By Database on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 09:22 am:

Anyone from around Sydney care to participate in any weekend rides around the state?
I am relatively new to the mc tracks of NSW and would love to tag along with fellow riders.
I am happy to scrape the footrests or cruise at legal speeds. 

By Ianminus on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 11:04 am:

Database, I could well recommend the Clubman Tourers. This is a Sydney group that consists of a diverse mix of enthusiastic riders, male and female. People range from the cruisy socialisers to a mad bunch of maniacs who race each other every weekend. There are many scheduled ride days and a couple of active (members only) internet forums.

Why not come to a meeting - check out the web site. {http://www.clubman.org.au/index.htm,http://www.clubman.org.au/index.htm}
At the moment, I am the only FJR owner in the club.

This months meeting may be a cruncher as since membership has grown, liability insurance has skyrocketed and has caused concern for our existence as a club.

Anyway, this (long for me)weekend, I am off to cruise the roof of Australia on the Snowy Mtns ride via the coast.

Keep in touch as I am always blasting about the roads around sydney. 

By Jwm on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 05:30 am:

Goodness, gracious me, couldn't possibly take the FJR out onto the roads, you know how easily they bbreak down. I mean, valves, vale guides, tensioners, oild seals. God forbid.

Actually database, looking at the picture in your photo, you remind me of a mate of mine, nick named 'Stubby'(due both to his shape and the consumption of afforesaid item). God, my liver couldn't stand up to there being two people like him. 

By Database on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 10:05 am:

Thanks for the response Ian, I shall check out the link.
John, thanks for the complement!, where's your pic? 

By Jwm on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 10:48 pm:

Database...
Mate, I'm ugly enough in real life. Unfortunatelty cameras just compound the problem. If I put a picture on my profile they would chuck me off the site (maybe the internet)  

By Nocchi on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 11:32 pm:

Yesssssssss I had heard that  

By Jwm on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 09:18 am:

Although, they have allowed Nocchi to stay online, haven't they. 

By David1300 on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 12:12 pm:

I don't think they allowing Nocchi to stay in his own right. I think it's because he has such divine friends. See the Nocchi Horror Picture show post

Nocchi, no-one said you are weird, but if the cap fits.......  

By Nocchi on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 09:56 pm:

Its ok mate.......I wear the title with pride  

By Database on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 10:30 am:

JWM
OK Mate, I guess some secrets are best left undiscovered!  

By Mazza on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 01:35 am:

Guys,

It's time for me to stop lurking. I'm a proud FJR owner since September, and have found this site and Micapeak very useful for hints and tips. I'm based in Sydney (St Leonards during the week and near Camden most weekends) and would be interested in getting together for a ride or two. Yesterday, having missed the Snowy Ride, I headed up through Windsor and Wiseman's Ferry. Sensational part of the world!

Most of my weekends are taken up with fire-fighting activities (I'm an officer in the Rural Fire Service), but if you're happy to go for a ride on short notice (fairly relaxed at legal speeds), let me know. Cheers! 

By David1300 on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 01:40 am:

Welcome Mazza - good to have another one on board. Remember to disconnect the TPS (although not as critical on a blue one - if it was silver I would say don't go anywhere until you have disconnected it)

Safe riding  

By Mazza on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 01:40 am:

One other thing: a tip for Sydney riders. If you use one of the three E-way roads fairly often (Harbour Bridge/Tunnel, Eastern Distributor and M5), you're probably sick of stopping to pay the toll. Well, I've got one of the new Dririder Dri-Mesh jackets and it has a small pocket on the lower left sleeve. I have simply slipped an E-Tag in this pocket and, when riding through the tollgates, hold my arm up parallel with the ground in front of my chest. Works a treat!!! No more stopping to pay tolls (and I can claim the government toll rebate on the M5).

Hope this is useful for someone. 

By Mazza on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 01:42 am:

David,

I've done enough disconnecting for one week. On Saturday I pulled the whole dashboard off, disconnected the screen auto-retract and adjusted the headlights down (I was sick of blinding low-flying pilots) 

By Ianminus on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 03:48 am:

Regarding the E-Tag - I have had a number of misreads on the Harbour bridge which has resulted in a letter demanding payment. Initially they accepted my quoting of the E-Tag number, but recently I have been advised to read the terms and conditions regarding the use of E-Tag. It does not include use by motorcycles and I will be slugged an extra amount per occurence.

