FEEDBACK
Here is the next installment of Feedback. This is what you have said to me! One of the really great things, for me, to have come out of doing this web-site is the fantastic response it has brought from all you readers out there! I really appreciate your emails, and it's great to be able to share your comments with other readers through this page.
The page runs from the first comments at the top, to the most recent ones at the bottom. So, as the year progresses you'll have to do a bit of scrolling to get to the latest entries. Sorry, but it kind of needs to work that way. Oh well, it doesn't take too much to get there.
You'll notice that, for convenience (it's easier for you to find where to scroll to!) I've divided the page into separate months. I've also split the year into two - one page covers January to June, while the other July to December.
For the previous feedback page, just click the button down the bottom of the page.

JULY 2015
Sharon had some info on the disabled trike that I posted on my Blog page on 25th July. It lives in her area. The guy who owns it is a paraplegic, but he gets about in it quite a lot. She said he doesn’t go very far though, as the motor is only small, so doesn’t have a lot of power. Great to see anyway!
Here’s a great photo from Jon, in USA. (Yes, I’ve posted a few good shots of his in the past).
Jon writes, "My brother, Brian, and I have not ridden street bikes together since 1976. Today we rode again. He on his newly restored Honda CB750 and me on the Yamaha FJ1200."
It's great to see a couple of wonderfully restored classics like this! I know that Jon has put a great amount of work into this bike, even replacing some standard FJ bits with bits off an XJR. The bike looks great! They both do. Great work, guys!
A few other people also commented on the item in my Blog about the disabled trike, having also seen it on Facebook before it got posted here. (Yes, I know, it's the rider who is disabled, not the trike!). The comments were all along the lines of how good it was to have someone not letting his disability restrict him. "I imagine that would give him a lot of freedom." one said. Indeed. Actually, as I left the club there was one of those taxis for the disabled loading a wheel-chair-bound passsenger into the rear compartment. I walked past that, and then came to the trike. That really high-lighted the contrast between the two.
Ivor commented on the Yamaha Tracer. "Interesting report on the Yammie Tracer - as always. It seems they've gone half-cocked at this. They made the riding-position good for touring, added standard panniers, all good stuff, but as you say, left off the comfortable seat. And to be a proper sports-tourer it really should have a fairing. You mentioned that it was called the 'FJ' overseas, and if it was a 2015 version of the old FJ tourers, only smaller of course, that would've made a lot more sense for what they intend it to be." Yes, Ivor, I agree. As I said in the test, as great a bike as it is, it misses the mark a bit by not being the bike you suggest. If it really was a modern-day version of the FJ (and see the photo above, to see an original FJ!) it would be a great bike indeed, and one that I would really consider buying.
Joe liked the report on the Tracer too. He currently owns a Yamaha XJR1300, which has always given trouble starting from cold; which Yamaha says is normal. (It isn’t!). He wrote, “Maybe I’ll get a Tracer as it looks good and I like 3 cyl engines.” Might be a good solution, Joe.
Chris also had a comment on the Tracer. “The optional ‘comfort seat’. Disappointing to say the least that Yamaha are now engaged in this ‘con’.  I first came across it a few years ago with Triumph overseas in Cardiff. Can’t even remember the model, possibly one of the Bonneville variants, but the same thing. The original seat was like a plank and would have been impossible to live with. Enter stage-left the optional Triumph ‘king and queen seat’. I just can’t understand why manufacturers do this unless they build bikes to such a budget they take the cheap option. The cynic in me suggests it’s a pure money making exercise to fleece the punter.” Yes, I’m a bit of a cynic too, Chris, so I think you’re right. I suppose it’s understandable on the naked fun-bike version to have a firmer seat, but on a model intended for long-distance touring, as I said in the report, the most comfortable seat should’ve been standard. But this way they get an extra $400 out of the buyer!
Carlos picked up a mistake in the test of the BMW R NineT. I referred to the fuel-gauge and how hard to reads it was, but Carlos points out that it doesn’t have a fuel-gauge. “The display doesn't show the fuel level at all; to be honest this surprised me too as you would think BMW put some sort of device on the bike to know how much fuel left is in the tank, but no. What the panel does show is average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption and average speed.” Thanks, Carlos. No wonder I had trouble reading the fuel-gauge, it wasn't there! I thought the little clock-like dial was the level, but no; you’re absolutely right, it doesn’t have a fuel-gauge. I don't know what that was then. It is strange they would leave off the fuel-gauge isn't it.
