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EDITORSPEAKS
Why? Just, Why?
I’M KIND OF RAGING this month, I just simply do not understand why people cannot move to the left unless overtaking and why they seem not to understand how to use an indicator! Seriously, this is driving me insane. Let’s take the recent trip I had to make down to Campbelltown south of Sydney to grab a lump of 7075 grade aluminium so that Shaun at D Moto could make me a steering head stem for my Katana.
I travelled along the M7 which merges onto the Hume Highway and people driving their cars seem to be all self-absorbed in their tin tops and seem to not know or comprehend the, “Move left unless overtaking” signs. I cannot count the number of vehicles I approached who did not move over. Did they see me? Who knows? It wasn’t like I was speeding, no, I need to try and keep my licence so I was sitting at or just over the 100, and then the 110km/h posted limit. Some drivers looked at me with disgust as I passed them. I felt like ramming the roadside… “unless overtaking” sign down their throat! If that isn’t bad enough it seems that at least two thirds of car drivers have forgotten or don’t even know how to use that indicator stalk thingy hanging off the side of the steering column. No, just mosey on into whichever lane you want without letting anyone around or even beside you know of what you are doing. This really pisses me off! No wonder there seem to be so many crashes on motorways. So,
if any Police Officers are reading this, consider handing out some tickets for this mindless driving trend that seems to be getting more and more common. Let me know your thoughts on the matter –stuart@ausmotorcyclist.com.au . Now, back to some sort of normality in this madhouse! LOL!
I recently had the pleasure of being a guest of Metzeler for their “Grand Tour” which was based out of Queenstown, New Zealand. Four tyre types and two days of living the grand life. This Metzeler experience was to showcase just how much fun you can have on the brand’s tyres – both on and off the bike, with Queenstown being the perfect location to experience four disciplines to their full. The three of us Aussies who attended were put into Group A where we rode HarleyDavidsons first, then enduro bikes in the afternoon. The next day had us riding on the road in the morning and adventuring in the afternoon. Mix in great company from across the AsiaPacific region (including some of those New Zealand folk) and this was one of the grandest tours I’ve been on.
I must make special mention of the awesome Columb family who run Dirt Bike Tours New Zealand. Not only are they are great family, the guys can ride awesomely and are very knowledgeable about the surroundings and history of the places you can visit with them. I strongly advise you to book a tour or hire a bike from them, you will be simply amazed at what you’ll see and do! See http://dirtbiketours.nz/ and make sure you tell them I sent you; they’ll no doubt tell you some made-up stories about me. Hahahaha! Cheers, Stuart.
NO, IT’S NOT APRIL 1ST
Apparently, no one has thought to employ rockets to help a bike stay upright. Until Bosch, that is. Bosch is currently working on the “sliding mitigation research project” a kind of “magic hand” stepping up to save a spill. The whole idea revolves around using a well-established technology in a completely new way. For the role of the magic hand, Bosch suggests employing side thrust to counter the bike’s slip. Most modern motorcycles are already equipped with sensors that can identify when a wheel drifts sideways, so, when a certain amount is exceeded, a nozzle sprays gas in a direction that will counter the slip, keeping the bike upright and on its trajectory. It sure sounds a lot like the principle of rocket propulsion, and in this case Bosch suggests using gas accumulators already in use in car airbags. The whole system relies on commonly applied technology, simply rearranged for a new purpose. There are several questions that come to mind about this idea. Would it require refilling the gas canister after use? How much would this add to a bike’s weight? How will it fare when the loss of traction is not the result of a tyre running over something slippery, but rather a rider going too fast? Could the attempt to correct a lowside result in turning it into a highside? It is probably too early to deal with its practical aspects, but the sliding mitigation project seems to be already well on its way and Bosch has a working prototype demonstrating that it works. Check it out at www.youtube. com/watch?v=QZqePriZYg8
PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW
MV Agusta special editions are world renowned and have become highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, none more so than those
that bear the historic name of past models. ‘America’ is such a name and for 2018, the new Brutale 800 RR America succeeds in the tradition of an MV special edition that honours the past with leading-edge design. This numbered Special Edition has plenty of distinctive features and is available now.
Pre-orders can be arranged through your local MV Agusta dealership or by contacting MV Agusta directly through the mvagusta.com.au website.
NOVE CENTO
At this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the BMW Group as usual gave a hint of what a new Adventure Sport model from Bavaria might look like: The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento (pronounced ‘nove cento’) combines emotion and performance with an adventurous spirit, agility and riding fun to create the ideal sports touring bike. It looks quite futuristic and would be a standout on the road.
TRIPLE TREAT
Honda has been a bit thin on the ground in the world of motorcycle
reviews lately but they aim to change that with the release of three new models. The naked CB1000R, big boy tourer Goldwing and an updated Africa Twin. We got to cast an eye over all three recently and can’t wait to ride them. “Watch this space” as they say… D
YAMAHA ‘XT700’ CUSTOMISING
Bedounis, beware WORDS
stuart phOtOS ralph
Back in issue #63 we featured what Yamaha Australia had done with the XSR900 – turning it into a replica RD special with some aftermarket side covers and vinyl wrap. Now it’s the XSR700’s turn with Yamaha Australia turning this great midsized delight into an XT600 Tenere replica. Rather than wrapping the bodywork this time, Yamaha opted to get the panels painted for a longer lasting finish. The cost is apparently about the same ($1000) with the painting being done by MotoTech at Smithfield NSW. But, rather than stop just at some nice paint, Yamaha wanted the XSR700 to look as much like an old XT600 Tenere as possible. This meant getting the wheels painted gold, putting an accessory Akrapovic high pipe on it ($1749.89 for the full system) as well as the accessory Flat Seat ($342.51), dusting off an old chrome motocross handlebar from one of the tech guys’ garage and of course throwing a set of knobbies on it. If you’re looking for an old school handlebar today, Ebay or Gumtree will be your friend. The first XT600Z Tenere was released in 1983. It was considered to be an all-purpose enduro
Paint the 900
Yamaha also decided to continue the retro theme with another version for the XSR900, making the one you see here into a replica RD LC in the extremely popular yellow with the Yamaha Speed Block design. Again, they have fitted aftermarket side covers and used MotoTech for the paint.
machine (nicknamed by some the Desert Raider) and featured disc brakes, a torquey four-valve engine, monoshock and contemporary 12volt electrics – much like the XSR700!
To get your hands on an original one nowadays would be like rubbing your hands together with 24 carat gold dust. Hopping onto the XT700, the riding position felt a little weird with the handlebar up rather high and the squirming you get from the knobbies on the road, but after a couple of kilometres it was a lot of fun and rather easy to manoeuvrer.
The possibilities are near endless with what can easily be done to either the XSR700 or the XSR900. Get your old school theme, get it painted (or wrapped) and add some personal touches like the chrome handlebar on the ‘XT700’ and watch the amount of conversation this bike drums up! D
1.
2. The original.
3. Geez from Yamaha
Just like riding the big 600 Tenere - torque!
Australia and Stuart stand around talking BS while Ralph does all the work as usual.
DIABLO ROSSO CORSA II
Dicing with the Diablo Words RALph photos
pIRELLI AnD RLM
“WUNDAS”, AS Krazy Kat would say, “neva seize.” Can there really be set of tyres that’s equally good on road and track?
My choice of new tyres has always followed the ‘win on Sunday, buy on Monday’ philosophy, so the Phantom, the Mandrake, the Corsa and even the Scorpion have been my go-tos, and have saved my bacon over many decades. Over the years, one notable thing about the progression of tyre technology has been that when once the tyre was the limiting factor for the rider, it is now the rider who isn’t - in most cases, anyway - as good as the tyre.
The names have changed, too, and read a bit like a Harley-Davidson model designation. A case in point is Pirelli’s quadruple banger Diablo Rosso Corsa II (how about we agree on DRC II to keep it simple?), but while the name is longwinded the tyre’s brief is tight and simple.
How is it done? Five zones are moulded across the rear tyre with race type compounds in an innovative move for Pirelli. That’s one in the centre and another two on each side for the initial lean either left or right, followed by another one in the more ‘edgy’ zone with super soft compound for extreme lean. The front tyre uses ‘only’ three zones. What does that mean for those of us
who are chasing the value-for-money equation on the road, and the race-track types who want grip at any price? Can the Diablo Rosso Corsa II really answer both sides’ prayers?
Well, Pirelli thinks so and reckons it has just aced the premium sports tyre segment with a tyre that will work better on the track and road than any of the hoops made by its competitors. Pirelli claims it will suit any rider of a performance machine who wants to simplify tyre choice for the road and track. It seemed appropriate, then, that the launch would be bigger than Ben Hur (did those chariots run Pirellis?).
A day around the tablelands near Kruger National Park in South Africa was the road component, and another day at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa provided the racetrack time to come to grips with the DRC II.
ROAD ’EM
A morning in an 11- seater Toyota (Pirelli-equipped, too) spotting African wildlife was a great introduction to the type of roads we would be scooting across in the afternoon, riding up into the highland area behind our resort base at Hazyview. If you have ridden the Atherton Tableland, the hills behind the town of Sabie are similar, but on a much larger scale.
I snaffled the latest Fireblade SP (and a BMW S1000R for the return ride). Once on the bikes, we immediately
found that the DRC IIs require no warm-up. They immediately have grip and feel. The carcass is firm and tight, which translates to precise feeling in the steering at any angle. The front tyre will take as much hard braking as I’m usually prepared to try on your behalf. Repeated passes for the four photographers proved that despite increasingly aggressive riding including some decent third gear wheelies (who, me?), the rear never once gave a hint of losing grip. Despite the potholes and bumps (Australian roads don’t have the sole claim to crap surfaces) the tyres were unfazed by surface changes or even the cooler weather as we climbed. They are precise and communicate well, although they do give away a little bit of comfort. As road tyres, they are right up there for grip and safety.
TRACK ’EM
I used to spend a lot of time on the track and have probably shredded more than my share of race compound tyres in the last couple of years. I’d be rather less likely to do that if I was paying for them, so if there was a set of tyres made for me it would be the DRC IIs. I did have reservations about their suitability for the track, but this is a tyre you can ride to the track on and then go and cut impressive times. Self-preservation is a healthy thing, and it took some confidence in the word of a bunch of industrial chemists, factory tyre testers and a rather massive marketing department to give me courage for the first few laps. I didn’t think a road style tyre would be up to the extreme lean angles some of the more Pro riders were extracting. Were the DRC IIs going to generate the super-sticky feel I was used to after
years on Corsa SC and SC1 track tyres?
Interestingly enough, directional stability is better than with the track Corsa or the 2010 original DRC. There is no vague feeling while you’re waiting for front or rear to come up to temperature and they’ll handle braking as hard as I can muster. The transition from steering to throttle was as good as I needed or could deal with. In the first three sessions I swapped from the svelte MV F3 675 RC to a brutal Aprilia Tuono and then to the sublime V4 Ducati Panigale. Moving up the power stakes was deliberate on my part; the questionably ‘scientific’ result was that I could pile on ever more power at a decent lean angle without losing any grip. If I had abused the DRC IIs as some of the other riders did, the rear would finally have pulled the pin on grip (but never the important ‘feel’) and by then you would be wanting a race dedicated Super Corsa. I didn’t crash any of those expensive toys and I learnt to trust the tyres even more, and pushed them as hard as I was prepared to do, and I came away mightily impressed.
The gap between useful and grippy road hoops and useful track tyres has now been bridged.
The limited wear, given the constant abuse 18 motorcycles received from the hands of some gun journos and the fact that the collection remained undamaged, indicates to me that Pirelli really has built a tyre which offers feel, performance and good wear characteristics.
MAKE ’EM
Pirelli may not be the first tyre manufacturer to go down the multicompound path, but for the DRC II they have slipped just the right amount
Kyalami is kool
The recently refurbished complex is as steeped in history as in elevation. The track is fast, wide and it is easy enough to find your way around its anti-clockwise path, but is incredibly difficult to master. Most of us were in awe of the surface as well as the safety and impressive facilities. I have ridden tracks in Australia and in Asia and Kyalami would easily rate with Phillip Island along with Sepang as one of my favourites. The rushed bus trip from the circuit to the airport had most of us suggesting that MotoGP and World Superbikes need to find an excuse to commit to the South African circuit. There cannot be many tracks as challenging or thrilling. A big thank you to Pirelli for giving us that experience.
of Silica into their five zone rear / three zone front combination. This is black magic or alchemy to me. Pirelli has engineered longevity and wetweather capability along with virtually no warm up to have the tyres operating to peak performance quickly. Increased directional stability is an added benefit. For the front tyre Pirelli utilises two compounds. The leaning compound is close to the current Super Corsa track tyre’s with Carbon Black and the centre mix is based on the enriched 100% Silica mix. So, by now you may have gathered Silica gives wear and Carbon Black gives grip. Attention was also paid to the outer layers that work on the road surface. Pirelli tracked down the best way of working with the carcass structure and overall shape. The black art of tyre building is managing the transition of those compounds in the construction phase. I guess you would need a security pass and have a need to know clearance rating to discover more.
From the outside at least the ‘flash’ or grooves stripes are still evident and the new DRC IIs have an increased ratio of slick to groove to add grip, stability and help significantly with tyre deformation. I can attest to that. They have even inserted a wear indicator on the slick shoulder (same as their racing products) and equally cool is the product naming
TYRE LAUNCH
Sizing
FRONT
120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL
REAR
160/60 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL
180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL
180/60 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL
190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL
190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL
200/55 ZR 17 M/C (78W) TL
band on the outer edge of the tyres as a run-in indicator. Bit of a talking point on the shelves as well.
The rear has the same full lean zone (a claimed 52 degrees) with the Carbon Black matching the front while the 15 to 35 degree lean relies on the same 100% Silica as found on the centre of the front. The distinguishing element between the front and the rear tyre is the 70% silica mix for the centre zone of the tyre which is in road contact while your motorcycle is upright and either driving hard through the gears or trying to go Sydney to Perth and back without consigning the rear to the recycling bin.
Pirelli also, to meet market needs and competitor claims, focused on the development of better wet surface performance. My last session had a few spots of rain and I did tense up. The grip didn’t go away although I my pace reflected the caution. It rained for the last hour at the circuit and I choose to sit it out and the few that ventured out spoke of good grip despite the conditions. Technology helps push the development process along and after asking how long the cycle took (expecting the seven years since the original DRC) our Pirelli rep responded with “two years”. Two years to market research, develop and test and also come up with a plan to have 27 journos in Jo-Burg for the launch is impressive. Equally impressive, in my very humble opinion, is that the new Diablo Rosso Corsa IIs will do exactly what they are claimed to do - make a devil out of you both on the track and the road. “Movillis”, as Krazy Kat would say. D
Safari time. Don’t get eaten!
THERE ARE A LOT of LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) motorcycles available so we thought we’d give you a bit of a look at what is out there. We wouldn’t want you to miss something that might be just the bike you’re looking for. And, as there are a lot of fish in the sea, if you don’t like one then you can always throw it back into the sea and look for another! We’ve quoted many of the comments from the manufacturers, so keep that in mind. If a bike doesn’t live up to the description below, you can go back to them and complain!
(If you find that a bike you were looking at doesn’t feature in this story, that will be because it contains only bikes from those manufacturers who want you to hear about their products. Think about that before spending spending your dollars).
BMW www.bmwmotorrad.com.au
MODEL: BMW G 310 GS PRICE: $8090
The BMW G 310 GS satisfies your thirst for everyday adventure. Superior design elements highlight the unmistakable GS look and ergonomics, providing a guarantee of intensive riding enjoyment on any surface. Handlebars, footrests, and controls are arranged to suit riders of all sizes.
The design of the striking onecylinder engine provides a low centre of gravity, allowing you to
swing the G 310 GS easily and precisely around every corner. BMW Motorrad ABS and a luggage carrier are included as standard.
The G 310 GS – unmatched in quality, comfort and dynamics.
MODEL: BMW G 310 R
PRICE: $6890
The BMW G 310 R is the essence of riding pleasure, built for city commuting and for those who simply love riding. Manoeuvrable, easy to handle and sporty at the same time, no matter your skill level, every type of rider feels immediately at home. The G 310 R clearly carries the genes of the S 1000 R through its powerful headlight, dynamic fuel tank trim and typical roadster proportions. The bike is light and strong, thanks to its dynamic front and distinctive rear. A shorter seat emphasises the roadster dynamic and gives the bike an unmistakeable motorsport look.
MODEL: BMW C 650 GT
PRICE: $16,990
The BMW C 650 GT is the latest maxi scooter from BMW Motorrad. Its stylish and streamlined silhouette emphasises its elegant character. With its comfortable seat position, high windshield and ABS, this scooter will allow you to cover long distances in comfort - regardless of the weather. In addition, the large storage compartment ensures you can easily store your shopping, luggage or even a pair of helmets. With the optional Side View Assist, safety is augmented by an approaching blind spot vehicle warning.
MODEL: BMW C 650 Sport
PRICE: $16,090
The BMW C 650 Sport is perfect for everyday life in the city, turning the daily commute into a pleasurable experience. The powerful engine allows you to get from point A to B quickly and comfortably. The modern design with its clear focus on dynamics emphasises the scooter's sporty aspirations. The new stainless steel exhaust system not only creates a more attractive appearance, but it also generates an even more impressive sound. And the agile chassis allows you to take corners with ease and weave through the narrow gaps in dense city traffic.
YAMAHA
www.yamaha-motor.com.au
MODEL: 2018 MT-070LA PRICE: $10,699
This model is designed specifically for the AUS/NZ market with
BMW Motorrad
power maximised for the LAMs limit. The punchy twin cylinder
655cc 270-degree crank engine with a 182kg wet weight and compact chassis put you in control. Completely new bodywork, lights and seat for 2018. Sportier front fork settings and upgraded rear shock with rebound adjustment inspire confidence. Comes in Yamaha Blue, Tech Black or Night Fluoro.
MODEL: XVS650
PRICE: $8799
world thanks to class-leading style, advanced technology and racetrack performance. The YZF-R3 fits perfectly into Yamaha’s supersport range between the entry level YZF-R15 and the race-winning YZF-R6. So whether you’re moving up from a 125 or you’re new to two wheels, you can be sure that the 320cc parallel twin features the same attention to detail that goes into every R-series motorcycle. Take one
Plenty of attitude in a surprisingly lean and low package - priced to leave more room to express yourself with cool accessories. A low seat means just about anyone can ride one – and more crucially, with the fit, finish, reliability and performance that all Stars are known for. Available in Custom (pictured) and Classic XVS650A models, this freedom roller combines sweet handling and light weight with the rumble of a full bore badass V-twin. In any colour, as long as its black.
MODEL: YZF-R3
PRICE: $6299
Yamaha’s legendary R-series bikes set the standard in the supersport
look at the aggressive dual headlight fairing and aerodynamic bodywork and the pure R-series DNA stares right back at you. Join the R-family with a superbike you can ride every day.
MODEL: YZF-R15
PRICE: $4299
into a Deltabox chassis boasting linked monocross suspension and bristles with state-of-the art technology. That includes a forged aluminium piston running in an all-aluminium DiASil cylinder offering the benefits of light weight, great heat dissipation, less oil consumption and high levels of wear resistance. Available in Yamaha Blue/White, Racing Red and Midnight Black.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
www.h-d.com.au
MODEL: Harley-Davidson Street 500 PRICE: FROM $9995
This liquid cooled, fuel injected four-stroke is the ideal intro to the ‘R’ series family. With the ability to cruise at highway speeds and return an average fuel consumption of around 45km/litre, the R15 blends performance, reliability and low running costs. It is designed to appeal to riders looking for a practical motorcycle for every day riding but with R-series trademark sharp looks. The 150cc mill slots
Urban riding has never been so easy and cool with the learner legal Harley-Davidson Street 500. With its dark, aggressive custom look, the Street 500 is built to thrive in the city and is engineered to meet the demands of the urban jungle. The blacked-out, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine will help you beat the traffic in style whether you’re commuting to work or meeting up with your mates. Visit www.h-d.com.au to book a test ride at your local dealership.
