Took the SV on a jaunt to look at motorcycles first up to Harleston to meet some pals and then on to Wymondham to wander round "Value Bikes" and then to Norfolk Triumph in Watton. Looked at lots of bikes some of which appealed to my pals. I kept looking and thinking, seat is too high, or bars are too low, price is too high, bike is (or looks) too heavy. However I sat on the Triumph 660 tripple which feels very light and my feet touch the floor both sides. I can swing my leg around the rear and get on it without my boot dragging on the saddle. The bars are a bit higher than I expected and it cost £7100. On the downside it has been built to a budget. The horrid back end with the number plate on one of those remote arm jobbies. I asked the saleman why they hadn't joined the small piece of mudguard to the hugger and filled the gap of 35 cm. He looked me as if my zipper was down and pretended he hadn't heard me. Cheap looking two piston, sliding caliper front brakes did not inspire. Then I sat on a 765 low ( factory lowered model) it was much better than the 660 but do I need 118PS ? and the bars are just that bit lower. I think it was about £2000 more. I think I'll go back and have a test ride to prove to myself that the footrest are too far back. One pal was interested in a used bike they had on offer until they told him his trade in bike was a Cat N write off and they couldn't take it. Loud phone calls later revealed thefully faired sports bike had 'fallen over' and busted the plastics. The insurance company decided it's value was less than the cost of dealer supplied and fitted parts and declared it a write off. The owner bought replacement plastics and fitted them and then sold it. My friend bought it some time later as a private sale from a friend of his. To say that he is somewhat upset is understatement. No such thing as too much research when buying used, even from a friend. Still it was a nice day for a ride and I managed 188 miles on the SV although that new tuck roll seat is not as comfy as I was hoping. Norfolk "B" roads made me feel like a one legged man in a buttock kicking contest. The SV needs a first MOT, two tyres, and soon a 7500 mile service and I suspect a new chain and sprocket set. So it may be time for the SV to find a new home.
