Like the sound of it?? Then read on....

Now, whilst many would describe it as such, I’m not going to pass this off as a concours example (and it’s nowhere near concours example price either), but it certainly is one of the very nicest unabused and original examples you are likely to find for such a reasonable price, having had careful maintenance to keep it a reliable and practical classic for regular enjoyable use. It is one of the very last examples of this iconic superbike and is therefore one of the very best to own.

This particular bike rides superbly - I've just enjoyed a 150-mile day trip on it and it performed and handled faultlessly, showing the benefits of its low mileage and regular servicing.

Having previously owned an earlier example I knew a little of what to look for when buying this bike; this is the facelifted A8 model, with a 17-inch front wheel (as opposed to the earlier 16-inch), 41mm fork stanchions, 300mm front discs and four-piston front calipers - and mirrors that can actually see behind you! From A7 to final A11 model produced in 1995 there are only detail and colour changes, therefore A7 onwards are 'the ones to have'.

It was professionally serviced last month at 18545 miles (receipt for £180) and was previously serviced in April 2007 at 16948 miles (receipt for £301, incl. front and rear brake pads). Also within the last 1000 miles, both tyres have been replaced with Avon Storms - and what cracking tyres they are! The exhaust system is factory original and is in excellent condition - see the pics.

The emphasis on servicing and frequent oil changes results in an engine that sounds and runs utterly superbly. Seriously – it’s the sweetest quietest-running GPZ900 engine you’re ever likely to hear. No smoke, no rattles, no rumbles, no overheating and at tickover it just purrs.

The bodywork is really excellent, still retaining its original Firecracker Red and black paintwork. However, it is an 12-year-old bike and has therefore understandably picked up a few very small blemishes, just from having been used. There is a rub mark on the rear tail piece, caused I would imagine by luggage abrasions (see pic. 12); there's a few odd small surface spillage-type marks on the pillion seat - it hasn't split or worn and from some angles you can't see them at all. Hardly significant, I think you’ll agree…. I'm probably being over-critical, but I am known to be a picky bugger with my bikes and would rather you have too much detail than not enough. The bike is HPI clear, but feel free to carry out your own checks - you can see the Reg. No. - I have absolutely nothing to hide. A selection of stainless steel fasteners have been used appropriately and discretely. It has a genuine short mudguard - not a hacked-down version of a longer one - and a 'fender extender' is fitted to the front mudguard to help keep the crud off the front of the engine and downpipes. Chain and sprockets are excellent. All electrics, controls and switchgear work perfectly.