Phil has just arrived in USA on a family visit. But as a writer and web-site blogger himself (I’ve published – or linked to – several of his writings here) he is documenting the trip and his impressions of USA. One of the first things he noticed was, “Corvettes all over the place and Harleys lane-splitting traffic at 75mph!”
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AUGUST 2015.
Aldi is not the first place you think of when you go shopping for bike gear, but from time to time they do have specials on motorcycle clothing. Karen has been looking and checking it out. Here’s what she had to say:
“1. The bike sale is a good time to connect with bike riders. I came across at least 6 people that I've recently met in Ulysses.
2. Disappointed that most of the gear doesn't have the removable inserts that earlier jackets and pants had. (And I'm sure I bought wet weather gear with jacket and pants - now they're sold separately). Wore half boots ($89) in store and all the way home - comfortable and cheap.
3. No change-room does create a bit of a problem. I've learnt - you have to have a plan. Wearing dresses or thin trackies can have its advantages - I'd like to know how a guy can try on pants in the store!”
Thanks Karen. I’ve never bought any of their gear, but I have looked at it, and it seems quite good – and excellent prices!
Betty wrote in response to the item about the list of the most important motorcycles of all time, as compiled by Motorcyclist magazine, that I mentioned in my Blog. “I'm happy - the 1970 CB 750 was the bike I learned to ride on, and Triumph (she owns an original Triumph) gets a mention too.” She then asked, “Does anyone know what a 39 year old T160 in immaculate condition and working order, registered and insured might be worth these days?” Rod did – he said one sold at auction 3 years ago for $12,500, and one currently advertised on BikeSales was listed at $14,000.  
Doug, who told us about his bikes some time ago, wrote to up-date us with his current rides. He writes, “I now have a Triumph GT SE Sports Tourer which I absolutely love as a great all-rounder; while my ‘fun bike’ is a 1979 BMW R80/7 which I love for it's simplicity, comfort, handling and looks. I intend to use this in the forthcoming 'Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride' on the 27th September. I ride every Wednesday (at least) with a small group of riders (12 members).” Thanks Doug, (and thanks for your kind words about the web-site too). It’s good to see the interest is continuing, with new bikes and still riding regularly. Enjoy!
Paul, who has also told us about his bikes, moved to the UK a few months ago. He is now riding a BMW R1150R, courtesy of a mate who loaned him the bike. He tells us about the BM: “This is the first BMW I have ridden and it has taken a bit of getting used to the indicator switch set up. The bike is in really good condition for a 13 year old bike. It has a top box and side panniers, a rear hugger, front fender extender, and heated grips ( I think they will get used in the cooler English days). The bike rides really well 2 up with the 1150 cc motor, so I can see a few weekends away.” Sounds good! Those BMWs were good bikes: Good for two-up riding too. The blinkers - I think they were one switch on each end of the bars, like Harleys etc, is that right? Yes, a bit different, but seems logical when you get used to it - which I'm sure you are now. A lot of other changes living in UK too I guess - as you suggest, a bit colder than here! (Although at the moment you'd be in summer, while we are shivering in the coldest winter we've had for a few years!).

SEPTEMBER 2015
Robert wrote on the subject of punctures – which I mentioned in my Blog. He writes, “My friend rides a BMW K1600, and as we were approaching town he got an alarm on the dash that turned out to be the low tyre pressure warning. He estimated that he got about 10 minutes warning before he could feel the tyre going flat, which took about another 10 minutes. He had picked up a nail in the front tyre, very unusual (in fact he is the only person I know of who has ever got a front tyre puncture). I thought you might be interested in the new technology and the amount of advanced warning you might get, re the typical nail slow leak.” Thanks for that. Yes, usually the front tyre flicks the nail up and it buries itself in the back tyre. Although I suppose if you happen to hit one at just the right (wrong!) angle ...! It sure shows the benefits of the technology though doesn't it!
Aussie sent in this photo. It’s a great shot, isn’t it!
The bike is a 1981 Suzuki GS1000, a bike that Aussie owns. Aussie says (after joking that it is him racing Wayne Gardner!), that it came from an advertising literature at the time.
Here's another photo, sent in by Paul. It's ... well, it's wird isn't it!
