We're getting some buffeting!

Went to sleep last night to the sound of the rain, woke up this morning to the sound of the wind. I don't care, I'm using the bike for work today. I'm working 7 days this week, this half-day Sunday is the closest thing I'm getting to a weekend. I'm using the bike.
The rain had just about dried off by the time I set out on the deserted roads this morning, and I never noticed much wind either, other than a fresh breeze in my helmet trying to compete with the Boom Boom Satellites in my ears and the rattle of my bike's tail panels. I'm sure some sellotape or blu tac or something would fix that.
Anyway, come the afternoon I've got 20 minutes to get home to catch the Grand Prix, something I know I can do in a car. As soon as I'm up on the dual carriageway, I'm belted in the face and my bikes kicked aside as the wind berates me for dismissing it earlier. Both hands on the bars, this may get a little rough.
Leaning at about 60 degrees in order to go in a straight line isn't as comically funny as it seems, and I'm soon zipping up my jacket further at the first opportunity. The waves starting to hit me in the chest trying to topple me backwards getting more frequent, I snarl at smug bastards nodding to me from their K1200s and Blackbirds as I'm struggling to hit 50mph and stay upright. I probably look like I'm nodding back, I'm being shaken about so much. I suppose this was the 'experience' I was looking for when I thought it'd be a good idea to go out in this weather on a naked 125, rather than being in a comfy car.
Soon though, I'm into nice sheltered 40 and 30 zones, tapping and singing out loud to the music only I can hear. That's probably better done in a car too, when I think about it.
So I get in and discover I've missed the first 7 laps of the grand prix, and it all now feels like a wasted struggle. The answer is lying in wait for me in a garage, give it another week to get the money together and I'll be applying for lessons and tests to get on my 400. A faired, faster, heavier, more wind-resistant bike. Oh, yes.

Some pictures that we have taken of us on the 125s, there will be more of these bikes then alot more of us on the big bikes, be prepared to be swamped in pics.
Ride safe everyone

John

A new bike, now I need the new License.

A few days ago I finally came into possession of a 16 year old Honda RVF 400, the 3rd love of my life. The fact that this object is, in fact, not human, and I don't have the license to ride it yet doesn't dissuade my use of the word "love".
The little Honda 400s are one of the very few bikes that I like every aspect of. Usually theres something I can pick out about a bike that I don't like the look of, but with the RVF I love everything; the fox-eye lights, the small but strong and racy looking body, the retro styling of the tail. The only thing wrong with this bike is me.
Having spent the money to buy the bike, I'm now trying to wait a while before going for my lessons and tests. This of course means theres a bike sitting in a garage being neglected while the Summer whiles away. Oh well. I've got the bike now, at least I've got that part out of the way. Thing is, I don't want to get rid of this bike in a year's time when we got to Chernobyl. I wonder how my skeleton feels about going across Europe on a sporty little 400.

More Tests and some denim

Well the last week has been interesting for me. firstly that i decided to buy a pair of the most expensive jeans ever, i was very impressed at the speed they arrived and after that the fit and style of the New Gen Draggin Jeans. They are designed specifically for bikers and designed to protect the rider if the worst happens. i feel very confident wearing them and i do feel like they have made me a better rider with giving me more confidence.
The other big thing that happened this week is that I managed to pass the Module 1 part of my motorbike test first time. i am very chuffed at being able to do it and i really didnt think that I would after all the stories i have heard about people failing for different reasons. It turns out theres nothing to worry about really, just practice and relax while you are riding. Apparently my Module 2 is being booked this week and hopefully I will be through that soon.
After I pass I've decided that I am no longer going to be buying a Kawak Ninja but I think I am now going to be getting a cbr600f, there have been great reviews about them from people I've spoken to most saying that the worst thing about them is that people find them boring with them being so reliable, thats fine with me, it will be good to add some panniers to as well. I'm looking forward to riding it.
Ride safe everyone
John