With a new Rotax® 1330 ACE™ high-torque engine and a new 6-speed transmission, the road has never been so inviting. The high-torque response of the ACE engine gives you 40% more low-end torque and now can go up to 405 kilometres at 100 km/h on one tank of gas. *While the new 6-speed transmission provides an incredibly smooth ride for you and your passenger. Add in a unique Y-frame design and 7 automotive technologies, and that rush you feel will be equal parts exhilaration and confidence.
offers at canamspyder.com
Roadmaster
HANDCRAFTED LUXURY
Introducing a name synonymous with luxury, the Indian® Roadmaster™ is designed to cater to the touring rider and their passenger. Premium touches found throughout including adjustable air flow, adjustable passenger floor boards, dual positioned heated seats, Bluetooth connection and much more.
STOP PRESS!
Lane filtering legislation changes!
We have word from an insider in the Government that all States and Territories will shortly introduce lane filtering legislation. The written legislation covering lane filtering will then be repealed Australia wide, so in fact there will be no specific legislation, but motorcycle riders will still be able to lane filter and not get issued any infringements by Police. Yes, we think they’ve finally gone mad, or maybe not?
BAYLISS RETURN
The Man comes out of retirement
Ducati WSBK rider, Davide Giugliano crashed in testing at Phillip Island, a few days before the WSBK round and injured his back. A replacement rider was sort and that happened to be none other than Aussie, Troy Bayliss. Troy raced with his famous number “21” and performed quite
well despite the lack of setup time and trouble with tyres blistering. Will we see the famous #21 at the next WSBK in Thailand? It is very much a possibility.
MV AGUSTA FINDS
A NEW HOME
Stability for this iconic brand
Urban Moto Imports, distributor of some of the world’s most exotic motorcycles in Australia is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.
For more information please contact info@mvagusta.com.au . The official Australian MV Agusta website www.
mvagusta.com.au will be launched shortly, along with a Facebook page.
READY TO ROCK!
Suzuki GSR750
The 2015 Suzuki GSR750 has arrived in Australia, featuring a striking new Metallic Black colour scheme to ensure it stands out from the pack. Available now
for $10,790 (RRP+orc), the GSR750 is backed by Suzuki’s two-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. For further information on the 2015 GSR750, visit your local Suzuki dealer, who can be found through the Dealer Locator on www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au
THREE NEW CALIS
Moto Guzzi adds to the range
John Sample Automotive, the exclusive importers of Moto Guzzi, is pleased to announce the arrival of three additional models in the California family: the
Audace, Eldorado and the stunning California Touring SE. See your local Moto Guzzi dealer, or visit www.motoguzzi.com.au
HOTTEST NEW BIKE VENUE IN MELBOURNE
Café Moto!
Café Moto is set to be the hottest new place for Melbourne’s motorcycle fraternity to meet. On offer will be generous serves of food made from the highest-quality fresh and locally sourced ingredients - and of course top-shelf Melbourne coffee. Inspired by the Café Racer movement, this exciting back-to-basics and imaginative venue will offer the motorcycling, scooter and wider community something distinctly different.
Located at 611 Nepean Highway, Carrum, the beachside venue is an easy ride from Melbourne and is more than just a café. Café Moto will also have some great collectable bikes on display and stock some of the latest bike gear from Roland Sands Design, Bell helmets, Iron & Resin and Motorcycle Company Parma. With a mix of products from Australia, the West Coast of the USA and Italy, Café Moto will be bringing the latest retro and café racer gear to Melbourne.
For those not in Melbourne, don’t despair! Café Moto has a slick online retail operation so gear can be shipped throughout the country at the click of a button.
Checkout the website www.cafemoto. com.au or like their Facebook page for the opening date, trading hours, offers and events.
LAMS BMW
INDIAN SUMMER
There is still considerable speculation about the new BMW entry-level bike or bikes, but some things are settled: it has been developed in Germany; it is a liquid-cooled single with a reversed cylinder head; it will be built in India by TVS (current best-known bike: the snappy Apache); and it will come in three different versions, one of which (see photos) looks remarkably like the KTM Duke. The others are GS and sports variants.
4. KTM 125 Duke – will there be an eighth-litre BMW as well? 1 2 3 4
The bike is aimed mainly at holders of the European A2 licence class, which means that it will meet LAMS restrictions here in Australia. It has upside-down forks and single discs front and back, and rolls on premium tyres. German magazine MOTORRAD has speculated that instead of 250 and 500cc capacities, which is what most commentators seem to think, the bike will be a 400. An argument against that is the new
1. The K03 looks quite a bit like a KTM, but it will wear BMW badges.
2. Here’s the competition –KTM’s second biggest seller in Germany, the 390 Duke.
3. This road version looks rather industrial, which suggests that it will get at least a part fairing.
7 8
bike’s factory code designation - K03. That suggests a 300cc engine, but MOTORRAD generally has excellent lines of communication with BMW. If the bike is a 400, that would give it a chance of matching the 390 Duke’s performance without relying too much on expensive technology. Perhaps it matches the Duke precisely and has 390cc capacity as well…
The Duke, by the way, is also built in India – and is KTM’s second best seller in Germany after the 1190 Adventure. It makes sense for BMW to match (or better) it. The Bavarians’ two year old agreement with TVS to develop sub-500cc bikes has been seen as a response to the success of the small – 125, 200 and 390 –Duke range.
We should find out all about the new bike at Milan’s EICMA motorcycle show in November, at the latest. It appears that all of the bikes will be built by TVS in Chennai, and will be sold as TVSs in India and some other developing markets. The First World will get them as BMWs.
Can the Indians match the kind of build quality we expect from major marques? The jury is out, so far. Triumph has chosen Thailand as its low-cost manufacturing base instead, a decision that must mean major worries in Hinckley whenever the Thai political situation blows up. But certainly Thai quality appears to be up to scratch. BMW is of course not the only marque that is looking to India’s combination of low wages and other overheads with expertise in building large quantities of small bikes. As well as assembling bikes, Harley-Davidson manufactures some of its 500 and 750cc Street machines in India. I’ve already mentioned KTM –and we shouldn’t forget local marque Royal Enfield.
While India is the developing nation which attracts most First World motorcycle manufacturers, it is not the only one. As I mentioned, Triumph builds bikes for the Western world in Thailand; BMW did the same with the now-discontinued 450 in Taiwan;
Yamaha exports 250s from Indonesia – the list goes on. China is also a major manufacturer of ‘Japanese’ badged bikes; I’ve toured a factory in Chongqing that is entirely dedicated to Yamaha dirt bikes. Oddly, though, China does not feature substantially as a manufacturing partner for European bike companies, except BMW for a relatively small quantity of single-cylinder engines. Perhaps the business styles are still too different. PT 5 6
5. Also made in India –Harley-Davidson’s Street 500, recently introduced in Australia.
6. REPSOTS, eh? The Chinese are still at the stage where they copy others –and often badly.
7. BMW’s F 800 R in the “old” look, which the new bikes are definitely not following.
8. Triumph has decided to trust its manufacturing future to Thailand, but there may well be an Indian tie-up in the future.
YAMAHA MT-09 TRACER ABS
PUT YOUR TRACE ON THE MAP
WORDS STUART WOODBURY PHOTOS JOSH EVANS/YAMAHA
The world was justifiably amazed and excited upon the release of the Yamaha MT-09 not so long ago. Now take that package, modify it for touring and here is what you have – the MT-09 Tracer. Not only will you enjoy this bike, so will your pillion. Alana came along to the Australian launch and both of us were impressed with the Tracer – “the ultimate weekender”?
The launch headed north out of Yamaha HQ up the Putty Road to the vineyards of the Hunter Valley. If you’ve ridden the Putty, you’ll know it is rough in parts, then full of twisties – a perfect test of the machine and how comfy it is for both rider and pillion.
Hopping on board the Tracer, you immediately notice how light it is.
Yamaha states a 190kg dry, 210kg wet
LAUNCH
weight, and as with the rest of the MT range, lightness and easy manageability are great features.
Housed in the frame is the high torque 847cc triple engine of the MT-09. It is slim, making the Tracer itself, slim and easy to manage for most sized riders. It combines low-revving torque with explosive power up high. It offers the claimed best in class power to weight ratio, too, while being smooth as a you know what.
You get three engine modes to choose from –Standard, A or B modes. Standard comes on automatically whenever you turn the ignition on, but it was A mode that I loved on this bike. B mode I found took a lot out of the fun of the triple powerplant, but A mode left me giggling like a schoolgirl every time I twisted the throttle, much to Alana’s delight when we were flowing swiftly through corners and her horror when I was saving on front tyre wear from time to time, after switching off the traction control system.
The Tracer comes with a larger fuel capacity than the MT-09, 18 litres all up and with an indicated 5.6-5.8L/100km usage throughout the launch, that is pretty good. Expect better consumption if you’re not using loads of throttle – obviously.
As a practical yet sporty motorcycle, the Tracer is perfectly comfortable for two-up touring, as we found out during the two day launch. In fact the only other motorcycle on the market that I’ve ridden which has as much rider to pillion space is the Triumph Trophy – a full on big bore tourer. Yamaha has achieved this massive amount of room by redesigning the rear subframe. It is 814.5mm in length versus the MT-09’s 683.9mm. This all adds up to an extremely happy pillion and you will be happy, too. Not being shoved in the back all the time allows you to ride the bike more freely, as you would solo.
Stuart is wearing a Shark Speed R Carbon Series 2 helmet, Yamaha MT Techno jacket, Held Backflip gloves, Draggin jeans and Sidi Vertigo boots. Alana is wearing a Shark ‘Colours’ helmet, Shift jacket, Motodry gloves, Draggin jeans and Torque boots.
LAUNCH
The rider’s seat is height adjustable, 845860mm. This may rule out some shorter riders, but give one a go if you are a bit shorter in the legs and think about getting the lower accessory seat, you might just be surprised. I had the seat set on 860mm and found that to be excellent for my long pins. Seat to peg height is very roomy as well.
Alana said that the pillion seat was comfy all day and she loved the rear lip built into the seat that allowed her to relax more, not thinking that she’d slide off the back under hard acceleration.
For the rider, you also get an adjustable handlebar (10mm) through the clamps. Again, I had it on the highest setting, which was bang on the money – super comfy all day long. To match this, the Tracer comes with a three position adjustable screen (30mm range), and yes, I had it on the highest setting, which deflected a good amount of wind away from the body.
As with the MT-09, the Tracer is set up with fairly soft suspension. It is okay for a solo rider, where you can adjust the preload and rebound front and rear to make a good all-round package, but two-up it needs a new rear spring, or a totally new shock with a remote preload adjuster to make things just that bit better with the added weight. You can get a spring from a suspension tuner for $300 or so dollars, or a full shock might cost around $2000 for something like the latest generation Ohlins. The actual handling otherwise is light and balanced with a good amount of rigidity through the frame. This results in a predictable nature that allows you to be more comfortable all day long, not distracting you from your sightseeing by making you focus on getting around corners.
Anti-lock braking comes standard on the Tracer, with radial mount calipers up front which have loads of power and feel, and a rear brake with good feel. I never got to the point of activating the ABS and I worked the brakes quite hard at times, again to Alana’s horror.
Huh? What do you mean you’re having fun? No, no! Now you’ll want to come riding all the time!
LAUNCH
39 litres of luggage capacity comes standard.
Your pillion in a million will be happy on this puppy.
The dashboard comes from the latest Super Ténéré and includes indications for gear position, outside temperature, fuel level, drive mode settings, traction control settings, accessory grip heater settings, fuel consumption, trip meters and more. It is very easy to read in all lighting conditions and also easy to scroll through via the up or down switch on the left side of the bar.
Styling is courtesy of Yamaha’s R&D department in Italy. The bike is equipped with innovative new twin LED headlights that feature LEDs built into the reflector lenses, and for added convenience the headlights can be adjusted without any tools. Both low and high beams use this technology to produce a sharp and energy efficient light, and the daytime running lights are also low energy LEDs. Located within individual nacelles, these hi-tech twin headlights give the Tracer a unique and distinctive appearance, one that I like very much.
Hard case 19.5 litre (each) panniers come standard and are a good size for two-up weekend getaways. They have integrated attachment points for
SPECS
YAMAHA MT-09 TRACER ABS
Three position adjustable with 30mm of range – great!
a super clean look. The Tracer comes with a centre stand, 12V socket and M6 threaded holes in the handlebar clamps to attach an accessory bar for mounting a GPS or similar. All-in-all, it’s a lot of bang for your buck.
Accessories are all touring orientated. They include comfort seats, top case, heated grips, higher screen, LED fog lights and a USB adaptor to name but of few of the substantial range that’s available. If you want to release some grunty triple cylinder tunes, you can choose from Carbon or Titanium full Akrapovic systems as well.
“Touring doesn’t need to happen on boring bikes. It can be super fun too!” says Yamaha Japan manager, Naoki Koike. Both Alana and I found the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer to be perfect for touring and sporty riding with comfort. Yamaha wished to showcase the Tracer as the perfect weekend sports tourer and from the smiles on all of the pillions’ and riders’ faces after the two days, I think they’ve hit the nail on the head. With a remarkably small price tag of only $14,999 with panniers and all the other goodies, it’s pretty hard to pass up.
PRICE: $14,999 (plus on-road charges)
WARRANTY:Two years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled in-line three cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
BRAKES: Front, twin 298mm discs with four-piston radial mount ABS calipers. Rear, 245mm disc, twin-piston ABS caliper.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5.6-5.8 litres per 100km, premium unleaded
THEORETICAL RANGE: 321-310km
COLOURS: Matt Grey, Lava Red
VERDICT: FUN FOR RIDER AND PILLION
Your Ride. Your Way.
Guided Tours
• The best “no-worr ies” Holiday available!
Small groups, relaxed style and great roads every day Tours include motorcycle hire and fuel, lodging and many meals A support vehicle carries luggage, supplies, complimentary water, soft drinks and snacks You’ll enjoy the personal attention of an experienced guide and support staff, 24/7
Self-Guided Tours
• Your personal adventure, built on our exper ience
We’ve taken some of the Best Rides in North America - you can too! Motorcycle hire, hotels, maps, directions, GPS, suggested activities and dining options are all included Most Guided Tours are available as Self-Guided adventures, on your schedule We'll even create or modify a tour to meet your needs
Road Trip Auto Tours • For non-r iders, Family & Fr iends
Not everyone a Rider? See the best of North America in the hire car of your choice. Most guided or self-guided motorcycle tours - including custom - are available as Road Trip Auto Tours Wondering about motorcycles and autos together? Of course you can!
Motor cycle Hir e • Great rates, round tr ip or one-way We’ll give you a complete pr ice with no sur pr ises
2015
Guided Tours
Route 66 5-20 June / Chicago to LA / 15 Nights, 14 Ride Days
ALMOST SOLD OUT
Glacier Nat’l Park / Canadian Rockies / Calgary Stampede 24 June - 9 July / Seattle, WA / 15 Nights, 14 Ride Days
Pacific Coast (NORTH) 10-18 July
Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA / 8 Nights, 7 Ride Days
Pacific Coast (SOUTH) 18-26 July
San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA / 8 Nights, 7 Ride Days
75TH ANNUAL Stur gis Bike Week 30 July-12 August
Las Vegas, NV to Denver, CO / 13 Nights, 12 Ride Days
The BIGGEST Bike Week in history, a once-in-a lifetime experience
And the best part is getting there! SPACE IS LIMITED
NEW TOUR - Best of the West
15-30 August / Los Angeles, CA / 15 Nights, 14 Ride Days
Some of our favorite places in a new combination for 2015 - Grand Canyon, Zion, Death Valley, Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, Monument Valley, Las Vegas, Route 66, the Pacific Coast and more Ride at elevations from -86m to +3,050m!
Black Dog Ride Across America - 11 September - 4 October
New York NY to Los Angeles, CA to / 23 Nights, 21 Ride Days
Route 66 Extended 16 October - 3 November / Chicago to LA 18 Nights, 17 Ride Days
Since 2002, personal service has been our foundation Your Holiday is YOURS, and we’ll help you make the most of it.
Whether you choose a Guided or Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour, Auto Tour or Motorcycle Rental, we’ll make sure the adventure is all you expect - plus more - and every component of your journey is up to the highest standards.
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and freedom of the ride, with the security of our experience and support Make 2015 the year you take a FANTASTIC holiday with friends, family or solo You’ll have loads of fun on any number of wheels!
Visit our website and contact us soon
“You’re bloody mad!” he said.
“You’re lucky to be here now, bro! Wow, you must really be crazy or something!”
HIAMO NZ, BRO!
I PROMISED A TRIP OF A LIFETIME… AND THAT’S JUST WHAT EVERYONE GOT!
WORDS/PHOTOS
I replied, cool as (see I even learned to talk New Zealand, bro), “It was a bit of fun, mate”. I walked back to my bike with him still standing there in amazement with a stunned look on his snaggletoothed face, shaking his head. But that was later on our ‘Hiamo’ tour, in Invercargill. That means “exciting” in Maori, and it describes the entire tour really well…
We teamed up with the top class people at Paradise Motorcycle Tours NZ, for our first fully fledged AMM tour. You will have read a number
of pieces over the past few months, promoting the nine day tour of the South Island in New Zealand and promising the trip of a lifetime. Well, that is exactly what every single participant got, including me and the tour guides who were amazed at just how succesful this tour turned out to be.
Did you miss out? Watch this space; we have something in the pipeline for 2016. But I will warn you now; you had better be quick - it will sell out fast. Many of the participants on this trip expressed the desire to do it all again next time, that is how well Paradise Motorcycle Tours NZ knows its business.
Both of our guides Trevor and Andre are passionate about motorcycle touring and extremely knowledgeable about the areas you’ll ride. I am also very impressed with the general professionalism the pair of them displayed. Back at the office, the participants told me, Mike and Alison (whom I didn’t get to meet this time round) did all they could to plan, help and advise about anything and everything.
I will admit I am a guided tour virgin. Sure, The Bear has been on lots of them over the years while I’ve been stuck in the office getting the magazine out each month [aww Stuey…], but I managed to make time to come on this
one, mainly because I was super keen on it. I just love the South Island and when Paradise put the route together I was not only excited to see a number of the places I’d visited on previous trips, but even more inspired by the many places that I haven’t seen.
For those of you who have never been on an organised tour, you may well be worrying about the way these things work on the day – or days. You might be anxious about the way you ride, or the way you’ll fit in or simply whether you will even enjoy riding with a group of strangers. All these things might be running through your head, but fear not. Just think of it as a ride with a group of mates (or, in this case,
bros), because all of the participants certainly became mates over the nine days of our Hiamo tour.
