I bought a K100RT in autumn 2007. A whim really. I was looking for a comuter, which I could leave at the train station. Browsing on ebay I saw this big blue thing. Hmmm. Did some research and found they were a bike of choice for long distance dispatch riders - that's a pretty good recommendation I would say. So I bought it for £800.

I wasn't expecting much in the way of performance and handling, so my first ride out was surprising in some ways. Of course, it's not fast or good handling in the sporting sense. But it has other strong points. It's very big and very comfortable, which is pleasing in practice. It's heavy, but once past 10mph it's easy to ride and the steering is neutral, so don't feel the weight. As I trundled along at 50 down the A6, the heated grips began to work their magic, a glow began to warm my knees from the back of the fairing and I realised I was enjoying myself. Size, comfort, warmth and a full fairing equal contentment.

Avoid slow traffic in town, cause it's a real pain and difficult to find gaps. My CB500 is much better through town. But out on the open road it's genuinly pleasant - much better than the CB unless you're after something sporty. The build quality is tractor-like and I'll bet they last forever. Easy to service and good online support for spares from motorworks. I keep thinking I ought to want to change it for something "better", but the truth is I don't want too. I like riding it.