My first experience with motorcycles was when I was around 16 years old and I bought a little “beta 50cc” off/on road bike on the never never as they called back then (its just called debt now lol). My mates used to call it the “plastic pig” back then as it was mostly made of plastic but I believe “Beta” motorcycles are one of the best in the field of trial bikes today?

It was a while before I got my real proper 1st road bike. That was around 14 years later when in 1994 I passed my test and bought a second hand Honda CX500. It was a great work horse and a fantastic commuter. I believe I’ve still got the Haynes manual somewhere for it. Unfortunately due having a couple of young kids, financial issues etc that bike only lasted a couple of years.

However from a very early age I’ve always wanted and was fascinated by Harley Davidson motorcycles. I said to my self, on numerous occasions “I will have a Harley one day”.

I met my lovey second wife Karen in 1996 and we bought a new house together in October 1997 for us and our 4 kids (2 each off previous marriages). One of the first things I did was to build a base and shed in the back garden. She asked me why was the base was so much bigger than the actual shed? I said well that’s for when I get my Harley. “Lol”

Anyway I finally did it. In 2009 Harley Davidson had just recently brought out the Harley 883N Iron and I was hooked. In April 2009 I finally bought my self a brand new Harley Davidson. I loved that bike. Did all my own servicing, fitted Vance and Hines short shot exhaust amongst other upgrades. I went all over on that bike and put a total of 26812 miles on in the time I had her. One of my favourite trips was in May 2018 when me and a couple of mates went to the Killarney Bikefest in Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way ride out was absolutely breathtaking and something I’ll never forget. Anyway I finally said goodbye to her after 9 years.

My next bike brings me right up to date. I had been looking for my next bike for ages and it had to be another Harley. The V-Rod just kept calling me so I decided that it had to be the next Harley for me. I had originally decided that I would buy a brand new V-Rod when I retire which is in April this year but as you’ll all be probably aware Harley Davidson dropped the bombshell that as of 2017 they’re not making any more ahhhhhh. So I bit the bullet and found my 2017 VRSCDX Night Rod Special in my local dealers for a ridiculous high price and with the blessing of my wonderful wife bought it in Feb 2019.

I’m now looking forward to meeting all you guys for the first time and for my first ride out with you all this year at the Peak District.

My mods so far:

• Replaced exhaust wrap
• Front LED headlight
• V-Rod LED turn signal indicator rear view mirrors.
• Replaced stock chrome brake and gear levers for black ones
• Replaced stock grips with HD diamond black hand grips
• Fitted alteredstatedesign rear passenger peg extenders
• V-Rod LED rear light fender eliminator.

Check out my favourite photos