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.

For previous installments of this feedback just click the appropriate button above.

Steve wrote with a couple of tips regarding the item in my Blog about protecting the bike from ocky-straps. He said that in the past he has used duct-tape to cover the rub-areas. He says you have to take the tape off after each trip, otherwise the glue sets on the bike and is hard to get off. In recent times (like his around-Australia trip) he has used clear contact. He says, “The clear contact doesn't become troublesome if you leave it on. It gets a bit dirty round the edges, so it looks a bit dodgy on the bike, but the DR hardly had any rub marks when I sold it so it had done it's job.”

Ivor wrote, “I didn’t know you were such an idiot!” with a good-natured smile. He’d just read my article on “Some Stupid Things I’ve Done,” which I mentioned on the 2006 / 2007 “Best And Worst” page. He went on, “I would’ve loved to have been there when you did that hanging off the side of the bike thing – I reckon that would’ve been hilarious to see!” Probably! Thankfully no-one did see it – although I had to admit to my wife what I’d done! Ivor went on to mention a couple of silly things he’d done. Yes, we all do them. And, like taking both fork-caps off at once (another incident in that article), you realise half a second after you’ve done it how stupid you’ve just been!

Tony wrote to tell me of a couple of up-dates he'd made to his new Bandit. One was a new Beouwulf exhaust from U.K. (You'll read more about it in the "Me And My Bike" section, when I get that done).

He's also taken it on tour, and sent me a couple of photos. The one on the left shows the bike in open country near Maryborough in central Victoria. Looks like an ideal setting to give the Bandit a run doesn't it! 

Bob Martin, who owned the Yamaha XJ900 at the top of the “Oldies Can Be Goldies” article, wrote in response to the article and said, “I hope we get to enjoy real bikes for a while before everything is electric, outlawed or restricted.” Yeah, amen to that!

We’ve started the new section where readers are writing in about their bikes, and now we’ve got readers writing road-tests! Paul got to have a test-ride on a Can Am Spyder, and wrote in with his impressions.

“The motor is a V-twin (displacement 998cc), vehicle weight 316 kg. It has belt drive. I found the ride (although only a short test ride) was totally different from any type of bike I have ridden. It is like sitting on a jet ski and steering a snow mobile!

I think on a longer ride, once you got used to the cornering technique you would be able to enjoy what the Spyder is all about. I rode the manual version (a semi-auto is also available). I'm not sure it would suit everyone but riders maybe looking to extend their riding careers, as these are very stable with the three wheels. Also for someone who likes something very different. I enjoyed my test ride. Would I buy one? Yes, but I would still keep my Suzuki M109r.” Thanks, Paul. I missed out on a ride at the Sydney Motorcycle Show. I’ve read a couple of tests in magazines, but it’s interesting to read what other people think of them. Thanks again!

Lindsay wrote in response to the question on jackets. (I had to put her reply here because I’d already started a new question). She says, “I have an AprilBella mesh jacket which I find is really cool with lots of air flow. They are basically made for women but I know quite a few guys that have also bought them and they are excellent for the QLD summer. Their web-site is http://www.aprilbella.com.au/index.html.” Could be a good alternative – and she says that they don’t just come in pink!

Barry wrote in after reading about Tony’s new Suzuki Bandit. He says, “Had my Bandit for eleven years, 150,000 on the clock. Now needs major overhaul (brake discs, head races etc). It has taken me all over Oz with never a problem. Most of it's life has been spent at the beach so there is a great deal of rust. For example, I need to change an indicator globe, but cannot undo the rusted screws. But if that is the biggest problem, then I will accept that I am lucky!” Indeed! What a great testament for the Bandit. Looks like you’re onto a good thing, Tony!

Martin wrote in response to Tony’s story too. He says, “It was interesting to read that he changed his stop light to LED for increased brightness.  This leads me to two questions. 1.Shouldn't all manufacturers fit LEDs as standard on all bikes these days? Surely the minimal cost difference, if any, would be worthwhile as it greatly increases safety; as anyone who has ever been hit from behind would know. 2.Why not go a step further and fit a modulated stop light? I had one fitted on the Sprint - total cost fitted $120.” Some good advice. I think eventually LEDs will probably become standard, but as he says, with a very small difference in price why not do it now?

Martin also wrote in with a riding-tip. I think I’ve had this one before, but it’s worth repeating. He says that his second safety-rule, after donning all his riding-gear, is to do everything possible to make sure he can be seen. To help in this area, he has this tip. "I always ride on high beam on a bright sunny day and when on coming traffic has the sun in their eyes when it is low in the sky. No light and they can't see you, dipped beam still doubtful. Previously, on low beam, I experienced many occasions approaching junctions when drivers started to pull out, hesitated then stopped. On one occasion one kept going but I managed to avoid it. Since riding on high beam no one has ever moved an inch whilst waiting at a junction I was approaching, or attempted to turn in front of me when coming from the opposite direction – the scenario which caused the death of a relative.  Only once was I flashed, but I don't know whether from annoyance or just to let me know I was on high beam. The fact that I was flashed told me that I had been seen!” Good advice! It was a good reminder for me too; I’ve generally been leaving it on low-beam. But after being reminded again, I started using high-beam. Remember to dip back to low beam if you’re following close behind cars though; and in other situations where the high-beam could become annoying to other road-users. In many or most situations though it’s good to use high-beam – as Martin says, it makes you more visible, which is always a good thing!

Tony wrote in with details of the LED tail-light he fitted. (See the story of his bike, as mentioned above). He says it is designed to operate in a reflector-type tail-light unit as it has LEDs facing in all directions. He says you can check them out at their web-site, which is as follows: http://www.ledshoponline.com/motorcycle_leds.htm. Seems like a good unit, thanks Tony!

Jon, who’s “Prototype” XJ900 was one of the bikes featured in the “Me And My Bike” section sent me a link to The Kneeslider.Com, which has run an article on his bike. A good story, and some good pics too. Check it out (especially if you like those old XJ9s!). It’s at www.thekneeslider.com.

