The story of my ownership goes as such, i did have a P reg ZX 6 Ninja, a bike i thought i always wanted, oh how reality bites, i always thought the bike was going to kill me, to the point where i hit a pot hole and spent the next half an hour at the side of the road with tears in my eyes, I was in so much pain. This affected me so much I sold all my kit and the bike with the famous last words, that’s it - no more bikes!!
I then remember sitting on the M1 on a Friday afternoon for about 2 hours in traffic thinking what an idiot I was. The RF was a bike I had always wanted, loved the style, the fact it was not trying to be something it was not, what is wrong with a bike that is fast enough for mere mortals but is comfortable enough to ride all day???
I purchased the one I have, from South Leicester, £800, P Reg. Turquoise with black vents and wheels, black screen with only 9500 on the clock a little cosmetic damage, but it was all there and a true RF. I duly spent the next few weeks stripping all the essentials brakes (seized solid) re fitted the micron exhaust (from the brackets not for the RF 6 but does the job) new pads later was time to ride, after I sorted the front end problem finally traced to sticking piston in brakes and knackered head bearing.
The thing handles pretty well for an old girl, in stark contrast to the Ninja, it is very forgiving and helps you to ride fast. i find it very comfortable and easy to ride, being very stable on fast sweeping bends. As for mods, it now wears very nice silver Goodridge hoses I got from Busters, paid about £10 per line as they were listed as budget!! Nice surprise there. I asked if anyone on the owners club had a K&N for sale and BRADLAD came up trumps, duly fitted and is now a lot better.
I love the way whenever I go anywhere it still gets questions about what is it etc. I also like the fact it surprises more than a few newer bikes, with the way it goes. The only down side is the tank range, but i have got used to that and its not so much of a problem. I ride everywhere with a ALDI special tank bag, can't rate them enough never moves and big enough for daily use (£19!! bargain)
For the future, I am more than happy with the RF6 (although can't help wondering what the 9 is like). I keep finding excuses for longer and longer rides, I can only regret not finding the RF series quicker and can only praise it for rebuilding my shattered confidence.
Next on my wish list (thankfully Mrs Farley 8 doesn't see this!!)
New shock (bids on e bay await results!)
try some Avon tyres
progressive forks springs
new exhaust can (micron a bit too civilized)
and whatever else takes m fancy/wallet will allow
and maybe scratch that nagging 900 itch and start all over again oh the joy of a big garage and a very understanding partner who loves bikes!!!
long live the RF!!
well done m8. like your write up.