I can't remember the amount- I think it was $10.

I was advised that there is a separate system available for motorcycles, that still requires you to stop and fumble about. (I have not explored this option)

If the E-TAG toll system worked as well as the security camera - we'd all be happy! 

By Jwm on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 04:02 am:

Mazza.....

Welcome aboard. Both myself and FJR01 are not all that far from Camden. I'm at Silverdale and FJR01 is at either Camden or Campbelltwon, can't remember. 

By Database on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 09:50 am:

Cheers Mazza
I'm riding most Saturdays and Sundays, and I'll ride with anyone. 

By David1300 on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 12:43 pm:

Mazza - so you are the biker that gives a funny salute each time you approach a toll-gate Paying homage - or maybe just plain paying  

By Fjr01 on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 09:08 pm:

Mazza....

Hi and welcome to the site!

I'm in the Campbelltown area and my job takes me to Camden every day.

I ride with Macarthur Ulysses most Sundays but I'd be keen to go for a spin at a mutually convenient time. I'm free most Saturdays. 

By Mazza on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 09:39 pm:

Guys,

Thanx for the warm welcome.

David: Yup, that's me (doing the salute). I guess I look like a Russian soldier doing the march past.

Ianminus: Not quite sure how you can have misreads on the Harbour Bridge 'coz it has a green light that tells you if it has registered. I always slow right down to about 30kmh and wait for the light. Haven't had any problems so far. The M5 is a lot worse 'coz there's no way of knowing whether it has registered (I can't hear the beep through the helmet). One thing the lady told me when I ordered it was that you have to be careful to stay right in the middle of the lane. HTH.

JWM, DBase, FJR01: Guys, I'll be out at Camden this weekend and would be interested in a ride on Sunday arvo if you're available. 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 10:26 am:

Mazza,

Sorry, can't make it on Sunday.

I'm riding to Rockley (out Bathurst way), with a group from Eastern Creek Ulysses. 

By Database on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 12:31 pm:

Mazza,

Camden, never been there, half the fun would be getting there (ex Mexican).
Sure, I'm interested! 

By Jwm on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 01:09 am:

You guys from outside the area, make sure your passport is current and that you have a police clearance. We are pretty fussy about who rides in our part of town. 

By Mazza on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 03:19 am:

Jwm: Does that mean you'll come with us? Give us the local flavour (although I have spent 23 years of my life in the Camden district and know the area pretty well backwards (Note to self: gotta stop riding backwards)).

Dbase: Why don't we head southwest to Picton, stop for a refresher at the George the Fourth (best motorcycle pub in Sydney), then on to Bulli and Stanwell Tops and back through the Royal National Park? That way we're not too far from your home base and I'll be heading back to St Leonards afterwards, anyway. Sound like a plan? 

By Jwm on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 07:09 am:

Warning, Warning, Warning....................

If your riding down through the National park keep a good look out for cyclists (pedal power type). I went through there about 5 weeks ago and the place was covered in them. I came through one series of twisties, half way through the last left hander all of a sudden there was this size 16 female cyclist in front of me, right in the middle of the road. Lucky there was nothing coming the other way and I managed to avoid her, even though I took it easier after that I still came across a lot of cyclist who obviously have a belief that they own the road. The bastards should have to pay registration just like us.
Mazza, not sure if I can make it on Sunday, I was away for 3 days last weekend and not sure what sort of reception I will get. If you and datbase won't to post the meeting place and time on this site I will see if I can make it. 

By Database on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 10:56 am:

Jwm
I know what you mean, I have ridden throught the National Park the last 3 weekends or so and had to dodge a few myself.
Mazza
Seems like a sound plan, just pick a meeting place with a BIG obvious landmark and lets go from there.
dba. 

By Database on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 10:59 am:

Ianminus
The Clubman Tourers meeting was last night wasn't it? I was stuck at work with a stubborn server, I'll try again next month. 

By Mazza on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 12:32 am:

Dbase, Jwm: How about we meet at 11:30 at the Woolworths Plus petrol station on Camden Valley Way just near the M5 (the area's called Prestons). Dbase, just head down the M5 towards Canberra, and take the Camden Valley Way exit (if you get to Campbelltown Rd, you've gone too far). Turn right onto Camden Valley Way and the petrol station is about 100m on the right.

