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, doesn't take too much to get there; and I have now split the year in two, so I'll start a new page every 6 months. For the previous feedback page, just click the button down the bottom of the page.Over previous pages you probably noticed I’ve been experimenting with fonts; I tried to use a different font, and put it in bold, to make what you wrote stand out. Last year I (unintentionally!) changed the font half way through the year. (And in the process, made it worse!). This year I’ve decided to just use the normal font, and not put it in bold. I'll still put bits in bold to highlight them, but the rest of the comment will be in normal font. I think it’s easier to read like that. I’ve also decided to divide the page into months – it’s easier to find your way around the page that way. Anyway let’s get to it!
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JULY 2011
Paul found a good use for one of our “Useful Proucts”. He wrote, “Following your Useful Products article, I purchased some Vuplex as I have some scratches on the fairing where I ‘cleaned’ it with those steel wool soap pads after cleaning the aluminium engine bits. Oh dear did I say steel wool on a plastic fairing...ahhh!” (That does sound nasty! Elwyn). “Anyway I have been trying every plastic cleaner / polish under the sun to polish scratches out and Vuplex has done the best job to date.” Thanks Paul, I didn’t know it was good for removing those sort of scratches. Well done! It’s so easy to do isn’t it, you’re holding something to clean one part and automatically swap to the next part of the bike with the same cleaning item. Glad you got it (almost) repaired. And some good info for our readers on the usefulness of this product. Dave wrote in to say that he enjoyed the article on Classic Bikes. “I have heard it said often that buying and restoring these old bikes is just an attempt by us old guys to relive our youth. (As if there's something wrong with that!). Usually this type of criticism comes from wives (or, worse, wive's girlfriends). ‘Oh, he's having a mid-life crisis, just try to ignore him.”’ Dave asks us to indulge him while he gives his response. I love this… “First, this stuff usually comes from people who seem to have a minimum of 300 pairs of shoes in the cupboard. (No problem – I have 2 bikes, you have 300 pairs of shoes!). Secondly, I gave up my selfish dreams of buying, riding and loving motorcycles when I was twenty for the, apparently, foolish pursuit of family security, home-ownership and fat superannuation fund. Which of course are now all the property of the shoe-owner! After stupidly depriving myself of all the things I valued in my youth and spending 80 hours a week ensuring security and comfort for partner and offspring I now find myself with grown-up children and no mortgage. ‘Wow!’, thinks I, this would be a good time to buy that bike of my dreams, you know, the one I had pictures of on the wall at 16 and fantasised about owning and polishing. In my case a BMW R90/6. Found one (basket case-wouldn’t run) and spent man-years in the shed fixing it up. I'm sure if the shoe-owner found out what I'd spent on it, she'd re-marry me just so she could divorce me again! My advice to potential classic bike owners is, go ahead. I can’t describe the joy and fundamental happiness I get from taking the old girl out for a ride on a nice day. 'I'm not an old bloke- I'm 20! And I'm finally doing what I want, not what I should.’ I don’t know about other states but in NSW we have historic registration. Instead of the $500+ it was costing to register my BM it is only $52- per year to reg the (Pre 1981) bike. Comprehensive insurance is around $60 per year! And now, when my talent falls short of my skill, I get to restore it all over again. Win-win!” Yes, the world of classic bikes is good fun! I wish I had one. Steve wrote about the Putty Road; a well-loved bikers road north-west of Sydney heading into the New England region. There used to be a well-loved servo / roadhouse about half way along, but it burnt down a few year ago. Well now there is a new one. “The Grey Gums Cafe is totally new and appears to have nothing to do with the old Half Way place. The old Half Way Servo / Cafe is still there but, after being re-built, it now sells large sculptures and stuff and no longer sells fuel. The Grey Gums is definitely worth checking out.” Thanks for the tip. Dave will like this! (As do I!). Rod sent in this link to a classic bike display; some lovely machines there!Geoffrey wrote in response to my test of the Yamaha XJ6. He also had a test-ride (at the same venue, on the same day) and had this to say: “I agree, it is a very good bike. It is so neutral, so easy to ride and just does everything without any effort at all.” Yes, it's a good thing.Another one from Rod. This link is to the results of a survey conducted in the ACT on the effect of riding gear in crashes. The results might be, to coin a phrase, “stating the bleedin’ obvious”, but some of the statistics are interesting. As Rod says, it’s a good argument for ATGATT – “All The Gear All The Time”. Paul supplied a link to the web-site of the Grey Gum Café, the new café that is established along the Putty Rd. which runs north-east of Sydney. (See item above). Go to www.greygumcafe.com.au. Noel writes that he has been there a few times and says it is, “Excellent. And good coffee too!” I wish I lived closer to it! 