TRIUMPH
www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au
MODEL: Street Triple 660
PRICE: $12,800 + ON-ROADS
Building on the Street Triple’s wellearned reputation for its quality,
Start your motorcycling journey with confidence, style and fun on the new MONSTER 659. Contemporary and Iconic as only a monster can be, the 659 also features smooth progressive power of a 659cc fuel injected L-Twin engine. The safety of the latest generation Bosch ABS, as well as LED tail and headlight DRL for hi-visibility. For additional confidence, the low 785mm seat makes the 659 ideally suited to learner, female or smaller riders. M659 – Let’s have fun.
sports performance, capability and control the latest Street Triple range keeps delivering with a ‘Daytona’ derived triple engine for more power, performance and torquecombined with more state-of-the-art technology, sharper styling, a more aggressive and athletic poise. And to make the range even more accessible, the Street Triple S model comes in a LAMS approved 660 guise perfect for the learner who doesn’t want to compromise on style and performance. It takes advantage of the highest engine capacity allowed with its 660cc, and offers Showa suspension front and rear, ABS and switchable traction control. Whether you’re taking on the city streets, seeking the perfect line in the twisties, or hitting apex after apex on a track day - the new Street Triple 660 LAMs caters for all.
KTM
www.ktm.com.au
MODEL: RC390
PRICE: $5595 PLUS ON ROAD COSTS
A sports bike in its purest form, reduced to the essentials. Agile, fast, extremely sporty and still suitable for learner riders. Whether you are on country roads or the racetrack, the Moto3 genes are perceptible in every manoeuvre and convey pure race feeling. The handling – simply spectacular. The performance –incredible. The power – thrilling.
MODEL: DUKE 390 PRICE: $6995 PLUS ON ROAD COSTS
The KTM 390 DUKE breathes life into values that have made motorcycling fun. It combines maximum riding pleasure with optimum user value and comes out on top where nimble handling counts. Light as a feather, powerful and packed with state-of-the-art technology, it guarantees a thrilling ride, whether you're in the urban jungle or a forest of bends. 390 DUKE – nowhere will you find more motorcycle per dollar.
DUCATI
www.ducati.com.au
MODEL: Scrambler Sixty2 PRICE: $11,990
Sixty2 is a Ducati Scrambler inspired by the youth culture. The design, a highly expressive version of the Ducati Scrambler, finds a new form in its steel tank with integrated fuel tank cover. Sharing the ergonomics of many of the other Scrambler
models, the Sixty2 discreetly provides the same ‘Land of Joy’ experience to learner riders with its
Fresh vibe, sporty soul. Start your motorcycling journey with confidence, style, and fun on the new Monster 659. Contemporary and Iconic as only a monster can be, the 659 also features the smooth progressive power of a 659cc fuel injected L-Twin engine. The safety of the latest generation Bosch ABS, as well as LED tail and constant lights for high visibility all add to its appeal. For additional confidence, the low 785mm seat makes the 659 ideally suited to learner, female or smaller riders. M659 – Let’s have fun. Colours: Star White, Red and Dark Stealth.
KAWASAKI
www.kawas aki.com.au
MODEL: Ninja 400 PRICE: $6749
Clad in sharp new Ninja styling, the Ninja 400 delivers even greater performance than its highly successful predecessor, care of the all new engine and chassis that are more powerful and significantly lighter.
MODEL: Ninja 650L
PRICE: $10,299
by easy-to-manage power delivery and rider-friendly manoeuvrability, offering an ideal blend of sporty performance and everyday versatility sure to satisfy everyone from new to more experienced riders.
MODEL: Versys-X 300
PRICE: $6499
Superbly balanced and extremely exciting, the 2018 Ninja 650L features a 650cc Parallel Twin engine with a strong low-mid range focus and a lightweight chassis in a slim, middleweight package.
MODEL: Z650L
PRICE: $9799
The Z650L’s nimble handling, superb feedback and strong acceleration are complemented
The 2018 Versys 650L refuses to be restricted to any one classification. Difficult to explain and impossible to categorise, the Versys 650L is one of those machines that exceeds the sum of its parts.
MODEL: Vulcan S PRICE: $10,099
The Versys-X 300 is an adventurestyled touring model that builds on the any-road any-time performance of Kawasaki’s Versys model range by adding increased capability on unpaved roads.
MODEL: Versys 650L
PRICE: $10,599
The heart of a sportsbike and the comfort of a classic cruiser. With capable torque, high rpm and generous lean angles, every ride on the Vulcan S motorcycle has the potential for excitement.
MODEL: KLR650 PRICE: $8199
Wherever the destination, whatever the distance, over any kind of terrain, one of Australia's favourite Adventure bikes, the KLR650 is the motorcycle to get you there in style and comfort.
MODEL: Z300
PRICE: $5999
With the Z300, Kawasaki brings the wild excitement of the street-fighter
from Oggy Knobbs: Fender Eliminators, Pickup Spools, Case Savers, and Chain Adjustor Brackets to suit selected models.
concept to the 300cc class. Its muscular bodywork hints at the bike’s performance, while ensuring that the Z300 stands out from the crowd.
MODEL: KLX150BF SE
PRICE: $4399
CFMoto have again worked with Kiska Design to come up with an aggressively style package that is sure to have appeal in the Australian market.
A simple, yet reliable air-cooled single-cylinder engine and highly rigid, box-section perimeter frame are complemented by full size large-diameter wheels.
CF MOTO
www.cfmoto.com.au
MODEL: 250NK
PRICE: $3990 RIDE AWAY (intro offer) plus free CFMoto rider jacket and helmet worth $350.
The CFMoto 250NK features a brand new 4 valve, DOHC, 250cc single cylinder engine with balance shaft producing 19.5kW and 22Nm of torque.
Staying true to the ‘NK' character,
Weighing in at only 151KG and with agile performance, the 250NK is perfect for the urban commuter or learner rider.
MODEL: 650MT
PRICE: $7490 RIDE AWAY –
includes Shad 32l pannier kit
Based on the proven platform of the 650NK, the 650MT is for the rider who prefers to take the long way home. Built to help you to enjoy the journey, the 650MT is a highly versatile adventure-touring machine. Around town the MT is well suited to new riders and everyday commuters with an upright riding position making the bike easy to handle, offering great visibility over traffic and rider comfort.
Featuring new race inspired features including aggressive neon yellow highlights throughout, carbon styled front guard, rear wheel guard, side fairings and under skirt. A race style seat with neon yellow stitching, race
inspired hard cover over the pillion seat and finished in bright racing white.
Designed to suit a wide range of rider ability the NK is the perfect partner to take on your next urban adventure.
SWM MOTORCYCLES www.swmmotorcycles.com.au
MODEL: 650 Superdual X (also available as a 650 Superdual T model)
PRICE: $10,490 – Free GT Kit
Adventure has a new name. The Superdual X delivers what others cannot. The powerful 600cc EFI single cylinder engine encased in enduro-style frame and bodywork enables this adventure bike to be ridden where others fear to go. The 21/18” wheel combination allows for a comfortable transition from road to dirt to beaten trail and track
in comfort. Adjustable suspension and the freedom of 18-litre fuel range presents limitless adventure opportunities. The SWM Superdual X is ready for your next adventure.
MODEL: Gran Milano PRICE: $6990 RIDE AWAY
SWM’s popular Gran Milano café racer-inspired machine with clip on bars, adjustable USD forks and twin rear shocks, large Brembo front brake and an aggressive seating position. Designed to take you back to that fundamental
technology that’s up to the minute and now with ABS. The Classic 500 range is a prime example of blending the beauties of the historic past with the future of
motorcycling. Learner Approved with 24 month warranty and 24 month customer care program.
MODEL: Rumbler 350 PRICE: $5790
feeling of why we ride a motorcycle. For a limited time, save $1000 off the ride away price, now just $6,990 ride away!
ROYAL ENFIELD
www.royalenfield.com.au
MODEL: Classic 500 (New ABS)
PRICE: $7990
Under a disarming post-war exterior, you’ll find a reliable engine and
experience in the Himalayas with an all-new engine and terraintested suspension. The result? A machine which lets you complete a 30-minute ride or a 3-week tour with equal ease. Now available in the new Sleet colour and pattern. There’s a 24 month warranty and 24 month customer care program.
The Rumbler’s set-in, laid-back stance lets you ride without fatigue. Many thoughtful inclusions - among them a 20-litre fuel tank that gives you 550 to 700 kilometres at a stretch – make every trip a breeze for the leisure motorcyclist and at every turn, its looks will turn heads. Comes with 24 month warranty and 24 month customer care program.
MODEL: Himalayan Sleet PRICE: $5990
The Himalayan combines Royal Enfield’s historic riding
BENELLI
MODEL: Leoncino PRICE: $7990
The award winning Leoncino is Benelli's new heritage sports motorcycle, designed by CentroStile, Italy. Its great looks are matched by its performance, powered by a 500cc parallel twin DOHC, 4 valve/ cylinder liquid cooled engine with 6 speed gearbox. Standard features include switchable Bosch ABS, low seat height, Pirelli Angel tyres, LED lights and rear adjustable suspension. And there’s a 24 month warranty and 24 month customer care program. D
SO MANY RIDES…
BEEN EVERYWHERE, MAN?
RECKON YOU’VE been everywhere; to the Alps, to Patagonia and to the Drakensberg Mountains? Okay then, it might be time to tackle Central Asia with Exmo Tours.
“Our travelers have every reason to feel more than tranquil,” writes Exmo boss Gionata who recently did an exploratory trip, “compared to many of the countries of the world, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are safe and free from risk. Above all, the inhabitants are peaceful, courteous, willing to welcome foreign travelers
and tourists, and possess a sound knowledge of the rules of driving and road safety. Furthermore, other than the dirt roads, the asphalted roads are spread throughout the whole area.
“As for the challenges to be faced, we can confirm that anyone who travels with us along the principal roads of Central Asia can expect a peaceful trip filled with strong emotions: beautiful scenic roads consisting of series of bends and curves, at an average height of 3500/4000 meters.
“Apart from the altitude, the major challenges come from the stretches of unpaved roads, very demanding and often not well maintained.
“Central Asia is one of the most beautiful regions to explore by motorbike, between surreal and almost wild landscapes, riding on roads that seem as if part of a panorama: an extraordinary privilege that we want to offer to our clients.”
Confirmed tour dates are from July the 6th to July the 20th and from September the 7th to September the 21st. More at www.exclusive motorcycletours.com or info@ exclusivemotorcycletours.com .
STAY WARM IN AFRICA
Malawi – described by Africans as ‘the warm heart of Africa’ – is also the heart of this special one-off journey by MotoAventures, which circles Lake Kariba and gives you the chance to bike through these lesser known parts of the African continent. 16 nights on latest model GS1200s staying in
wonderful African lodges and camps, the tour starts and ends at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. You’ll get a chance to ride through Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, while taking in a range of breath-taking scenery and wildlife.
“Experienced guides and equipped support vehicles cover all eventualities while out in the bush,” says MotoAventures. “Our route takes in the rhino area of Matobo Hills, Harare, as we cross through post-war Mozambique into Malawi, where we spend two nights at the beautiful ‘Lake of Stars’. We visit Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, we cross into Zambia to stay in Luangwa National Park with elephants walking through our camp and a night safari to spot leopards. Dodging traffic through Lusaka; onto the shores of Lake Kariba; followed by a spa on the Zambezi River and 4000kms later crossing the famous ‘bungee bridge’ back to Victoria Falls.
“Our adventure covers new territories after many years of running motorcycle tours in South Africa. Leaving on September 4th, 2019. See www.motoaventures.com for more.”
IF YOU WANT ALASKA
Alaska where she’s gone! Even if you don’t know the old song that comes from, I suspect you’ll have given a trip to the USA’s largest State some thought.
“Alaska is definitely the land of superlatives!” says Edelweiss. “Also called ‘the real Canada’ by its natives,
Alaska has the lowest population density of the USA; half of all glaciers worldwide are located there; and more than a million lakes and 17 of the highest mountains of the USA can be discovered in Alaska alone.
“If you are dreaming of endless widths, impressive nature and right amount of motorcycle adventure, then Alaska and the Canadian Yukon are just the right travel destination for you! In one of the most beautiful animal paradises in the world where moose, grizzlies, caribous, wolves and salmon have their natural habitat, we will discover the beauty of the North and get blown away by the breath-taking landscapes. In harmony with nature, an unforgettable adventure on two wheels is waiting for you and one thing is clear: on this tour every motorcycle and nature lover’s dreams will come true!”
That doesn’t sound bad, does it? And even if it’s too late for you this year (July 8th to July 20th), there’s always 2019 – they’re bound to repeat this ride. More information from worldtours@edelweissbike.com or www.edelweissbike.com .
MELTING HOTEL
The Uyuni Salt Flat is one of the best-known places of Bolivia, and on Exmo Tours’ Machu Picchu & Uyuni Salt Flat motorbike tour you get to ride what is surely one of the most
fascinating goals for any rider.
“This is a place of surreal aspect from its particular morphology,” says ExMo’s Andrea Sarani. “In very few places in the world is it possible to penetrate physically into a salt flat of such large dimensions and anyone who has never experienced it will inevitably be attracted.
“Reaching the Uyuni Salt Flat already on its own makes for a pleasing experience: the roads in this whole area are most beautiful and have been very recently asphalted. The bends can be taken at speed, and the almost nonexistent traffic allows one, for long stretches, to really feel master of the road. Right until the moment when, from a high position on the plateau, is laid out in front of one’s gaze that endless white extent: the signal that Uyuni is now close.
“We pass the night in an excellent hotel, built of salt, equipped with spa, sauna, massage centre and every other comfort which our clients could possibly wish for, where we shall toast each other while watching
the magnificent sunset over the salt flat. The salt hotel has a particular peculiarity: being built of a material which, by its very nature, partly dissolves in periods of rain, it needs to be partially rebuilt every year, before the new tourist season.”
These tours run from April to October and Easter, with guided groups or rental bikes for riders interested in solo experiences.
There are also Self Guided Tours, where ExMo also books all the hotels and advises you about the most scenic spots on the itinerary. Fascinated already? See www. exclusivemotorcycletours.com .
THREE IN ONE
Over the past few years, Japan has become one of the most popular MotoQuest destinations, and for good reason. There is a certain appeal to riding in Japan that makes each of these three trips worthy of any motorcyclist’s bucket list.
“Maybe it’s the warm and welcoming
hospitality of the locals, or the incredible food that we get to eat, or maybe the inexplicable feeling you get when visiting an ancient temple or historical site,” says Phil Freeman, who has been doing some scouting.
“Many people are surprised by the natural beauty. You might be expecting to see nothing but bustling cities full of incandescent skyscrapers, but while you will certainly find this in a metropolis like Tokyo, a vast majority of our tours are spent exploring the serene countryside, visiting sleepy fishing villages, or summiting treelined mountains.
“But there is more to each of these adventures than just some scenic riding. The Hokkaido Explore Adventure (2019: June 3 - June 15) visits the ‘Alaska of Japan’, a motorcyclist’s paradise. If you love to ride, this is the trip for you! Scenic routes are highlighted by stops at national parks, natural hot springs, steaming volcanoes, and more.
“The Japan MotoGP Adventure (2018: October 9 - October 21; 2019:
New Zealand’s only BMW Motorrad approved Travel Partner
Guided and self-guided tours and rentals RIDE WITH THE BEST.
October 15 - October 27) includes two full days at Twin Ring Motegi Raceway. The rest of the trip is filled with gorgeous mountain roads through the Japanese Alps, a visit to Mt. Fuji, beautiful fall colors, and much more.
“Finally, the Japan Three Island Adventure (2019: March 30 - April 10 & April 13 – 24) features the best riding on the three main southern islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, including world-class cuisine, hot springs, cherry blossoms and Japanese history and culture.”
More information from info@ motoquest.com . I’ve recently done a trip on a Suzuki V-Strom borrowed from MotoQuest, and I can vouch for the quality of their service and attention to detail.
SIZE DOES MATTER
Finally, regular contributor David Reeves (david@ridetheworld.com. au if you want some expert help with your travels) has come up with an
important limitation to some travel insurance.
“I was discussing Travel Insurance with a Travel Agent today and made a discovery,” he writes. “Covermore Travel Insurance has introduced an over 200cc policy but there is a point to be very aware of and it reads: [You are only covered if] ‘You are the registered owner of a motorcycle in Australia that has an engine capacity greater than or equal to the engine capacity of the motorcycle/ moped
You are hiring.’
“An example of a problem this could cause is if you hire a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic to ride in the USA, the motorcycle you own must have an engine capacity equal to or greater than 107 cubic inches aka 1754 cc.
Cubic inches, an Indian with a 111 cubic inch ThunderStroke or Triumph Rocket III with a 2.3 litre engine.”
To be covered you would need to own a Harley with a Milwaukee Eight with 107 cubic inch or CVO with 117
But don’t worry; David has your back. “I offer Travel Insurance policies that do not have this requirement,” he adds. D
Alps Adriatic
Slovenia, Croatia, Italy
14 years
Ride high mountains and Adriatic Coastline.
Alps Adriatic Adventure takes riders through the high passes of Slovenia’s Julian Alps for two days, and then dips into Croatia for a rest day at a resort on Losinj Island.
After an enjoyable rest day on the coast, we ride the tight turns into Italy’s Dolomites Mountains, to legendary Corvara, then pass back into the Julian Alps, making a stop at the beautiful Alpine town of Bovec and passing spectacular Lake Bled. In between, we travel by wine-growing regions, hill-top castles, and the entrances to large underground caves in an unforgettable Karst landscape.
THREE ON THE TRACK
Aprilia Tuono 1100 RF, RSV4 RFW, RSV4 RR
WORDS stuart ph O t OS Half
l ig H t P H otogra PH ic
THRee MaTes GO into a pub…no, no I’ll cut the jokes ‘cause I’m crap at them. I recently had the opportunity, courtesy of Aprilia to ride three of their very potent weapons out at Sydney Motorsport Park – the Tuono 1100 RF, RSV4 RF (imitation W) and the
bike I had been riding for the couple of weeks previously on the road, the base model RSV4 RR.
The Tuono RF is the upspec version with Ohlins suspension; otherwise it is basically (other from a few other tuning differences) the same as the RSV4 sports bike, just with an upright
handlebar and a tiny half fairing. The last time I rode the Tuono at the track it was a barrel of fun as it loves to wheelstand out of every corner. No difference on the RF, I had been warned that I could get sent home for doing too long a wheelstand but that didn’t stop me launching the RF
SPECS
APRILIA RSV4 RR
PRICE: $24,990 (plus on-road charges)
WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled V4 cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
out of turn 5 up the back hill and especially over the rise onto the front straight with the front wheel heading skyward. I did adjust the suspension slightly for somewhat sharper turn in by adjusting the rear preload and rebound and only adjusting the rebound on the front. This is easily
BRAKES: Front, twin 320mm discs with radial mount four-piston ABS calipers. Rear, 220mm disc, twin-piston ABS caliper.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: N/A
THEORETICAL RANGE: N/A
COLOURS: Silver, Black
VERDICT: COMFY SPORTSBIKE
SPECS
APRILIA TUONO 1100 RF
PRICE: $25,490 (plus on-road charges)
WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled V4 cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
BRAKES: Front, twin 330mm discs with radial mount four-piston ABS calipers. Rear, 220mm disc, twin-piston ABS caliper.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: N/A
THEORETICAL RANGE: N/A
COLOURS: Silver
VERDICT: THE ALL-ROUNDER
done with the fully adjustable Ohlins front and rear. The others who rode the same bike on the day loved the differences I’d made.
Then it was time to give the race bike kitted RSV4 RF ‘W’ a whirl. The ‘W’ is the factory race bike kit, although this particular bike was the RF version made to look like the W version. From the RF road version this bike has a race fairing and full Akrapovic exhaust system (with an ECU change to suit). I instantly loved this bike on the track. Much stiffer suspension and even more power had this thing powering down the front straight so that not even the new Ducati V4, ridden by a current racer, was able to motor past. Now it was time to give the base model RSV4 RR a few laps. As I had been riding this bike for a couple of weeks I spent some time setting up the suspension to what I thought would be a good package on the track. The riders who’d been on it before me felt it handled better than the RFW and at their more ‘casual’ pace it was probably right, but for me it lacked the better control of the RFW when pushed hard as you tipped in on the brakes.
