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By Christian Loghem, Super Tenere Owner
The last time we left Christian he was heading back to Brisbane from Canberra on his first big trip aboard the XTZ1200 Super Tenere… Here is the final installment of Christian's epic journey!
Day Three – To be cut short...
The plan for today was to get from my camping ground near Scone to Ebor, just the other side of Armidale as I had arranged to stay at a friend’s place tonight.
I woke early, was packed up and on the road by 7am. I had a really good
night’s sleep however I was awoken in the middle of the night by the
sound of an unidentified creature rustling through the plastic rubbish
bag hanging of my bike.
I don’t know what it was but I think he was
hungry and looking for scraps. He left me a present on my bike when I
got up in the morning – a blob of excrement on the top of one of my
panniers. Nice. Thanks buddy. You got to love the wilderness!
Along the way today I rode through a couple of small towns, as I had been doing most of the way and was amazed at how dated they were. Like they were ghost towns - towns that time had forgotten.
One place I saw had its own museum and I laughed thinking that the whole town is a museum. An ancient collection of dilapidated ruins unearthed by an archaeologist and preserved for all to see. Wow. I was a long way from my crossing of the Sydney harbour bridge, or cruising through the centre of Canberra – our nation’s capital, or on the M1 touring out of Brisbane.
I expected to see horse and buggy somewhere or harnessed bullocks ploughing the fields. All these little towns had common their denominators though – a pub, a school, a church, a servo, a general store doubling as a post office as well as a bank, and the ever present speed camera. Technology hasn’t quite left them behind yet it seems.
In a little town called Blandford (south of Tamworth) I spotted this beautiful church covered in Ivy (pictured left). It looked so reminiscent of the ones you see in country England. Very pretty indeed.
I only got about 10km the other side of Tamworth when the heavens opened – in a very big way. The rain was intense. Water was running like a river across the road and visibility was minimal. I was getting soaked once again. I had only just dried out from Mondays riding and had a great day of weather yesterday. The road God giveth and he also taketh away it seemed...
I pulled hastily into a servo with the intention of waiting it out. I mean, how long could it last?... It may have just been a passing shower. I spoke to one driver who stopped for fuel and who had snickered at me... he said it had been forecast for fine weather that day.
Anyway, after one hour, I hadn’t moved and it wasn’t letting up. I
thought that this might have been a sign so I started to make a
contingency plan.
Directly across the road, I mean you could hit this place with a stone it was so close, was a motel. It was a sign... ”I am staying in Tamworth tonight” I heard myself say.
So I made a phone call and they had rooms available so it was done. I dashed across the road on the bike and they were kind enough to let me house the bike in the manager’s undercover shelter for the night. I took this opportunity to take the panniers inside and get all my gear out. I stretched my numerous occy straps across whatever I could hook them onto in my room and hung all my gear out to dry.
I flicked the heater on, had a hot shower and watched the Aussies get smashed in the cricket. I was also able to catch up on emails and download pictures of my trip so far.
It was a shame my day of riding was cut short but there is no sense in riding in such dangerous conditions if I didn’t need to. I chatted with another guy who had stopped for fuel and he worked on the roads spraying bitumen. He said the pits and potholes in the roads hold so much water that even his Toyota land cruiser gets tugged about when he hits them and he wouldn’t like to be out there on a bike so that sold me into getting the room - safety first as always.
Day three was over not long after it had begun. The damn rain seems to be following me – or maybe it was still ahead of me and I was only seeing the start of it. I needn’t have wasted my time getting everything dry. The news bulletins on TV were mostly about the QLD flooding disaster that was unfolding so it seemed the closer I got to QLD the more rain I was going to endure – Tamworth proved to be only the beginning of it...
Day Four – A dry start and time to make hay while the sun was shining....
Last night I checked all the local weather forecasts and it was doom and gloom. Rain and storms were predicted for the next week and there was going to be no respite from it, it seemed.
I awoke about 6.30am to bright sunshine and blue sky. Was yesterday to be just a one off and the weather on the improve? Did they have the forecasts wrong? I wasn’t going to waste time thinking about it so I loaded up and was on my way by 7.15am.
It was a beautiful start to the day – gorgeous morning sunshine and not
much traffic. But it wasn’t to last unfortunately.
I was supposed to be
heading to Ebor, on the other side of Armidale and only about 120km
away. I got about 50km along and the heavens opened once more.
