i am also north east, just outside durham, there are plenty of us up here but not enough to make you feel you bought a common car, i rarely see others unless going to a meet.
viewtopic.php?f=85&t=22083
get yourself on there and add yourself to the list.
i have the k1 with the bungs out, absolutely love it going up and down through the gears but bugs the crap outta me on motorway runs, although if you turn the music up load its ok.