Lindsay sent in some pics of their new Victory. Nice looking bike! Big, but nice! (Check out the arm-rests for the pillion!). 
Paul sent in this pic of a classic Norton he spied while out on a ride. Great looking bike! Love those old classic Brit bikes!Paul recently took a Triumph Thruxton for a ride. It was a 2009 model. Here are his thoughts. “The triumph feels small for a 900 and you do sit lower to the ground (maybe I am used to the height of my V-Strom). The Triumph motor is quite responsive and smooth, as is the gearbox. The bike was enjoyable to ride and certainly looks good. The little things that I take for granted on the V-Strom that wasn't on the Thruxton, ie: fuel gauge, temp gauge and a lockable fuel cap. Also the indicator alert light under the speedo and rev counter was a little bit hard to see and the indicator switch felt small and it made me feel as though I hadn't engaged the indicator. Even though these are only minor points I did like the Triumph.” Thanks for the comments, Paul. Oh, and Paul says he only had a ride on the Triumph out of curiosity – he’s keeping his V-Strom. Patrick wrote in response to the link to the survey on the effect of proper gear in crashes. (See above). He agrees with the concept of “ATGATT”! He has some recommendations to pass on too. “In June I bought a pair of armoured leather pants from these people on ebay last month. http://stores.ebay.com.au/Oz-Outlet?_trksid=p4340.l2563. At $129 they are a teriffic buy - nice fit, plenty of armour and softened up nicely after just a few rides. I think they are made in Pakistan. (Really prompt delivery too). I'm so impressed that I'm tempted by their matching leather jacket. Currently I wear one of two textiles. Can I put in a +++ also for Rossi boots if anyone is in the market. Made in Australia, quality products. I sound like a salesperson!” Thanks for the recommendation, Patrick.Another comment on riding gear by Patrick. He notes that there isn’t a lot of information about on what items are CE-approved and what aren’t. Yes, it’s on the label, but you’ve got to look pretty closely and often it isn’t something the shops focus on. He writes, “When we think of all the Australian Standards applicable in so many other product areas, such as work safety gear and car safety belts and bike helmets, it's a bit of a mystery to me as to why motorcycle protective gear in general doesn't attract the same attention.” This topic has been debated a bit in the motorcycle press, and I know that the more laws and restrictions we place on our riding the more we dip into the advance of the “nanny-state”, but Patrick has a good point.Rod sent in this link to an article on speed-cameras in NSW. Apparently more than a quarter of them are currently turned off and will be pulled down. It’s an interesting article. I especially like the bit where they say that speed cameras were never intended as revenue-raising. Yeah, right!AUGUST 2011.
