To get this thread back on track !!! Summer of 76. KH250, a few months old and outside Horsemans kawasaki in liverpool, I came out, "Paddy Hopkirk Agordo" Ashman Boots And "Leatherette" Brando Jacket, turned the ignition on and kicked. Nothing. Must have kicked it 50 times, helmet off then jacket off (it was a hot summer from memory) still nothing. A few yards away, an old bloke (probably late 20s) long hair, beard,Tee shirt, open face with shades sitting on a Black Interstate got off his bike, sauntered over and turned my Kill Switch to on, walked back to his Commando, 1 Kick and roared off.
42 years later There are several Court orders banning the Fat Ugly Bloke on the Norton 961 from all Kawasaki dealers in the North West.
The last bit may be artistic license, but it always stuck with me. I've lusted after a 961 since they first emerged, and last year I had the opportunity to buy a virtually unused Sf at what I could afford so I flogged my longstanding Guzzi for a really good profit, and parted with a 9 month old R nine T Racer S for a massive loss.
Any regrets ?, Lots. But not enough to part with it. I am lucky enough to have a few bikes, and apart from 2 up riding, I have clocked 1800 miles this year on the SF and don't even look at the other bikes. and as soon as the Mrs goes to work, I'm out in the Garage with a brew just staring at it.Thats not happened since I bought a 916 20 years ago.