Okay, so this was a South Island tour, and being “summer” in NZ, I packed a little on the summery side. I must have had a premonition, because I also packed for cold weather. Just how cold, I was not to know until part way through the trip, but more of that later.
Here is some advice, anyway. I recommend packing a couple of pairs of gloves, maybe even three to cover hot, cold and in between temperatures. Pack a riding suit that has a removable winter liner and is cool enough for hotter temps. Rain gear, if your suit is not waterproof, and a pair of waterproof boots. This will take up a lot of your allocated luggage weight on the plane, but a number of us flew Emirates, which has a 30kg limit – more than enough, I found. Of course, don’t forget your helmet and clothes to wear while off the bike. If you happen to forget something, so long as you fly into Christchurch early enough you’ll have plenty of time to source anything you’ve forgotten at one of the shops in town. And yes, there are plenty of shops despite the earthquake damage, which is still being repaired.
I flew into Christchurch and contacted that night’s motel via the courtesy phones in the airport to come pick me up. All a very easy process. After settling into my room at the Commodore Motel (free Wi-Fi – always a welcome service) I received a call from Trevor, one of the tour guides at Paradise, giving me details of our welcome dinner in one of the motel’s convention rooms. We all had a very
1. Lindis Pass. 2. It doesn’t really show it, but those waves out to sea are over a metre high!
pleasant dinner together and got to know each other a little. We were also given a briefing by the Paradise team about how the tour would run and exactly where we’d be going.
DAY 1 – SUNSHINE & RAIN CHRISTCHURCH TO TEKAPO
A short 270km on the first day to get everyone settled into the groove of riding an unfamiliar bike, riding in a group and how things generally run throughout the day.
Sixteen bikes and 19 participants all up make our Hiamo tour one of the biggest groups touring the South Island. A variety of bikes were available and I ended up on a near new BMW F 800 GS, which made for an easy journey throughout the nine days. The thermometer hit just over 30 degrees, but then as we got to Fairlie, the rain hit. Only “fairlie” hard… Not heavy at all, actually, but enough to wipe out the amazing views that had just started to come into focus - that’s the luck of the draw. You can’t stop what Mother Nature has planned, as I found out - she had
something planned for me later in the trip!
At this stage I had planned an afternoon run with some of the team out to Mt Cook (a 200km or so round trip), but the rain hit that idea for six, clouding over this wonderful view. But as expected, late in the afternoon the rain stopped, the sun came out and the bright sunlight reflecting off the surrounding mountains and the ever changing blue/turquoise Lake Tekapo were a genuine pleasure to enjoybeer in hand with good company.
DAY 2 – SCENERY & TWISTIES TEKAPO TO DUNEDIN
A long day for many. But in the scheme of things, 420km is easily done with plenty of time to see some sights and enjoy a nice pace while also seeing the amazing scenery we passed throughout the day on the bike.
Heading through Lindis Pass gave everyone a chance to enjoy some nice flowing twisties, and this road brings you to the viewing area for Mt Cook, not much further along. Unfortunately it was mainly covered by cloud, but
they came and went, so we managed to get some glimpses of this amazing high mountain, covered in snow. Further down the road we had lunch at Cromwell.
This is as far south on the east coast as I’d been, so travelling down to our final destination for this day, to Dunedin, was especially interesting for me. Great masses of rocky mountains surround the river that the road follows. It is hard to keep your eyes on the road at times, because the scenery is so stunning. And when you think that this is just the start of the trip!
DAY 3 – BURT & WEATHER DUNEDIN TO TE ANAU
420km today was a day of caution and safety for the group. Weather predictions were diabolical with 90mm of rain and 130km/h winds expected to lash the southern coastline - especially the area of Invercargill, and I so wanted to go there to see Burt Munro’s Indian. We took off from Dunedin with light rain falling, which turned to medium rain. Once we got to Balclutha the sun had come out, but the wind had just
started to get strong. This is where I split from the group to ride the Southern Scenic Route (SSR), while the rest of the group took the safer route inland.
The wind I experienced was intense (to put it mildly) the entire 160km to Invercargill. The next 160km to Te Anau was also quite strong but nowhere near as bad as I experienced along the SSR. I got to Florence Hill Lookout and I could have jumped up in the air and landed two metres away, flying as if I was Superman. People were scared to get out of their cars and one bloke wound his window down to tell me I was crazy being on a bike in such weather - whatever, bro!
Such was the ferocity of the wind that I could have got my knee down while riding in a straight line at one point - something out of this world! I saw a sign, “Edge of the World” and this is exactly what this part of NZ is. I thought the West Coast of Tassie was wild; the Southern Scenic Route on this particular day was like a pissed off Mother Nature coming out of the ocean and ready to eat me whole for defying what she was lashing this part of the world with - the edge of the world, all right!
So, the wind was really bad, well what about the rain! I rode straight into two of the biggest storms I think I’ve been in. The tops of my legs bore the brunt of the light hail that Mother Nature threw at me; as a result, I got quite a bit of bruising. It is something I will never forget!
When I got into Invercargill, I pulled into a service station to fill up, and that rather “colourful” character with teeth pointing in more directions than I ever thought was possible said to me that it was not a good day to be on a
3. Church of the Good Shepard – Lake Tekapo. 4. Not long before Stuart got smashed with hail.
5. Fly like a bird.
bike. This is where you came in, above; I walked back to my bike with him still standing there with a stunned look of amazement on his face, shaking his head.
My new mate had given me directions to the Burt Munro statue in Queens Park and to the E Hayes hardware store to see Burt Munro’s “World’s Fastest Indian”. While in Invercargill, you must visit both of these sights. The store is a functioning everyday hardware store with many rare and fine cars and motorcycles on display, along with the main attraction, the Burt Munro pieces.
A wall of Bert’s old handmade pistons; fairings used throughout the time he raced and all sorts of memorabilia from his life are there for you to enjoy. I even got the chance to get inside… um, let me rephrase that – force myself into one of Burt’s Fastest Indian body shells, complete with original front wheel and handlebars.
While looking around at Hayes I got a message from Andre, one of the tour
No, Stuart, you are not going to fit, no matter how hard you try.
guides, that he was bringing a few of the group down to the shop from the town of Gore and to wait for them. Once they arrived, they too got to see the amazing displays. Then we rode back north, out towards Winton, Manpuori and up to Te Anau.
What a day and what a trip so far! But do you think old Mother Nature had finished with us yet? No, she had something special just around the corner. See the next issue of AMM for part two of this amazing AMM Hiamo Paradise Motorcycle Tours NZ tour.
Want to experience some more of this? Visit www. paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz ; trust me, you will love it!
The BEST of the WEST with A MM Editor Peter “The BEAR” Thoeming
G uided USA Tour • 15 - 30 August , 2015
We’ve lined up some of our favorite places, thrown in some ideas (and surprises!) from Peter “The Bear” Thoeming, Editor of Australian Motorcyclist and together we’ve created a once-in-a-lifetime riding experience that’s tough to beatanywhere on earth - and you’re invited to join us!
Our adventure starts and ends in Los Angeles and includes Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Death Valley, Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
You’ll see the lowest AND the highest elevations in the US –282’ (86m) below sea level in Death Valley to 14,505' (4,421 m) at Mt Whitney Plus Monument Valley, Las Vegas, Route 66, the Pacific Coast and more
Fourteen days of riding and memories to last a lifetime!
Overview Map
Tour Guides
After studying for a career in Economics, Peter found his way into Jazz and then Graphic Design While an Ar t Director at CBS Australia, he decided to make a change, r iding a small motorcycle around the wor ld and wr iting a book about his adventure On his retur n, Peter became editor of Two Wheels magazine and star ted Bike Australia and Australian Road Rider before founding Australian Motorcyclist magazine
He loves tour ing Amer ica, especially the west and the south, ever since spending six weeks cr iss-crossing it back in the ‘80s and on more visits since
The Bear enjoys Amer ican food - especially the beerwhich be believes has improved out of sight since that first tr ip!
Skip’s love of travel star ted at an ear ly age on camping road tr ips with his family in the 1960’s and 70’s After repeating some of the same adventures by car with his own family he discovered motorcycling later in life
Since 2002 he has been the owner/operator of Great Amer ican Tour ing Group, Ltd , leading guided tours for groups large and small, planning self-guided tours and continuing exploration for future jour neys on two wheels or more His “fun” is to show r iders the famous attractions they expect, plus the hidden places they’d be unlikely to discover on their own
Skip has also been self-employed for many years in commercial photography, video production and mar keting communications
8Sun, 23 Aug
Reser ve by 15 June, 20 bikes maximum Mention “The Bear” on your reser vation for m and save $300 per motorcyle
Full Details and Pr icing at http://gamct com/bestofthewest html Itinerary subject to modification as required by local conditions at the time of the Tour
Peter “the Bear” Thoeming
Steven “Skip” Schippers
Daily Itinerar y
ENJOY THE RIDE
COMMMUTED SENTENCE WORDS PAUL RILEY
Acasual glance at Facebook will reveal any number of cheerful calls aimed at capturing the essence of the joy of riding. These all evoke the true spirit of riding and draw our minds to the open road, making us want to throw off the shackles of something as necessary as work and just ride off into the sunset.
But what about when our minds are brought back down to the shackles of reality and forced to look into such mundane pursuits as commuting?
Yes, it can feel as if commuting is a kind of sentence that you have to serve on the road twice a day. But it need not be so…
Let’s not just look at buying a bike for this purpose alone. Few of us can afford to do that, and have another one for ‘fun’ riding. Can we perhaps hope to buy a bike which will serve us on the daily grind, and also when we want to really enjoy ourselves?
Most of us don’t really have choice anyway, it’s one bike that is going to have to do everything - our fi nances usually dictate that restriction.
It isn’t hard to see how manufacturers have jumped onto this by producing bikes which are designed to be up to four bikes in one. But this often comes at a price and again, the fi nance department usually puts an end to
pursuing such exotica. Nevertheless I have put together some bikes that will happily serve more than one purpose, and that will nevertheless not break the bank (see further on).
So getting our minds back to reality (terrible place, isn’t it?) what and how are we going to ride to commute and still have something we can ride with our mates when the shackles are loosed?
The commute these days can involve riding long distances in heavy traffic; strictly city work; a mix of both; and even some sections where we have our favourite corner (invariably restricted to 30km/h below the speed limit by some caffeine starved driver just when we have our only chance of getting some satisfaction on the ride).
So, is there a perfect bike to cope with this? And when you’re looking for it, what do you look for?
TRIUMPH PULLED OFF A MASTER STROKE WHEN THEY CREATED THE LAMS VERSION OF THE STREET TRIPLE BY SLIGHTLY REDUCING THE CAPACITY.
First consideration is usually: Do I like the style or look of it? You aren’t going to buy something that makes you feel like a giant riding a tricycle, or a child riding a full dress brewery horse! It has to look and feel right for you. So now it comes to a selection from ‘styles’ like cruiser, sports, learner approved (LAMS), tourer, naked, sports tourer, etc. (I could be bold enough
can obviously commute on anything, but will you be happy on a BMW 1600 when you aren’t likely to get over 50km/h? We can leave the big tourers and sports tourers out of contention, then. A scooter might not appeal, either, if you weigh over 100kg and want to have some self-respect amongst your work mates (This is not a shot at scooters, but writing as a
ROOTIN’ TOOTIN’ COMMUTIN’
NO, VIRGINIA, YOU
DON’T NEED TO RIDE A QUARTER LITRE PLODDER TO GET TO WORK
WORDS THE BEAR
PHOTOS FACTORIES
Goodgirls go to Heaven, they say, while bad girls go everywhere. Is that true of good and bad bikes too? Well, good bike or bad, it’s certainly true that commuting by motorcycle makes you a nicer person. But you can also have a devilish amount of fun while mixing it with the tin-tops. And despite Paul’s very logical arguments in his Commuted Sentence story, there is in the end no one kind of bike that’s exclusively good at that…
I know a bloke who spends four hours a day commuting. Every weekday, all year. That, unless the calculator in my trusty iPhone is letting me down, is about a thousand hours a year.
Before you feel sorry for him, please note that he does this deliberately. He is a real estate agent in the city, he lives in the mountains, and he spends his four commuting hours a day on the phone. Reckons he makes more calls than any of his colleagues, and therefore does more business. And he does this from behind the wheel of a Holden Premier. So why am I telling you this?
Because he is one of the few commuters in the world who would not be better off on a motorcycle. Riding a bike and talking on the phone are just not things that go together terribly well. Everyone else, though – all of those workadaddys in Commodores who gnash their teeth as they creep (in the car by themselves) past the scene of yet another thirteen car shunt on the tollway – would be better off on a bike. You get where you’re going more quickly and with less stress, which leaves you a more pleasant person. And
I’m not even thinking about parking.
Okay, you’ll never get the majority of commuters onto bikes, even if they aren’t using their road time constructively like my acquaintance in the Premier. But surely the idea must be attractive enough to get a reasonable percentage of them to give it a go?
It works overseas, even in places that are far less conducive to riding than Australia is. I’ve seen a bloke in a suit on a Sportster braving the falling snow in Virginia when I was working over there, presumably on his way to a downtown office, and I see far more bike and scooter commuters in Europe than I ever see here. Why is this so? We wonder about this all the time here at the Motorcyclist cave, and we can’t work it out.
Whatever. I’m just going to look at some of the perhaps unexpected bikes that I think make good commuters for one reason or another, and that would cheer up even the dourest of wage slaves on their way to work. I’ll restrict myself to new, or near-new bikes. You never know what sort of treatment a second-hand bike has had.
These are by no means all small, or LAMS, bikes, and the list is far from complete. Remember, what you’ll enjoy most is what you like most. And of course you can do other things with your commuter bike. Weekend scratching, café cruising, holiday touring – it’s all there for you.
Okay. All prices are plus on-road costs (unless indicated).
BMW G 650 GS
$9990
“Brazil? I know you said it was a pretty long commute, but…”
not commit the rider to always being at the front of the pack. Any of the Scramblers will also fit through the traffic and get you admiring looks rather than shaking fists.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1200 SPORTSTERS
$14,750 to $19,250 ride away
“The trouble with night shift is that it’s so much fun riding the empty roads!”
HONDA CBR500R ABS
$7799
This is the smallest, slimmest and least expensive of the nine-bike BMW GS adventure tourer range. I would be tempted to say that it’s also the most competent for many uses, except that the F 700 and F 800 are even better. But are they three thousand and more dollars better? I would not wish to rule on that question. It’s your call; while I’d actually prefer the $12,890 F 700 GS… would I spend the extra money? Oh, the bike in the photo is a Sertao, which is slightly more expensive with its trick paint job.
DUCATI SCRAMBLERS
$12,990 to $14,990
Who wouldn’t like a Scrambler? With its petite, classic appearance, formidable grunt out of corners and easy, loping speed and handling it is an uncomplicated Ducati that does
“Here we are, I got to work before anyone else again!”
The six-bike Sportster range provides the California-cool custom look in the Harley-Davidson range. These bikes, each in its own way, provide so much
“When I took this job I didn’t realise how long the warehouse was!”
coolth that you could probably use them to bring beer down to drinking temperature. On a Sportster you may be able to slip through traffic, but you will probably be so laid-back that you won’t bother.
Looking like a cross between a Fireblade and a VFR800, especially in red – in other words, with a visual debt to two of Honda’s best-ever models – the half-litre CBR also goes pretty well, offers ABS and is narrow enough to take you anywhere in even the thickest traffic. Its racer-like looks will also get it noticed. And for that price, it’s a shoo-in.
INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER
$38,995 rideaway
Nobody would dare give you lip on one of these. The Roadmaster takes up so much space on the road that you will certainly never be able to split lanes, but chances are you won’t need to. You will get so much respect from the surrounding traffic that you will just alternate between bathing in it, and taking advantage of the reflex that will take ordinary road users out of your way.
“See? I told you this would be more fun than driving home from work in your Prius.”
COMMUTING Special Feature
500cc single cylinder throwback makes its presence known on the road. They are not big bikes and they have very little in the way of performance, but all of the Bullets have a lot of road presence. Personally I can’t see a reason for buying anything from the range other than this, the cheapest of the Bullets. The low 8.5 to 1 compression means that your Bullet will run on even the worst crap distributed by Australian service stations.
SUZUKI DR-Z400SM
$8990
This one’s all about fun. It should be called the DR-Z Yee Har. It is so flickable and controllable that it’s almost a trials bike; treat the traffic like a mountain trials course and you’ll enjoy your ride to work even in the rain. You may well find yourself standing up most of the time, but that’s okay; your trip to work won’t be very long because no traffic jam will hold you up!
TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE 660
$12,490
This bike looks just like the more powerful nonLAMS Street Triple, costs $500 less and will presumably cost you less to insure, register and run. You get the look and the capability to squeeze through traffic, at a noticeable saving. And it feels good to ride.
“The only problem is finding enough twisty roads on the way to work.”
“Provisional rider? What makes you think that? The name’s Bond, Jim Bond…”
VESPA GTS250IE
$6990
A Vespa is a Vespa, and everybody loves Vespas so you’ll get a lot of space and friendly treatment on the road. It’s just a matter of choosing one with the
“Hurry up with that photo, I’m running late for work!”
smallest engine that will give you the performance you want – I actually own a 125, but at times I wish I had a bit more punch to take advantage of the spaces that people kindly open up for me.
COMMUTING Special Feature
“Yes, I’m da judge. That bloke behind me is da jury.”
VICTORY JUDGE
$20,995 ride away
Pigmeat Markham might have first popularised the line, but if you say “Here come da Judge” everyone knows you’re announcing something important. Victory’s Judge was (unless my memory fails me) the first of the narrower Victories, and as such it combined the road presence of its siblings with a bit more manoeuvrability in traffic Especially recommended if you ever feel like shouting something at recalcitrant pedestrians; “Here come da Judge!” has a good chance of stirring them.
YAMAHA MT-07
$8999
I include this one with some misgivings. The MT-07 is just such a nice all-
“It‘s not that I don’t like working for Border Security, but Maxwell Smart had it easier getting to work…”
round bike that it is a pleasure to ride pretty much anywhere – even in traffic. The problem is that you may well just suddenly think “stuff it, why am I going to work instead of enjoying the bike some more?” and take off for the day to parts and roads unknown. I don’t know the answer to that, except to say stuff it, and take off for parts unknown.
