end then turn around and go back over. It's a good test of not only the bikes agility and handling but rider skill and confidence on each bike. The best bikes going over have been the Monkey 125, as it's so light and easy, the Scrambler 900 and Tiger 900. The Tiger 900 being the best bike overall. 1st gear early is the best bet for the worst parts, and keep the momentum going and don't go overly wide on the corners. During the week is best as there's less traffic, weekends can be a nightmare.
@johncompton8902 Ай бұрын
Great video, done it a few times one wet and in the dry, you were lucky it was quiet, you didn’t encounter any cars or cyclist 😬
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
thanks and Yes no cars or cyclist was a bonus. Signs saying it was closed may have helped even though it wasn't closed 👍
@azzman4516 Ай бұрын
@@2SpareTyresapologies, but what made you think that the road wasn’t closed? You said it yourself, the roadsigns informed you that it was closed. Not sure I follow your logic here tbh?!
@chrisforan4497 28 күн бұрын
I did this two up on a Harley Road king
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
👍
@stephenwilliams6103 Ай бұрын
There's gonna be four of us doing hardnot on Easter Sunday 🤔. If it isn't snowing. Two BMW gs's, a VFR1200 & a FJR1300. Should be fun😁🇬🇧🇬🇧
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Hopefully you won't meet to much traffic. That was the only benefit of doing it in rain 😂👍
@MsDenver2 29 күн бұрын
I’m retired and buying a Enfield 350 Classic after about a year or so I intend to ride the hardnock pass , cause I’ll be on a small bike would be a good idea to ride it after a bit?👍🏍️
@2SpareTyres 29 күн бұрын
Its to tough road to ride but I guess it comes down to your level of skill and experience. I would start with the Wrynose Pass and then decide if you are going to carry on and ride the Hardknott Pass. Hope that helps and thanks for watching👍
@RevBombUK 28 күн бұрын
Great ride buddy, its a lot steeper and technical in real life Its a good ride one you've ridden it a few times
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Will be doing on my own in the dry next time. Thanks for watching👍
@davidwaddington9414 Ай бұрын
One important thing you have to have for this pass is respect, I don't think you had much for it.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Trust me I had some after I finished the ride. I did no research about the road so as not to put me off doing it, however I would recommend anyone that's thinking of riding the Hardknott pass to watch some videos and make sure they are up to the challenge. 👍
@701Adventures Ай бұрын
@@2SpareTyresYou said you did no research on the road but in your description it says you found this road on two lists, one for most dangerous roads in the UK and the other being Britains steepest roads, so you did do some research.
@mickkingston1450 28 күн бұрын
I've done that pass on abmw 1200 lt, and both ways on a honda goldwing 2up great pass to ride...
@2SpareTyres 28 күн бұрын
Nice! Thanks for watching 👍
@larryward3876 22 күн бұрын
did Hardnott pass as a learner on my C72 240 Honda i dont recall it being a problem whats all the fuss about
@2SpareTyres 22 күн бұрын
Wow as a learner, I take my hat off to you.👍
@willalm830 28 күн бұрын
Up it on a cycle? No, just a bloke on a motorbike, try the A1 next? Or B5023, I have done it in a Sprinter need to make a video on that or crossing the road to the shop
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
👍
@robinhoatcity Ай бұрын
Why not, everyday is a challenge to take on
@2SpareTyres 29 күн бұрын
👍
@glenwilson5280 28 күн бұрын
I ride over these passes regularly on my 1979 Suzuki gs850.... 2 up. I find them great fun. I would not ride them on L plates. The roads are very technical but all you need is a bit of common sense. If you think these roads are dangerous you have always a choice.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
👍
@kevindarkstar Ай бұрын
Plan B.... Never try it for the first time in the rain 😮
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
😂😂😂 Won’t be doing it in the rain or 2up again. Might be tempted on my own in the dry😳
@ziondanny7081 Ай бұрын
Done it many times. No big deal.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
What in the UK would you consider a big deal?
@wimcolet Ай бұрын
have done also more time. Some time i have walk in 3 hr about snow fun and motorbike in the hand. Good fun no big deal. LOL
@grahamwadsworth2742 27 күн бұрын
I’d only been riding about 2 years when I rode it on a tour and must be honest shit me self 🤣
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
At least you did it 😂👍
@stewartellinson8846 28 күн бұрын
Looks like the surface has been repaired in places. Not been up for a couple of years but there was a large vertical sided pothole.on the bend before the one you stopped on and a lot of longitudinal grooving lower down. It's not a dangerous road - I've been over many times and it's very much talked up by the internet. I suspect the main problem is that people will insist on riding huge barges which are hard to control at low speeds. Btw, you should have stopped a bit lower down and gone for a mooch around the Roman fort. Not one of the empires sought after postings!!
