Saul

I don't really want to retire to be honest. Don't get me wrong I am halfway there as I am only contracted for 19 hours a week at the moment by choice. I do more when I want and probably work full time most weeks. My current job facilitates this. But whatever it is I want to be doing something until I peg it, my mental health suffers when I don't work.

Obviously new and everything is pretty tight, sounds really good on the standard pipe and you can feel it is an angry fucker. Wants to go even though I have yet to run it in. Haven't found it jerky on and off throttle or overly tippy into the bends like most of the Youtubers are moaning about. Feels like a CB500 with better brakes and tighter handling, which for me is perfect. I am chuffed to bits with it. Probably some gushing to follow once I have some more miles on it.

I think it is a lot to do with the individual salesperson personality as well. Some good some monumental arseholes and every option in between. Although you do get a vibe from the dealerships as well. I know when I went into the Plymouth Harley dealership they summed me up as just looking. They were right but friendly enough about it.

It will never be this clean again. Old and new

I liked it.

Yep I am sure they were, but the bike is perfect, 4900 with FSH. Just being shady barstewards

Still got the Givi top box. Not gonna bother with the hand guards,. Gonna need a rack and pannier frames if the CB500's one won't fit, there is a chance they will. Fender Extender for the front, screen protector, some stick on tank pads, bobbins and paddock stand. Prolly some engine guards and maybe a screen. Only ordered a couple of bits so far, gotta wait for this months pay before anything else.

Hat and jumper time Clive. Sad thing is my kids think I am joking

Don't worry Farkles on the way already

I still think fondly of my Himalayan and can see me having another to play with in the distant future.

New stair carpet, just the start of the new bike penance.

Yep I had that feeling especially as they said my bike would have to have a full check up by their techs before the offer was valid.

I have actually bought 4 bikes from Damerells in a year including my boys scoot. I went up their on Tuesday and the salesman hugged me . To be fair they made the best trade in offer to, which helped. . Think I will have to keep the Hornet for awhile as the Mrs raised an eyebrow this time, plus I think this one will be a keeper. I have actually narrowed down what I want a bike for now, rather than trying to find a job for a bike, if that makes any sense. As you can tell I am prone to over thinking things.

I was put off by the attitude of Triumph Plymouth, offered a derisory trade in on my "Off Brand little bike". Also refused to confirm the offer they did make in an email. If they would not take the time to email me I won't spend money there. Plus they were generally just fucking rude. One of my mates warned me but I was too daft to listen.

I wanted something faster really. I have given up on the idea of regular commuting as I just wasn't using the CB500 enough for that purpose and that was a big factor in choosing it. Without the limitation of economy I thought I would like something a little more fun. I tried several bikes (sat on rather than rode) and thought about many more but I came to the conclusion that I liked the physical size and weight of the CB500, the Hornet is near identical in both of those aspects with nearly double the power plus some tech to play, so a no brainer as it was within my budget. I do like a Honda, especially a new one made in Japan. Close run second choices were a 2021 Triumph Tiger 660 and a really nice fully loaded second hand CBF1000. Triumph Plymouth made sure the Tiger was a not a choice, I will never darken their door again, and the CBF was just to heavy.

Just changed my insurance over to the Hornet, getting a little excited now. Picking it up at 10:00 am tomorrow.

I must admit I think it look great and I reckon they will sell by the shed load. I would have to travel if I were to buy one though following my recent experience with Plymouth Triumph I wouldn't buy a coffee there.

Tomorrow looks evil but Thursday is looking ok down here.

I popped up to Damerells this morning and had a quick look around the showroom. It always surprises me how many bikes they turnover. Nothing stays there long. They sell Husky’s now. I was never that convinced by the looks of the Norden but in the flesh it is quite a Hansom beast. Also the Svartpillin thingy was quite a striking looking bike. Haven’t decided if I like it or not yet but definitely something you would look back at Also saw my new Hornet there ready to collect. Going up on Thursday morning to do that.

Well I was getting wound up about the marks on the tank so I went up to Damerells to show them, salesman took one look and said: "Don't worry about it that'll polish out". So I was worrying over nothing.

Well I was 10 but I do remember the standpipes. Didn't seem to bad to me but I was 10 what did I know.

England Vs SA Argentiina Vs NZ. SA vs NZ in the final then.

This is some game already 9 mins in.

Fucking Hell Cirille.