Is an Old Yamaha XJ600 Still a Sensible Winter Bike? Honest UK Ride Test.

What’s it really like getting back on a bike after a few weeks off in winter conditions? In this ride I take my old Yamaha XJ600 out on cold, damp UK roads and share some honest thoughts on winter riding, old bikes, and confidence. With the roads still damp and mucky, I left the BMW in the garage and took out the Yamaha XJ600 — my trusty winter hack. It’s not glamorous, it’s a bit crude compared to the Beemer, and at 28 years old it definitely shows its age… especially the brakes (the rear one is woeful). This was an uneventful 30–40 mile ride, but a good chance to chat about a few things, including testing the DJI Action 6 for the very first time and giving the DJI Mic 3 another chance after returning it last summer. Nothing dramatic, no hero moments — just a proper, honest winter ride and some first impressions of new kit.