Howdi from Grimsby

[GamerWolf]

Helloo to all,

My name is Andy to most and Jr to a few.

I started riding back in early 2003 when, armed with my CBT and a provisional license I hit the roads on (at least what I thought was) my badass XVS125 Dragstar:


It took me almost the 2 full years to pass my bike test (I passed first time - it just took that long to get my ass into gear) and I moved on up to my XVS650 Dragstar Classic (I really liked the Dragstars):


When I first got the 650 it was painted in a Gold / Bronze two-tone but unfortunately due to weathering a few bubbles of rust started to appear and I had it resprayed in to the above colours.

After holding my license for 2 years I moved on again, this time to my current bike, my Bandit 1200S:


I've had quite an eventful time with my Bandit, I've embarrased myself stupid, had a great deal of fun but sadly binned it.

I graduated from Uni last year and (eventually) got a job last August working in Doncaster. This meant a daily 100mile commute on my bike (I hadn't yet passed my car test) which I enjoyed in the sun but hated in the wet. One morning I had a fight with a Diesel spill on the junction to work and lost, below you can see the road belatedly gritted:


Fortunately I was only doing 20mph at the point that my back wheel went skating and the bike wasn't a write off though still somewhat injured. I've kept it (wasn't fully comp) and currently in the process of rebuilding her to put back on the road hopefully soon.

Ironically, I suppose, I had my car test the day after I fell off my bike and managed to pass. I bought a car 2 days later and haven't ridden my bike since, with the exception of a breif test ride up and down the street to check for any engine / frame damage that I couldn't see.

Here is my bandit stripped down ready for fixing back up at my mate's workshop:


And here is how she looked the following week:


All of the fairing is sat in my garage base coated ready for finishing off (metallic black), the forks, peg hangers and a few odds and sods have been polished up and the frame has had a few touch ups here and there.

I've decided to take this opportunity to fit an aftermarket undertray, belly pan and dark tint standard shape screen.

I am hoping to touch up the engine paint as well as it has peeled in places but it's a case of trying to find a close match to the current colour in a high heat paint which I'm finding difficult. I did read a recommendation here on the forums about Halfords black satin engine paint but my local halfords doesnt have it, they only have plain and metallic blacks, both of which dry matt.

I think that I now have everything that I -need- for the bike but there is still plenty that I -want-, but that list could go on forever couldn't it?

A mod that I really would like, but will have to wait as it isn't the cheapest, is a twin level exhaust system with aftermarket SS down pipes and Ten 91v Ovals.

I intend to join the club though I can't make any promises on committments to events (I haven't been to any in years), but based purely on the advice, hints and tips I've received just by reading the forums I would feel guilty not joining and paying my contribution. My cheque book has been destroyed and I haven't requested a new one as I never write cheques. Is there any other way to pay the subs?

Anyway, I think I've rambled for long enough now. I look forward to talking with you all and perhaps meeting you out on the roads some time soon.

Regards,

Andy.
(Hope the pictures aren't too big)

[Tim1200]

welcome to the forum matey

[sherman]

Hi mate,

In my opinion the colours you chose for the Dragstar respray were better than the originals, Y****a will be kicking themselves!

Young Colin

[floppy_chopper]

greetings dude and welcome to the mad-house.....................

[big ned]

welcome mate just think the bike will be ready for that long hot summer ! (next year )

[taz]

hi m8 welcome taz