The latest news in my life is my purchase of a new bike. A CBF1000 with ABS, hydraulic clutch and, as an extra, it came with heated grips. A used bike, it had 7,000 miles on the clock and was in pristine condition.
The change it has made to my riding is already apparent. Squirt is the word for the accelleration. I only have to use a tiny amount of throttle and I'm up to 60mph and, once rolling at a reasonable speed, it requires so little effort to be up at 90mph and above, I'm being careful about what I admit to here, that I already fear for my licence.
My worry is the silence as I ride. When I first rode it, after the hornet, I couldn't even hear the engine. Now I'm beginning to tune into it but I think a new can is must. If I can't hear it then car drivers will be totally oblivious to my imminent arrival and that is dangerous. Also I want a good throaty rumble, it's so uncool to sound like a sewing machine. So I'm checking out various after market cans and will report back once I've found the right one at the right price.
For now, I'm really happy with the up in power and really impressed with the agility of, what is, a big bike. With the seat down at its lowest level I can get my feet down on the ground almost flat, not bad at 5'2".
I am currently a very contented bike rider, enjoying the new freedom that extra power is giving me.