Just to put this into context: I bought the R1 at the end of September, this year. Obviously, I had to familiarise myself with my new toy, so my Blackbird stayed under the covers for a month or so. When I next returned to the ‘Bird, unsurprisingly, the battery was flat.
This morning, awakening to a mist that would surely clear to sun later in the day, I dug out the battery charger with thoughts of reviving the R1 for a bit of a run out this afternoon. I checked the ignition and, as expected, no lights, no hisses of alarm or fuel priming – nada.
Let me add here that I know I turned the key all the way.
Unconcerned and unsurprised I disconnected the battery and hooked up the charger, planning a two-hour break before my little adventure. All was well, as the charger lights informed me, and I went back into the house for a minute or so before deciding to make a brew. (Now – here comes the scary bit.
As I filled the kettle, the habit of a lifetime forced me to scan the charger to ensure all was well...
...and the battery was fully charged! It was, I tell you, it was!
I went out and checked that the clips hadn’t slipped and caused a short, or anything daft like – and they were fine. So I re-connected the battery and the bike turned over and started like it was a new ‘un!!
So – is this a Christmas miracle – or is it just them fookin' Yamaha fairies having a little fun?