Suzuki Club UK

To start with, you have to take a compusory test (CBR test, I think it is). I passed one of those years ago, but it only lasts a year, and during that year you're restricted to 4 stroke 125's max, and have to have an L plate.

Then you have to get a basic bike licence (A1). With that, you can ride pushbikes with leaf blower engines. Then you can get an A2 licence which allows you to ride 47hp bikes. Then you can take a "proper" bike test and get an "A" licence, and after that you can ride whatever you please.

I think you *might* be able to skip over the A1 or the A2. Can't remember.

Anyhew, I'm a far few "tests" away from a 600, but a 125 would do as a DD, I suppose. But "it'll do" vs "Whummm, Whuuuum, (lights go green) BWAAAAAAAM!!!! BWAAAAAAAM!!!! BWAAAAAAAM!!!!"

No contest.

A CBR test? Is it sponsored by Honda?

Why can you only ride 125cc 4 strokes? A 2 stroke would be much more fun (and easily tuned too, nudge nudge).

CBT, I took that a very long time ago.

I think I was very lucky...I took my test when 250cc was learner legal, I had a Yamaha RD250 at the time....I am understanding the new test is very hard, almost like they want bikers off the road.

Yes, sorry, CBT. Took mine on roads that were full of people who don't like bikers (that is to say, took mine on British roads...)

Still, the 600 is some way off.

At last some progress to report. The rear subframe is off, along with the fuel pump, remote shock unit, expansion tank, CDI etc. That was easy...the rest will be a bit more tricky. The front end is a mass of wiring and I have labelled each (last time I did something like this I didn't and had one hell of a headache trying to re-wire everything!). Got one stubborn bolt which I'm soaking in WD40. Next job is exhaust off and both wheels, then I can plonk the lump on a crate and remove everything else!

At last some progress to report. The rear subframe is off, along with the battery, fuel pump, remote shock unit, expansion tank, CDI etc. That was easy...the rest will be a bit more tricky. The front end is a mass of wiring and I have labelled each (last time I did something like this I didn't and had one hell of a headache trying to re-wire everything!). Got one stubborn bolt which I'm soaking in WD40. Next job is exhaust off and both wheels, then I can plonk the lump on a crate and remove everything else!

Finally got that bastard bolt out and the lights/clocks are off. Still having a headache with the wiring loom, but I'll get there.

The radiator and oil cooler look to be in excellent nick!

Got the loom out, radiator drained and that's out, and so is the zorst. Next up is to get the forks off and the swingarm...

I was right about the oil...don't think it's ever been changed!

Got the oil cooler off and managed to plonk the old girl on a crate. Front calipers off and then the wheel, all easy. Undid the handlebars and one is NOT from a Kawasaki, wrong size and colour. Kinda checks with my theory that this bike had a trip down the road on its side at some stage. The rear wheel was a bastard to get off, the nut was seized solid. WD40 all over it and the biggest spanner I have, coupled with a sledge hammer and it finally came off!