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. But 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 2017
Andrew, who told us about his inherited Suzuki Burgman, wrote to say he’d bought another bike – a Yamaha TRX850. Andrew has an XS650, and told me that one of the common modifications was to change the crankshaft phasing from a 360-degree to 270-degree. Not a simple change, but Andrews says it transforms the bike, reducing a lot of the inherent vibration. The TRX850 has a 270-degree crank, which was one of the reasons Andrew bought it. “Because it’s the way the XS650 should have been built.”
Andrew’s story of his Suzuki Burgman 250 scooter inspired a few readers. John said, “As a 66 year-old, the story on scooters was interesting – I’ve never ridden one and always feel insecure with nothing between my legs when I have sat on a stationary one for a 'feel.' So perhaps I’ll log this for the future. I’ve seen them blast along freeways and always wondered about the lack of ‘integration’ between rider and machine. Maybe – in the future – I’ll have to think again.” (John’s main ride is a BMW K1300, so a fair way from a scooter!).
Possum wrote, “The 650 Burgman is even better! Mrs Possum and I bought a second hand 650 Burgman while in Italy. 10,000 km two up, back roads or Autobahn, we did the lot. With the great storage under the seat and a 45 litre Givi top box, we carried enough stuff for two people to go away for an indefinite period. The 650 really get up and goes - no trouble maintaining a steady 120 km/h on the Autostrada (Italy), Autobahn (Germany) or Autoroute (France). All those roads are limited (?) to 130 km/h, but no-one pays much attention to that, unless it’s raining. I agree with Andrew, scooters are great, and us matured types should perhaps consider one for a future date to keep us out on two wheels right up until the end!”
Possum went to give a point of warning to scooters – and indeed any vehicle fitted with a CTP transmission, saying that it was important for the belt in the transmission to be changed as per the maker’s schedule. “If you don't change the belt at the specified time you will be looking at a very big repair bill when it lets go and destroys the internal workings of your transmission!”
Andrew responded to some of the feedback from the story of his bikes. And he makes a very good point. “As long as more riders have an understanding of why anyone would ride something like a scooter or a trike; anything that is different from the norm. I also see this ignorance when I load up my Alu-lite trailer and hitch it up to my ST1300 and head off on a camping trip with my wife. Some ignorant mates tell me that I’d be better off taking the car! How wrong they are, and how ignorant they are of anything a bit different! These would be the same people asking me to carry some of their gear for them, and those that are happy to stay in motels on their trips! Little do they know that towing a trailer on a bike doesn’t destroy the experience; on the contrary, you are actually more aware and ready for the unexpected, and you can be self sufficient as well. Mind you, the same attitude exists between different bike styles, marques, and types, sometimes even with the same brand. We should all be more accepting of riders that ride something different from the norm, as it not all about being the fastest, more stylish, trendiest, hippest or the coolest; its about enjoying what you have.” Wise words indeed, Andrew! And you are in the unique position of copping flak from people with prejudices against a variety of types of bikes. It really should be about having what you enjoy and enjoying what you have! 
City Coast Motorcycles, responding on Facebook to my item on their Show-N-Shine day, wrote, “A very enjoyable day. Thanks for dropping by. There were so many fine entries and all funds raised went to Illawarra Convoy.” (Illawarra Convoy is a huge charity event involving trucks and bikes in the Wollongong region). Well done, guys!

AUGUST 2017.
Phil commented on the helmet comparison I mentioned in my Blog. He wrote, “It is impossible to rate comfort. Different people can find the same helmet comfortable or uncomfortable for all sorts of reasons.” Yes, that's true. Although the “comfort” feeling of the materials used in the lining etc can be a valid point of comparison. But as for fit, that is very individual.
Dave, commenting on the item in my Blog about the bikes all crowding to the front while stopped at roadworks lights, wrote, “I've always done this on the basis that its safer to be at the front than at the rear of a line of stationary cars. But pretty soon the cops will start issuing fines for it. Riders like these will be responsible for that happening.” Yes, I agree; it is safer not to be first vehicle to be met by a car coming up behind not expecting the traffic to be stopped, and maybe with the driver not looking! (I'm always wary of that!). But crowding all around the front car and half blocking the other side of the road will, as you say, be what turns the law against it.
Brad commented on Facebook on the MJM seats. He wrote, “MJM do a great job , I have seen 2 BMW's that he worked his magic on.” He said he wanted to get the seat of his Honda CB400 re-shaped, but had problems getting the bike (or seat) to him.