On the road I have to say the RSV4 RR is one of the most comfortable sports bikes I’ve ridden. The standard suspension settings soak up rough bitumen well and there’s surprisingly quite a bit of room for the rider to get into the right position and not feel cramped. My only gripe with this bike on the road is its gearing. It is way too high for day-to-day riding. It was a bit high for the track as well, but you’re not having to deal with 30-40km/h heavy traffic where you need to ride the clutch the whole time. This is easily fixed, so a minor concern in the scheme of things, but if you have to have a litre sports bike for the roadand want to be as comfortable as you can be on a race bike with lights - then the RR is the pick of the bunch. Back to the track action! Handling on all three bikes after my adjustments was great for most riders. I could push into turn one on the Tuono using no brakes and just changing down one gear at the 100m mark. On both the
RFW and RR it took a light bit of front brake, down one gear and tip it in. The tyres weren’t as sticky as I’d normally use but making them last all day was what Aprilia wanted, so rather than being able to nail the throttle on the exit of corners I had to progressively roll it on, which was fine for what I wanted to achieve on the day.
After a couple of sessions on each bike the wind started to come up quite strongly. It was a headwind down the straight, which meant it was a side wind going into turn one. Now, I don’t know about you but pushing 270 down the straight into turn one with the bike being blown all over the place is not a nice feeling at all, especially when it’s not your bike. The Tuono was obviously the hardest to ride in these conditions as it offered little or no wind protection, so I stuck to riding the RFW for a couple more sessions but then the wind was out of control and I packed up and went home. I don’t know if I’m getting sensible but I’m normally the last one to get off the bike at a track day, even Paul from Aprilia wondered what I was doing.
All of these bikes are fi tted with the latest high spec electronics. I preferred the traction control, wheelie control and anti-lock braking all turned off which made the bike faster for me. The others riding the bikes on the day had them turned on and felt much safer that way. For anyone riding any of these bikes the V4-MP app allows you to punch in the track you’re riding and record your lap times, throttle openings, braking and all sorts of other data that could help you get faster, but it’s also fun to look at after the day is done and see what you’re doing, and where, over a frosty treat.
My pick out of the three bikes for what you would call the ‘all-rounder’ has to be the Tuono 1100 RF. It’s the best road bike out of the three and while it won’t pull as hard as the RSV4 or RSV4 RFW on the track, the smile on your face is no different – it will be hurting from so much enjoyment! D
SPECS
APRILIA RSV4 RF (W MOCK UP)
PRICE: $30,790 + kit
SERVICING INTERVALS: As per your racing/ track day schedule
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled V4 cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
BRAKES: Front, twin 320mm discs with radial mount four-piston ABS calipers. Rear, 220mm disc, twin-piston ABS caliper.
COLOURS: WSBK
VERDICT: HELLO, WORLD SUPERBIKES
BON VOYAGE, BERTRAND
A French-Australian icon hangs up Clunk’s boots
words the bear photos Martin, Madhouse PhotograPhy
You may have read that the world’s frog populations are recovering after a health scare. Sadly, that’s not true for one much-loved frog.
Australia’s only scooter-riding, shockabsorber-selling, movie star French Mayor hung up his Honda SilverWing in April. Not literally; Bertrand “The Frog” Cadart handed it over, in perpetuity, to the Swansea local history museum in his old municipality of Glamorgan Spring Bay on Tasmania’s east coast. It now sits proudly on display along with his riding gear, including some unique French helmets, and the boots from his role as Clunk in the first “Mad Max” movie.
Since rolling ashore in Australia in 1972 aboard a BMW R69S, bought from the Gendarmes in New Caledonia, the Frog (as he became affectionately known) has had a major impact on motorcycling in Australia. He worked as an on-air presenter for Radio Australia’s French-language programs for some years and became a radio star in the francophone Pacific, but in 1976 he decided it was time to make it his life’s work to improve Australia’s motorcycling experience. To sell the clever, effective fairings he had designed he launched his company La Parisienne. Its frog logo became well-known quickly, and his fairings found themselves fitted to a
wide range of bikes. Keep in mind that few motorcycles came from the factory with fairings then, and there were few aftermarket options available. La Parisienne’s products made it more comfortable for many long-distance riders, including the author.
Bertrand went racing, too, and his spectacularly ugly brown leathers made him unmistakable on the track. Then someone stole them; I prefer to think that that was an act of aesthetic tidying-up rather than for use by someone else.
Bertrand didn’t stop at his local contributions to the motorcycle scene. He contacted Jean-Pierre Fournales in Toulouse, back in his native France, and arranged for the Australian distributorship of the oleopneumatic Fournales shock absorbers, which offer superior compliance and won’t
Bertrand regretfully hands over the Honda SilverWing to the director of the East Coast Heritage Museum. The scooter has 65,000km on the clock, some of it from Bertrand’s Black Dog ride from Tassie to the NT.
Winding it up
One thing that Swansea’s museum display lacks is an example of one of Bertrand’s La Parisienne fairings. The Typhoon is probably too bulky, but does anyone out there have a Hurricane fairing they might be prepared to donate to the museum? Drop The Frog a note at lefrogscorner@me.com if you have; naturally your name will go on it as the donor!
bottom out. Does that sound like an advertisement? Well, we’ve tried them, and we would not go back to any other shocks. Harley-Davidson Softail riders especially have reason to be grateful to Jean-Pierre for adapting his original design fitted to the revolutionary Concorde supersonic aircraft. Bertrand imports the shocks to this day.
One of his many, and typically quirky, contributions to the Australian motorcycle scene was the introduction of the Lost Balls Rallies. Instead of the usual rally activities, these centered on a game of golf – but you could only bring three clubs, and you had to carry them on your bike. If you didn’t know one end of a club from the other, you could… throw the ball instead.
Director George Miller came to see Bertrand while he was trying to put together a low budget film to be called “Mad Max”. He needed help with all sorts of bits and pieces, including the appearance of the bikes ridden by the Toecutter bikie gang which was
a central part of the movie. Bertrand obliged with his iconic fairings and a lot more; in the end he even took a part in the film as Clunk.
At the turn of the Century in a classic example of ‘cherchez la femme’, Bertrand followed a woman to Bicheno in Tasmania, and found his spiritual home. With a climate similar to France and an opportunity to become involved in civic life, he found Tasmania very much to his liking. He stood for the local council, was duly elected and not long afterwards, in 2007, became Mayor.
1. In his usual flamboyant style (and trademark brightly-coloured jacket) Bertrand farewells his adopted Tasmanian home
2. For one last time, Bertrand tries to fly with the eagle at the Native Botanic Gardens he helped to establish on the East Coast of Tasmania.
He also became a local, national and even international legend. For the locals he created a botanic garden and a boules pitch among many other innovations. Nationally, he turned Glamorgan Spring Bay into Australia’s first motorcycle friendly municipality. Internationally, he starred in European TV programs about Tasmania, and fostered close relations with New Caledonia where he had served as a French Marine. It’s probably fair to say that he turned Glamorgan Spring Bay into the most famous Australian municipality in the entire world.
An expatriate Taswegian and personal friend, Stuart Strickland from Honda MPE Australia, saw the opportunity to do a good deed and get some publicity for one of the company’s models at the same time. He lent Bertrand that 600cc SilverWing scooter. Bertrand liked it so much that the municipality bought it. It became his mayoral transport and also internationally famous. Bertrand put
3. Bertrand with his carer Josefina and Peter “The Bear” Thoeming. The Bear is the one with the glass of red. Of course.
65,000 kilometres on the scooter and says “I’ve never enjoyed a “motorcycle” more!” He even bought it from the municipality when his term as mayor ended. It’s probably best not to dwell on the speeds with which he visited meetings and other mayoral events… All good things, as you may have heard, must come to an end.
For Bertrand Cadart, family and health reasons dictated a move to Queensland. Even now, whenever he returns to his beloved east coast he breathes deep and his eyes show his regret at leaving. But life goes on, and he while his leukemia allows it, he will continue to help riders to get the best out of their bikes with his Fournales shock absorbers. D
LAUNCH TEAROUTMAP#65
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Innisfail, Qld WORDS STUART
YOU
KNOW, SOMEONE was telling me just the other day how much they hated riding in the cold, so I thought: damn you, I’ll give you a map that will keep you nice and warm in far north Queensland. So, here it is, wonderful peoples!
INNISFAIL
Innisfail (from Irish: Inis Fáil) a town and locality in the Cassowary Coast Region. The town was originally called Geraldton until 1910. Innisfail is well known for its sugar and banana growing, as well as for being one of Australia’s wettest towns, so make sure you pack your wets! In March 2006, Innisfail gained worldwide attention when severe Tropical Cyclone Larry passed over causing extensive damage – and not just to the banana plants. Average daytime temperatures in winter range from 26 and 30 degrees Celsius (in the dry season from May to October) and in the wet season (November to April) the temperature is around 30 degrees with high humidity.
MILLAA MILLAA FALLS
If you’ve got time there are actually fi ve falls in this vicinity that are worth checking out. The majhor one is Millaa Millaa, then there’s Ellinjaa, Zillie, Pepina and Mungalli. Millaa Millaa Falls (a MaMu Aboriginal phrase referring to the rainforest vine Elaeagnus Trifl ora whose fruit appears from May to February, just in case you didn’t know that) is claimed to be the most photographed waterfall in Australia. The falls are 18.3 metres high and are a popular swimming spot – at the bottom. Look for the Ulysses Butterfl y and Platypus late in the afternoon. Barbecue, picnic facilities, change rooms and toilets are available.
MALANDA
The pretty town of Malanda is home to Malanda Falls (see below) and is great for bird watching (the Forest Kingfi sher is simply stunning to see), bushwalking, and the scenic roads. As well as being the centre
of a highly successful dairying industry, the village has many resident artists whose works can be viewed on an art trail of the vibrant mosaics depicting the town’s history.
MALANDA FALLS
Malanda Falls, on the North Johnstone River, tumbles over basalt rock formed by an ancient lava fl ow that spread from Mount Hypipamee 15km away. There are two short walks through the surrounding remnant rainforest. More information: www.npsr.qld. gov.au/parks/malanda-falls
YUNGABURRA
A vibrant mix of alfresco café culture, boutique shopping, and famous Yungaburra Markets is what this place is all about. The markets are on the fourth Saturday of each month. Yungaburra also has stunning bird and wildlife the same as the rest of this ride.
www.hemamaps.com.au
Head west out of Innisfail on the Bruce Highway. Once you get to the Fred Drew Rest Area (with the banana plantations on your right) you can decide whether to stay right or veer left onto Palmerston Highway and do this route in a clockwise direction, which is what we did.
Follow Palmerston Hwy all the way to Millaa Millaa where you can do the optional route of heading out to see Millaa Millaa Falls. Continue on Malanda Millaa Millaa Road heading north to Malanda. At the T-intersection turn left to head towards Atherton. A couple of kilometres before the end of this road turn right onto Curtain Fig Tree Road to head over to Yungaburra. Turn right at the T-intersection and follow Gillies Range Road all the way to Gordonvale. However, when you get to Yungaburra you have to decide if you want to ride the green route (most of it is dirt) to ride up and around Tinaroo Falls Dam. So, instead of turning right at the end of Curtain Fig Tree Road, turn left, ride a couple of kilometres and turn right onto Tinaroo Falls Dam Road making your way through Kairi and Tinaroo onto Danbulla Road which you should follow all the way back to Gillies Range Road, and turn left to head to Gordonvale. At Gordonvale, turn right onto the Brucey and follow if back to Innisfail, making sure you had a couple of cold ones in the fridge beforehand so you can sit back and enjoy the memories just made.
FUEL
Innisfail, Malanda, Gordonvale
DISTANCE
212km. OPTION ROUTE – 254km
This is also where we stopped for a bite to eat. There are many places to choose from but we had a great Rissoles and Mash at Yungaburra Hotel, but we’ve also heard “that retro café” is also a nice place to eat.
HEALES LOOKOUT
About halfway along the Gillies Hwy from Yungaburra to Gordonvale the lookout is a good place to stop and stretch the legs.
GORDONVALE
Gordonvale, a sugar milling town, is now part of the southern urban sprawl of Greater Cairns. It is growing rapidly from a country town into a suburb of the larger city. The appeal of the town is that, unlike most functional and industrial sugar milling towns, it is centred around a park - it is more like a village green and the buildings in the main street have a quiet historic charm. It also can lay claim to being the place where the dreaded cane toad was fi rst introduced to Australia.
BABINDA
Babinda is a small sugar town, its stunning location is shadowed by Queensland’s two highest mountains; Mt Bartle Frere (1622m) and Mt Bellenden Kerr (1593m), which form part of the World Heritage listed Wooroonooran National Park.
Crystal clear mountain streams, pristine rainforests and spectacular waterfalls make Babinda a hidden paradise often overlooked by travellers as just another North Queensland township. Main attractions include the Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls, with the Falls being quite stunning to visit. D
HEADING FOR THE TOP… WITH A BULLET LAUNCH
Royal Enfield revs it up with new Euro 4 bikes
WORDS THE BEAR PHOTOS PHOTOS BEN GALLI & THE BEAR
VOLKSWAGEN BUILT twentyone and a half million of the classic Beetle. Royal Enfield is still a bit short of that number, but if company boss Siddhartha Lal has anything to do with it, the Indian company is set upon the path to one day match that number – and match it with a range that will still include the classic Enfield Bullet. Although the original Beetle finally hit the wall (the new one is being dropped, too) and ‘classic’ cars in general are not setting the tarmac alight, classic-style motorcycles are doing nicely –if they’re done right.
Ducati might have missed the mark with its Sport Classics, but it’s made up for that since with the Scrambler range, which is creating the biggest success story in the company’s history. Triumph is banking it with its ever-expanding Classic range; BMW is having fun creating more and more outrageous versions of the retro R nine T; Kawasaki is dipping its toes in the water again with the pretty Z900RS after the so-so reception of the W series; Harley-Davidson has dumped the up-todate V-Rods and is cleaving to its roots with the new Softails; and Indian only builds classics anyway, loosely based on its own history. And so on.
Meanwhile, one motorcycle manufacturer keeps turning out what is apparently the same motorcycle in its 500 and 350cc forms. The modern Bullet is not really the same as its precursors, of course. Today, the company has an R&D centre in England and its bikes are being upgraded steadily to meet both the demands of the modern
customer, and the European legislator. But at a casual glance the Bullet is still the Bullet.
The boffins at Royal Enfield R&D are obviously up to the modernising task they have been set. It is not easy to meet the latest European automotive (which includes motorcycles) standard, namely Euro 4, with air cooled engines. Even HarleyDavidson has taken the first step towards the water for its traditional V-twins, with the partial liquid cooling of its bagger range. But the new Royal Enfields I rode recently meet Euro 4 with nary a radiator in sight.
How did they do it? Let’s take a look at Euro 4.
To start with, Euro 4 is only part of a broader European directive called Regulation (EU) No 168/2013. This lays out the requirements for new bike approval including a definition of types of bike. It also contains a requirement for ABS (anti-lock brakes). The Euro 4 part of it tells you not just how clean the bike’s exhaust gases have to be, but how much naturally evaporating fuel it’s allowed to emit. As well as producing less toxic exhaust gas when the engine is running, bikes also have to pass an evaporative emissions test, run onboard self-diagnostic systems, and come with assurance from manufacturers that the bike will still pass the tests after a specified mileage.
To meet the emission standard, the new Enfield engines have remapped electronic ignition (which they claim
also makes the engine smoother, and I think they’re right) plus a complete evaporation control system. That means a vapour vent pipe on the fuel tank, a purge valve, a canister and a throttle body with a purge port. Bosch ABS takes care of that requirement, with disc brakes front and back. Even the swingarm has seen some attention for better stability and the standard tyres are Pirelli Sport Demons. Vibration is down and the controls feel crisp.
I was impressed with all the bikes I rode on the launch, from the venerable (in name only) Bullet 500 to the various Classic models to the Continental GT. Given their quality and price range, these machines are damn good value and a lot of fun.
Obviously, there are limitations. If you’re a weekend scratcher you will stay away from the marque – except maybe for the GT. With some judicious aftermarket changes, this makes a terrific hoon bike, weaving through traffic like a hot kukri through an
oxen’s… no, no, let’s not go there. It’s light, nippy and handling is quick but still positive. The drawback is that it still has relatively limited power, but that isn’t going to matter around town unless you decide to do a runner when the constabulary is on your tail. And we don’t recommend that. Do we?
I would like to see a couple of truly minor changes to all the Enfields. The idiot lights on the dash need to be brighter; I’m surprised that the burning Indian sun hasn’t already induced the factory to do that. And fixed footrests… really, what are they thinking? You will not find it hard to ground one of those in even a mildly fast corner, as I did on the launch, and it’s reassuring if they fold out of the way. But that’s mild criticism indeed. Are the Euro 4 Royal Enfields better bikes than before? Yes they are. Making them environmentally friendly has actually improved them. This makes me all the more keen to sample one of the brand-new twins. D
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Connecting past to present WORDS/phOtOS COlIN WhElaN
BaCK IN The 1890’S the various colonies of the antipodes got together and drew up a joint constitution. After a few referenda they’d all decided to live together as one. Being old school, they sought parental permission and the Poms passed the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act for us in 1900 and the whole thing was consummated on January 1st, 1901.
It’s article 44 of this constitution that’s been forcing the dual national parliamentarians out of their offices and back to reality, but let’s get onto another part.
Further down, Article 125 of the Constitution mandated the creation of a national capital somewhere within NSW but more than 100 miles from Sydney. It took ‘em nine years to get their shit together and actually settle on the location near Yass - Canberra.
But before this was finally chosen, a few other towns went real, I mean really real, close to getting the gig. One of these ‘Coulda been Capitals’, one of the very last to slip off the list was Dalgety.
A bunch of Senators had a junket to check out the town’s claims early in 1902 and a coupla months later a mob from the lower house also made the trip. Seems they didn't like the
Buckley’s? You’ve got none
You’d think that in this wide land where no-one can agree on which pub had no beer, which place was the home of the Man from Snowy River and just where the black stump is, that there just might be space for a consensus on the origin of our most cherished sayings – ‘You’ve got Buckley’s and none!’
But nah! There’s even a blue about this!
Convict William Buckley arrived in Port Phillip with David Collins in 1803. He was a 6ft 6ins stringbean who’d been transported for receiving stolen goods. As Marcus Clarke described him, “His height was gigantic, his strength excessive, and his brain-power feeble.”
Once in the Antipodes he decided forced labour wasn’t quite the lifestyle he most
journey – the road was too twisting and tortuous. But they raved about the beauties of the place.
So: a challenging serpentine route to a glorious destination eh? I loaded Super Ten and set the Garmin for this place down on the Snowy River.
By mid-arvo I’m ordering scones, jam, cream and coffee from Julie at the Iona Café (and Nursery) on the welcoming corner at the entrance to the town. Everything’s homemade and damn fine and as I grab some groceries Julie gives me a rundown of the history of the place.
Now if you’re after a decent hotel in Dalgety, population 70, you’ve pretty much got None and Buckley’s, although this isn’t as dire as it sounds. The settlement used to be known as Buckley’s Crossing after the bloke who ran the first punt across the Snowy, and the only drinking hole in town is The Buckley’s Crossing Hotel next door to the café.
I park Super Ten out front as the low western sun breaks through between the dark clouds and I scramble for my cameras.
Back in 1881 the esteemed Manaro Mercury ran a sweet piece attributed simply to, “A Shearer” entitled, “A Day at Buckley’s Crossing”. He wrote of
coveted, so with four mates, he decided to do a runner. One of those mates was shot at the starting blocks and a few days later the other three decided to chuck it in, leaving Buckley on his own (or with ‘none’ if you wish.)
Collins pulled up stumps on the settlement on January 26th 1804, after an innings of just on three months.
The survival chances of the missing convict must’ve been rated very slim, in fact, as this theory goes, he only had Buckley’s (or none). Turns out Buckley’s chance was a good one because he was befriended, adopted and accepted by the local aboriginals who believed this giant was a reborn warrior of their own tribe.