YAMAHA TRICITY
$4299
Nippy is probably not the word for this agile three-wheeler, but only because the name is taken by another scooter. If you’re a little concerned about falling over – and let’s face it, who isn’t at times – then the TriCity with its inherent stability is the transport for you. Imagine – no need to worry about tram lines, and all in a narrow little package that will fit anywhere.
ZEROS
$19,490 to $24,990
Any Zero (with the exception, possibly, of the Mitsubishi) would make a good commuter. Non- polluting (except out in the countryside where they’re
“If that bloke on the other TriCity follows me home again I’m calling the cops.”
generating the electricity), reasonably quiet (except for an annoying hum) and with terrific torque to out-drag the keenest tin-top from the lights, these are (expensive) work-day wonders. Sadly, there is currently (sorry) no importer. If only the Sydney City Council had adopted my idea of putting solar-powered chargers in parking stations so you could charge your electric bike during the day, while you’re at work…
Oh, and if you have an answer to the conundrum of why so few Australians commute on bikes (or indeed ride bikes), give me a call on my mobile early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I’ll be driving to work in the Premier. Just kidding.
“You mean nobody thought to bring a power cord?”
objectives, to be as lightweight as possible, to be as flexible as possible and to be as thin as possible whilst still offering unrivalled levels of impact protection.
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FORCEFIELD KADET
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GETTING REAL
FUN’S FUN, BUT THE ROAD IS BEST TAKEN SERIOUSLY WORDS/PHOTOS
PAUL RILEY
Okay, so you’re commuting by bike. How are you going to make the experience work best for you?
Choices are what your mother always said living well was all about. Now you have something you can commute on, what choices are going to make the difference when riding to work, as opposed to riding for enjoyment?
Check out the faces of those drivers dragging their sad tails to work each day. If they are actually awake, they usually look like they just lost their best friend, or are in desperate need of caffeine! Yet, these same non-thinking and not yet awake drivers are happy to travel closer and quicker than their weekend warrior mates each Sunday. This should be a good starting point for anyone commuting. The environment you are stepping into dictates you are going to have to ‘keep
up’, but not tangle with this mob in order to survive. How do you do this?
At some point comes the issue of how to make yourself conspicuous, not just seen. We should never assume most people in traffic are even looking for us, so clothing colours won’t always make the difference as some road safety ‘experts’ would have us believe. Positioning yourself in traffic is one of the most important issues. As a Motorcycle Paramedic, positioning was key to my survival on busy city roads, even with emergency lights, a siren and fluoro colours! Always providing yourself with a buffer and not being where people can’t see you, or where you can’t do anything about their actions or inactions, goes a long way to ensuring safety.
Your bike, regardless of the choice you made, also needs to allow you
to move quickly and positively away from risks. This is where certain styles of bikes will make manoeuvring more difficult, but you can learn to control the inputs into the bike to ensure sudden direction changes won’t make your situation worse. Trying to quickly manoeuvre your bike around a car, which suddenly enters the roadway without warning, is something that takes considerable practice to achieve positively.
Your bike is only part of the equation though. One of the biggest issues is YOU. You need to be relaxed on the bike. It’s not something that just ‘happens’; indeed it seems to be the exact opposite of what does happen when riding in traffic. Being tense is a significant behaviour to overcome during rider training, so a lot of time is spent helping people develop confidence which can help them to ride in a more relaxed manner.
Check out this photo. The rider has a relaxed, elbows bent stance, which allows him to alter direction at any time. Observe your own riding stance when you are in traffic. Most people are tense and hang on tight, which is one of the reasons why you get tired forearms. Being tense makes inputs into the bike very hard for the bike to deal with. Try this exercise- when you are next cleaning your teeth, clench all the muscles in your arm as tight as you can and try brushing as normal. Don’t sue me when you poke the tooth brush out the side of your face!
So what makes a good work commute? Your ability to relax, the bike’s ability to respond to rider inputs, and an ability to read the traffic and environment; sounds like a good advertisement for rider training to me.
(Funnily enough, Paul provides rider training through Skill Master Motorcycle Services. He also runs classes to familiarise you with your bike, and group rides. Skill Master can be contacted on 0414 974 815, or see www.skillmaster.com.au .)
ADELAIDE HAS ITS OLD ROAD(S) TOO
THREE WHEELS GO EAST WORDS/PHOTOS THE CHIEF
Istartedmy day in “downtown” Adelaide. Well, not exactly “down town” Adelaide but the Toll Gate. Now everyone, or most every one, in Adelaide and probably most people in South Australia know of the Toll Gate. For you riders in other states, let me explain.
The Toll Gate House, as it should be called, is at the start of the South Eastern Freeway. It was built way back around 1841 when the government of the day in their wisdom decided to charge farmers bringing their produce to the markets. The idea was to help pay for the maintenance of the road into the hills but the maintenance didn’t happen and the road was more often than not in disrepair. The toll was discontinued in 1847 due to public outcries but the Toll Gate House building was left in place and has now
been restored and is a land mark.
Let’s move on from the history of the Toll Gate, and take a ride out to Murray Bridge. Now you have a choice here. Follow the South Eastern Freeway all the way to the Bridge, and be a bit bored, or turn off at the Hahndorf exit, which is 16 kilometres from the starting point. A further 3 kilometres of riding through the little German inspired village founded by Captain Dirk Meinhertz Hahn in 1839. Five kilometres on you will come to an intersection, to the right and over the Freeway is Mount Barker. But we don’t want to go there today.
Turn left and you are on the original Princes Highway. Yep! That’s the one that will take you all the way to Sydney, via Melbourne. This part of the old road winds its way through the villages of Littlehampton and Nairne,
then on through some nice twisty hilly bits at what is known as Dawesley. A few kilometres further on the road passes through Kanmantoo. Further still and the road bypasses Callington, another small village, in the Bremmer Valley.
Once you reach the top of the hill, stop and take in the view of the area you have just ridden through, it is quite picturesque, especially in the cooler months when all is green. In summer time when all around Callington is dry and browned off, Callington stands out as a green oasis. From this vantage point Murray Bridge is only fifteen minutes away. Enter Murray Bridge by the Princes Highway and it becomes Adelaide Rd. At the second set of lights the name changes to Bridge St. That, my fellow riders, is where you cross over the River Murray.
The Toll Gate –watch for “Bears”.
Leaving Murray Bridge, once the bridge itself has been crossed, the road once again takes on the name of the Princes Highway. Continue the short distance back to the Freeway and head for Tailem Bend, about 20 kilometres further on. If you desire more history call in to Old Tailem Town on the right just before the township of Tailem Bend, which is so named because it is situated on a large bend in the River Murray. My guess is that the rest of the name came from a Mr Tailem. Old Tailem Town is a re-creation of a country town at the turn of the century. A century ago, that is. It is worth a look. There is a small restaurant on site if you desire to have lunch or just stop over for a coffee, but anyway I urge you to spend a couple of hours wandering around this recreated old town.
Just out of town, the one with the Bend in its name, there is a sign that tells you where to turn right to get on the ferry that will take you to the other side of the river. The vehicular ferry may or may not be on your side of the river, if you have to wait rest awhile
and take in the delights of the scenic beauty of the river and its surrounds. Once on board the ferry you will have time to remove your helmet and enjoy the slow crossing of the mighty Murray. Leaving the ferry behind, 13 kilometres ahead is Wentworth. There isn’t much at Wentworth although the pub is another good stopping point with excellent views over the river. If you cross on the ferry here you can ride in a left hand circular direction which will take you back to Tailem Bend. Turn right instead at the only intersection, you can’t miss it; you will have a 33 kilometre ride to Langhorne Creek. Depending on your point of view, and which season you are travelling in, this section of the ride can be classed as picturesque or otherwise. The road is good with very little traffic; the surrounding country side is flat to slightly undulating. Every so often you’ll see a glimpse of Lake Alexandrina to the left.
The pub at Langhorne Creek is another regular calling point. You can’t get lost in this very small dot
1. Plenty of “horsepower” being blown out there… 2. Welcome to… Just don’t get bitten.
on the map. Cross the bridge over the Bremmer River and you are in the main street which has one turn off to the right, opposite the pub, giving an excellent ride back through Woodchester to Mt. Barker.
If you decide to continue straight ahead for a further 14 kilometres, Strathalbyn is the next town to visit with its local history showing in some of its old stone buildings. At the roundabout where the flour mill stands, continue straight ahead over the railway level crossing to the second roundabout, swing right and before you know it 25 kilometres on is Mt. Barker where you can rejoin the South Eastern Freeway and head back to Adelaide, passing the Toll Gate House once again at the bottom of the long down hill slope being mindful of the speed restriction signs.
The Man is watching!
THE RIVER TO THE MOUNTAINS
A LOT OF TAR AND A BIT OF GRAVEL, AND A LOT TO SEE
WORDS/PHOTOS COLIN WHELAN
NOWRA
Pretty much all you are going to need is available here. Everyone I’ve ever dealt with at the Tourism Offi ce just south of the bridge has been knowledgeable and helpful although like all VIC’s they have no idea about the state of the unmade sections of surrounding roads.
The best feed and relax I’ve had is at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Junction St.
Most of the fuel and the two bike
shops, Great Southern Motorcycles (T 02 4422 8889) and Nowra Motorcycles (T 02 4422 9681) are on the highway south of the town.
Oh but don’t speed here, this place is on a par with Goulburn!
NERRIGA
There ain’t nuthin’ but the pub here but it’s very popular with riders. I’m not too sure why, apart from its location among some good riding roads and trails. They don’t seem to
have any special facilities or services for riders and there is no outside non-smoking area (bring on June!!!).
Allow a bit of time if you are stopping here coz the service can be glacial when there’s a bunch in the bar.
BRAIDWOOD
The two pubs here both have awesome fires in the winter and both are very friendly. One time I dropped by, the manager of the Royal Mail was in dispute with the owner and had
barricaded himself inside the pub for weeks. The locals sent in food on a flying fox rigged up to the balcony as they drank at the Braidwood across the road.
A popular day trip for the public servant masses of Canberra with a good few cafes and restaurants. Best is probably the Albion on the corner of Duncan. They make their own stuff and the soup in front of the fire will keep you going for the rest of the trip. Next door is the bakery with top pies and pasties but give the coffee a miss.
The Shell on the corner of the Kings Hwy and Elrington south of the town sells 91 and 98.
COOMA
Somehow this town’s history rich in European migrants saves it from the soulless impersonal seasonal capitalism of places like Bright in Victoria. Think of it more as the capital of the Monaro rather than a hub for the snow crowd.
You’ll get a warm reception and a
good feed at the Alpine Hotel but there’s a full range of food from Kuma Pies to the Two Vaults restaurant along the main drag. The BP south of the town is now closed so all fuel is now up at the north end of the main street, but there’s plenty of it there.
If your steed is in need, High Country Motorcycles on Sharp St is the place to go. (T 02 64522822). For you, the Alpine Hotel, which welcomes motorcyclists, is a good choice.
TYRE TEST
PIRELLI SCORPION TRAIL
TheBear’s Suzuki V-Strom 650 long-termer was ready for some new hoops and we have always loved Pirellis, no matter what type of bike we’re riding. It was natural then to get a set of Pirelli’s Scorpion Trail tyres fitted to the Wee-Strom and see how much of a change they’d make.
Pirelli say the Scorpion Trail is a tyre suited for, “Enduro motorcycles with a touring setup, capable of tackling long journeys and excursions with light off road stretches. Sporty on the road, but capable of handling dirt roads,” and this is pretty much bang on the money. I estimate that if your adventure touring bike will see 85% bitumen (or more), 15% dirt, the Scorpion Trail is right up your alley.
Technology comes via a steel belt at zero degrees, ensuring great stability and excellent handling on all types
of road surface, even at full load. A compound with the latest generation ingredients enables the maximum traction in all weather conditions and an outstanding ratio between performance and longevity. In other words, they both stick and last.
The Wee-Strom (on its OEM tyres) felt slow in steering and lacked a bit of feel – a bit wooden is how I would describe it best. But I instantly found the Scorpion Trails quickened up the steering and gave a lot of both feel and stability, removing that wooden feeling. And grip, wow! I had to remember that I was on a tyre classed as an “adventure touring” item. You could easily mistake these as being sports touring tyres. That’s how good the grip is.
I’ve used the Scorpion Trails quite a bit in the dirt, and again, they give plenty of feedback and grip is good,
even on trails that you might not think suitable for a tyre like this. Pirelli says the Scorpion trail has a revolutionary tread pattern which combines high performance with a contemporary and innovative design. And yes, it is a good looking tyre but more importantly, both on and off-road, it offers a reassuringly high level of performance. If you use the Pirelli Scorpion Trail as an all-round adventure touring tyre you are going to be a happy chappy (or chicky). Longevity seems to be excellent and I estimate we’ll get at least 12,000km from these great set of tyres. I guess the only thing now is to fight The Bear for the keys to the WeeStrom more often.
Better grab them fast, Stuart. We’re selling the Wee Strom, remember? See page 78 for details. PT
IT’S THAT TIME OF DAY
TIME TO SET UP CAMP
WORDS THE BEAR PHOTOS VARIOUS
“Okay, we’ve got these bloody bikers surrounded now!” Photo Colin Whelan
Iheardit even before I woke up – a sort-of mechanical grinding noise, with kind of moist overtones. Sort of like the sound of meat being ground up and put in cans. Not something you want to hear as you drift back to consciousness in your flimsy tent in the morning. I could see vague but huge shadows like some kind of processing machinery through the thin fabric, surrounding me. After extracting myself from the sleeping bag and screwing my courage to the sticking point I threw open the fly and found myself facing ruminating cows. They were looking at me with that polite composure they do so well.
In Bill Bryson’s opinion, “To my mind, the only possible pet is a cow. Cows love you. They will listen to your problems and never ask a thing in return. They will be your friends forever. And when you get tired of them, you can kill and eat them. Perfect.” And in the meantime they will give you milk –but also another product, which is rather more malodorous than milk. I inadvertently stepped in some of that while disassembling my little camp in a paddock in County Limerick, and fell over.
Not all was bad, however. I also scored a free sample of the first cow product (or the second, if you count meat), a half an hour later. Intent on breakfast, I asked a milk-bottle-toting local in the otherwise empty main street of the small town up the road, where he’d bought his prize.
“Ah, ‘tis from the shop down there and there,” he replied, indicating a turn of the road. “But ‘tis the last bottle. Here, you have it.”
No matter how much I refused, he would not take no for an answer and also refused payment. Country people are the salt of the earth anywhere, but especially in Ireland.
This little tale is not to demonstrate how weird your imagination can be on waking up, nor yet the lubricity of cow manure or the hospitality of the Irish. It is intended to illustrate some of the many advantages of camping. Here I was in a strange country, without much money – and I had just spent a
comfortable night in the familiar surroundings of my own tent, all for free.
The cows were a bonus.
The Frog, Bertrand Cadart, when camping used to erect a huge structure commonly called the “Cadarj Mahal”, which accommodated his not inconsiderable bulk with enough room left over for a fair-sized poker party complete with bar and pool table, but I have usually found it more appropriate to carry a small hiking tent or my swag. You’ll be able to see just how well you can manage with that kind of equipment if you take a look at Kinga Tanajewska’s “Tour de Oz” story – part 2 in the next issue. Although admittedly she found picnic tables to be more use than any kind of tent, a lot of the time!
GETTING GEAR
Some ps for Riding the Big Country
Colin Whelan is the man who does the most bush miles among all our contributors. Here are some suggestions about riding in the Outback, garnered from personal experience.
LIQUIDS
Choice of camping equipment is almost entirely common sense. It needs to pack down small, it needs to work and it needs to be affordable. The first is easy.
Not so the second, necessarily. You can buy a tent from the same dollar shop where you get those $5 wet weather outfits that almost last for the duration of the first thunderstorm, but I’d suggest you pay a little more. Steer away from some of the extra-tiny hikers’ tents, too. They can be simply too small (I use a two-man tent) and they aren’t always rainproof. As with outdoor clothing, anything made in New Zealand is probably going to be a good bet. I have a lot of faith in Kiwi products, and that includes Ventura motorcycle luggage.
The thing is, you see, UnZud is a small country and any unhappy customer can always find the manufacturer…
One of my favourites at the moment is my OZ Trail Biker Swag. Roll it up with your sleeping bag already inside, and you have a one-stop residence that takes only minutes to erect. It is still a swag, though – don’t expect
Riding up there can be a tale of two liquids; petrol and water. The distances are vast and hours of headwinds can seriously affect your bike’s range. Don’t go past any fuel outlet unless you have at least 5 litres more than you need to get to the next certain bowser. Each morning I leave with 6 litres of water, three in my Camelbak and another three in bottles on the outside of my top box. If I’ve been in a pub, I leave the bottles in the fridge and the Camelbak bladder in the freezer. That way I’ve enough water until the ice brick melts around midday. If you are riding in any season other than summer, you’ll be surprised at the coolness of the nights. Daily swings of 30 degrees are not uncommon. Riding out there then, I still chill the water bottles but I fill the bladder with hot tap water in the morning. This way when I sling it into the Camelbak in the cold mornings, I have a hot-water bottle running down my spine for the first few hours. On very cold mornings, simply strap the Camelbak onto your front! (I’ve spoken with Camelbak about this and they confirm that their bladders will not release anything harmful through being filled with hot tap water. Don’t do it with cheaper bladders.) By afternoon when the water bottles are running low, the contents of the Camelbak will be cool enough to be drinkable.
TRAVEL
LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...
GPS
I use and am very happy with my Garmin Zumo GPS and I tend to plug in the day’s target as my destination and the next fuel as the via point. If you do this be careful: If you are on, let’s say, the Gulf Development Road and you input this road at Georgetown as your destination or via point, the Garmin will tell you it’s some 50km closer than it really is. This is because it calculates the distance to the beginning of the Georgetown Shire or Local Govt Area and not the town itself. Much better to input some small street in G’town and you’ll get a true reading.
WILDLIFE
Spurred by the recent death of one of his colleagues, Andy the cop at Mt Surprise is trying to get funding for a safety booklet explaining what to do when you encounter wildlife on the road. His mate ran off the road in his police vehicle when swerving to avoid some animals.
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This is what he believes: If you are travelling at speed and encounter wildlife hit the brakes as hard as you can but do not deviate from your path. Keep to the road, do not try to swerve around the beasts. Andy reckons that in his time in the outback the most serious injuries and most of the deaths in wildlife and stock related accidents are from drivers and riders who’ve left the road when trying to avoid hitting animals rather than those who’ve actually ploughed
tent-type spaciousness. The OZ Trail swag is terrific if you’re travelling and moving every day, especially in uncertain weather. Although it is not small, the rolled-up swag is easily strapped to the rack or the back seat of your bike. Now hold onto your helmet. I reckon that a good tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat should set you back about a gorilla. What, you cry, a thousand bucks? I can stay in, err, 20 pubs or a dozen motels for that! Well, yes. But only that many, and only if you can find one that has a room. The camping gear, looked after properly, should last you a lifetime and is always available.