Michael wrote in to our Questions page asking for advice on what to get as a step-up from his Aprilia scooter. (Go to the Questions page to read the whole question and his initial choices). After reading my reply he wrote to tell me what had happened since. “After your initial response, I went back to the 650cc range and had a bit of a look at your suggestions. The Kawasaki's ER-6N seemed, on paper, a suitable and respectable step up.  I went to the local agents to have a look and yes, it has a good seat height, quite a manageable weight, reasonable riding position, but just seemed to lack that solid, classy feel.

“I then looked at your Italian suggestions and narrowed my choice down to either a Ducati Monster 696 or a Moto Guzzi Breva 750.  On first impressions, I think the Breva would be a more comfortable ride and am now starting the process of getting the best price for one with the touring package accessories.” Now, I didn't actually suggest the Moto Guzzi Breva. I didn't think of it. My impression of the Breva is that the 750 might be a bit under-powered, and the 850 (next model up) is too expensive. But on reflection, it might suit him well. It's got a load of character, it's European, the smaller size frame would suit, and I think he might be right about the ride. He thanked me for confirming that the weight of the Harley Sportster might be a problem (Ivor also expressed that opinion), and for suggesting he have another look at the mid range area. He says, "I looked at the technology of the Triumph, compared with Euro3 bikes. I guess I've been spoiled without realising how much.” He now faces the problem of convincing “The minister of finances and domestic affairs” that the new bike is a “necessary and worthwhile expenditure.” Hmm, yeah, most of us have probably had that one. Let us know what you get, Mike. (Oh, and Mike, it’d make a good story for the “My Bike” section!).

Doug wrote to say that he was going to the funeral of a biker killed in a head-on crash. The biker was Frank Egan who was the Secretary of the Blue Liners Motorcycle club. (This is a motorcycle touring club originally formed by police officers who ride). He was on his way back to Lismore after attending the club’s 15th Anniversary at Grenfell NSW. He crested a small rise and was met by a 4WD that had drifted onto the wrong side of the road. Doug says, “He was a good bloke and will sadly be missed - his life was cut far too short.” Our sympathies to his family and friends – including Doug. So sad, especially when it was a crash that shouldn’t have happened!

Chris wrote to say that he has decided to sell his 1970 Norton 750 Fastback. The bike is currently on historic plates. Here’s what Chris has to say about the bike. “It would be hard to find a better example of this model. Winner Best Fastback NSW on 4 occasions. Meticulously maintained and ridden weekly. An older restoration but faithful to the original. Matching numbers. Will pass the most intense inspection.”

Asking price is $14,750. The bike is advertised on Bikepoint, so click the link there and it should take you straight to the add, where you can check out more details. I wish I had a spare 14-grand; there’d be no need to pass the info any further!

Paul wrote in with a correction to the story of his bikes. He said he’d apparently made a typo in the Suzuki M109R’s fuel-tank capacity. He said the capacity should have read 19.5 litres, not 27 litres. I should’ve noticed that myself. As Paul said, a 27-litre tank, “Would make long distance runs a lot easier!” Yeah, wouldn’t it!

A few people wrote in response to the Mid-Size Comparison, saying it was interesting reading; and that I had obviously put a lot of work into it. Thank you; and yes, it took a lot of time! Despite how it might read, I do spend quite a lot of time reading over what I’ve written and editing it; re-writing some parts, adding bits in, taking some out and so on. I’m glad you found it interesting anyway.

Tony wrote in about the Mid-Size comparo too. He said, “Great comparison with the mid size bikes. I would have to agree with you that the ER6 is a great all round do-everything type bike.” He says that, while he hasn’t ridden all of the bikes in the comparo (there were a couple that I didn’t ride either!) he says, “From what I have heard and read in other reports, you hit the nail on the head with the descriptions of all the bikes listed.” Tony recently traded his Kawasaki ZX6R for a Suzuki Bandit; and at the time was choosing between the Bandit and a Yamaha FZ6. He went on to say, “If it had been me having to choose a bike that I liked it would have been the Street Triple or the FZ6; but this is not meeting the criteria you laid down either, these are just the bikes I like!” Yes, they are both good bikes! And, as I indicated at the end of the comparison, if I was choosing a bike for myself, it probably wouldn’t be the ER-6 either! I was inclined to think the V-Strom might be the one I could best live with. But I think we’re both happy we’ve got the bikes we have!

Ivor commented on Ian’s story of his Kawasaki ZG1300. He said it was a great rig, then added, “It got me thinking though. Six wheels, five of which are in a different place on the road. If there was a bump or pot-hole anywhere in the road you couldn’t help but hit it!” He’s got a point; you could hardly steer around it, could you!

Rod noticed the photo of the British number-plate on the Blog page, and sent in this one of an Austrian plate. It’s like having a billboard strapped to the back of your bike!

I'm glad we don't have those in Australia!

Tim is very happy with his Suzuki GSX1400. He writes, “My bike is still going great and I’m a lot more confident with it now. When I first got it, my mate (who has a Triumph Sprint 955) was always waiting for me; now he gets in my way, which is probably a good thing!” Sounds like a pretty good recommendation for the big Suzi! Glad to know you’re happy with it.

Aussie wrote to say that he enjoyed reading about Doug's 1977 GS Suzuki. Owning a GS1000G for about 28 years, he knows a thing or two about them. He writes, “My GS 1000G has had two top-end rebuilds. It leaked oil from the barrels after rebuild one which saw it pulled down again (a real pain!). We found that the old gasket had not been scraped off properly. It's bloody hard getting it off without burring the metal face, but it's essential to have a smooth surface. GS Suzis DO NOT leak oil anywhere if correctly assembled. Thanks Aussie, and I’ve passed on your comments to Doug.

