Taken delivery of the bike - woooohoooo.

The long wait is over. Went to the warehouse where my bike was in bonded storage. The warehouse is actually a registered 'inland' port. I was talking to the receptionist and she was being very unhelpful. A storeman was standing behind me and listening to me state my case for release of the bike. It turns out that he and other guys from the warehouse are all keen bikers ( more of the Hell Angel type than the middle age touring type like myself ).

He got me aside and walked me into the warehouse where I was not meant to be. He showed me my bike. The tie downs had not slackened off and it had not moved all. It was in same condition that I packed it.

When the customs clearance came through late in the afternoon the Logistics company ( my agent ) had to sign off on the clearance as well. They wanted to do that the following day. No way get the paperwork here now - please.

To their credit they came down to the warehouse with the paperwork.

The store guys could not have been better. They helped me unpack the bike. I connected the battery terminals and the bike fired first push of the start button. Poured a bit more fuel in and it was ready to go.


A late afternoon ( peak hour ) ride back to Inglewood. Had a couple of ales upon my return.