Well it all started when I went to fill up the sprint for the run on Wednesday. Had a run through the lanes to Flitwick and dropped in to say hello to the lads. In the showroom there was a MT-03 Yamaha. Price tag said £4500ish thought that looked cheap and that it was the 3 pot version. Saw the sales manager who informed me that it was only a 300cc bike but you would be surprised at its power. So I took it for a spin and he was right as it went like a bat out of hell for its size. I arrived back and asked him if it had a MOT handy? (This is all Colin’s fault after giving me a load of chat on his new bike).

Half way round the test ride I decided that this was the bike for me as the Sprint was getting too heavy. I have owned three sprints over the past eighteen years and enjoyed every moment of it. Getting old is unavoidable and you only realise it when you try out other bikes that are better suited your riding styles.

Sorted a deal out and here I am today on my new MT-07 in red much to the surprise of the boys who were waiting in the layby at Denham. Brian, Laurie and Steve all liked it and agreed that a small lighter bike was the right way to go now.

We set off for Rykers at a steady 65 MPH. Well within the running in speeds for the new bike with its six speed gear box. While having a coffee got a call from Vinnie who had turned up at 9:30 at Denham. He was a little bit disgruntled but was alright as it was not deliberate for us to depart Denham at 9 am instead of our usual time of 9:30 am.

Anyway on to Brighton a good run down from there and parked up on top but then realised the steps down to Madeira Drive were shut. So we moved down to the far end and then down the ramp to the Drive and parked up. It was a long walk to the bikes which made my legs work hard as I had to put on extra layers of clothing. The Yamaha is not faired like the Sprint was which always kept my legs warm.

Met Bob Brooks who had come on the train, well done Bob! We chatted while watching the arrival of those lovely old machines that somehow still make the journey from Epson every year. Most of them return on the trailers having done their bit for the origins of motorcycling.

Then it was down to the fish n’ chips bar on the promenade. It was really good of me this year as I did not fill up with bacon roll at Rykers and therefore quite hungry by now. After which we had a slow walk back to our bikes while Laurie and Steve had gone ahead and were ready to set off.

I rode back with Brian in the lead as my bike was new and Brian was on his Beemer. Did not stop anywhere and we parted at M40 junction. I rode last 30 miles on my own. Very pleased with my MT-07. Sixty eight to the gallon, quite good for a new engine.

A very cold but good day out!

Ian