United Kingdom UK - Arundel, West Sussex: David Berry David is a 24 year old R&D Engineer in West Sussex. His fiancee, Bianca and he bought their Red Diversion 900 in November 1996 for fun, for commuting, and for touring in England and Germany. They plan to take the bike through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany this summer. He loves it! Bianca thinks it's a bit heavy, and she can't quite get both feet flat on the ground which is a problem - are there any other short 900 Diversion riders out there?! UK - Basingstoke: Graham Thomson [14-Dec-99] I've bought a deep purple '98 600s Divi'. I sold my trusty YZF750 because I'm now commuting 100 miles each day, between Basingstoke and Portsmouth. The bike was a really good buy at £2200. The initial owner had paid £5000 just a year earlier. I'm sure these bikes will go up in value as insurance rises start biting. A friend of mine with an new R1 got a special insurance offer at £450. However next year he will have to pay at least £2000! The good things abouth the bike? Well its very comfortable. It's cheap to insure and it does 60 miles per gallon of unleaded! I've just fitted some BT45's and its handling quite nicely. The downside? Well mines been back for some warranty work. The shims needed adjusting because of a top end noise and the clutch bearing was replaced. Now I'm having trouble changing down gear. It's stuck in forth gear!. I'm wondering if this is a clutch problem or perhaps the bike is very sensative to the oil used. Does anyone else have gear selecti! on problems? Anyway, safe riding! UK - Basingstoke: David Bowman [15-Apr-99] My name is David (Dave) Bowman and I work as a computer support technician. I am 48 years old and a "born again" biker having returned to motorbikes now the children are grown up. I ride an XJ900S, with pillion (wife) most of the time. In May we are riding down to Southern Spain and back for our holiday. In Aug we will be visiting the Mosel area of Germany and I would like to get over to the Netherlands sometime this year too. UK - Basingstoke: John Thomson [07-Dec-97] John wrote: Bought the 900 in August 96, I have now covered 15k miles. So far it has been to the Euro Demo in Belguim, Nice, and Faro. Next year (98) will be Bonn, and the east of Europe (Poland etc) UK - Birmingham: Steve Miller [26-Mar-08] 2008 I`m a 47 years old plant manager. passed my test july 2007. bought a "divvy 6", 92 reg for £700. Have done loads of work on her, (mostly for the sake of it). Goes very well. very good fuel miles. I usually run out with GSX 750 / Honda Nighthawk / Triumph Adventurers etc. Only struggles when son in law gets the 2006 ZX10 out to play! No intention of changing her this year, but when I do I think a divvy 9, or an FJ1200 will be the newcomer. UK - Birmingham: Lee Doherty [21-Mar-00] Lee Doherty. Photographer.41 years old. My 900cc Diversion is my all purpose, every day bike. I have got a FXDS for when the sun shines, obviously living in England it does not come out very often! UK - Birmingham: Nigel Batchelor [21-Aug-98] Nigel wrote: I am 27 years old with very little knowledge about bikes, but eager to learn ! I have recently purchased a new 98 model divvie 900. This is my dream bike... gratefull of any tips. UK - Bolton, Lancashire: Kevin Needham [25-Feb-04] Hello again, I'm Kevin Needham aged 60yrs had motorbikes since I was 16, live near Bolton in Lancashire, England. Former Divvy Club member - but got lead astray with a RF900, traded my 1995 XJ600s but kept falling off the RF due to tight lock, bugger to pick up!! Traded the RF in against a new XJ600S Divvy last year, probably one of the last. Much better turning circle, but at least if I do fall off, I can pick it up! I'm a Freelance Health & Safety Training Consultant and travel throughout the UK. Use the bike for business whenever possible. I used to operate as Whistle-Stop Motorcycle Tours, but my training business is now demanding more time, so gave up the part-time tour business last year. If anyone wants advice on touring particularly Scotland & France, send me an e-mail. Update 22 dec 2006: Now riding a Silver XJ900S Diversion, my third divvy, the other 2 being XJ600's. UK - Bracknell, Berkshire: Adrian Clay Adrian bought his green XJ900S brand new in dec'95 and was lucky he got the 96 mode. In 11 months he drove 13,000 miles with it, commuting to London every day all year, a 70 miles trip a day. That's 2 1/2 hours every day and he loves every second. He had not ridden a motorbike for 15 Years and then only a Yamaha RD250 for 8 Months. So that must make him a 'Born again Rider' he quess. For the records, he got 12,000 miles out of his Dunlop's that came with the bike. He could perhaps squeeze another 1000, but the weathers is getting bad in the U.K. now (nov'96). UK - Brighton: John Sullivan [18-Jul-02] I am now the proud owner of a 1995 green 900. I sold the 600 last friday and got the 900 a day later - the increased power and bigger fairing is making my comute a real pleasure. UK - Brighton: Louise Ham I received an e-mail from Louise on Friday, march 29 1996 and she told me she passed her motorbike test last Tuesday! Congratulations! Although winter has gone, it still won't become spring. Temperature near 5 degrees, wet snow and hail storms. Not the most beautiful weather for doing your test. But... she got it. And that's not all. Two hours later she went out and ordered a XJ600N which she hopes to get next week. Louise lives in Brighton and wants to know if there is a Diversion club in the UK or on the net. UK - Bromley, Kent: Hugh Hanchard Hugh has just purchased a new XJ600S '97 model. It