Hi Geocast - Yeah I have seen her and I have now learnt (AGAIN) not to buy ANY-BLOODY-THING on impulse.

She's nice enough - and cheap enough - but just not really my sort of thing. I'm far too bloody big to ever fit comfortably on it and even when I was young (and a lot slimmer) I didn't really lust after them then. I have - if you fancy a profoundly weird observation - always wanted an 888. Odd when you think that they are practically the same machine.

Ah Well . . . never claimed I was normal

I guess I'll sort her out properly, put the correct manuals with her - she has the owners manual - add a toolkit (yes I've got one) and sparkle her up, sell her on in the Spring and put the cash towards buying something else. I currently really fancy something like a Vmax/Diavel/Rocket III. We'll see.

I'm sure I put some pictures of her on this forum somewhere. (Yeah - top of this thread - DUH . . .). If anyone wants her I'll sell her only to a forum member of standing for what she's cost me . . . about £4,000. Anyone else can pay open market rate -or I'll keep her and glance at her occasionally and smile wryly!

Hello Rhino
Nice reply sorry to hear about your anatomical indifferences, as you say you can still admire her until she goes happy in the knowledge that at least you ticked it off your bucket list. I am nursing a poorly right knee and I was surprised at how fully tucked up your legs have to be with the standard pegs. It won't stop me having a go but no, I won't be riding to the TT either. My engine got treated to the best of everything by the previous owner and so an unexpected treat for me as it suits my priorities so well (scruffy cosmetics/excellent mechanics)
Chris

Your "right knee" Chris ? ? ?

In the near future I have to have BOTH knees and BOTH hips replaced. Currently the idea of swinging a leg over almost anything is excruciatingly painful.

I find it odd to be actually looking forward to major surgery . . . and if anyone ever asks me "What's so good about the 21st Century" my reply is always the same . . . anaesthetics!

sorry to hear Rhino - please don't think knee is 'it' though as had career ending injuries 20 years ago unfortunately and have had Morphine for just as long. Neither of us can complain though tbh - you only have to read up on Hamish (McTool) or Don if you need convincing.
Chris



thought I better add :- poorly knee is an understatement but not one to make a fuss - told inoperable but too young for replacement (57) - had to stop cycling September 2011.

hey Rhino,

well done. you won't regred this. add a big bore kit on the 851 and you have 888 or bigger.
in the Netherlands they start at € 3500-€ 4000.
SP's are an totaly different legue. A friend of my used to race a 888SP3.
after he stopped racing, I did a full restauration on the SP3 including a new SP4 engine. these bikes tops € 10K.
I was rewarded with some money and all the racing parts incl. 2 SP3 engine's in race trim, and 2 sets of magnesium wheels. so, one day I may need a 888 toolkit.

Bertus