Eric of Barnsley

EE — Sun, 27 Mar 2005 22:58:37 +0000

I passed my motorbike test, at the first attempt, aged 16 on a BSA 250 C11G a VERY long time ago. My next bike, and my favourite so far, was an AJS 350 Model 8. It was 'traded-in' for an MG sports car (TD). This I sold to help with the deposit for a house. There followed a donated Messerschmitt KR200 bubble-car then, with the arrival of a daughter, another MG (YB). There was an interlude of a few years before I came back to 2 wheels as a 'second vehicle' so that my wife could use the car. I started with a cheap BSA Bantam (175) which was followed by a Ducati 250, a Jawa 350 and a Honda CX500. This I have had for over 20 years but I have hardly used in recent years. Knackered knees make sitting with them at an acute angle for more than a few minutes a very painful, and potentially hazardous, experience with a bike as tall and top-heavy as a CX. Recently I faced a moment of truth: do I quit two wheels for good or find a bike I can manage to ride comfortably. That is, something less heavy with a riding position which allows my knees to be at an obtuse, and variable, angle. So I have taken the plunge and joined the 'Feet Forward' brigade by buying a Suzuki AN400 which I intent to pick-up on Tuesday 29th March. I hope it revives my enthusiasm for two wheels. I live in the Pennine district of South Yorkshire with some serious hills to negotiate so I am hoping that the power of the 400 will prove to be adequate. Wish me luck.

EE's blog

Eric of Barnsley