Peter returned to riding after an absence of about 20 years. He writes, “When I bought this bike the first thing I did was go and find the local riding instructor and book three hours with him for a one-on-one review of my riding and any bad habits I brought with me from the first time around.” That’s a great idea! The usual recommendation is to attend a training day, but that is not always practical. A great alternative is to do some one-on-one sessions with an instructor – a very wise move; and one that requires some humility to allow yourself to be assessed by an instructor. But a great way to be made aware of any “bad habits”, and try to overcome them. Martin wrote in response to the article on Draggin Jeans. He wrote, “I have Draggins and another make which I never really liked anyway. What would be even more interesting is what other leg wear is available at around $400 and how it compares with Draggins C-Evo in terms of safety and comfort. Also, whether the company have tested alternative materials against their product and not just against competitors of jean types. Can we increase the non skin friction times with other alternatives?” Some interesting points there, Martin, and so I’ve also put this on the Questions page. To briefly answer, (look at the Questions page for more detail) I doubt that they have compared their jeans to different types of pants, because they really are in a different market. But it's a valid point none the less. My thoughts are that if you aren't looking for jeans in particular, you could get as much protection – or more – by buying leathers in particular, or perhaps even a good pair of textile motorcycle pants. (Now, go to the Questions page for more on this). Paul writes that the article was, “Just in time for Fathers Day, so I will request a pair of these Motorcyclist’s Personal Protection Equipment and hopefully never have to test them ... draggin along the road! But what about wearing them in summer, they seem much hotter and heavier (at 2kg) than the current ones I have had for many years. This is also the selling point for many other brands of Kevlar as the salesmen tell you. I just weighed my current one on kitchen scales and they are 1.1kg; so new ones are double that. Could get complaint from wife when washing/drying/ironing etc And where do you have a heavy duty coat hanger? Also, if Kevlar does not like sunshine (mine are very faded also) should we only ride on cloudy days?” Yes, as I mentioned in the article, I think I'll be going back to the standard Draggins for summer riding. The new ones are nice and warm now, but when it's 30 degrees ... I don't think so! And yes, they would put a strain on the usual cheapie wire coat-hangers! I hang all my riding gear on wooden hangers. My wife hasn't washed the new ones yet, but if you add the weight of water to the 2kg they weigh dry ... I reckon I'll be getting some complains there too! The Kevlar is the yellow lining inside – that’s the bit that doesn't like sunlight! So they say not to hang them in the sun with the inner lining exposed to the sun. The fading of the denim is just what denim does, nothing to do with the Kevlar. Good luck with Fathers Day!Bruce wrote in response to the Draggin Jeans article too. “It’s a clear view that about 90% of riders don’t wear any significant protection on their legs between the hips and the upper ankle; boots only go so high and some padded trousers only offer limited amounts of protection from abrasion.” He had a serious accident a while ago and says he now is “fully armed (legged) now.” Ivor was impressed by the testing process – and results – of the Draggin Jeans. “That video that shows the jeans being tested was impressive. Grinding them away until they disintegrated and forcing pressure on the seams until they burst, and so on. And the results that showed in the graph make for interesting reading! The worst of the bike jeans only lasted .2 of a second?! Something about ‘You get what you pay for’ I suppose. I’ve been wearing Draggins for a long time also, and makes me glad I am. The new ones are obviously better, but the price is going to be a killer; especially if you’ve got a pillion. $800 to equip yourself and your wife with riding jeans might be a tough call.” Yes, as I said in the article, the big hurdle is always going to be the price. But then if you do have an “off” and benefit from their extra protection, you’ll probably be glad you paid the extra. Rod said that he had been in a big motorcycle gear discount shop, and was talking to a salesman he knew well and who he trusted to give him good advice. He asked the salesman about jeans. The shop sold various brands, including Draggins, but the Draggins were a lot more expensive, of course. So he asked the salesman, "If you were buying jeans for yourself, considering price and safety, what would you buy?" The salesman answered most emphatically, "Draggin Jeans!" There were a few comments about the Draggin Jeans article saying it was a “great report,” “very thorough,” “informative” and so on. Thank you all for the kind words. I really do appreciate the feedback. These reports take a while to do, and end up being quite long, so I’m glad you get something out of them. A couple of people were wondering if I’d got them for nothing – or assumed I had. Most products submitted by manufacturers or wholesalers for these types of reviews are provided free. But I didn’t get these for free – I paid for them; although I was given a very substantial discount. But that’s not why they get a positive write-up. It’s more the other way around; I’ll only do a review like this on products that I’m pretty sure will get a good result. But I’m still honest in what I write about them.Great to hear from Bruce, who had a serious accident some time ago. (Read the story here). He's back on a bike again - yes, another Yamaha XJR1300. He's made a couple of mods to it, just to sharpen up the feel of it really. He writes, "Anyone who says they need more power has a serious mental problem!" Yes, I agree. More power might be exciting but where could you use it? Only at a track. And Bruce has taken the big Yammie on a track too! Really good to see you back in the saddle, Bruce!Peter