I’d always wanted a motorbike. Ever since I was about fourteen years old. My dream was finally fulfilled when I took my CBT eleven years ago. From that on went onto cover over 6000 miles in only nine months on a wee Lexmoto Arrow 125.
Determined to Go Larger…
I sold the 125 and worked three jobs in order to save up to do my test. After only two lessons I sat the Mod1 test: I passed! Then I immediately tackled the Mod 2 after a cancellation came up that same afternoon. That’s how I passed both my Mod 1 and 2 on the same day! Hard to believe it will be 10 years ago this summer.
Success, but Then….
With the pass certificate secured I went out and got a really old Yamaha Diversion 600. From that I quickly moved on to yet another Yamaha. This time a FZS600 Fazer 600. Much better than the Diversion. Unfortunately, I got smashed off the Fazer in 2019. Bugger!
Long Road Back
I then spent sixteen 16 months recovering. Once back on my feet I swiftly got myself another bike. A Yamaha of course. This time the meaty FZS1000 Fazer. On this bike I generally cover an average of 4000 miles a year. This went along very well for a few years.
I really really loved my Fazer
Oh Deer…
However in June 2023 a deer decided to leap the central reservation of the M8 in Glasgow and stopped dead in front of me. I came off and broke my back, ribs and shoulder. Bambi in the meantime, cleared off without so much as a scratch. That’s the last time I cry at that film!
Back to the recovery trial, but I was back on the Fazer a year later. Unfortunately I’ve had a few issues with it. This has resulting in me having to spend a lot of money on it. Despite this for the last few months it’s just not run properly and I’ve barely used it. In the past I’ve always used my bikes almost daily all year round at every opportunity.
Happy Ending
Skip back to three weeks ago today my partner proposed to me on the beach in Orkney! I was obviously a bit taken aback. He then told me he had to go get something and took us to his lock up: Here he revealed this beautiful beast for me: A 2013 Yamaha XJR 1300!!
Love Actually…XJR1300
I can’t wait to get out again, I’m sooo excited to be biking daily again!! Can’t wait for bike adventures with my now fiancé! I was so excited about the bike I almost forgot to say yes!
Words and Pictures: Siobhan McNeill 15/02/2025
Editor: Tony Donnelly
Based on a post first published on https://www.facebook.com/groups/2413763460