Aussie went on to say that, “A bikie once told me that they run their Harleys on reserve setting as it prevents condensation build up in the reserve cavity. Any moisture trickles through in such small quantities as to not affect the engine running. I heeded his advice ever since. I reset the trip meter when filling up in the knowledge that she'll easily cover 300 ks before anywhere near empty. It goes without saying that when sitting for a time, the fuel tank should be kept reasonably topped up. However, I must add that during Melbourne's heat-wave, my very full tank overflowed and stripped the flame decals from down the tank side!” Interesting theory with the fuel-tap; although I'm not sure I'd recommend running on RES all the time. But I get the idea. Maybe occasionally running it on that would be enough. As an aside here, my current bike doesn't have a switchable reserve. It just turns itself onto Reserve when it gets to that level. And the trip-meter starts counting how far you've gone on Reserve. Makes me wonder though if there is an actual reserve - it's probably just a change in the display that comes on when the fuel drops to a certain level. Or is that just being cynical?

The issue of moisture is an important one. I always fill up after every ride so I keep the tank full. This eliminates any condensation that can occur if you leave a half-empty tank standing for some time - especially in winter. A previous bike had occasional starting problems and this was suggested as one possible cause. It wasn't (I never found out what it was!), but I realised it was a good idea to keep the tank full. Although maybe not too full! Expanding enough to over-flow the tank! Most manufacturers recommend filling to the bottom of the filler neck, not right to the actual top of the tank. Aussie says the bike had 8kms of travel from the servo to home, which you’d think would’ve lowered the level just enough to allow for expansion. Apparently not. Not in 50-degree heat anyway!

Here’s another good tip from Aussie. He says, “While I'm at it, it's surprising how much moisture and acid forms inside an engine which has been started and run for a short while before being shut down. In my early trucking days I'd cart a load of wool a couple of kilometres to the wharf, sit for about half to an hour waiting to unload before returning to reload whereby the truck would sit for 15 to 45 minutes. It never warmed up. After several months the engine was pulled down to reveal a sump full of white oil and totally corroded piston rings! When I fire up my sickle or car, they go for a good run at full operating temperature.” Yes, good advice! Short trips aren’t good for engines! Or exhausts etc either.

Tim wrote in to our Questions page asking for advice on what tyre to fit to his Suzuki GSX1400. He ended up going with the Michelin Road Pilot 2. He says that he isn’t overly concerned by price – within reason. He explains, “I still want a tyre that will provide me with plenty of grip, because my life is hopefully worth more than a tyre; and by reviews I’ve read, the Michelin grips well, plus the harder middle compound might get me a few extra miles.” Yes, a good move. I’ve always tried to take the same approach (again, within reason!); considering that handling and grip are much more important than mileage or a cheap price. 

Tim has added a few “cosmetic” extras to his bike (like anodised brake and clutch levers filler cap, etc). He says, “I love tinkering with my bike as much as I enjoy riding it. The only trouble is hiding all these new add-ons from the wife; every time she sees the bike she says ‘that wasn’t on there before was it’, and ‘that wont make it go any better.’ I tell her it’s just like make up; you have to look good when you go out.” By the way, he is about to tackle polishing the rims, and would appreciate any advice on this.

Tony (click here for the story of his bike, and here for his story of his ride through the bushfire area) wrote in response to Tim’s question on tyres. He said that he is looking at tyres for his Suzuki Bandit. He says, “It’s only 4300km and almost bald in the middle! Maybe I use too much of that torque I keep mentioning.” He found that the OEM Dunlop 218 tyres can’t be purchased in Australia anyway (a problem sometimes encountered with OEM tyres). Sounds like he might be better off  with something else anyway. He said a bike shop suggested the Dunlop Roadsmart tyres, which are a dual-compound tyre. I’d reckon either those or the Michelins Tim got might be a good choice.

Rossco wrote in to say that I was “Spot-on” with my comments on the Harley Nightster. He said, “I went to a ride day at Mackay when the model came out. When it was my turn the bloke who had just ridden it came up to me and said ‘Don’t hit any potholes.’ But as I found out, I didn’t need to; repaired ones were bad enough! What a mess!” He goes on to say that, “The thing that really irks me is the bike mags don’t say a bad thing about these bikes!” Yes, and others have made the same comment. Sometimes you get a bad review on a bike in the mags, but not often. Sometimes you’ve got to read between the lines to get the negative points; if they are mentioned at all. I don’t claim to be any great motorcycling guru, but I do tell it as I find it!

Jens wrote in response to my story of my Charity Ride, saying, “I have just read the story of the ride, and I would like to take part in the next one.” You read the story and you want to come on the next one? Do you enjoy getting lost? Sorry - a joke at my expense! It would be great to have you, and any readers who live close enough, join me on the next one – whenever that will be!

Keith, who owns a Suzuki Burgman 650, wrote in response to the story of Possum’s trip on the big scoot. He mentioned that it has an overdrive 6th gear, which he says is engaged only above 90kph, as it is very highly-geared. He wondered if Possum used that, or even knew about it, as it wasn’t mentioned in his report. The use of this overdrive greatly helps fuel economy. Keith says, “I have no trouble when solo riding on freeways or expressways of realising 24-25 km per litre.” That’s good economy! But then, as I said to Keith, if he gets that riding solo on expressways, Possum getting around 19 km / litre riding two-up with luggage on a mixture of different roads sounds pretty good too. 

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Aussie sent me this photo. The fancy rig belongs to Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home in Topeka, Kansas. Apparently it costs $500 to hire, plus $1 per mile for distances over 100 miles. The guy sitting on the bike in the photo is the owner. Well, if you want to go out in style ……! I wonder if there is a choice of bikes?

Ned Kelly on wheels? Another photo of a strange bike; sent in by Rod. Yeah, if Ned Kelly was alive today he’d probably be an outlaw biker! And if he was, this is what he’d be riding!

You know, it could catch on. I reckon if those outlaw bikie gangs see this they’ll be trading in their Harleys for sure!