Ivor commented on the MJM seats too. He writes, “That MJM place must love new bikes! As you have often mentioned, the seats seem to be getting harder on new bikes. Like you, I remember back in the 70s or 80s when seats were usually pretty soft and comfortable, now they are hard. It's why I like British bikes - which means Triumph - because they still have seats that you can sit on for more than an hour.” Yes, I don't know why each successive model seems to have a seat that is harder than the previous. As for Triumph, yes, the Sprint, as of course you know, is pretty comfy (I reckon it's a very good seat!), and the Tigers have good seats. The Bonnevilles, not so much though!
Click here to go to the front page. Click your BACK button to return to the previous page.
SEPTEMBER 2017.
Colin wrote in regards to my report on the BMW K1300S. He owns one, and says it is, “The best bike I have ever owned. I can't imagine wanting anything else.” Understandable – they are a great bike! Comfort, all the power you could ever need, and they even look good! Why he wrote though, was to correct an error in the Specifications: I’d typed “Chain” as the final drive, when, of course, it should have been “Shaft”. Silly mistake – I knew it was shaft, of course! Thanks for pointing out the error, Colin; it has now been rectified!
One thing that I hadn’t realised, which Colin pointed out, was that it has now gone out of production. Crazy! One of the best bike sin the range I reckon, and they’ve stopped making it.
Mark wrote to say that he bought a Yamaha XJR1300 at the end of last year – his decision being based on (or influenced by) my reports (of it and other bikes) on the web-site here. He came to the Yammie from “a couple of liquid-cooled Beemers.” He’s also owned bikes like Honda’s 400 and 750; so there’s a bit of retro appeal there probably. He looked at a range of bikes, like Moto Guzzi, Harley, Ducati, and more. So what sold him on the XJR? He explains: “It's definitely not great in the handling department, the weight is significant and power for an engine that size is very modest. So why get one? The reason is that not everything can be explained by numbers. It is a do-anything, go-anywhere type of bike that will put a smile on your face every time. It's great in the commute and even better on the wide open road. It will pull from idle effortlessly around town and is more than happy to stretch the arms on the highway (great midrange so no probs with overtaking). In an age of specialised niche machinery the XJR is truly an old school generalist.” Yep, they are a great all-rounder – although you do have to contend with the weight, as he says. But it does all that he says, and these days all-rounders are getting hard to find.
Mark and I exchanged a couple of emails, chatting about the XJR and general biking things. Like one other reader, he bought the XJR not because it was a “big muscle bike” (which is kind of its image), but more because of its characteristics and the type of riding it encouraged. In some ways, buying it for what it lacked, rather than what it had. He explains. “I ride much more safely now than on my previous couple of bikes that were much lighter. A light flickable bike can get you a bit ahead of yourself in traffic and it’s easy to come undone. So the way I see it is that average handling, and weight, are a safety factor. The other thing that I think contributes to safety is the wind factor, which is a natural brake on one's cruising speed. Personally I find cruising at 120kph okay, but faster than this the wind is just too much and the arms start to stretch, so I back off: a safety feature if you take my meaning.” Yes, I know exactly what you mean. That was our other reader's idea too. The XJR was happy to cruise along at moderate speed, while his Fireblade had to be ridden fast and hard to get it to where it was happy. If the bike isn’t constantly begging you to go harder, then you naturally settle into a more moderate riding style, which is safer. Of course, if you want to be hard and fast, then you’d be looking at something lighter with a higher power output and more flickable handling. But if safety is your priority, well, the XJR does encourage that.
One more comment from Mark. “I do a lot of commuting in freeway and suburban roads and I can say that driver behaviour is often dangerous and unpredictable. I have had so many close calls and all of them due to mad car drivers. Maybe it's the Queensland sun; maybe people don't care if they kill someone or not; who knows. I found that some drivers are attracted to bikes in a negative way - I mean there are drivers that will try to race or pursue a bike, and I have had some that have tried to run me off the road, all for no apparent reason.” I guess we have all had those sort of experiences, although as I don’t commute on mine, I don’t have many close calls – thankfully! His comment was made in the light of finding that the XJR tended not to attract the same degree of driver agro as lighter faster bikes that slice through traffic more so than the big XJR.
OCTOBER
Rod sent me this link to a mostly pictorial report on the 2017 China International Motorcycle Fair. Lots of photos, and details of the bikes. Most of the brand-names you won’t recognise, although Zongshen and Loncin are names that you might recognise. Zongshen is huge in China! Loncin is not far behind. Then you come to a brand you will know, Aprilia: ah, but many Aprilia models are made by Zongshen! Some Japanese bikes were there – most notably, Kawasaki. Oh, and there was one bike with a Ducati sticker on the tank. Except it wasn’t a Ducati, it was some other Chinese brand, rather cheekily wearing a Ducati sticker on its tank! It’s fascinating to look through the photos and see just how huge the Chinese market is, and how many manufacturers there are. Thanks Rod!