For 32 years he lived with them until the arrival of Batman and Faulkner. The problem I see with attributing William Buckley as the font of ‘Buckley’s Chance’ is that his chance turned out well. But more mortally to this theory is that the term, ‘Buckley’s chance’
pulling up at the pub on a hot, dry December day and, “(p)utting my blood in the stable, I entered the bar, and in a reasonable time got outside sufficient liquid to counteract the effects of the drought in the immediate vicinity of my mouth.”
Pretty soon the shearer hooks up with a half-blind local who invites him outside for a quieter drink on the balcony. “I could not refuse … this; so we adjourned and I said I would take bottled beer. This was an article my one-eyed friend informed me that had not yet reached Buckley's”.
When the rump of pollies rocked up in 1902, they had the usual straggling retinue of freeloading mayors and random self-important fleas with too much time on their hands all looking for fresh air and a daily cornucopia of free feeds and booze.
Also bundying on was a single paparazzo, E. T. Luke and a swarming mass of writers who sent back the usual platitudinous gibberish. Much more entertaining coverage was the blog of one of the pollies, Senator Colonel J.C. Neild who dryly described the mob as ‘pilgrims’ and wondered biblically at the outset, “can any good come out of Nazareth?” His epistles got him offside with other pollies who decried him as ‘disloyal’ and with the press who bitched he was encroaching on their turf.
cannot be found in any literature during his lifetime and in fact is first recorded some 20 years after his death in 1856.
Meanwhile another Buckley, Irish immigrant Mars Buckley joined forces with an Englishman in 1851, to open a drapery store in Bourke St, Melbourne. It grew into a department store and competed with Myer (founded in 1900). Business was good and it survived for 130 years until it was taken over by David Jones in 1982. Buckley’s partner was Crumpton John Nunn and their business was Buckley and Nunn Ltd. It makes a hell of a lot more sense to guess that this name was played with and the homophonic judgement describing a situation without hope was born. And there’s one more quirk that makes these pieces fit: Buckley and Nunn primarily used one import-export company for supply of their goods and that company was, aptly, Dalgety!
Meanwhile the SMH’s moaning scribe didn't like much including the town’s moniker: “The name is very much against Buckley's Crossing. There is not a shadow of a doubt that Buckley's Crossing as a name of a place invites flippant allusions, and had it been called Snowy River Ford, or Snowy Rapids, or some other appropriate name with some claim to be impressive, this important party of tourists could not have based so many refreshing witticisms upon it”.
Luckily the snouts in the junket trough didn't give a rat’s about the name. The Daily Telegraph’s reporter noted, “It is alleged on good authority that Mr. Commissioner Oliver once said that the district had more than "Buckley's chance" of the capital.”
(The place ended up growing on the Herald’s bloke as well. He was forced to admit that “Buckley's Crossing … is in the centre of a magnificent stretch of country. If the capital is in this direction, the Dalgety district will be a fashionable tourist resort, ” he opined.)
His mates in the press corps must’ve agreed for it was here they took their only selfie of the trip.
When I head into the bar, hoping the publican’s decided to give bottles a go so I can eliminate the drought in the vicinity of my gob, six familiar faces greet me from the wall beside the door.
It’s one of Edward Luke’s priceless images of that 1902 senators’ trip. It shows half a dozen of the Senators having a morning dip in the Snowy just down the road. The Herald journalist had noted: “Early next morning many of the
party walked down to the Snowy River and plunged into its waters which proved extraordinarily cold, and gave severe testimony of their source in snow mountains.” It’s just one of a collection of old photos on the walls- always a reassuring sign.
I needn’t have worried about the beer options. The fridges are full of options from both majors and there’s a choice of five draughts and a cider at the taps.
The workers are not yet in and Ellyse is on her own behind the bar, so I grab a long neck and my room key and head out to unload. The pub’s design is very old school. There’s no internal access to the rooms. Instead, each room has a single door opening onto the west facing verandah so it’s an easy job to unload the bike between slugs from the longie.
Then it’s grab the camera and an afternoon stroll. Right opposite Julie’s café is a laneway to the Snowy River and as I head down the remains of one of the original pubs and the old blacksmith’s shop are on the left and then between two towering poplars bathing in the low sun, is the river.
This is the site of the original Buckley’s Crossing of the river, a place where sand and gravel banks on either side provided the shallowest stretch for miles.
In the distance the horizon is defined by a long sweep of hills and slap in the middle is a recognisable mound.
Edward Luke took a number of images in Buckley’s Crossing including a shot of the senators crossing the river here in a couple of carriages. I might be wrong but the rolling hill that defines the horizon in his photograph is the same as the peak that’s framed by the two beautiful trees at the end of the track.
Just why they’re crossing here instead of using the bridge which was opened a decade earlier just a tyre lever chuck down river is anyone’s guess!
The bridge was sure there then, Neild
stream of the Snowy River— clear as a diamond.”
Mentions of stops for ‘soda water’ regularly punctuate Neild’s dispatches back to civilization and I think we can be pretty sure he used it in the way my dad used to use, ‘sherbet’.
Anyway, I get back to the pub as utes are beginning to pull up around the side. Seems the front where I’ve left Super Ten is not the place to leave the wheels.
Wednesday is badge draw night so Debbie the boss is expecting a decent turn up. In a corner Richard is holding court with some other locals. He’s the previous publican, sold it to Debbie and her sister and he reckons they’re doing a great job.
Then in comes Margaret. She won the badge draw two weeks back when it was worth $900 and she’s going to enter but figures it’d be nice if someone else took it home this week.
Margaret lobbed in town to work as a nurse at the local hospital and on the second evening after shift, headed to the pub, met Cecil on the steps, fell in love and stayed here for the 62 years since.
“I can’t see any reason to leave. When I do it’ll be in a box.” Cecil passed away a few years back, long after the hospital closed down, and she seems to be related to most of the town. It’s one of her grandsons who brings in the meat
Can you ask for more?
A good pub, connected to its past and the centre of its community, surrounded by some of the best riding roads in the country. Is there much more to ask for?
There’s no undercover parking but you can put your ride in the courtyard out back if you feel the need. (I sure didn’t!)
Rooms are $70 for a single with $30 for additional occupants in any of the seven available rooms which have a spread of doubles, twins, and bunks. The rooms are more than adequate with good hooks for gear.
The old architecture means few power outlets in the rooms but there’s plenty in the hallways.
The included breakfast gives a choice of four cereals and three types of bread, something I can’t remember seeing for a while!
Dinner is available seven days and lunch from Wed to Sunday and menu features vegetarian and GF options and food is cooked by trained staff. My pasta was very good.
Room heating is by oil column heaters and the thick 100 year old sandstone walls mean the rooms don’t heat up in summer.
There’s no gambling in the place, it’s a joint where people talk and they do it very well.
There’s camping at the commercial van park across the road and note there’s no fuel in town any more.
Four helmets for this one and 9/10 for unique character.
trays for the community raffles each Friday whilst another grandson invites me out to where he’s shearing a local mob in the morning.
Other locals join the convo. One helpfully counsels me not to bother eating echidna coz, though they’re surprisingly easy to skin, they’re full of bones and the meat’s not all that flash. I tell him I’ll keep that in mind.
It’s that kind of night: full of laughs and stories and good humour which any rider will enjoy. Forget article 44 or 125, a place like this is good for your constitution! D
writing: “a brief stoppage was made for soda water. Then across the handsome bridge which marks the site of Buckley's Crossing, intersected by the beautiful
Louisina State Highways 105 & 15 WORDS & PICS THE BEAR
“The river flows, it flows to the sea, Wherever that river goes that’s where I want to be…”
RogeR McguInn/BoB Dylan
This must be the place –helmet off in respect.
ROUTE 66 IS NOT the only road in the USA that has a loyal following. Down in Louisiana is a narrow country road that was the scene of one of the most shocking movie endings ever. Yes, Mike and I
Background
WHERE?
Louisiana, north and west of State Capital Baton Rouge. This part of the world has a bit of a reputation as redneck country, but as a furriner I’ve never had anything but friendliness and help from the locals. Certainly nobody has tried to pot me with a shotgun from a pickup truck – although most of them do have the guns in the rear window. But then I don’t give them the finger while they pass. Ever.
KEEP IN MIND
There was no fuel that I could find actually on the route between Krotz Springs and Ferriday, a hundred miles away to the north. A small detour will get you petrol in Simmesport, however.
GET THERE
If you’re riding, Interstate 10 will get you there from the west or from New Orleans in the east. Interstates 49 and 55 come from the northwest and north-east respectively. An interesting back roads alternative is Highway 82 from Port Arthur in
followed in the wheel tracks of Captain America, Billy and the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, but unlike them we did find something; not least the site of the former pair’s demise by courtesy of a hillbilly’s shotgun.
Texas to Lafayette. Also fl at, but wonderfully remote. If you’re fl ying in, you’ll fi nd that Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans has good connections, especially to DallasFort Worth.
STAY HERE
I like the Blue Moon Guest House in Lafayette, http://bluemoonpresents. com/ . It’s a bit of a hippie haven but it’s clean and if you don’t mind sharing a bunk room it’s really cheap. Excellent music out back on most nights, cheap beer and a guest kitchen. Motorcycle parking on the front lawn. At the other end of the ride, I would have recommended the Eola Hotel in Natchez, but it’s closed. Damn, it was a nice place and it had General Grant’s funeral flag on display in the lobby. Check with the Mississippi Visitor Bureau near the bridge for hotels with good deals.
GET A BIKE
Renting in New Orleans is probably the easiest, although you can also pick up a bike in Lafayette. My experience is with Baton Rouge H-D, https:// www.harleybatonrouge.com/, who were terrific – but it does look as if they might no longer do rentals. Hope
Every great road ride has a theme. Admittedly, not every themed road ride is a great one, but so what. The theme for Mike’s and my days in Louisiana aboard a couple of Milwaukee’s finest was death and
it wasn’t something we did, folks… Eaglerider is both in Lafayette and in New Orleans, www.eaglerider.com.
LENGTH
A day? A week? A lifetime? It’s your call, but the road itself only takes a day if you move along and don’t stop to re-enact that “Easy Rider” scene.
TIMING
Mid-February to early May and early October to the end of the year, for the best weather. Consider going in June to September instead – it’s hot, but off-season is cheaper and has smaller crowds. Mardi Gras season is January to March, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival spreads over the last weekend in April and the first in May.
FUN FACT
In Ferriday, you can not only take a tour of Jerry Lee Lewis’ home but you can also buy booze next door at his sister’s drive-through. Even more interesting is the Delta Music Museum, www.deltamusicmuseum. com/, just up the road. See wax figures of Jimmy Swaggart, Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley and much more.
resurrection – the death of the two Easy Riders and the way they have been recreated in what passes for counterculture these days. Along the way we found a wonderful road: Louisiana’s Highway 105 and its continuation, HIghway 15. Because of the way these roads follow rivers, which always makes for interesting riding, we would probably have travelled along here anyway heading north from Lafayette to
Natchez. But the opportunity to look for the fatal spot along the levee made it inevitable.
The ride starts near Highway 105’s southern end at Krotz Springs Campground. Just up the road is a farm called Farm Farm. I suggest you give this southern stretch a miss and start from town. Krotz Springs is not exactly a thriving metropolis but it’s a step up from East Krotz Springs, across the river, which is officially a
Ghost Town. The Trip Advisor ‘Top 10 Things to do in Krotz Springs’ lists exactly one, the Atchafalaya National
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1. A lunching Bear at the Pig Out Inn, Natchez. (Photo Mike Grant)
2. Rappin’ with the Fluoro Bros.
3. Outside the Delta Music Museum in Ferriday.
4. On the road, in the breeze, on Louisiana 15.
Wildlife Refuge. All other top things are about 25km away, including one of my favourite bars, Whiskey River at Henderson. Sadly, it’s only open on Sundays.
Fill up at one of the three servos along the town’s main street, Ronald Reagan Highway, and then take the slip road down to 105. You’re on The Road now and along with 15 it will take you all the way up to Ferriday, across the river from Natchez. A couple of miles up the road, at 30.572894, -91.761673, is the place we were looking for – at least according to me. There are other ideas, see below. But that’s not the end of our ride. There are no hills, and in fact there is little that’s remarkable about the road except its corners. It swings gently from left to right (and of course back again) as it follows the twisting of the Atchafalaya River - not the Mississippi which is further east and which you’ll reach later. The levee is just about constantly at your right on the way up to Melville, where you make a right run at the T intersection and then a left turn under the railway.
The road continues through rich fields and pastures, and also through nonexistent ‘towns’ like Elba and Woodside, before you get to Simmesport. Follow South Martin Luther King Drive to Highway 1
and turn right. Just after crossing the Atchafalaya River, take the exit to the left to Highway 418. This, according to another source, is the secret to finding the fatal film location. From the point where you turned into Highway 1 to this more northerly site is just about exactly seven miles, on 418 opposite a drainage ditch. The only trouble is that this doesn’t seem to agree with the aerial shot at the end of the movie.
But so what? The last thing (sorry) you’d expect from “Easy Rider” is an easy ride…
Continue along 418 until it meets 15 and turn left to head over to the Mississippi. Not far down the road are Control Structures which, er, control the flow of Mississippi water into the Atchafalaya.
The rest of the ride north is bucolic
in the best sense, over staggeringly rich agricultural land alongside Big Muddy. There isn’t much traffic, but you may find yourself suddenly faced by some kind of agricultural machinery rolling down the road towards you like some giant Praying Mantis, taking up not only the tar but also the verge. Give way. The driver may not even be able to see you from his perch.
At St Genevieve, the road straight ahead picks up some other number; turn left to stay on Highway 15. This will take you up to Ferriday, where your ride ends – or rather, where another ride is waiting to claim you. After all, the Natchez Trace begins just across the river; the eponymous film makes a good introduction to its history. D
Star event
2018 QBE International Festival of Speed
words stuart photos Half ligHt PHotograPHic
The stars who attend the QBE International Festival of Speed each year keep surprising us, and they make the weekend a great spectacle for all – spectators and competitors alike. For 2018 the theme was a celebration of 30 years of the World Superbike Championship and many past WSBK riders turned up to enjoy the celebration.
For me, racing was where the action was at and the races to watch was the QBE Superbike Shootout Top 50. This involved the fastest 16 qualifiers (plus a couple of throw-ins) from Period 5 Unlimited, Period 6 Unlimited and Pre-Modern F1. The man to beat from last year was Aaron Morris who blitzed the field on the C&M Motorcycles P6 FZR1000. Aaron was riding the mighty FZR1000 fresh from taking out the Australian Historic Titles on the same
StuddEd aFFaIr
machine. He not only won every race, he set a new lap record of 1.34.367! Consider this for a moment. Thirtyodd years of ‘progress’ haven’t made modern superbikes all that much faster, have they?
Aaron also raced a Ducati 851 in Period 6 750 and won every race there, too. Man of the Meeting goes to him and it will take someone mighty special to come along and beat him. Why Aaron isn’t racing on the world stage is beyond me.
This years’ meeting also saw a special class: a field of buzzing and smoking two-strokes. To hear the revs rise and fifty odd bikes blast off down the front straight was nostalgic music to many punters’ ears. I do hope this class continues into the future.
Not only was the action on track hot and exciting, the action and the things to see around the pits were frantic and exciting, too. At big race meetings like this (and including old bikes) you can be guaranteed there’s someone
rebuilding an engine or fixing up this or that. One such special bike to see in the flesh is the Vince & Hyde CB900F from NZ. It isn’t a 900 on the inside but the level of craftsmanship that’s gone into this bike is really something special. If you haven’t seen it, I urge you to check it out.
The display tent also saw a number of special bikes turn out for the event. From the first year of WSBK – an 88 Bimota YB4 (recommissioned by yours truly); Troy Bayliss’ amazing Ducati 998; to an Alstare Suzuki WSBK and
2. Aaron Morris again on the Ducati 851.
3. Up yours too!
4. Calm before the storm.
5. Non-stop action.
1. Cam Donald riding Stuart’s FZR1000.
Aaron Morris on the blisteringly fast FZR1000.
a mix of bikes in between there was plenty to perve at and discussions were heated among many of the onlookers over various technical enhancements.
Parade laps by the stars are always a bit of light-hearted fun. A varied mix from an old Ducati bevel to Troy Bayliss’s current ASBK Ducati were on track at the same time with riders like,
Troy Bayliss himself, Kevin Magee, Troy Corser, Jeremy McWilliams, Steve Parrish, Pierfrancesco Chili, Chris Vermeulen, Cam Donald and Alan Cathcart all putting on a great display of millions of dollars’ worth of ex-racing machinery.
The carpark appeared to be full again this year which means that
classic racing is thriving. If you’re not yet on the ‘band wagon’ you better get to it and get to Sydney Motorsport Park for the QBE International Festival of Speed as it’s a must attend event each year. To keep up to date with next year’s event (always held in late March), visit www. internationalfestivalofspeed.com . D
FORTY CANS OF HANO
Culture shock sets in
We continue the tale of our readers’ tour of Vietnam. Last time the boys had settled in nicely to the daily routine of riding together and drinking, eating and laughing, making up a great tour. Mr Dong (aka Mr Money bags) has shown the boys some amazing sights and continues to do so until the tour wraps up, back in Hanoi. SW
FRIDAY - SAPA TO BAC HA 120KM
IT LOOKED LIKE IT COULD rain so on with the wet gear including my Aldi trousers. Leon lent me some warm gloves which was nice. Just as we left Sapa we turned off and followed a road up the mountains into the cold air. There were some good
views and interesting houses/farms etc up there including a school and a concrete batching plant, all clinging to the mountain’s side. As we started to descend we ran into many tourists, and traffic was everywhere. The road had turned into a goat track; boy, was it rough. We passed a big dam wall under construction, and some hydro plants were also being built.
The roads were as we are becoming used to, good one moment and rough as guts the next with loose gravel and sand everywhere, and the dust. We descended to a flat area where it became quite hot again and we had another great lunch. After lunch and a refuel we started climbing again to where it was cool. We soon stopped at a Palace (?) for
a look at how the rich and famous lived in the 1920s. Interesting place, but the good bit was it was only 5km from our digs for the night. This one is a bit rough and ready with a very firm mattress but the views are outstanding. Could be cool tonight and as we arrived at 3pm the boys will have time to sink a few. In fact they managed to sink 40 cans of Hanoi beer. Tonight we stayed at our 2nd home stay and it was becoming cold and the room was very draughty. I went to bed with only one blanket so I wore my Dragon jeans (they are warm) and even my shoes, and I was not cold.
Today’s Scooter moment: a scooter towing a 4 metre trailer with what looked like 25mm steel tubing on it.
SATURDAY - BAC HA TO HA
GIAG 200KM
Oh, did I mention that last night’s mattress was only slightly softer than a timber floor, I did sleep well and only went out to the outside toilet once, down the near vertical stairs and out to the toilet without lights. What a day, the first 130 km were just plain hard work. We rode down mountains, up mountains and across mountains, but that was the easy bit. The first 75km took until lunch time, we passed dams and towns and everything else as we rode fairly fast by Vietnamese standards just to cover a few kilometres.
Once again there were few trees, people burning everything including rubbish and leaves etc and rubbish everywhere and people and scooters visible at all times. Late morning until mid afternoon we rode along a road that was literally clinging to a cliff, it was only just over 1 car width so passing was a heap of fun, not. When I say cliff the first step will be
a very big one, if you went over expect to fall hundreds of feet to a messy end, no wire rope barriers or armco, just some concrete posts. The road followed rivers and the hills or ravine we followed was so steep that you would need a ladder to climb up the
side. I counted the corners and it worked out to be between 20 to 25 every kilometre and most of them were hairpins so we were riding at less than 30km/hour. It was a long ride. It works out to between 2000 and 2500 corners. Every corner had something
to go around, chooks, pigs, sand, pot holes, landslides, trucks, kids, water buffalo, water, scooters, trucks, cars, stones and the list just goes on and on, so a very tiring day and very high levels of concentration was required. Some of the views were very spectacular as you can imagine, at one point we stopped for a photo session and I went and stood on the side of the road. I looked down and could see a river but it was so steep I could not see the side of the hill I was standing on. Soon we were back to flat land and found somewhere to have a coffee. After coffee we rode to a resort (?) and found our room after a bit of mucking around. Tony and I had a shower and then went to tea.
