The Triumph has not left the garage since I rode it home last Saturday. Daily commuting duties have fallen to "The Trusty Steed", a Yamaha YBR 125. As I'm relying on it so much, I thought I'd show it some love.
A long overdue job was fitting new tyres. The original Cheng Shin tyres had about 1mm of tread left on the rear. Tyre sizes for the YBR are a bit strange, 90/90-18 on the back and 2.75-18 on the front. I ordered a set of Michelin Pilot Sportys from Micheldever Tyres. On Monday, I removed the wheels and had the tyres fitted. The difference is phenomenal. Anyone still using Cheng Shin tyres on their YBR 125 MUST change them for Michelin Pilot Sportys, they actually get warm and grip and they don't tramline  like the Chinese originals. 

 

The YBR 125 is built to a price. Components such as tyres, bulbs and mirrors are obviously low cost items that could benefit from upgrade. 

As I do most of my riding in the dark, I decided to to fit a halogen headlight bulb in place of the incandescent original . The bulb is 12v 35/35 watt with a BA20d fitting. I fitted a bulb made by Ring part number RMU417. They are available from AutoBulbsDirect for about £7. The difference is marked. The beam is much whiter and brighter. I had to realign the headlight as it was pointing too high with the new bulb.

Next, the mirrors and maybe a screen!

I've done it! Yesterday I  bought a new bike, a Triumph Bonneville. I could not resist the unique custom paint job. Its painted in Triumph Thunderbird Pacific Blue and Fusion White. Below is a picture of the Thunderbird that provided inspiration for the paint scheme.

 

I had a test ride at Three Cross Motorcycles and could not believe how easy it was to ride, far easier than the GS500 on which I took my test. The engine has oodles of torque ; no need to change down for roundabouts and it has a very progressive clutch. But the most impressive aspect of the bike was the handling. I was expecting a lumbering, heavy feel as this is a retro bike after all. However the bike tipped in very easily and felt very agile.

I have specified a few extras.

• Tacho
• Alarm / Immobiliser
• Knee pads
• Fork gaiters
• Luggage rack
  
• Center stand
• Locking petrol cap - (why is this not standard?) 
  

I'll be keeping the YBR125 for rainy days when I need to commute.