Saber Forum

Just got back from the test centre and (finally) passed my motorcycle theory test!

For our American viewers, here's how the licence and testing works in the UK:

At 16 years old you can get a provisional driving licence (to drive a car you have to be 18).

CBT (Compulsory Basic Test)
A 1-day training course on a moped. Once completed, it is valid for 2 years and you can ride any bike up to 125cc (50cc if you are 16) with learner plates visible.

In order to get a full licence, there are two parts: the theory test and the practical test.

The theory test costs £23 and has two parts, a multiple choice test on the Highway Code, the official rules and regulations for toad users in the UK. The second part is the hazard perception test, 14 short video clip simulations where you need to identify potential hazards as soon as they develop.

Pass mark for the multiple choice is 43 out of 50 (I got 47)
Pass mark for the hazard perception is 44 out of 75 (I got 69)

You have to pass both elements in order to complete theory test. Failure in one or both parts means you need to retest (and pay an additional £23 each time).

Once the theory test has been passed, you have one year to take the practical test. This also comes in two parts.

The first part is slow vehicle control at the test centre. Basically the instructor tells you what you need to do with the bike round a selection of cones. Then comes the on-road test; you on the road for about 30-45 mins with an instructor following/evaluating you, giving you instructions through an earpiece.

If you pass both parts you have the full motorcycle licence. The only restrictions on what you can ride is determined by your age:

Under 19 - up to 250cc
Under 24 - up to 500cc
Over 24 - no restrictions

Am looking to take my practical test in January

I think if the US adopted this idea or created one similar to it, we would have lesser motorcycle deaths.  Of course, you have those that do stupid things while riding and die then you have drivers that don't pay attention added to that.

It would prevent the rookies from buying 600CC and higher bikes as their first bike which in my opinion, isn't a smart idea.

Buy a 600 or larger because you'll get bored of the 500CC and smaller.

This is one of the brainless thought process I've ever heard. 600CC sports bikes are super bikes that are turned road worthy which can harm or kill you if you make a mistake.

This is precisely why the laws exist in the UK. To prevent young people, who are still relatively inexperienced as road users,  from owning a vehicle with so much power they either can't control it, or with so much power, they go out and do stupid things.

Yes, I know it's possible to pop a wheelie on a 250cc or even a 125cc. But it's much much harder. Plus, with a top speed of a 125cc at 60mph (if you're lucky) it makes it much harder to zoom in and out of traffic.

In London, with speed bumps, zebra crossings, traffic lights, road works, pedestrians and general traffic  I'm lucky if I manage to get my bike up to 30mph for 5 secs or more. It will be nice having a big boy bike with some extra grunt for when I do weekend rides in the English countryside.

Also, I think they should have a similar rule for car drivers, so young drivers can't go about and buy a 2 litre engine car as soon as get pass their test. Limit them to 1.4l under the age of 21 and 1.6l under the age of 24.

Yeah... that would suck for farm trucks.  When’s the last time you saw a farm truck with an engine that small?  Over here, in many states, farm vehicles (with special “FARM” license plates) can legally be driven by VERY young drivers if their parents own the farm and vehicle.

Agricultural vehicles have their own class of licence over here.

Ahhhh

Six posts in, and I'll be the first to say CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  :D

I have zero desire to ever own, operate, use, drive, or otherwise interact with, a motorcycle. Or farm truck for that matter. I'm not against them or anything like that, they just aren't for me.

Thank you. And I'm not even sure why the topic of farm trucks came up when this thread was supposed to be about motorcycle licence🤔

Anyhoo....Most people I know have no desire to get on a motorcycle, especially in London. But, after cycling in London for 9 years and never having an accident (although I have seen plenty, including someone get hit by a truck and killed) the transition has been seamless and I love the freedom it gives.

Just for context, London Transport (a government department) and the Mayor of London are trying to reduce pollution in the capital. They have done by introducing the congestion charge. Any vehicle going onto the zone (pretty much all of central London) has to pay a toll, depending on make and model of your car/truck/van (the older the model the more pollution is produces the biggest the toll). It is to encourage the use of public transport, which millions of commuters use every day, and reduce traffic/pollution. Fortunately, motorcycles made after 2012 are exempt as they comply with European environmental regulations. Plus, easier to park a bike in London (u99% of the time I don't have to pay for parking. There are even selected motorcycle parking bays dotted about).

