How a Yamaha RXS100 restoration project got a couple hooked on biking

Ride5000miles member Nigel Hobson accidentally inspired his wife Emma to take up motorcycling after purchasing a Yamaha RXS100 project bike to rekindle his own biking youth.

The low-capacity two-stroke Yamaha was Nigel’s first bike when he was 17 and when an F-reg model came up for sale locally for just £600, the Suzuki SV650X rider couldn’t resist.

“Back in the day, I had one friend who had a Honda CG125 and another who had a TZR125. The RXS was much quicker than the CG, but nowhere near as quick as the TZR,” 47-year-old Nigel told MCN.

“The bike was abused and thrashed to within an inch of its life, but it survived. I then sold it for a Ford Escort. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.”

Once home with the new (old) Yamaha, Nigel was immediately met with interest from his neighbours, wife Emma, and 17-year-old son William, who all wanted a go. After a spin, Emma became very attached to the bike, naming it ‘Cindy’ and claiming it as her own.

Immediately hooked, Emma, 42, has since gone on to pass her CBT, join #ride5000miles and take Cindy out on the road for herself, following some tinkering and replacement parts to get the RXS roadworthy.

She explained: “The sheer utter joy that I experienced when getting on the Yamaha and having the first real ride on her gave me a grin from ear-to- ear and I have to admit I even let out a high-pitched squeal, it was that exciting.

“Being part of this amazing biking community is epic. If you are ever unsure of somewhere good to get a cup of tea or decent bacon butty, just ask a biker; they are guaranteed to tell you the best places,” she added.

“So far, we are £900 into this project and it has been money well spent,” Nigel said. “Yes, you can buy a better bike for this money – but this is Cindy we are talking about and a bike is forever, not just for Christmas. Go on, save a bike!”

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