is his third Diversion, having had a 94 then a 95 model. He finds it interesting to note the seat is now a bit more comfortable, the hazard lights and the choke has been moved to the handle bar. He was tempted by a suzuki 600 bandit but this would have cost about 800 UKP more and he knew the Diversions are good bikes having ridden about 20K on them. Several times he has done 600 miles on it in a day. Hugh asks for a page list accessories where people can add their experiences/ details of where to buy etc. Hmmm, nice idea. UK - Bromsgrove: Martin and Anne Ashdown [08-Mar-00] Hi, we live in Bromsgove, Worcestershire, England only 25 miles from the NEC motorbike show (held in November). We most enjoy our Yamaha 900 Diversion touring central England and Wales although we are hoping to tour into sunnier climates soon! UK - Burton Upon Trent: Richard Redding [20-Feb-98] Richard wrote: I have ridden motor bikes since I was sixteen. At twenty I took up trials riding in which I was club secretary for seven years. Onset of family, and no money kept me from riding until three years ago. I was born again with a second hand GT550 on which I trained for membership of the IAM. As a full member of the Derbyshire IAM, I graduated to my 1997 XJ900, which I love, and completed 9000 miles in my first year. I am trying to sort out a continental trip for this year. I welcome finding the club on the NET. UK - Cadnam, Southampton: Mark Horton [06-Jul-97] Mark is IT Communications Analyst, owns a Yamaha Diversion XJ900S, which he uses for daily travel, touring and rally's. UK - Cannock: David Bedward [16-Dec-97] David wrote: Age 24 and riding a cyan 1998 Div 600s. UK - Chatham, Kent: Bill Oldridge [26-Oct-00] I have recently brought a new 2000 model 900 Diversion, my wife recently discovered the joys of ridding pillion and this was the best value bike I could find to carry the two of us about. I have only clocked up just over 1000 miles so far but love the bike. I also have an old XJ600 that I use for daily commuting and winter ridding. UK - Cheltenham Glos: Steve Roberts [22-Jun-98] Steve wrote: Hi, I am Steve Roberts, aged 42, married with two boys, one daughter. I work as a lorry driver with a local builder. I have motorcycles since I was sixteen. I have a 1997 cyan 600 Diversion, which I use for motorcycle rallies. I hope to tour Europe this year (1998), maybe some of the Italy trip. UK - Chesterfield: Simon Newton [13-Jan-00] My name is Simon Newton, I own a XJ600S Diversion since 1997 and it has currently done 76,000 miles !!!, when originally it had 38,000! I am a Mechanical Engineer by trade. Does anybody know where I can buy cheap parts either from a club member or from an address? UK - Chislehurst, Kent: Huw Pritchard Huw bought his new Divvy 900 (Green) in September 1995 and has ridden it about every day since. It is his first bike for 12 years or so. He is definitely a "born again biker" and very committed. Commute to work on it EVERY weekday, clean it most weekends and basically just love it. Like others here, rear brake pads went at about 4000 miles but the new one have lasted better since. Needed new rear tyre after 8000 miles or so and seem to be getting better wear out of Pirellis rather than the original Dunlops. Best pose for his 11 year old daughter, Siobhan, is to be taken to school on the bike in her black leathers! UK - Cleveland: Allan Lowson [21-Aug-98] Allan wrote: I have a 600 Diversion new 98 model in red and I love it to bits, in only 2 months I have done 4000 miles. I would just like to talk to other people about the bikes UK - Cranfield, Bedfordshire: Roger Hull [29-Jun-97] Roger is a research student, new to biking (passed his test on October 1996). He has a gray Diversion XJ600S and uses it for commuting and touring. He has some hassle with the battery/electrics. UK - Cumbria: Ronald Tudor [26-Sep-07] 2007 Just got my first big bike xj600s divvy. Got my big bike test 22 oct. Hope I pass cant wait to get on the open road around the lakes where I live. I am 56 going on 30 love my divvy. I live in a place called Millom. I was born in Manchester. UK - Derby: Kalyna Bird [16-Mar-08] 2008 I have a Yamaha Diversion 600 L reg after I passed my direct access May 07. It's been a brilliant bike. It's allowed me to make silly mistakes, learn to be a biker and most of all given me alot of fun. I have now bought a Suzuki GSXR 600 (which I love) and am having to say a loving farewell to my beloved Divi to whom I owe so much. I would recommend anyone to have a Divi- a chronically under-estimated smile-making machine :) Cheers, Kim x x x UK - Dover, Kent: Gregory West [04-Dec-99] I have owned several Diversions over the past three years and now currently own the 900s. I am a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and the East Kent Advanced Motorcycalists and currently use the Diversion to observe and train other bikers to an Advanced level. The 900 Diversion has proved adequate for the task. I have many friends in Holland as I work for a transport company from Roosendaal but based in the U.K. UK - Eastbourne: Steve Browne [19-Apr-08] 2008 Hi, I bought my '94 Divi 900 in 2000 as an upgrade from an '89 XJ600 as a natural progression. It's a high mileage machine and I've had a couple of electrical problems but it's bulletproof. I've just found this site and have found other Divi owners comments helpfull. UK - Eastbourne: Sue Schofield [22-Aug-97] Secretary of the UK Diversion Owners Group. Sue works as a publisher and Advanced Motorcycle Instructor. She rides a BMW K1100RS by day, but at night throws off her yellor jacket and runs a black Divvy 600N, and a