I mentioned Phil above, who is holidaying in the USA at the moment. He's been sending back some very interesting photos, and I've included a couple of them here. The one on the left is interesting because it's maybe not what we expect from USA. I know, I know, it's stereo-typing, but with Harleys being so popular there I would expect the average American parking-lot to be populated by Harleys, not sports-bikes. But this shot shows different! The other one is a Hyabusa (you knew that, didn't you), that has been significantly modified (as if they aren't powerful enough already!), and is owned by a local pastor. 
Rod sent in this link to an article on the Motorbike Writer web-site. How ridiculous is this! Can you imagine trying to ride with the sticker still plastered across the visor? Oh, and of course, you better leave that instruction booklet you got attached to it as well. Seriously, if you live in Victoria you have my sympathies!
Sharon posted this photo. Apparently this was in Sydney somewhere. Looks nasty!
Aussie wrote in response to the latest travel story from Geoff. He wrote, “I have to say that Geoff does a fabulous travelogue Elwyn. The script and photos are top class.” Yes, he does write a good story doesn’t he! And what fabulous places he’s been to! Thanks for the feedback, Aussie.

OCTOBER 2015.
Phillip sent me this one. Not your average Postie Bike really, is it!
One of the more moderate responses from the social-media posts about the police actions at the bike show I mentioned in my Blog, came from Anthony, who wrote, “Was very sad to witness such behavior. I have been thinking about what my eyes witnessed and am very concerned for our freedoms as the event was managed very well. I understand police presence at most events. But the numbers and attitude of the force was inappropriate ...my friends and I were worried for the safety of all patrons.” That sums it up in a very restrained and moderate way – innocent people were worried for their own safety and the safety of other innocent patrons of the event.
I mentioned Terry doing a trip from Wollongong area across to Perth, well now there’s a whole bunch of people riding there!
The Christian Motorcycle Association (of which I am a member) is holding their National Rally at Perth and many members from all over Australia are riding to there. So I’ve been seeing lots of photos like this.
Kimbo has a sidecar and the very substantial trailer you can see attached. I don’t envy them riding in the heat they’ve all been getting, but I do envy them doing a great trip like this!    
NOVEMBER 2015.
Karen, a long time participant in the Snowy Ride, (she even, with her husband, did the around Australia ride with them a couple of years ago), wrote to me saying, “I rode this weekend, and along with niggling doubts I've had in the past, I will not come, nor support the Snowy Ride again. I have no problem in giving a donation to the Steven Walter Foundation, but I will not support this dangerous ride. It'll be amazing that no one gets killed this weekend.”
Terry wrote in response to my comments on The Snowy Ride too. “Today Wade (his son) and l completed our 14th consecutive Snowy Ride and l must say it has always had its share of boy racers who are intent of getting from A to B just as fast as they can, many of them with little or no experience in narrow windy mountain roads with no centre-line. We have seen a few of them in the gutter as well over the years; hence, as you noticed, we were a bit off the traditional Snowy Ride route in Tumbarumba and in Tumit. I will continue to support to event but I will stay away from the “line of fire” so to speak. At times, it is no place for the faint hearted when the boy racers are about.”
One reader (who wishes to remain anonymous) wrote in response to the test of the Triumph Speed Triple. He wrote, “Sounds like the Speed Triple R brought out a bit of the hoon in you. Nice! Catching everyone in front / being held up by them when you’re simply trying to assess the bike sounds like you were riding it properly. As for harsh suspension setup for bumpy Aussie back-roads, I’d guess that the Ohlins could be setup however you pleased and that the firm sensation you got was entirely due to how the preload, rebound and compression were setup. The same bike, with altered settings, would feel quite different I expect. On test rides you just jump on and go, trusting suspension setup + tyre pressures, but rarely is it setup to give the tester the ideal experience for their weight, riding style and the road ridden that day.” No, I probably wasn't riding it "properly", (I don't ride that well!), and not really being a hoon, but I was catching up with the rest on the straighter bits when I wanted to give it a run at higher speeds. Adjusting the suspension would no doubt help, but not enough to give it really smooth ride – it just isn’t that kind of bike, especially this R model, which is aimed more at the sporty rider who prefers handling over ride-comfot.