So for me and my needs, a motorcycle is more beneficial than a car. Plus, it's fun. And then there's always the cool factor as well 🤓

Oh, yeah... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  Sorry, I got distracted by the details of the licensing levels and the reasons behind the various gradations.  When you dragged in the regulations for automobiles, I thought of how that would have applied when and where I grew up, and that led to farm trucks and VERY young kids driving them on the roads, perfectly legally.

So, back to motorcycles... I wouldn’t feel comfortable riding one of them on the roads, and to be honest, I don’t like the way SOME people (certainly not all, and not even most, but SOME people) ride them.  In my state, it is not legal to “lane split,” or pass another vehicle in the same lane.  However, in California, this behavior is perfectly fine, and motorcycles will pass between the lanes of traffic, apparently with impunity.  Here in Arizona, it’s illegal (https://www.knappandroberts.com/lane-splitting-legal-arizona/), and therefore unexpected, so when motorcyclists do it anyway, it’s dangerous.  Then you also have the idiots who think that just because their vehicle has rocket-like acceleration ability that it’s not only safe but A GREAT IDEA to accelerate from zero to 60MPH (about 95km/h) on a street rated for 45MPH (~70km/h) as quickly and as loudly as possible, at 3am.

Anyway, I’m going to trust that you are a legal and thoughtful cyclist, and that you don’t do those things, since you’ve been successfully navigating greater London on your bicycle for years.

Cheers!

Just to be clear, the levels I mentioned are only applicable to motorcycles, not cars, which some people say is unfair.

Lane splitting or filtering as it's called in the UK is actively encouraged. It's in the Highway Code; as long as there is space and it's safe to do so, motorcycles should filter in traffic. It helps reduce congestion (one less vehicle taking up space). Pkys there are traffic cameras all around, so I'd anyone goes over the speed limit (bike or car) they get fined and 3 points on their licence. If you get a maximum of 12 points you lose your licence for a set period of time (12-24 months I believe).

Motorcyclists tend to be ok over here. Respectful of other road users and pedestrians. Unfortunately it is the scooter/moped riders who give us all a bad name. Most of them are takeaway delivery workers, typically for Europe, who speed through traffic l, weaving it and out dangerously at speed. Plus, they all seem to have their own little clique ; they only acknowledge other scooter/moped riders. Never anyone on an actual motorcycle. They even have conversations while they are riding! But motorcyclists, we will acknowledge each other with a little mod of the head, and maybe a conversation when at traffic lights. But, we don't rev the engine or go crazy until we head out of London into the Englush countryside. Then, you can open up the throttle. Because at the weekend motorways and A-roads have much much less traffic on them.

I'm sure that you've read a lot about bike accidents. Most of ours here in the states are due to rider error, as in riding so fast and having target fixation.  In 2016, one of my best friends that welcomed me home when I got out of the military was killed from a driver who wasn't paying attention. He died instantly and the driver received a ticket, a traffic citation.....

That year, 5 other friends died of which 3 were their fault from target fixation at 120 MPH hitting the highway concrete barrier and fallen 150 feet to his death (he was on an overpass) to doing 150 in rush hour traffic when a careless drive pulls out in front of them.  As a rider who ALWAYS ride defensively and being aware of all vehicles and drivers around him, I still have close calls. The faster you ride, the narrower the site of view you have and the amount of room you're able to correct. This is why I stopped riding with the larger group and only my one or two friends. 

Sure, I ride fast and have the itch to rider over triple digits here and there, I just don't do it all the time and have a time for it whether it's early in the AM where hardly any cars are there or on the track.

I think that if our laws changed for those just getting into motorcycle ownership and riding, a lot of motorcycle deaths would decreased dramatically here in the U.S.

As a fellow rider who shares the roads with other riders and drivers, it saddens me every time I hear about another fallen rider

I think a lot of it depends on what kind of bike someone wants to own. I remember going on the back of my cousin's Ducatti 996 when I was 16 and I was giddy. Loved it. He went fast, but it was controlled and as it was a Sunday afternoon in my home town, there was very little traffic on the roads, which allowed for him to go a little faster than he normally would.