black leather jacket. Previous Divvys have included a Green '96 600s, and a green XJ900 for work. Both were great bikes. She also rides a Honda MTXR 125 Enduro bike to keep her wet weather skills. Sue is also an Advanced Group Observer for her local IAM group. UK - Esh Winning: Ian Bateman [17-Dec-07] 2007 I recently returned to biking at the age of 61 and what better way than aboard a mint example of a Diversion 600. I only use it occasionally for commuting, prefering instead to ride it for sheer pleasure on my days off. Winter in the NorthEast means I have to pick my days carefully but with the right gear on it is still great fun. Now all I have to do is convince my 60 year old wife that biking is not necessarily suicide and hopefully she'll warm the pillion! UK - Essex: David Rix [07-Mar-06] Hi, I have got black an XJ600, the main reason o got it was the price, it only cost £1,200. It is my first 'big'bike after passing my test. I think the bike is an good all rounder and I use it for both commuting and pleasure riding, I also chose the XJ as there are not many bikes that I can place both feet on the ground on! UK - Farnborough: Mike Thomas [16-Nov-00] Hi my name is Mike, I've just sold my XJ600 and got a brand new XJ900 and love it, I'm still running it in but look forward to hearing from other XJ owners. Take care and happy riding. UK - Glossop/Manchester: Alan Todd [22-Aug-05] Born again biker, now 53yrs old, owned an XJ900 when they first came out, did 18000 miles on it, stopped riding for 'umpteen years. Family now grown up and gone. May 2005 bought a 2001 BT1100 Bulldog, excellent Sunday 'grunt' bike but not good on motorways, so traded for a (nice but worn) y-Reg 2000 RED XJ900S - 'really nice to back on the Divvy; 1000 miles last month, regular runs from Glossop to Darlington via North York Moors, Horton/Hawes/Leyburn .. 3hrs of pleasure ... 200 miles before reserve light comes on !! saving up for the FJR ... Yamaha shafties rock !! [ any good bike clubs for us oldies around Glossop , North Yorks ride outs anyone ? ] UK - Gloucester: Keith Edwards [05-Jan-02] Started off again after a long lay off by buying a XJ900f which served it's purpose very well. Managed to cover 45000 miles in 3 1/2 years including 4 trips to France with 1 trip to the Pyrenees, Gavarnie and Le Maz De Zil being a must to see. Bought a New Xj900s in July 2001 and went to France again, riding down south to meet some friends in St Gaudens. Covered 2500 miles in all and the bike was 1st class, managed to cover 600 miles to the hotel in Cherbourg in 10 hours, which was good going. Overall the bike is an excellent all rounder which suits my riding style and also is able to cope with the wife as pillion. With so many Divvy owners why isn't there a club in G.B. to cater for us ??. Love to hear from anyony with info. Keith UK - Guildford: Erez Kaplan [13-Jan-00] I just retured to biking after some 8 years of driving cars and the Divvi is my first bike. I currently use the bike for comuting to work approx 45 miles round trip.The Bike is easy to ride and good way to get back into biking. I am thinking of going into motorcycle training as an instructor and feel the Divvi is just the right bike for the job. Any Divvi owners in Surrey? UK - High Wycombe: Ian Robinson [03-Jun-97] Ian has a black 1995 XJ900s which has taken him on 26000 trouble free miles. He uses the bike to go to work and on holidays. His other half, Jen, has just past her bike test and has bought an XJ600n. They have taken the 900 to most of Europe in the last three years. They hope to go to Scandenavia on it in 1997. UK - Hitchin, Herts: Andy Baldwin [31-Jan-01] I passed my test in October 2000 and have just bought an XJ600S, 16 months old and 5000 miles on the clock. The Diversion seemed the ideal bike to start motorcycling with. (Is there an owner's club in the UK?) The bike is purely a self-indulgence - I have a young family, so probably won't be putting thousands of miles on it, but am looking forward to the better weather! UK - Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire: Jim Hounsell [17-Sep-00] 49 yr old 'Born again' rider, after 20 yrs without a bike, and what a pleasure it is! I decided that the only bike for me was the 900S Divvy. Got a superb example of a 1996 model with only 17k on the clock--as new! I now spend happy days in good weather cruising around Hertfordshire. I have noticed, and repaired, two hairline cracks in the fairing just above the front forks. Is this a fault that anyone out there with a Divvy has noticed before? Let me know. I made two plates to go inside the fairing, and drilled through to fix the fairing to these with rivets, which, when painted over the same colour as the bike, makes an almost invisible repair. UK - Huddersfield: John Sharman John is, what he called, a "born again biker", at the age of 53. He passed his test at the end of may'96 on a SR125 but stepped over on the same day on wonderful brandnew red XJ900 Diversion. "What a fantastic feeling for an old man!!!" he said. In my opinion your never too old to start. If you see the statistics of the YDCN members in 1995 you will see that there are 12 member older than 50 years, that's about 10%! UK - Isle of Portland, Dorset SW England: Philip Luke You may also call him just Phil. He is the owner of a red XJ900S Diversion. This Diversion is his second Bike on returning to riding after an 8 year break to raise a family. His last bike before the break was an XS1100 and he also used an XJ650 Maxim before he bought his Diversion. He has had his Divvy from new for about 8 weeks and has already rode more than 2000 miles on