In anticipation of passing my test, I agree to buy a mate's 400/4. It's a minter, in burgundy, with gold striping. I even bought a matching Kangol crash helmet.

One Saturday, we decide to go the Halfway Cafe on the A20. It starts to rain. I lead the way on my now ratty TS. Arrive at Leeds' Bends. Dave comes flying past on the Honda, loses the front on something slippy, and parts company with bike.

Honda slides some 50 yards on its lhs, then something catches, flipping it over and over, before coming to rest on the grass bank on the far side of the road.

Write off.

I park up, and run back to Dave..."I think I'll have Gez's KH250, after all." :-)