New Bike Time (again!)

I had reluctantly come to the conclusion that there was no practical way of adapting the handlebars of my Classic 350, to allow it to be brought down my exceedingly narrow passageway leading to my shed in the back garden. 

So I hunted around for a replacement bike with narrow enough bars and settled on a 2000 Kawasaki GPZ500s. It's in very good condition for its age and has been very carefully maintained and upgraded by the last owner. It also came with a rack and large top box so was ideal for a tour. Most importantly, it (just) fitted down the entry, albeit with the bar end weights removed!

I bought the bike sight unseen and had it couriered across from Manchester to my new home in Anglesey. All was good, and with the insurance in place (although I had forgotten to tax it!) and some Spring sunshine, it was time to take her out for a spin. 

I had a lovely few hours, taking the lanes across to the A55 and then seeing how she performed on dual carriageway, before taking to the lanes again across to Menai Bridge, Beaumaris, Benllech Beach and finally back home. I have to say that it was lovely to be back on a bike with a bit of power again! Not exactly a superbike but much more powerful than my recent steeds.

A Ride to my New Home

I had moved to Anglesey at the end of April, but my 1961 Royal Enfield was still stored at my temporary abode in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Now that my bike shed was complete, it was time to bring her to her new home in Anglesey.

It was 4 hours of relaxed riding, taking the scenic route along the A5 Old Coach Road through Snowdonia, with a coffee stop halfway at Betws y Coed.

It rained for most of the journey but that didn’t spoil it and the bike behaved impeccably the whole way.

She’s now been shoehorned down the very narrow entry and taken up residence in the Amlwch motorcycle museum! (aka Noel’s shed.)