Mrs Bear and I travelled by bike for seven months once and spent only seven nights other than in our tent (and that was not our choice); we were very happy with our canvas accommodation. I can’t tell you how much the tent cost because it was part of a sponsorship deal, but it wasn’t cheap.
CARRYING GEAR
Some people do need a lot of luggage space. One mate of mine used to have a pannier full of pre-prepared meals on tour, supplied by his wife in Tupperware containers. Another one habitually filled a pannier with drugs – legal ones – both prescribed and over-the counter. One never knew when one might contract a nail fungus, or find oneself far from a chemist without Panadol… Both of these blokes had only one pannier for all the rest of their stuff, but that didn’t faze them. After all, there are tank bags and top cases; on BMW airheads
into them. Am sure this’ll start a debate but I’m just throwing it out there!
While on wildlife, a few tips that I’ve been hit with from an array of very experienced bushies: Hoppers: Roos and wallabies tend not to turn when they come to feed on the green verge. When startled they tend to flee back to whence they came meaning that they usually turn and then flee. So, this bit of bush wisdom goes that the ones you have to be very careful of are the ones with their backs to the road rather than the ones facing it. Since I heard this a coupla years back I’ve taken great notice and though it’s not foolproof, it works in 90% of cases.
Pigs: Wild pigs run in groups. If you see one crossing your path, you are probably going to see a few more behind and you won’t be able to split through the line. Give ‘em right of passage!
Cattle: A lot of cattle grazing on the long paddock are used to the traffic and hardly look up, but if you come between a cow and its calf, she’s not going to like it and is likely to cross over in front of you without warning. You have no way of knowing if the calf crèche is in the long grass but treat every beast with caution. They are big, solid and can make a severe mess of you.
Emus: These dopes make Roos look like Rhodes Scholars and can turn 90º fast and without warning. I hate these buggers and have no tips whatsoever!
there is room above the cylinder which can be pressed into service as luggage space. And so on.
Please, apply the steps that any traveller should use while packing: put out everything you might need, then halve it and halve it again. If that’s still too much for a pannier , halve it again. You will almost certainly not regret it. I mean sure, if you have diabetes you might want to make sure you do have your insulin and your test kit…
It ain’t heavy…
It’s packed properly. Yes, I know that bungy straps were a vast improvement on rope. But although nozzle carburettors were a vast improvement on surface carburettors, fuel injection is better yet. And there is something vastly better than bungy straps, too. In fact there are now two products that each have their own advantages over the old straps. You are probably familiar
Rocky Creek’s Spider Web is only one of three styles available.
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with the two inch wide elastic Andy Strapz. They are available in lengths from 750mm to 2500mm in various configurations and cost from $29 to $42. New on the market are the Rocky Creek Straps which look a bit like bungies but are made of modern material, as well as being far more versatile and safer. They include the $25 Spider Web (see photo), the $10 Loop End Cord and the $12 Adjusta-Strap. We tested them in issue #25 and thought they were terrific. See www.rockycreekdesigns.com.au or call 02 6689 5703.
Andy’s Strapz. We’ve long forgotten how many times we’ve used these.
On a bike, the packing rules are simple. Balance right and left, pack heavy stuff low, make sure you can find everything you need to pitch camp even in the… pitch dark. I have travelled with loonies who considered that it was still daylight if there was even a blush of light on the western horizon, and who refused to camp until it was “dark”. Kangaroos and other wildlife make this inadvisable, of course. We’re lucky in Australia; theft from bikes is relatively rare. It still happens, though, so it pays to keep the possibility in mind. On long trips I try to have soft panniers (you can re-attach them more easily than hard ones when they’re torn off as you drop the bike) and a hard, lockable top case for camera and other valuables. This has never served me badly, except the one time when my mate Geoff made it across a flooded river because he had buoyancy from his aluminium
It’s a mat, mate, for your back, buddy.
panniers, while my bike with its fabric bags sank.
WHAT, NO GEAR?
The last time we did a camping special we introduced you to a lot of useful equipment, sourced from the likes of Paddy Pallin, Andy Strapz and OZ Trail. This time we’re just going to give you a few people who specialise in motorcycle-friendly camping gear, to get you started. I’m sure you will have no trouble deciding what you need!
ANDY STRAPZ
www.andystrapz.com
You’ve heard salespeople say “I use it myself, mate.” Well, Andy goes one better – or maybe even two. He also designs and makes it himself. Andy’s range of touring equipment is unmatched . We give away one of his AA bagz for the best letter of the month in each issue, and we have had nothing but enthusiastic thanks from the lucky winners. Andy also sells products sourced from other manufacturers; take a look at his website or check him out at one of the many events he attends, such as the World Superbikes and the Ulysses AGM.
OZ TRAIL
www.oztrail.com.au
Among the extensive range of camping gear that OZ Trail sells, the Biker Swag stands out as an excellent compromise between a tent with all the ancillary gear and a standard full-size swag. It packs relatively small, but still allows you enough room to turn around inside, even in the rain. The mattress is included in the swag, and if you roll it up with your sleeping bag inside, it holds your entire accommodation package in one, well, package.
PADDY PALLIN
www. paddypallin.com.au
There are PP shops all over the place, and there is a comprehensive website as well. Paddy Pallin possibly has the greatest range of camping gear in
e ception proves the rule
I’m sure you are aware that saying there does not need to be an exception somehow demonstrates that something is true. No, it means nearly the opposite - that it “proves” (ie tests) the rule – and in this case, it demonstrates that the rule is wrong. I said I wasn’t going to feature any equipment , but I’m doing it anyway. Why?
Call it personal, because it is. I’ve just spent a couple of nights away camping, and my self-inflating air mattress wasn’t. As a result, I slept –well, I was going to write that I slept badly, but I hardly slept at all. I am not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that’s for sure, and it’s most obvious in my bones. They do not like to sleep on the ground, tree roots and such. Damn bones.
So it was timely that I came across one of Andy’s offerings, the Exped DownMats. Andy claims (and I have no reason to doubt him) that they will even serve for sleeping on snow. They are filled with “IDFL-certified goose down” (and no, I don’t know what that is) and on top of that are inflated with an integrated pump ensures swift and intuitive inflation of the mat.
Intuitive! Like those computer programs I can never work out… Still, how hard can it be? The toughest thing about these mats (apart from the seams which are high frequency welded for durability) is finding the readies; they cost between $180 and $255 plus postage, which means I will be patching my old air mattress a few more times. But Christmas is coming… If you can afford them now, get them now for a good night’s sleep – Andy Strapz can be reached at info@andystrapz.com or on 03 9770 2207.
Australia; just make sure that you check out the bike-friendliness of any product before you order it. The shops are wonderful for browsing.
AEROSTICH
aerostich.com/AUS
Although it is best known for its clothing, mail order supplier Aerostich also offers some excellent camping gear. The biggest advantage is that it is all carefully selected to be useful
to motorcyclists. The company is American, but we’ve used their mail order service ourselves and it is quick, reliable and cheap.
CHAIN REACTION
Our Aotearoan brothers and sisters have something we could do with in Australia: the Queen’s Chain. Folk tales have it that this is a stretch of
1. If you must travel at night, make sure your lights are up to it like these Xenonoz units.
2. Camping near running water is terrific, but keep a few checks in mind.
20 metres (a chain) inland from the high water mark which is accessible to the public – including campers. That’s not quite true, but there are many
TOUR WITH PARADISE
NEW ZEALAND
NEWNES IN THE WOLGAN VALLEY IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO CAMP, QUITE CLOSE TO SYDNEY.
stretches of waterside land which are publicly owned land – as much as 60 per cent nationally - and you can camp there. As well as that, most towns in NZ have a Common, a patch of often quite beautiful and well looked after land where you can also camp.
The closest Australia comes to these kinds of offi cial camp sites is the council caravan park. Many towns have them, some are free but some cost a few dollars, although generally far less than commercial caravan parks. And yes, the Australian term for “campground” is usually “caravan park”. Even Australia’s biggest cities have campgrounds… err, caravan parks.
Wild camping, on the other hand, is free and is also very popular. You might – well, you will - miss out on showers and toilets, but you gain freedom. Ever since the swaggie camped by the billabong, setting up camp alongside water has been considered ideal. It’s possible in many places, especially along inland rivers, but while it is picturesque it also has a few drawbacks.
In the far north, this includes saltwater crocodiles. To avoid becoming an item in a croc’s larder, just camp well away from water. Everywhere else, the dangers are somewhat milder –in descending order they are trees that drop limbs,
Jet-powered cooking
Here’s an alternative to a wood fire, saving precious Outback timber. This cooker from Andy Strapz comes recommended by the man himself.
“We have been using the Jet Boil Personal cooking system for a couple of years… and love it,” writes Andy. “What makes it stand out from the crowd is the special “Flux Ring” arrangement on the base of the cooking cup. This not only shields the flame from the wind (we have used it in howlers) but increases the surface area available to the heat. This jigger will boil a cup a minute!
“Cook noodles or a full one pot meal, drink from the sipper lid or just use it as a hi tech billy. The gas and stove base slip neatly into the cup and uses an auto igniter. Coffee plunger and pot/frypan adaptor kits are available.”
The price is $155, not counting the gas or postage. See www.andystrapz.com .
Andy only has these in black. Cool, eh. Err… hot, I mean.
MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE SPECIALISTS
• Flexible Riding Gear coveronly pay for what you need.
• Expanded capacity to insure higher value and custom-built motorcycles, trikes, scooters & all types of motorbikes sold in Australia.
• Pay yearly, half-yearly or by the month - itʼs your choice.
• Motorcycles/Trikes used for Tour Operating.
• Tour Operatorʼs Public Liability underwritten through CGU.
fl ooding and mosquitoes. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how to avoid these. Mozzies are becoming a, pardon the expression, pain because with the warming climate, affl ictions which are carried by mosquitoes, like Ross River Fever, are moving south.
While we’re on the subject of dangers: Australia isn’t really the hellhole that many travel writers try to make it out. For instance, I’m told that the world’s most venomous snake, our inland taipan, has never been known to kill anybody. And the only really dangerous spider, the funnelweb, occurs not in the outback but in… Sydney.
Back to camping. As usual with government regulations, the offi cial rules are different in every State and territory. I would advise you to check them, especially where national parks are involved, with the particular tourism information service. They’re pretty helpful.
A few basic rules, apart from the above, are worth remembering. If you’re camping near a track, put up your tent well off that track; not everyone sticks to the established wheel ruts and you don’t want a Landcruiser using your good self as a piste in the middle of the night. Keep fi res small and contained; partly because many plants and small animals fl ourish under the protection of fallen timber, and partly because
bushfi res are no fun for anyone. Leave gates the way you fi nd them – open or closed. If you know you’re on private land, and you know where the farmhouse is, ask for permission. Otherwise just be as clean and considerate as you can. Leave only wheel tracks. Don’t spook stock!
An pert Speaks
I’ve learnt through lots of trial and error the do’s and don’ts of camping when you’re on a motorcycle adventure.
And just a free plug for one of my books: wherever you go, take a copy of the Hema Maps Australia Motorcycle Atlas & 200 (actually 227) Top Motorcycle Rides. Available from map shops and larger newsagents or direct from us at $39.95 plus $10 postage (info@ausmotorcyclist.com.au). Happy camping!
It looks like a snack, but check water crossings on foot before committing the bike. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au
Over the years I’ve skimped and scrounged to buy the cheapest tents and sleeping bags I could find, and while they suited my budget at the time, looking back, I wish I had bitten the bullet and purchased quality products from the start. A tent needs to be light, durable and easy to erect. If it isn’t any of these things, then your camping experience will be compromised. Similarly, your choice of a sleeping bag will impact greatly on your fun factor. Getting cold is a miserable feeling, and I know this from experience, both in the outback and up in the high country. When I finally purchased my current sleeping bag, which has a comfort rating of -10 and a survival rating of -20, my camping enjoyment was transformed.
No longer was the weather a factor, and I could get on with enjoying what I was there to do.
You’ll probably spend plenty on upgrading your bike for your trip, so ensure you get the right camping gear as well, and you’ll never look back.
Robin Box, Touratech Australia
Touratech Australia offer a wide range of camping equipment for adventure travellers at www.touratech.com.au
BEAR ARMY
Greetings to the Bear Army! It’s an enormous privilege to have you blokes in the Army (only blokes so far – where are the Girl Warriors?) and to be able to write to you. Plans for the initial manoeuvres are proceeding, and at this stage it looks like the 18th of April for Victorians and South Australians and the 1st of August for the NSW troopers. Why such a long time between drinks? Well, I reckon a few of you will want to come to all the manoeuvres! Location is probably going to be near Horsham and between Lithgow and Mudgee, respectively. Queenslanders, Western Australians and Taswegians will have to wait for a while – until there are a few more of them, I guess.
The function is going to be a dinner, which means you can arrive any time you like on the Saturday (I’ll probably be there for lunch) and leave any time on the Sunday (I’ll leave when I’m sober enough to ride legally). Full details by email.
This is how it works: sign up and you will receive a Bear Army t-shirt (don’t forget to mention your size, maximum XXXL) signed and numbered by me; a Bear Army badge; and four Bear Army stickers – as well as a two year subscription to Australian MOTORCYCLIST Magazine (added to your current sub if you’re already a member). On top of that you will receive an invitation to special, restricted Bear Army manoeuvres every year. This offer of First Company membership is available only to the first 250 people who enlist, and cost is $250. You can join either by phone on 0412 220 680 or email at info@ausmotorcyclist.com.au. Join up now!
SKILLMASTERY
IT’S AUTOMATIC WORDS PAUL RILEY
An automatic decision, no need to think about it! Or it should be…
The words ‘automatic’ and ‘motorcycle,’ though increasingly interlinked, don’t always go well together, but there are times when your life could depend on both.
How often, when you were a kid, did your parents tell you that you had to practice to be a famous tennis player, or league star, or, well, just about anything you considered good in life?
As a child, this doesn’t always come easy. There’s always fun stuff to do and practice carries overtones of ‘work’ to it.
Then you discover motorcycling. No matter what age you commence this journey, the thrill and freedom offered are incomparable and it becomes one of those things you just don’t know how you lived without for so long. For some of us, riding becomes an extension of who we are. We simply get on, have a look at where everything is, and then go.
But for the rest of us, who would like to do that but don’t seem to acquire the ability as quickly, we have to think a bit more about it.
We try to hear what is being told to us from the many sources willing to spew forth wisdom, but sometimes wonder what to do when these expert views conflict (“Steering? Just move your hands and weight around and it will go around the corners”… “All you need to do is push your knee against the tank”… “It’s all in the counter steering action which requires you to do everything exactly the opposite to what you do in a car- steer right and you’ll go left- easy”*).
So assuming you latch onto someone who can provide sound advice, what happens then?
Learn the skill, then practice.
Did you know that there are four parts to learning a skill?
Unconscious Incompetence: you
don’t even know a skill exists, so are surprised when you see it performed.
Conscious Incompetence: Now you see it done, you know it can be but you still haven’t a clue how you will.
Conscious Competence: Now this is where the skill is broken down into steps and you begin to try it out for yourself.
And now the most significant part of that skill,
Unconscious Competence: This is what happens when you continue to practice a skill and develop it to as high a standard as you can.
When I was training Paramedics and Police Officers for their emergency riding accreditation, the participants often felt that the exercises were being dragged out a bit, and that they could comfortably ‘move on’ to more exciting stuff.
But what is required is the continual application of skills you have learnt, ensuring that when it all goes wrong, what you do is automatic, and you don’t need to think about it. Because you won’t have time.
And like the sports star you wanted to be when young, you have to keep working at the skills in order to be smooth and consistent – at any time and all the time.
In the recent Motorcycle Council of NSW Forums, 63% of riders who were asked the question “how you improve or maintain your skills?” indicated that regular training courses achieved this. A total of 86% indicated that frequent road riding improved skills, and 94% felt practicing skills whilst riding made the biggest difference to their riding.
Your parents were right, all those years ago.
*All this advice is exactly what I have heard provided to those trying to find out the black art of turning a motorcycle.
YAMAHA R1 / R1-M
TECHNO RACERS
WORDS STUART WOODBURY
PHOTOS JOSH EVANS
Backin 1998, Yamaha gave the world the amazingly fast YZF-R1. Until then, Honda’s Fireblade had been the bike to be on, but the light weight combined with the bulk power of the new R1offered something the world hadn’t ever been able to buy off the showroom floor.
Roll on through the years; Yamaha proved the might of the R1 across racetracks worldwide and made many significant changes to the bike, the most significant being the crossplane crankshaft engine – a feature taken direct from MotoGP.
Despite its racing success, the R1 was always a sports bike made for the road.
Now, with the release of the 2015 model YZF-R1 and YZF-R1 M, Yamaha is setting a new course with the legendary name. The latest R1s are track bikes with lights and a numberplate. In my opinion these two are the most track focused sports bikes ever to be released. Yamaha agrees; the factory calls them “production racers”, yep, good explanation.
We attended the world launch held at Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek) to see just how good these two new bikes are.
The new R1 and R1-M both feature many electronic aids, most of them
directly from the 2012 model YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. Yes, this is as close as you’ll get to experiencing an actual MotoGP bike off the showroom floor. Let me run you through this a-maze-ment of electronics…
To start off, the R1 and R1-M are the first production bikes to use a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). This measures pitch, roll and yaw via a gyro sensor; then you have forward-backward, up-down and right-left measured via a G-sensor, which takes into account all the algorithms needed to make the electronics work best – ultimately making a much faster motorcycle for the rider.
Nine levels of traction control are available. I ended up using level 2 so I could spin up the rear tyre a bit coming out of corners, without things getting too far out of hand. You also get slide control. Of the four settings available (3 + off), I used level 2. This was most noticeable cranked right over and getting on the throttle hard. You could accelerate much faster, rather than having to back off, or keep a steady throttle position until you got out of the slide.
You get lift control. Again, four settings (3 + off) and I preferred this one to be off. I found the system a little too interactive;
I prefer to carry the front wheel out of a corner when it starts to lift.