wrote about the Draggin Jeans article too. He says he likes the idea of the new Draggin Jeans and will buy a pair when he can. But, especially being on a pension, he finds the cost of good gear very high. He says that it is worth paying the high cost to protect yourself, but the money is a problem. He also found some shops don’t have Draggins, or if they do, they don’t have his size. “Earlier this year I tried to buy a new pair of Draggins and went to two big motorbike dealerships in Brisbane and both were pushing this new brand to me called Hornee. Anyway I bought a pair and they are great fitting and lovely to ride in, however I now just wonder how much protection they will give me if I ever hit the bitumen. I think very little indeed, which is a shame as the people selling the product swear that they are as good as Draggin and better than a lot of other brands. I do not intend in finding out mind you and hope I never have to!” I hope you don’t either, Peter! But yes, price is a problem when it comes to buying good gear. As I mentioned above, I didn't pay the full retail price for the C-Evos. Without the discount I got I would be in the same position as you, of knowing that your life, or well-being, is worth paying the big-bucks for, but having trouble finding the big-bucks to get it with. It's a real conundrum. Probably we all end up with some kind of compromise – between the level of protection we want and the money we have to spend on it. And then there is the question of comfort. Peter said he bought some leather riding pants, but the leather was so stiff he could hardly walk in them; and he found them very uncomfortable. Again it’s a compromise between what we are comfortable wearing and what we know protects us.Glenn wrote in response to the item on sales-figures of bikes in my Blog. In the Touring category a Harley took out top spot and I mentioned that I was “undecided” about whether Harleys qualified as tourers. Glen wrote to put me straight. “In regards to your entry about top selling tourers, the Harley Davidson you mention as the top seller is the FLSTC Heritage. I have one purchased new in 2008. It came standard with pillion back rest, large saddle bags and a detachable windscreen. It’s a long bike with plenty of room to move around on, it has a 96ci motor and a 6 speed gear box. In top gear at 140k's it is revving at 2750 rpm and has the torque to travel 2-up in top gear up hill and down all day. I have traveled 55,000K's in 3 years; twice from NSW south coast up through Queensland and back down the centre of Australia, I have been down through Victoria along the coast and up the Great Alpine Road; always 2-up and never had a problem with it. I would regard it as a ‘proper tourer’ and a bloody good one at that!” Sorry if I offended you, Glenn; that is never my intention! “Proper tourers” was probably a bad choice of words. What I was referring to was the type of bikes most people probably think of when thinking of touring bikes; like the ST1300, FJR1300, GTR1400. I think that many people, when they think of specialist touring bikes, think of bikes with full fairings and standard hard luggage; which the Harley doesn’t have. Having said that though, the FLSTC, which as you say was the bike that won that category, certainly sounds like a good touring bike to me! And you’ve proved that with the trips you’ve done over just 3 years. That’s a lot of the country, and a lot of kms under the wheels! Thanks for the comments. A bit more on a Harley. Aussie sent in this link to a video of an American motorcycle cop doing a demonstration of precision riding; yes, on a Harley, which they use over there. I’ve seen something like this before (if not the same one), but it’s worth watching again. I don’t think I could do what this bloke does even if I was on a Postie bike! The bike does scrape a lot, but it's leaning over a fair way. Very clever riding!SEPTEMBER 2011.
Rod sent in this link to an item on Gizmag. A test-rider has a very close call. Have a look at the video and read the description – including the comment on how the potential much more serious incident might have been reported!Bill wrote in response to the item on helmets. (My Blog, August 2011). He has had trouble getting a helmet to fit him – and some time ago wrote in to our Questions page about it. He says, “I still cannot get a helmet bigger than 2XL in this country. I have written to your good self, The Bear and others regarding this, including our inept poiticians. Result? I still have to go O/S to get a hat to fit, which makes it illegal for me to ride. Very bloddy frustrating!” Yes, frustrating and silly! Makes you wonder why the Australian government won’t recognise O/S standards? After all, the US is a country of, what, 260 million? And yet the standard that is set for anyone there is not acceptable to our country of 22 million or whatever our current population is. I wish there was something we could do for you.Peter also wrote in regarding the item on helmets. He mentioned that old myth about having to buy a new helmet if it fell off your bike in the driveway. He described how, when buying a new helmet, he decided to test the old one to see how true this old story was. “I threw it hard down on concrete a number of times, then using a sledge hammer I hit it very hard a number of times. Now I was expecting the helmet to shatter, but no, all it had on it was some bruising. Yes bruising and just a very small mark that might have been a slight indentation. I am talking here about a helmet that cost in the $100 mark, not hundreds of dollars. I looked all over the helmet and even put it back on it did up ok and all seemed right. No, I never used it again but it just shows that, as you mentioned, most helmets here as long as they have the true Australian codes etc are good value.” An interesting experiment, Peter! I’d be expecting some damage too, with it being hit with a sledgehammer! Nice to know our heads are protected by something that strong isn’t it.Thierry, who told us about his Yamaha TDM900 a while ago, wrote to me regarding Beowulf exhausts. He is very pleased with them, and reckons the sound is so good he doesn’t want to put the ear-plugs in!
