Past and present motorcycles

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A few bikes have come and gone over the years, and three are still with me. Here they are, with some photos from the trips along the way.

Past bikes

Yamaha TDM850

One of the early TDM850s: Yamaha’s 850cc parallel twin in an upright, half-faired all-rounder with twin round headlights. The Dungarvan photo was taken on the way back from a bike rally.

Front view of the TDM850 and its twin round headlights — The TDM850 at home.

Kawasaki ZR-750 Zephyr (1993)

Kawasaki’s retro revival: an air-cooled four-cylinder with twin shocks, chrome and classic lines. In 2004 I toured all around Ireland on it, including the run up the west coast. I did the valve clearances on it myself.

Zephyr 750 packed with a tent and sleeping bag beside the water — Packed for the 2004 trip around Ireland.

Zephyr 750 with a tank bag on a road above Cork Harbour — Packed for the 2004 trip around Ireland.

Still on the road

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1999)

I’ve had the Blackbird since about 2003. When it came out it was the fastest production bike you could buy. The original red faded badly over the years, so about three years ago I repainted it myself.

Blackbird at Ladies' View overlooking the Lakes of Killarney — Ladies' View, Killarney.

Blackbird parked on a clifftop road above the sea — Ladies' View, Killarney.

BMW R1100RT (1996)

BMW’s boxer-twin tourer, with a full fairing, an adjustable screen and room for luggage. I still have it.

BMW R1100RT with top box and helmet on a rocky track — Top box on, ready to tour.

Front view of the R1100RT and its tall touring screen — Top box on, ready to tour.

In the shed

Kawasaki ZZR1100 (1993)

A D3 model, and the bike the Blackbird took the speed crown from. It’s been laid up in the shed for years. It needs a new fuel tank, but otherwise it’s fine.