Greg wrote in response to my test of the Indian Scout. “Thank you for that, I enjoyed the brief history lesson as well. I have promised myself one of these when I deserve it – ie, Retirement! I am thinking of a Vintage Chief model.” Sounds like a good retirement plan to me!
Paul writes occasional road-tests for "Riding On", the Ulysses Club magazine. He wrote, “My review of the Scout shares similar comments to you... scary eh!” Ha ha, yes, either we’re either both right, or we’re both wrong. Of course I reckon we’re both right!
Another reader wrote in response to my test of the Indian Scout. He said it reminded him of a weekend he had with mates, riding Indians. “We went on a normal ‘sportsbike route’, taking the long and twisty way up the coast, stayed the night and then came back. About 1,100km. I was on a Chieftan and he was on something with frilly leather tassels. Heated seats and a stereo were good features. :-) We arrived at our destination somewhat later than we’d have arrived if on sportsbikes ;-) We were giving them a good run, but they (the Indians) are not fast.”
Aussie wrote about movies. I’d mentioned “The Wild One” somewhere, and he wrote that this was one of his favourite movies. “I also have the movie ‘Stone’. Slightly corny acting, as were a number of Aussie movies at that time, but still quite entertaining and a dead set cult movie which incited a fair few ‘Stone’ mass rides in following years. I found it interesting how motorcycles and outlaw gangs changed over 21 years before they became the organised crime syndicates of today of course. As you said ‘The Wild One’ featured mainly British bikes before the Japanese onslaught with the legendary Z1 Kwaka dominating the sickle of choice in ‘Stone’.” I could never really get into "Stone". It is, as you say, a cult movie now, and one of the iconic biker-movies here in Australia; but I just couldn't get into it. Maybe it was the whole culture of the outlaw biker, which I didn't - and don't - identify with. 
And speaking of the legendary Kawasaki, Aussie commented, “I do know one thing, in ‘Stone’ during the race between the Norton and the Kawasaki, no way would the Norton have gone down. The Japanese had the horses but also had much to learn about handling at that time. Ducatis and Norton Commandos were the bench marks of handling back then. Sad that neither had the reliability.”

NOVEMBER
I put a post on my Facebook page about smaller (mid-size) bikes and mentioned a couple I particularly liked. Glenn posted a detailed reply about the possibility of downsizing. He made some good comments. This is part of what he wrote. “While they may not be the object of an experienced rider’s dreams they are an awful lot of capable, economic, reliable riding. Probably a golden age for learners, and those without ego issues, motorcycle wise. I suspect the newer MT03 could be a lot of fun. Motorcycles have come a long way since Villiers powered commuters: the modern 300 craps all over the larger bikes produced up until the mid 70's. Will never look as good or be as desirable perhaps but if it leaks oil or stops for a rest, it will be the owners fault not the bikes.” Yes indeed. Smaller bikes today are amazingly capable. One of our readers bought an MT-03 a little while ago, and is very happy with his purchase. It suits his riding requirements very well. Another reader uses a Yamaha R15 as a commuter and says it is lots of fun in the city.
In my Facebook post I had mentioned the Yamaha Tracer and Honda CB500. I also mentioned the Triumph Tiger Sport (not a small bike, but one I liked when I rode it) and commented that the Triumph had suffered a few reliability problems. Glenn (a different Glenn to the one above) replied, “The early CB500 had major engine problems and Yamaha have tried 4 times to fix the tracer’s cam chain and there are still problems with it. The lesson is avoid buying bikes that are new on the market.” Thanks Glenn. I hadn't heard of the cam-chain problems with the Tracer. It's the same engine as the rest of the MT range, so I guess they must be affected too. Also hadn't heard of the CB500 having problems. So thanks for that. Good advice too - wait until all the problems have been ironed out before buying a new model.
