M620

Interesting - wouldn’t disagree but only had the older XT 500 & XT 550, and “ to be honest” the 500 seemed the better engine, so maybe the smaller capacity SRX wouldn’t be that bad after all , might have a look at it at the weekend if it’s still there.

Just looked on eBay and found 2, both on two wheel spares site. They appear to like them and have a few used spares as well. Thought about putting a 600 motor in a 400 but cost wise I don’t think it would be worth the trouble.

Yes for sure, already booked on the June one. Thinking I will take my old R65 but it’s in France at the moment - will have to get it back befor the Brexit s*it kicks in , otherwise it could well the SRX yet

“ to be honest “ are they really being truthful or just trying to have you over

Very tempting I was thinking of doing this on it https://www.thegarbagerun.com/the-big-one

You still looking for a SRX 400 ?? http://www.classichondamotorcycles.co.uk/bikedetail.aspx?bike=4786 I think this is more like what they worth - just my opinion though

A few years ago one of the bike mags - Classic Bike Guide I think, did an article on the SRX 600 and really rated it. Likening it to a modern Gold Star replacement ??? At the time I was looking for one and as you quite rightly say the perceived values shot up, from £1200 for a clean original bike to around the £2000 mark. Apparently the early twin shock ones are the most desirable and fetch the best prices, and I have seen restored ones advertised for £3000 + The article did mention the 400cc version but said they were underpowered but other than that the same bike, just not worth as much and less desirable. They did warn though, that apart from the engine, parts were difficult to source, especially bodywork and original exhausts were like hens teeth.

One thing to consider if you are only going for a weekend in France is daily distances, and time in the saddle. It needs to be an enjoyable experience not riding for the sake of it, or sat on a ferry for 6 hours. Pick a place close to a port and explore, it’s quite surprising what you can discover.

They are all the same I changed my car a couple of days ago, phoned for a quote and said I was picking it up the next day. Given the price to change and told to ring back when I had picked the car up. Do I need a reference? No it’s all on the system you don’t need to anything just tell us when you’ve got it. Rang them the next day and that’s when the price started to fly up, I had originally been quoted £19.94. They now wanted £94.94 !! Why the big difference in less than 24 hours. Well my wife and I have moved house in the last few weeks and even though she had told the insurance company ( both cars same company and policy), and she was charged an admin fee, they said I should have rung as well to notify the change. They are apparently not allowed to change both unless they actually spoke to me as well, £25 for that please, £25 for my change of vehicle, £25 for a midterm adjustment & £19.94 extra premium. We will give you a customer loyalty discount of £25 though. They are all bandits

First bike was a 1959 BSA Bantam 175, paid £7 for it in Dec 1968. 16th birthday 2 weeks later and rode it to death from day 1 Needed a rebore after a month.

Any sane person on a bike knows not to visit Paris! + 1 to what he said about Paris, Brittany or the Pays de Loire are good for long weekends

That sounds so familiar 1974 West Drayton High Street on a Norton Camando. Same thing “take it round the back to the workshop” lot more powerful than my old BSA C25, big fist full showing off, resulting in an almost uncontrollable wheelie. Didn’t go through the bus que just got a lot of slow hand clapping and jeering, let alone the very embarrassing comments from the shop staff, never had the front to go back there again

This site might help explain what the procedures and markers mean http://motorsalvagedirect.com/abi.php

Cat D or Cat N as it is now “should” only be cosmetic damage. The old cat C (now cat S) indicates structural damage and would need inspections to put back on the road. I have brought Cat D’s from people who are up front about the history but they are worth considerably less than a bike with a clean history. Also some insurance companies can refuse to insure them for anything other than third party only.

I have done a lot of touring on motorcycles over the years in France and it’s is a large country to cover and would agree the posts regarding daily distances. I like the sound of ferry down and ride back as that will give you more flexibility. The only 2 reservations I would have at the moment are the weather in Northern France in March which has already been pointed out, and would undoubtedly slow you down. Also your return is over Brexit weekend. Who knows the possible aftermath and chaos at the cross channel ports around that time. On a more positive side though, I could possibly get you 10% off Brittany Ferries bookings via my club voyage membership, and I have a place less than 10 miles off the via Michelin preferred route about 300 miles south of Calais which could be a stop over. It appears we are both in Buckinghamshire and have Ducati’s, so if you would like a chat PM me your contact details.