bippo

That is so cool Jimmy, what a Dad!

Thanks everyone! Really can't wait to get it. I got such a good deal on a new one, it would have been silly of me to buy second hand. These bikes hardly depreciate and mine is coming with 700 quid of accessories for free (current Triumph offer) and they chucked in switchable ABS which is a further 600. Oh and Jimmy, thought you'd be happy to have another Triumph owner on here!

Thanks Airhead! I will of course share pictures. In fact I'll still be hanging around this forum, you're a good bunch you guys... :-D

So then, I've found my next bike! Sadly it isn't a Yammy. For some reason I almost fear saying what it is... Bikes are such a personal preference, with people having such strong views. But hey-ho... I'm getting a Tiger 800 (road going version, not the XC). So why am I going for such a mans bike?! Ha ha! Well simply put, I like adventure bikes. I used to pillion on my ex's Africa Twin, and there's something about them that I like. His bike had a "do it all" persona. I looked around at Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, KTM and obviously Triumph. From previous posts, some may know I originally settled on a Kawasaki ER-6f, but changed my mind because: 1. Rode a nekked version and got a lot of vibration through the foot pegs 2. Engine didn't sound all that nice when accelerating through the gears 3. Under-slung exhaust meant no centre stand option and as I wish to tour, easy chain maintenance is a must 4. Felt I'd get bored of it quickly 5. As a popular "first big bike" insurance was a fair amount I didn't want a bike that was too heavy, and also needed one I could put my feet down comfortably with as I'm far from an experienced rider. So without any customisation I was pleased to see that the Tiger has a standard (adjustable) seat height of 810 / 830mm. Compare this with a Kawasaki Versy 650 for example which is 845mm and its immediately accessible for me without having to buy a lower seat or getting a lowering kit. On top of this, the Tiger actually weighs the same as the ER-6f at 210kg, which for me feels manageable. In addition to the above: 1. Plenty of accessories for touring 2. It's a bigger bike (both engine and visually) and I feel I either won't get bored of it, or it'll take me longer to do so! 3. Adventure bikes are so comfortable! A real upright position and the handlebars were in a good position for me I appreciate that it's quite a jump to go from a 125 to 800, but I'm no speed daemon. For me, it's a bike I immediately felt comfortable on, which speak volumes. I don't have the space or money to run a couple of bikes, so I'm looking forward to using this for commuting, fun rides, camping weekends, essential trips when I don't have access to the car and touring in the UK and Europe. Anyway, after all that waffle, I've gone and ordered one! Can't wait. :-D

I think he's a little too attached to the gaggle of DT50's for me to barge in. The SR front wheel sounds appealing though...

Thanks! Good to know your view. I am indeed focussing on comfort. Already had to rule a few bikes out because of my height, and also their weight. I just don't yet feel comfortable lugging around a hefty bike while I build my confidence up. Also a previous broken knee means some bikes cause a deep ache because of leg positioning. So all-in-all, plenty of trekking around and trying out bikes before I take the plunge! Very exciting times. :-)

Hey Mucker, welcome to the forum!

Thanks for the concern Mike, I will indeed take care when I move onto a bigger bike. My reasons for getting into biking stem from an accident as a pillion, and I don't fancy having another one of them any time soon...!

Thanks Mike, and yeah I'm chuffed to bits!

Welcome to the forum! Good on you for getting your full licence, enjoy yourself out there!

Hey Jake - better late then never! It's great to see some of the work you've done with your XT. Maybe you need to get up to Bradford and help Grouch out with his?!

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for sharing your pictures.

Welcome to the forum! DT125 is a great choice, you'll love it.

Welcome to the forum! Great looking bike, enjoy it.

Hey Aarron, welcome to the forum - enjoy the bike and take it easy!

Hey Josh, welcome to the forum! Start up a project thread in the relevant section so we can see / help with your restoration project!

Thanks Jimmy! Triumph is on my list of bikes to go and check out actually this weekend... ;-)

Certainly improved the aerodynamics, which naturally has given me a 10% increase in acceleration and more top end speed. Ha ha! ;-)

Sorry to hear that lallasro, but fear not, you'll pass soon enough, especially seeing as you have your big bike waiting patiently for you in the garage!

I did didn't I... I booked it after my Mod 1 and this was the earliest slot I could get, just over 3 weeks I think after passing that test. I was checking twice a day to try and get a cancellation but then I just decided to leave it as nothing was coming up. Didn't want to jinx myself by announcing it to the world prior to passing! You're right though, the YBR looks quite nice without the plates! Given it a new lease of life!

Thanks Grouch! No idea what bike and when, getting rid of the L plates was the key for me. Naturally I'm excited so I am going to head out and take a gander at bikes this weekend though! You're next mate, you can do it!

Thanks Paul - hopefully next time we head out for a ride I'll have a bike that can keep up with your Bandit!

Hmm, I have always had a soft spot for a DT... (Not DirtyDT, I've never met the bloke...) Was the first bike I ever rode out in some field in Portugal while on holiday 8 years ago. (Again, not DirtyDT...)

Ha ha, thanks Welshy! Yeah, I've changed my mind now on the Kawasaki ER-6f I was considering getting... I don't know... I'm going to have a look around this weekend just to get a feel for some other bikes. Not sure when I'll be upgrading though, just have to see what happens! Regardless of that though, getting rid of those L plates was my main goal, I'm well chuffed!

Can you guess what I did today?! Yep. Mod 2 complete!