For the
third day out of the four so far, I was soaking wet, cold and wondering
if Mother Nature was conspiring against me... had I already had too much
fun on this trip for her liking?
I got to Armidale and had to make a
judgement call.... do I continue to Ebor – spend another day drying off
only to get wet again tomorrow? Or, do I just bite the bullet and get
the trip back to Brisbane over in one day and sleep in my bed tonight?
I decided that someone - somewhere was trying to tell me something and that my trip was meant to end today. I telephoned my friends who understood my situation before setting off – this time my destination was Brisbane.
The GPS read 450km to go – the heavens said “Boy, you are going get wet”! Right they were.
Onwards, town after town I went through. The rain was unrelenting. Not just showers - but solid rain.
The roads were like streams in places and the further north I travelled the more flooded the rivers along the sides of the roads were getting. It’s like I was watching them rise.
In three places the water had already gone over the road and there was probably another 6 or 8 places where the water was at the side of the road about to engulf it. I think it was the right call to press on because I may have not been able to get through this time tomorrow perhaps. (Christian's NOTE: As I write this the next day, I hear on the news that towns in the region are now in fact becoming isolated due to rising flood waters).
I never strayed from the New England Highway and pushed on and on. Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Stanthorpe came and went.
I barely even remember them as I was so focussed on the road – both eyes on high alert for water over the road and for pot holes while at the same time dealing with the trucks that roared along the highway without regard or a care in the world.
Not only did I have to contend with the wall of air they generate as they pass but the spray of water was like I was riding through a carwash. Not pleasant really. I was cruising at around 85-90 kph the whole way with steely determination to treat towns like stepping stones and set myself 50km targets to reach, then the next one and the next one and so forth.
Not forgetting my coin ritual as I crossed over into QLD again. I laughed at a sign that said “Welcome to Queensland – the sunshine state”.
A change of attitude...
I knew with focus and patience and a lot of luck I will reach Brisbane eventually and importantly in one piece. I didn’t care how wet I was or how wet my gear was – the focus of my trip had changed dramatically these last two days.
I am for the first time not focussed as much on the journey being the highlight, as I am on reaching the destination and which had became the ultimate goal – a complete reversal of the previous 3500km I had travelled so far. It was a shame such a great trip was ending like this but I think it was happening for a reason as most things do.
Warwick beckoned and from there I was onto the Cunningham
Highway, through Cunningham’s Gap and finally past Ipswich before the
sodden roads filtered me straight into the western suburbs and in no
time at all I was home.
With the garage door opened and the bike on its
centre stand, I lamented on my day. I had just ridden 600km straight in
over 7.5 hours and in pouring rain too. I was still smiling though, my
spirits intact having pulled off for me a great achievement – my biggest
test yet on a bike – a test of mental strength, patience and
perseverance in extreme conditions.
The next day...
I stopped in to the TeamMoto Yamaha store in Enoggera to say hi to the team. After all, this was where it had all began only three weeks ago with the purchase of my bike. Since that day I had amassed 4500km – travelled in three states and had done two tours of four days making up my travels.
I had a good chat with the team about my adventures, have already earmarked some waterproof gloves for my next trip and in an amusing finale, took delivery of my top box (rear pannier) that was meant to have arrived before my journey had begun. Oh well – better late than never – at least it’s ready for the next trip.
This trip was a great introduction to the touring lifestyle including the camping, camp cooking, learning road sense and the all important planning. But it was always going to be just that – an introduction....my big trip – my dream trip is to tour around the coastline of this great country in the not too distant future. If I could have this much fun in 8 days – I can’t wait to see what else Australia has to show me. I am already planning my next trip with many more adventures to be sought.
This next trip is not too far away.....bring it on!
POSTSCRIPT:
As it turned out, I was glad that I persisted on that long and gruelling journey from Tamworth and made back to Brisbane. In the coming days, these small towns I managed to get through that day are now all cut off due to the severe flooding that was to destroy south east QLD in the following days. Thankfully I have not been affected physically like many others have been by the disaster. It only proves again that we just never know what is around the corner sometimes and that life must be lived to the fullest and enjoyed – not to wait til tomorrow to do something you have always wanted to do – such as my recent motorbike adventure. - Christian
The Ultimate Bike Shed. 213 Bikes, yep you heard right!
By Tony Hill
Allen Smith has the best bike shed of anyone I’ve ever met – period.