This way, we can head down to the George the Fourth for an early lunch in the beer garden, and then spend the afternoon carving up the Picton/Illawarra region. Ok? 

By Jwm on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 07:13 am:

Mazza...
Got it. I'll see how I go, no promises. 

By Database on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 10:58 am:

Mazza
OK I shall be there, hopefully Jwm as well. I will try and talk some other riders to tag along as well (non FJR).

all welcome

cheers.. 

By Database on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 09:16 am:

I must proclaim a most successful ride today.
I will let Mazza fill in the details as I was just playing - 'follow the leader'.
But here's a couple of pics taken at some dam water reservoir lake place thingy.

Pic1 - The bikes that came in order, Mine, Mazza's and my bodyguard's.



Pic2 - The FJr riders, you work out who is who.



Pic3 - I just thought it was a good picture




 

By Jwm on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 01:08 am:

Database...
I know that place well, it's Burragerang Lookout, just outside of the old Oakdale Colliery. Sorry I couldn't make it, I did suggest to the wife that I might be going on a ride but the look she gave me infered otherwise. Which way did you guys go in and out of that place, there's 2 roads. I usually come in from the Camden road and then go back through Picton, both good bike roads. Damn, missed out again. Did you finish up doing the Royal National park? 

By Jwm on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 01:12 am:

By the way, that dam water lake thingy is the back end of the Warragamba Dam catchment area. There used to be a town down there where the water now is. 

By Mazza on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 02:53 am:

Jwm: No we didn't do the Royal National Park, as everyone had already been there so we decided to chalk up some unfamiliar roads instead. Basically, the ride went Prestons-Cobbitty-Cawdor-Picton (with lunch at the George the Fourth)-Oakdale-Nattai-Burragorang Lookout-The Oaks-Picton-Maldon-Douglas Park-Camden-Narellan-M5 home.

I had my GPS with me, so I will upload a map of the route tomorrow (don't have my interface cable here now).

Database and myself are thinking of taking part in the Xmas Toy Run this Sunday in the Hunter Valley. Does anyone have any details and/or would like to join us? 

By Mazza on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 03:08 am:

Ok, I've finally found some more info on the toy run. The OzBike magazine website has the following:

"Newcastle Combined Bikers Toy Run (NSW); 1st December. Oz's oldest toy run, 25 years. Join more than 7000 bikers, rain, hail or shine. Live music, entertainment for young & old. Assemble Sandgate Markets, Newcastle; leaving 10 am to Newcastle Foreshore. Contact: 0415-490-710."

Doesn't actually mention the Hunter Valley at all. Oh well, I suppose we can throw that in before or after.

There's also this for the weekend after:

"Sydney Toy Run (NSW); Sunday 8 December. Meet 10.30 am, Grand Ave, Rosehill; depart 11 am for the Overlander Hotel, Penrith. Phone 0417-259-177." 

By Fjr01 on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 08:26 am:

We Macarthur Ulyssians have our own Toy Run next Sunday, so I'm involved with that.

I won't be on the FJR though....I should have gone with you guys on the "Burragorang Lookout" run....perhaps I would still have a pristine bike right now.

On a ride out the other side of Lithgow yesterday, my wife and I accompanied the machine on a slide down the road.

We struck some gravel on a tight, dipping left hander and were on the deck in the blink of an eye.

No serious injuries thankfully. Mainly abrasions and bruising. The gear protected us pretty well. Absolutely shredded my left boot though.The bloodied hole in the pic is where something on the bike drove into my foot.

About $A3000 is my estimation of the damage, plus we are up for some new gear. Bloody helmet, which is nearly due for replacement, didn't get a mark on it! The wife's is RS however.

So there it is....another silver one down.
 

By David1300 on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 10:39 am:

Dennis - very sorry to hear about the off. Never good to test the body on the bitumen, but really glad to hear that you and your wife are OK except for the bruising and abrasions.

Silver ones, mate, you have to watch them, specially on the bends. Maybe yours was destined for the States originally?

Hope you heal soon.

