11 Months On..

Lots of things have changed. Unfortunately things had become busy and I had totally forgotten this blog even existed. It was only after going back to an old browser (in the hopes of being able to download a motorcycle video off youtube - Ride 2) that I noticed an old bookmark.

After just reading through my last post, I feel somewhat obliged to continue. My final year at University had put me under a lot of stress and to make matters worse, I had decided to remove the only release I had - my bike. After my final hand-ins were complete, there was only one thing on my mind. I rode all the way from the South to the North of England and brought my ZX6 back to Newcastle. It was the most liberated I'd felt in a long time. The sun was shining for once and the stress of the last year had come to an end. Looking back, I wished I'd have done more with my free time than ride around the same old roads - still, theres always next year.

Compared to my CBF250, I hadn't ridden the ZX6R as much, I had too much on my plate. I believe I put around 10000 miles on it. I rode the Lake District, Scotland, The Dales, The Moors, Hampshire and the Ace Cafe. I found the bike to be a temptress really. It has very little torque which meant the feeling of adrenaline was never obtained unless you were really pushing the bike. This had made a conscious impact on my thinking towards the next bike. With my insurance running out alongside my bank funds, I could only think to get rid of it. It needed servicing and TLC. I sold it on for a measly £3350, around 40% less than I had paid 12 months prior.

At first, things were fine. I had money so I had things to do, but slowly towards October time, I was diligently looking towards my next purchase. I had squandered £1500, things were looking bleak. I got my act together, got a job (albeit temporary) and started the long process of saving. I read countless reviews looking for a bike that was:

• Torquey
• Bigger than 600cc
• Better fuel economy
• Had character
• Was different yet eye catching
• Slightly more comfortable (long distance touring)

There was only one bike in the end. I test rode an XC800 and a BMW F800GS but they both felt too sensible. I needed something that was going to reignite motorcycling. I have decided upon the mighty KTM 990 Supermoto. Now I just need to find one and save a little more.

Estimated cost: £5300

Total funds @ 12/01/14: £2900

Total remaining: £2400

Predicted purchase date: March