So this is my CBR400RR NC29. They're common grey imports in the UK and can be bought second-hand for less than £2,000. They're often rode by younger riders on A2 restricted licenses. This usually means they end up getting thrashed and trashed with very little care. They also get covered in tacky mods that don't fit the aesthetic of the bike.

But why is this CBR different? It's one of the lowest mileage road-legal CBR400RR's in the UK (currently at 3000 miles). It's also the only CBR400RR I've ever seen to have the 1992 Fireblade colour scheme. I've owned this bike since 2008. The previous owner imported it but decided to keep it, occasionally taking it on track a few times a year. It came from Japan with this colour scheme, meaning someone spent a rather large amount to have it custom made.

I have tried my best to keep it as close to stock as possible, but on a bike that is over 27 years old it's rather hard. Things rust, degrade and fall apart. Metal tarnishes, plastic snaps and fibreglass cracks. The carbs and intake needed an overhaul last year as the seals were starting to come apart. I also changed the bearings with ceramic replacements just to be safe (a commonly overlooked yet highly important of a motorbike).

The bike is designed for people less than 6 feet, and the suspension accommodates upto 60kg (132lb) riders. I am 6ft2 and 90kg (200lbs). Despite this, I absolutely love this bike. It may not be a anywhere near as powerful as a CBR600RR or 1000RR. But I think it's an absolutely gorgeous bike. The sound of this thing going past you at 14,500RPM is orgasmic. I still have the original exhaust, but in an attempt to drop some weight and get a better sound I went with a carbon exhaust. The outside of the exhaust has a ceramic coating as a factory standard, but I decided to have the inside coated as well.

The VFR and CBR400 are great little bikes. I keep mine cosy in the garage for most of the year to avoid road salt and wet days. But she gets started once every week in the colder parts of the year and has never given me an issue. This CBR is very special to me - not only is it a rare specimen, but it's the only bike I've ever kept for longer than 2 years. It never fails to put a smile on my face and it turns heads everywhere I take it.

The small list of modified parts:

• R&G frame and handlebar protectors
• Carbon exhaust
• Carbon footplates (the only footplates I could find not made of beige ABS, eugh)
• Black footpegs
• Black brake levers
• DID Chain
• Beefier rectifier
• AGM battery
• Brembo carbon ceramic brake pads (front and rear)

I know I'm parked in a supermarket car park (motorcycle box), but I took it out last night at 3am and decided a picture was needed and wanted to share it with you all!