it, riding to work, to MAG meetings in nearby Poole and on Club runs with the Dorset O.F's. He rides all year round mainly for pleasure. UK - Kingston upon Thames: Neill Wood Neill owned Yamaha for the last 5 years, apart from a short time with a Kawasaki Zephyr 750. At present he has a Diversion 900 in Dark Cyan Metallic, 1995 model with 4000 (miles) on the clock. He has also owned a 600s and before that an XJ600F. He uses the bike for travelling to work, days out, and will be touring to Italy (Florence, Pompeii and Rome via Switzerland) in August 1996. He thinks the bike is great, and especially like the handling in traffic. He is 33 years old and have been riding since 1983. UK - Leamington Spa: Martyn Gregory [06-Aug-97] Martyn wrote: 1993 (K) XJ600S, First bike, in use daily. UK - Lincoln: Roger Mitchell [16-Mar-08] 2008 I really like my divi 900 and am considering doing contiental touring this year, I find wind noise a pain and have just bought an aftermarket screen, not fitted yet but hopeful it will help UK - Lincolnshire: Shane [30-Aug-03] Hi, ive just passed my big bike test, which was lucky because over a month ago I bought my first big bike, my divvy 600. Its looks in good condition, but has a rattle at idle (think its the clutch basket - common fault) and a fork seal has started to leak. My exhaust had been patched up with a gun gum bandage, but I took the whole exhaust system to a local welder who cut out the rotting pieces where the cans meet the front pipes and replaced it with a nice new joint, good job for £60 for both sides - cheaper than replacing it with a new exhaust! She is good to ride and very comfortable, I like to be sat up on a bike. My friends tell me i'll soon be bored with the lack of performance, but compared to my last bike (RXS100) it feels like a superbike to me! Can't wait to get out next! Ride safe people. UK - Littlehampton: David Alan [11-Jul-01] I enjoy using my Divvy for commuting and fun. I have an XJ600s which is fairly new. I sometimes meet up with other bikers in the summer months, where I live in West Sussex. There is a great meet up, every Sunday at Whiteways cafe, on the Sussex South Downs. Or in Surrey, Box Hill is a favourite for bikers. I enjoy the divvy because its a good all rounder machine; another biker, I was talking to, toured his around the Alps and the Dolomites, doing 3,000 miles in 3 weeks, 2 up, with luggage; its that sort of bike! UK - Liverpool: Robert Owen [16-Jan-00] A 50 year old born again biker, driven back on to two wheels by my wife Sheila who wants to tour Europe. I am loving every minute of my time on my new 900s after 3 months on a 600s. UK - Liverpool: Ray Fewtrell [11-Mar-98] Ray wrote: I'm Ray Fewtrell, I work in the University of Liverpool. I've just bought a new XJ600S Diversion and plan to tour France for a couple of weeks in the summer on it. UK - London: John Glynn [07-Dec-98] John wrote: New Rider, 1993 XJ600S in Green, I really like the bike which I bought for a song UK - London: Robert Abrams [22-Oct-98] Robert wrote: 92' XJ600S owner. I find it too big for commuting in London (got a YB100 for that - what a wimp!). So summer fun only. Like tours/rallies. UK - London: Matthew Young [29-Jul-98] Matthew wrote: I bought a new, black XJ600S in May this year, and immediately equipped it with a Givi Maxia top box, an Ermax screen and Rentec engine bars. I mainly use it for commuting, but find that it's a pretty good machine for 85-90mph motorway journeys. I'm planning to take it touring round Devon/Cornwall sometime soon. UK - London: Larry Perkin [28-Jul-98] Larry wrote: Bought my Cyan 600S in 1997. Use it most days for the short journey to work and try to do a long trip at least once a week, all year round. UK - London: Jean-Paul Felix [22-Aug-97] J-P wrote: Most people call me J-P, Born in London, single and thirty something. I live and work in Cyprus as a software support Engineer. I bought a 900s in November 96 and rode out to Cyprus one week later. I think it's the only one here. I would like to tour Europe and maybe a bit of the Middle East. UK - London: Richard Alder [06-Jul-97] Richard is a British/South African living in North London. He has an October 94 XJ600S Diversion in Silver/Gray. He rides it to work (rain or shine) and has been known to ride it on week-end's as well. Greetings to all Dutch Diversion riders. UK - London: Peter McKenna Pete is originally from Northern Ireland, works as an IT consultant in London and also lives there. He find his 1995 Diversion XJ600S the perfect bike for getting round London, quick enough for the weekend but narrow enough for filtering between queues. He's looking forward to the summer where he hopes to get the bike over to mainland Europe for a bit touring. UK - Loughborough: Alwyn Hart [20-Jul-99] Me - aging (38 yr) pen-pusher with a) wife and kids (hurray), b) non-grey beard (hurrah) and c)900S diversion (HURRAH , WOO WOO). Mostly I use the bike for the run to work in fine weather. 