Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Like others, having reached my eighties, I found many bikes too large and heavy for me to push around without dropping something. I like only large capacity single-cylinder machines, so the available choice was not great. I was fortunate in acquiring the SJ model, last iteration of the XBR with wire wheels and, having got used to it after decades of the archetypal "Britbike", I have come to love it.

It is small, narrow, light and very responsive, both in handling and engine behaviour. Roadholding is excellent and entirely predictable. In short - it is just a great deal of fun. But it is a "sports" bike and I think would prove less than ideal on longer, touring journeys.

At the moment the XBR remains affordable but, together with the GB500, at last they are being recognised as something a bit special and prices are increasing accordingly. Be quick. I cannot think that anyone would regret owning one of these little crackers. Mine's a keeper.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This is my third one. I have been riding bikes for 40 years and I have just purchased another one. Always fun to ride, effortless roll on of power delivery, predictable handling, massive tank range; 200 miles easy.

Faults:

Only problem so far was a snapped clutch cable - not much fun in peak hour traffic. Very easy and cheap to replace. No local spares, but bought from Poland on eBay.

General Comments:

Found the BMW a bit too heavy now that I am getting older (72!), but still enjoy a weekend ride and it's better for commuting to work when the weather is kind.

Bought the bike as a grey import to Australia. The import guy told me that it came from Germany, and the last owner sold it as he thought he was too old to ride - at 70; which was my age at the time.

The bike had done over 80K and it had obviously been reconditioned to a very high standard - it looked and ran like new.

I find the handling suites my riding style on the open road and in traffic, and I think it's the best bike I have owned. Have lost count how many bikes over the years. My first was a Berini moped while I was still at school.

The looks of the bike suit the current fashion of cafe racers in Australia, and the electric start is appreciated and commented on by the Yamaha cafe racer owners who only have kick start.

Intend to keep this bike for when I retire - which is well overdue!

Faults:

Silencers were pretty shot when I bought the bike, so fitted a 2>1 Predator stainless system.

Side panels re-sprayed, otherwise a smart bike.

Recently failed it M.O.T. on the rear brake - wheel spun up on a lathe and lightly skimmed the hub braking surface, new shoes fitted, and passed its re-test.

General Comments:

A fairly simple 500 thumper that is great fun to ride on sunny Sunday mornings. Long journeys are probably not that comfortable, and with stock bars and mirrors, the rear view is hopeless.

The bike has much charm and character - I'll not be parting company with it in the foreseeable future...

Faults:

The only thing that has ever went wrong with this bike, is when I first bought it and had to have the rear brake drum re-lined.

General Comments:

This is the best bike I have ever had. Would not and will not part with it. She goes where you want her too, and does everything you ask.

I prefer this to my Triumph Trophy and my Honda VTR1000.

If you want reliability, fun and good handling, this is the bike. Just remember the brakes are not up to modern day standards... however the engine braking compensates for this.