The R1 and R1-M are the first bikes I’ve ridden with different levels of quickshift. Two levels and off are available. I have no idea why you’d turn it off, and I liked level1 – the most sensitive level, requiring little lever action to get the next gear. Level 2 was similar to a number of other quickshifters available
on current bikes. You also get launch control. Not really a road going feature that you’d use, but for the racers – a perfect thing to have.
The Unified Braking System (UBS) is also a new thing for a bike like this. It applies a bit of rear brake depending on front brake lever input. We didn’t get to use this as we rode US spec bikes with the optional Circuit ECU fitted, which
1. Stuart is wearing a Shark Race-R Pro Carbon helmet, Berik Factor CE suit, Forcefield Blade back protector, Held Chikara gloves and Alpinestars Supertech R boots. 2. The men behind the bike/s!
turns off this function as well as the rear ABS, leaving only a circuit spec front ABS setting. I never got this activated and we were told that if we
Carbon fibre bodywork on the M is sooo sexy!
As is the brushed aluminium tank and swingarm!
were able to get it activated, we’d have been doing something seriously wrong with our riding input.
Four power modes come standard. I tried levels 1, 2 and 3. Level 4 limits power and is more of a rain mode, or for use if you are not confident with the full power of the engine. Power 3 was good, but a little soft off the bottom end for me, whereas power 1 was a bit too aggressive on treaded tyres. That’s even though the Bridgestone RS10 tyres we were on while riding the R1 were a race spec version. For the R1-M we were on sticky Bridgestone slicks. I still found power 1 spun up the rear tyre a bit too
Magnesium wheels give unbelievable handling.
much, whereas Power 2 was bang on the money for fast exits out of corners. It was a touch softer off the bottom end, giving more drive forward.
Through the all new TFT digital dash you have a lot of interactivity with the bike, more so with the R1-M with its electronic Ohlins suspension. Yamaha provides what it calls Yamaha Ride Control. You get four grouped presets, and you can set up each one to your liking or just leave the factory settings in place, switching between the four of them as required. The changes you can make are to the power, traction, slide, lift, quickshift and launch controls.
Round black things
Bridgestone tyres were used during the launch, and Bridgestone debuted its new RS10 sports tyre. This tyre is standard equipment on both bikes and is available in two versions, the RS10 and the RS10 Type R. Both tyres are a race orientated tyre, with the standard RS10 also having some sport focus. I used the Type R on the R1 for the first three sessions, sharing a bike with an American journalist, who also did three 20min sessions on the same tyres/bike. It wasn’t until the last couple of laps (and well past their use by date) of my last session that they got
A flatter seat gives more comfort and more room to move.
Housed in the all-new frame is an all-new engine. It’s still an inline four, 998cc in capacity and with a crossplane crank (now with 20% less inertia), but that is where most of the similarity ends. Bore and stroke have been changed, the offset of the pistons has been changed, there’s more compression, a 33mm narrower crank, 24% larger airbox with ram air from the channel through the steering head, 20% shorter funnel length of the intake than the 2014 model, 12 hole injectors which are much straighter than before, firing more fuel directly onto the valve. There are new
slippery – that’s a full two hours of flogging the same tyres!
The RS10 Type R tyre is very consistent in its performance and stable. Grip is outstanding and I found I could push the front very hard into corners on the brakes without any sliding. Bridgestone says that this new tyre is less affected by heat and no matter how much the tyre was spun up out of corners, it stayed consistent. Overall, a very impressive track day and serious sporty road tyre. Check a set out with your local tyre dealer.
camshafts and Yamaha has changed to rocker arm valve actuation. This allows for higher valve lift, decreased load on the engine and more stability at high rpm within the engine. New pistons are 1mm bigger in bore size, but they are each 8.5 grams lighter. Connected to the pistons is another first for a production motorcycle –fracture split titanium conrods. Not only are they 40% lighter than steel rods, they are also much stronger, giving less deformation at high rpm. And, keeping all of this in tip top condition, there is a new lubrication system. A number of magnesium parts are also featured on the external parts of the engine, as are aluminium bolts throughout. Overall, this new engine is 4kg lighter than previously.
So, you’ll be asking with all this information about the new engine in your head, how’s it go, mate? Ballistic acceleration is probably the easiest way to put it. Combine the characteristics of a powerful V-twin engine’s low to midrange performance with an inline four cylinder engine’s mid to high performance and you get the new R1 powerplant. Other engines might be stronger in one part of the rev range. This new engine is arm-wrenching from the word go, right up to the rev limiter. I’ve never experienced arm-zapping G forces like this bike’s, not only in acceleration, but braking as well.
Yamaha has gone back to a conventional four piston 108mm bolt pitch caliper; racers can change to more expensive calipers if needed. Larger 320mm discs (2014’s were 310mm) are used and braided steel brake lines come standard. Loads of power and feel is what you get. Again, the extreme G forces from the bike are a thrill to experience - the new R1 and R1-M are addictive!
The all-new frame keeps the wet weight of the entire bike to 199kg, which is just amazing. Yamaha has used its experience with the M1 MotoGP bike and transformed that into these bikes. The result is a solidfeeling front end and 600 supersport lightness. The R1 gets KYB forks and
rear shock, while the R1-M features electronic Ohlins. The R1 needed a couple of adjustments for a bloke my size, but once they were made, boy, it was like the frame was talking to me. You could tell what was happening with plenty of reaction time if things stepped out too far (with the electronics off).
The R1-M with its Ohlins suspension is just amazing – well worth the extra coin in case you were wondering. It has an Auto mode that adjusts the suspension based on the type of riding it detects. I had a tiny bit more preload wound into the bike after my first session and left it on Auto mode, which made the R1-M such an awesome and damn fast bike to ride. You adjust the Ohlins through the dash, or you can do it through a tablet or smartphone and upload the settings to the bike. 32 steps of adjustment for both front and rear compression, and front and rear rebound will keep you busy!
Both bikes have aluminium fuel tanks. On the M version the tank is left bare in a brushed state (with a clear coat over the top). This looks very “racerish” and exclusive. Other noticeable styling features are the new fairing and higher screen. I found I could get under the screen (a bit) which is not bad for someone my height (195cm). Yamaha has also made the R1 and R1-M more roomy. There’s 55mm more reach to the bars and 10mm more room to the pegs. This allows you to change your body position more freely, which is great for us “bigger” fellas and perfect for shorter riders.
Accessories are race focused as you would expect, but the Akrapovic exhaust, Endurance screen and Giles Tooling rearsets would be high on my list.
There is so much to absorb with the new Yamaha R1 and R1-M. If you take anything away from what I’ve been rattling on about here, know that these are the fastest production motorcycles we’ve ever tested. The Ohlins of the R1-M is worth the money for what it does for your riding, but if you want to be the envy of all your mates and/or carve it up on track days – either one of these bikes is the one to be on!
SPECS
YAMAHA YZF-R1 AND YZF-R1-M
PRICE: $23,499, $29,999 (plus on-road charges)
WARRANTY:Two years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled inline four cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Roarin’down a canyon –the Bear on the road in the US West.
RIDE WITH THE BEAR THE BEST OF THE WEST
Justa reminder about our own top tour for this year. As you will have read, Stuart’s conducted tour of the South island of New Zealand went off like the proverbial; I reckon this one will be even better.
I am inviting you, our readers, along on The Bear’s Best of the West ride in the US from the 15th to the 30th of August. With the expert help of Steven “Skip” Schippers of Great American Motorcycle Touring I was able to tweak one of his tours so that it covered the roads I want to ride.
If you’ve been reading my stories, you have probably realised how much I enjoy touring the western United States. Now I can show you why. On my visits I’ve found some special places, and I really like the idea of sharing them with you directly, not just on paper.
This is a 16 day tour with 14 days of riding. Milestones along the way include well-known attractions like the Pacific Coast, one of the most iconic stretches of Route 66, and Monument Valley, plus national parks like Death Valley, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Zion. All linked by superb roads in weather that should be wonderful – although I obviously can’t guarantee that. On top of that you’ll have a chance to meet motorcycle design legend Craig Vetter, and share a meal with him.
Cost is very reasonable, ranging from $5,995 per person for two people sharing one bike and one room, to $7,195 per person and a bike sharing a room with someone else, and $8,995 per person with a bike and a single room. Cost of air fares is not included, and all costs are quoted in US dollars. Even at the present exchange rate this is good value! Mention my name when you book and you’ll get a discount of $300 per motorcycle.
Price includes Harley-Davidson rental; you get a first and second choice of model. Specific BMW and Honda models may be available at an additional cost of $40 per day.
You’ll need to arrive in LA on or before 15th August and you can plan to leave anytime on or after the 30th. Extra hotel days before or after can be arranged. Absolute deadline for booking is the 15th of June, but I would obviously suggest you get in before that; the maximum number of participants is 20, and a few keen readers have already booked.
For more information and bookings, please email Skip at skip@gamct. com, and copy me in at thebear@ ausmotorcyclist.com.au . Skip and I will lead the tour. Love to see you, and let’s see if we can fill the tour entirely with MOTORCYCLIST readers. But do it now – I’m keen to see you out on Route 66 and beyond. PT
Summary WESTERN USA
Duration: 15th to 30th of August, 2015
Cost: from US$5995 to US$8995. Bike: Harley-Davidson of your choice (within reason)
Support: Luggage van Guides: The Bear, Skip Schippers
WEEKEND WARRIOR
“Hey Bear,” writes Colin Denman from Perth, “I followed your advice and bought a bike, finally. (Col had been riding a scooter, mainly just to work). Now I need something to do with it! It’s a three year old Honda Deauville, a real revelation after the scooter. So my question is, how long can I reasonably expect my girlfriend to spend in the saddle, and how far is a good day’s ride anyway? I have some ideas for rides (from your Motorcycle Atlas), but can you suggest some more that would be suitable for a beginner?”
Tough question, Col. How long pillions are prepared to go depends on a lot of factors, to start with. But it will be best if you kick off
You can of course go a little further – but don’t try to make it in a day!
Rocks are red, Harleys are too, come along or you’ll be blue!
slowly, and make sure she’s comfortable. Maybe invest in an AirHawk seat cushion for her; make sure she has good bike gear to wear including a comfortable helmet. What about starting with a day ride out to York or Northam, or perhaps
New Norcia when you and she become more comfortable with riding? After that, perhaps an overnighter down to Margaret River, or even just Bunbury or Busselton.
Just take it slowly, and work your way
RIDE ON!
Laura O’Brien rode Cambodia with Tony Jacobs of Ride Expeditions (rideexpeditions.com or toby@ rideexpeditions.com). Here’s her report!
Day 1: It’s 9am. It’s 29 degrees. I’m dripping with sweat and think, do I really need to put all this gear on? Of course I know I do. Cambodia’s roads aren’t exactly the safest of places. What with the numerous potholes, the abundance of animals that are prone to dart out in front of you and the main rule of the roads being: there are no rules. We finish our breakfasts of pork and rice and get kitted up!
Starting our 5-day trek from Cambodia’s second city, Siem Reap, we are thrown straight into a rider’s worst nightmare. Thousands of Honda Dreams, Tuk-Tuks and cars all swarm around you. Stray dogs and pedestrians
who either class themselves as indestructible or are suicidal walk freely on the road. We slip through the tightly woven traffic until the road deteriorates into a red dirt track.
Off road, and away from the helmetless families of six all crammed onto one scooter, we can really begin to open the XRs up. We ride past lush green paddy fields, dodge ox-carts, cows, chickens and dogs as we wind in and out of small faming villages where children run out to offer a high 5 or a quick ‘Hallo!’ and make you feel every bit a celebrity. We stop for a typical Khmer lunch of Lok Lak in the town of Sisophon. The food is delicious but we’re eager to crack on with the riding in order to get to Pailin before nightfall. The closer we get, the more beautiful the terrain becomes as we near the foot of the breathtaking Cardamom mountain range. Known for being unknown, the pyramid shaped mountains are densely covered in a
up from maybe a hundred kilometres to what…400? Make sure you include plenty of breaks in interesting places with good coffee and you’ll both be fine. On the way up to New Norcia I recommend the bakery at Bindoon.
lush jungle that seems to take over the whole landscape. We arrive at our destination, a quaint guesthouse that overlooks the mountains. Beer in hand we sit back, relax and take in the beauty of our surroundings.
Day 2: Today we hit ‘Sticky land.’ “Why do you call it that?” I stupidly ask just before I see the mud. Finding a balance between, well, balance and speed is a struggle. If I got too fast, I get thrown off. Go too slow and I will get bogged down in the thick, wet mud. We have the occasional fall into the soft, wet dirt but make it out alive and move on to riding on gravel roads that snake up into the hills.
I’d read about the millions of still active, still undiscovered landmines that litter Cambodia, yet this didn’t prepare me for the uneasiness I felt when riding past military groups equipped with metal detectors carrying out their daily landmine search. Still, the scenery is fantastic and we arrive in the small mountain village of Osaom. Our hosts are delighted to see
us, we are welcomed into their homes and shown an ‘Esky’ full of cold beers. Result! I’m in awe of the generosity we encounter from people who have so little. I decide to take a stroll around the village and I meet a group of Khmers who give me a drink of their locally
SOMETHING WICKHAM THIS WAY COMES
The Wickham Motorcycle Café is funky cafe with classic bikes suspended from the ceiling at 3 Throsby Street, Wickham NSW – just behind the foreshore in Newcastle. Luke Tonkin is the owner and says he rides as often as he is allowed.
brewed rice wine with cobra blood. Not my favourite drink in the world, but at least I can say I’ve tried it.
Day 3: Luckily, today is an easier day of riding as we climb further up into the mountains on the road the Chinese built to accommodate traffic to and
from their controversial projects in the Areng valley. As we arrive in the town of Koh Kong, next to the Thai border, we decide it is time to treat ourselves. We relax by the pool and get a well-earned massage. The aches and pains of a few days’ riding melt away as I look out onto the pristine jungle, beautiful waterfalls and forget the problems of everyday life.
Day 4: Refreshed and rejuvenated, we are ready to tackle the Old Smugglers Trail. We have been excitedly talking about this for a few days now so we fuel up on a big breakfast and are ready to go.
It was always set to be a challenge, and boy does it live up to expectations.
The hills are steep and relentless yet we keep pushing through. We constantly swerve around huge boulders and deep ruts that litter
the barely paved road. The occasional overhead bamboo shoot threatens to throw us off if we lose concentration at any moment. Exhausted, but with huge smiles on our faces we make it to Chiphat. A few beers at a local haunt ends again with the dreaded rice wine making a guest appearance…
Day 5: No need to set an alarm, cockerels clucking and pigs grunting were enough to wake us from a decent nights sleep. A quick stroll around the village and it’s time for our final stretch to Sihanoukville. We get a ferry (essentially planks of wood floating on fishing boats) with our bikes across the Chiphat River before riding the dirt roads out to the highway. Bear in mind this is no super highway, the landscape shifts from small villages and towns to beautiful countryside littered with makeshift tractors and farm workers wading knee deep in paddy fields. A quick pit stop is in order as we are all starting to feel hungry so we head back on to the dirt and pick a place by a waterfall, because we can.
One final blast on the bikes lands us at the finish line… the beach! Cold beers all round as we celebrate a truly magnificent experience.
We recommend that you take a ride out there and see the menu. Great food, plus gourmet flavourings, jams, jellies and stuff. If you’d like to know more just visit their website at www. wickhammotorcyclecafe.com.au . Might well see you up there – a ride to Newcastle is well overdue!
NEW FREE SPIRIT IN NEPAL
Peter Francon of Free Spirit Adventures sends greetings from Nepal. “We wanted to let you know we’ve recently revised both Tour Dates and Prices for all our Tibet Tours. And by popular demand we’ve moved back the Tour of Nepal dates, giving you more time to book and plan.”
The tours now start on the 18th of April, the 2nd of May and the 16th of May and the 17th of October. Prices are 2200 Pounds for the rider and 1200 for the pillion.
“We’ve also revised our Kathmandu Everest Base Camp Lhasa and the return trip. Departures are now the 31st of May, 28th of June and 26th July and the rider price is 2900 Pounds with the pillion or Jeep passenger paying 1700 Pounds.”
MOTOQUESTING TO THE ISLAND
“The Greatest Show in Motorsport: The Isle of Man TT is the kind of event riders around the world fantasize about when they are chugging through their daily commute,” says MotoQuest. “Take a beautiful island with incredible roads and scenery, then clear it of all traffic and let riders on heavily tuned race bikes have their way with it! Seeing the front wheel come off the ground as some of the world’s fastest riders barrel down a
country lane at triple digit speeds mere inches from homes, shops, brick walls and sometimes spectators is an experience unlike anything else in motorsport, and MotoQuest has the inside line on getting a small group of riders track side at this year’s TT practice week on the Isle of Man and Wales Adventure this May.”
You’ll have the chance to ride the famous Isle of Man TT mountain course in the mornings, followed
SWING LOW, SWEET F 700 GS
Compass Expeditions has announced that a lowered suspension model F 700 GS has joined the fleet that Compass runs in South America. They’ve also added a BMW F 800 GS and an R 1200 GS.
“As one of the only International Motorcycle Tour companies that own their own motorbikes in South America we felt that it was important to offer a variety of bike sizes for our clients,” said Mick McDonald, founder of Compass. “For the taller riders the F800GS with its much taller seat works really well and handles the dirt sections comfortably.
Now you can traverse South America on a greater range of bikes with Compass.
by track side spectating at prime locations in the afternoons.
Get to know race fans from all over the world who have gathered together for the TT; enjoy the local cuisine after a day’s ride; discuss the day’s racing with the locals over a pint at the pub.
In addition to the TT, you’ll explore the Welsh countryside including Snowdonia and Brecon National Parks.
“The Isle of Man and Wales Adventure leaves May 29th, 2015. Sign up today on our website.
Space is limited and this adventure will fill up fast!”
Further details at motoquest.com or from info@motoquest.com .
For those after a bit more power or perhaps riding 2-up we have the R1200GS with comfortable seating for a pillion. The lowered suspension F700GS is especially popular with female riders but is available for anyone with its lower 765 mm seat”.
The new larger bikes are available at an upgrade price on request for all 2015 and 2016 South America tours and are booking out fast, Mick says.
More about Compass tours in 2016 is at www.compassexpeditions.com.
Here’s your chance
Yes, here’s your opportunity to benefi t from all the work we’ve done and the accessories we’ve fi tted. This bike is similar to the new V-Strom 650XT, but only two thirds the price. Grab it while you can – we’ll even leave the stickers on it!
