Hi from West Dorset

[Mr Derek]

I've just joined to learn a bit more about big scoots. Lifelong rider but age and injury are making me reconsider what I ride. My KTM 790 Duke is a keeper. It's brilliant for short trips and has been set up exactly how I want it, but I need a bike capable of touring and my Pan European is just too heavy. It needs to be all day comfortable and roomy enough for a chunky 6 footer. I ride to Norwich a few times each year, a 600 mile round trip weekend and further on tours with Scotland being a favourite.

I've looked at several and love the style of the X-ADV, but I'm not sure about the riding position. It feels a bit cramped to me. I sat on a Burgman and, while it was really comfortable, it was almost as heavy as my Pan. Next to look at is the T Max, but they are few and far between in dealers. Crescent in Southampton has one but it's a 4 hour round trip. I haven't looked at anything not Japanese yet.

I'm not in a hurry and won't buy until the spring arrives, so will spend time here and on facetube, doing my research. It's likely to be my last bike purchase and I want to get it right. In the meantime, hello from Mr Derek.