...And the winner is...

Honda CB400



Huh!? What?



So, recently I've been looking at buying a new car.

Unofficially I'd decided that that new car would be the Ford Focus XR5 Turbo.

It was the cheapest, most economic, and more powerful than the Rallyart Lancer. So, it was a clear winner.

Sadly, I had to reassess my finances - the reason being, my best friend, since my first day of highschool, is getting married...

...in Finland.

This is a guy I'd give my left nut for, should he need it. Hell, I'd even give him my right!
So, when he said he was getting married, and I was unable to talk him out of it, I decided that I'd better get my arse into gear and get on board - especially as he'd asked me to be his best man.

So, I'm saving for Finland now, and the new car has gone out the window.

Admittidly this was a bit of a (selfish) kick in the guts. I'd wanted a new car for a few months, and (as you're aware) had done a lot of research into my list. My exciting 2010 was to be no more, save for a trip to Finland.

But then, I thought about a motorbike.

I've wanted one for a while now.

In fact, in 2001 I got a moped because it was easier than getting a bike license, but a motorbike was really on the cards back then.

Now, I was 9 years more... I was going to say mature, but... let's just say 'older', and be done with it.

On Tuesday I swung by a Honda dealership after doing a bit of research as to what bikes I can get on a Learners (and how does someone go about getting a Previsional RE (Bike) license in Qld). I had narrowed it down to a number of bikes, but the CB400 was the only 'road' bike in the list - the rest being made up of super motard, and adventure bikes.

My first choice was the Yamaha Tenere - a legendary bike in it's own right. But, sadly, this bike was too tall for me. Swinging a leg over the seat without dropping it would be a major challange - and not something I'd want to go through every day (twice!).

So, the Tenere was crossed off my list.

Then, stopping in at the Honda dealership, I sat on the CB400 and fell in love.

It was the right height, the right weight, and looked awesome.

Since then, I've done little more than think about this bike, and how I can't wait to cruse the roads on it... it looks like I've found my adventure for the year(s) ahead.

They say, when you fall in love... you just know!?

Well, I just know... this is the bike for me.

My loan application has been accepted, and all that's left is for me to do all the formal parts of getting an invoice from the dealership, taking the VIN number to NRMA (The cheapest bike insurance I've found anywhere) and getting it insured, taking the insurance AND the VIN number to Heritage, then getting the cheque and going BACK to the dealership to pay for this puppy.

The next week (or so) is going to be like pulling nails.

Fortunately I've my first lesson booked in for Sunday, and am going in on Saturday to look at potentially getting some safety gear early.

Wish me luck.