You Know How It Is.

So you know how it is.
I've been out of biking for ten years and to be honest have not really missed it.
But I took on a new job in outer London and could see traffic was going to be an issue.
So I thought 'just have a look'. That quickly developed into frenzied research, which even more quickly led to a new (to me) bike sitting on the drive.

The wife and kids can raise their eyebrows all they want.
It was a practical decision, reducing the commute and safeguarding precious family time.

Previous bikes included a couple of CBR600s and a VTR Firestorm.
These are bikes on which you could tuck down, make a hole in the air and just go!
But those were younger days and while I am not out to pasture yet I didn't really want that.
I wanted something that could do the motorway miles but which didn't beg to be thrashed quite as much.

And boy, have I lucked out!
My 1997 Thunderbird 900 is perfect.
She sounds fantastic without being too antisocial.
She isn't too light and has a decent road presence, but can flick and weave when called on.
For a heavy bike she is surprisingly nimble.
That overrun pop will never get old.
Everyone from Grannies to teenagers love it.
She can take a pillion. I might even get the wife on for a quick tootle round the block.
I like the screen as have never been one for the naked buffeting thing (although it does look very cool).

I very much like that she has carbs and that I can learn to look after her myself.

For the money I could have gone for a Honda Blackbird or similar, which would no doubt have eaten up the miles. The Triumph may not be quite as streamlined but knowing that 70mph has come and gone will hopefully keep me out of trouble, and I can comfortably cruise at 80.

I took her for a weekend burble through the valleys of Wales at the end of last summer, making it as far as Bala before turning back. The riding was so good I could not bear to get back on the motorway so headed home via the Cotswolds which gave me another day of fantastic views and country roads.







Thanks to those who have already helped diagnose my ticking noise. We all come needing something i guess. However I thought I should probably say Hi properly rather than just hold my hand out in askance.
So "Hi".
Its good to be here.

 

Hi Joe... Yeah, not quite sorted. Still working on that rattle. But she is still a great bike and it's all part of the process of getting to know her.

 

Thanks. This is encouraging. It does sound cam chainy ish. 28k on the clock. Will try the easier stuff and then think about getting it sorted by the pro's.

 

Thanks Joe. Wise words. She is worth the time and , if required, the money. I'm working the problem. As with computers, boat diesel engines and outboards, failure is frustrating but all part of the learning process.