He also has an MRA Vario spoiler on he windscreen, which he says, “works a treat”. The bike looks good, doesn’t it! And now it sounds good too!
Aussie sent in this photo of Casey Stoner leaning way over into a corner. Incredible lean-angles these things get! Aussie wasn’t impressed though. He says, “Gees, so what? I've leaned over far enough to scrape my shoulder before today!” But then adds that the bike was sliding down the road at the time! Yes, pretty incredible isn't it! I know the only way any of us would ever be leaning over that far was if we were in the process of falling off.
Barry sent me this photo of his latest Triumph – um, the bike that is, not the girls! Barry, how do you get them? (The girls, I mean, not the bike!). His bike is usually pictured with some nice-looking ladies accompanying it. Looks very nice, Barry. (Um, take that as applying to both the girls and the bike!). The girls are Karen and Loren. Oh, and the bike is a Triumph Speed Triple. OCTOBER 2011.
Have a look at this video of the start of a bike race. Nothing much happens for a while, but watch when it gets to about 50 seconds in from the start! Thanks to Rod for sending this in. Dave wrote in response to the article on the cost of riding. “Its very true and something I have often considered. I meet a bunch of blokes, all in their 50's and beyond, for a ride. Invariably, they meet at a cafe where huge meals are consumed over a period of an hour or more. Bacon, eggs, the full catastrophe. Then a kind of breakfast-dessert of muffins and more sweet, milky coffees. And at the lunch-stop the cycle repeats with pub meals of steak etc and beers. So, the point of my email is this is why we are all riding around on 1300+cc bikes. Because the “little” old 600s etc simply can’t cope with the 150kg fat-controllers anymore.” Ha, ha, yes, I think you might have something there Dave!The article on the cost of riding concerned the amount we spend at the time of the ride; it didn’t include running costs such as rego, insurance etc. But Martin drew attention to these in his comments. “The cost of riding did not include about $45 or more a month for fully comp. insurance (more for many people), maybe 2 tyres or more a year. Perhaps $1500-$2000 worth of riding gear. My last service was $650. My Sprint with all extras cost $17,000+ in early 2008, now I would be lucky to get $11,000.” Yes, when you add in those costs it really starts to look expensive! Den commented on the major expenses of owning a bike too. He reckons that if we can afford the bike we should be able to find a few dollars to ride it. “If we want to ride bad enough we will find a way. Anyway most bikes are cheaper to run than cars. The most exspense is in the rego, maintenance and insurance, so a cup of tea or capaccino plus a tank of petrol should not be too hard to find.” Well, provided it doesn’t get to be $100 each time we go out! The costs of rego and insurance etc are certainly the biggies when it comes to owning a bike, but the amount you spend on a day-to-day basis when you go out for a ride can be a factor that affects the family budget too, and needs to be watched. Hopefully the article detailed a few ways in which those costs can be minimised if necessary. Stray, from the UK, wrote in about the (un)repairable write-off I mentioned in my Blog (see October 8). He said, “In Japan many laws are designed to encourage the purchase of new cars – is that why you guys write off bikes for such superficial damage? Is it an insurance thing? This might discourage people from riding bikes because you have to buy a new one every time it falls over at the traffic lights. Truly, I feel for you guys in Oz. This is a hideous law and can only be based on some strange agenda.” Yes, a “hideous law” indeed! The write-off thing comes firstly from the insurance company and costs to return the bike to original. For example, if there are scratches on the engine fins, the only way to totally fix that is to replace the engine (or at least the block). That makes it an uneconomic proposition to repair, so it is written-off. For those who are happy to live with something fairly minor and cosmetic like that, then they used to be able to buy it from the insurance company (there were regular auctions held for such vehicles once upon a time) and do the necessary repairs, and just accepting the minor cosmetic stuff that was uneconomical to do. But now the law has changed. I think the motivation was that the authorities don't want dangerously damaged vehicles being patched up and put back on the road. The answer is to have a graded system such as described in the following comment. That sounds very sensible to me!Another response to the written-off bike from the UK. “In UK there are different categories of write-off. Basically Cat-A illegal to put back on road and all parts must be destroyed/scrapped. Cat-B illegal to put back on road but non structural components may be reused. Cat C&D are basically uneconomic repairs and so are easy to buy back off insurance and put back on road. This is the kind of thing that becomes a street-fighter.” That sounds like a very sensible way to do it. Maybe I should suggest it to the authorities!NOVEMBER 2011.