As much as I like the look of sports bikes and admire them as a feat of engineering, I personally have never wanted to own one. I have always preferred roadsters and cruisers; definitely a fan of the retro styling.

For me, being out on the bike is all about enjoying the journey, therefore I don't need/want to go fast. Also, as previously stated, it's impossible to go fast in London without incurring penalty points on your licence or fear of knocking over a pedestrian. However, the English countryside is full of riders at the weekend, especially when the weather is nice. Some are going fast (80mph+) but most are just crusing along at 60mph.

Not really. I did read some articles before I got my bike, but I found it was affecting my mentality, making me overly nervous before I got on the bike. As much as I love horror movies, real life horror that could actually happen to me I prefer to stay away from.

To each his own, everyone has a preference and that's alright with me. It's when people clique up and bash other bike types is when it's not okay, we all love riding on two wheels. We should share that love instead of trying to make others feel inferior because of your opinions

In case anyone is interested, here is the first part of the practical test for motorcycles in the UK. This video really helped remove any nerves I was having about the test. Will be booking my test for as soon as possible in January.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxwx7AqU7ZU&feature=youtu.be# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxwx7AqU7ZU&feature=youtu.be#)





Video embedded by your friendly neighborhood, Mod.  ;)

Yeah. I've seen some comments on some forums where established members bash newbies and make them feel small/uncomfortable. Rather than sharing their knowledge and helping noobs.

I am thinking of getting a Triumph Bonneville, but there are some older riders who have been around since the 1960s who have a well-defined sense of what biking is, how bikes should look and how bikers should act. They fail to realise that there is a new generation of riders of there who are modern in their approach, likes and wants.

Exactly. We all like what we like, we have preferences, and things that we don't like. I think people lose sight of what things like riding is all about and try to force their ideas and belief towards others.  I like all bikes but prefer my sports bike and a sports cruiser but some only like sports bikes while others only like cruisers which if fine, just don't try to make others feel bad for what they like.

New generation of riders means new bikes, new tech, and new ways of riding and style

The last one I rode was over 40 years ago, and it was a Honda QA-50 (http://imgur.com/a/BIzeHgf.jpg)

I had a friend at work ask me if I was gonna get a Harley once I got my full motorcycle licence. He seemed almost offended when I said no, because Harleys are great in a straight line, but not that great at cornering. Riding in London, we have lots of 90 degree turns to make on a bike, so having a bike that can handle that is kinda essential.

Funny thing is, this individual is not a biker. His dad was (who incidentally used to own a Harley). But he somehow took it personally that I wasn't even considering one. Even after I explained my reasons why. If I was gonna be doing a lot of motorway riding, I may have considered a Harley. But for the kind of riding I'll be doing, it just doesn't make sense. Plus, Harley's aren't exactly the best on fuel consumption either. But they are iconic and beautiful to look at. And the engine sounds amazing.

This is partially why I don't want a sports bike. I'll never be able to ride it too it's full potential during the week. Okay, come weekends I could put it through it's paces, but I'm the kind of rider that is content to have a beautiful looking bike that I can look cool on, and is comfortable to sit on while pootling along at 50, 60 or 70 mph.

Question to you other bike riders, do you put earplugs in when you're on the motorway or do you put in earphones and listen to music? Me, I go the earphone route, cos I have loads of tunes of my phone. I set it to random and just enjoy some vibes in the sun on my bike!

You do know Harley makes Sportsters that are higher set than the Dynas or Softails and can corner like a sports bike? They also make the Street which comes in 500 or 700cc models depending where and get better fuel mileage made for urban riders.

No offense to any Harley owners, just about every Harley owner that I come across spends xxxx amounts of money and time in the shop because something is broken or needs to be replaced.  They remind me of Suzuki GSXR's or the Triumph and Aprillia sportsbikes, just spends a lot of time at the shop. I'm sure there are bikes that hardly need anything replaced but this is just my experience with those that I ride with

I put earplugs in every times that I ride, I used to use headphones but my ears would still ring so it's earplugs all the way for me. Want to protect what hearing I have left! Lol.

How loud are your pipes? Actually, come to think sboyr it, are there any regulations on how loud exhausts are legally supposed to be? We have decibel regulations in the UK, especially for after market pipes and for people who take the baffle out. You can get stopped by police if the pipe are too loud and given a warning (or worst case a fine if you're a repeat offender).