1
WHEE STROM
It’s time for another of our project bikes to pass on. The versatile and eternally reliable Wee Strom (Suzuki DL650) has reached its sell-by date –not because there’s anything worn about it, it’s still only done less than 10,000km. But we need something else to use as a test bed, having fitted lots of goodies to the Suzuki. It comes with 11 months NSW registration, near-new Pirelli Scorpions, very effective XenonOZ
auxiliary lights, heated handlebar grips, a Suzuki Vario screen, Kaoko cruise control, 12V power outlet, the amazing Bagster tank cover and tank bag, a Givi topbox, engine bars and, if you want them, Andy Strapz pannier holders and Expedition Pannierz (take off $300 if you don’t, but I recommend them). All for $8300; give me a call on 0418 421 322 or drop me a line at thebear@ ausmotorcyclist.com.au if it sounds like it should be your bike!
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3
1. Top box replaced by my camera case, but otherwise complete down in the Wolgan Valley.
2. Here’s looking at you, kid!
3. Dirt roads are a snack on the Wee Strom, especially with the Pirelli Scorpions.
The Wee Strom is ready for weekend trips into the dirt or a ride around Australia as well as commuting duties – that’s what I’ve been using it for lately, and the top box (not shown in photos) does a great job of carrying groceries.
The way it is set up, it will tackle just about anything, and do it in maximum comfort. You may have noted that we haven’t replaced either the handlebar or the seat – that’s because both are about as comfortable as we can imagine they could be! PT
DENMAN Motor Inn
Dream accommodation in the heart of riding and food & wine country
Experience country hospitality from Janine and Mick at their beautiful inn on the banks of the Hunter River not far from the junction with the Goulburn River. Superb riding, food and wine country. Take the Broke Road to Denman and then
explore the Goulburn River and Wollemi National Parks. (Adventure riders will love it.) Or arrive via Mudgee and Gulgong on the Merriwa loop. Explore the Bylong Valley Way. Swing over on the Golden Highway to the New England Highway to Nundle and
Tamworth. Denman makes a perfect base for exploring historic towns. Spotlessly clean rooms, fantastic swimming pool, BBQ area for your group. Full hot breakfast, restaurants a short walk away and real country hospitality.
“We canʼt recommend this venue highly enough.” - Mathew, Featured Letter in Australian Motorcyclist
Phone: Janine and Mick on 02 65472462 www.denmanmotorinn.com.au
BLUE DUCK INN, ANGLERS’ REST
A PLACE FOR A WONDERFUL WOMAN
WORDS/PHOTOS COLIN WHELAN
RATED 3 OUT OF 5 HELMETS
M y dad used to love the Aussie language. He’d worked in forestry camps north of Melbourne, gone off with the 6th Div to the war, got captured and then spent 3 years as a POW in Germany.
These times, and the subsequent years doing honest toil with work mates who became real mates instilled in him a love of our vocabulary, the sayings and the vernacular of his home.
For my dad it was perfectly normal to stand in floodwaters up to his
knees and remark, ‘a few more days like this and the drought might break.’ Moonless nights were ‘dark as dogs guts’, a useless person was like a ‘letterbox on a gravestone’, and some things were as obvious to him ‘as the legs on a giraffe’. And he knew people, my dad. He told me never to trust a man ‘who tucks his singlet into his underpants’, to understand that ‘the bigger the hat the smaller the farm’ and to never get in a shout with anyone as ‘tight as a rusty nut’.
But his favourite comment about this rich language which he loved was pointing out that Australia is the only country in the world where a dark horse can be fair cow. He loved that! Thought it captured the very essence of the dry, laconic, ironic and colourful language what we speak ‘ere!
And he loved the tales of our past. In 1957 when the film of Rolf Boldrewood’s book, Robbery Under Arms came out, we piled into the old Vanguard and headed into Adelaide
ON GETTING THE NEWS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD REFUSED HIM A LICENCE TO SERVE LIQUOR AND FOOD TO THE THIRSTY AND HUNGRY MINERS, O’CONNELL EXCLAIMED, ‘WELL THAT’S A BLUE DUCK!’
to watch it at the flix in Rundell St. Afterwards we walked to Mary Martins to buy the book.
I didn’t read it until years later and until I started researching a ride down through high country to Anglers Rest, this was the only Boldrewood I’d read. That changed when I found that his 1892 story, ‘Nevermore’ was centred around Omeo so I logged onto Project Gutenberg, got the PDF and got reading.
Boldrewood’s Omeo is described as a, ‘mighty rough town’ which had ‘the
worst reputation of any goldfield’ and where ‘the worst villains in all Australia are gathered together’. The ride to it was, ‘dreadful bad…long and tedious… (and)..positively dangerous’. In the town, ‘you stand a chance of being arrested at any time’, and it was, ‘the centre of a lawless region and a roving population’.
Surely, there must have been some bad stuff too!!!
So anyway I got myself to Corryong and then cut south on the Benambra
Road through the gorgeous Nariel Valley before 76kms of gravel, none of which was ‘dreadful’, ‘tedious’, or even ‘dangerous’. I was beginning to feel fabulously let down by the time I rejoined the tar just north of Benambra for the sweet, sweet ride into the ‘distant, rude..(and) isolated’ Omeo.
I stopped for a refresher at the gorgeous art deco Golden Age Hotel before filling the tank and heading back north for the 28kms of sheer riding pleasure on the newly sealed
smooth serpentine and scenic Omeo Hwy to Anglers Rest.
The Blue Duck Inn is a landmark pub for riders. It stands alone at the apex of a hairpin bend on the Highway. There is no town, no general store, no post office, just the Blue Duck. And a bridge. And it’s beautiful. I parked out front, exfoliated the riding gear on the vine-covered verandah and went inside where the bar, bathed in afternoon sunshine, was more welcoming than the fella behind it.
I was the only rider staying this night but he’d not bothered to bone up on my name and when I asked if there was undercover parking, his response was that no rain was expected. Eh??
Then he told me I was in room 4 but didn’t bother to give me a key, so after a trudge back down to collect it, I got back and opened the door.
The Blue Duck is an inn, not a pub and the rooms are fully self-contained, more motel than pub. The block of six rooms (4 rated as ‘rustic’ and the other two as ‘delux’) is on the hill 40 or so metres up from the pub itself and when the vines are fully leaved, the approach is pure rustic beauty.
Finally with key in hand I got back to the unit block. Now, how do I say this next bit coz it’s hard to describe being disappointed in a thing of beauty?
Er, very shortly before I set off on this ride, I’d broken up with the woman I love. This was to be a getaway ride. I needed to get on the bike, be at one with the road and just change the horizon, clear the head. I probably needed a single bed in an old style pub.
But opening that door, to my standard, ‘rustic’ room, I was hit by the fact that the Blue Duck Inn is no such place. Their rooms are amongst the nicest, most tasteful and ‘couple welcoming’ rooms I’d stayed at in a long while. I felt, deeply, just how much a wonderful woman from outback Qld would’ve loved this place!
Light streams in through a sky light onto the polished wooden walls and floor. The room is dominated by a generous double bed and a wood fire. A gas oven and cook top is in the corner and under the window is a sturdy table setting for four.
At the rear is another room with a double bed and a set of bunks. The door to it carries a warning that if you’ve not paid for the extras, you shouldn’t be a’comin in!
With all beds taken, even with one rider in the doubles, each room will sleep four comfortably but truly this is a place for couples and two couples are going to feel really at home.
What you’ll notice pretty soon is the
paucity of power points in the room. The Blue Duck is totally off the grid: no mains power, no internet, no mobile phone and all power comes from a diesel generator which chugs along in the background at night but is switched off when the bar closes.
Night power comes from the silent battery backup and is thus a valuable commodity. If you have batteries that need recharging, there’s a million outlets in the bar when it’s open so you just need to do it down there.
The power limitations are also the reason for the gas fired fridge, the wood burning fire and the lack of hair dryers, electric blankets and any air-con. If it gets hot, open a window, they’re all fully screened! If it gets cold, stoke up the fire and spoon that pillion!
All rooms, of course are non-smoking as is the front balcony of the block and the veranda that rings the bar.
Back at the bar I chat with Lana who’s owned the place for 7 years with her partner, Michael a cabinet maker who’s done all the renno’s on the rooms and overseen the installation of the generators.
This is their first pub after a background in B&B’s and they are fully committed to looking after riders. A standard week’ll see about 100 of us dropping in on the way up or down the Omeo or looping to Falls Creek and Bright and groups from clubs like Ulysses regularly stay for three days at a time. It used to be a Fishermans Retreat, says Lana, but now it’s a motorcyclists’ retreat. (It’s also the only place I’ve seen images of bikes on stubby holders!)
The restaurant is open Wed to Sunday (Monday is off to Albury to stock up day) but a good option if you’re coming with a group, is to buy your food at somewhere like Omeo with its FoodWorks and good local butcher, and to cook up on one of the several beautiful BBQ’s in the Duck’s grounds. Not that the bar’s not good! I love a place where photos and memorabilia of its past cover the walls and if you are eating in, their Rogan Josh is famous, they serve a nice smoked trout pasta
and the 400g prime scotch fillet is their speciality.
A schooner here will set you back $6.00 which is the maximum I’ve come across outside north west oz. Rooms work out at $70.00 a head but if you’ve four in the room, Lana’s prepared to haggle, but only if you tell her you’re coming on two wheels when booking.
But be warned that the Duck closes each year from the Queens Birthday in June until the first weekend of September.
After we get all the details out of the way Lana begins to tell the history of the place, how it’s been standing for 110 years and how a bloke called O’Connell, whose picture’s on the wall, first built it with the hope of servicing the miners in the local gold and tin mines.
On getting the news that the government had refused him a licence to serve liquor and food to the thirsty and hungry miners, O’Connell exclaimed, ‘Well that’s a blue duck!’ Huh?
Lana explained that a ‘blue duck’ was a worthless mine, a hole in the ground with no metal worth mining.
“A blue duck,” she says, “is a white elephant.”
I smiled. My arms goosed up. How I wish my dad had been around still to hear that one!
The Blue Duck Inn at Anglers Rest rated as three helmets on our scale with the power limitations and lack of undercover parking dragging it down a bit.
It’s not cheap either for a bed or in the bar but it’s a very memorable place to stay, surrounded by some of Australia’s best roads. Will I be back?
Will I what!!!!!
Just want to thank my HR department for their continued inspiration and motivation to ride this country and experience such places.
Full disclosure: I was given a discount on my accommodation at the Blue Duck. This in no way affected my comments or review.
Shoei Neotec and Hornet available
Jetboil
Bahco tools
Shoei Neotec and Hornet available
combined with my knee braces, I am well protected - in fact, well protected enough to go into battle!
A Crossfire boot, considered from the top down to the ankle pivot, is actually comprised of two layers: the stand-up boot itself and the inner lining or sheath. This lining is made up of two large flexible wrap-around multi-piece assemblies or plates held together with light screws. The plates form their protective outer sheath when secured by the Sidi cam-lock buckles and straps.
WANT TO KNOW ABOUT OFFROAD BOOTS!
SIDI CROSSFIRE 2 BOOTS
Price - $699.95
Foot, ankle and lower leg protection is paramount when venturing off the bitumen and into the dirt. Not only for support while standing up, but also in case you get a foot caught in a rut, tree root, or whatever else is out there in the bush ready to snap your ankle, crush your foot and bash your shin.
My Alpinestars off-road boots have been worn a lot over the past three years and it was time for a new pair. I thought I
might complete the package of road, waterproof road and now off-road boots by getting a pair of Sidi Crossfire 2 boots. They are quite a substantial boot (around 2kg each) and very stiff . They take some time to break in. This does give you massive amounts of support for the ankle and foot, but it’s not so good if you want to walk any distance. Well, unless looking like a duck waddling along doesn’t bother you. It doesn’t bother me.
Standing just over 43cm high, the boots cover most of my lower leg. When
Sidi’s unique “Dual Flex System” provides two circlip points on each side of the boot; one rear-set at the midpoint of the boot and the second centered just above the ankle joint. These points allow the inner liner assembly to be attached to the boot itself and as pivots, provide improved flexibility of the foot. Sidi says that with the “Dual Flex System and the four floating independent straps, the Crossfire can provide each rider with a personal fit no matter his body shape or if he uses knee braces or not”. Having suffered through more than one pair of highly protective but cast-like boots over the years, I was more than a little intrigued by the approach. What can I say? Did I find them too stiff? No, this feature really works well.
The upper part of the boot is full grain leather with Lorica inserts on the front tongue and the back joint to provide better flexibility and comfort.
Lorica is a leather-like microfiber material claimed to be stronger than leather while also being lighter, softer and, unlike many leather products, requiring little maintenance.
Something a lot of riders appreciate is an adjustable system to accommodate different calf sizes and Sidi really delivers here. The Crossfire boot and top plate uses the patented Sidi adjustable calf system that allows precise fitment of the boot around the calf.
Believe me; this is especially important for riders with larger calves and in general for all riders depending on any under or over layers being worn. The Crossfire is designed to fit riders with up to a 56cm calf diameter measured at a distance of 36cm above the bottom of their heel.
The front or shin section of the outer wraparound plate is anatomically correct and like all of the plate sections on the Crossfire boots, it is replaceable. The inner plastic plate is made from a stiff material to support the boot and the large upper plate is a multi-part replaceable polyurethane component that wraps securely around the upper inner and front part of the boot. The side piece has a heat resistant rubber insert to protect the leg from exhaust heat (if applicable) and to minimise wear and tear over time.
Another feature so typical of Sidi but still not found on all off-road boots is the rigid nylon insert added to the inside wall of the boot for metatarsus protection. In instances where the boot/foot slides off the foot peg, the kick starter (remember those things?)
NOLAN N44 HELMET
Price from $379 to $419
It isn’t usual to start a product review by praising the precursor of the product you’re looking at, but what the hell. You’re used to me by now. I wore a Nolan N43 to work for years, and it just about weaned me off open face helmets, which I’d always favoured for commuting. It was nearly as light as an
gets missed or a well-placed rock makes known its presence, this side protection can prevent or at least minimise damage to the metatarsal region. Temporary or permanent damage to this area of the foot is no laughing matter, which is why it is so important to find a boot that provides direct protection like the insert or a reinforced sole edge for direct support as well. This small plate is secured with four screws and is replaceable, too.
The whole boot becomes a snug, secure and protective environment once the adjustable buckles are brought in to play. While somewhat different from the standard buckle fastener I was used to on my Alpinestars, the Sidi cam-locks are probably easier to use if you get some dirt and mud into them. The Crossfire features four of these buckles - two on the upper plate, one on the lower or ankle pivot plate and one at the instep.
Standard for this type of boot and fastener, each buckle has a longish serrated plastic pull strap (of a decent length, too), easily adjusted from the inner side of the applicable plate. Each buckle works independently allowing you to get the precise fit desired for comfort, flexibility and security. Again, everything can be replaced.
Last, but certainly not least, on the form list is the sole and by virtue of a close relationship, the insole. The thick sole is made of anti-skid rubber with a unique pattern designed for grip, mobility and wear and fastened to the boot with heavy stitching and a sealing bond.
De rigueur for most off-road boots, a polished metal toe plate is screwed to
open face and sideways field of vision was extraordinary. The only real problem I found with it was that wind pressure at open road speeds jammed the cross bar against my chin.
As will happen with something that you use every day, the N43 eventually came up for replacement. I’m sure it was still as safe as ever, but I make a habit of replacing helmets after three years – so it was lucky indeed that Australian
the front edge of the sole, adding additional frontal protection. Another appreciated feature of Sidi boots is the attention paid to the insole. The shaped insole in the Crossfire is reinforced for strength and features a removable arch support.
Getting your feet into any motocross style boot, especially in a big boot like the Sidi Crossfire, can range from a minor exercise to a full out attack which you might not always win. The Crossfire at first appears to be a challenge, but only if the features of the boot are not exploited.
Like most off-road or full-height boots, the foot still needs to be at the just-right angle to make for an easy entry - the Crossfire boot simplifies this exercise considerably.
Pivot the outer plates back away from the boot itself, open the front flap wide and slip the foot in, albeit with a little effort.
With the feet planted firmly inside, it is a simple matter, seated or standing, to pull the inner flap across and secure it to the outside edge of the inner boot. I find it easier to adjust the strap and secure the bottom or in-step buckle after flexing the foot a few times to determine just how much play, if any, is desired.
It is not hard to heap praise on this pair of Sidi off-road boots, they offer top quality and functionality. The Sidi Crossfire 2 boots come in a range of colours. White, Black, Wht/Blk (as you see here), Wht/Blk/Yel, Wht/Blk/Gry, or Blk/Gry/Yel and range in sizes 40-50 (depending on colour). See your local bike dealer to grab a pair, or visit www.mcleodaccessories.com.au
Nolan importer Ron Angel had its replacement, the new and more stylish and aggressive looking N44, in stock. Like the N43, the new helmet can be used in several configurations ranging from a standard full face to an open face with or without a peak. It has a concealed flip-down sun visor, and can be worn with goggles. All in all there are six variations, although I normally use only two – the full face with the huge
clear visor (and the sun visor if it’s bright) and the full face with the peak and sun visor. The new helmet has taken the place of my N43, and I wear it to work almost every day. It is very similar but, I think, even better. The visor is bigger, and the field of view is so wide that you could be forgiven for thinking that you weren’t wearing a helmet at all. The visor even has its own ventilation valve.
Ventilation, both intake and extraction, has improved as well, and the cross bar no longer presses against my chin no matter how fast I go (under controlled conditions on a closed track, of course).
Like other Nolan helmets the N44 can be fitted with the integrated Nolan n-com
intercom, and the standard of finish both on the inside and outside is very high.
To give the N44 a real test on the open road, I will be taking it on my next European trip; I’ll report back on how I cope with wearing it all day, and occasionally at speed. I expect outstanding comfort. After all, I will be taking it home: Nolan helmets are designed and made entirely in Italy.
For versatility and comfort, without sacrificing anything else, the N44 comes up trumps. More details, including pictures of the six different configurations, at www.ronangel.com.au . PT
EAGLE CREEK PACK-IT CUBE SET
Price - $44.99
No, I’m not sure why these are called “cube sets” because they are not cubes. Um. What they are is rectangular zipped bags in a variety of sizes (10.5 litres, 5 litres and 1.2 litres). They’re made of 300 denier Poly Micro-Weave plus a water repellent mesh at the front. Grab handles make them easy to carry around and they are of course washable. Zippers seem to be of good quality.
The manufacturers take their ecological responsibilities seriously; “we strive to make stuff that lasts a lifetime which means Eagle Creek products inevitably stay out of the landfill that much longer,” they say.
