Hein gericke never lets me down. 


Been in some serious storms on the FZ1 always stay dry. But I always have a wet weather suit with me just for the wind protection. The outside always gets soaked and in the rain at 50+ it's gets bloody cold.


When touring the wet weather jacket is also hadn't at night instead of a heavy bike jacket.

Hein Gericke have never failed me.  There gore tex boots are superb rode brought some serious rain and snow with them.

B500 from baden-baden to oppenau via the schwartzstrasse

ss1a

schwartzstrasse pt2

Did this run in an Army 4 tonner during adventure training. Could be a goer 

In a couple of word mileage and cost. My 2008 FZ1S (I had from new) had 16k on the clock cos I do use it. The 2009 is 11 months younger with 2783 on the clock for an £1000 when i chopped it in. The missing ABS bit worried me but a 150 mile blast cured it.


But I have to say I did like the ABS cos it cut in a couple of times over the 3 years I had it and deffo saved my arse in Spain in 2009. Spaniard, open road, turning left, no indicators, on his mobile, right in front of me nobhead  . Braked like F*** counter steered onto wrong side of road, came out other side. Stopped, changed my undies  and  cracked on.    (Actually I did throw up)!


Before this I had an 2004 FZ6. Tried an SV650 (not in the same league), CBR 1000, Kawasaki ditto. I just think the Fazer is a stunningly good all rounder.

I have used a couple and they are scumbags to a man. They play the view that if you go with them there are many legislation & tax benefits. There isn't.


They will NOT protect you against IR35. Some of them will tell you they will pay you a minimum wage and pay the rest in dividends so you will pay less tax. 2 things to worry about here onshore and offshore:


Onshore they may tell you 'Pay yourself' 1p under NI and take the rest in dividends for you and your wife. IR35, S660 and other HMRC clauses may hammer you on this eventually.


They even offer to pay these dividends offshore and you get a foreign credit card to get you 'tax free' moulah!


The HMRC are well aware of this, have links into all EU countries, some offshore havens and will come after you eventually. I know of 2 instances where the HMRC waited until the very last minute under the 6 year rule then started to ask the questions. It bankrupted 1 friend and almost ruined another.


If you want to be a contractor and use an Umbrella find a reputable one (good luck here). Your 1st port of call should be the Professional contractors group (PCG) www.pcg.org.uk/. [/size]They have a wealth of info and are well worth joining. I have been investigated a couple of times (they ended up owing me...bargain) and joining this lot get you free tax investigation insurance.
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[/size]Hope I have not burst your bubble but I have seen to many horror stories of umbrella companies above is just an example of the crap they can drop you in. Over charging, exorbitant fees, failure to pay, late paying, going bankrupt and when the HMRC come a calling 'it was not me guv we just did what he asked us it is his/her problem'
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[/size]Just climbing of this high horse as we speak.

Hi,


Names mick. I have an 2009 FZ1 which I got this week after trading n my 2008 FZ1S. Guess I am a Fazer guy.