Most of us are delirious with joy at having two or three bikes at home – Allen has 213. Yep, 213, and he’s looking for more. You see, Allen and his wife Lorraine run the Australian Motorcycle Museum at Haigslea, some 50k outside of Brisbane, and his shed contains some of the most desirable motorcycles on the planet.
After The Bear persuaded me to go and have a look – it took a nano-second to agree – the Lady in Black and I spent several hours wandering round this treasure trove of motorcycle history.
But don’t think it just contains old bikes no-one has ever heard of – pride of place in the museum is a Ducati Desmosedici that has never been fired up. It’s one of only a few ‘loaner’ bikes the couple has on display, but it sets the tone for the rest of the museum.
But before getting into what’s on display – and The Bear has not given me enough space to list them all and their details – a bit of history.
Allen was a serious road rider, the couple had a bike shop in Coffs Harbour, was one of the largest sellers on bikes in New South Wales, and began collecting bikes from farms and auctions in the 1970’s.
When they decided to move to Queensland in 1988, they moved into a large house in suburban Sunnybank Hills, with just two bikes – one each.
Before long, that number had grown to 180 – some stacked three high - and in their 10 meter long TV room “we put the Bimotas and Ducatis but we ended up less than a metre from the TV set, so we knew it was time to move,” said Allen.
So they moved out to Haigslea, taking over an old and decrepit water park, building a huge shed, modernizing the family home on the 14 hectare patch, and they have plans to open a 100 seat café in the future.
“In the first year we were open we had around 7,000 people come in. This is the fourth month of our second year, and we have already hit 10,000,” said Allen.
“Bike clubs held Christmas parties here, we hold swap meets, car and truck clubs visit and we already offer camping facilities. If a group is around 15 people or more, we offer a complimentary bbq.”
Ipswich Council, which covers Haigslea, is also talking to Allen and Lorraine about opening a small caravan park on the site.
Lorraine said: “There’s a lot going on, but we just get a huge high out of watching people as they walk round the museum. They stop and point, and inevitably it’s something they owned or rode, or remember from their past.
“For the younger riders, it’s a chance to see some of the bikes they’ve heard about, and to also get an education of motorcycle evolution.”
And evolution is certainly apparent, with the oldest bike being a 1913 Indian Chief with leaf spring front suspension, via Hesketh V1000’s (which Allen has owned for 12 years) to the Desmosedici.
So, a casual walk round with Allen:
There’s a 1960 Triumph TR6 in
the corner “still in the crate and never started”, and XR750
Flattracker from Harley, the only RC51 Honda-engined 2005 Mondial “the
only one in Australia”, a glorious Norton Rotary, number 3 of 135 with
Beatle Paul McCartney owning number one, and a line up of two-stroke
Kawasaki’s – the 250, 350, 400, 500, and 750 Triples.
Down
another aisle and there’s a line up of six-cylinder bikes, including a
Benelli, a an ’83 Hailwood Replica MHR900, believe me the list goes on,
and it is simply fascinating to walk round with Allen.
He knows every bike and its history, but if he had the money, what would he buy?
“The first is a Britten - the last one sold for US$320,000 to a museum, and the other is a Brough Superior SS100 – the Lawrence of Arabia bike – and one of those was passed in at auction recently for US$230,000, so I can’t see them getting here, unfortunately.”
Allen and Lorraine want to keep on collecting and their focus is on classic Australian race bikes from the ‘80’s to the early ‘90’s, but is there anything he liked least?
“Well yes…I would never have owned an old 650 Yamaha unless I found it on a tip. Now I would love to own one as it has become one of the most collectible Yamaha’s you can get.”
As we headed to the pub on the corner – where the beer is cold and the food not bad at all – riders on all sorts of bikes were coming and going. The word’s spreading and this museum is worth going out of your way to visit.
Check out the Australian Motorcycle Museum website - www.australianmotorcyclemuseum.com.au - for more information today!
***
Tony Hill has been a journalist all his life and even though he works in the corporate world, he makes sure to ride and test as many bikes as he can in his spare time to make it worthwhile! He has worked closely with renowned writer and publisher Peter "The Bear" Thoeming since he launched Australian Road Rider over 10 years ago and has ridden most bikes (and has tried not to drop any of them). Tony's motto: "A track day can get my blood pressure pumping, and a cruise to nowhere restore my inner sense of well being."
She's Fast, She's Fabulous... And She's only 17.
The world is at her feet. Or rather, it’s under her wheels.