Steve got to see Charley Boorman on the start of his next big adventure, “By Any Means 2”. Apparently the new adventure begins where the last one finished, in Sydney. And it then takes Charlie and his crew to Tokyo.

On the first day, Charley set off from Sydney and arrived at a destination on the Central Coast; where people were invited to come along and meet him. Steve rode to the venue and got to meet and greet the famous man.

Rick wrote to tell me that he had recently visited the Australian Motorcycle Museum. What did he think of it? “Verdict in a nutshell, Brilliant! They have about 200 bikes on display, some of which are very rare & certainly obscure. Others were a real trip down memory lane. I would thoroughly recommend this museum to all bike enthusiasts visiting Qld.” Sounds great! I wish I was close enough to visit. If you are, you can call them on 0434 005103 or 07 54644938.

Paul wrote to tell me that he’s added another bike to his collection. “I have bought a 2005 Honda Hornet 900. I will use the Hornet to get to and from work instead of riding my M109R. I've found the Hornet to be very easy to ride in traffic with an ample amount of acceleration on hand. It came with a few added features which include a small Honda Screen, a centre stand and Oggy knobs.” He says it’s a lot of fun to ride; and I reckon it’d be a better commuter than the big Suzi!

Ray sent me this photo. It’s called (appropriately enough!) the Monster Motorbike. It was built by stuntman Ray Baumann. The tyres come off a Caterpillar 992 wheel loader. The bike is 9m long and more than 3m tall. It's powered by a 5.2 litre Detroit Diesel two-stroke truck engine which sends drive through a 6-speed Allison automatic gearbox. Final drive is through a massive chain on each side of the rear wheel. The bike was built in Perth and was three years in the making. It weighs 13.6 tonnes. He uses it, as you can see, to crush cars in a stunt show. I think we’d all like to have one of these at times, wouldn’t we!

Aussie wrote in with a comment he reckoned might start a bit of controversy. I think he might be right! The original email was quite long (but very interesting!), so I’ve had to edit it down a bit for this section. He said, “I've read recommendations for day time use of high beam, and it continues to bother me. I'm not about to give advice one way or t'other, however the following is my personal experience. Following several years out of motorcycling back in the late 1970s, I resolved to ride with lights on at all times. To my dismay many motorists treated me with utter disregard, sometimes bordering on criminal intent to murder!” He related an incident where a car and trailer pulled out in front of him; which very nearly ended up with him T-boning the rig, but he managed, somewhat miraculously, to avoid it. He says that he then began to re-think his strategy.

He says, "I turned off my light, started riding more defensively, including approaching vehicle-laden intersections with increased caution while flashing my light. To my satisfaction there were moments when a car which had started to move out suddenly stopped at seeing my flickering light. It's worked to this day. I'll risk putting the mocka on myself by humbly declaring that I have never had an accident with another vehicle on a motorcycle in thirty odd years of riding. I reasoned that outlaws ride black Harleys while wearing black leather jackets and helmets. Now every bugger sees them and boy, are they treated with respect! At times I get flashed by on-coming drivers who I assume are letting me know my light is off, but hell, they must have seen me in the first place to do it. I still run a light in cloudy conditions as, indeed, I do my car.”

He also makes the point that, “Today's dual motorcycle headlights are often brighter than a car’s and I personally find it extremely uncomfortable and even painful to the eyes when facing an oncoming high beam, whether it's day or night. If running day-lights is your thing, maybe flashing briefly from low to high could be adequate.”

Yes, you might start a bit of controversy with this one! I must say that, after Martin's email recommending this, I began using high-beam a lot during the day. But I avoided using it when there was on-coming traffic – which, to some extent, negates the point of using it I suppose. I'm not using it as much now. With modern bikes (Aussie owns an older model) you don't get a choice on having the light on, but even back when you could run a bike with the light off, I always had it on – I think it does make you more visible to other road-users. But there will always be "blind" motorists. One of our readers told about a motorist not seeing him - and he rides a bright yellow Goldwing!

Flashing the lights would draw attention to you more than a constant light, but my concern with this is that it might be misinterpreted. For example, if you are approaching an intersection with a car waiting to turn, flashing the light could be interpreted as a signal for the driver to turn!

I think the secret with the black Harleys and black-clad riders is the sound; they can usually be heard from half a suburb away! I think sound adds to other vehicles' awareness of a bike. Pity that today's bikes are all so quiet! (Maybe we should shell out for a set of straight-throughs to use apart from when rego time comes?).

Anyway, an interesting thought! Anyone have any comments on this?

Paul, who has previously owned a couple of Suzuki GSX1400s, wrote in response to my test report. He said, “As you said, the comfort of the Suzuki with the seat and handle bar position makes it a great tourer, which I found when I did my Brisbane to Sydney trip.” He says that after reading the report he was thinking that maybe he should’ve kept it!

Rod joked, “It sounds like I should trade in the FJR.” Er, no, it’s not that good!

Russell, who recently bought a late-model 2nd-hand Suzuki GSX1400, wrote, “I have only had mine about a month but I can’t fault it or see where it could be improved. The gearing is what I like most. Use 5th as top most of the time then if you hit the expressway, find 6th and it just lopes along...no stress on the bike or the rider.” Yes, I think that’s the way to ride it – treat it as a 5-speed with overdrive for use on expressways. Problem (if it could be called that!) solved!

Ivor had a comment along the same sort of lines regarding the gearing. He said, "Reading your report on the Suzuki, and comparing it to other bikes, it appears that the GSX in 5th is about the same as other bikes in top. So if you treat 5th as top, and just use 6th when you get to the wide-opens, that'd make it the same as lower-geared bikes wouldn't it? That'd be my approach; I like high-gearing. If you're in top gear you can always change down, but you can't change up!" Actually, the issue of gearing is not quite that simple, but I do agree; as I've said, I like high gearing, and as I said in the test, if I owned the bike, I think I'd prefer it that way.

