I have thought long and hard about the VFR1200X and decided to get a second bike for UK trips.Call it a winter hack, a short trip bike or a bit of fun but my reason boils down to hesitation with its weight and my 70 year old body not getting any stronger!
My recent tour around the Highlands was fine ,without incident and by travelling the wiggliest,single track roads I proved to myself that both the bike -and I- could still "cut it" but the mental issue remained " Is this FUN?"
When I get on my bike I ride it for FUN -or I can use my van for taking cargo,or my Merc for comfort with normal clothing. I can't just get on the bike to pop to the shops ( 4 miles to the nearest one from the wilds of Shropshire) without it being an expedition-my brain says by the time it's out of the garage and I have all the gear on I could be back if I used the car!
So I thought i would get a smaller,lighter 2nd bike without spending a lot- I set a £3k limit.
The spec would have to meet these criteria
easy to move about without getting a hernia
a reliable model with good reputation
comfortable
enough power - at least 70hp
reasonable fit for my 6ft, 18stone or say a 200 mile ride in a day
I was going for a Fireblade that would be "fightered" ie flat bars and remove fairing.Then I considered the 900 /600 Hornet but mushy forks (and Maxton have already done 2 bikes for me,both Hondas)
The NC -too slow,been there -the Af twin too tall -and too expensive
Then I remembered the early Fazer. Its got a 600 4 cyl motor giving 90+ hp,a comfy seat,190 kilos (not 290!)
a good reputation for reliability and cheap spares
so I bought one for less than £1500 - 37K and completely original ,black (can't have everything) .
I will ride it and see if I want to "love it or list it"
what's next?
If I love it I may sell the Hippo - with all the Highland goodies and miss the features we all love!
i may get a new NT 1100 instead of both-still love the DCT
Or I might have a newer yam -
we shall see!
baz