Courtney Knight is only 17 years old and yet she has just claimed the 2011 Queensland Womens Motocross Championship title – again. No stranger to being on the top of the podium, Courtney will add the title to her collection alongside the 2011 Australian Womens Long Track Championship, multiple Junior MX titles and an impressive 4th place at her debut Australian Womens MX Championship which she claimed in 2010.
With her bubbly personality, flowing blonde hair and exceptional speed on a motorcycle, Courtney is leading the new generation of motocross racers that are emerging across Australia – girls that are fast and female!
Knight blitzed the field at the recent QLD Womens MX titles (held at Coolum), taking out four out of five moto wins – which saw her get the better of a tough field of competitors, including reigning Australia Womens Champion Kristy Gillespie.
But these races are no Sunday ride to the shops… the girls had to compete in five 20-minute motos across the weekend, which is just as much (or even more) riding time as the boys.
“I’m really happy with my result,” states Knight. “It’s a great indication of how I am going heading up to the first round of the Australian Womens MX titles in June. My goal is to win the national title this year, so I’m doing all the training and preparation I can in the lead up to help ensure this becomes a reality.”
Courtney’s focus and determination sets her apart from other girls her age, but she doesn’t mind. Training four days a week plus riding during the week and every weekend means she doesn’t have much time for the normal social life a 17-year-old girl would have, but focusing on her dream is more important.
Knight dreams of riding in the World Championship MX circuit in Europe or the highly competitive WMA (Womens Motocross Association) in the United States – and these goals are definitely achievable as she has the speed to back it up.
The most impressive thing is Courtney didn’t seriously start racing until her early teens. Having always been active and into sports, Courtney’s passions when she was younger included nippers and Ironman competitions.??
“I used to swim four nights a week for two hours,” Courtney says. “At one stage I was even thinking of training to go to the Olympics in swimming. It’s funny when I look back, I used to be into surfing and the beach and now I spend my time out in the dirt at the track!”
With a support network of family, friends and a boyfriend who understands her passion only too well (he races motocross professionally too), Courtney is looking forward to an action packed 2011 – even if she only has two free weekends between now and August.
But life gets busy when your chasing Aussie Championship titles and Courtney is definitely on the right track to pursuing her dreams.
.
Triumph sharpens its claws... Mark Hinchliffe reviews the Tiger 800
By Mark Hinchliffe, Courier Mail Motoring Editor
ADVENTURE riders seeking to follow the tracks of actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman but don't want a 1200cc machine have had little choice.
BMW plugged the gap with the F800GS and now Triumph has joined with the Tiger 800.
VALUE
It comes in the road-oriented Tiger 800 and the adventure-oriented Tiger 800 XC. ABS versions will arrive in the next few months.
This is about $2500 less than the BMW F800GS that has more gear such as heated grips and centrestand.
DESIGN
Triumph UK product planner Darrell Taylor, who came out to Australia for the national launch of the XC in the Victorian Alps, says the new Tigers plug gaps in the market.
"We needed a bike that was a good commuter bike that will also tour and that some people might never use off-road, but still has that potential," he says.
"You can't do everything with one bike, so right from the concept stage we decided we needed two bikes.
The main difference between the two Tigers is that the XC has longer-travel suspension, a 21-inch front wheel and high front mudguard."
Taylor says the bike had to retain the Triumph double headlight and had to "look rugged".
TECHNOLOGY
Both new Tigers feature the 675cc three-cylinder engine from the Street Triple but with a longer stroke for more torque. Taylor says only about 25 per cent of the engine parts are shared.
It features a forward-placed catalytic convertor to warm up quicker and reduce emissions.
There is also a convenient oil level sight glass on the side of the engine so you don‚t need a dipstick and the air intake is under the seat for more clearance in water crossings and less dust.
The bike is full of clever elements such as the large 645W alternator so adventure riders can run auxiliary lights, GPS, heated grips and other accessories.
Other attributes for adventure riders are the 19-litre fuel tank, Excel wheel rims, auxiliary power socket beside the ignition key, metal pedals that can be bent back into shape after a fall, repairable steel frame and the split rider/pillion seat which is comfortable for long distances.
The rider section of the seat is also adjustable from 810mm to 830mm on the standard and 645-865mm on the XC, or you can buy gel low seat (825mm).
The F800GS single bench seat is a non-adjustable 880mm but there is a 850mm no-cost option avalable.