10 miles twisty open road 20 miles motorway, 5 miles town Best is the route in reverse on a fine Friday night UK - Luton: Nick Clarke [07-May-97] Nick is a Mechanical Design Engineer and works for a company making electronic imaging equipment. He was born in 1969 and has been married for just over one year. He first rode a motorcycle when he was 16. His current bike is a 1993 600 Diversion. He uses it every day to travel to work (a journey of 13 miles) and also at weekends with his wife for rides in the country. UK - Manchester: Sam Hamer [26-Oct-03] I've been riding for about 4 years now. Started on a Honda CM125 and moved to a Suzuki VX800 when I passed my full test two years ago. I've just bought an XJ400S as the Suzuki was just a bit too heavy to push around. I actually love the bike and the handling is really smooth...the problem I've got, and it's a big one, is that I can't get it to go over 70mph! It loses all power and it refuses to rev over 7000 rpm in fifth and sixth gear meaning the speed just falls off - not too great when you're trying to overtake something! Does anyone know anything about these bikes that can help me??? I'm getting really desperate! Thanks! UK - Manchester: Mat Wynne [16-Sep-00] I've had my XJ900S Divvy since new and its now coming up to three years old. I use it for communting to work (35miles each way - 400miles per week) and occassionally escape at the weekend. I've fitted a givi topbox and taller screen. The bike is great! Its difficult for me to compare it to anything as its the only bike I've ever owned. What I can say is that getting to and from work is the best part of the day - whatever the weather - except gales! UK - Manchester: David Tye [27-Jul-99] Help! I have a Diversion XJ900s and the front end is far too soft to handle what you can throw at the chasis. I am hopeing to hear from anyone who has upgraded their forksprings. I am currently looking at Hyper-pro and Progressive? Any recommendations would be most welcome. My bike is a 1995 model and does not have the preload on the front forks which was introduced in 1996. To part cure the soggy end on all XJ900s, owners should upgrade the fork oil from 10wt to 15wt which improves handling no end. Also braided front hoses transform the front brakes from crap to blinding! My top tyre choice for the XJ900 are Macadum 90x since these do not slip in the wet, at all and I mean at all. Big licks on the gas see life expectancy of these drop to 6,000k. The original Dunlops are awful - my advice is bin them ASAP. Ive added a Vampire Race Can from BSM Exhausts (£200) becasue replacing the stock ones was too much (£450). The bike vibrates a bit more but the noise is fantasic, particularly when you change down and shut off the throttle quickly. Car drivers hear you from a long way off and you dont get as many car drivers pulling out becasue theyve heard you coming. Removable baffles screw in if you fancy being road legal. Ive done 43,000 on my "Big Div" and it hasn't needed shims yet! I give it some stick too! They are an underated bike and a well sorted one will stuff alot on fast A roads. If anyone has figured out the noise problem then let me know - I'm 6'3' and find earplugs a must. Cheers Dave UK - Manchester: John Dugen [10-Feb-99] John wrote: Hi. Bought a very second hand 900 Divi after my FZR Exup was stolen. I needed wheels and this was the best on offer. Didn't think I would like it but the thing does grow on you! As it had fairing damage and the paintwork was shabby I have 'Streetfightered' it, taking off fairing, cutting down the front brakets to mount the speedo cluster and fitting twin headlights. With chrome crashbars and all plastics sprayed satin black to set off the gold sprayed forks and disk calipers, a black bagaulux tankbag fitted, it really does look a mean machine, surprising what you can do to them! My only problem is.... What the HELL comes out of the four breathers between the cam boxes!! There is enough pressure there to make a noise like a Harley on full throttle, the gasses are hot enough to burn ordinary breather paiping but I can see no trace of oil or crancase gases coming out. I have heard of something called YICS or something similar that, I think, has something to do with controlling the induction systen. I would be gratefull for any info on the engine, especially things like valve clearances and maintenance intervals. A good old bus, surprisingly good, a well kept secret. Ride on, Divi owners, enjoy! UK - Medmenham: Keith Straw Keith is an English computer system engineer living in Kaiserslautern Germany. He moved out there with his wife, Grace, in June of 1996 bringing with them their new XJ900S Diversion. The XJ900 replaced their previous XJ600S Diversion which they owned for 2 years and covered 34000 miles. They use their Diversion for everything from commuting to long range touring. For touring he has fitted a 119 litre 3 box Givi luggage set and also a 30 litre Baglux tank bag and cover. The whole rig is stable to 100 mph fully loaded! They have restricted theirselves to touring the local area, ie up to 300 miles range, but next year will stray further afield. In 1999 they went back to the UK. UK - Milton Keynes: Tony Scott [21-Jun-04] Hi, I'm Tony Scott and I live just outside Milton Keynes. I ride a green 600 N Divvy and love it. I'm 47 years old going on 27 and just love those twisting country roads with my wife Viv on the back. Now the children are all grown up and no longer want to go on holiday with us, (yippeeee!!)I plan to get out and about this summer with a tent, pack of beer and a big smile on my face. Blis UK - Milton Keynes: Phillip Percival [27-Jan-00] I'm a born again rider, or at least on feb 2000 I will be, when I pick up my red 600 diversion. I'm 45 years of age, so it must be a hormonal thing that made me take up biking again. I'm really looking forward to the summer. Is there a club in the UK anywhere ?? UK - Milton Keynes: Dan James Dan lives in Valencia when he is not visiting his parents in the UK. He loves to meet so more 'Divvie' riders. He also asked why the YDCN doesn't organize a Diversion trip down to the Med. The answer isn't that difficult. We are a very young club and are just starting foreign trips. The first YDCN camping weekend was in our own country, just