back in the saddle - part 1
 

after reading Zhed's stolen bike report i thought i would post a report of how things turned our for me. LK51ZUC a yellow 748 was stolen within 45 mins of me getting off it, literrally under my nose in January - the usual feelings of anger, disbelief, insecurity and just having worked hard for something - then have it wipped away. Police were no help and made an error in deleting from there system after 24 hours. Insurance company (Carole Nash/Equity red star) were efficient and business like - they referred it to a loss adjustment company who i then had to have a recorded interview with (hour long) thought this was a bit over the top, but what the heck. Payment was £95 less than the value so no real argument. Then i had to find a replacement??

part 2
 

wanted to find something thru the club as that is where i got the first 748 - was seduced by Gordy's 888SP5 lookalike and a testride was arranged for a cold late feb, but sunny. This was a great bike, but i would not be able to use it on a "regular" basis and the lack of turning lock did give me the shakes. Then my business partner(rides a RSV Mille) reminded me that you get a 100% VAT back on new bikes so buying a bike for £6995 was actually £5770, off i went and tried a new 749 and a multistrada - '04 models to be had at £6995 or less. This just confused me - the 749 was sweet, but the MS ideal for the riding i do most of the time.
Much soul-searching and i decided that i wanted another 748 - had always thought about LeeB'S 748R which was for sale ages ago - rang him and arranged to meet and we went riding together me on his 748R and him on his other bike 998R - lucky fella and a really nice guy.
of the 748 breed a good R is unbeatable and his felt like a good one - but in the back of my mind i was still getting something wich required more maintenance and was more focussed than the ordinairy 748 - i found a low mileage late '02 model 748E test rode and bought for cash last weekend, it is a year newer than what it replaces(smooth fairing style) but otherwise the same - now just to add some miles / smiles and time riding to build up those little anecdotes that makes a bike "your bike" The moral of the story - don't let the shits out there get to you, gotta get on with life. Thanks to all support when i had the bike stolen, thanks to Gordy and LeeB both great club members and look forward to seeing y'all soon - ciao4now

Well, I'm glad you're sorted out and back on the road.

Maybe see you out and about.

mate, excellent news .. now get one of these anchors sorted ....

http://www.rhinodevelopments.co.uk/

already have - looking at getting a "bikesafe" type thing - pricey but less worry/ grey hair for me. By the way - all you 748R owners....lucky b.....s!

good little read that.
hope you have a good summer on ya new bike