GolfLima

I think Fozzie is being a little unfair to the XJ6. I test rode an ER6 alongside the XJ6 and instantly preferred the buttery smoothness of the 4 cylinder Yamaha engine over the jerky noise of the Kawasaki twin. There wasn't much to choose between the bikes on paper and I thought the Yamaha was better built, better for slow speed riding and looked nicer than the ER6 (subjective thing so everyone to their own). Having ridden mine from brand new for 6 months now (and ridden around 4000 miles on it) I think it was a superb choice as a first "big" bike. Looking back I do think the XJ6 needs to be thrashed to get going, but get going it does, it's very stable and very comfortable with forgiving suspension and a great upright riding position. I've had mine fitted with full GIVI luggage and now use it as my sensible ride if I need to go shopping or just need to go somewhere on my own and it saves me some fuel in the car. The XJ6 is super reliable, easy to ride, perhaps a little on the heavy side but nothing you can't get used too, very economical (I average around 55mpg) and a great all rounder - not a hooligan bike by any means but a sensible choice for the newbie rider or someone who needs a reliable commuter.....thoroughly recomended in my book! GL

I bought a brand new Triumph Street Triple R in June 2012 coming from a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion which I bought new in February (just after I passed my bike test). Given both bikes are middlewights, they could not be any more different! I love the XJ6 as a practical load lugger and it was an ideal first "big bike", however, for sheer fun factor the STR knocks it into a cocked hat. I now use the XJ6 if I'm going shopping or running a local errand (as I have GIVI luggage fitted), if I just want to go for a blat then the STR wins everytime. I arranged a test ride on a second hand Speed Triple and another on a secondhand Street Triple. I fancied the idea of the Speed Triple as I thought I needed a bigger engined bike for easier over-takes, ie a litre bike. The Speed Triple was an awesome machine, big and brutal with massive power and acceleration threatening to pull my arms out of their sockets. I then jumped on the Street Triple ("only" a 675cc machine) and was stunned when it not only had the massive grunt and acceleration of the Speed Triple but was also super light and chuckable with it - no contest, the Street Triple was a supreme hoot and in my mind the much better bike! The second hand ST3 I rode was orange and a bit too garish for me, it was on the forecourt for £6200 or thereabouts...the salesman told me new Triples could be had for £7999 and I asked if he could source me a black and gold one. Long story short, he couldn't so I went to the web. Really glad I did as for £6,299 I found a brand new ST3R with bellypan, radiator guard and wind shield (which I've since removed) - a steal! I've now had the bike for about a month and ridden her for approx 1500 miles - now fully run-in I can honestly say I don't think I will ever get rid of this bike. It's a hooligan of a machine that can be ridden hard or soft, is really light and nimble and looks and sounds great - especially with the Arrow cans that I have just had fitted. If you're thinking of buying a Street Triple just do it, you won't regret it - great bike! ....oh and if you're buying new, wait until the end of the Triumph financial year and get yourself a bargain like I did GL

St Albans probably a bit too far, I am aware of a couple of local places but don't know anyone who's used them and want to make sure I get the right place so I get off on the right foot so to speak. I have a couple of pals with bikes but they learned 20 years ago! Cheers, GL

Anyone? Someone must have experience of learning to ride near High Wycombe???? Any experiences good or bad welcomed... GL

Hi all, I am about to embark on my Direct Access Training having never ridden a bike. I aim to take a serious approach to learning to ride and my prime goal is to get excellent advice rather than just to pass the test. I enjoy the learning environment and (lucky for me) money isn't really a concern - it's quality training I'm after. With all that said can anyone recomend a good training organisation to take me from novice to full licence within 10 miles of High Wycombe? Key for me are attitude of instructors and availability of bigger bikes from day 1..... I'd rather take a recomendation rather than just a punt following a search on Google.... Thanks all, much appreciated.... - GL