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Its was the plan to stop at the Roman fort/Thermae but as it was raining we decided to keep going and save it for another day👍
@golfgtioz Ай бұрын
It’s not too bad really I’ve done it several times in my lwb sprinter but always driving the opposite direction, ok in the autumn / winter but it terrible in the summer with all the cyclists.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
March in the rain , no one around. Perfect 😂👍
@josephinebennington7247 25 күн бұрын
Positioning your camera on the far left of your bike made me queasy about you going off the edge. 😮
@2SpareTyres 24 күн бұрын
Me too when I watched it back 😂 Thanks for watching👍
@tonywilliamson4512 Ай бұрын
I've done it a few times both ways a bum twitcher every time , but never done it two up so well done.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Cheers, I would not recommend two up. Thanks for watching 👍
@cam5376 Ай бұрын
On a good day with no traffic it's an interesting and enjoyable ride. However, the road surface can be poor with some large potholes, add in some car drivers who haven't a clue and it can get very unpleasant. Some of the corners are very steep and if you are forced to stop on some of these bends because of an idiot car driver the surface of the road can be a long way beneath your foot. If you see a car coming the other way stop in a safe place and wait for it to pass. Caution advised.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Some great advice for those planning a ride over the Hardknott pass. Thanks for watching👍
@alexwright2368 15 күн бұрын
Hi 2ST. I rode this on a BMW K1600GT, which was a bit of challenge given its 340kg, my 5'8" (if I look up) and hobbitty short legs. Went from Wrynose to Hardknott, the weather was beautiful and the views breath taking. You cant stop on the apexes on some corners as the elevation is such that you (or at least I) could not touch the ground. Would recommend this ride but I reckon something like Honda Transalp would be a good option to do it on. I have a BMW GSA now albeit a Low Chassis & would take it over this pass without a doubt although maybe less keen to do that 2 up. Link to the run on a beautiful day here, had to stabilise the image due to a dodgy cam mount. You're right about the vid not showing the angle of ascent! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oZOKnaZ9yOC0ZXk.html
@2SpareTyres 12 күн бұрын
Great story and plenty of advise for anyone thinking of riding the Hardknott Pass 👍
@Docv400 29 күн бұрын
There's no such thing as 'dangerous' roads (unless maybe you're in a war zone), but there are many substandard Riders and drivers on them.
@2SpareTyres 29 күн бұрын
Experience and skill should get you to the end of most roads. Just depends on how honest you are when you judge yourself 👍
@alastairday8451 29 күн бұрын
No reason not to ride the Hardknott. Think I've done it 7 or 8 times now, no issues but its fair to say that an inexperienced rider might struggle or come a cropper
@2SpareTyres 29 күн бұрын
👍
@adegill9468 Ай бұрын
Going over that for years what's the fuss....no on complained in the 1970s...crazy world!?
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
👍
@highdownmartin Ай бұрын
Did it two up on a 650 triumph in 1983. Didn't think I'd need first gear but I did but had zero information on the route and was following my mate who'd heard about it. It's steep and twisty, no one fell off,and because the internet didn't exist we couldn't big it up into something it wasn't. Roads aren't dangerous like weather isn't bad. It's unsuitable bikes and clothing.
@adegill9468 Ай бұрын
@@highdownmartin yes your very right...I think we probably enjoyed being out...less traffic and all that....I gave a climber a lift over applecross pass....which was interesting...but the fun and adventure took over loved it..
@highdownmartin Ай бұрын
@@adegill9468 just remembered doing the ring of beara in sw Ireland around 95? About 100 miles and mostly in first second and a bit of third. Guzzi spada. Super twisty up and down coast road, single track and shit surface. Spectacular but a relief to get back into fifth on the run back to Macroom and stop concentrating so hard. I think a lot of people who find hardknott “ terrifying “ is because they’ve never done any riding like it before. I love seeking out the real proper backroads
@andywozza2079 Ай бұрын
I'm a local and don't ride it as the road is shocking 😮 enjoy
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
You heard that from a local. Thanks for sharing and watching 👍
@PhilbyFavourites Ай бұрын
Ran through it in July 1976 on my trusty Kawasaki KH250 (equipped with throwover panniers no less). It was narrow, steep and hairpin bends. My strongest memory is of the idiot in the car who expected me to back the bike uphill to let him get past. My happiness knows know bounds that at the age he was then he’s long dead by now…. Try Europe, it’s far more interesting than Cumbria and the drivers’ aren’t twats…..