Rod sent me this link to the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Centre’s web-site. It details a couple of ways of lifting a motorbike from having fallen on its side. (Apart from phoning someone with a crane!). Good information that you hope you won’t have to use! Print it off and keep it on your bike somewhere. There’s lots of other useful tips on the site too. Thanks Rod.

Michael wrote with an addition to the story of his Aprilia Scarabeo. He writes, “I will be putting the scooter to the test in November when I'm planning to ride to the Scooter Rally at Boreen Point, on the Sunshine Coast.” That’s a round trip of well over 5,000km from his home just south of Hobart!

Gary has a scooter too; a Yamaha T-Max, which he describes as being similar to the Burgman; “lighter, sportier, but not as plush.” He says his experiences on the T-Max are similar to Keith’s on his Burgman; and that he often surprises riders on “normal” bikes, “Especially on wet twisty uphill country roads. I invariably reply that I am actually a very conservative rider, and that any apparent riding talent lies firmly in my very capable steed. As Keith has discovered, the CVT auto is a great safety feature!”

Now this is a bike and side-car!

There were a couple of other shots of this rig, but none of the whole of the other side. But it appears to have just one wheel on the other side. There is a door, and two sculptured seats inside.

“Noice!” As Kath would say! (Even if it does look a bit like theresult of a collision between a bike and a Ferrari!)

Thanks to Rod for sending this in.

Aussie and I were discussing some of the things that happened to bikes back in the 1980s. He wrote, “The rally scene was huge in the early '80s and what some blokes put their sickles through when they were pissed is incredible. Most destructive I saw was a K2 750 Honda chained back to back with a 650 Kwaka. They proceeded with a tug of war. Tortured engines howled into the night as the motorcycles virtually vanished in a cloud of tyre smoke. The headers on both positively glowed bright orange. It seemed to last forever until another cloud of smoke blasted from the Honda pipes before it shut down.” Amazing! I've heard of people having that tug-of-war with bikes - never seen it though! Alcohol fuels some incredible stupidity doesn't it! (Well, you'd assume they were drunk, surely they wouldn't do that sober!!). Great story anyway! There should be a special section for "The Incredible Things Some Idiots Do To Their Bikes"!

Jon (who wrote about his Yamaha XJ900) sent us this hello. “Greeting from sunny, hot, Seattle Washington, USA. It’s a big national holiday for us.....lots of fireworks, barbeques and family fun. All the best to our friends in Australia.” Thanks Jon – it’s great to hear from one of our international readers!

Brian is currently traveling around Australia, and wrote to tell me of this progress. “We are presently in Broome having ridden this far following the coast as close as possible, traveling clockwise. The bike (Yamaha FJR1300 - Elwyn) is great and the trailer has behaved except for wearing out one set of tyres, and getting one flat tyre about 350kms from Broome. On a good day I am getting about 15kms/litre and on a great day about 12.” Hope you have lots more great days!

Chris, who owns a 1993 Harley Eletraglide, wrote in response to my test of the Harley XR1200. I thought his comments were deserving of more than just an inclusion here, so I’ve added them as a “Second Opinion” on the bottom of the test. Even though he disagreed with me! Well, actually he agreed with what I wrote about the XR1200, but not my somewhat disparaging comments on other Harleys I’ve ridden. Go to the test and have a read of what he says. But I’ll quote part of what he says here. He says, “I'm afraid I don't share your feelings about other Harleys, but then Harleys have always been more a state of mind and tend to suffer when examined objectively against other bikes.” In one way that validates what I've written about Harleys – because I am commenting on them more objectively, and in comparison to other bikes. His point though, and it’s probably a very valid one, is that we should look at them for what they are. Anyway, read the comments I’ve quoted on the bottom of the test-report.

Steve wrote about replacing tyres on his Honda VFR800. He described the process. "I had a look at your article about tyre selection etc as a starting point. I found the helpful Michelin site you mentioned, and also a very good one for Bridgestone (I want to keep the same brand front & rear). Have a look at http://mc.bridgestone.co.jp/en/index3.html. The products page has on-road link, and also a link to bike specific selections (by OEM). This takes you to a huge spreadsheet which lists the original tyre model fitted, as well as their recommendations for race or sport or touring. All very helpful info for a novice like me." Seems like a good site! And just the sort of thing we need. As I said in that article, there is a lack of good information and advice around when it comes to tyres.

This should probably go in the "Me And My Bike" section; although Daryl is sending in another story for that one. In the meantime he sent in this photo of another bike he owns; a 1980 Yamaha XS650. He says, "I bought it as a basket case in Feb 2007, and built it as a Street Tracker ( US flat track style)." Did a great job, didn't he!

I've always liked the XS650. It was kind of Yamaha's copy of Triumph; looked good and went pretty well too.

Jens, who told us the story of his motorcycling and his current bike, an early ‘80s Yamaha XJ900, is thinking of selling his bike. (Click here to go to the story and see the photos of the bike).  He explains, “I have problems keeping it. I live in Balmain Sydney and there is virtually no safe parking, and we have no garage.” He says he’ll be happy with around $2,000. If you’re interested, you can contact him on 0411 456 786. He says that once the Yammie goes he’s thinking of getting a scooter; which, as you’ll know if you’ve read his story, is a form of motorcycling he has enjoyed in the past. If I had the spare cash I'd consider buying this myself! They are held in such high regard that it'd be good to won one. (Click here for the story of how a journo took one on an 18,000km trip across Europe).