You've qualified for your wrecking crew cap when they decide on the colour. See http://www.fjrowners.ws/forum/messages/6/4426.html? if you haven't already looked it up 

By Jooshead on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 11:10 am:

Dennis,

Really sorry about your off. I'm so very glad that both you and your wife are OK.

The bike looks fairly typical for a low side.

I hope you can get here fixed soon. 

By Gilbo on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 02:30 pm:

Real bad luck Den,been there and got the t shirt.Alans went exactly the same way.
It's gonna sound like a duck billed platitude but,
You and your good lady are ok apart from the depression ,that really is all that matters.
The pain will subside.If you'd have gone on the other ride,it mighta been worse.Chin up mate. 

By Gilbo on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 02:35 pm:

{sad} 

By Sharp on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 08:17 pm:

Dennis, Sorry to hear you qualified for "the club you don't want to join". Mine looked even worse, but at least no one was hurt in either of our low sides. My boots faired a bit better than yours. Hope your walking ok. I am trying to stay ahead of you for parts though. Over here only about half of mine are available at the moment.

Hope this doesn't keep the wife off the bike. Let us all know how the repairs go.
sharp - Original Wrecking Crew member 

By Mazza on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 10:34 pm:

FJR01: Sorry to hear about the spill. We did think about the Macarthur Toy Run, but it's only Narellan Macca's to Campbelltown, so we figured it would be nicer to head out of town for the Newcastle one. We'll see.

Without wanting to rub salt into the wound, here's the map of our route last Sunday:
 

By Fjroamer on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 12:23 am:

Hmmmm...., the Original Wrecking Crew will have to take the issue into consideration. Down Under-ers are already riding upside down to begin with, are they not!?

Many of us have been fortunate in our "offs" to this point and am sincerely hoping it will not extend beyond that.

Roamer, Pac.N.W. Wrecking Crew charter mbr. #2 

By Jwm on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 01:35 am:

FJR01..

Very sorry to hear about the off Dennis. I'm glad you and the wife are ok.
It is so very easy to hit gravel patches on many of the intersections, bends, etc, on some of these back roads that we bikers travel on frequently. Hope the FJR is back on the road again real soon, without any of the hassles that so many others have experienced.Once again, glad your both ok. 

By Jwm on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 01:50 am:

FJR01....

This isn't going to heal your bruises and scrathches Dennis,nor is it going to fix the bike or heal your pride and confidence but it is something to consider. I don't know what road you were travelling on when you had your accident but both the RTA and Local Councils have certain obligations in relation to things such as potholes, gravel on roadways, etc, it's a 'duty of care' provision. It may be worth while having a chat with a solicitor about the situation, it certainly can't hurt anything. It is a possible avenue to recoupe the monies it is going to cost you for the repairs to the bike and to replace the riding gear. All councils are covered by Public Liability Insurance for this very purpose and I am aware of people who have claimed damages for such incidents. 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 03:38 am:

@ David1300, Joos, Gilbo, Sharp, Mazza, Fjroamer, Jwm....

Gee, thanks guys....it makes the pain (both physical and emotional) a lot easier to bear with the kind of support that comes from you good people on this board.

Dennis  

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 04:02 am:

Jwm.....

You know, I had my digital camera with me on that fateful trip, but didn't have the presence of mind to take a snap of the gravel strewn road. Not surprising I guess, under the circumstances.

A number of bikes arrived on the scene quickly and some people suggested I get back on the bike and ride to the local hospital without delay (about 15 k's away) before shock possibly set in. (My wife went on the back of another bike). Mine was a fairly sedate ride, as the bike was unstable under brakes....something obviously out of whack at the front end. I'll mention that to the assessor when he arrives here this evening to take the bike to Frazer's Motorcycles for repair.

I will consider your suggestion, John.....thanks. 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 04:44 am:

Mazza.....

The Macarthur Toy Run is only from Narellan to Campbelltown, but after lunch there is a run out to Burragorang Lookout.

But I agree, if you are looking to put in a few kilometres, the Newcastle run is a better deal.

I know all those roads on your map very well. I particularly like the bit from Camden, out through The Oaks to Oakdale and then across to Picton via Barker's Lodge Road.

I've enjoyed myself on that route on many occasions!  