It comes standard with an onboard computer that has most info except ambient temperature and plastic brush guards.
There are already 55 accessories available such as a centre stand, tyre pressure monitor, GPS mount, U-lock, heated grips, luggage, protective gear and an Arrow slip-on muffler.
Touratech is also about to release a wide range of accessories and Safari Tanks is planning a 30-litre tank.
RIDING
This bike is built for distance.
We easily covered 1000km of dirt and tar roads over two days in country Victoria and felt comfortable all day.
It has a good reach to the bars for a neutral and uncramped riding position and there is plenty of buffeting protection from the windscreen. A taller screen adjustable for rake is also available.
The similar look and purpose of the bike to the BMW F800GS begs the following comparisons.
The engine is more lively in the mid-range than the BMW F800GS and has a smother on-off throttle delivery, but doesn‚t have as much low-down grunt.
The Nissin (CORRECT) brakes are not as strong and lack some of the feel of the BMW‚s Brembos with their braided cables.
Handling is fairly similar, although the BMW is plusher on the big hits, especially the forks.
Ergonomics are very similar. On the positive side, the standard footpegs are much better than the BMW. On the negative, the mirrors aren‚t adjustable enough and will work loose on rough roads and while the handlebars can be rolled forward for more height, the switchblocks roll with the bar and are non-adjustable.
The Tiger has three more litres of capacity in the fuel tank than the BMW, but economy is not as good so range should be similar about 400km.
VERDICT
A worthy challenger.
Time will tell how rugged and triumphant this new adventurer will be.
Both Suzuki and Triumph have released brand new versions of some very popular models for 2011. These bikes are now in-store at our TeamMoto Triumph and Suzuki dealerships respectively... so what are you waiting for... check them out today!
2011 Triumph Street Triple & Street Triple R
2011 Suzuki GSX-R600
2011 Suzuki GSX-R750
Triumph Street Triple & Street Triple R
Triumph has given its best selling Street Triple and Street Triple R models a comprehensive makeover for the 2011 season, featuring a host of detail and visual improvements, including the adoption of the striking new headlight design shared with the iconic Speed Triple.
New colour options and sporting graphics give the class leading middleweight a whole new look. Both models feature the new style Triumph sports script, debuted on the new Daytona 675R, on the tank, as well as a stylish new ‘Street Triple 675’ logo.
As part of Triumph’s policy of adding value to its products, the standard model features three metallic paint options at no extra cost (Crystal White, Phantom Black and the distinctive new Imperial Purple), with the higher-specification ‘R’ available in Diablo Red, Crystal White and Phantom Black (with gold wheels).
Below. The Street Triple in Imperial Purple and the Street Triple R in Diablo Red.
Both models have been ‘de-chromed’ with brushed steel exhaust headers, heel guards and silencers replacing the previous polished items, while new handlebar clamps, machined detail on the handlebar end weights and redesigned headstock infills add a further touch of quality to the class leader.
The standard model also benefits from the same high quality aluminium handlebars, as fitted to the Street Triple R, while both variants feature Triumph’s comprehensive latest specification instrument pack.
Mechanically the 2012 Street Triples remain unchanged, with their punchy 675cc three-cylinder engines delivering a class leading 106PS at 11,700rpm, with 68Nm of torque at 9,200rpm. Both the Street Triple and Street Triple R share the same lightweight frame which, like the engine, is derived from the Daytona 675 supersport machine, with the R version featuring higher-specification, race-track inspired brakes and suspension for more sporting riders.
Both models are now available from your local TeamMoto Triumph dealership - click here to contact them for more information!
Suzuki GSX-R600
The hotly anticipated, all-new 2011 GSX-R600 supersport machine has arrived in Australia.
Suzuki’s
supersport stunner has been completely redesigned for 2011 and is
significantly lighter than its predecessors, delivering more mid range
power.
Compared to the 2010 model, the new GSX-R600 features a lighter curb
mass (-9kg), 15mm shorter wheelbase and approximately 10% better fuel
mileage (based on WMTC mode and Suzuki's in-house research).
Other key features include a newly designed, lightweight and compact twin-spar aluminum frame made of five cast sections and case swingarm. Race-developed, lightweight Showa Big Piston Front-fork (BPF) delivers superb feedback and consistent performance, along with four-piston Brembo monoblock front brake calipers.
