I READ with interest the Phillpott File in the Evening News (Tuesday, October 16). It was very good reading, so I thought I may be able to help him when he is ready to buy a motorcycle.

First, he needs to remember that he may not be quite as supple as he was when he was a youth, so he should stay well clear of sports bikes with their big round tanks - because in my case, the tank curves one way and my stomach the opposite.

Next, he must remember that if he rode anything fast when he was young, they were not as fast as the bikes today. So my advice is that he shouldn't go for fast bikes. Another tip is treat every other person on the road as a complete idiot and remember that none of them can drive or know where they are going.

My best advice to him is start on something small in case he does not like it.

I own two bikes, my funky moped, a Honda 90cc machine and a Triumph Thunderbird. The Thunderbird is the bike of my dreams. I hope he takes up biking again - but if he does, he must have some training with one of the many motorcycle training schools.

Well, Mr Phillpott, have fun, but remember we are not kids any more, although we are probably more wiser now.

Oh yes, one more thing - I was known as Stan The Bantam Man when I was a lad because of all the BSA Bantams I used to own.

Born-again-biker,

MICK FARMER,

Droitwich.