Paul had a couple of comments on the BMW K1300 test. He said, “It sounds like a great bike but why do the engineers always put smaller fuel tanks on larger bikes? Just curious how many kms from 19 litres the bike would get before the dreaded search for a fuel station began?” Good point. While the tank capacity isn’t a big issue for me, because I figure it isn't that far between petrol stations, it is inconvenient if you have to look for a servo when you're out on a ride. I suppose weight is one reason for the smaller size, especially on a sports-bike. A larger tank means more weight when it is full. (Although the K1300 is hardly a light-weight anyway!). How far would you get? With 19 litres, allowing for around 17kpl if you use it a bit (I'm just guessing), you'd be looking for a servo at around 270km, which might be a bit inconvenient. Paul went on to say, “I like the style of the BMW, modern looking without being all lopsided looking.” Yes, me too, Paul! Paul also commented that $26,000 seemed a lot for a bike. It is, and certainly more than I’d ever have to spend! Although there are a lot of bikes around at that sort of price, so obviously some people have money! Linda commented on the K1300S report too and said, “Isn't 120 a good high speed to have gotten up to? How much faster would you have wanted to go?” And jokingly called me a hoon! Well, yes, 120kph is fast enough; although the occasional quick burst to higher speeds is always fun! (So maybe I do have a certain hoon element!). I would’ve liked the opportunity to have been able to cruise at that sort of speed for a bit longer though – and given it a quick blast to higher than that – to give it a better test at the sort of speeds it is designed for. Which was what I meant by not having a chance to give it a decent run at high speed. Some people (the real hoons!) would want to go a lot faster for a lot longer, of course; although there aren’t many places where you can, legally.Michael, who has previously told us about his love-affair with Audrey, has bought a new bike – a Harley Sportster Super Low. He writes, “Though Harleys are known for their low tech status, this one has electronic ignition, electronic controlled throttle (no cable) automatic indicator switch turnoff (via lean angle sensor) and proxi "fob" electronic immobiliser /alarm system. It will only start if the fob is close to the bike and locks it up when away.” He took it for a good test-ride and found it very easy to ride. Actually the bike he bought was the demo model he rode – and he was the first and only person to ride it! A good deal, as he got the usual discount for a demo model, including a discount on some accessories he’s getting for it. Michael is from Tasmania and he did the ride and the deal at Richardson’s new Harley store in Hobart (see my Blog entry for November 10). He says he’s been wanting a Harley for a long time. He reckons he won’t get one of the “pudding-bowl” helmets though. Very wise, Michael!Bill wrote regarding the Grey Gums Café along the Putty Road (a well-loved biker’s road in NSW). On a recent visit there he noticed a petition on the counter. “Apparently the Singleton Council and R.T.A. have ordered the owners to close as they want the owners to install an ‘overtaking lane’ – at the owner’s expense – even though the owners have done a council / RTA hazard safety assessment which states that there is no need for one. The Half Way house (the former café that was there before this one) didn't have one when they were operating, the monastery just up the road doesn't have one nor do the several concealed driveways in the close vicinity have them. Could you ask all your readers to stop off at the Grey Gums, sign the petition and offer their support. If any of your readers live in the Singleton area please ask them to go to the council and have this stupid and expensive demand overturned.” Ah yes, the Ratbag Traffic Authority strikes again! (Or should that be “Rippoff Traffic Authority”?). As Bill says, the Putty Road needs a stop, revive, survive area – something that the RTA promotes! – and this, say all who have been there, is ideal.Wade has just come back from the annual Snowy Ride. Here is a photo of his and his father’s bikes parked outside a café in Cooma. The name of the place is the East End Café. 
