New GZ250 Rider in Portlaoise, Ireland

[Pelagic]

Hi,

I'm Ted Squire, a retired American ex-pat living in Ireland.

I haven't owned a bike for some years, so it's learn to ride all over again. I can't get Irish licenses based on my Mass licenses, so I have to take 2 theory tests, two mandatory sets of lessons and then two driving tests. After getting a full motorcycle ticket, we have to wait two years to ride anything over 29??Hp. That doesn't bother because I want something smallish just for sunny days and the local country roads that go up into the Slieve Blooms (mid-Ireland smallish mountains). It's just a lot of paperwork and expense. And as you know, Retired = limited fixed income

As a youngster, like everyone, I started on a Honda 50 then had to have a Triumph 500, a Z1 Kawa, then a Triumph 750 triple. In my late 30's I needed something smaller (better mileage) so I added a GN250. So you don't have to guess why I just purchased the GZ250. Oh, and I forgot the whole list of 650 BSAs, Triumphs and Yamahas. Those machines twice took me thru all of the lower 48. But today I don't think my butt wants to do much motorway and certainly 2-3 hours is more than enough time in the saddle.

My bride bought me the bike and then demanded that I purchase a full set of protective gear. So that's all set. I'm not sure how she learned the phrase, but she wags her finger at me and says ATGATT. And since I don't want my keys to get lost, I'll do as I'm told. (she's a gorgeous Irish redhead so I can't complain. Did your partner buy you a bike??)

No need for me to post any photos. Black Bart is a completely stock 2008 with just 6000kilometers on the clock. A Harley guy had it as his around town bike, and except for a few water spots, from delivering it to me, the machine is showroom. It feels, sounds and looks new. Well that's a tiny fib. I hate badges and have removed everything but the "Marauder" on the tank. My bride stopped me from stealing the dental floss from the bathroom or the tank badges would also be gone. The decals were a 10 minute job. Sorry but they ripped coming off or I'd donate them to someone who has repainted and needs them.

I can't take Bart on the road until I pass my theory test and get 16 hours of training, but I have a few questions. I'll fire them, one per topic, into the correct forums.

Anyway, that's my story and I'm glad to have found this forum and be the new kid on the block.









ted
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