It’s nice to get emails thanking me for the advice and comments given on bikes. Les said he is 57, and been riding since he was 17. In recent years it has been dirt bikes, but he says the bruises are taking longer to heal. So it was back to a road-bike. He said the last road bike he had was a Yamaha XJ750 back in the mid 1980s. He continues. “I had always liked the look of XJ900 Diversion but when I checked out the market they all looked pretty sad, with high kms and not very nice condition. The next step was the XJR1300. The numbers were intimidating, it's a big step up from 750 to 1300 let alone the 30yrs since riding a road-bike, but I had ridden motocross, enduro, and recently harder trail riding on 300cc 2-stokes, so kept telling myself there would not be an issue. I checked the net for reviews on the XJR, which is when I found your site, and loved it. Your reviews confirmed what I always suspected about the bike, and the fact that you purchased one gave me the thumbs up. I checked bike sales on the net for a newish one, willing to spend up to 10k, but found a really good 2007 model, with 30,000 km on the clock which looks brand new for $7k. I'm rapt, have fallen head over heals in love, not just with the bike but road riding also.” Thanks Les, I’m glad you like the XJR, and are out there enjoying the roads again!
Chris wrote about weather. “Just enjoyed reading your blog and can relate to the dodgy weather hereabouts - the BOM has become just about the most useful bit of kit in a motorcyclist’s tool bag!” Yes, very useful to see what the weather is doing around you.
Paul writes road-tests for “Riding On”, the magazine of the Ulysses Club. Recently he tested the BMW R1200R, and sent me a copy of his report. It was the first BMW he’d ridden, so that was a new experience for him. Here’s a small portion of what he wrote. “My first impressions were what a good looking machine it is and that distinctive boxer engine protrudes horizontally, so those pistons punch and pump into action literally at your feet. The staff at Sydney's Pro Cycles were helpful and gave me a very quick rundown on the buttons and the electronic dashboard signals from the 'puter. This bike is a go anywhere anytime machine. I would say a 70/30 sports / tourer and even fine as a commuter weaving through traffic. The R1200RS brings a new level of handling and technical sophistication, with long- distance comfort as well as the performance to boogie in the corners.” Sounds impressive! Thanks, Paul.
John wrote in with some kind words about the web-site (thank you!), and to comment on a bike I haven’t ridden; the Kawasaki GTR1400. He wrote: “As a 65 year-old who has a Kawasaki 1400 GTR and BMW K1300s I have pretty much tried them all. The 1400GTR is without doubt, in this man’s view “THE” touring bike. Surpasses the BMW 1600 GT due to less weight and tighter handling characteristics. The HDs and Trumpies are for show – not kilometers: too hard on the back due to riding position. The BMW is the best bike I’ve owned – street and track wise – but a little too forward in riding position for serious touring. I believe we oldies need to be able to share the weight load on our feet – the cruisers make this hard. Do you agree?” I agree totally, John! The poor ergonomics of cruisers is something I keep banging on about in my tests of them. But I accept that some people do find them comfortable (for a while anyway) and prefer them for their style and character.
Andrew wrote about the disabled trike I mentioned in my Blog on July 25th. “Just a little bit of info about the disability scooter. It is called a "Nippi" and is based on a small Honda scooter. My uncle used to make them in Newcastle for the company that sold them. I worked with a guy who had one as well, and even though it is quite old, it is still working and giving him some independence. They were a great thing!” Interesting! Thanks, Andrew.
Andrew has quite a collection of bikes, including a Yamaha MT-01 (which he loves) and a Honda ST1300, which he says is “for touring with my wife” and a number of classic bikes. Lucky boy!
Aussie wrote in response to the test on the Triumph America. “I've just read your Triumph America test and noted the high gearing. Unlike if it was a shaftie or belt drive Harley, one could probably fix that by bolting on a rear cog less a tooth or two.” Yes, although there is often an issue with changing sprocket sizes these days. If the speedo is driven is off the front wheel – as they always used to be – then there’s no problem. But these days many speedos are electronic and driven off the gearbox: so changing a sprocket size causes the speedo to read inaccurately. I think there are places that can adjust this though, so a cure is possible. It’s just something a lot of people don’t consider when changing the gearing by swapping to a smaller or larger sprocket. 
Aussie continued with a very pertinent comment about speed-limits. “Most European imported cars and in this case, motorcycle, are built to cruise high speed autobahns. What's infuriating is our hopelessly low speed limits. In good ol' Vic, instead of researching why so many accidents happen, the Government finds it easier to be seen to be doing something (and collecting extra revenue) by simply lowering speed limits. It's been found that a significant number of accidents are due to drugs, booze and idiot hoons to which speed limits mean nothing but we have to all suffer because of them.”