Currently my bike is a nice e volume so ai don't need to wear earplugs on my daily ride. The earphones only come out for long journeys out of London. I tried listening to music while in London once, but found it too distracting. Felt very uncomfortable around all that traffic so I never listen to music while on the bike in London anymore.

To be honest, I have never really looked into the Harley range because of personal preference. Plus, I don't want to "corner like a sportsbike".

This is something I've heard. And as my bike is my main mode of transport, through all kinds of weather, I need something reliable that will be on the road all the time, unless it's having a service.

Mine isn't too bad, I don't really like loud bikes. Heck, my engine's loud enough in my opinion. I wear hearing aid because it's the wind noise and other excessive noise that makes a rider deaf later in age. I rather not become deaf and want to protect my hearing while still being able to hear what I need to while on the road


The running joke for Harley owners that I know is HD stands for hundred dollars meaning that each visit will equate to that.

My helmet is pretty quiet in regards to wind noise. I can hear traffic, which is useful. But, as 99% of my riding is inside London, I never go fast enough or have open roads where wind noise would be a factor. Earphones with music definitely useful for blocking wind noise too (although I'd never thought about it until you mentioned it).

Congrats on passing your Theory test, Lord Knox. Riding is by far my favored means of transportation. And btw, you can't make a post like this without a pic of your bike.

What do you ride, Ultra?

BMW R1200GSA

You?

In an effort to keep my mind/myself occupied I had my Mod 1 lesson yesterday. It went well and I have the Mod 1 test Thursday morning. This video explains what happens during the test. You are allowed 5 "minors" during the test. 1 major (such as hitting a cone, putting your foot down during the u-turn or going over the lines during the u-turn is an instant fail).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3bVhFzTMHo# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3bVhFzTMHo#)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXAruQCpsKU# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXAruQCpsKU#)

Beautiful bike you have there, Ultra!  Always been a fan of dual sports

As for me, I have a Kawasaki ZX10R with a House of Kolors Chameleon paint

(https://i.ibb.co/jVXf3MN/IMG-5080.jpg)

Before that, I had a CBR600RR that I bought brand new and turbocharged it the next year. Was a fun bike on the track

(https://i.ibb.co/8cqSv6h/CBR600RR.jpg)

Keep it up, Knox, you'll be riding in no time!

Beautiful bikes, Infinite!

Thanks, Ultra!

I think you mean "I'll be licence to ride something bigger than a 125cc in no time". But, thank you.

Agreed.

Congrats!

Here in Pennsylvania, USA, 28 and older are not required to wear a helmet. Our instructor (theory and license center low speed exam) broke it down nicely.
“You’re already on a motorcycle. You are clearly willing to accept a higher level of risk than most drivers. It’s up to you, as adults, to decide what your tolerance for risk is.”

Here in PA, you can ride up to 49cc with a standard driver’s license (hence the popularity of the 49cc Honda Metro with inner city commuters)

As far as engine displacement goes, it’s still really easy on a 125cc bike to come into a turn what too hot. There are no replacements for training and experience.

“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.”
- Douglas Adams


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This bears repeating over and over again, on many, many topics.  I should probably have it tattooed on the inside of my eyelids, figuratively speaking, to remind me to pay attention to my own behavior.

Thank you, Knox!  :D

Mod 1 Test passed, with 0 minors. Next up is the Mod 2.

Mod 2 consists of:

a sight test (make sure you can read a number plate at a distance of 20/25  yards)

Show me/Tell me questions regarding the bike (https://www.lightningpass.com/motorcycle-test-questions (https://www.lightningpass.com/motorcycle-test-questions))

This is then followed by a 30 min ride out on the road with an instructor giving you directions through an earpiece. He is observing to make sure your decision making is good and that you are always safe when on the road. There will then be a 10 min "free ride" where you are just riding without instruction, but still being observed. You are allowed a total of 9 minors.

Minors can be for such things as:

Not indicating before changing lanes
Not doing a life-saver before doing a manoeuvre
Not leaving sufficient distance from the vehicle in front
Not observing the speed limit

After 2 years of riding, I think I will pass this part without a hitch also, but obviously am taking nothing for granted.

New bike should (hopefully) be delivered beginning of Feb too. I may post pictures once it arrives.