Tony wrote to tell me of the latest addition to his Suzuki Bandit. It is a sheepskin seat-cover. He says, “It only covers the rider’s seat as I very rarely carry a pillion. I also wanted to be able to remove it if it started raining whilst I was out riding; so it can be removed in about two minutes and stuffed in the front of your jacket to help keep you warm!” I have the same sort of thing on my bike – but I hadn’t thought of shoving it down the jacket! Could be a good idea! Most of these pads only cover the top surface of the seat, but Tony says he had it made to cover the sides too because (as I mentioned in my original test) the seat is a bit narrow at the front. So this improves the shape of the seat as well as the softness. He said it cost $70, which seems a very good price. You can find details of the guy who made it in this yellow-pages link. http://www.yellowpages.com.au/bi/ewe-neek-sheepskins-bendigo-vic-4898897.html

Russell, who I mentioned in the article owns a Suzuki GSX1400, wrote in response to the Big Bore Nakeds comparison to say that he, of course, agrees with my choice. He added, “I think if you can find a bike that satisfies your need for speed or comfort or pose value or street cred, then that is the bike for you. Whether a 250 cc Honda or a 2300cc Rocket; if it pushes your buttons that is the bike.” Wise words indeed!

Tim, who I also mentioned in the Big Bore Nakeds comparo, wrote in too. He said, “Loved your write up on the big bore nakeds.” Then, with a smile, added, “I’m not biased but I’ll have to agree with you on your decision.” Yeah, I thought he probably would!

Ivor took a different view. He wrote, “Hang on, you say that of the two ‘finalists’, the Yamaha feels more sporty, it has the best suspension, the best handling, the best brakes, but the Suzuki wins? Sounds to me like a win for the Yamaha! Does the Suzuki get it just for the seat and the low price?” Well, when you put it like that …! I did say they were close! And yes, I must admit that, weighing up the pros and cons, I was tempted to give it to the Yamaha; but the fact that they are so equal, and each score some points over the other, makes the price a big factor. So the price is the final decider. (And yes, that seat is good!). And the fact is that in each area where one is better than the other, the other is not bad in that area anyway. So I’m happy with my choice of the Suzuki. But as I said, I’m also happy to own the Yamaha. 

Rod wrote, “It wasn't much of a surprise that you thought the Suzuki was the best of those tested. They are probably the most realistically priced bike on the Australian market in my opinion.” Suzukis in general are very well-priced – the Bandit is an absolute bargain!

Jon, who lives in the U.S. wrote, “Sadly we can only dream of bikes like these!” Apart from the Harley, (and it was introduced in Europe before the U.S.), of the big-bore nakeds featured in the comparison, only the Bandit is available in the States. That was surprising; in the land where they like their vehicles big (the best selling vehicle for many years was a truck!), the GSX1400, XJR1300, and Moto Morini are all unavailable. 

Aaron is currently riding around the southern parts of this great land, and had just ridden The Great Ocean Road. His verdict? “Totally Awesome Ride!”

Aussie wrote in response to Tony’s sheepskin seat cover. He writes, “My advice is, don't remove it ever. The cover on my sickle is my third one in twenty eight years. Vinyl seats eventually harden and crack with age and are more expensive to replace than sheepskins. My Suzuki seat is original and as new. Not only does the skin protect it from damaging ultra-violets, but the natural grease keeps it supple and prevents water from leaking through to the seat base which, being metal, (in older bikes at least) eventually rust out. If standing in rain or after a wash, a quick rub over with a small towel or chamois will have the skin dry enough so it doesn't soak through to ya jocks.” Some good advice there – and proven by having used them for 28 years

Russ wrote in response to the Bonneville test. It brought back memories. He said his first bike experiences were Triumph and BSA. He said a mate of his has a Thruxton and loves it.

Michael also wrote in response to the Bonneville test. He has been considering trading in his Aprilia scooter on a Bonnie. He wrote, “Have only sat on one and not test ridden, but on first impression the seating didn't feel planky.” I first heard the exact words (“like a plank”) from an owner. And then read other reports of it being hard. Then when I sat on it, I agreed! He questions the need for a tacho, and notes the difference in price between the basic model and the SE. “When you analyse it carefully all you really get, apart from the tacho, are peripherals – two-tone paint, insigna and a bit of chrome. I’m thinking of getting the straight white, at $13,800 ride away.” Yes, going with the basic model is probably a good choice. Tachos, I must say though, are something I like; just so that I can see what the motor is doing. And I’ve fitted them to cars that didn’t have one. Also, with the easy-revving nature of the Bonnie twin it might be easier to reach the (fairly low) red-line than it would be on some other bikes. But, apart from that, (and after-market tachos are available, anyway), the base model is probably a good choice.

Gary wrote in response to the item in my Blog about using the combination of speedo and tacho reading as a rough check on tyre-pressures. He wrote, “I am almost 58, have been riding since 1971 – and this is the first I have ever heard of this one!” I'm not sure where I got the tyre-pressure thing from, whether I read it somewhere, or worked it out, or noticed it. But it makes sense. If a tyre is significantly down on pressure, the rolling-circumference is smaller, so it rotates faster for any given road-speed. If it's the front wheel, then it causes the speedo (if it's driven off the front wheel!) to read faster than the actual speed. If it's the back wheel, then the revs will be higher than they should be for any given road speed. Of course the tyre has to be significantly down on pressure, and the difference in the comparative reading on speedo and tacho will only be slight, so you have to have an exact reference point, not just a rough one. It could also be argued that if a tyre was under-inflated enough to make a difference then you should / would be able to feel it in the bike's handling anyway. And if both tyres were under-inflated to the same extent then it would not alert you to the situation. So it’s just a rough check, and it’s not meant to replace checking properly with a tyre-gauge, but it's worth doing, and makes sure that one

A reader on the Ratbag web-site, who goes by the handle of “Old Bloke” (What? There are two of us?) wrote, “I have the older 790cc carbie Bonnie and haven't ridden the newer ones, but honestly don't think I want one anyway from what I've read by you and others. The hard seat is a put off. The mag wheels and black engine are moves further away from the early bonnie look as far as I am concerned.”

Shane gave me a link to On The Throttle. There’s some interesting styuff here, the most interesting of which is a section called “How To”, which has videos showing you how to perform certain tasks on a bike. And the most interesting of those is one on suspension set-up. Click the link here, and then click the one called “Setting Sag”. It’s more than just setting sag though, it deals with all the common adjustments, including preload, and compression and rebound damping.  