a try-out and with success. For the second year (1996) we want to organize two camping weekends, the first in France during the Whitsun weekend and we have plans to go to Luxembourgh the first week in september. The Med may be a little too far for a large group, difficult to organize also. UK - Monmouth, South Wales: Alan Lightly [21-Apr-00] I have just bought my first Diversion today (16.4.2000) after having an old XJ900F. I like all the new mods.. I am a chef in South Wales UK. My wife and I like to eat up the miles in the lovly countryside we have all around here. I have been rideing for 18 months passing my test when I was 39. I like to hear from anyone interested in Diversions and day touring. UK - Newcastle Upon Tyne: Steven Miles [19-Dec-99] Having just passed my bike test in June this year, I wanted something cheap, fun and insurance friendly as my first bike. So after touring the bike shops, a friend of mine found a very helpful bike shop in Durham that recommended a Diversion. As the 600 is still expensive to insure I bought an XJ400S Jap import. I know everyone thinks that they are a bit lacking but Ive found it to be great fun! UK - Newcastle (Jarrow): Dave Stokoe [22-Feb-00] I have been on this list before under a different address, It Is now three years since I became a Divi owner and although i have been tempted to sell and buy something else I never have. the bike itself just keeps going and going with very few problems and minimum cost. UK - Norwich: Richard Rump [27-Apr-08] 2008 Returned to biking after 15 years. I own a mechanically standard 1993 red/yellow SECA 2 in the UK, complete with 55mph in red and a slightly confusing (for UK) carb configuration. Like the bike. I just wish I could get better economy and less rattles when warm! UK - Norwich: Andy Hunn [26-Aug-99] New Diversion owner, simian green, 1993. Love it.. I work in computers and as well as riding my XJ600S I also fly my own Streak Shadow aircraft. I am looking forward to coming to some of the Diversion rally's. UK - Nottingham: Peter Sloan [17-Sep-98] Peter wrote: I'm 27 and have finally got round to learning to ride. I'm about to buy a bike, and have been recommended by lots of people to buy a Diversion. So I'm interested in finding out more about it and what people think. UK - Nottingham: Max Shortley [20-Aug-98] Max wrote: I am 36, married, an Air Traffic Controller. I have just bought (Aug 98) a 1994 green 900 Diversion with 29000 miles for commuting to work and am looking forward to a long and enjoyable relationship with it. UK - Oxford: Lynne Young [24-May-05] I passed my test just before Easter this year (2005) thanks to my partner paying for me to do a direct access course for my birthday. A week later we picked up my 1996, black, XJ600N. She is my pride and joy and I get out on her as often as I can, in all weathers. We have just bought a Honda CBX750 Nighthawk as a non-runner that we are going to customize. That will be my rally bike, whereas my XJ is my everyday, commuting to and from uni bike. It's taken me a long time to get back into the biking scene but now I'm here I'm going to ride as much as I can, for as long as I can! UK - Penrith: Paul Shorrock [01-Dec-97] Paul wrote: Have owned 900 Divi for almost 2 years and 18K miles. Love biking in my local area (English Lake District, etc.) , anywhere in UK, or loooong tours in Europe (Slovakia and back in one week in september 1997 - almost 2.5 K miles - loved every minute). Hope to meet some of you on the road. Luv from Shoz UK - Plymouth: Mike Gadd [31-Jan-99] Mike wrote: Hello, I am a proffesional engineer working in the UK and Germany, and own a green 900S which I bought from new. I've racked up 13000 miles of country riding to work, and a tour of nothern spain last year (1500 miles, two up with luggage in mountains! ampg 45!!). My only complaint and ongoing warranty claim, is rust on the swinging arm. Right now, for me, I can't see a good replacement on the market. This is my first Shaft drive bike, I like it, and do not want to switch back to 'chains'. UK - Poole, Dorset: Colin Dowding [26-Oct-03] After a few years of being without a bike I took a re-fresher course through my local bike shop. He had a 1999 Blue 900 in his showroom that caught my eye. Went for a test ride and loved the riding position, handling and feel of the bike. Bought it on the spot, had her now for 4 months and having a great time, very reliable, starts 1st time everytime come rain or shine. Only thing I have found is a slight wobble on the motorway at 70mph though I have been told thats down to the tyres (be changing them soon). Other than that a great bike, should of got one a long time ago. Ride safe people... Colin UK - Reading: Alfonso Gonzalez [28-Mar-98] Alfonso wrote :Just bought Divi 600 96' last December (my Xmas present to myself). First big bike ever and loooooove it!!!. UK - Rotherham: Graham Taylor [04-Oct-99] Im 45 and just passed my direct access course after an abcence from motorcycles of 28 years. I have just bought a 1992 XJ600S and love it to bits. Still gaining confidence though ! UK - Sandy, Bedfordshire: Mike Amphlett [22-Dec-03] Got a Divvy 900, hoping to do some weekend trips next year. Maybe even take the bike over to Holland. Hope to meet some of you at the RAI next week. UK - Salisbury: Matthew Judd [24-Feb-01] I have a 600s 93 model. I use it for work and for fun. I got back into biking 18 months ago and the divvy attracted me because it was sporty but also comfortable for touring. I love it but have one problem which no-one seems able to solve. On decelleration at about 30 mph if I relax my grip on the handlebars