It’s hard to see in the photo (because I’ve reduced it to an appropriate size for the page here), but there is a symbol of a bike on the sign up on the roof, and along the front it says, “Biker Friendly. Old Fashioned Food And Service”. I want to go to this place! Wade says, “It really is a good place to eat, the food is great and all the staff get in on the Snowy Ride and all wear the Snowy Ride t-shirts for the weekend. We just don't go anywhere else!” He says that the table out front even had cleaning solution for visors! Yep, I really want to go there!Here are a couple more photos of his Snowy Ride from Wade. I wish I'd been there!
Rod wrote in response to the item in my Blog about the road danger (the gravel over the road). He said there is an app for iphone and Android phones that allows you to report any road dangers like this. I don’t have a “smart-phone”, but if you do, and you see something like this, it would be good to report it. I’ve put this link on the site before, but it’s a good one to have. Thanks Rod.DECEMBER 2011.
Navin had some good comments in response to my condemnation of the KTM ad in my Blog of November 20. He said that for years he had been an advocate of ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time); even when he lived in the heat and humidity of Singapore. He says, “Personally, I would rather put up with a bit of discomfort while stopped than have to deal with gravel rash if I crash.” However he goes on to say, “I have come to realise that being bikers, individual choice makes up a large part of who we are. Our bikes are our own individual choice, along with our helmets, our accessories, and yes our protective gear. Choosing to wear it, or not, is a choice. Ultimately, it usually affects only us. Millions of people in other countries choose not to wear any or very little protective gear with the resultant consequences. So nowadays, I always tell people the consequences of not wearing gear, and then leave it at that. They can then make a choice for protection, or for comfort. I have only tried riding twice with no gear and felt very naked both times, but very exhilarating! I can understand KTM trying to convey that feeling with a bike aptly named Freedom 350.” Yes, I’m sure you’re right about that feeling of freedom (obviously, from the name!) being the message they wanted to convey. And it wouldn’t seem the same if they were wearing full motocross armour. But I still see it as a manufacturer promoting a lack of adequate protective riding gear. But a good point about the ad, and about the choice we have as motorcyclists. Russell sent in this link to a web-site that seeks to achieve the banning of wire-rope barriers. Check out the site; there’s lots of info and useful links etc. (I’ve since been sent the same link from a couple of others too. Thank you!Rod sent me this clip. It’s Catalunya race circuit, 2009, Rossi is at his brilliant best, battling with his team-mate Lorenzo, who is also showing brilliant form. It all comes down to the last lap, both desperate to win, with Lorenzo just holding the upper hand. As someone in the clip says, it has to be one of the best laps ever in grand prix racing! You might remember it (I do), but watch and marvel once again!Peter wrote in response to the Question we had a while ago on grey imports. He wrote, “I have been told by many to keep well away from grey imports so I had a look into it. On the whole those bikes are as good if not better than anything here to buy. Yes, parts can be awkward, but a lot of the time the parts are identical to the local made bike. As for servicing a lot of that is down to the dealers. They want your business for one of their bikes not a grey import. I deal with a wholesaler dealer. He buys old bikes from the big boys that they don't want, due to maybe a lot of mileage etc, and grey imports. Over the years I have had no trouble with buying his bikes and his service is second to none. Yes I would stay with the known names like Honda etc maybe a bit safer that way.”Peter added a final comment for us all. “I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year. Safe riding now over the festive season and remember it is the other idiots out there you have to watch besides doing the right thing yourself as bikes are fair game for some clowns in cars; they love to try and push you off the road etc.” Thanks Peter. You stay safe too and have a great Christmas and new Year!