Picked up the new bike today folks. It's only a bog-standard VFR though...

Awe, shame.

Very nice.

Have you had a chance to enjoy the big viffer on the open road and what do you think?

Yes Dave. Test rode a 3 month-old one with 6500 on the clock , and of course I was out this afternoon for an hour or so.

My first impressions on the used one confirmed what everyone has told me - that I would love it. I found it easy to ride and quick enough to have me overtaking confidently and smoothly straight away where, on the Fazer, I would have followed. I also found it easier to manhandle, which is weird, since it's heavier than the Fazer. Must be something to do with height The VTEC makes a lovely rat-a-tat-tat at 7000 revs as it kicked-in (which probably means the bike needed a service ). Soon got used to this and found myself making it 'bark' as I gave it some. I was looking out for the fuel-injection 'snatchiness' on the test ride but I didn't really find any.

The new bike feels very slick and taught, both in terms of suspension and engine. I guess the motor needs running in so I hope to press on with that without delay . It's very smooth and quiet, though it's also very snatchy indeed at low speeds, so I hope that running-in will loosen it up and get rid of that. If not I'll be having words with the mechanics at first service.

The more prone riding position seems to make me concentrate on matters in hand better, rather than the relaxed take-it-as-it-comes upright position of the Fazer. I never expected this, and I hope it'll bring positive things to my riding.

Cornering is excellent, as you'd expect. I plan to take a long run around the Cotswolds tomorrow when the rain clears , and get some more miles on, so I can wind her up above the 6000 rpm limit as soon as...

Seriously Hilts it's very nice and I envy you.

Top bike mate! Told you you'd love it... and when you've run it in you'll find just how bloody fast it is

think you'll find any snatchiness can be ironed out with the Yoshi box or whatever Honda use at first service



BTW the lawn needs watering

yeah i noticed that too, did you notice the guy stuck a shiney red thing in the way so we wouldn't notice?

Hilts the bike's great, i hope the weather holds out for you m8









if it doesn't least it'll help the lawn!!!!!

Just visited m'learned Hilts to inspect new machine....











Top bike mate... heartily envious but your secret's safe of course...

Oh, and thanks for the loan of the grinder to remove the padlock from the trailer that had the units in that I was delivering... some tosser forgot to bring the key

now who would do a muppety thing like that then??