Back in the sixties my first motorcycle was
a BSA Bantam 125, my next machine was a Royal Enfield "G" 350 single 4 stroke,
with a solid rear end!!. As I was only 13/14 years old at that time both were
ridden on the farm were I worked part time. As soon as I was old enough to ride
the road I bought a Greeves 200cc trials bike (for a fiver!!) followed by an
Ariel Golden Arrow, this 250 cc two stroke twin was said to be very advanced for
its time, with a top speed of about 80 mph, and quiet rapid acceleration. I also
had a "quick spin" on both a Royal Enfield Constellation 750 cc, and a Triton
(Triumph 650 cc Bonneville engine in a Norton Featherbed frame).
I stuck to four wheels for many years, in fact until a couple of pals took up
motorcycling. In March 1998 I bought a Kawasaki GT550, 4cylinder in-line,
producing about 55 bhp. This was soon part exchanged for a Honda CBR600
F-T, I fell in love with the Honda, like the GT a in-line 4, but producing
around 100 bhp. In order to improve my riding skills, I joined the
West Yorkshire Advanced Motorcyclists (WYAM), the comments and advice
from their observers, not only prepared me for the
Institute
of Advanced Motorist (I.A.M.) advanced motorcycle test, but also improved my
anticipation & forward planning for all motoring situations. I intended to
qualify as an observer, but was involved in a serious road traffic accident in
August 2001, and have been unable to ride since.
My wife Sue, would not go near my Honda, she said she hated it!, but as the
photo proves she has sat on a bike (taken on Corfu 1981) The main
difference between the bikes of old, and bikes of new is, THEY NOW HAVE
BRAKES!!.
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