Fingers crossed, knock wood, etc. etc....

[ffutures]

...I have a "new" bike - actually several years older than the last one - for £200 more than I was given for the old one. It needs a cable replacing and an MOT test before it can go on the road, but hopefully I can make sure that it's OK and finish buying it early next week.

I'll post more details once the deal is done - I'm so astonished that I found something I like and can afford that I don't want to jinx it by gloating too much...

Comments

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

And here was me thinking all second hand bikes were vanishing off to Poland... :)

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

I suspect that certain models - e.g. my old boxer - are in demand because they are built like tanks and don't have the electronics of later bikes; you can keep them going with fairly basic tools, without worrying about the engine management computer (or whatever) throwing a wobbly.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Hurrah!

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

And there is (cautiously) much rejoicing. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that there are no really bad hidden faults - I'm getting it from a fairly reputable dealer so hopefully not.

The thing that astonishes me is how cheap the REALLY big bikes are if you shop around - for example, you can find plenty of recent BMWs at say 1100cc or 1200cc for around 2 grand, I suppose the problem is that they're fuel hogs and really not very suitable for UK roads. If they didn't terrify me I'd be tempted...

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Those things always scared the hell out of me, too. D-d's Citroen C3 only has a 1,100cc engine and it hauls around the whole wee car!

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Exactly - plus the centre of gravity is way too high on most of them so you must have to be incredibly careful going into corners, they're too heavy to push-start if the battery goes flat, they seem to be designed to accommodate the engine and fuel tank rather than the driver, etc. etc.