Ever since the first time I’ve done it, I was sold on the idea that the way to see the world is on two wheels. Since I’m too lazy to go cycling, a motorcycle had to be the way! But simply because a motorcycle doesn’t have a roof or many of the other safety features and comfortable additions that a car has, it is important to be well prepared. Some items will heavily depend on where exactly you plan on going, but most are quite universally required:

1. SatNav – ever tried reading a map while riding a motorcycle – even if as a pillion? It defies the whole point of being on two wheels, as one with the surroundings, being able to absorb the views. With your eyes staring at a map flapping in the wind, prepare yourself for many missed turns, missed sights and endless frustration!
2. Luggage – It can be a challenge to pack all you need if you don’t have the appropriate bags. Also, hours and hours on a motorway while carrying a backpack will leave you stiff and full of regret. Pack as much as you can into panniers, only essentials in a tank bag, and you’re all set!
3. Proper Gear – From a well fitting helmet to good waterproof clothing, being geared up is a must, especially if you’re expecting to encounter some bad weather.
4. Intercom – whether you’re travelling with a pillion or as a group of multiple riders; as long as you’re not alone, it is vital to be able to communicate with your fellow travellers. Depending on whom you’re trying to talk to, a rider-passenger intercom or wireless intercom with a range of multiple km might be right up your lane.
5. First Aid – even if you’re the most careful person on this planet, you should have at least a basic first aid kit with you. Especially if you’re going to some remote locations, it’s good to have something with you, rather than having to depend on emergency rescue services and local health care.
6. Servicing & Spares – this may seem obvious, but your bike should be up for the job of taking you where you’re trying to go! Get it serviced (or do it yourself), pack some spares – you know your bike best so decide on the essentials. If it’s easy enough to install, some spark plugs, a spare clutch, brake and accelerator wire might be a good thing to pack. If nothing else, if you need to be rescued from the side of the road, the break down services can use your spares to get you up and running quickly. Perhaps also a tyre pump and repair kit. You get the idea!

Well as I’ve already mentioned in the About page, I’ve recently started riding around town on the ‘96 Honda CB500 my husband bought over a year ago. Since he’s bought another bike in the meanwhile, plus we also have got a car, the Honda had been lying idle for a while, but this is no longer the case!

I’m now taking it to office almost every day, and with summer approaching, my use of the bike is only set to increase.

So now that I’m using it full time, I can’t be satisfied with the state it’s in at the moment. It’s like an old work horse, which has collected scars over the years, never kept dry and safe, developing rust and generally looking a bit tattered. But I’m going to change all that and in the process individualise the bike to suit my taste.

Over the weekend, I started on this journey - I bought a tube of Autosol Metal Polish, and went to work, cleaning the metalwork of the bike. After finishing the following can be said:

Good bits:

Bodywork in fair order, requiring a respray though

Seat in good condition,

Good tires & wheels

New handlebar & end weights

but that’s about it - bad bits:

Rusty chrome; headlight, shockers

Flaking paint on engine

Torn footpeg rubbers

Faded black plastic (mudguard, meters, indicators, etc.)

Rusty exhaust & downpipes

Scuffed clutch/brake levers

So my wishlist is as follows:

1. Replacement footpeg rubbers
2. Replacement body panels in order to do a full DIY respray, without the risk of permanent damage to original paint!
3. Possibly replacement headlight cover
4. Respray of engine & gear box
5. New levers to go with the new handlebar
6. New, more modern looking indicators
7. Respray of exhaust, or new one depending on how difficult it would be to get a good finish on the old one.
8. Respray of grab rails and other bits and pieces.