Yes it's true. Sold her yesterday. Since owning the bike I have only used it to cover 2,000 miles or so. Sat two winters in the garage.

I know when I bought it I complained an awful lot about the bike and to be frank I never got used to riding it. The negatives outweighed the positives by far (for me).
Drivers in this country are THE worst in Europe, official figures, with no respect at all for fellow motorists so bikes have no chance.
The conditions of the roads here are hell and this is one of the great positives of the big high Tenere, it took all these roads could throw at it and didnt even blink. Its a tank of a bike like a Humbee.
To give you some idea in the past 5 years I have written off three tyres and one mag alloy going down pot holes here!

Problems for me, as an older biker, where the height and weight of the bike. There was no room when mounting and dismounting for even the smallest error, once it got past the smallest -out of line- degree it simply went over. I dropped it around 5 times getting on and off it! The cost of parts is silly. Thank God I had crash bars fitted so it was 'only' mirrors and leavers, no body damage.
High winds where hell on it due to its high COG and the vibration over any distance made it uncomfortable. I always had a numb bumb after a drive longer that 50 kliks.

My main concern was having to make an emergency stop. I just KNOW I was not safe enough to handle the height and weight. Not fair to me, my passengers or other road users to remain on a bike I was never realy in control of. I guess age also takes its toll plus seeing so many accident victims.

The other major concern was the awful quality of the bike. It had corrosion problems all over the place. Had I not sold it this year I fear in another 24 months it would have been worthless. Cant get my head around that. I washed and cleaned it, kept it dry in a garage well ventilated. Its simply not made to the standard of Yamaha Japan. Nor is the 125. Both made in Italy. Enough on that though I have already made so many posts regarding this point. The bike never missed a beat and was totaly reliable. It is a very strong bike. I can't see them ever becoming clasics though due to their build quality?

The real odd thing is I am so sorry she has gone! I miss her something fearfull! Work that one out!

I think my days on two wheels are over. I enjoy the -feel- of metal around me, with seat belts and various air bags. I know, I know, woozie.

Still have the 125 to potter around on IF I get constipated! lolol

You are a great bunch of people, please keep safe and do look after yourselves.

Very best wishes,

Ryland