DECEMBER
Ivor wrote in response to the story of Phil’s ride in pain. “He should’ve stopped long before he did. Not feeling right on the bike and having to take pain-killers to be able to ride is a sign you shouldn’t be riding! He says he was ‘all over the place’ as he rode up the mountains, and that just goes to prove my point, he shouldn’t have been riding.” Well, yes, although when you’re on the start of a ride you’ve been so looking forward to doing, it’s hard to make that decision to bail-out on it. Sometimes some amount of pain happens but if it is controlled by medication then taking that medication to ride is probably not so bad. It depends on the situation and how “normal” the pain is. Ivor said that he’d had to ride in pain on occasions too, but said we shouldn’t start out that way. “We’ve probably all had to ride through aches and pains, but at some time during the ride or on the way home, not on the start of a trip; if you start out that way you shouldn’t go.”
There were several comments on the “Convoy” charity run that I rode in, and especially on the photo of me beside the police truck. Ivor wrote, “I can almost see the tears in your eyes there, mate. Almost brought tears to mine! I don’t know why they did that but it was a great thing to do.” The Cops For Convoy involvement is a bit of a story, but briefly, being involved in the charity they had got to meet this young boy (my grandson) who was dying of cancer. They were very moved by him, and his family, and put on a wonderful day of activities for him a month or so before he died. They promised then that they would do a special dedication for him on this event. Great people!
Con wrote, “That’s one hellova truck! Makes your big Yammie look like a dinky-toy! Great pic anyway. Is that a photo of him on your bike?” Yes, that truck was huge! And yes, it’s hard to see because I had it mounted behind the screen (so it wouldn’t blow off), but that is a photo of him, with “For Joshua” written on it.  
Peter wrote in suggesting I do a road-test on a Victory. He wrote, “As you would know, a lot of us retirees enjoy the cruiser bikes and it always strikes me as odd that Victory by all accounts provide an American bike is equal to or if not better than many Harleys and yet they sell poorly when compared to Harley Davidsons.” Yes, from all I’ve read, the Victorys – like Indians – are a great bike, and as you say, equal to, or even better than, a Harley. But Harleys sell well because they are Harleys. They sell on their name. I know people will argue for and against the virtues of Harleys, but there is no doubt that Harleys come with an image and name that is what it is: it’s a lifestyle thing too. As far as road-testing them, there are two problems: firstly, there isn’t a dealer in my area, and secondly, they are big heavy things and I’m a weak old bloke! Yes, once on the move, like many big bikes, the weight seems to disappear. But wheeling 400kg of motorbike around at slow speeds is still a task. I keep thinking of what would happen if I over-balanced while wheeling it out the driveway, or threading through stop-start Sydney traffic. That’s why I’ve tended to prefer smaller Harleys when I’ve test-ridden those – I prefer ones I feel more confident that I can keep upright! I’ll see what I can do though.
Dave wrote in response to my test of the Moto Guzzi V7. Turns out he’d ridden one too! He wrote, “Funnily enough, I rode my mate's V-7 on the weekend. Wasn't expecting much but ended up pleasantly surprised. (My bikes are BMW R-90, Ducati M-900 and Honda XL-250 degree) The Guzzi impressed me with more power than expected, smoothness and ‘fun factor’. The latter is something that most reviewers seem to have forgotten about. The Guzzi fits into this category, in my opinion, and it’s a shame most blokes won't get to try it simply because the numbers are .......unimpressive. Maybe as we get older, we cease trying to impress our mates and focus on what really matters. Who knows? Thanks for your great writing.” Thanks for the feedback, Dave; and the kind words. It’s funny isn’t it, how the power – on paper! – seems very under-whelming, yet out on the road where it really matters it can be a lot of fun. Definitely a bike with character!
Darrin wrote in with the story of his returning to riding, and finding the right bike for him. “I'm one of those who have come back to riding from a long absence. I brought a mid-size cruiser, Yamaha XVS650 until I felt comfy - they are a very good bike, Yamaha got it right with that line! After a while I felt I wanted something with a bit more poke, so I thought a bigger cruiser would do the trick. To that end, I tried an XV1900 but found it was like riding a tractor, all heavy and clunky. In the end I tried a Triumph Sprint (2007) and loved it so much I took it home and have been on it ever since!” The Sprint is a lot different to the cruisers you were looking at, but is a great bike! Glad to see you got something you like and are enjoying riding it! Keep on enjoying it!