Hi all.

Dave from St Helens, UK.

I first used the forum in 2005 when my (now) wife and I were planning a euro 2-up adventure by bike on my trusty old Thunderace. For a number of reasons, we ended up doing the 3 month tour on four wheels instead of two and its a real regret that we didn't go by bike.

Since then, marriage, two kids and work have got in to the way and although I've managed to squeeze in a couple of France weekenders here and there, a 'big' adventure was out of the question. For financial reasons the bike eventually had to go (last one was an Aprilia RST Futura) and for the last few years I have been bikeless... and miserable!

This summer, a mate of mine was looking to get rid of a 2000 ZX9R which was sat in his garage unused, annoying his wife. I took it off his hands for the princely sum of £250 (he only wanted £50 for it, but I felt too guilty to give him this!). An oil change, new fork seals and rear pads and it sailed through an MOT and now runs like a dream. Not the perfect RTW bike I know but it has re-kindled my love of bikes and I'm hoping to get some more distance/touring riding in next year.

Ten years since I last visited here and this forum seems to be as useful and informative as ever! Only another ten years and the kids will be old enough to look after themselves and me and the Mrs can finally take on the adventure I dream of.....!! I'm sure the time will fly by!

Pic of my bargain buy attached... hopefully!!

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