My first "big bike" after passing my test was a Triumph Bonneville T140 upon which a very young myself and Mrs FT ventured to France as our first holiday together (see pics below - a very different France back then as well). Whilst in France the engine decided to eat itself and we hitch-hiked home, the bike arriving two weeks later courtesy of the AA. In the meantime someone had leant me a Japanese bike, a Suzuki GS1000, which was a revelation: fast, smooth, comfortable, vibration-free and oil tight. Well that was it; there was no going back. Went through a succession of bikes always seeking that mythical beast the "perfect bike". Strangely I think I might have found it now in my Royal Enfield 350 Classic. Or maybeI've learned to live with its imperfections!
![[Linked Image]](https://www.tm-img.com/images/2024/10/20/IMG_3281.md.jpeg)