South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

I’m Chris, the mighty TrouserSnake directed me here from the KTM forum. I live in Wiltshire, right on the border of Somerset and Dorset, but I just can’t get enough riding bikes, so the blast down to Devon is just a tasty warmup for ride outs : )

I’m kind of new to motorcycling, but I would describe myself as begintermediate in terms of ability. Had about 3000 miles on a dodgy R6 fifteen years ago when I lived in the US (apologies in advance for my US accent), but finally got around to sorting out a UK license and a new used motorcycle last November. I hooked up on a sweet KTM 990 SMT from 2011, and it has been an absolute fun machine so far, with only a couple dodgy moments over 1500 miles.

When I’m riding on my own I guess my riding style could be generously described as spirited, perhaps with a dash of hooligan (more accurately as a bit of a wild man); however, I’m also kinda old now and definitely not out there taking silly risks. I also very much enjoy cruising (bimbling) and just having a nice chill ride.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all, riding around, drinking tea, having laughs!

I’ll be away for a couple weeks now (round trip to Morocco from Stanstead currently 35£) but I’ll be out mostly on weekends when I get back. Cheers! And safe riding!

Hi Chris & welcome.

I have no idea who TrouserSnake is.. but glad to see you made it over here.

I heard it was more trouser worm.

Dive on in and enjoy.

Welcome to SWB Chris. Sounds like you're our kinda biker.
If you're back from wondering around North Africa in time you might want to seriously consider getting in on Brian's rideout of the 29th. You could meet us at the Shell filling station on the Wellington ring road, it's just a short fifty-miler or so from Mere.

Jug wrote: ↑Jan 16th, '25, 19:40 Hi Chris & welcome.

I have no idea who TrouserSnake is.. but glad to see you made it over here.

Thank you

I don’t know either, new to KTM forum as well. XD

Robbo87 wrote: ↑Jan 16th, '25, 23:21 Welcome to SWB Chris. Sounds like you're our kinda biker.
If you're back from wondering around North Africa in time you might want to seriously consider getting in on Brian's rideout of the 29th. You could meet us at the Shell filling station on the Wellington ring road, it's just a short fifty-miler or so from Mere.

Cheers! If this is on the 29th I’ll be there, I return the day before. But I think it is on the 26th, the Sunday?

Looking forward to some sun but 10 days away from my bike seems like a lot now XD

billinom8s wrote: ↑Jan 16th, '25, 22:28 I heard it was more trouser worm.

Dive on in and enjoy.

Thanks B!

Hiya Chris
My next ride out is indeed on Sunday 26th. You'll have to forgive Robbo87, he's on old "greyone" rapidly losing the plot
We'll be out and about again soon after so hope to see you soon

_Church_ wrote: ↑Jan 17th, '25, 03:33 Thank you
I don’t know either, new to KTM forum as well. XD

Nah, I was just messing. I thought my avatar would give it away.
I am TrouserSnake on the KTM forum.

Like I said, glad you made it over here and hopefully we'll meet out on the bikes sometime.

ptolemyx wrote: ↑Jan 17th, '25, 06:59 Hiya Chris
My next ride out is indeed on Sunday 26th. You'll have to forgive Robbo87, he's an old "greyone" rapidly losing the plot
We'll be out and about again soon after so hope to see you soon

Yup, the 26th it is chaps, NOT the 29th of course - I have no excuse except to blame 'Anno-Dominitis' .
Mr C, enjoy your trip to warmer climes and we look forward to you welcoming you back to reality and a few of our rideouts when you return.

ptolemyx wrote: ↑Jan 17th, '25, 06:59 Hiya Chris
My next ride out is indeed on Sunday 26th. You'll have to forgive Robbo87, he's on old "greyone" rapidly losing the plot
We'll be out and about again soon after so hope to see you soon

Ah well I’m fighting it but gonna needs specs soon too

Yea will see yall soon for sure!

Jug wrote: ↑Jan 17th, '25, 08:41

_Church_ wrote: ↑Jan 17th, '25, 03:33 Thank you
I don’t know either, new to KTM forum as well. XD

Nah, I was just messing. I thought my avatar would give it away.
I am TrouserSnake on the KTM forum.

Like I said, glad you made it over here and hopefully we'll meet out on the bikes sometime.

Been away from my pc, so squinting at my phone tryna read the forums…avatar looks like a grain of rice to me XD

Anyway cheers for pointing me here hope to meet ya on the road soon : )

Robbo87 wrote: ↑Jan 17th, '25, 10:50

ptolemyx wrote: ↑Jan 17th, '25, 06:59 Hiya Chris
My next ride out is indeed on Sunday 26th. You'll have to forgive Robbo87, he's an old "greyone" rapidly losing the plot
We'll be out and about again soon after so hope to see you soon

Yup, the 26th it is chaps, NOT the 29th of course - I have no excuse except to blame 'Anno-Dominitis' .
Mr C, enjoy your trip to warmer climes and we look forward to you welcoming you back to reality and a few of our rideouts when you return.

Thank you Robbo looking forward to meeting up!

Att'n Chris/Church: If you're in Mere, feel free to call in and annoy an old mate of mine. He's Jeremy Davies, a grasstrack sidecar competitor I used to race against in the 1980's. He owns and operates Mere Fabrication and Welding on the Quarry Industrial Estate off of Castle Street. Mention my name and receive the worst coffee in Wiltshire!

make sure you get the right rideout on the 26th, if you trn up for mine you may find the bike needs a bit of a clean after.