Hi from the Isle of Wight.

[Mosschops]

After many many years without a bike I bumped into an old friend and his wife outside B&Q complete with new 'his n hers' Triumph's. I have to admit I was jealous but the impracticability of their chosen bikes baffled me. Great to look at if you like that kind of thing but what use other than to squirt from corner to corner and look 'cool'?
I got home, googled 'touring motorcycle' and in the process came across the GTR 1400. That was two weeks ago and I've decided to go second hand next February. Wifey has no issue with anything I get up to so long as she gets her holiday once a year so its now up to me.

One thing that does concern me is having minor lumbar spine issues when not having ridden a motorcycle in 13 years or so, but I'll ask about that in the correct forum area.

[Rusty]

Hello Chops and welcome .... If you read through all the threads I think you will get the idea that everyone here loves the Gtr and I have no doubt it won't cause you any further back problems .. it's just so comfy  ;D  Nice to see you are from down here in the Soufff ( me Sussex ) ... there are a few of us ! Have you got a main K dealer on IOW or are you having to come over to mainland ? Let us know how you get on !

[Mosschops]

Thanks Rusty.
We don't have a K dealer on the island but I have no problems with travelling to see a prospective bike.  I'll keep things updated as to how I get on.

I noticed there's a meeting planned for May/June 2012. If you fancy hooking up for part of the journey I'd appreciate the company having been off two wheels for so long. That is if you'd be going.

[Rusty]

Yes of course ... I missed the last one due to circumstances outside my control so I WILL ( 99% ) make the next one ! I think Torquay is on the menu .. you are clearly up to speed on some topics  ;D

[Lonewolf]

Chops, welcome along. Glad to see you have an understanding partner, that always helps.  ;D
You wouldn't believe the lengths Rusty went to this year to get out of the trip, first he started a riot and then made a mint out of working trying to sort out the trouble.  ;)
I dread to think what grief he may cause next year! You are more than welcome though to come along and say hi to us all, we are an extremely friendly bunch.

[Mosschops]

 Thanks guys and sorry not to have answered earlier. So Rusty starts riots? sounds like my kind of bag!

I popped back in because I'm just juggling finances right now ready for the new year. It looks like it'll be late Feb to mid March when the finances are in place.

Must go look at the forums.....

[Rusty]

There has been/still are a few GTR's for sale here ... exceptional prices with low low miles and mint condition ... perhaps they may tempt you.
Check out the thread for next years meet .. looks like The Cotswolds end of June ( havn't checked that thread yet ) and of course it would be a pleasure to ride up with you ... arrange stuff nearer the time. ;D