2011 Yamaha Tt-r110e on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Win tickets to Silverstone BSB

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship competition The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship title race is hotting up as Silverstone gears up to host the penultimate round of the Showdown this weekend (28/29/30 September) as the leading protagonists prepare to fight it out for the two crucial victories. After a dramatic event at Assen last weekend Josh Brookes stole the lead in the overall standings with just two points separating him and double champion Shane 'Shakey' Byrne. Swan Yamaha’s Tommy Hill had a nightmare start to the Showdown but is determined to fight back this weekend.

Filling a void with an RD350LC

Last winter I managed to fill a void in my life when I stumbled on a very reasonably priced Yamaha RD350LC.  It was a tad scruffy, had the wrong exhausts but most importantly it was blue and white with all numbers matching.  I had the usual euphoria when the deal was done but I underestimated how much pleasure this particular purchase would continue to deliver another eight months down the line. The difference with this old bike is, instead of just taking it for the occasional ride I was talked into doing a full nut and bolt restoration.  Having never taking a bike apart completely before, initially it was quite daunting but I soon found the RD is easy to work on so it turned into a truly satisfying experience.  I’ve had some help from LC enthusiasts with the rebuild, however, the stripping, sourcing and organising was a total labour of love.  And call me sad but it has made me bond with this bike like no other which only adds to the feel good factor.  The bike cost £1800 and I’ve spent around £1000 but I reckon my mint Elsie is now worth a fair bit more.   I fancy rejuvenating a Fizzy  next time but there’s lots of other cheap 70’s and 80’s winter projects  out there so why not have a go yourself?

Not the most sensible of commuters..

This is the white and gold 2012 Yamaha R1. It's also the bike I shall be commuting on for the next 8 months. The crouched riding position and murderous amounts of power may not be ideally suited for the London grind, but with plenty of track action planned I have to make some compromises. There are three fresh colours to choose from.