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Pissed down here Alan...no riding for me today. :cry:

I've only played a small part myself Alan. From what I can understand he was extricated from a hedge by Mandy, who's an attractive lady on a Guzzi LeMans. Then one of the other guys rode the bike up to my house for me to keep it safe. Obviously if it was a Suzuki I'd have refused to look after it!

OK...here's an update. I just spoke to his mother who's now at the Hospital. It's been confirmed that the major injury is a broken wrist, and they're now deciding whether to operate. At the moment he's been given Morphine. His bike is now in my garage and his mother will contact the AA to arrange a pickup. Obviously it could have been worse....so all you other youngsters BE CAREFUL! You're at a dangerous point in the learning curve. We're not being killjoys....it's just that we know things that you don't!

Met up with twistedmetal (Darren) today at the Elan Valley Centre in Mid Wales cos a few of the WSaTC guys were meeting up there. Anyway....it appears as if he lost control of his bike riding home and has been taken by ambulance to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny. I had already left about an hour before, but one of the guys found him at the side of the road. First indications appear that he's got a broken wrist, not sure of anything else at the moment cos the Ambulance hasn't got him to the Hospital yet. We're arranging to collect his bike and get it to my garage so it'll be safe. I'll keep you updated on developments, but does anybody here have his home telephone number so I can speak to his parents?

Get some good photos Alan and let's have a review on how the XT coped better than the other bikes. I know the Africa Twin is a good tourer....but it's also a big heavy bastard. I imagine it could get quite tiring using that. I did a 200 mile trip on the Divvy 9 and my shoulders and arms were aching for days due to the weight of it. 200 miles on the XT yesterday with no problems, though having no fairing means you end up looking like somebody's puked over the front of your jacket.

You've got spare cash now Axl....look at the money you've saved by not buying any more floppy ears.

Tried it yesterday for the first time on the way back from Bristol. And I tell you what....I'm VERY impressed. Bike seemed quicker on pickup and even idled smoother. I'll use it at every opportunity from now on, but unfortunately there's no Shell stations in this area, so I can't use it on a regular basis. Have you tried it?

Yuppie! You done an oilchange before the trip?...I did another one yesterday. So it's had a new oil and filter at 600, 1600, 2700, and 3800. The next one will be at 4900, then the dealer service at 6000...but I'll do oil and filter myself though.

Sounds a great trip Alan. Is it going to be a traditional plastic bag job this time?

That's true. I was in Bristol on the XT yesterday and it stunk. Big signs on the M32..."Caution...Mozzy has farted!"

I did 200 miles today on mine...no seat problem. Do miss the Corbin seat from the Divvy though.

I'm 50. :cry: Been riding since 71 and have had about 45 bikes. 8) Last came off on the road in 78, previous to that was 73. Never been injured on the road, never made an insurance claim on car or bike, and had a clean licence since 78. Ride an XT600. And I'm coooool! 8)

Where you going Alan?

XT600 for you mate! You can get them restricted no probs.

According to the WSaTC guys...twisty looks about 12. No pubes I heard!

Original pipes? Could do with an aftermarket probably, but depends how long you're planning to keep it.

It was here FIRST you stupid boy! And are you doing Elan Valley on Sunday?

Different world over there Alan. We're stuck in this shite country. If I was your age I've be off to Canada or New Zealand for good.

Bit of an odd one tbh. You said that you checked the carbs before didn't you Alan?

Don't ride round town in traffic. 8)

Amazing quality bike travel photos taken by the riders. Long thread on Adventure Rider(30 pages)....but some of it is breathtaking stuff. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread....79&page=1&pp=15

Not a big market over here mate. I just see a few Harley RUBs now and again. Sad fashion victims!

Upload them to the Gallery... www.yamahaclub.com/gallery/