As a travel convenience, these bags are terrific. I have been using similar ones from other manufacturers for some years, and they have served me well in a number of ways.
On a trip in Europe, I was sharing a room with a German photographer, and I hadn’t realised that he didn’t entirely believe that I was originally German myself. Then he saw me open
my suitcase, which was carefully packed with these kinds of bags in different colours. He took one look and said, “Ah, now I know you’re German!”
The Cube set is only a small part of the convenient and environmentfriendly range of travel products offered by Eagle Creek; take a look at www.eaglecreek.com. You will also find lower prices than the above on the net. PT
BERNER / MOTOHANSA PRO SERIES
$59.95
Here is a fantastic 30 piece multi tool, featuring socket, torx, E socket, and screwdriver functions all in the one tool for motorcyclists by Berner quality German tools. This tool comes in a durable cordura pouch for easy storage and is just the right size to tuck away under your seat, in your panniers, topbox or tankbag. It contains the following items1 x 1/4 Ratchet driver with pivoting
head that can be set straight 45 or 90 degrees, Phillips No. 2 and 3 bits, Flat head screw driver bit, Pozi drive 1, 2 and 3 bits, 1/4 drive but holder, T10,T15,T20,T25,T30,T40 and female torx bits, 6,7, 8,10,11, 12,13 single hex 1/4 drive sockets and it comes with 12 months warranty. Get it through Kenmawww.shop.kenma.com.au SW
NEW IN THE SHOPS
Welcome to a new section of Australian MOTORCYCLIST, highlighting some of the products and services that are sure to interest you. Manufacturers and distributors: if you have something that you think may interest our readers, just send in a photo and a few words – it’s a free service.
IT’S TOOL TIME
Touratech toolbox – BMW R 1200 GS/GSA
Touratech has just introduced a toolbox for the popular BMW R1200GS/ R1200GS Adventure. The optimal
utilisation of space on the bike allows tools, first-aid kit, breakdown kit and many other useful items to remain on the motorcycle permanently and without interfering with luggage or riding. The 4.2 litre (approx) storage space is protected against water spray and a large opening makes loading and unloading easy, even when the cases are fitted to the bike. The lid can be removed completely for easier loading, while a safety mechanism prevents the loss of items.
Rider training courses ‘Getting to know your bike’ courses Group rides (e.g. Uluru, Tasmania)
For more information on Touratech products, visit www.touratech.com.au, call 03 5929 5529, or follow the company on Facebook.
GO LARGE
Avon Cobra
whitewall tyre
Price - $235
Until now, owners have been limited in the availability of whitewall 120/70/21-inch front tyres. The Avon Cobra tyre is a dedicated tyre for power cruisers, custom motorcycle and touring which incorporates sports tyre technology and performance with
vintage cool of rebel motorcycle riders with contemporary safety standards and luxurious comfort. See your local bike shop or visit www.ficeda.com.au
PROTECTION BY FORCE FIELD
Forcefi eld back protectors
Forcefi eld’s Pro L2K EVO ($209) and Blade ($169) back protectors TOUGHEN
have been restyled and improved to offer the best comfort and performance at a competitive price for riders who don’t compromise, whether on the road or track. Stuart has tested the Blade with a full review in the next issue. See your local bike shop or call Pro Accessories on 07 3277 0693, or visit www.ProAccessories.com.au
THE BIGGER BIBLE Harley-Davidson accessories catalogue
The “big book” or the “bible” as it’s known – Harley-Davidson’s genuine motor parts and accessories catalogue - has gotten itself even fatter with the addition of the Boom! Audio Stage II, Sportster Clubman handlebar and Café solo seat, rider backrest organiser and
the Road Glide fat ape handlebar. See your local H-D dealer or www.harleydavidson.com/AU
ALL YOU NEED
Dainese Rainsun jacket
Price - $449.95
The Dainese Rainsun jacket has a waterproof D-Dry laminated outer shell that keeps you dry and breaks chilling wind while a fully armoured mesh jacket underneath means that you can shed the shell and be one with the breeze when the temps rise. Available in sizes 48-58, see your local bike shop or visit www.cassons.com.au
SUPER FLOW
Dainese Air Hero gloves
Price - $129.95
The Dainese Air Hero Gloves combine cowhide leather, a reinforced goatskin palm and polyurethane knuckle protection in a lightweight and fully ventilated summer glove that achieves a CE rating. For those riding in hot climates that need air flow without having to compromise on safety, the Air Hero Gloves have come to the rescue. Available in men’s sizes XS-2XL and ladies XS-L. See your local bike shop or visit www.cassons.com.au
BORN IN (NOT U)SA
MUMMY, WHERE DID AG BIKES COME FROM? WORDS/PHOTOS
Have you ever wondered who first thought of ag bikes? I hadn’t either until I heard of a man named Frank Johns.
Frank Johns just happens to be the late father of a friend of mine. Strange as it may seem, but true, his first name is the same as mine: Phil. There the similarity ends dear reader, because Phil, not this Phil, the other Phil, did not follow in his father’s wheel tracks; he is not a motor cyclist. His passion is Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Corvettes, and he has several in his most gloriously laid out garage.
I had on loan from Phil Johns a very
large book compiled by his father containing almost two hundred and fifty newspaper cuttings relating to Frank’s motor cycle businesses in and around Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Port Augusta. Those paper cuttings tell the very interesting story of the progress made in the world of motor cycling, in South Australia at least, in the years after World War 2 until 1964, when Frank closed his business.
Frank began trading in 1948, naming his business Liberty Motors and beginning with the marketing of Austrian, Italian, Czechoslovakian and German made machines including
PHIL “CHIEF” LAWTON
BMW, Bergmeister, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Jawa, CZ, Horex, Victoria, NSU and Daimler-Steyr-Puch, later handling Vincent HRD, BSA, Norton, Matchless, EMC and Sunbeam motor cycles along with New Hudson Auto Cycles and then in 1958 moving into the sale of cars from the German NSU factory as an additional income stream.
Frank was also a distinguished campaigner in motor cycle sport riding both a Vincent ‘B’ series Rapide and a BSA Bantam in the late 1940s, and through the 1950s.
This is where the motor cycle side
of the Yamaha story begins to unfold. Torakusu Yamaha, a builder of pianos, named his company Nippon Gakki and had it incorporated in 1897. In 1958, some years after that turbulent time of the 1940s, Nippon Gakki put its expertise to good use, moving into manufacturing a small motor cycle. It was the same design as that copied by BSA for the Bantam and Harley- Davidson for the Hummer: the well-known German DKW. With the success of this 125cc two stroke motor cycle the Yamaha Motor Co. was born in 1959. Yamaha was chosen as the name of the company to honour the founder. That year, Frank Johns travelled to Japan to attend meetings with the management of Nippon Gakki Co. Hamamatsu, to present an idea he had been working on for some time. Frank had approached several
other motor cycle companies both in England and Europe with his plans, to no avail. None were interested in tooling up for a new and untried segment of motor cycling.
The Japanese were more receptive to Frank’s idea of an “off road” type of bike to be used in the pastoral industry for herding sheep and cattle, instead of relying on one horse power and a saddle. The first of those off road bikes built in Japan went on sale at Liberty Motors in 1961 with the name Liberty Yamaha Ranch. A fitting name, you might think, but the word “liberty” was not derived from Frank Johns’ Liberty motor cycle business. The use of “liberty” in both Frank’s business and the name of Yamaha’s new motor cycle is just a coincidence. I was interested to read in one of the newspaper cuttings that the use of the word stems from postwar American
capital interests in Nippon Gakki Co. Without American capital, it seems, Yamaha might never have existed as we know it today. Therefore, could one presume to think that Yamaha is part American, with an Australian connection?
Thanks to Frank’s idea of a purpose built off road bike for pastoral use, as reported in one of the newspapers, similar models were sent around the world for evaluation in such countries as Africa, Canada, India, Pakistan, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, and both Texas and California in America
We are ever thankful to Frank Johns for his foresight and persistence and to Yamaha for giving us off road bikes that not only benefitted the man (and woman) on the land but created a whole new type of sport, that of trail riding, which has developed into the adventure bikes of today.
KALGOORLIE BLASTING
MINING IS NOT THE ONLY THING TO DO IN THIS TOWN
This ride in the outback of WA will give you a good taste of rich red dirt. Base yourself in Kalgoorlie and enjoy this route and the little bit wilder outback nature, towns in this region have to offer.
KALGOORLIE
Kalgoorlie, now known as Kalgoorlie–Boulder after Kalgoorlie and Boulder joined, is a city in the
Goldfi elds-Esperance region of Western Australia. The town was founded in 1893 during the Yilgarn-Goldfi elds gold rush, and is located close to the so-called “Golden Mile”.
30,000 odd (occasionally very odd, ha ha) people live there, making it the largest outback city in the country. Anything and everything is available here. So stock up and enjoy.
ADELONG
Adelong or Adelong Station is a pastoral lease and sheep station located about 21 kilometres west of Menzies and 86 kilometres south west of Leonora. The station adjoins Goongarrie National Park, which was also once a station that was taken up in 1924 but was never developed as it was too difficult to establish watering points. Adelong is currently owned and managed by the Menzies Aboriginal Corporation. Fuel is available in the nearby town of Menzies.
LEONORA
Leonora is the service centre for the mining, exploration and well established pastoral industry. Gwalia is a must see for the visitor as it has been restored to its original condition (as it was in the early 1900s) and boasts one of Australia’s finest museums. Basic services are available here, including fuel.
LAVERTON
Named in 1900 after Dr Charles Laver, a keen prospector who rode his bicycle (!) from Coolgardie to the area, Laverton was a booming gold mining town with the reputation of being the wildest town in the west. These days, the town is home to Australia’s largest nickel mine at Murrin Murrin as well as the second largest gold producing mine at Sunrise Dam. It is also where the Great Western Road across to the NT starts. This area is quite arid, with a mean annual rainfall of just 230 millimetres. It is also quite warm, with daily max temperatures ranging from 17 °C to 36 °C. Again, basic services are available including fuel.
LAKE CAREY, RAESIDE, REBECCA
You will get to see a number of inland lakes throughout this trip. Probably the best one is Lake Rebecca, which when full, covers an area of around 98,000 hectares.
www.hemamaps.com.au
DISTANCE - 850KM
OPTIONAL ROUTE - 575KM
TOTAL – 1425KM
Road conditions – Visit www.ckb. wa.gov.au/Your-Council,-Your-City/ News-and-events/Road-conditions. aspx for the latest conditions. Note that this is not an easy ride, and you should be quite confident of your riding ability in the bush before you tackle it. But on the other hand it is very beautiful.
MAIN ROUTE
You are going to need good navigational skills to complete this route. Few, or just about none, of the roads are signposted, but if you take a GPS and detailed hard copy maps
with you, you should be fine.
Head southwest out of Kalgoorie, around Coolgardie North Road head north up through Carbine and Credo towards Adelong.
Ride up around Lake Ballard to Mount Ida, past Lake Raeside and over to Leonora. From here go through Malcolm, Minara, Mount Margaret and into Laverton. Depending on how you’re going for time, I recommend staying overnight at Laverton. The caravan park’s number is 08 9031 1072, and there’s also a pub.
Out of Laverton head south past Lake Carey through Mt Celia, around the southern part of Lake Raeside and the northern part of Lake Rebecca and down to Gindalbie and back into Kalgoorlie.
ADV TEAR-OUT MAP #11
COLLECT THEM ALL
OPTIONAL ROUTE
If you want to make this a much longer ride you can take the optional route.
Fill up in Menzies, near Adelong and head west past Lake Giles and Lake Barlee, turning north to Youanmi Downs and up towards Sandstone. You can get fuel in Sandstone, and I highly recommend that you do.
Head south east out of Sandstone through Bulga Downs, Perrinvale Outcamp and Walling Rock to join back up to the main route. You might like to consider camping overnight in Menzies, the caravan park number is 08 2024 2702 and the pub is not especially recommended, before continuing on with the main route.
YAMAHA MT-07
VENHILL BRAIDED BRAKE LINES
Price - $129 (F), $69 (R) - $198 for the set.
Iama massive fan of braided brake lines. If you don’t have a set on your bike, what are you waiting for? Venhill
braided brake lines are among the best in the world, I use them on my race bike and now we have fitted a set to our long term Yamaha MT-07. In fact our bike was used as the test unit to determine length and angles of the connections.
I went to the Australian distributor, Kenma, and Peter showed me around the factory and how Venhill lines are organised, packaged and sent to you. It
is a slick and effective process, one I am very impressed with. Basically an order for a bike comes in, the appropriate colour and length of line is taken from the storage tubes, the angles, copper washers and new stainless steel bolts, along with information and some stickers, are placed in a box and away they go. There are no pre-packaged brake lines in case an order needs something special.
All Venhill brake lines are pressure tested before being shipped to Australia from the UK factory. A good range of coloured lines is available and we chose Red for our Deep Armour MT-07 – a good match to the red stitching on our accessory seats and the soon to come, red rim stickers.
Fitting the lines is dead easy, just be sure to have a couple of rags in the appropriate spots to mop up brake fluid that comes out of the standard lines you are removing. Also, remember to wash around the master cylinders and calipers after you have completed the job with fresh water to stop any marks from brake fluid you may have missed.
Now comes the “fun” part – bleeding the brakes. Be sure to get a quality brake bleeder. I have a neat twin system unit that allows you to have both front calipers hooked up at the same time, or one caliper at a time if you prefer. And I must stress, if you are not confident in bleeding your own brakes, get a qualified motorcycle mechanic to do them for you, this is a job you don’t want to stuff up! Bleeding the rear is usually quite easy. A few pumps, then a few more to double check you’ve got all the air out and it’s done. The front can be a pain. I enlisted Alana’s assistance to pump the front brake lever while I work down at the calipers. After ten minutes or so the air
Harley-Davidson XL1200V ‘72’
AWAY SHE GOES!
Our H-D 72 has gone to Iron Head Customs Motorcycles (www.ironheads.com.au) in Hoppers Crossing near Melbourne for its fitting of Kuryakyn goodies. In particular you will have seen the “Crusher” pipes we previewed in the last issue, which will be fitted to our 72. The Bear can’t wait to get it back and tell you about the subtle (and less subtle) ways in which this bike is becoming more and more personalised. This is only the start, there is plenty more customising to come for this beast. SW
Um? Are you sure my bike will be okay in there, Stuart?
finally started to come out and a solid line of fluid started to appear. A few more bleeds per side and they were done, much to Alana’s delight. After a good wash down with fresh water I took the MT-07 around the block and (as expected) high levels of feel is what you instantly get. More consistent power through the entire heat range – from cold to super hard, high speed braking. All this for not a lot of money and ultimately, more safety across the board. Get to your local bike shop to grab a set of Venhill lines for your bike, or contact Kenma on 02 9484 0777 or visit the website www.kenma.com.au SW
CLASSIC MORRIS
THOUGHTS AND SECOND THOUGHTS
WORDS LESTER MORRIS
Driving the family Toyota Yaris is a bit like driving a four-wheel Yamaha, because it was the Yamaha motorcycle factory which designed and developed the 1.5 litre, double overhead camshaft, multi-valve power-plant with which this small rocket-ship of a car is equipped. When I say ‘rocket ship’, bear in mind that the trim little Yaris remains a small car which employs this equally-small, if potent enough, engine to provide the necessary propulsion.
The car can be used as a shopping trolley if that is all you want to do with the thing, but it will happily sit for hours, or as long as road conditions permit, at a cruising speed comfortably in excess of the ‘allowable’ maximum. It seems to do this noisily but without effort, whether in a straight line or sweeping swiftly through carefully sign-posted corners.
It is still ‘only’ a small car, but it remains a victim of traffic snarls and other odious situations which we are forced to face on a daily basis if we shuffle about the city and suburbs on four wheels instead of the much more acceptable two.
Such a situation occurred a few weeks ago when Lyn and I were sitting in the Yaris in traffic on a bright and sunny day, but with heavy rain clouds just beginning to roil ominously overhead, carrying with them the threat of some heavy weather as the horizon around us in several
directions grew ever darker.
As we sat there, bored stiff while waiting for something exciting to occur, I could hear what I thought was the rumble of approaching thunder, which grew ever louder as we crouched helplessly in the immovable traffic. It grew louder still as I glanced in the rear view mirror to behold a large American motorcycle rolling along several metres behind us.
From what I could see of the rider as he moved slowly through Honda Highway between the two lines of traffic, he was quite a mature man, who was so large he draped himself all over the Harley-Davidson - for such it was - making that large motorcycle appear to be no bigger than, say, a 175cc machine.
Mature though he clearly was it seemed clear to me that he was new to motorcycling, for he paddled his feet along the road as he slipped between the cars down ‘Honda Highway’ while nudging more than a few rear vision mirrors out of focus as he simply shoved them out of his way with his fat elbows. But his wardrobe also indicated – again to me – that he had not been a motorcyclist for long or had ridden one for any great distance.
It was obvious that he wore no protective clothing at all, which indicated to me that he had never been pelted bike-less down the road, but instead was dressed in a pair
of pale blue shorts which he might have dredged out of a Vinnies basket in the female section, because they were clearly many, many sizes too small for him. He wore a yellow DayGlow sleeveless tee-shirt, from which protruded an enormous pot-belly which draped itself over the top of the restricting waistband of the skin-tight shorts and flopped, jelly-like, onto the top of the bike’s peanut-sized tank while being loosely contained upon his bobbing thighs, which were as thick as tree trunks.
As a half-fast attempt at a form of minimal protection, he wore a short, black Bolero jacket which was heavily fringed and studded with a number of large chromed adornments. I reckon that his jacket was probably made by chopping the head off one end and the tail off the other end of some hapless bovine, then altering the resultant leather material into the shape of a large vest. Had I been wearing the thing, I reckon I would have entirely disappeared within the voluminous folds of that huge jacket. It would assuredly have been all-enveloping had I slipped it on, and would probably have reached the ground in several places as well. In his case, however, the vest-like jacket merely covered his back to just below the waist but was a bull’s roar away (sorry about that!) from meeting anywhere across his huge, intimidating midriff. There was a narrow band of matching leather stretched across his belly,
CLASSIC MORRIS
“I ALWAYS THOUGHT I LOOKED ODD, WHICH MAY BE TRUE BECAUSE PEOPLE KEEP TELLING ME SO, BUT THIS BLOKE’S FEARSOME VISAGE PUT ME TO SHAME, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE UNEXPECTEDLY LOOKED DIRECTLY AT ME”
which looked to me as though it was stretched almost to snapping point. He wore a pair of heavy-duty work boots – steel-capped I assumed – in a gleaming yellow, which almost matched his huge tee-shirt, attended by knee-high black-and-white football socks, while he also wore an over-large black-matt WW2 Nazi-type helmet which perched upon his surprisingly small head. The helmet was clearly several sizes too large, while being held just above his be-spectacled eyes only by the strength of his enormous ears.
