At last I've ridden the Super Rocket! After 3 years and 8 months of ownership, rebuilding, and fault finding, today I took my maiden ride to the MOT station six miles away, up on Nocton Heath.
I haven't ridden a motorcycle for 17 years. I've never ridden a British bike or a bike with righthand side gearchange and lefthand side foot brake, no indicators and no mirrors. I live on a very busy road near a city centre. And it was raining. Man, that was a hairy ride! But I got there and the thing passed the MOT! Just need a tax disc now and I'm 'on the road'.
After pulling away from my house I instantly forgot what side the gear-lever was on and reverted instinctively to right foot braking, despite the 17 year lay-off. The bike seemed to pull OK and traveled in a straight line when it was supposed to, but I really struggled with pulling up at traffic lights, I wanted to put the wrong foot on the floor and the braking quality is really scary. I left a huge gap between me and the vehicle in front to allow myself time to remember which foot to brake with!
It was really exhilarating though on the open road, despite the rain and the crosswind and my soaking wet feet. I took it pretty easy though and managed to miss all of the worst pot-holes. Until I got to the garage for the MOT which was all potholes. I bounced through one and stalled the engine.
I had half an hour to drip dry in the garage reception before the newly tested bike was wheeled out. I even managed to start it first time in front of the onlookers, hurrah!
It stopped raining for the ride home which was a welcome bonus. I'm really pleased, I didn't think this day would ever come. I hope this message helps to spur on you other guys who've got half-built machines.
I think I'd better get a mirror though, and maybe some indicators..
Terry
