About Us

The People

Adrian Ritchie

Of all the authors of this site, Adrian has had the most experience of riding bikes. Although Dave was the first to get a motorbike, a Yamaha R6, it is Adrian that has spent the most time on the roads. His adventures has included traversing the mountainous roads of Norway, racing around the roads of England and ploughing through the miles on his way to the south of France and back. He recently sold his Suzuki Bandit to Shane when a BMW R1200GS came along at the right price.

Shane Marriott

For Shane, talk of a Big Adventure has been a main staple of Yacht Club chat for at least four years. Now, with the purchase of a Suzuki Bandit 600 from Aidy, he is finally stepping up to the plate and starting to make that dream a reality. With his test behind him, Shane is raring to feel continental tarmac under his tyres. 2009 is going to be the make or break year and a trip away in April is already in the pipeline as a taster for things to come.

Dave Brehaut

Dave was the first of this sites authors to get himself a motorbike. We shalln’t mention that dropped it whilst doing his CBT as it would probably be rather embarrassing for him Failing to take his test before his provisional license expired meant he had to give up riding for a while. His next bike was a Ducati 748 and was a rather stunning example with plenty of carbon fibre panels, although it was hell to ride and was soon sold off. He is currently in the process of looking for a new bike.

Leigh Brookes

Leigh was the last of the group to join the motorcycling fraternity. Rarely the first to leap but not one to be left behind, Leigh has taken the plunge and got himself fully licenced up. He is not what you might think of as a typical biker but you can imagine him pottering through the lanes on a sunny summers day on a 1970s triumph with a tin pot helmet, goggles and a white scarf flying behind him.

The Bikes

BMW R120GS

The BMW R1200GS breezed into the motorcycle world in 2004 and changed it forever. It’s a genuine all-round motorcycle that’s equally at home on a trackday as it is on a grand tour. The BMW R1200GS’ 1170cc Boxer engine is a pleasure to use, while the handling, braking, usability and comfort put this motorcycle in a class of one.

Suzuki Bandit GSF-600

The Suzuki GSF600 Bandit was so successful it spawned a whole class. Budget middleweight roadsters. The recipe is simple take one aging but acceptable supersport engine, bung it in a basic, straightforward roadster chassis and price it as keenly as possible. The first Bandits proved best sellers, great for novices and as all-rounders. Latest versions are now 650cc and there’s an all-new engine in 2006. All, including the half-faired versions are great value.

Suzuki Bandit GSF-650

Take a look again. Yes, that picture really is the new Suzuki Bandit 650, but only a trained Bandit anorak would be able to spot the differences between it and the previous incarnation. The Bandit has come under a bit of fire in recent years as it’s not quite as polished or accomplished as rivals like the Fazer, or Honda’s Hornet. But on its own at the bike’s launch in the Isle of Wight you could be convinced it’s all the bike you’ll ever need, especially in half-faired S specification with optional ABS. The Bandit is the Ford Focus of the bike world and a true all rounder in every sense of the word.