B.R.U.B
Kawasaki Drifter
I quite liked the look of these when they were shown at the NEC in 1999, so when an ex-demonstrator model turned up at Cradley Kawasaki I couldn't help but pop in. I popped in a few times, and each time the price had dropped. A bit of haggling followed and I was soon the proud owner of the BRUB, or Big Red Ugly Bike, as it's now known.
The only real drawback is the seating position. As long as there is camping gear to lean back against it's fine, but as soon as you remove the back rest then your weight is placed on the base of your spine. A single seat went some way to helping, but when that's fitted you have nowhere to carry camping gear. Of course, you could always stay in a hotel - which is what we did in 2002 when the BRUB went to the Isle of Man.
To be honest, this bike only gets used for events run by the "Doggies" - the UK Drifter group and the Vulcan owners Drifter group. I may have to fit a hand gear change following my accident - my left foot does not work properly, and the Drifter is a left foot shift. Time will tell.
It's now March 1st, 2011 and the BRUB has now got a crutch carrier and a hand change fitted. This wonderful device has been made from the remains of an ornamental cannon, a hydraulic shut off valve and a lift safe edge retracting rod. I took the bike for MOT, and must confess it was one of the scariest rides I have ever undertaken. Although only twelve miles it was most unnerving - there again, the more I ride the better I'll get.