The highlight for the evening meals was the fact that Tony ordered a plate of chips with sauce, lasted a good few minutes so Quyne ordered a second, but Keith and I reckon we should order another plate for tea, then a bottle or two of rough red turned up, so it could turn into a big night. Because of the room muckup, the evening meal was on Dong. Ross was heard to say it was the best meal he had had, and the rough red just smelt and tasted like strawberry cordial, it was bloody awful. And just to top it off the Karaoke was in full swing and noisy.
Today’s Scooter moment: A scooter loaded with 2 rolls of chain mesh fencing.
SUNDAY - HA GIANG TO DONG VAN 140KM
Karaoke was still going this morning, pays to be deaf sometimes, all the same Tony and I slept in to 7am. Early breakfast, so had a chance to look around the resort (?). It once was very nice but typically for this country no maintenance has been done so the swimming pool is covered in slime and even fish could not live in it. The whole place was very run down but that did not stop a couple getting married there with all the after wedding do. What a contrast to yesterday, still climbing mountains - and they are mountains - and going down, of course. The road is wider and has a much better surface, bitumen very nearly all the way.
There are still patches of gravel, water, holes and the like but overall a vast improvement. The scenery did change a bit today. We still had the near vertical mountains but late in the day the mountains were just grey rock. Today for the first time we saw someone planting trees, yes, you read right, planting trees. As we descended into a small town for lunch nearly everyone had a close encounter with a gold SUV. The car drivers are bloody dangerous (unlike most of the truck and bus drivers), he was in such a hurry. After lunch we came across some small groves of pine trees so not as much erosion here. Today we were amazed at the industry of the local farmers, where you see a chap with a ox and plough trying to plough between rocks and the women carrying large containers of what appeared to be fertiliser with a rope across the forehead. They do appear to be capable of burning anything; there were many fires going and some in very steep places, just what they are up to I do not know.
Just a short note about the Honda CRF250Ls that we are riding. In short they are the perfect choice for this ride, everyone is happy with them in every way except one. The seat is like sitting on a narrow board, it is painful. The Honda has enough power and the gearing is ok and the suspension is coping with the rough roads, it is almost perfect for this ride. Mind you I would prefer the Suzuki DRZ250 but any 250 from a Japanese manufacture would do.
Today’s Scooter moment: 2 separate scooters towing a rotary hoe each with a 1.2 metre width.
MONDAY - DONG VAN TO BAO LAC 100KM
Not a good night for me, the old stomach was rumbling and forced me to make a run for it twice but settled down for good night’s sleep. The weather when I went outside felt wet, Vinh told us rain was forecast, so on with the waterproofs. Everyone except Cliff, who did not have any. The off road section was cancelled, just too slippery. We had breakfast and for once I had some egg and bacon, very nice, just could not manage to get some toast to put it on
but good just the same. The ride started out ok but within minutes we were in cloud, so I followed the tail light in front of me, everyone else did the same. Occasionally I could see 2 tail lights and very occasionally the 6 that were in front of me.
We had lunch just up the road from our digs, the usual foods so I just had a few nibbles and waited until the omelette came out. Every lunch is the same and the last tray is the omelette. After lunch we rode the last couple of kilometres to the hotel. We passed at least 3 dams and power stations today. The countryside that we saw looked quite lush for a change but they were still burning off all over the place adding to the pollution. The road itself apart from a mud section was in generally ok condition but with the knobby tyres and water it was very slippery, everyone took it very slowly. As I rode down one section of road I could see a whole pig with a stout stick going from mouth to tail, it was over a largish fire and there were a number of people present; it looked like a feast for tonight. The scooter riders today were mostly wearing large plastic bags although I did see one chap with an umbrella; they are not going very fast.
Accommodation for the ride must be mentioned. We have had two types of accommodation, home stay and hotel. The 2 home stays so far have been good, basically the building is 2 stories with the meals downstairs and the sleeping upstairs (leave boots downstairs). Both have been very clean with hot and cold water for a shower and a clean toilet, both had 2 toilets. We mingled with the owners downstairs and shared their TV and lounge. Upstairs was a big room with 11 mattresses with mosquito nets for us to sleep under. The second home stay the mattress was very hard but I still slept well. Mind you the midnight trip to the toilet was a bit iffy with the near vertical stairs to negotiate, but I survived it ok. Somehow we managed to drink 40 stubbies of Hanoi beer at the second home stay, I only had one so there must have been some heavy drinkers and some even managed to drink a jug of rice wine (rocket fuel).
The hotels have been very good, much better than South America and the UK for that matter. I shared with Tony for the trip so our room was always very large with plenty of room to swing a cat, TV, free wifi and water in the room. The shower room was a bit different to what one would expect. In all cases they were of a good size with tiled or vinyl floor covering. The toilet and wash basin were always clean.
Today’s Scooter moment: how do you take your 50inch TV home? Ask a mate to carry it while sitting on the back of your scooter, or you could have an imitation wood muffler and pillion seat grab rail.
TUESDAY - BAO LAC TO BA BE LAKE 140KM
Woke up to another overcast sky that was threatening to rain on us. We had breakfast in the hotel before heading out for the day’s ride. First thing I noticed was the ethnic minority women were wearing black with red and gold edging, very different and quite bright. As we started up to the mountains the rain started and then Vinh took us off the main road and the fun (!) started. The track was not bad at times but there were a few muddy bits and that was not fun. We stopped a few times for photos and the mountains were just as steep. The mountains that we saw between the clouds were looking very lush with trees and ferns, so a change from other parts of the ride. After about 30km we stopped at a school for children between 3 and 5 years.
It was a very basic school with 2 teachers, the kids not only learnt things but were fed while there. By now it was raining heavily so we pressed on in the
rain and cloud until we came across a river that was not only wide but reasonably deep and flowing quickly. Ray went first and made it so I had a go and had to put my feet down a couple of times, but I made it. I started to take some photos when I noticed a couple of riders riding across a pedestrian suspension bridge, I am not sure which way was safer, we all made it although someone had to bring Keith’s motorcycle across. After a bit of fun when Tony ran wide and managed to stay upright in a ditch we rode on to our lunch stop. And the food was on the table when we arrived. This was good as it was after 2pm and we were hungry.
After lunch we rode about 30km on a new road and then through a few villages to our digs for the night, another home stay. After changing we walked the kilometre to Ba Be Lake for our boat tour. The boat was a steel one with a small diesel motor that pushed us along at a good pace (and loudly) for the hour-long sightseeing trip. It was interesting just looking at the trees and ferns and other boats (you can read into that anything you like). During the trip we saw wild birds for the first time. After the ride we walked back to our home stay. The boys had a discussion regarding the tip for the boys. A million Dong was suggested or about US$50 each that I put in the kitty.
The accommodation tonight was a bit different in that there were about 5 or 6 rooms holding from 2 to 3 beds each, double beds that is. Ross told us in the morning he heard monkeys during the night – first wildlife.
Today’s Scooter moment: a scooter parked in a small stream being washed.
WEDNESDAY - BA BE LAKE TO HANOI 220KM
Woke up to another morning guessing the weather, Vinh told us there was a chance of rain so on with the wet pants. Today being the last on tour was going to be a big day, over 220km. We set out riding on a concrete road (note there are a lot of concrete roads connecting villages and rice paddies) for some kilometres through a river valley with rice paddies both side. We rode through many villages and then over a mountain pass and through yet another river valley. After one hour of riding we had ridden 33 kilometres and we were going as fast as we could; it was going to be a long day!
The mountains in Vietnam are all nearly vertical so the only place to grow rice and vegetables is in the river valleys. After several mountain passes and valleys the road became wider and the speed increased, I discovered that the Honda had 4 gears. As the road improved the speed increased and I found another gear, 5th. I even saw 95 on the speedo, felt like 160 at home and fast. The kilometres ticked by and we were on a very good road, smooth with sweeping bends, it was fun but that was all about to change. The mountains gave way to hills and they gave way to rice paddies. It was a beautiful ride and we were all enjoying it apart from the hard seat. About 80 km out of Hanoi the adventure changed to a Hanoi traffic adventure. The ride adventure was over, and we were suddenly in the traffic. Stopped for our last lunch about 70km out and it was the same fare that we had every lunch. Don’t get me wrong, the food was ok just the same (bit like all Aussie pub meals really). Just how to
explain the traffic? If you can imagine Sydney Road on a Saturday morning, add in some smoke belching trucks, a few thousand scooters and 11 tired Australians chasing Hung at great speed and you can get the picture, like dodgem cars at high speed.
The smog was bad to start with, well now we could not only see it, we could smell it and very soon taste it and the last bit into Hanoi I had to keep the visor down as I could feel it on my eyes. At one point I checked that I had not put my dark visor down it was so dark (and apparently I was not the only one to check). Sometime in the morning I came across a trailer being towed by a scooter, nothing unusual in that but this time standing in the trailer was a young cow of at least 100 kilograms in weight. Later in the traffic I saw a second scooter with, wait for it two young cows both weighing about 100 kilograms each good luck stopping that with those little scooter brakes!
After what felt like an eternity Hung led us to the workshop to drop off the bikes. We had ridden about 1700km in total. After dropping off the Hondas we went by taxi to the office to have a chat with Dong and a beer. After an hour we went by taxi to our digs at the Silk Queen Hotel.
We all went out for tea at a big restaurant in old Hanoi, we had what is called a barbiq where you cook your own meat and seafood. Well that is what we thought but one of the waiters wanted to do the cooking which some of us let him do but Keith insisted on cooking at his end which was fun to see as he was probably the first person to take over. It was far too expensive and I was tired so I walked back to the hotel and arranged
my seat allocation. I could not believe it as I managed window exit seats on both flights.
It is amazing that we all arrived back in one piece, more luck than good management at times. The part that made the ride very enjoyable was the great people I rode with from all over Australia, they were good company, and let’s not forget our 4 Vietnamese guides, they did a mighty job as well. It had been a great ride with many variations in road and track conditions. I am a better off road rider now but I think my V-Strom is a much better road motorcycle than an off road motorcycle so will have to practise on the TS185.
So what did I think about Vietnam? I just could not come to terms with the sheer number of people, they are just everywhere and in their hundreds at every small village. Everywhere I looked you could see people. They may be riding a scooter or climbing a mountain but they were everywhere. I guess if the country has 97 million they must be everywhere. The other most noticeable thing is the burning of everything, every mountain side had fires on it, and sometimes I just don’t know how they climbed up to light the fires. Of course this means that most of the trees are gone and oil palms are taking over. The other thing that as an Australian I find hard is just the poverty, and it is everywhere. The best part is the Vietnamese seem to be generally happy with their lot. What else? They have better communication than we do, free wifi everywhere and the phone service is also everywhere and I dare say cheaper than Australia. During the whole time we were
there I did not see a single wild bird or animal until the last day in the Ba Be National Park. I did not hit one single insect but the boys managed to take out two chooks. The roads were in very poor condition generally as one would expect due to the very rugged countryside, and the logistics and money required to keep them going must be difficult to find. One thing I did not expect was the number of existing dams and the number being built, I think mainly for hydro power. Would I go back,? No, but the experience was enjoyable.
Today’s Scooter moment: the scooter with the four metre trailer carrying about a half ton of colour bond roofing, the sheets were about 40mm thick, so it was a LOT.
THURSDAY/FRIDAY HANOI TO HOME
Up at 7 for an early breakfast, I could have done with some more sleep but some of the boys wanted to have a look at the Hanoi military museum. We spent about an hour and a half there. Their take on the “American war” was interesting but it was just one more as they have been at war at various times since 207 BCE. We all had a good look around before walking the 2km back to our hotel. After lunch we found some t-shirts to buy, two for me and 3 for the boys. My t-shirt has a set of traffic lights on it with green I can go, amber I can go and for red I can still go, which about sums up the traffic in Hanoi.
Today’s scooter moment: I didn’t see any as I’d arrived, home sweet home. D
PICKO GOES
LOOKING FOR PUDDLES
IT ALWAYS A NICE thing when a bunch of new gear lands on your body, and it’s even nicer when it heralds a trip – this time to Sicily for the Metzeler Karoo Street launch. I was looking pretty cool when Stu got me decked out head to toe to check out this adventure style tyre. The gear came from Ficeda’s (www.ficeda.com. au) adventure-style range.
OXFORD MONTREAL
2.0 JACKET
Price - $319.95
The weather in Sicily ranged from 5 to 15 degrees during the day, so it was good having a jacket that kept me warm in the morning and gave me the
option of taking out a thermal lining and unzipping a couple of vents once it warmed up somewhat. The Montreal 2.0 jacket features a fixed waterproof and breathable membrane, and I can confirm that it’s 100% waterproof! After my little ‘excursion’ into a big muddy water hole I was still dry on the inside, in direct contrast to the outside... This was also a good test of the CE armour in the shoulders and elbows of the jacket; it did its job nicely, protecting me perfectly. The Montreal also has a hidden integrated rain hood. It didn’t rain hard, so I didn’t need this. The removable back padding was comfortable but I’d prefer to replace with something a little more substantial. Adjustments are via Velcro patches on the arms and waist and mid-waist, with snap closures on the forearms. This allowed me to really get the jacket comfortable for my shape. To top everything off there is a number of handy pockets which also helped keep my phone dry during my ‘excursion’. This is an all-round versatile jacket that is well suited to adventure and touring riders. Available in the Sand version you see here, Black/Fluoro and Black. Sizes range from S-4XL.
OXFORD CONTINENTAL
2.0 PANTS
Price - $239.95
Matching the Montreal 2.0 jacket perfectly was a pair of Oxford’s Continental 2.0 textile pants. The jacket and pants each have connecting zips which make things a whole lot more comfortable for your travels. Connecting zips also help ensure you’re as dry as dry can be. The Continental 2.0 pants feature a waterproof, breathable liner which, again, is 100% waterproof. The big bonus is that the seat, crotch and knee areas are double layered with waterproofi ng. These are always the areas that seem to get wet fi rst, so you can be thankful for the extra protection.
WORDS PICKO PHOTOS METZELER
For the colder weather there’s a removable 100g thermal liner and, for added comfort, I really liked the detachable braces. Impact protection comes via knee, shin and hip protectors which all worked a treat. Adjustments are through the hip and side of the leg. After I got wet on the outside, I noticed that grip panels have been placed in the seating area of the pants for added grip when it’s wet. Again, these pants are great for adventure or touring riders; they can’t really be faulted. Available in Black and sizes S-4XL.
OXFORD CHEROKEE BOOTS
Price - $189.95
Cherokees are quite chunkystyled touring boots made with a leather upper and a (claimed) waterproof membrane.
Unfortunately I found the waterproofi ng wasn’t so good; they both leaked from the fi rst puddle of water on. I fi nd this strange as Oxford gear is normally 100% waterproof. Other features of the Cherokees include a fl exible padded instep and back, which makes them quite comfy. The reinforced ankle protector and reinforced counter/shank protected me well during my little spill and the full length zip and Velcro storm fl ap look strong. Sizes available range from 7 – 13, running like normal shoe sizes.
IXON RS DRY HP GLOVES
Price - $89.95
RS Dry HPs are fully stretch mid-season gloves, with a waterproof and breathable insert. It has a short cuff in neoprene, Lycra between the fi ngers, and an integrated knuckle protector for a CE certifi cation. I love them. From the fi rst moment I put them on to every time I get on a bike even now I love the comfort these gloves offer. They are 100% waterproof, as I can attest after digging both hands into wet mud and brown stinky water. I gave them a good wash under a tap once one was available and when I pulled them off, my hands were bone dry. Excellent. For protection there is the integrated knuckle protection and a slider on the bottom of the palm which both work
ULTRA COMPACT POCKET PUMP
» Weighs only 570g
» Inflate a low or flat tyre quickly and safely
» Ideal for use on motorcycles, ATV’s and scooters
GEARLOK
LOCK & CABLE
» 5 ft long, 5mm thick plastic coated steel cable
» Re-settable 4 digit combination lock
TYRE GAUGE
Measures PSI or KPA
0-60 PSI/0-4.2 KPA read out
50mm (2”) analogue dial
300mm (12”) braided flex hose
Push button air bleed valve
Protective rubber gauge guard
Self-locking air chuck PLUS A SECOND 45° chuck for those hard to
» Soft silicone cover to protect lock and bike parts
Lock your helmet, jacket, backpack, or any other accessory to your motorcycle.
Available online from
well. I must mention that it is a rare moment when anyone testing new gear gets to “crash test” the products, but in this case I went well above and beyond the call of duty. The RS Dry HP gloves come in Black, Blk/Wht/Grn and Blk/ Whte/Red and sizes S-3XL with sizes running as per normal.
NITRO MX-360 DEVIL HELMET
Price - $149.95. $59.95 dark tint visor
This is a less expensive helmet than most, but as I found out from direct experience this means nothing. I was pleasantly surprised to fi nd the MX360 adventure helmet is comfy and has some welcome features. These include fully adjustable chinbar ventilation, quad rear exhaust vent, ultra comfort-fi t fully removable and washable liner featuring Coolmax, and customisable cheekpads, crown and liner. I didn’t fi nd the need to change anything as the Large size I take fi tted great. The MX-360 is fi tted with the new style “ratchet” type of buckle rather than a traditional D-ring. I normally prefer the D-ring setup but the convenience of the “micrometric buckle” (as Nitro call it) is something that is hard to pass up. I also got the dark tint visor which still offers clear vision, as you’d expect. For an adventure helmet at the lower end of the price scale I would certainly be checking one out before going up to another price point. Sizes range from S-2XL.
Well, that’s it from Picko. It looks as if we’ve found ourselves a crash tester, doesn’t it. D
RALPH ON THE VELDT
WORDS RALPH
THE HATS FROM ITALY
AGV VELOCE S and K-5-S
Price - $549 TO $849
AGV’s latest Veloce S (and K-5-S see below) fit in between the cheaper K-3-S and the higher spec Corsa models, and they’re a bit like an open-wheeler race car. Every item serves a very distinct purpose. My experience in a Formula Ford car tells me strength, light weight and performance is what it is all about.
Comfort and noise suppression go out the window (or would if there was one) in the pursuit of speed and the winning edge. This likeness came to me by the time I reached the M1 freeway after the clogged traffic snarl of my afternoon commute.
The Veloce S puts aside a lot of practicality to put you on pole. The visor doesn’t click and hold position to suit gasping for air in traffic. The locking mechanism (a brilliant solution to visor lift), to ensure the
visor will remained tightly locked works at 200+ and the structure and lightweight suits great cornering angles more than head-checks.
My track-time at the South African Kyalami Racetrack showed the lack of noise suppression isn’t an issue as everyone uses earplugs these days… don’t you? I haven’t and it shows. The Veloce S which is a mix of carbon, aramid and fiberglass, claims superior protection while still keeping weight to a minimum. It has one of the helmet world’s better venting systems, especially in the chin/nose area. In fact, after getting used to track speeds again and slowing my heart and breathing rate, it was so effective that I simply didn’t give the latest AGV another thought.
I ignored the in-built tinted visor for the factory tinted screen which also demonstrated that visor removal and installation is a simple process.
Out of five I would have to rate the Veloce (speed in Italian) as a five for looks and performance, a four for value and functionality but I would score the S down to a three for comfort and noise abatement. Mind you I am spoilt for choice lately.
Within a week of the S I was donning the more road-spec K-5-S in my preferred red/white and green livery. While similar in fit and feel, the K5 has a better visor ratcheting system for holding the desired position to let the just right amount of air in. Ventilation is the same and I’m never going to complain about the look. The AGV road helmet quality is as high as you will find in the market at a price around $500. As always, take your time in the showroom (who would really buy a helmet off the ‘net?) to get the right fitting for comfort and safety. See www.linkint.com.au for more.
THREE-IN-ONE GUN MACNA AYTEE JACKET
Priced - $450
Macna is a name not yet on everyone’s lips, but I would put the European brand there. If you are chasing comfort, style and versatility then this dress-style hoodie jacket is a winner. And you get Nighteye technology and an almostevery-season jacket thrown in! The nicely proportioned jacket has a smooth, soft and comfortable outer layer which means you don’t get bunching up around the elbows or underarm discomfort, although you will feel the power of the wind at higher speeds. That’s not a bad thing as the armour is in the usual places. I am sending my jacket off to have the lower arms tightened with some gathering and stitching (my ‘body’ has chicken arms to match my chicken legs) which will take out any floppiness at speed.