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Love a trip to Europe. Went to Croatia in the summer on the motorcycle. Currently uploading them to KZfaq. Thanks for watching👍
@user-tp3nh2yc2i 26 күн бұрын
Your a biker, yes maybe over the years you kind of rode your bike day in day out, maybe you ride cos its just such a thrill. There is no guarantee if your out there all year that one day wet leaves on a shady bend , an artic, cab in front of you trailer on his side and dry stone walls to make it interesting. Yep been there, enjoyed hospital food. Repaired the bike , just loved the next ride I always knew that one day I might just have a chat with some of the lads that never had to repair the bike. Should you ride? well Adrenalin is one hell of a drug. I always rode with one aim I might die for my love of freedom but did my best (and never did) play games that could hurt others, even though some of them did not reciprocate. You get to know how to not trust motorists, etc, if you worry about ridding --- simple ,drive, bus.Stay at home but you,d miss so much, Happy Riding.
@2SpareTyres 25 күн бұрын
As a fellow rider, your words resonate deeply. The thrill of the open road, the dance with danger, and the camaraderie among those who've tasted asphalt. Wet leaves, sharp bends, and unexpected obstacles-each a chapter in our two-wheeled saga. Hospital food becomes a badge of honour, and bike repairs, a labour of love. Adrenaline courses through our veins, urging us forward. We ride not recklessly, but with purpose-to embrace freedom, to defy fate. Trusting motorists? A luxury we can't afford. So, we mount our steeds, salute the wind, and chase horizons. Happy riding, my friend. Thanks for watching👍
@koop5365 27 күн бұрын
Yes! Yes you should. It'll be hardnot to. See what I did there? 😂😂😂
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
😂👍
@petehooker6694 27 күн бұрын
Give me a break ...... done it loads of times in a fiat panda.... what's the problem??? 9:08
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
😂😂😂
@stevenfreeman7798 Ай бұрын
People actually cycle this as well!!!
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
That's got to hurt 👍
@MsDenver2 29 күн бұрын
Why didn’t ya mate wait for you I mean you could have come off??
@2SpareTyres 29 күн бұрын
We were connected by cardo intercom. I had already told him I was ok as he disappeared over the hill.😂👍
@MsDenver2 29 күн бұрын
@@2SpareTyres oh I didn’t think about intercom connection sorry👍🏍️🫣
@glenwilson5280 28 күн бұрын
This road is an adventure but you are on adventure bikes.... Where is the problem.
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching
@john-wq8kf 28 күн бұрын
Not that dangerous except for problems riding heavy lumps like the gsa
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
😂
@michaelcoates7068 27 күн бұрын
Biggest problem on that road is usually the cyclists
@2SpareTyres 27 күн бұрын
👌
@PatrickWhitaker-ls2cs 21 күн бұрын
Ride it/don't ride it...nobody cares
@2SpareTyres 20 күн бұрын
👍
@lanceoverton5919 Ай бұрын
No road is dangerous if you drive / ride to the conditions, roads don’t cause accidents, riders / drivers cause them
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
You also need the right level of skill to match the road 👍
@geofftoscano6804 Ай бұрын
I suppose in a statistical sense the word dangerous is based on the number of accidents/casualties.
@lanceoverton5919 Ай бұрын
@@geofftoscano6804 yea, like I said it’s the riders / drivers that push the accident statistics up because they can’t drive to the correct speed which the conditions dictate,
@poonchild 28 күн бұрын
I mean a road covered in ice or oil is dangerous. Period.
@PurityVendetta Ай бұрын
God, what a miserable place. Back before the moronic brexit I lived and worked all over Europe. I rode from Igoumenitsa on the west coast of Northern Greece to Poligyros, to town I lived in near Thessaloniki regularly. I'd look forward to riding the Katara Pass which makes this god awful place look like the dreadful, damp farm track it is. This was on my FZR1000RU two up with luggage after riding down through Europe to Venice. I only came back to this damp cold rock to look after my parents as the uk's social care system won't. I hardly ride anymore as the winter seems to last from October to the end of May. The roads are appalling and this cart track epitomises it. Sorry but motorcycling in the uk just isn't fun.
@2SpareTyres Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing. However there are some great roads in the UK but not as sunny as the roads you describe.👍
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