In The Market For A New Bike - Buying A New Motorbike

Which New Bike to Buy? I wanted a bike which did `everything` ! A superbike, an off road trails bike, a happy commuter, a motorbike and sidecar (to transport all my wares?) I wanted speed, off road grip, ability for touring with luggage. My first decision was to really be clear what I wanted a new bike for and when. I do want an overland biking adventure at some point so I got in mind an `adventure` bike. Having been riding my CBF 500 for a couple of years now, which is fantastic for commuting and a real reliable happy Honda workhorse, it`s time for change! After visiting the NEC Bike Show back in November, I fell head over heels in love with the soon to be in production CCM GP 450 adventure bike. It was time to give it a spin. I booked a test ride whilst the Ryedale Rally was in full swing; the worst weather day in July, I swear! Amidst torrential rains, black skies and wind, I set forth from the CCM tent to see how their new `production` would fair for me. It was so easy to ride, really grippy (of course), but bit a clumpy through the gearing (and I think it had already been identified that it required a bit of TLC).

Shocking weather at the Ryedale Rally

I wanted to try out the bike as I had fanciful notions of having an overseas jaunt with a bike which was capable of everything. I'm not a terrifically fast rider, or technically competent off road but, by God, I`ll have a go at anything. I dropped the bike going through a very slimy ford and when we came upon the next one, my CCM rep offered to ride my bike across for me and re-unite me with it on the other side, as it were. Wasn’t pleased that he bombed out in the water more spectacularly than me, but was reassured that my `drop` wasn’t solely down to my technique! The fords were indeed full of spills and thrills.