Congrats, Knox!

May the Force be with you!

Here's the official Government info vid regarding the Mod 2 test

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIUw46kkEzk# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIUw46kkEzk#)





Thanks guys.

Wow, yall are really serious about your motorcycle safety. At age 16 I was riding an 1100cc Goldwing and only had to complete a weekend course to get my M license. I was driving bikes way before I was driving cars.  :D

Yeah. if you read my first post on this thread you will see the breakdown of age group and who can ride what CC and what you need to do in order to get a full licence.

Personally, I think it's sensible limiting younger riders to a lower CC. Helps prevent inexperienced riders getting a bike too powerful for their experience level, which makes the roads (a little) safer.

Ironically, there's a statistic that shows that a high percentage of motorcycle accidents in the UK happen at low speed. Which is why they place so much emphassi on slow control manoeuvres.

Good luck, Knox!

Just paid the deposit for my new bike. The dealer is going to do the MOT, safety checks, fluid and brake replacement etc and then arrange free delivery for sometime next week.

I'm currently at work so will post photos later

I started out on dirt bikes and got my first 250cc bike at 21, later in the game but I love it. 1100cc Goldwing at 16, huh? That's a pretty sweet bike

That’s a lot of bike at slow speeds. Curb weight is probably close to a VW Beetle. Gorgeous bikes though. Practically an RV on two wheels.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, I loved my '82 Goldwing. She was really old, but after a little work by my Dad and me, she looked and ran like new. Never got into dirt bikes, though. I always had a pillion rider to consider and they are pretty demanding about comfort.  Even my GSA is still a tourer; it's just a bit more off roadable than a Goldwing.  :D

Nice. I had a buddy who were into dirt bikes and was invited by his family to join him on the weekends. Got me hooked after that but after I went into street bikes, I stopped with dirt bikes for some time. Dirt bikes will always have a nice place in my heart, would love to get into dual sport though

I've never had any interest in dirt biking. Doesn't seem to be as popular over here as it is in America. And I very much doubt I will ever carry a pillion. My bike is all about me and me alone! ;D

Money permitting I have a 10 day tour of the UK planned for later this year. So many areas of natural beauty in England that few people ever take the time to see (as they tend to go for cheap package holidays in Europe). But the bike opens up whole new worlds of possibilities. Gonna be fun.

To each his own, it's still a bike

But mine is better! 😝

Here's my new bike. Isn't she pretty?

2013 Triumph Bonnevile with only 1397 miles on it!!!!!!

(https://i.imgur.com/TBeSR2G.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3Z7KurA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pPEWR5s.jpg)

Yes, beautiful bike, and even if you don't plan on ever carrying a pillion, I can guarantee, plenty will ask  ;)

Oh yes. Many people will ask. But unless they are extremely hot, the answer will always be no!  ;D

Hi Knox.

I wish there was a "Drool Face" emoji in the post editor so I'll use  :o and  8) to convey my thoughts ...that's a beautiful machine.

Regards your trip I hear the Buttertubs Pass is a fantastic stretch of road. The road winds its way north from Simonstone near Hawes towards Thwaite and Muker. Would be nice if you could fit that route into your trip.

Unfortunately Yorkshire is not part of the trip. However, I am planning on visiting Liverpool at some point this year, so will be able to fit it in then. Thanks for the tip.

Hi again,

That's a shame but when you visit Liverpool later you'll see plenty of great scenery (you might even spot Old Trafford football stadium  ;D). There are many nice routes through Yorkshire so you'll have a great trip whichever you choose.

p.s. And have you ever considered the Isle of Man - not to race around of course, but just to cruise round for the experience?

Who?

Way ahead of you. I plan to do the TT circuit. At 30 mph!  :D

Hi again,

You are one lucky guy, I've always wanted to do the TT. I hope you have good weather for it... but take care, it can get a little tricky up on "The Mountain" with crosswinds.

(And Old Trafford? Some sports team that have something to do with Soccerball play there so I hear, but they aren't doing so well at the moment  :( )

Obviously, this would be an unofficial TT circuit. But it will be fun to have said I've done it nonetheless.

All I can say is "You'll Never Walk Alone"  ;)

Nice bike there, friend. Congrats

I thought you said it would be an unofficial TT Circuit RECORD!  ;D Well, it might be, for the slowest but more enjoyable lap!

