Harry Truelove - What Bike?

Harry has recently joined W.Y.A.M.’s committee as speaker co-ordinator. A difficult job but I am sure everyone joins me in wishing her well.

Despite being born in Wales Harry is truly a local girl. She attended primary school in Leeds and then secondary school in Wakefield. Harry left school and home when she was 16. Started work in a call centre and did various office and accounting jobs which have lead to her present role as a directory editor. The company she works for produces a series of directories related to the health service, social services and housing. Harry is married to Chris who surprisingly is also a keen motorcyclist and has a few bikes of his own.

How did you start biking ?

Having left home and started work I needed transport. From early childhood I had had a passion for bikes so having shaken off parental care and control I bought a bike as soon as I turned 17.

 What was your first bike ?

A Yamaha RXS 100 with an L plate. This was my means of moving for about 9 months when I passed my bike test. Unfortunately not first time.

What bikes since?

I was still restricted to 33BHP so my next bike was an old Kawasaki Z250. I only kept it for about 5 months before I replaced it with a much newer and nicer Kawasaki KLR250.. I only had that for two weeks before it was nicked!!

A few lean months without a bike during which I met Chris. Chris helped me rebuild a Honda Superdream 250. At that time Chris had his own bike shop with workshop which made a huge difference..

The Honda was replaced after about a year by a Yahama XT350. My last restricted bike before graduating to real bikes. My first big bike was a Fazer which I had for about 5 years and I loved that fantastic bike. I sold my beloved Fazer to a friend who wrote it off in the first fortnight. Fortunately he was OK.

What bike are you riding now and why?

My present bike is a Kawasaki Z1000. (2006). Why? I wanted high performance bike without the radical riding position of a full sports bike. But it was also a bit of a subjective choice. I liked the look and style of the Z1000. I find it is light enough to be nippy, it handles extremely well and is also OK for long distances. Not a lot of luggage space. In fact it seems to be a very good all-rounder..

How did you get involved with WYAMS / IAM?

When I was training I became friendly with the instructors who were I.A.M. members. Although they suggested I.A.M we did nothing until 2006 when we both signed up to Skills for Life. We were referred to W.Y.A.M.s.

I passed my test in May and Chris in August of 2007. I am currently busy getting myself qualified as an observer. Theory done just the road bit to do.

Had any serious mishaps?

Luckily only one minor one. I was still on my L-plate when I met with a car, landed on the bonnet but no serious injury of damage.

What sort of riding do you like/do?

Mostly for pleasure. I like a getting out as often as I can Long, short morning, afternoon or all day. I don’t commute on the bike as it takes longer than going by car. It is all m-way and will flatten the tyres. We have had a few biking holidays in the U.K. but we are hoping to go abroad in the near future.

What would your dream bike be.

Such a difficult question. If I really had a lot of money to spend I would get an old but pristine vintage/ classic Triumph Bonneville.

What do consider the best biking moment you remember? .

The highlights I can think of are passing my bike test and then the Advanced test. My first long trip which was to Scotland was fantastic.