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In 2014 I managed:
The IOM TT.
Germany.
...and Wales
Planning a euro tour this year. My old Fireblade is still doing me proud.
Belated thanks to those responding to my questions.
I've decided to take the CBT/DAS route. CBT is booked for next Sunday, and theory test a week or so after that. If both of those work out, I'll be booking into the DAS course immediately after. Currently swotting up on highway code and the hazard perception DVD.
After some humming and hawing, I've settled on an '08 Suzuki Bandit 650 with half-fairing and ABS (there's a clean one in a local dealer for £2.8k, 20k miles - I really don't know enough about bikes to be buying privately, and this will have a year's MOT and 3 months warranty). A browse of compare the meerkats dot com suggests about £150 fully comp with no NCD.
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Yes, I read that they need to be kept clean. This will be a spring to autumn thing for me, so I should be able to avoid the worst of the salt.
Had a look at some private sale prices for similar age and condition, and there's not enough difference for the chance to be worth it, especially if seen as a percentage of the overall cost of training, tests, tax, insurance, bike and gear. Aside from that, I like the vibe at the dealer - I very much get the impression that they're customer focussed and aim to treat you right to keep your business.
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
It's the later 650 (came out in 2007?). I think the main changes were water cooling, fuel injection, and updated instruments, along with the increase in capacity and some styling tart-ups. From what I can find out, it should be good for 50-60mpg and has a 19L tank, so about 200 miles range.
Aye, forgiving nature and smooth power delivery were attractions for me, as were the fairly upright position and the fairing (this one has a screen that looks a bit higher than standard). My main expected use will be runs at the weekends (with brew stops when the scenery is nice), and probably some commutes when the mood takes me.
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...