Having never ridden for 5 hours before can anyone tell me if its do-able with a couple of breaks to fill up and grab a cuppa? Travelling from Liverpool to Dover.
The BMW is designed for it...so really, it's whether you're up for some practice and use it for exploring your own limits, too :)
Like any extreme / adventure sport, a steady build up of skill and endurance is probably best. Take a flask - then you can stop anytime / anywhere you want.
Piece of cake on a Beemer:) My little 56yr old type-1-diabetic buddy did it on an RD400 2-stroke, and then another 8hrs in France after the crossing. You'll be fine.
I agree with the comments so far particularly about trying increasing distances before you go. You’ve got a great bike for the job but clothing is just as important so your trial runs should also be about settling on what’s most comfortable. Almost everything is tolerable for an hour in the saddle but a flapping strap, a testicle strangling seam, wind noise and minor draughts can get really fatiguing 3 hours in. So, break your kit in (underwear up) and resist the temptation to do something different on the day. Get it right and at the end of 5 hours the only thing you’ll want to do is another 5.
It will be a doddle, don't worry about. Just go at your own pace and stop whenever you fancy. Make sure your riding gear is comfortable, waterproof and warm enough. Take water and snacks in the topbox. Give yourself more time than you need. Don't run out of gas. I love long solo rides. It always takes me much longer than google maps say because google doesn't take into account the chats with other bikers whenever I stop.