You can zip the Raintex liner in or out along with a thermo insert, and to date (mid autumn) I like the Macna. All the external zippers have a neat waterproof system which also covers the air vents on the chest and arms. The little reverse kangaroo pouch is handy in the lower back region for squashing in the two liners for storage.
I could live with or without the hood (I will eat my words come July) as it doesn’t quite match my generational sensibilities. See your local bike shop or www.linkint.com.au .
SCHUBERTH’S SYMPHONY
SCHUBERTH R2
Priced - $799
The German’s are over-represented in composers with surnames starting with ‘Sch’. Forty and counting! They only seem to have one helmet manufacturer that starts with those letters, though. What is worth noting about the Schuberth helmet range here in Australia, apart from its German build and thus quality, is that it is simple and easy to select the exact style you need. Be it an open-face or a touring helmet, through to the C3 flip-up up and to the race-specc’d SR2 which the competitive Red Bull Rookies are all contracted to use. The helmets are built on functionality and looks. The R2 has the only factory intercom
system fitted as standard equipment using the SENA derived speakers and microphone. I haven’t put the sound system to use just yet. After a couple of decent rides, I know the comfort is outstanding. Think of it the difference between a First Class seat on a A380 versus everything else. The noise suppression is nearly as good as my benchmark Shoei Air-GT and the vents work well. The R2 is light enough not to give it any thought; the comfort impressed, and vision is unobstructed.
Mine is a medium and the shell feels larger than some other helmets I own. The Shiny-X lining is soft, and the removable cheek-pads add to the comfort by removing almost all the road and wind noise. Compared to the
outrageous air-foiled race style helmets around, the R2 like most of the Schuberth range, looks almost dated. They are no such thing! The Germans are offering the best of modern technology and materials in the market. If I were rating the R2 on a 1-5 scale against the Air-Gt’s 5, I would score my new fluro yellow lid as a 4.5 and equal to or better than anything else on the value-for-money scale. With a five-year warranty and a tinted visor thrown in, the pricing makes the R2 a real deal-cruncher.
I liked the twin visor lift tabs, one each for left and right hands and very useful. Also gathering points are the simple operation of the vents, and visor removal. While I like the comfort and feel of the padding, the area (about the size of my ears) where the speakers are isn’t padded which leaves an air-gap and makes the helmet a degree or two less quiet.
Once I get the Bluetooth up and running I’ll give Schumann’s Kreisleriana a blast.
Helmet sizes range from XS-2XL and visit www.schuberth.com.au to check out the dealer locations or to purchase. *Dumbo admission - I have for too many years imagined that the Schuberth brand was owned by the other ‘Sch’ - Michael Schumacher. D
WE’VE ALL SEEN THOSE bargain classics for sale on the internet. I’m forever sifting through the usual websites to see what’s available, but I must admit that I’ve been doing less ‘sifting’ of late. I think the main reason is that I’ve been bitten financially by a few I-had-to-have bikes, ones I thought were bargains but which turned out to be anything but.
I’ve got a few of these bikes kicking around awaiting my deft touch with the spanners. But I spend a few days a week working on other people’s motorcycles, and the remaining time I spend not wanting to work on motorcycles… which is probably why they are gathering dust. But I’m an addict. I just wish there was a group called Bikeaholics Anonymous where I could work on eliminating my impulsive buying habits.
Currently I’m working on a 1988 Suzuki GSX-R1100 for a friend. It was my bike but I sold it to him in a roundabout sort of deal where he bought something for me and he got my bike. I’d had this bike for a couple
of years but it had been sitting around for a bit longer than that, according to the previous owner. It had a shady paint job and sounded rough on startup, but it was well priced for a black limited edition 1100 slabbie.
I thought this would be a good opportunity to write about the things likely to need work when an older bike
like this has been left standing a bit too long. It may help stop you buying a boat anchor, but then again it may entice you to buy one. I’m not fussed either way. You make your choice, but at least you should be a little better informed, if you aren’t already some sort of master bike mechanic. When I first purchased the black
slabbie the brakes worked and the engine started, just. After a couple of years sitting the brakes stopped working, as did the clutch master cylinder, and the forks somehow sprang a leak without actually being used. Fuel was pouring out of the fuel tap, and I knew the carbs would need a clean and mini rebuild, as modern fuel and carbs don’t seem to play nice anymore.
The plan hatched between my mate and me was to get the bike in roadworthy and reliable condition without doing a full restoration as such. I had already treated the bodywork to shiny new black 2-pac paint.
It didn’t take too long to remove the wheels and forks for refurbishment but here is where things took a turn for the worse. My mate wanted the wheels painted from white to black, since they were originally black. That was easy enough, I did it myself after checking the wheel bearings, which were deemed fit for purpose. If you need to replace the wheel bearings you can expect to shell out around $20 a pop, plus fitting at $100-120 an hour
at a shop if you don’t know a spanner from a set of pliers. If you want to get your wheels professionally painted in 2-pac, expect to pay near enough to $1000 these days, which includes vapour or sand blasting them. Powder coating is half that.
While the wheels were an easy fix, the brakes turned out to be an absolute nightmare. The slabbie boasts four-piston calipers on the
Technical Skill - Personal Service
front and a twin-piston job down the back. I reckon eight of the ten caliper pistons were stuck tighter than an Alabama tick on your favourite dog. All eventually came out with judicious amounts of force, rat cunning, and a blow torch. Well, a heat gun, Rost Off and multi-grips. But one was a real bugger, requiring more heat and a slide hammer. I kid you not. I spent at least a couple of hours freeing
pistons from said calipers, and they are all still apart while I await the seal kits. Luckily the pistons were stainless steel and salvageable, otherwise the bill would be even higher than it is. Just for the three seal kits I paid a bit over $250. If you needed pistons and had to pay a shop to do the job, you’d be looking down the barrel of $6-700 dollars at least. On top of that, I’ve sent the calipers off for vapour blasting so they can be repainted in a glorious gold that I hope will match the original colour.
Replacing the fork seals isn’t too hard a job if you’ve done it before and understand the mechanics of forks. Quite often, though, the bolt holding the damper rod in place will not release cleanly, causing the rod to spin without coming apart. Normally a rattle gun will take care of that, but not in this case. Luckily my partner in crime, the man I go to when I don’t have the tools or the ability to remedy the situation, remembered he had a factory Suzuki fork tool on the wall. This made the job simple; otherwise I would have spent an hour or two making my own special tool to grip the damper rod from inside the fork tube.
Pay someone to do this job and you will be up for $250. All it cost me was time and a set of $30 fork seals and a litre of fork oil. A bit of a cleanup and some silver/alloy paint and the forks were looking smick and back in the triple clamps where they belong.
In my next article I’ll go through rebuilding the carbs and the brakes, and hopefully have the bike itself going. D
Updates
The 2018 updates across the F3 range includes engine mounts, starting system, valves and even fairings. The ride-by-wire and engine management didn’t miss out while a lot of attention went into the clutch as well as a new gearbox and castings.
UNDER THE (let’s face it) garish World SuperSport stickers and without the mirrors and side stand this bike is just one thing: the pure essence of a sports /race motorcycle. With a sensational rorty engine hung in a trellis frame, it is as close to a factory team machine as you’ll get, and it’ priced at just shy of $27,000. This makes the MV Agusta F3 675 RC a bargain if you can ride it to within a mile of its potential. Otherwise it will just be a very expensive piece of jewellery.
Very few riders are ever going to experience one of these homologation bikes; only 500 have been built in 675 and 800cc models. Those who do will not be disappointed by the looks and build quality of the RC (an abbreviation of Reparto Corse) race-prepped replica version of the WSS race winning 675. I rode it both on the track and for two weeks on the road.
And here the bike is, ready for me at Kyalami. Only one thing to do.
Crank her over, bung her into gear and feed out the clutch with a pile of revs on board to overcome the impossibly high racetrack gearing. I feel like 21 again, and you need to be.
The 71Nm of torque are sufficient; it only weighs 173kg. First gear pegs out at 132km/h. One of the best up and down quickshifters around puts gear-changing into the ‘no one can
possibility stuff it up’ category. Revs don’t always need to be at a stratospheric 14,500rpm. There is forward progress in any gear anywhere on the digital strip tachometer. On the road, compared to its sister 800cc F3 or Ducati’s 959, it isn’t as energetic, although my two weeks were spent resisting wringing its neck like a 125cc two-stroke. It is a fun yet focussed machine on the road but my time on the racetrack was when I really relished the RC and unleashed its true personality.
Between the pin-sharp accurate steering, superb suspension control and the ability to use every last bit of its 97kW of power (around 133 in ponies) I started to appreciate the race pedigree. The F3 doesn’t take a lot of mental or physical effort to get decent lap times. They would be on par with larger and way more powerful bikes and the only real brainpower I needed was never to lose or give up an ounce of momentum.
Maintaining speed at all costs is the essence of the RC. If braking is needed, do it as hard and as quickly as you dare. Rely on the top-shelf Brembos to do the retarding while the techo-electronica housed in the Bosch black box does a great job of providing corner exit peace of mind. I kept my head down knowing I could never match the efficiency and leanness of the F3. The MV isn’t so much a scalpel - more an instrument of microscopic precision.
Suddenly my time was over and I would happily have traded in the two weeks of road-work for a few more laps.
The most recent MV I had was the Lusso and before that a pile of F4s, Brutales and the first F3. Time has marched on since then with new direction at the factory; the proof is in the pasta. “Al dente and delicious she is a cooked-a justa right”. If the tricolore flag-waving is your thing or you like the word ‘race’ in your replica, then the Reparto Corse offers more personality than a big night in Lygon Street after Italy has won the World Cup. D
SPECS
MV AGUSTA F3 675 RC
PRICE: $26,990 (plus on-road charges)
WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled 3 cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
BRAKES: Front, twin 320 mm discs with 4-piston radial calipers. Rear, 220mm disc, 2-piston caliper.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 6.8 litres per 100km, premium unleaded
THEORETICAL RANGE: 242km
COLOURS: Limited edition White/red and green
VERDICT: RAW, RORTY, RARE ROCKET
1. Release the hounds!
2. It’s wood and it’s special
LONGTERMERS
TWO THINGS OLD, ONE THING NEW...
...one thing borrowed, nothing blue… the AMM fleet continues to grow
WELCOMING
Aprilia Shiver 900
ACOMMON COMPLAINT about road tests is that they don’t look at the long-term aspects of owning a bike. Apart from providing a base for testing accessories, our long termers allow us to address that. The Aprilia Shiver is a good case in point. After riding
the bike for a day or so I just plain liked it, but then after living with it for a couple of months, things I didn’t notice at fi rst came to light. In the case of the Shiver 900 it was the handling. Having now lived with it for the last couple of months, it became obvious to me that it just didn’t feel quite right when I turned into a corner. This was something
I hadn’t notice at the Australian launch – I was quite happy with how it performed.
I decided that the problem was that there wasn’t enough weight over the front wheel. The back was sitting down, and the handlebar was also too far forward. So, off I went to D Moto Motorcycle Engineering and got the Shiver up on the bench. I
added about 10mm of preload to the rear spring, dropped the front of the bike 20mm through the triple clamps and brought the handlebar back about 20mm too.
The result is a bike that now turns in beautifully and isn’t vague whatever is going on. In fact you feel rather welcome (if that’s the right word) when I jump on and take off to wherever I’m going. Overall a big change in geometry but something that’s quite simple to do on your own bike if you feel it’s worth a try. SW
PEG IT!
Aprilia Shiver 900
While I was playing with the suspension I also fitted a set of Rizoma footpegs that I had left over from one of our previous long term
bikes. We left the pillion pegs off that one, which means that the pegs I fitted are actually pillion, not rider, and don’t have the flip up spring anymore – they are a solid mount. They will still bend if the bike falls over but the extra grip the Rizoma ‘Street’ pegs give my feet is outstanding. Machined from billet aluminium, they not only have style but the feel and comfort from their adjustability is something else. Priced at 139 Euros they’re well worth getting onto your ride. SW
YOU KNEW IT, DIDN’T YOU!
Suzuki GSX1100S Katana
Well, well, well who knew that I would turn my first thoughts of doing a minor resto on the big Kat into a full resto! Yes, the big Kat was stripped down to a bare frame in a matter of only four hours one Saturday morning at D Moto Motorcycle Engineering. Shaun and Mark gave me a hand to get it all apart ready for the next stage. I first
had to weld a hole in the frame that wasn’t rust or anything, but looked rather like someone had rammed a cold chisel through part of the right hand pillion peg triangle. After a couple of minutes of weld and grinding it was ready for the next process. The question was whether to get the frame painted in modern 2 Pak or go the more durable option of powder coating.
I asked on the Katana Australia forum website what people thought of painting or powder coating. I was leaning towards powder coating anyway, and after a few of the guys mentioned that Prismatic Powders had a colour that was virtually identical to the original this made up my mind. Off the frame went to Competition Coatings for blasting and some nice shiny silver. As I write this I’m yet to receive it back, but in the meantime I’ve been restoring all the little bits and pieces I can and spending my money at Lee Brothers (bolt supplier) and Mick Hone Motorcycles (genuine Katana parts). I’m also waiting for the wheels to return from vapour blasting, and all the panels and decals are with the painter for him to lay down some shiny burgundy and silver. I’m a sucker for a bit of tinkering in the garage and I’ve certainly dived headfirst into this one! SW
BARN FIND BEAUTY
Kawasaki GPz750 E1
Is a motorcycle a barn find if it’s in really good condition? My new Turbo has sat in storage for some 16 years in New Zealand and then in Australia, but it has scrubbed up beautifully. You’ll meet it in the next issue. PT D
INVADING ARALUEN event
The Bear Army attacks another unsuspecting hamlet.
the pub, anyway words
the Bear photos Peter COLWeLL / the Bear
Well,
“I h ADN ' T T ho UG h T
AB o UT W h AT AN y
AR my TRAIN s fo R . I T
m ERELy m AINTAIN s
IT s EL f h ERE fo R N o E x TERI o R p UR pos E .”
ALLEN GINsBEr G
That’s a woNDerFUL description of the Bear Army except for one thing; twice a year it gathers on a Saturday night at one country pub or another for dinner, its so-called ‘manoeuvres’. But that’s hardly an exterior purpose. Our usual answer to the inevitable question “What’s the Bear Army
for?” is “Buy me a beer”, and after taking a good long draught we usually continue, “It’s not for anything. It just is – although it is a way to get a free beer.”
Not that that’s entirely true. In fact, the Bear Army is a bit like Dickens’ Pickwick Club. It provides an opportunity for its troopers to spend an evening among friends, some newly made and some old, in convivial company. Beyond the joining fee of $275, which gets you a two years’ subscription to this magazine; a T shirt, a metal badge with your Trooper Number engraved on it and perpetual enlistment in the Army, there are no charges or obligations.
You are not required to stay in contact, attend manoeuvres or
even ride a motorcycle if you do. The twice-yearly notifications are merely to advise you that I will be having dinner at a certain pub on a certain date. What you do with that information is entirely up to you. If you attend, you are allowed to bring one guest – usually a close friend although some members are known to bring their wives.
Napoleon is said to have said that “une armée marche sur son ventre”, meaning an army travels on its stomach; and that was never more true than at the recent manoeuvres at Araluen, east of Canberra. Seventeen of the 70 members of the Army descended upon the Araluen Valley Hotel, ate roasted lamb and pork (and a huge breakfast the next morning) and drank substantial quantities of an
Join up!
Should you be interested in joining the Bear Army, send name, contact details, T shirt size and $275 (preferably by way of a credit card) to Stuart at contactus@ ausmotorcyclist.com.au.
amber liquid apparently called ‘beer’. I know nothing more of this substance, of course. Lies and even some true stories were told throughout the evening, and all appeared to sleep well.
It appears that all of the Troopers are happy to recommend the pub for food, drink and (keenly priced) accommodation. I share that opinion. Might see you at the next manoeuvres. D
1. Parking the steeds.
2. Roasting chestnuts.
3. Kate chilling.
4. Huge breakfast.
Beetle AlonG
An innovative idea to raise funds for Guide Dogs
words/photos THE poSSUM
Brian “Beetle” Bayley has been around motorcycling for a very long time. He is not a racer; he is not a bike shop owner; instead he is a rider of tracks that seldom see a bike or anything else. The Red Centre is his spiritual home and it’s where he is happiest. Attending rallies in faraway places on the machine best suited for that ride is what he does. It could be a beat up DR650, or a K Series BMW outfit (although that has been recently upgraded to an XJR1300), but more recently it has been a Royal Enfield 350.
Why would you pass up a shed full of bikes for a Royal Enfield? Because he discovered and was inspired by Winifred Wells. As a 22-year-old, Winifred bought a new Royal Enfield 350 Bullet a few weeks before Christmas 1950, and on Boxing Day she packed her party dress and dancing shoes and headed off to visit friends in Sydney.
Winifred had started riding around age 13 and it appears she was a regular spectator at the Perth Speedway. Rumour puts her up as an accomplished rider on the Wall of Death.
Ride from Perth to Sydney, party with your friends and ride home again, what could go wrong?
Surprisingly, not much! Apart from coming a cropper near Coolgardie, her trip was free of the horrors you would imagine could befall a lass on a fine English motorcycle. Riding mainly on dirt roads – that was all there was - and camping in the bush when necessary
were accepted as par for the course; 100 degree F temperatures were part of the trip; riding at night behind a six volt headlamp to avoid the worst of the heat was what you did.
Across and back in 21 days! The motorcyclists of the day were astonished, the Australian Royal Enfield distributor was astonished, and Head Office was more than astonished. Winifred and her journey became part of RE advertising for a while. At a function at the Claremont Speedway (Perth), Winifred rode a slow lap on the 350 and was presented with an engraved trophy donated by RE to commemorate the trip.
And the matrons of the Establishment sniffed down their noses because Winifred rode in trousers. Scandalous! Fast forward.
Beetle has been fundraising for the Guide Dogs through his Rallies for quite a few years. The SA Ranges Rally is on the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend at Farina SA, and the SA Sidecar Rally moves around a bit; most recently it was at Whyte Yackowie SA in February this year.
With Winifred as the inspiration, Beetle bought a 350 Royal Enfield and began planning to re-trace her
Check it out!
‘Fast Women’ by Sally-Anne Fowles, is a book looking at women who have contributed to motorcycling in Australia. Winifred Wells is mentioned, as is Peggy Hyde (racer) and Kim Krebs (member of the International 200mph Club – salt lake racer) and Kellie Buckley (moto journalist) and many others. It is an interesting read, although when ‘Fast Women’ showed up on my credit card bill I had some explaining to do. Have a look for the book on www.pitstop.net.au
wheel tracks, as far as possible, for a fundraiser to be called the PAMS (Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney) Ride. A committee of sorts was formed, and it approached Guide Dogs Victoria for approval. Over time a plan was knocked into shape and a website and other E-centric devices established.
While Winifred took 21 days to complete the task, Beetle was not going to be locked into her timetable. Most of the roads she’d travelled aren't there anymore and there was the need to raise funds along the way. Prior to launch, the committee approached a number of businesses in the Albury-Wodonga area and they made valuable contributions. A big thank you goes out to Milspec Manufacturing, Buzz’s Bike Bits, T-shirt World, Elk’s Hunting & Fishing, Leigh Martin Marine, Morrey Warnock, Horne Real Estate, Tangambalanga Hotel, Marshane Media, James & Kay Consulting, Metalcraft and Dewars Engineering.
On 18 December 2017, the main party headed off to Perth for the Boxing Day launch date. Swoggy from the Maitland NSW area trucked his bike over and joined the group for the eastbound leg. The ride out of Perth took advantage of the Boxing Day ride put on by the local Classic Bike
Beetle adorned by his best summer riding gear.
Club and their ride out to Mundaring Weir for brekkie was a great turn out. Noel from Kiewa bought a shiny new Suzuki DL1000 for the Ride. Noel was the logistics manager for the ride and was able to juggle that side of things to ride the whole distance. Not bad for a bloke who has been off bikes for quite a while.
The bike
Royal Enfield 350 Bullet. Purchased new for the ride and used and abused.