Con commented on the down-sizing issue too. “I get the reasons for down-sizing, we all get older and weaker, but there is a danger in going back to a smaller bike. Most of us came from smaller bikes (who starts off on a big bike?), and there were reasons we went up to the bigger bike, like more power, easier cruising, more comfort, or whatever. When people down-size they go back to some of those things they wanted to get away from; they’re back on a bike that is lacking in power compared to what they want or are used to, and not as comfortable, and so on. So there is a big potential for disappointment. I’ve seen it myself in riders who change to smaller bikes, only to be disappointed with them. Maybe we should all just go to the gym!” Gym? What’s that you speak of? Oh yes, I went in one once by mistake – I got out of there real quick! Ha ha! Seriously though, you make a good point: and I’ve seen it happen too, where people down-size and end up, as you say, disappointed with their bike because it isn’t as comfortable, or they miss the performance or whatever. You’ve got to make sure, if you down-size, that you are going to like the new bike. And that can be hard to establish, especially with limited test-rides that are available.   
Paul has recently returned from living in UK. On his return he went looking for a bike. “I had been looking at different bikes that would allow my wife and I to get out on the weekends and one that I could use as a daily commuter bike. I had initially thought more about the 2 up touring side of things, and considered looking at the Kawasaki GTR 1400. As you know, a lot of my previous bikes that I have owned have been bigger bikes. After talking to our local Yamaha / Kawasaki dealer he said, ‘The GTR is a lot of bike and may be a handful for daily commuting.’ He showed us a variety of bikes and finally the Yamaha MT 09 Tracer, 2015 model. We took the bike for a good test ride and my wife felt comfortable as a pillion so the deal was done and a day later we took delivery of my first Yamaha. The amount of electronics is amazing (still getting used to them all). The bike handles really well, very light and acceleration is very good giving off a really nice exhaust note from triple motor and standard exhaust. The only down side is the 18 litre tank so refills are a bit more regular. We are looking forward now to exploring Qld together on the Tracer.” I like the Tracer, Paul. The MT series has been a huge success for Yamaha and all models are popular. Enjoy!!

DECEMBER
Ivor wrote in response to my comments in my Blog about not riding much, which was mainly due to my back trouble, but also being too hot, or other commitments etc. He wrote, “I haven’t been getting the Triumph out as often as I’d like either. Mainly due to the weather. I think you made the comment somewhere about not intentionally going out if it is raining or overly hot etc. and I’m the same. Never used to be, but I feel the heat more now. So I am guilty of not going for a ride if it’s too hot, or if there is rain about. If it rains while I’m out I put the wets on and grumble about having to wash the muck off the bike, but I keep riding of course. But if there is black clouds around and the forecast says rain then I’m staying home. And sometimes it’s other commitments too, as you said. There was one beautiful day that would’ve been a great day for a ride, but I had a wedding to go to. Fancy people having the hide to get married on a great day for motorcycling! I’m joking of course, but that’s the way it goes.” Yes, my tolerance for riding in the heat is lower than it used to be. Especially now, having not ridden as much as I normally do, I would feel the heat more. So if it feels hot outside I don’t get the bike out.  
A little while ago Evan asked about getting progressive-rate springs for the forks on his Yamaha XJR1300. Well, he has now fitted some springs, and done a few other modifications. Looks good I reckon - I like the Yamaha logo on the tail!“Well I did end up fitting progressive springs, fork gaitors and foam (pullover) grips. I have since fitted Yamaha red spark plug caps and had an end cap made for my Delkevic slip on, as well as painted the muffler strap black. I have also removed the rear stripes and had a Yamaha 'tuning fork' decal made up for the rear tail. My next project is black engine covers each side, as what's on the Silver Tech No1 model. All accessories so far have proved to be winners in looks and performance.” Well done, Evan! If it gets better both in appearance and performance, you chose very well!
Ivor commented on the dangers of the holiday period. “It’s holidays again and of course the police are out to raise revenue … um, I mean catch speeding motorists. Holiday times bring a lot of crazies out of the woodwork; like people towing caravans that only ever take them out once or twice a year; people driving at highway speeds in the country who normally only drive around the city. Drunks too. So you’ve got to watch out for them. But with more police out and double demerits going, people, and I’m talking about riders and drivers, spend too much time looking at their speedos making sure they’re not going to be done for speeding, and not enough time looking at the road or the traffic around them. So accidents happen because the driver or rider has been looking at how fast they’re going to avoid getting booked and don’t see that bike, or car, stopped in front of them or pulling out from the side-street etc. I think these police blitzes and double-demerits make the roads more dangerous!” Yes, you’ve got a point there! The roads are undoubtedly more dangerous because there are more people out there, but it’s also more dangerous because their concentration on the road is being distracted by constantly looking at the speedo to make sure they aren’t going too far over the speed-limit. Sadly that does happen. I’m not exactly against the double-demerits, but I think you’re right when you say it can make the roads more dangerous. Keep safe anyway!
Click here to go to the previous page of Feedback.
Click here to the next installment of your comments