With the new GSX-R600, the sections that have been changed influence each other in ways that allow each improvement to be expressed more fully. Typical examples are: the combination of the increased low-to-mid rpm range torque with a close-ratio transmission, and the way the BPF and the Brembo front brake calipers work together. The various changes all work in close combination and reinforce each other, by which overall performance potential is heightened.
The GSX-R600 is available in Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Splash White, Metallic Mat Black/Pearl Mirage White and Glass Sparkle Black. TeamMoto Suzuki Virginia has a demo in-store now, click here for their contact details!
Suzuki GSX-R750
The original and only 750cc sportsbike on the market, the all-new
2011 model GSX-R750 continues a legacy dating back to the model's
ground-breaking launch in 1985, where it took race replica motorcycles
to a new level.
A truly individual machine, the Suzuki
GSX-R750 is a direct link between the racetrack and the streets.
Compared to the 2010 model, the latest GSX-R750 features a lighter curb mass (-8kg), a 15mm shorter wheelbase and approximately 10% better fuel mileage (based on WMTC mode, Suzuki in-house research).
It also features advanced MotoGP-developed transistorized ignition control circuit, a newly designed lightweight and compact twin-spar aluminum frame made of five cast sections and cast swingarm, the race-developed, lightweight Showa Big Piston Front-fork (BPF) delivers superb feedback and consistent performance, along with the four-piston Brembo monoblock front brake calipers.
Evolved aerodynamics on the GSX-R750 include a newly designed muffler
and a significant reduction in fairing overhang to maintain rider wind
protection while reducing overall drag.
A reshaped fuel tank,
vertically stacked dual headlights and mirror-mounted turn signals
finish off the good looks of this individual street machine.
Experience today the one and only, unlike any other ride on the road, GSX-R750. TeamMoto Suzuki Virginia has a demo model available in-store now, click here to contact them for a demo ride!
Shark Vision R: The new Vision of road helmets!
By Rosie Lalonde & Steve Douglas
The first thing that caught my eye was the colour. Bold, bright, yet not over-the-top, as soon as I saw it, i knew it was perfect for me.
When we decided to review the Shark Vision R for this months newsletter I hadn't seen the range of graphics available yet, but when I heard they were sending over a "Pixy" I started to get worried.
I like pink just as much as the next girl (and most of the time more)
but I'm not so crazy on fairies or some of the overtly feminine helmets
that can be found out there.
But as soon as I saw the triple pink and black Vision R, with its simple design and flowing lines, I was in love. And I hadn't even tried it on yet.
But the ladies out there will agree with me that half the battle when choosing any accessory is aesthetics. Actually, scratch that - probably 75% of the battle is aesthetics.
Fashion has become an integral part of motorcycle accessories over the past few years and from a ladies point of view, this new Vision R offers some great female options that are stylish - and after actually putting it on spending a day on a bike - very comfortable!
Above - Just some of the graphics available from left: Myth ST / High Visibility ST / Pixy Pink / Pixy Blue.
As most women can understand, I'm not the most confident road rider out there. Having grown up riding off-road, I like taking the odd road bike out for a spin when the occasion calls, but have never felt completely at ease with road traffic.
The moment I started out with my new Pixy I couldn't believe the increased visibility it provided. Shoulder-checking, changing lanes and my awareness of the traffic around me was astounding. It truly gave me increased confidence and looking back on the day, I have never felt so at ease on a road bike - even riding up Mt Nebo in the pouring rain!
The lens never once fogged up, even riding through rain the entire day and I had great fun popping the internal sun visor up and down. Light weight, with a comfortable (and removable!) liner, the Vision R is truly the next generation of road bike helmets.
To get an experts opinion as well - since there is much more to this helmet then just aesthetics - Steve, the Honda Springwood Accessories Manager took it out for a spin as well...
Wednesday arvo, running late for an appointment, jump on the bike and I didnt think much about the new SHARK VISION R. Until I encountered the usual afternoon peak hour traffic.
First surprise was the fantastic vision from the Shark Vision R, true to form the 125% vertical opening and 110% horizontal opening made it easy to spot the arvo loonies as well as the gauges of the bike all at the same time. A flick with the left thumb is all it takes to put the UV 400 sun shield down to protect against the QLD sun.
The new generation fully removable interior was made even more comfortable with Shark's “easy fit” glasses system. Take the two foam pads out that sit beside your face and your specs just slide right in over the lycra material...sweet!
This helmet also incorporates Shark's well known composite weave shell construction and the “crumple zone” EPS (expanded poly styrene) and best of all they are “SHARKTOOTH” intercom ready.