Prior to the PAMS Ride, Beetle modified the machine with a 21 inch front wheel and some plastic mudguards, and a 15 tooth front sprocket, and ran two stages of the SA 24 Hour Trial, and did not come last.
After the 24 hr Trial, he rode cross country to Kalgoorlie. The bike threw a chain and broke a number of teeth off the back sprocket before Kalgoorlie. Some bush engineering got it underway and into Kalgoorlie for a new chain, then he rode it back and installed a new rear sprocket. Standard the 350 has a 17 tooth front, but that was found to be sluggish. With a 15 tooth front, the gear changes were less frequent and performance improved. Beetle returned the 350 to standard trim for the PAMS ride. Riding at a steady 80 – 85km/h, with occasional bursts to 90, saw the 350 turning in 100mpg in the old money. Beetle has been changing the oil approximately every 2000km, and there have been no issues with the machine in more than 20,000km. The way this machine has soldiered on through a wide variety of usages is a testimony to the robust design that has been slowly evolving since production moved to India in the mid-1950s.
Prior to seeing how Beetle used this machine, I had only seen Royal Enfields as trailer queens and for mollycoddled Sunday latte sippers. These are durable bikes which will give good service over a long time. Royal Enfield should make Beetle a brand ambassador and toss him one of the flash new ones!
Near-disaster struck in Kalgoorlie when some light-fingered bastard broke a window of the support bus and lifted a small bag of cash and a laptop which had most of the planning details recorded in it.
Despite that, the run across the Nullarbor was a pleasant surprise with temperatures in the mid-twenties. A spectacular fireworks display rang in the New Year at Streaky Bay, then the show pressed on to the Gladstone Gaol for the next night’s accommodation.
I joined the group at Gladstone and spent a night in a cosy cell. The gaol is a destination for many groups from Scouts to Car Clubs. Fittingly, the biggest group to date, which had booked the place out, was the SA BMW Club. Some would say they should still be in there, but that is unkind.
Breakfast on 3rd January was at the Strathalbyn Bakery where quite a few of the local long distance riding community turned out. Also on hand was Sally Anne Fowles, author of Fast Women, who presented Beetle with two copies to help with fundraising (see sidebar).
The night of 5th January was spent with Neil and Vicky Williamson, not far out of Ballarat. Neil and Vicky are stalwarts of the Vic BMW Club and have been punting an R60/6 outfit for more years than they want to talk about. The outfit performs well with its R90S spec engine and low ratio diff.
On 6th January, PAMS hosted a function for the Royal Enfield Club (Melbourne), at the Racecourse Hotel in Malvern, and the following night there was another function at the Blazing Stump Hotel in Wodonga which was well attended by local riders. Once again a good amount was raised.
A late start on the following day led to some high temps through the afternoon. The run up the River Road is always a good thing, but towards Tumut the tar was melting on the road which caused some handling issues. Between Tumut and Gundagai, I saw 44 Degrees C on the temp gauge, and one of the blokes who took a different route saw 45!
After overnighting in Yass the show pushed on to Sydney, and as it had grown a bit since 1950, it elected to camp out at Narellan where a huge
thunderstorm tested the tents. Most failed and became covered swimming pools.
On 9th January, the show turned west for the return leg. That evening was spent in a motel in Cootamundra where all the damp stuff was dried out and re-packed.
The highlight of the overnight in Yackandandah was the meeting Beetle had with a blind lady who lives in Yack and is overdue for a new guide dog.
Skirting Melbourne, the show picked up a couple of shady characters who travelled along to near Adelaide.
SLAB (Short Loud Angry Basket) from Melbourne also bought a new bike for this trip and followed Beetle all the way to Perth.
During the course of events, Beetle gave a few radio interviews and featured in a number of local newspaper articles along the way. As the miles rolled by, the collection tins continued to be filled and the total slowly raised up until the cost of raising and training a dog had been achieved in Port Pirie.
The goal, in the planning stage, had been to raise the funds to breed and raise three Guide Dogs for final training and match them with people who have vision loss. Unfortunately, the number of riders needed to reach this target did not eventuate.
The weather travelling west continued to be warm to hot, and the donations trickled in.
On 19th January, there was a wellattended bash at the pub in Norseman to celebrate Brian’s 60th birthday. The next morning, it was time to attack the dirt road west from Norseman to Hyden. This was riding roads that Winifred would have been familiar with. While the big boys on their Adventure bikes took off in a cloud of dust, Brian on the Royal Enfield proceeded at about the same pace he had been making on the sealed roads, clearly demonstrating the suitability of the machine to tackle all roads.
In the interests of science, in the final stage of the Ride, Beetle opened the taps on the mighty Bullet and achieved a flat out, GPS checked top speed of 104 km/h, so now you know what a 350 Royal Enfield will do!
Winifred.
On 22nd January, the ride rolled to a stop at the Perth home of friends of Brian, where it had kicked off 28 days earlier. Unlike Winifred, who was greeting by the mayor of Perth, what Brian and his team got was a cold beer and a hearty ‘well done’.
THE FINAL TALLY
Donations to the Guide Dogs (the books on the ride didn’t close until
April) to date are hovering at the $40,000 mark.
During the course of the ride, as banking became available, progressive totals were transferred direct to the Guide Dogs Victoria account.
All day to day expenses were met by the crew out of their own pockets. Under the rules for Registered Charities, fund raisers are able to use up to 40% of monies raised to cover expenses etc.
REAL AUSTRALIA
This did not happen on this ride. A careful accounting of all monies in and out was maintained by the onboard accountant (a qualified one) and 100% of donations went to the Guide Dogs. D
P sum’s rollin’ on
Before I launched on this trip, I fitted a Shinko 705 rear tyre. It handled the hot weather and a variety of speeds quite well. I have used Shinkos previously and have been impressed with them as an alternative to the yardstick tyre that comes from a German company. Over 5000km with no significant wear, and it’s not developed a flat centre section as you might expect from so much straight running. Kilometres-perdollar makes these tyres very competitive in the marketplace.
Even the big manufacturers like Indian take part in the customizing exhibition, and some of their ideas are mind-blowing.
COLOGNE SHOW GOES SUPER-COOL
Customising will be huge this year from 3 to 7 October words/photos the bear
Two Years aGo, the Cologne international motorcycle show INTERMOT introduced a new theme: INTERMOT customized. The displays were received enthusiastically and reflected both the V-twin custom scene and the New Wave scene relating
to café racers and modern custombuilds. We covered the 2016 exhibition in a special story which you really liked, going by the response.
“The motorised two-wheeler industry is innovative and lives on the creativity of its members, who also use the
What’s INTERMOT?
From 3 to 7 October 2018, the latest motorcycles, scooters, e-bikes as well as the most important developments in electric mobility, accessories, clothing, parts, customizing, tourism and workshop equipment will be showcased on the Koelnmesse (www.koelnmesse. com) exhibition grounds. INTERMOT Cologne extends over approximately 100,000 square metres of exhibition space as well as around 60,000 square metres of outdoor area. It’s a great attraction both for riders and the trade. If you’re going, let me know and we can meet for a drink! PT
INTERMOT network widely and exchange ideas with the brands and with the scene,” says Communications Manager Volker De Cloedt, “and accordingly, customising is being given more space with the intention of making it significantly bigger and
1. You can see artists like this engraver at work and pick up ideas. Warning –this can get expensive!
2. It’s not just what you build, it’s how well you polish it…
raising its international profile.”
Early signs are impressive: out of the major manufacturers, BMW Motorrad, Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, Yamaha and, for the first time, Indian have all registered to also take part in addition to their regular show stands. As well, internationally known customisers showcasing their “art on two wheels” include JvB, Fred Kodlin, Mellows, Sultans of Sprint, Walzwerk and Wrenchmonkees.
Adding an international seal of approval, a highlight of INTERMOT customized will once again be the AMD Championship of Custom Bike Building, an event that stops off in Cologne every two years.
“The who’s who of customizers will be putting themselves before an international jury with their spectacular conversions,” says “Evil” Robin Bradley who runs the AMD Championship.
“The world title is traditionally awarded in the FreeStyle Class – all modifications are accepted here. In addition, the customizing specialists will show in four other categories what’s in their machines: Retro/ Modified, Modified Harley-Davidson, Performance and Café Racer.”
Participating customisers and their partners in the competition also get the opportunity to present costeffectively on dedicated exhibition areas – the “Custom Islands” – and to raise awareness among the many visitors.”
In the Garage Area at INTERMOT customized, professionals will be working live on site on project bikes, ensuring every step in the process is clearly explained and demonstrated. Tasks like changing the footrests, handlebars, headlights and indicators will be as expertly explained and performed as shaping and fitting a fuel tank. The area even includes a mobile spray booth. At this year’s event customizing enthusiasts and keen mechanics will be
able to follow two projects from the design stage right through to the finished bike. A brand new Ducati Scrambler 1100 will be completely redesigned and customized over the course of the five days of the fair.
“Under the banner ‘Turning scrap metal into gold’, INTERMOT customized is looking for a conceptual idea from the motorcycling community,” says Volker de Cloedt, “where a given motorcycle, in this case a Honda CB 450S, is customised using parts from LSL and Highsider
and with a maximum budget of Euro 750.00. The winning idea will be implemented by the winners, with the support of the experts in the Garage Area, and completed by the end of INTERMOT 2018.”
INTERMOT is ALSO reinstating a sprint competition – this time a short sprint over approximately 130 metres. This is where the eccentric custom sprint bikes of the Sultans of Sprint will be making an appearance, as well as providing an amazing display at a special event area. D
Through road ReADeRStRAveL No
YOU Can neVer be too careful. But sometimes it just doesn’t matter. And there’s often a pot of gold in one form or another even if the rainbow fades prematurely.
I thought I would add a bit more adventure to a ride through lower New England by leaving the highway at Scone as I headed north. There were some faint, dotted lines of wouldbe roads discernible on my Australia Motorcycle Atlas, but the scale doesn’t exactly facilitate confident route planning at this level.
And it’s nigh impossible to map out a route on Basecamp or my Garmin Zumo on such roads. You have to zoom
in so far before they even appear that by then any perspective has been lost. Besides, the software constantly wants to make you back-track and reach your destination from a different direction.
The only saviour is Google Maps. Not only do the roads show up early enough to keep a reasonable perspective, but in satellite mode you can get some idea of what the terrain and countryside are like; and avoid being easily deceived if you’re not wary.
It’s still a tiresome process, tracing the combination of back roads on Google Maps, identifying places of transit; and then finding those places on Basecamp to drop waypoints. And because of the
predilection of the Garmin software to look for ‘better’ roads, you end up having to put in a somewhat excessive of such points to ensure you stay on track.
On this trip my destination was Nundle, with roads that took me through Gundy, Timor and across Crawney Pass before sneaking me into the little-used back door to Nundle. It wasn’t straight sailing but a piecemeal linking of roads not much more than tracks.
A good deal of the route was following the Isis River. I had no idea that we had a river of such a name or that we had obviously invented the name long before the jihadists of Iraq and Syria. Perhaps we shouldn’t confuse Isis and ISIS. I was
Straight from the horse’s mouth words/photos RobeRt cRick
to later discover that Australia has a few Isis rivers; and that the name is closely associated with the River Thames and Oxford regattas. I had been aware of the Egyptian goddess of the same name. But back to the story. I eventually reached a point where there was the slightest narrow-angled turnoff where one arm crept down a small bank and crossed the Isis River while the other went straight ahead. They both looked much the same in terms of being “the road.” Both roads ran parallel for a while on opposite sides of the river. I was pretty sure my GPS told me to keep going ahead. Besides, the road veering to the right and across the river
had a signpost saying it was “Mountain View Rd” which didn’t ring any bells for me. According to both Garmin and Google Maps, I should be on “Timor Crawney Road.” And there was a road-work sign saying “No Through Road. Local Traffic Only.” That clinched it. I went straight ahead instead.
1. You shall not pass!
2. Which one’s the horse?
As it turned out, I stayed on a road identified on Google Maps as “Crawney Station Road” which doesn’t appear at all on the Basecamp software. A later check of my planned route on Basecamp clearly showed I should have crossed the Rubicon, no, Isis, at that point.
It didn’t take long before the road began to show more and more signs of little use as it passed a couple of long-abandoned, derelict farm houses. I was heading ever deeper into Crawney Station. I’m guessing that over years the station had expanded to absorb some local, smaller farms whose dwellings no longer had a purpose.
Still I blindly persisted until the road started to look like two wheel tracks as I reached a summit of sorts and, surprisingly, a large horse yard and stable looking like they were inhabited and currently in use. And sure enough, there to greet me was the resident horse. As I looked down the other side of the hill it was obvious that I had reached the end of anything resembling a road. By now I guessed that I needed to be on Mountain View Road but that wasn’t an option because of the no through road sign. My only way out was to retrace my route until I found a road that gave be access to the New England Highway. Mercifully, one such came up before I ended up back in Scone. My consolation for the day was some welcome affection from the resident horse.
EpiloguE
Not to be totally outsmarted, I approached Nundle via the Old Wallabadah Road (gravel) coming off Lindsays Gap Road from the New England Highway; but turned south away from Nundle when I reached Crawney Road. Not surprisingly I soon came across a sign saying, you guessed it, “No Through Road.” I was tempted to keep going to see if a bike could defy the odds, but (rare) better judgement prevailed. D
The “planned” route
Where it all went wrong
DOiNg it fOr AuStrAliA!
Oi Oi Oi! World records set to be smashed in Dubbo
NSW November 2018 WORDS ChriS Keeble PHOTOS eveNt
Two years ago, I was one of the 1004 women who rode into Dubbo NSW to smash the world record for the most women at a motorcycle meet and most women on a ride. In the end the number was 1002, as two bikes broke down on the oval just before lift-off. Now that was frustrating! This event was in response to our UK sisters who beat the original Australian record set in 2015 at 618 riders. In 2016 we smashed it out of the park, but that didn’t last long with the UK sisterhood having 1132 turn up at a 2017 event on a miserable day in Silverstone UK.
The USA has tried but only mustered around 600 odd gals, which is surprising given the huge number of riders over there, the great roads and reasonably decent weather. Hats off to the UK girls though! Having lived in the UK, I can tell you there are about three days a year when the weather is kind (joking... it’s probably eight!)
2016 was a great event and a mammoth job for Deb Geerts,
Event Director & Founder of Dagger Events. The Babe Raids, as they are called, came about as Deb and a few mates started thinking over a glass of wine that women riders needed more exposure, better press, more events and so. An idea that started off simple, has become an epic undertaking of logistics and organisational skills.
This year there will be six world record attempts over the weekend; the event kicks off on Friday 16th November and runs over three days (some participants are arriving Thursday for a few unofficial activities, so maybe it’s four days, who’s counting anyway!).
A mind-blowing undertaking that includes other records, such as mothers and daughters, men and families and a lot of detail you need to gather from the website www.2wheelbabes.com. Stacks of activities planned to include show and shines, entertainment, dinners and more. I think even a singles night. Umm OK, I’ll be at that! The Sunday’s event is the BIG one for me and many others. This is where
we hope to smash the UK record set last year. It will be the highest number of women on motorcycles at one time and the longest convoy of women riders doing around 100km/h. Possibly it will be the biggest motorcycle event in Australia. Reason enough for everyone to descend on rural NSW Dubbo from Thursday 15th November 2018! The town and community get behind this and I remember last time feeling quite special riding through the streets with the townsfolk all out waving us on. Last time I was on a Harley Davidson Fatbob FXDF. This year my date will be an Indian Vintage Classic. Look out for it and me, I’ll be one of well over a thousand women doing their thing for Australia! Book your accommodation now and start your plans, this will be one epic, amazing event on the Australian, if not the world, calendar for motorcycle riders. This is our Olympics! Aussie Aussie Aussie and so on. D
HIGHWAY REVISITED
31
Memories of the Hume compiled by THE bEAR
YoU Do NoT waNT to know some of the words we used about the Hume Highway back in the ‘60s. Sometimes it was because we’d hit an unexpected pothole and (usually) ridden out a humungous tankslapper; sometime it was because we were just about to run out of petrol in the middle of the night and that service station we’d been counting on had closed at 10pm; sometimes it was because tandem teams of half a dozen or more semis (fortunately no B Doubles in those days) were travelling nose to bum and making overtaking near impossible.
I can’t remember who it was, now, but someone once told me about a mate who had a flat tyre on his Norton somewhere near Yass. Once again, as so often in these stories, it was night. He didn’t have a tyre repair kit,
but he remembered reading about an emergency repair for flats that involved filling the tyre with grass. After just about eradicating all growth in the Long Paddock nearby, he finally reckoned he had enough grass stuffed into the tyre, but when he took off it was still so soft that it deformed and sent him straight off the side of the road into the ditch –fortunately at low speed.
He had had enough and just went to sleep right there, lying half under the bike. In the morning he hitched into town and bought a new tube.
“They were still working on turning the Victorian side of the Hume into a divided carriageway,” writes Mac Malone from Berowra, “and they were burning the tree stumps they had pulled out of the ground. I was freezing cold down near Benalla in my Brando jacket and
jeans with my hands and arms just about to lock up, and I saw this glow off to one side of the road. To tell you the truth it looked like the gate of hell; the stumps weren’t throwing much in the way of flames, but they made a sort of hollow that was glowing bright orange and yellow.
“I didn’t care what it looked like, I turned off the road and crossed the muddy worksite heading for the warmth I could almost feel a hundred feet away. When I got there, there were already a couple of bikes parked and three people were soaking up the heat. I joined them and we had quite a pleasant hour chatting away before we all went to sleep on the ground. Thank you, Vicroads or whatever you were called in those days, you might have saved my life!”
Paul Cadman’s memory tickler – in Queensland rather than along the Hume.
“Bear, in response to your Hwy 31 article, I have a memory,” writes Dave Mylius, Shafters. Shafters? Is that a club, Dave?
“In 2003 three bikes were heading north from Melb on a warm Friday night. Destination undecided. 50km out of Albury the BMW R75/5 pulled over with rear wheel wobble.
Made it to Albury late and booked into a hotel for the night.
“Sat morning in the carpark we attempted bearing removal, even using a Bic lighter for heat assist. Seaweed was adamant that he would not "have a look" in the bike shop but I became frustrated and went for a look myself, knowing the ride was over without a
Gunning, the site of one of my more memorable breakdowns, today. It didn’t have any cutesy cafés in the 1960s!
solution. Spotting a used BMW R80 for 4k and knowing Seaweed would never buy anything else, I told the sales bloke I intended returning with others before 12 and we must put in a team effort to secure the deal.
“After a lot of persuasion and guilt tripping for delaying the ride Seaweed bought the bike on a credit card. I think it was the 6000 frequent flyer points to be earned that tipped him over the edge. Left the R75 with them for repair and picked it up months later. Spent the night at the Jingellic pub, all very pleased with ourselves.”
Regular correspondent Paul Cadman picks up the story.
“Hi Peter, hope this finds you in fine fettle.
“Out for a ride today and spotted this sign... oh how the memories flooded back of journeys up and down the Old Hume Hwy, the wee towns, the never-ending potholes, stuck behind old Fodens and the like groaning up the Razorback at 10mph.
“The servo food... maybe best we don't remember that!
“Oh yes, the cold and rain, half frozen in our army disposal greatcoat, oversize flying boots and sodden gloves. Midnight rides through Yass with a bitterly cold wind and about half a degree off snowing! What lads we were back then, eh? Old bikes we probably wouldn't want to ride out of sight today, the best on the road then. Breakdowns, flat tyres, sleeping on the cold ground waiting for a servo to open!
“What stories we had on returning home, just ourselves, our bikes and a few mates, no social media no mobile phones, no electric startersmostly no lights!
“I for starters wouldn't swap those days for quids… cheers, eh.”