Barry sent in a photo of his new Bandit. He had just picked it up. He says it is very quiet, but thinks it’ll “be a goer” when it’s run-in.

The luggage? Yes, looks a lot doesn’t it! Barry explains, “The luggage is for going places and shopping – I don't own a car.”

Peter wrote to tell me of a rather serious problem he had with his 2002 Yamaha XJR1300. “On a recent ‘Round Oz’ adventure I snapped the sub-frame on both sides just behind the shock absorber mounts. It could have been a bigger disaster that it was. While I didn't think I was overloaded, there can be no other cause.” He wrote this as a warning for me - knowing I had the same type of bike.

He had the bike repaired, and then traded it in on a Honda ST1300. You can read the full story at his Blog,. Also, I will be doing a short article about his trip, with a link to the Blog too. So check under Reader’s Rides soon.

Rod was surprised to read about the cracked sub frame on the XJR, although, he says, “It is not an uncommon fault across many motorcycles. When touring I keep my top-box loaded with light gear to prevent any damage.” Yes, good advice! The amount of luggage didn’t appear to be too extreme, but there may have been some heavy stuff inside. Still, when you consider that a bike could be carrying a pillion and luggage, having the frame break from just luggage was a bit of a worry!

Rod also commented on Steve’s Borneo Trip; and in particular on his tips regarding checking the abilities of other riders on the trip. He says, “Checking the riding abilities of other tour participants is not viable in my opinion. Pick any three motorcycle riders and there would be some difference in their riding ability regardless of experience. On the tours I have done (and he’s done a few!) there has always been a vast difference in rider’s abilities.” He’s probably right; although the tours he has been on have been larger – more people – than the one Steve went on in Borneo. Maybe it's the degree of difference that's the issue to watch. Neil has much more experience on the dirt than Steve, but the difference between them wasn’t a problem. The guy who went on the harder ride and kept dropping his bike was!

Aussie sent in these photos of a Lamborghini pulling a trailer with a bike on it. As he says, “Ever seen a Lambos with a tow-bar?”

Anyway, the bike is badged as a Lamborghini too! Looks suspiciously like a custom Harley doesn’t it! Well, a close-up of the motor does. The engine is all chrome and looks pretty swish; especially with its intake horns and cut-off exhausts. It’s probably not street-legal, which is why it’s on a trailer. Interesting anyway! Thanks, Aussie!

And the weird bikes keep on coming! Rod sent this one in. Yep, that’s a plane engine sitting in the chopper frame! The seat looks so low, and the frame / fuel tank so high, I’m wondering if the rider would be able to see over the top of it? I suppose it doesn’t matter, these things are for show, not for go. Fascinating concept though!

Thanks for sending it in for us, Rod.

Steve (of Around Australia and Riding In Borneo fame), has added a top-box to his trusty Suzuki DR650. I’d reckon there wouldn't be too many DRs around with a top-box. Just guessing, but I’d reckon not. Looks good though, I reckon!

They are very practical, and as Steve does tend to take a lot of stuff when he travels (see my Touring story!), the top-box should be a useful addition.

Barry has been putting some kms under the wheels of the new Bandit. (See the item above).

He’s obviously been taking it to some very pretty locations, and with a very pretty pillion too!

Glad to see you’re enjoying the new bike Barry. Thanks for the photo.

Rod has sent in another one. Where do you find these weird bikes, Rod? I’m not sure what this is made of, but the “training-wheels” sure look necessary!

This should probably be a caption-competition. I reckon the guy on the big bike is probably looking down at the other guy and saying, “That’s not a bike … this is a bike!”

Paul, who recently traded his Goldwing (and a Honda Hornet) on a Suzuki GSX1400, wrote in response to my dropping the bike and said, “Your slow moving tumble was the very thing that was always in the back of my mind when I had the Goldwing. At approx 400 kg, and with a pillion on the back, it would have taken a fair bit of effort to lift it back up.” A fair bit of effort – by a crane, I would suggest! Paul suggested that “a nice glass of red wine for medicinal purposes may be called for” I like that suggestion!

Steve wrote telling me about his BMW F800ST, but concluded with these words, which he says is his motto for riding. “Ride as though you're invisible, not invincible.” That’s a great approach to safety! A good motto for us all to bear in mind. Thanks Steve.

Aussie wrote in response to the story involving the cracked sub-frame on the Yamaha XJR. (See the photo and brief details above on this page). He wrote, “In 1982 I was having a Gearsack fitted when a bloke rode up on a GPZ 1100 Kwaka. His Gearsack having been heavily loaded, had bent the rear so badly that his 'Sack frame was resting on the ducktail! I was quite alarmed and kept a very close watch on my Suzuki in following months. I need never have worried. My sickle was built tough! The attached photos show the length of triangular 18mm thick gussets on the Suzuki. The Gearsack frame is original 1982."

Where do you people find these? Keith sent in this photo after seeing the one above that Rod sent in that used an aeroplane engine. The bike is a Verdel, and was apparently produced around 1912. One source I saw reported it being made in France, while another story I read claimed it was built in England.

For some more on aeroplane-engined bikes, look under my Blog section, in November.

You might have read about Tim's Suzuki GSX1400 in the "Me And My Bike" section (click here if you haven't), well, during the winter months (Tim lives in Tasmania), Tim's been busy doing a few mods to the bike - in particular, having the wheels polished. There are, as you can see, some other mods; including the anodised oil-cooler grille, with matching levers and grips. The flat bars came with the bike when he bought it.

Even if you have read the article on him buying it, just go back and have a look at the photo of the bike then and compare it to this. I reckon this looks great! The polished rims against the red spokes etc look fabulous!

Tony wrote to tell me he’d been on a trip around the Grampian Ranges in Victoria.

He had a couple of other people with him; one on a Honda CB1000F and the other on a new Harley 883 Iron. He writes, “The weather was perfect, had some good company and it was a fantastic ride, should be more of it!” Yes indeed! The scenery looks spectacular too!