And I've been a fan of MUFC since early 80's!

For many here in the states by 16 they have already been riding for longer than most of the adults (comparatively).  Same with cars, I was learning to drive starting at age 6...by the time I was 16 I was perfectly comfortable behind the wheel and knew the rules.


Edit:  To clarify People who are raised like this (IME) aren't just thrown out into the road.  They are taught slowly over years.

Hey, Knox, if you take a longer trip up North and just happen upon Hogwarts, share pics with the rest of us!  Of course, to a Muggle, it’ll just look like ruins with signs that say “Danger! No Trespassing” or something, but still... we won’t know that’s NOT Hogwarts, now will we?

Scotland will be part of the trip. But, I spent 5 days in Edinburgh a couple years ago (including parts that I aspired JK when she was writing Potter) so this time will be a passing visit. Will be spending a couple of days in Glasgow though.

One of the few things I do Envy about you guys over the pond.... you can travel to other countries in just a matter of hours in a car/bike/train.

Yep. 3 or 4 hours and I can be in Paris.

I drive 2 hours every day to work...4 in total

That nonsense right there is why I am THRILLED that I work from home full time.  I do NOT miss spending half a workday in traffic.

I'd love to work from home.... Sadly I'm not in a job where that's possible.   So I spend more time at work or on the road than at home

On my current bike, it takes me 35 mins to get to work in the morning. And that's if various traffic lights are on red when I approach. On a good day I can be there in 25 mins. It will be interesting to see what the journey time will be on the new bike.

Curious thing. When I used to cycle to work, it only took me 25mins (probably cos when safe I wouldn't stop at red lights. Plus there's a great short cut that bicycles can take that other vehicles can't).

Just had my Module 2 test and passed, with 0 minors! I am now fully qualified to ride any motorcycle I want.

And in other news, when I got home after the test, I found a delivery truck waiting for me with my new bike! Payday tomorrow, so will be able to get her insured, pay the road tax and then take her out for her first trip at the weekend.

Congrats, Knox!

Thanks man.

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/111ebonMs90YLu/source.gif)

Oh, WELL done!  Sounds like excellent timing, too.  It’s almost like you had a plan or something!  LOL

So, my new bike is insured and taxed for road use. Even thought the weather forecast for tomorrow is grey and wet, that's why I invested in thermal waterproofs. I'll be heading up to my hometown to visit my dad to finalise some details for my mum's funeral. 120 mile round trip, which should be fun. Ordered a few parts so I can start modifying here. Given how crappy the year started I am grabbing hold of these happiness nuggets while I can.

Be safe!  I know you’ll take care of yourself, but remember to watch out for idiots... their actions (or lack thereof) can override a lot of caution on your part.

That's more an issue riding in central London (buses, lorries, cyclists, cars, vans, trucks, pedestrians walking out into the road without looking because they are engrossed with their mobile phone). Once you leave the city and hit the A-roads and motorways it's far easier and safer. I'm looking forward to actually having some power to overtake now (safely), as well as be able to go faster than 50mph without my bike sounding like it's having an asthma attack.

That's awesome, Knox! Keep the rubber side down, k?

Yes indeed, rubber side down!

Great thread, and CONGRATS on getting your Triumph on the road, Knox!

I love to ride, and rural Maine is a perfect place for it - for about half the year, that is ;D

Growing up I had zero interest in motorcycles, as the danger factor was entrenched in my brain.  Fast forward to 2010, when my gf at the time convinced me to take a weekend riding course.  "Sure," I said.  "I'll gladly take the course with you, but you're crazy if you think I'm gonna run out and buy a bike afterwards."  HA!  Guess who spent the following weeks scouring all the power sports dealers for a new ride!  I got hooked, no turning back.  The gf not so much, unfortunately!  Two 'metric' cruisers, and two Harleys later, I finally found my keeper...

(https://i.imgur.com/W14aRUs.jpg)

2015 HD Dyna Wide Glide

She's a beauty. And I know exactly what you mean about being hooked. Took Penny out on the road up to my hometown yesterday.  Despite always saying I have no desire to go above 60mph, there I was in the fast lane, cruising along at 80mph, singing out loud to songs on my ear buds! Such an enjoyable journey.