glm9737

Thought I'd post an update since it's been months due to the 'Rona. After the DVSA opened up have done and passed both Mod 1 & 2 with one minor on each, finally!! Now the learning starts. Also, bought a 2016, Street Triple to learn on for the next couple of years. Better photo's when I've cleaned her up, and added a few mod's.... Now to check routes round leafy Wiltshire and the south west for ride outs.

Haven't been to Fowler's for about 20 years........back then they had a stunning showroom. Have you checked out George White's in Swindon......if they're still there of course! The last bike I bought in Britain back in 2005 was from George White's.......new XT660R. George Whites is now home based i believe, no showroom. Blades in Swindon is good as well, fowlers about 5 mins walk from temple meads and large choice of various bikes and a cracking cafe.

Cheers fella's. I'm going to fire down to Fowlers in Bristol over the weekend as its not far from me and they have a huge choice. Have a mate who's got the Honda 750 DCT and he swears by it and another old mob mate who has a CCM and swears by it. You're right, what can be pleasing on the eye may not be so good on the roads. I'm not a speed freak, have long got that out of my system, just want something that can get me out of a jam when required and not pull wheelies down the road. My mono-cycle days are long, long gone..

Firstly apologies for yet another 'which bike' thread. I've done the 2 stages of obtaining my full A licence, got Mod 1 & 2 booked soon and will keep going until I pass, if I fail either mods first time. Been driving for 30+ years and have C+E, Car Licence and driven pretty much every day for those 30+ years in various countries and roads, conditions, so am aware of hazards. Also did a far bit of commuting to work on me pushbike in a previous job. I intend to purchase a motorbike as soon as I pass my test, although finding it hard not to get one now and keep it in my garage until i have passed. I'm 52 and financially solvent now I am not subsidising my kids' social life and my wife has pretty much been bought everything she wants.....so my money is mostly for me now. Right onto advice. First bike? I like things out of the box and have my eye on either the Husky Svartpilen 401 or the KTM duke 390. I intend to use it to have fun and during the nice days commute to work (18 miles on M4 to bristol and back home). Rest of time the bike will be for scooting about on country roads and through towns etc but in the dry. I want something fun, practical, good around town and country roads with an ability to stay at 70 on the times i will be on the motorways. I also like it to be pleasing on the eye hence the Husky & KTM favourites. Advice I've seen is go for a 500-750cc bike and I do like the rebel 500 and Kawa z650/SV650, but my eyes are drawn to the Husky & KTM. I'm 5ft9 and 13 stones dripping wet and have sat on both and they feel fine for me. Obviously i need to test drive once I've passed my tests. I need a bike that lets me sit uprightish as i don't like leaning forward, never liked a racing pushbike. Do you think the 400cc's would be good for me as a new rider or look at my higher cc choices? I'll be doing my Mods on a kawa 650 and do like the look of that. I also want to be able to have a little in reserve to get past the occasional sunday driver when safe to do so on the country roads. Any advice is appreciated and I'll keep you's all updated if and when I pass and make my choice, I bet you canna wait.....