The slim, neatly-fitting leather gloves he wore were a bit like Grannie’s finger-less mittens, which would have allowed the palms of his hands to have a degree of protection when – not if, but when - he was finally to find himself sliding down the road on his own at some speed, while his exposed, unprotected fingers would then be left to look after their own destiny.
To make matters worse, his hands were held at (his) eye-level in an attitude of surrender, for the bike was equipped with the highest ape-hanger handlebars I have ever seen, and I have sold more than a few ape-hanger bars in times long gone which were some 24’’ high! At least the two control levers (assuming they could exert some control from their lofty positions) were pointed entirely skywards, which meant that they could be a little more easily operated than they might be were they to be pointed straight ahead as in their more normal position.
The noise was frightful and becoming more so as the man ‘walked’ his Harley through the traffic behind us, leaving in his wake a number of maladjusted rear-view mirrors, along with the occasional black streak or slight indentation on car side-panels from contact with the bike’s large, forwardmounted footrest rubbers. Or perhaps his over-sized, clod-hopper boots?
For some reason he stopped right alongside my driver’s door, blipping the throttle continuously as he sat there, grimacing about him, the corners of his mouth turned downwards.
“Brrraccckkk! Uuummm!”
“Brrrrraccckkk! Uuummm!”
“Brrrrraaaccckkk! Uuummmm!”
“Burp! Groan! Backfire! Rattle! Rattle!” went the frightful din from the bike, which rent the air around us as nearby shop-front window panes rattled and grimacing pedestrians shoved their index fingers into their ears. Trapped within the car was like being firmly ensconced within a large bass drum which some merciless musician was enthusiastically pounding with a large drumstick or – more likely – a baseball bat! The Harley was fitted with two large mirrors in the shape of Maltese (or Iron?) Crosses, but in which, by what I could see of them, nothing of any consequence could possibly have ever been seen.
The exhaust gas rasped out of a pair of gleaming, entirely unsilenced, straight-through, three-inch drainpipes with which the machine had been equipped – possibly by an after-market purveyor of these items. That unfortunate motorcycle’s engine alternatively climbed to almost peak engine revs before sobbing back to a much more acceptable idling speed as the throttle was swiftly opened almost to the stop before swiftly being shut off again.
The rider’s close proximity allowed me to try and see what he looked like, which was difficult because the bike, the rider, our car and its incumbents were vibrating in concert, which resulted in a sick-making, severe double-vision. But I could vaguely see that side-on his grossly undersized
head seemed to be dominated by a large, hooked nose the colour of a boiled beetroot, his thick, rubberlike lips the hue of under-cooked calf’s liver. He had what looked to be about a four days’ growth of a salt and pepper stubble beneath a large, moth-eaten, splayed moustache which was noticeably quite a bit longer on one side than it was on the other. The startlingly out-ofproportion head was thrust forward at ninety degrees but seemed to be unsupported, for it bobbed about alarmingly as it sat, apparently neckless, perched directly between his gigantic, hunched shoulders as though it had been placed haphazardly in its position as an after-thought.
I always thought I looked odd, which may be true because people keep telling me so, but this bloke’s fearsome visage put me to shame, especially when he unexpectedly looked directly at me.
He appeared to have been issued with a beetled brow like a large, boney awning, but which seemed to have no eyebrows attached thereto, his eyes protected by over-large amber spectacles with shimmering lenses; but the greatest shock was the size of the man’s eyes!
We have all seen people wearing those Coke-bottle lenses in which the wearers’ eyes are so tiny as to be almost invisible: this man’s eyes were exactly the opposite!
All I could see when he stared straight at me was a thin, blue rim of cornea round a pair of monstrous pupils which almost filled the frames of those huge spectacles. And when he blinked rapidly at me several times it was not unlike someone flicking the irises of a pair of amber spotlights open and closed. It was a most frightful thing to behold. If he looked a bit goggle-eyed (sorry again!) then so did I, for I must have sat there staring at the man like a gaping-mouthed idiot. I suggest that some of my dearest friends would say there is nothing new about that. Suddenly the lights changed to
WE
LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU, the letters are among the most keenly read parts of the magazine. Please try and keep letters down to no more than 300 words. Then you can read many, not just a couple. We do reserve the right to cut them and, unless you identify yourself and at least your town or suburb and state, we will print your email address instead. Please address letters to thebear@ausmotorcyclist.com.au or Australian Motorcyclist Magazine, PO Box 2066, Boronia Park NSW 2111. All opinions published here are those of the writers and we do not vouch for their accuracy or even their sanity!
THE WINNER IS…
For this issue, the excellent Andy Strapz AA Bagz goes to Beth Ottaway, who just wrote to us to ask where she could get a copy of the Hema Motorcycle Atlas! We’re awarding her the bag as a welcoming present from the entire motorcycle community – I hope that’s all right with you, motorcycling community? Beth, you will find that the AA Bagz
PERPLEXED OF BATHURST
Good Morning Peter
I am somewhat perplexed by the view of your reader about your assessment of new motor cycles as relayed in the editorial of February 2015 . As you state, it would be expected that
Hi there,
is the ideal way of carrying all kinds of things on your bike, and that it will also look good and keep looking good. Andy makes them from the highest quality materials. As we say in the bike business, we use one ourselves!
WELCOME,
NEWBY!
I am new to motorcycle riding, and probably don’t fit the usual profile being a 41 year old mother of three, but I am really enjoying getting out and about on my bike, and meeting other people from the motorcycle community.
I recently discovered Australian Motorcycle magazine which is the kind of bike magazine that interests me and I am inspired to improve my riding to a point where I could undertake an exciting travel adventure like Nick Wood’s journey in Malaysia (Feb 2015 issue), or Robert
a later version of a model would be an improvement but this does not diminish the enjoyment of an earlier model or mean that you would never buy a bike.
I currently own a 2003 FJR Yamaha which I still enjoy riding and which
Crick’s great piece about Tibet. One day! As I am still learning, I would like to start with some trips in Australia, and so I am writing to find out how to purchase the Australia Motorcycle Atlas mentioned in the Bear’s article “Meet You Where?” (Feb 2015 issue again).
Looking forward to hearing from you, Beth Ottaway Adelaide, SA
Hi Beth, excellent to hear you getting out there and having fun! I just got back from our NZ tour, which had a number of “new” riders – all of whom had a ball. So this may be something to look at when we do it again next year? We sold out of the Hema Maps Motorcycle Atlas but you will still be able to get it through Hema Maps themselves. Check out – www.hemamaps.com.au .But bear in mind that a new MC Atlas is coming in March or April. Keep in touch and most of all, have an awesome time riding your bike - Stuart
continues to more than meet my needs I think that we sometimes get carried away with the latest whizz bang technology. Electronic technology is OK until it goes kaput, as experienced by a friend I had to pick up miles from anywhere. In fact,
WHAT SAY YOU?
afternoon, after a ride in the glorious sunshine, around the glorious peninsula where I have the good fortune to live, what do I find but the very first edition of Australian Motorcyclist Magazine.
Not only have I glanced through it in anticipation of a good read, and read a bit, thus far, but it will fill a lonely hole on my book shelf.
I was almost so overcome by your generosity of supplying me with not only the magazine, and not one, but two, of the aforesaid magazine’s advertising stickers. Now I must state here and now that I am not a lover of stickers. I do however have an Australian Street Rod sticker on the rear window of my old Ford Customline, because it helps to inform the general populace of such an organisation. Knowing how good your magazine is I made a very quick decision to race back out to my shed and adorn the rear of my top box on ‘ol Chief with both stickers. In doing so, I hope that my action will help to inform the general populace of Australian Motorcyclist Magazine.
Now that I have all that bunkum off my chest, thanks Pete. Very much appreciated.
Phil (The Chief)
RIDING AWAY
Hello, Bear.
I have an unusual question for you. I hope that someone with your experience of riding all over the world might be able to help me at least a bit.
How can I get hold of a motorbike to go for a ride when I’m overseas? My job takes me all over SE Asia and will soon be taking me to parts of India as well. I am often in places like Bangkok over
the weekend and it would be a welcome opportunity to explore the countryside. I’ve found a motorbike rental place in Hanoi, following up your story about riding in Vietnam, but it is not so easy in other cities.
Any help would be appreciated.
Marcus Perrine Melbourne, Vic
That sounds like a terrific problem to have, Marcus, but I’m not sure I would be looking at riding in or around Bangkok. I’ve done it, that’s true, but that was years ago and I’m pretty sure things will have gotten worse. But here’s what I would do in your place: first, get an International Driving Permit. You rarely actually need one of these, but rental places and the police love them because they’re multilingual. Then I would rely on the concierge of my hotel to either direct me to a rental shop or to find a “cousin” somewhere who had a bike that could be available. Beware of these latter arrangements because they usually don’t include insurance or other help, but sometimes there is no alternative. Try to get the concierge involved personally in the handover of the bike and have the details of the rental explained to him. He can act as a mediator if there is trouble. Get the “cousin” to deliver the bike to the hotel anyway, rather than going off with him to some shop in a back alley. Good luck; what you’re doing is certainly risky, but could also be truly rewarding! –The Bear
PARKING WISDOM
Dear Bear
That could be Dare Bare or Deer Beer. I do love the mag and buy it as often as
possible and read it from cover to glossy cover. January’s issue left me pondering adding in a side trip to Cape York as part of a planned ride from West to East on the trusty Weestrom utilising as much dirt as possible to avoid wearing out my lovely square blocks.
I have to take a little issue though with Lester in Classic Morris griping about inept parking. Lester, I drive a large 4WD when not plying my trade as a riding instructor, which I always reverse park. Ditto for my partner’s 3.5 tonne crafter van. Reason? Well, the main one is because it is far easier and safer to reverse in, you need only check once that no impatient naked apes are attempting to go behind you. Anyone with a large vehicle should be doing this and yes, it should be taught at basic level.
Imagine if you will, said reverse, now leaving. Lordamercy, all hazards are now in front of them while the poor fool trying to leave in reverse has the double jeopardy of ensuring they don’t clean up anyone passing behind them while simultaneously avoiding swinging the front quarter into the adjacent vehicle. You obviously haven’t thought it out on these terms, Lester, as you don’t drive a real car anyway ( I bet you reverse park your scoot). I do need a 4WD for towing and the bush but when I drive in the city my silky reversing skills make the townies look very average, likewise for the fools who insist on driving forward into parallel parks. So learn to reverse, people, it’s not rocket science and it will make life safer for everyone. Cheers, live long, ride far.
Don Bracken
Northam
WA
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THE MECHANIC
Iamone of those people for whom mechanical work is challenging. It’s not as if I haven’t done it – I owned the Shovelhead from Hell, so it’s not like I had much choice about beating it with spanners, hammers and rocks to keep it going – it’s just that I’m not all that good at it.
Patience is a pre-requisite for being good at tinkering with your motorcycle. I don’t have that. So are the appropriate tools. I don’t always have them, either. Certainly some vague idea about what you’re doing, or how it’s to be done is important, but I don’t mind a steep learning curve. So I’m running a onepoint-two out of three score here.
But it was relatively early in my motorcycling career when it became clear that no matter how much I wanted to learn about mechanical stuff, I was always going to lack certain fundamental psychological attributes to be successful at it.
The catharsis came the day I felt, for reasons I can’t quite remember for such was the trauma of the event, the forks on my 750 Katana needed to be disassembled.
Did I have the tools for such a task? I certainly hoped so. Did I have the knowledge for such an undertaking? No. But I did have a manual.
levels, so I was probably overstimulated when I began the task.
I consulted the manual, and utilising a 12-inch shifter (the second-greatest tool in my not-so-vast array of tools) I undid all of the bolts on the triple trees and my forks made a satisfying ‘thunk’ sound as they hit the concrete of my driveway.
I grinned my ‘piece of piss’ grin and opened a beer. This was easier than I thought it would be, I thought, and consulted the manual about draining the oil from the forks. It told me to undo a bolt that lived in the bottom of the fork boot. For this bolt to be undone, I needed a socket and a ratchet. Luckily I had both, which I immediately deployed, and the first bolt came out with consummate ease. I essayed the second fork and promptly shaved it round because it was irredeemably seized. Like Constantinople when the Turks came over the walls.
I stared at the newly rounded bolt with mild venom. I was peeved and sweat dripped off my face, but I was not yet intimidated or upset. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see my girlfriend oiling herself with some stupidly arousing Frangipani-flavoured sexbutter, but I forced myself to focus on the task at hand.
I went inside rang a mate who knew of these things.
“Do you have an Ezy-Out?” he asked.
“How long have you and I been friends?” I asked him back.
“Six years.”
“Have I ever had an Ezy-Out?”
“No.”
“Why do you assume I even know what one of those is?”
“I’m sorry. Look, I’ll come over on Wednesday night and give you a hand.”
Did I tell you I wasn’t a patient man? Wednesday night would not do. The bolt had to come out now, not then.
“I’ll manage,” I said through gritted teeth and returned to the yard. My girlfriend was baking the front of herself, but I didn’t look very much and went to deal with the fork bolt. I was pretty mighty back then, but not all of my strength and none of the languages I cursed in had any effect. I tapped at the fork boot, I sprayed WD40 at it, and I heated it on the stove.
And then I lost my mind and started smashing it with the hammer.
Thor himself could not have deployed Mjolnir to more effect.
It was a warm summer day, my fridge had lots of beer, and my girlfriend was sunning herself in the backyard wearing these crazy Frenchcut bikini bottoms that always made me a little insane. That she had recently taken to shaving her private parts ratcheted my insanity up to almost unbearable
I got out my Number One Greatest Tool, a claw hammer, and managed to tap a slightly smaller socket onto the rounded bolt – and when I say ‘tap’, I mean bash. I affixed the ratchet and grunted and strained, and even stood on the forkleg for leverage, but the nut did not move.
I pounded that fork boot like supercharged mine-hammer reducing a mountain to dust. It resisted ever so briefly and then the cast aluminium it was made of began to fragment and powder itself in a most satisfying fashion. Bits of fork boot flew about the yard and my girlfriend had to move further away to avoid being injured by one of the shards.
It took about three minutes of frenzied smashing to reduce the entire fork boot to its primal powdery state, whereupon I could behold the stripped bolt in all its naked, oily glory, lying on my driveway and being my not-sosmart-now-are-you bitch.
It was a pyrrhic, and somewhat expensive victory.
Many of my greatest one are.
Boris Mihailovic
TBEAR FACED
here are two kinds of people in the world: the ones who divide people into two kinds, and the ones who don’t.
No, no. The ones who think they’re lucky, and the others who think they’re unlucky. Interestingly enough, exactly the same set of circumstances can confirm both kinds in their conviction.
How’s that? Well, take Mrs Bear’s and my seventy thousand kilometre trip around Europe, North Africa, Turkey and the then Communist Bloc. The couple who were travelling with us had a Suzuki outfit, and just outside Marseilles the spokes in the rear wheel started breaking. Ping, ping, an innocuous noise that means big trouble.
Bad luck, eh?
Well we had heavy duty spokes with us because we had anticipated something like this, so we re-spoked the wheel , first by the side of the road, enough to get us to a campground, and then properly – or as properly as we could do it. Not much luck involved there, except that we were ready for trouble. A few hundred kilometres further on, the pinging started again. By this time we were coming into Biarritz, on a Saturday morning.
Bad luck again.
But someone pulled up to see what we were doing and gave my buddy Neil a lift to the nearest Suzuki shop – where they arrived minutes before closing time. The shop stayed open, the owner found a cast wheel that would fit straight onto our GS750 and sold it to Neil for a reasonable price. Good luck, this time.
Total score? Some bad luck, some good luck and some preparation - and while we had to do some hard yakka by the side of the road, first respoking and then changing the tyre,
the result was pretty positive. Lucky. Or how about this little bit of luck –bad luck, to start with – in Anamur in southern Turkey? We were travelling with another couple by this time, and
“THE HARDER I WORK, THE LUCKIER I GET.”THOMAS JEFFERSON
Michel parked his BMW R 100 at the top of a series of three- or four-foot high limestone steps above the markets. We were busily engaged in trying to talk the stallholders down to a reasonable price for some vegies when a gust of wind hit the market. Both Michel and I looked up at a “clack” sound from the BMW. The wind had taken the weight off it and the self-retracting sidestand had… self-retracted. The bike was too far away for either of us to catch (even if we could have held it) , so we could only watch it topple over and fall down one step to land on its back.
Bad luck.
It took a while to lift the bike back up to the top, even with the enthusiastic help of everyone in the market. Those who couldn’t get a hand on the bike confined themselves to shouting helpful hints – or at least I thought they were. They were laughing pretty hard too.
When Michel tried to push the bike, he
discovered that the subframe was bent and was causing the guard and probably some other stuff to rub on the rear tyre. Even badder luck. We bent things back up as much as we could, unpacked the bike and loaded its baggage onto my XS11, Mrs Bear and Cathy walked and we made our way down to the campground on the water.
The manager had it all sorted. Tomorrow, a friend of his who was a beautiful mechanic – güzel mekanik – would come, and he had special tools for such eventualities.
Meanwhile, why didn’t we have a drink? We set up our tents and did just that.
I won’t go into the happenings of that night, that’s another story, but next morning our hangovers (raki gives you a vicious one) were interrupted by the arrival of the mekanik. He himself favoured the unshaven, oil-stained overalls and oversized boots without laces school of couture and wasn’t exactly my idea of güzel, but so what? He had the special tools.
These were truck tyre irons, about five feet long and as strong as a railway thing, er, rail. It was, indeed, a matter of only a few minutes – broken only by the consumption of some beers – to “fix” the BMW.
Score? Some bad luck (potentially very bad), some good luck – and practically no input from us, except that we didn’t panic and just carried on. Can’t claim much credit there, but to me it confirmed that I’m lucky, rather than the reverse. Lucky I even remembered this, really…
LUCK OF THE PAW
IT FITS
G‛DAY! HOW‛S THE NEW BIKE GOING?
TOP MACHINE! (GASP!) BUT THE TANK (CHOKE) … IT‛S SO TIGHT! I CAN‛T (WHEEZE) BREATHE… WHAT CAN IT BE? HMM… I‛D TRY LOSING A BIT OF WEIGHT!
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