All right, here’s the challenge: what memories do you cherish (or try to forget) from those days? It doesn’t need to be on the Hume; we’re broadminded. D
GRIZZLING
I GOT SPIKES
In Southend, England, the police deployed road spikes – you know, those scissor-like extendable tyre-puncturing things – against motorcyclists taking part in a local gathering. One officer actually threw one of these weapons directly in front of a rider on a Suzuki. Fortunately the rider managed to evade the spikes, but they were left on the road in front of other bikes. Postings on Facebook have since accused the officer of attempted murder, which might be going a bit far – but then again, if you or I did something like that our sky would be filtered by iron bars pretty quickly. Just to show how ignorant some people in power can be, the officer in charge later said that she had ordered deployment of the spikes “to prevent dangerous riding”. I suppose that motorcyclists skidding down the road with their bikes’ tyres lacerated can’t engage in dangerous riding afterwards…
NOT HAPPY, OZ POST
It seems that postie bikes are being phased out just as the new model is being introduced. Deliveries will be made by bicycle or on foot. Is this the first step towards less-than-daily deliveries? According to one postie I consulted, the change is because a couple of his colleagues have been killed recently, taken out by cars in traffic crashes. It will be interesting to see how much safer the bicycles will be… But wait, there’s more. I know I’m going to sound like Boris, but I am thoroughly
sick of the “how did we do?” requests I keep getting from people who have just done a job for me – usually a small and fairly routine one. Australia Post recently completed the amazingly strenuous (and I’m sure highly unusual) task of delivering a parcel from someone in Melbourne to my post office box in Sydney. As soon as the thing arrived I had an e-mail request asking me to tell Oz Post how well they’d done. On the one hand, you might think that it’s nice to be asked for feedback. After all, for many years you had no chance of getting to anyone more senior than your local postmaster if you wanted to provide some feedback – sometimes along the lines of “why did this Christmas card from Dubbo take three years to deliver”? So I can see how it’s useful to have a line of communication. I also understand Australia Post’s workings better than most. No, I haven’t put in time as a motorcycle postie, the way a lot of my friends have. But I am the bloke responsible for the delivery systems fitted to the bikes, created after six months of research out in the field. Together with Jack Burger of JAB fame, I designed the floppy (sorry ‘bout that) fluorescent panniers, replacing the old heavy and awkward leather ones. I also relocated the delivery bag from in front of the steering head of the bike to behind it. That might seem like a small thing, but it reduced the incidence of tank slappers and, I suspect, saved more than one life. I also got posties to wear their helmets, which probably saved a few more.
Fine, then, I did my bit for Australia Post – or for the posties, more like it – and Australia Post paid for it. But there’s nothing in that business relationship that suggests I am available for free market research. And free market research is what that e-mail is asking for, whether it comes from Oz Post or any other company. My time, folks, is valuable. It is what I sell in order to make a living. You want something for free, that I would normally charge for; it is my time you’re using. So bugger off. I suspect that you’re just trying to find out how little service you can actually get away with – and find out for free.
HEY, YOU – SCOOT!
Recent moves in the acquisition department (I’ve bought two bikes) mean that one of the current inhabitants of the Bear garage has to go. The Vespa 946 has drawn the short straw, so to speak, and is available for $8500 with quite long NSW rego. It is an excellent example of the very first model and comes complete with rack and the original books and even the chrome paperweight. With about 2500km on the clock it has to be a bargain. Drop me a line at thebear@ ausmotorcyclist.com.au or call me on 0418 421 322 if you’re interested.
Peter ‘The Bear’ Thoeming
1. A great investment for a collector and lots of fun to ride, as well.
2. Who wouldn’t treasure that stylised chrome paperweight? 1
WHATSAYYOU
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 Please address letters to contactus@ausmotorcyclist.com.au or Australian Motorcyclist Magazine, Suite 4b, Level 1, 11-13 Orion Rd, Lane Cove West NSW 2066. All opinions published here are those of the writers and we do not vouch for their accuracy or even their sanity.
ETTER OF THE ISSUE
Lhas to go to Peter for this hilarious (claimed) true story. Peter, for your troubles you get the Rocky Creek MotoPressor Dual Port USB Power Adapter and Voltmeter. This adapter will fi t any 12V merit power socket. The two USB power ports offer 5V/2.1 Amp per socket. When the adapter is plugged in and powered, it will display the voltage of your battery. The USB charging ports will supply enough
CATCHING UP
Being a subscriber to AMM we try to send out a bit of a catch up every now and again. Here’s a couple of responses to our latest which basically was telling everyone about The Bear’s Turbo purchase and my Katana resto.
CB1100R
Hi Stuart
I may be mistaken, but I think I recall reading an article by The Bear many many years ago when he was writing for Bike Australia Magazine where he raved about the GPZ 750 Turbo –something about him taking it for an early morning ride and it being more like flying than riding.
If it was his article I read way back then, and he has lusted after this machine all these years, then all I can say is this purchase must be like marrying your high school sweet heart after thinking about it for 30 years! Imagine the pent up passion! I
power to charge a phone, tablet and GPS. www.rockycreekdesigns.com.au
Back tracking he began searching out front where he had first parked.
SEEN (IN) THE LIGHT
Out from the pub comes an individual who inquires as to what he’s looking for. When told he offers to help. By now the light has dimmed.
Just a short true story.
Talking to a mate the other day who told me a tale of one of his latest bike trips out west.
Glancing up he sees his helper has moved fi fty feet up the street to a street light.
Peter C does a fair bit of travelling on one of his three gas bmw. Dropping into a pub for the night in a small town out west he parked out front and went into the bar to book a room.
Having paid he went out the back to his room, unlocked and went back to the bike and brought it around and un packed.
It was then he realised that he had lost his key.
suppose he can’t decide to ride it or just sit there and look at it.
Of course I could be wrong and it could be somebody else’s article! Either way good on you both. If there was a bike I would like to own, it would be a Honda CB 1100R, I remember seeing Wayne Gardner power slide one of these around a bend at the Castrol 6 hour, a few years before he took out the world championship. It almost threw him off – but it didn’t.
Or a Katana would be nice –good choice.
Great Mag. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Andrew
Hi Andrew,
You would be very much correct. Pete actually owned the first Turbo in the country and he has regretted selling it ever since. Pete is very chuffed with his purchase as the bike is a beauty. I got to take it for a whirl around the
“What are you doing?” asked Peter C To which the reply comes.
“There’s a light up here and I can see better”.
True story as told to me and I don’t think he was Irish.
Peter Tarran
Hi Peter, OH MY! How very precious to have people like this in the world. LOL! Thanks for sharing, mate. Cheers, Stuart.
block yesterday and it rides beautiful. Yes, I have always liked the CB1100R as well. The guy we share office with is looking at getting one at the moment.
Yeah, the Katana will be nice once I’ve finished it. Hope to get the frame back from the powder coater later this week. Cheers, Stuart.
RSV4R
Hey Stuart,
As for the bike I’ve lusted after, I have now gotten closer than ever before with my purchase of an older RSV4R – 2010 model, but oh my lord she’s a beauty. I’ve had a progression of Italian machines in the last few years with an old Ducati Supersport, which was traded up to a lovely RSV Mille-R (I should not have sold it!), grabbed myself a new Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle here in AU not long after we moved over, which my wife has now “stolen”, so I “had” to buy
another bike. Have long lusted over the RSV4 with a good mate of mine campaigning the RSV4-RFW in both NZ and Italy – my budget didn’t quite stretch that far, but I’m very happy with this latest addition to my shed, which now sits alongside the Scrambler and an ’88 Honda GB250 which is nearing completion as a cafe racer, to be debuted at the 2018 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride here in Melbourne. Have been associated with that ride for the last 5 years, 4 of which I was lead organiser back in NZ. Anyway, back to the grind – love your work and mag….. Cheers, Wayne
Hi Wayne,
Damn! Those Mille R’s are rising in price too. I bet you kick yourself daily wishing you still had one! I just rode an RSV4 RFW (mock up from an RF) at SMSP a couple of weeks ago. Was a lot of fun ;) Enjoy the R, and maybe get it out for a day at Phillip Island which is always nice to feel what a bike like that can do. Yep, back to the grind and glad you’re loving the mag. Cheers, Stuart.
LUST
Hey Stuart,
Sounds like, ahem… older men attempting to satisfy youthful lusts - I can dig it! Also crying out for a comparo - Kwaka Turbo vs Katana. Whooo hooo! Cheers, Gil
DARMAH
Ducati Darmah 900 Black with Gold pinstripe Regards, Brian Smith
GT OR BANDIT?
Waiting with baited breath for the Enfield 650GT... I’ll keep my Bandit however....for the FAST days.... Always a great read. Cheers, Phil
ONE OWNER
Hi Stuart,
Reading your editorial made me have a look for a good photo of my Kat. It is a GSX750SZ from 1981. I bought it new and still ride it at least once a month, dragged off a friend’s GS700 a few weeks ago and he was solo, and pissed off. So there you have it, a 37 year old Kat with just the one owner, only ridden on weekends and only thrashed most rides. I
WHAT SAY YOU
made up the spoked wheels many years ago, apart from that it is very original. I liked what you did to my story “Vietlong Turn it on”, when do we see part 2?
Cheers, Anthony Morrison
Hi Anthony, very nice. Look after that old school Yoshi muffler – they are rare as rocking horse! I just placed another big dollar order with Mick Hone. You know, one of those ones that makes your heart skip a beat! Part two is coming in #65 (this issue!). Thanks, mate. Cheers, Stuart.
IT’S JUST METAL
Greetings Stuart and most importantly, The Bear (if he is back from swanning around wherever). Stuart, I tried to ring you, but you were far too busy hooning around on some exotic piece of machinery. Re my search for a rear disc to suit my ancient 1981CB900FB Bol D’or.
I tried Metal Gear, which was my first port of call suggested by a local mechanic, but no luck.
I have tried CMSNL., EBCUK., David Silver Eng.?, but all to no luck. I go to the Island Classic for bikes every year and there are guys racing these bikes.
SO - where do they get their discs?
Should I make contact with the M/C clubs here in Labor’s Folly Vic. to find out. Do you have any pointers in this direction? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
You see, if I can get my roadworthy and thereby my club plates, I can then sign up for the BEER army, sorry, the BEER army, sorry, the BEAR army! Something wrong with the keyboard, (the “BEER” will understand). Yours in riding (old bikes) LOL. Graham Barker
Hi Graham,
The guys racing them will have a different set of wheels in the bike from the stocker – so that knocks that one out. Try this link to Ebay. Seems you should be able to get one. https://www.ebay.com/b/ Rear-Motorcycle-Brake-Rotors-for-HondaCB900F/177922/bn_33954934 . The beer, I mean, Bear Army will be waiting…
As an aside, I just got myself an 84 Katana 1100 which I’m restoring ;) Cheers, Stuart
FAVOURS?
Just read your Mag. All great but I don’t think Boris is doing you any favours for readers or advertisers. Cheers, David Cairns
Hi David,
Thanks for the note, glad you enjoy the mag. Boris is there for some controversy and people understand that (most of the time). Cheers, Stuart.
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the style of shock journalism... just a case of risk management I suppose. Thanks once again, David
1) Far Nrth: after Karumba, via Normanton, will I be OK to take the northern hwy to Borroloola via Burktown, or must I go the Burke Development Rd. via Colonkury and Mt.Isa, on way to the Rock?
2) High Country; will I manage the Gt.Alpine Rd./Omeo avoiding any snow (end of July/Aug.)?
Please. In advance; thank you for replying.
With Kind Regards; Tom Zed.
G’day Tom, sounds like a good ride coming up. In answer, if you want to stay on the tar, or anything like it, you’ll have to take the Burke Development Road. And you won’t have any trouble with the GAR, it’s pretty good tar all the way. Watch some of the corners on the way up – they tighten. Best regards, The Bear
FERRY THIS!
Bear,
Re: No. 64, page 86, third column, Canaries… “...ferries make me sleepy...”
I guarantee you won’t sleep on this one. Haines Alaska to Skagway, Alaska, 35 minutes, Jet Cat, carries 25 cars, motorhomes, and bikes, at 65km/h. Max of 80km/h. By virtue of four V16 Rolls-Royce diesels, each of 5000 horsepower. Four Hamilton jets. The 35 minute journey started very quietly as the craft moved gently away from the Haines wharf. Then suddenly the captain just opened the throttles, the boat sort of sat up in the water, the rooster tails went screaming 20 feet in the air, - and away we went for the most thrilling boat ride I have ever experienced. Cheers, Peter Colwell
PS. Haines was the scene of our ‘bear attack’, when Michael was
stared down by a grumpy bear, who approached the stationary Goldwing, and then thought better of it - as Mick’s life flashed before him. And Gloria took pictures... D
*All Indian Motorcycle prices are ride away CRuiseR
KAWASAKI
www.kawasaki.com.au
Road
Z125 Pro KRT $4249
Z300
Ninja 650/L ABS
Ninja 650/L KRT
Z650L ABS
Ninja ZX-6R
Ninja ZX-6R 636 KRT
Z1000 ABS
Ninja 1000 ABS
V-Strom
www.swmmotorcycles.com.au
TRIUMPH
www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au *Some Triumph prices are ride away
Triple R
675
BEARFACED
CDOWN YOU GO
RASHES ARE NOT usually considered an appropriate subject for humour, but what the hell. I feel like writing about them anyway – and not only my own, either. Naturally I won’t name names. However, if you think you recognize yourself in any of these vignettes, you’re probably right… One of my more experienced mates, with more than a million kilometres under his tyres, has been trying to live down this particular event for years. Decades, actually. He was out in the Victorian high country on his BMW R 100 S when he came to a log bridge. Now most log bridges have their deck laid acrossways so you are riding –bump, bump, bump – over each of the logs on your way across. But the Victorian mountains, for some reason, had (and probably still have) some that are laid lengthwise. Now that’s fine if they are held together under tension, the way some laminated bridges are. But on the old ones, the logs are just dropped in place and held there with sturdy staples or bolts. Leave one of these bridges alone for a long time, and two things happen –the logs shift as pressure is applied to them and their fastenings rust and move. And the logs rot around the sides where they’re in contact with others. The result is increasing gaps between them. Mostly you can see that, but sometimes tree litter fills them… Yes, you can already see what’s about to happen, can’t you? There was an unusually wide, but nevertheless hidden, gap in the bridge and my mate’s front tyre fitted into it perfectly. He wasn’t going fast, but even
at a reasonably low speed a sudden stop will be a bit… jarring, let’s say. In the event he continued after the bike stopped, flying over the handlebar and taking the cockpit fairing with him. He landed on his head and did a couple of forward rolls before coming to rest, splayed out like a frog ready for dissection.
The bush is a great place for… unusual crashes. Another mate was hammering his enduro bike along a fire trail near Sydney when he hit a large tree root with his front suspension already compressed. The bike fired him across the handlebar too, and into the side of a tree. When he sorted himself out after the blow he’d received to the front of his helmet he realised that he was hanging a couple of feet off the ground, held up by a jagged, sharp tree branch which had ripped his jersey under his left arm.
A few inches to the right and that branch would have gone through his chest. Oh, and he still maintains that enduro riding is “safer” than riding on the road…
Back in Victoria and once again out in the bush, this time on a bike launch, I had just reached the beginning of the dirt road when one of the other riders, from one of the newspapers, zipped past me.
I was admiring his style and confidence as he tipped the bike into the corner –covered in loose gravel – then flipped over into a classic highside and flew
off into the greenery while his bike, on its side, skidded into a tree stump. It was a writeoff, I think, and he broke his leg.
The PR bloke from the company holding the launch spent the next few minutes trying to dissuade the emergency services from sending a helicopter.
“We’re only just off the edge of the tar,” he kept insisting. “We only need an ambulance. No, we don’t need a chopper. He’s in no danger. No!”
What is it about Victoria? On a bike comparo, once again in the Victorian countryside, a colleague and friend of mine tipped his bike into a corner on a dirt track leading onto a small bridge. He misjudged the corner and took it too late, and the bike went straight – or rather kind of sideways - into the creek. He followed it, plowing the creekbank with his not inconsiderable personal bulk before plunging into the stagnant water.
He was all right, but getting the bike back out proved to be a major engineering exercise as the bridge was narrow, the creek deep and a substantial range of trees surrounded it. He had avoided hitting any of those – luckily.
One of my own most memorable drops was on my Cossack. I was riding down Darling Street on Sydney’s Balmain peninsula, on my way home, when a gentleman in some kind of saloon came out of a side street. He saw me and froze. I of course hit the brakes, or what passes for them on a Cossack.
The bike slowly lost speed, then the back swung around to the left and the bike fell over to the right. Note – I did not ‘drop it’; it did this all by itself. I managed to prop myself up on top of the sliding bike and it gently tapped the side of the car as it stopped. The bike had crash bars, and there was no significant damage; at any rate, you’d have to run over a Cossack with a T47 before it would even show scratches.
That’s how it goes – in the midst of riding we are sliding along the road D
ADVERTISERS LISTING
BORIS
CHEERS, BOB
BOB SEGER’S whimsical Fire
Lake spoke to me the day I heard it in 1981, and it speaks to me today in 2018.
“Oh spare us, Baby Jesus! He’s gonna tells us about a song!” I can hear you wail from the back row.
Actually, the song (like so many great songs) is a memory trigger for me. You don’t hear it much on the radio any more, and I don’t even have it on any digital device I carry.
But it’s probably just as well. The weight of maudlin would be too much for me to bear.
Thirty seven years have rolled under many different sets of wheels since Fire Lake was seeing regular play on the radio. Much has changed in the world and much has not. I have also changed, but I have also remained the same in many ways. Well, I like to think so.
Life has conspired to kick me around some in that time. Which is what life does to people. It kicks them around. It’s how this life business works, I guess.
But Fire Lake still speaks to me. It’s a motorcycle song. And it’s an outlaw’s motorcycle song.
The melody is haunting. It is plaintive and uplifting at the same time. It presses something primal in my brain. When I first heard the song it somehow challenged me to live a life as redolent with meaning as the one I found in its lyrics.
Today when I hear it, its lyrics unlock memories I sometimes doubt even happened. But they did. Because I took that long-shot gamble many times.
While I have ridden very few chrome three-wheelers, I have ridden more than my fair share of chrome two-wheelers.
I have worn gypsy leathers (and what a marvellously evocative description of a biker’s leathers Bob nailed right there) and still do. There’s nothing
WORDS BORIS MIHAILOVIC
like great old leathers. They may not be the warmest, and they may not be the driest. But they are… well, motorcycling incarnated as apparel. We put leathers on like warriors donning armour before a battle. They are shaped to our shape after a time, and no-one else can ever wear them like the original owner wore them.
I have also made that first mistake on a run. And I have seen my brothers make that first mistake as well. Most of them made good on that mistake. A few did not. It still hurts inside to think of them now and again.
I have broken the news to women like poor Aunt Sarah about men like Uncle Joe. That was almost always hard. But it’s what my Uncle Joes would have expected. They would have told my Aunt Sarah if I’d run off to Fire Lake.
And the Road Gods knew I braved many bronze beauties. I even married one, and she remains the gentle grace and beauty in my life.
I look up every day and say, “Oh Lord, am I really here at last?” And I guess I am. But I ask anyway –even if I don’t believe in God.
I play those eights and aces every day. I’m a motorcyclist. The Dead Man’s Hand is always mine to play. I will almost always raise, and I know where to go and who to ask for a stake.
There’s no going back to how it was. I won’t ever ride those empty country roads with the sun burning my skin and my stupid, selfindulgent ponytail
flapping in the roaring wind. Helmets were for racers and people scared of dying. I was neither.
I won’t ever again have the indescribable pleasure of a longlegged 19-year-old hottie pushing herself hard into my back and maybe whispering sweetly into my neck. And I won’t ever again look to my left and my right and see my brothers right there on the road with me. Beside me and behind me and in front of me. Our passage a storm of noise and our arrival anywhere an event to remember.
We would pass bottles of bourbon or cans of beer to one other as we rode. We would pass joints to one other as well. Some of our girlfriends could even roll them on the go.
Sometimes we had guns strapped to the front or the back of our bikes. We all had knives. We feared nothing and we were ready for anything. And anything was ready for us.
We were horrible and wonderful and ridiculous and magnificent. We were sad and happy and drunk and crazy, and we took drugs and rode motorcycles. And sometimes we crashed and sometimes one of us died. We mourned and we cried. And we told lies and we bragged and we laughed. Oh how we laughed. No-one laughs like an outlaw laughs.
We never went to Fire Lake. There’s no such lake in Australia. But we went to Fire Lake every single time we went on a run. D