they will start to vibrate and will go into a real tankslapper if I dont grip again. I only notice it when I really relax my grip. I have had the steering head checked, the alignment and both wheels balanced and th etyres checked. One garage said I needed a steering damper. This seems a bit much. Has anyone had a similar problem. If so I would like to hear from you! UK - Scunthorpe: John Sarsfield [11-Sep-07] 2007 Hello, I m John, age 52, a late starter with bikes though I had a couple Vespa's in my teens but never past the bike test. I managed this in November 2001 and my first bike was a XJ650 Midnight Maxim, which I had for a year before buying my first XJ900, which I ran for 2yrs covering 15k miles before an accident wrote the bike off. In April this year I bought my second XJ900 which when time allows I tour round central and northern England. The Diversion does just about everything I want a bike to do, its comfortable reasonably economical and easy to maintain. Just hope I can keep this one upright to fully enjoy it. UK - Shanklin, Isle of Wight: Adrian Hume [06-Nov-06] I purchased my secondhand bright yellow! 1994 SecaII 600(600S in UK/europe) in May 05 after a 17 year break from riding. Its a great aall rounder, and gets used for short pleasure rides as well as a bit of touring. I'm an active member of the main Diversion club in the UK (see http://groups.msn.com/yamahadiversions) who hold regular rideouts all over the UK during summer & winter. See their website for details (its free to join the club) with lots of technical advice/spares for sale/general biking banter too. UK - Sheffield: Howard Wright [08-Jan-99] Howard wrote: Hi, I am a newbie to Motorcycling - having just come through a messy divorce I decided that I needed a 'Diversion' (no pun intended). Having never ridden a motorbike before I signed up for a Direct Access course, passsed first time and am now the proud owner of a 1999 XJ900 Diversion. My plans are to tour the UK and Europe over the next year and enjoy my new toy. UK - Skelmersdale: Bernard Gilligan [02-Sep-07] 2007 Hi got a 600 Divi late 2004 after not having a proper bike for quite a number of years then early 2005 got a 900 divi and started tours with White rose tours from Harrogate Yorkshire with the first tour being Northern Ireland (NW 200) then a Scottish end of season tour next year 2006 first eroupean tour Cochem Germany & Luxbourg next year 2007 did the Cantal mountains all the tours where great and would recommend next tour is Oct 2007 in scotland with friend's from the midlands and Jersey. Looking forward to next List of tour's Had the bike 3 years and cannot fault it kept up with all the race bike's on the mountain passe's Cannot fault the bike had it 3 years now and looking forword too the next european tour which i think will be Austrian/Switzerland tour. The bike i cannot fault a true TOURING BIKE and would recommend to any true biker UK - Sleaford: Tim Stanton [04-Jul-98] Tim wrote: Just bought a 1996 mint condition Divvie 900, with the full nonfango luggage, riding about 450 miles per week and find it very comfortable. Does anyone service their own bike and if so where did they get a manual for it? Also interested in tyre choices as I find the bike twitching slighty on the stock dunlops in the wet. UK - South Wales: Clive Evans [11-Mar-00] I've just returned to biking after a break of 14yrs due to family & financial commitments, and for the past few years thought that if I was ever to buy another bike, I would certainly consider a 600 Diversion. After contacting several owners via the YDCN web site about its suitability for my needs, I decided it was definitely the bike for me. I am now the proud owner of a 97 XJ600S, and can thoroughly recommend the model to anyone returning to motorcycling after a break, with it's torquey engine, mechanical simplicity, sensible styling and excellent value for money. I think 5 gears would be quite adequate though, but 6 seems the norm these days. UK - Southampton: Ray Humphrey [07-Jul-03] I am a freelance photographer and ride a 900XJS, 2002 silver Divvy. I use the bike for work when I don't need to carry too much gear. I also belong to a local bike club - www.sdmcc.net - which caters for everbody. I like the reliability of the bike, previously I owned a 600 Divvy, and the ride comfort. UK - Southampton: Roy van Hal [20-May-99] My name is Roy van Hal. I have been motorcycling on and off since 1963 but have not ridden a motorcycle for 10 years. At present I live in Southampton and work in Burgess Hill which is about 85 miles away. I have bought a 900 Diversion to commute on. I will, of course, also be using my bike for lots of fun!! I have a wife (Pauline) and two children (Carla and Gregg). UK - St. Albans, Hertfordshire: Stuart Fray [05-Feb-00] Hi new friends, I've had my Diversion XJ600S for 2 years now. I bought it new in March 1998 and get a great deal of enjoyment from it. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an interest group for the model here in the UK, so I'm glad to have found your organisation. My bike is pretty standard, though I've bought a tank bra from the States, added a Scot Oiler (highly recommended), rear hugger, front mud guard extender and engine bars (did I say standard?) One thing I do not like about the bike is the discolouration I always get on the down pipes after just a couple rides, especially if wet. Has anyone tried getting them re-chromed to solve this problem? Also, I'm on the look out for some small tasteful decals which say XJ600S to put on the side moldings. Has anyone come across these? UK - St. Albans: David Taylor [28-Oct-98] David wrote: I run my own business designing & selling corporate & uniform ties. I'm 41, married with 2 young kids but my partner never really got into bikes, so it's just me. Most of my riding is evening, weekends, with longer trips together with others from "Round Table Bikers". Just come back from a trip back up from Bilbao through France etc. etc. Might like a trip over to Holland some time, what's coming up? Great site. Regards David. UK - Stockton on Tees: Brian W. Moore. [08-Jul-00] I suppose I am what you call a 'Born again biker', and it all started when I wanted a winter ( 1999 ) project, so I bought a BSA Bantam B175, and restored it, and it was on the road ( legally ) Jan 01 2000. THAT is what started it! I soon realised that the Bantam would be too small for me running around the West Coast of Scotland, where I keep a caravan........So! What larger bike would suit me ? It had to be a Touring bike......and a bargain came along....so the little BSA Bantam has a larger pal to share the garage with, the XJ600S/Diversion. Both have their own characters, so give me differing amounts of pleasure when out and about. Any Divvy owners passing through the North East of UK who want to meet up please send me an e-mail and we will see what we can do. Regards to ALL XJ owners. Brian Moore. UK - Telford: Emma Hodges [29-Dec-01] I am 22 years old and live in Telford. I have held my full bike licence since April 2001. Once I passed my test I bought myself a black, Grey import XJ400 Diversion. I love my Divvy, it has everything a new rider needs. The weight of a real bike and not too much power to get me into trouble. Other bikes I have owned are, Thomos 49cc moped when I was 16 and a Honda CG 125 before I passed my test. I am interesed to find out anything about the XJ400 Divvy as manuals for this model are hard to come by. UK - Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire: Brian Whelan [05-Jul-05] I have owned my 900 Diversion since 1995 (bought new). Retail price then was £6,500. I paid £5,500 and a year or so later you could buy a new on for £4,500 DOH!! At present (2005) the bike has 52000 miles on the clock, and as I've mentioned in other scribblings, it's smoother now than it has ever been. I must say that I didn't like the bike for,- probably a couple of years, due I think to the high frequency vibes and comfort or the lack of it, (had the seat repadded) after several years on old BMW twins. But I stuck with it and glad I did. I change the oil every 2500 - 3000 miles and change the shaft oil at the same time. I am touching wood here cos the battery is the original and still going strong. Had few problems with the rear brake but it has been ok for the last couple of years. My website: here. UK - Wantage: Tony Pye [11-Nov-97] Tony wrote: Use it for work and pleasure. I bought as I knew about reliabilty of the XJ650 etc .I have had my Divvy for two years and have loved every minute of it. UK - Watford: Alan Craddock [11-Nov-07] 2007 Hi my name is Alan. I'm 43 and returned to biking in 2006. My first big bike was an XJ600 but now I have an XJ900S. The bike is fairly bullet proof and this was probably one of the last made (2003). I commute each day to London - roughly a 40 mile round trip each day. It's fantastic to be able to do the trip in 40 minutes compared to the train - some 75 minutes. However I have to say its a bit like dog eat dog in London traffic sometimes. I guess that's part of the fun though!! UK - Welling: Glen Watt Glen have had his 96 900 Diversion for about a year now and love it. It's a good all round bike and he can't understand why it doesn't appear in any of the top sales charts, as he is now seeing so many on the roads. UK - West Bromwich: Bob Callan [12-Feb-00] Bob wrote: In 1994 I bought my first new bike, a 600 Diversion in silver and toured most of the UK on it. Then in february 1997 I bought a 900 Diversion in green. I love touring and every year at whitsun I tour Scotland for the week. I have been looking to join a group such as yours and love to tour together. I am touring Scotland again at whitsun 1999. If anybody would like to join in, please contact me. About myself: I'm 47 years old, married with one son aged 21 years (does not ride a bike and does not know what he is missing). I'm a manager of a automotive spring making company based in West Bromwich. I will look forward to recieve your mail or visit my divvyrider.co.uk website! Regards and safe riding, Bob UK - Wimborne: Martyn Dryden [01-Sep-99] Male, 50 years, company director. Learned to ride and bought Divi in 1998 to improve my commute to work (32 miles each way). Successful. Currently taking advanced training and hope to take the Institute of Advanced Motorists test soon. UK - Wolverhampton: Steve Miller [21-Sep-07] 2007 Took my test july 2007 at 47 yrs of age. Spotted a 1992 divvy 600 which I couldn`t get my mind off, so I bought it. Totally happy, plenty fast enough, drags my 100kg frame around with ease. Looking at around 60mpg. Done 100mph before the wind got too much. Only fault so far has been the starter relay which mr WD40 fixed for me. UK - Wolverhampton: Chris & Bev Whitley [19-Feb-98] Chris & Bev wrote: 'Born again' bikers 6 months ago when we bought a 1981 Suzuki GSX750. Since then we decided we want something better that we could tour on - Test rode a Divvy 900 and fell in love! Picking up 98 model in March and looking forward to touring the English Lake district early May and hope to make it to Zeeland end of May. UK - ???: Adrian Clay Adrian lives in England and owns a green dec'95 XJ900S. That was all he told me.

Last update 27-Apr-2008