All new generation Sharks have the ability to incorporate the SHARKTOOTH (Bluetooth) into the helmet, the battery is hidden in the back of the EPS and all you can see is the small operating buttons on the side.
These features plus the new technology made me enjoy this helmet more than any other road helmet I have ever owned! It also made me forget I was wearing a metallic hot pink and purple pixy colour scheme as well!!!! For those that are not comfortable with pink there are plenty of very original colour schemes.
By Steve McDowall, TeamMoto Motorcycle Riding School Instructor
Ok, all right! Time to spill the beans.
Since last month’s newsletter I’ve had so many people ask me “How do you fall out of a sidecar?” And “What were you doing at nearly 200km/h anyway?” “What were you thinking?”
Well the truth is, a better question would be “Were you thinking?
It was still early in my riding experience and I made a decision, fuelled by ego and testosterone, that I’d try road racing – that’s on a circuit not public streets.
By that stage I had a Kawasaki GPZ750 and had bought myself a Yamaha RZ350 as a dedicated race bike. Both of those bikes saw track time.
But the biggest thrill was as a passenger, or swinger (clean thoughts please!), on a racing sidecar outfit. Ever seen those guys and girls? Head millimetres off the ground in a left turn and climbing all over the outfit for a right hander.
Well, with limited or no experience that was me. Remember – ego and testosterone in play here!
We were at Amaroo Park, a 1.9 km race circuit north west of Sydney city and home of the Castrol 6 Hour for many years. It was a great fun circuit but diabolically dangerous for motorcycles. There were very few run off areas and most corners were surrounded by an earth bank, concrete wall or guard rail.
I knew something was wrong when my ankles started to slide on the track through the big series of right hand sweepers at the top end of the circuit. But as we came out of the tight left hander, one of only two on the circuit, I slid straight off the back. I had no idea why!
Still holding on to the outfit my mind started to race.
As we got close to maximum speed down the back straight I realised that even if I pulled myself back up there was a chance I would come off again at the next corner, a slow right hander sharper than 90 degrees we knew as “stop corner”. And that one had no run off area before you hit a steep earth bank.
So I let go. And I slid ….. a long way! And apart from trying to stand up at some ridiculous speed (remember the ego/testosterone thing) I stayed on the ground until my head went into the earth bank and I bounced 3 metres high into the air.
I eventually stopped after about 250 metres, surprisingly with only soft tissue injuries and ligament damage. I do, however, now have 2 fused vertebrae in my neck to remind me of that dirt bank.
It’s amazing what goes through your head at that speed. I can almost, to this day, remember all the thoughts because it seemed to happen in slow motion.
When I did stop I looked around for the outfit but couldn’t see it. The rider had kept going, through stop corner, the right hander onto the
main straight, the right hand kink as you climb what was called
Bitupave Hill and it was only as he looked back to where I should have
been as he approached the blind off camber corner at the crest of the
hill that he knew he had a problem.
And he had to take 2 looks to believe what he had seen – he was about to enter the corner without me there to balance the outfit and stop it from flipping over. Once again, call it a miracle or good luck but he made it through without me.
It was only later that we realised that fuel had spilled onto the passenger tray and I was sliding around on it. But, in hindsight there was another reason as well.
I had some monumental crashes on race circuits over the few years I played there. In hindsight I simply didn’t have the skill level to do it well at the time. Today, it’d be a very different situation.
I went there because I thought it’d be fun, and it was when things were going well. But I had really let my ego, and my need to prove I was better than my mates, shape my decisions.
Now, I know nobody else does that …. or do they?
After years of riding I’ve learnt the skills I really needed back then. But I’ve also learnt where it’s appropriate to use them. Queensland Raceway is one of those places.
We all make many decisions every time we ride. Making smart ones bring us home safely. When we allow outside influences to affect those decisions we put ourselves at risk. Recognising that those outside influences are in play is a real skill in itself.
So, I’m about to make another decision – cereal or toast for breakfast? It’s my decision and I’m hoping it’s a safer outcome either way!
Tech Tips: 10 Things to do before your Easter dirtbike weekend!
By Rusty Lemon, TeamMoto Virginia Workshop Manager
Getting ready to for a dirty weekend this Easter? Planning on a trip with your favorite significant other?
