SYDNEY BASED BIKING IN THE NOUGHTIES & BEYOND

2000-2006. I can't remember! There was a Honda NX650 Dominator in here some where, in late 2005 I think.

2007. Dominator was traded on a new Honda XL650V Transalp. Was a good bike solo, but a little underpowered with my fat arse on it, and worse two up with my Son on board! The Transalp was only kept for six months, it was traded on a new 2007 model Yamaha TDM900. This was kept until I had a stroke in late 2009. Sold under consignment by my local Dealer, who ripped me off badly. At this time I also had a Yamaha RD250A, a 1974 model. I resurrected the RD and had it road registered, but due to injuries from a work accident Icouldn't ride it properly. It was sold along with a heap of parts to a local RD enthusiast.

2009. I bought a little late 1960's Yamaha 80cc road bike, to commute the short 4km to work. I did that for a while, before buying a ew MadAss 125 in late 2009 to take over the commute to work. Later that year I had a stroke, and gave up bikes until 2012

2012. Feeling OK enough to start riding again, and missing it terribly I began the search for a cheap 250cc road bike to relearn my lost skills on. I ended up buying a 'grey import' Honda VT250F privately, it was in good nick and scrubbed up really well. I eeven used it in my job as a sub contract courier for awhile after my Great Wall ute was damaged by a hit and run on Sydney. It was by far the best performing small bike I ever had. Kept it until early 2013, by which time I was convinced I could ride something bigger with more space.

2013. Found an old 1983 Yamaha XT600Z Tenere on Gumtree. Looked salvageable in the photo, so drove the 200km round trip to pick it up. Spent a lot of cash buying parts, including $970 for a rebuilt new front wheel & tyre but decided if I wanted to use the bike in my work as a Courier it would need to be capable of long distance road running, have plenty of room for luggage and to stretch out, and be electric start. The decision was made to sell the Yamaha, with all the amassed parts. It was bought by a member of an enthusiasts forum, and yes I did lose a lot of moolah!
After the sale of the Tenere was negotiated, I began researching bigger old road bikes in my $2K budget. They were very thin on the ground! Most of what I saw in that price range either wasn't roadworthy, or running, or both and was missing bits!

Then I stumbled upon the Honda VF1000F at my local bike mechanic/wreckers. It ticked all the boxes, and was  in my budget so I put a deposit on it. It passed rego as is,  and the biggest expense I've had was for a new reproduction seat cover as the fitted one is a bit sad from our harsh Aussie sun.