Chris sent me a link to this fabulous video of Italian police stunt-riders performing a display sometime during the 1950s. Click here to have a look. Chris asked if anyone could identify the bikes?

Chris had his own theory on what the bikes might’ve been. He writes, “Whatever they are, I doubt if they're Italian as I didn't see any break down during the display! Which means they weren't British either being the fifties. Kind of narrows it down to good old reliable BMWs doesn't it?” Ha, ha, he’s probably right!

Ross wrote in to say that he'd been for a ride on the new Honda Fury. Together with Triumph's Thunderbird (and perhaps Honda's VRFR1200), this must be one of the most-anticipated bikes to arrive in our country. I haven't even seen one, but Ross has been for a ride. He writes, "Nice bike. The long front end is something new to me, but a few kays and I was fine. Great brakes good power top finish. The road we went on was smooth, no pot holes, so I can't say what it would be like on a bad road." Yes, I doubt the ride on a rough road would be anything too special, but the bike certainly has style! Thanks for the report, Ross.

Rod sent me this link to a university research that was conducted into motorcycling behavior. According to the article, the research “aimed to investigate how various motorcycle riding behaviors (speeding, stunting, control errors, traffic errors and the use or nonuse of safety equipment) were related to accident involvement and the personality characteristic of psychological desire for control.” Still with us? Okay, well apparently they surveyed 766 riders (hardly a huge sample!), with ages ranging from 17 to 75. Distances traveled each year ranged from 2km (yes, 2km!) to 108,000km. There were some interesting findings. According to their research, people with “a greater desire for control” had a higher level of speeding violations, but were involved in fewer accidents. Their conclusion is interesting. “We speculate that riders with higher desire for control are engaging in more speeding and stunting in order to test the limits of themselves and their bikes, improve their skills, and become safer riders. They then may have fewer traffic and control errors because their riskier riding has led to them becoming more skilful and safer on the roads.” I think I’ll try that if I’m pulled over by the police for speeding. “No, really officer, I’m training to be a safer more skillful rider!

Steve wrote to tell me that another well-loved biker's road is about to be, in his words, "castrated." Those readers familiar with the Sydney area will remember the old highway north of Sydney, which used to be a popular biking road until they slapped a 60kph speed limit on it, and enforced it pretty vigorously with active policing. Well, the "Nanny State" as Steve aptly describes it, is about to strike again. The Royal National Park, to the south of Sydney, and a famously well-loved biker's road, is about to go the same way, with the southern section, from the Waterfall link road south, being restricted to 60kph. (Most of it is presently limited to 80kph). Okay, there are some who treat it as a race-track, but it's certainly safe for speeds well above 60kph! Steve sums it up very well, "This is a good road, bit choppy in places, but not at all dangerous at the current speed limits.  Another nice run on the bike will be sanitised so it is no longer enjoyable."

Steve wrote in with details of the Toy Run in Newcastle. A bit bigger than the one I went on! (See item in December in my Blog). He said there were 5,000 bikes on the run. Yep, 5,000! His wife was watching them pass by and she said it took 37 minutes for the bikes to pass. And they all stay together too; all intersections are blocked off until the procession passes. It’s an incredible number! Where do they meet? Or, more to the point, how do they all meet? The logistics of that many bikes boggles the mind! (Well, my mind anyway, which is probably easily boggled!).

Gary wrote in response to my article on Downhill Terror. He said that he, too, had done a few silly things in his time. “At age 20 riding my new Suzuki 500 Titan into the side of a U-turning car - a nice (also new) Rolls Royce Silver Shadow! The next year, getting the same bike hopelessly stuck on a steep track in the Walhalla cemetery; couldn't go forwards, backwards or turn around. It would possibly still be there had it not been picked up and carried out by some fellow riders. Toe-curlingly embarrassing!” I know what you mean! Gary rides a Yamaha scooter, and commented that had I been riding a scooter on my “downhill-terror” thing, I wouldn’t have got into trouble. It’s a good point! On a scooter I could've plonked my feet on the ground, and still been able to operate the back brake!

A reader,Jens, was in New York at Christmas, and sent his greetings. He wrote, “Greetings from New York City with swirling snow and minus 10. Horrible because of the windchill factor. There are no bikes to be seen in Manhattan except a lone Harley sitting in a side street covered in snow and ice. I look forward to being back in OZ. Happy and safe New Year to all.” Yes, makes you glad to be in Australia, doesn’t it!

Ivor wrote in response to the mention in the Blog section about the pressure-indicator valve-caps. He agreed with me in being hesitant about using them to keep the air in instead of the actual valve, but had a further suggestion. “Maybe they could be used instead of a tyre-gauge? Getting a gauge in at the vales is often a tricky procedure, but if you just screwed these caps on to use as a check, and then replaced them with normal caps to ride, it could be easier than using a gauge.” Yes, a good suggestion. Although I wonder about their accuracy – or more correctly, tolerance. The pressure varies in a tyre from when it’s cold to when it’s hot, so presumably, they must be set to a range of pressures to accommodate this. For example, if the correct pressure is 36 when cold, the tyre might go to 38 when hot. So it’d have to be set to indicate correct pressure at, using this example, 38. So it would also indicate correct pressure if the tyre was over-inflated by this amount when it was cold. I think I’ll stick to the gauge!

Steve wrote in response to the question about gear-shift patterns. He writes, “If you really want to frighten that bloke who's complaining about gearshift patterns remind him about Bridgestone bikes from the late '60s and their Rotary pattern. One more up-shift from top and you were back in first! Great fun when you were doing 70kph on a 90cc bike at the time. Quick reflexes on the clutch hand were essential. If ever a bike needed a gear position indicator the Bridgestone was it.” I reckon! I do vaguely remember something about bikes with rotary shift-patterns, but had forgotten about them; and wouldn’t have known the brand. Imagine it – straight from top back to 1st! Youch!