That’s right Easter is the best time of year to go camping or get out on your dirt bike! I know that’s what you were thinking too… So if your planning a weekend escape this Easter, here are our Tech Tips this month:
10 things to do before your Easter dirt bike weekend!
#1. Spend 10 minutes checking your bike, walk from back to front on both sides.
#2. Check your tyre pressures and valves to insure they aren't on a fierce angle and you don't get a flat on your first ride.
#3. Inspect coolant, top up with coolant/water premix.
#4. Insure you have enough meat on your brake pads to get you through the weekend.
#5. Inspect all spokes, ensure none are loose and all are tensioned correctly.
#6. Take a spare pre-oiled air filter to exchange after a long dusty days ride.
#7. Check sprocket bolts are tightened.
#8. Check all oil levels and brake fluid levels.
#9. Ensure your chain is lubed and tensioned and that your chain link is intact.
#10. Make sure you take enough fuel for the weekend as there is nothing worse than running out of fuel in the middle of a great weekend of riding and having to watch your mates for the rest of the time!
Also make sure after the weekend ride your bike gets an adequate service.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me at TeamMoto Virginia on 3259 2900 to book in for a service, or if you haven't already drop by and check out our brand new workshop!
Virginia now boasts a "drive-through" workshop catering for all your bikes needs from servicing to suspension and performance. Located in the brand new TeamMoto Honda Virginia building at 1920 Sandgate Rd, we are also home to the Off-Road Performance Centre with senior technician Ian Kerr. For any dirt bike related questions be sure to give us a ring and we can help you out. Happy Easter!
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Upcoming Road Rides... Including the Ride by the Lake Demo Day!
TeamMoto has several upcoming Road Rides to be after Easter on Sunday, May 1st 2011. Plus, if you haven't already booked in for the TeamMoto "Ride by the Lake" Demo Day on Sunday, May 15th now is your chance!
We have over 40 bikes on offer with demo rides starting at 9.00am and going until 3.00pm. There will be free lunch and drinks for everyone - plus as a late addition we have been able to secure two very special demo bikes, so check out the story below!
TeamMoto Triumph Springwood - Southside Ride May 1st 2011
TeamMoto Triumph
Springwood is hosting a RAT Ride on Sunday, May 1st 2011. Catering to
the "Southside" riders, meet and greet at TeamMoto Triumph Springwood
(61 Moss St) from 8.00am. Ride departs 8.30am sharp.
The route has yet to be decided, however it will be a fantastic 300-400km ride south of Brisbane.
The ride will stop for morning tea / coffee break at approximately
10.30am and then continue on for Lunch at approximately 12noon.
Enjoy your day - ride to your ability - stay upright - stay safe. Hope you see you there!
TeamMoto Triumph Virginia - Northside Ride May 1st 2011
For the "Northside" riders out there,
TeamMoto Triumph Virginia's road ride will kick off from 1924 Sandgate
Road, Virginia on Sunday, May 1st 2011 at 7am with a sausage
sizzle (and the coffee van will be in attendance!).
The ride will take us over Clear Mountain, through Dayboro and up into
the hinterland. The ride will again conclude around 12-12.30pm at the
Bellbird Creek Cafe in Kenilworth, where you can purchase lunch and
relax in the tranquil setting.
Be sure to chat to the TeamMoto staff
about any of the Triumphs currently on offer, cast an eye over the new
Speed Triple or book a test ride!
From Kenilworth you can either follow the TeamMoto crew back to Brisbane or find your own way home.
It's your life, enjoy it! Hope to see you there.
After the hugely successful inaugural
event last year, the TeamMoto "Ride by the Lake" Demo Day will be held
on Sunday, May 15th 2011 at the same location as last year - Cormorant Bay,
Lake Wivenhoe.
Below is a comprehensive list of all the bikes available to test ride on
the 25-minute extended test ride route. Each rider can choose TWO
rides!
Once you have chosen, please call Rosie on (07) 3380 2247 to book in, as
you MUST pre-register if you would like to ride. First in best
dressed, so call now!
PLUS! We have a very special late addition to the bike line-up... thanks to Yamaha Motor Australia, we have been able to secure both a VMAX and a MT-01, plus the brand new YZF-R15 for the day! So hurry and call now to pre-book your rides!
An "anonymous" source emailed through a hilarious mixture of "fun on less than four wheels" pictures which included the below bikes. They definitely speak for themselves... and portray the fact that ones imagination is truly limitless when it comes to customizing motorcycles!