By Database on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 05:28 am:

Jjr01
Never a happy moment to hear of such misfortune.
all the best.
db 

By Jwm on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 06:21 am:

Mazza...
Like FJR01, I have travelled those roads on numerous occasions. It is close to home and is usually the route I take when I need to get out of the house to clear my head.
As a senior rider who has only been riding for the past 7 1/2 years, those are the roads where I did a lot of my practice. 

By Sharp on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 07:07 am:

Fjr01, Actually I can tell you that it all gets better. I was devastated when I went down, considering how long I had been riding without an off. Talking on this site and finally settling with the insurance co. made me feel a lot better. Now that I have picked up my new ride and my first is on the mend, all is really good. You just have to find a way to make it through the next few weeks/months and this site is a great help. 

By Fjr01 on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 08:35 pm:

Database....

Thanks....I just hope it won't be too long before I have the bike back again. Like, before Xmas pleeease! Am I asking too much? Perhaps so. I bet there will be at least one part that's unavailable!

At least I still have the littlest Virago to take out for a spin occasionally.

I commute the eight kilometres to work on that one. 

By Fjr01 on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 10:27 am:

Sharp....

Yes, this site is great. So much support. I have also had quite a number of phone calls and emails from friends in the large motorcycle club that I'm involved with. It all helps to ease the pain some.

This afternoon I watched the FJR leave my place in the back of a pick-up, in company with a Harley that had obviously met a similar fate.

Oh well, here's hoping it will only be a few weeks, rather than months! 

By Database on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 10:38 am:

Fjr01

I'm going to know the feeling on Monday 'cause I gotto drop mine at dealer to get oil leak from shaft fixed. They reckon may take up to 3 weeks and refuse to give me a loaner bike.

gotto get in a good ride this weekend!

cheers
 

By Nocchi on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 10:41 pm:

Database, if they refuse you a loaner, maybe its time to change dealers. My bike was off the road for a month and during that time I was loaned various demo bikes.........all presented to me with a full tank of fuel !!!!!!! 

By Jwm on Thursday, November 28, 2002 - 05:06 am:

FJR01...

What!!!!!!!!! An FJR and a Harley together in the back of a pickup truck. Isn't that an interracial marriage or something, shouldn't be allowed. God damn, the owner of that Harley must be a Social Climber or something. Can you imagine the outcome if they mated. 

By Fjr01 on Thursday, November 28, 2002 - 06:30 am:

Database,

I must say I agree with Nocchi, any half decent dealer would have given you a loaner under those circumstances!

Hopefully you won't be without the bike for as long as they are suggesting.

Good luck mate. 

By Fjr01 on Thursday, November 28, 2002 - 07:13 am:

Jwm,

There is no way my FJR was going to marry that Harley!

They just shared the bed of a pickup truck for a spell. 

By Database on Thursday, November 28, 2002 - 10:04 am:

Interesting....

The first question I was asked was "Did you buy the bike from us!' and this was asked several times. As I suggested politely, that in the interest on customer service, that maybe they should give me loaner.
It was stated to me that the Yamaha warranty does not cover a loan machine and as it cannot be claimed back....but they did offer to hire me one..
But at least I was assured that my bike would be fixed, no questions asked, no acqusations made.

Nocchi, sounds like your dealer is not as bad as some, even though I know what a lot of •••• you have been through..
Thanks Fjr01 - my situation is minor compared to yours.

Anyone know what response I would get if I tried to get the repairs done at a dealer other than the one I bought from, I think I may ring some tommorrow.

cheers
 

By Jwm on Thursday, November 28, 2002 - 10:04 am:

FJR01


Thats ok then, it was just casual sex. Lets hope there's no offspring. I mean what would you call it, a HarFJR, a FJRley, a HaFJRley, what a thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

By David1300 on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 12:46 am:

@DB - I have had warranty work done on my bike by the non-selling dealer, with no problem and excellent service. Only small - fitting the heat insulation to the fuel tank.

I bought from Caboolture Motorcycles (150k's from home) because they had the only remaining black one in captivity, but previously had bought from Metro Yamaha. I have no complaints with Cabooture - their service was good, and they did the first service on the bike, but Metro is 60k's closer to home. Still far, but closer.

Also, I have bought previously from Metro, and their sales and support service has been excellent. Alan, one of the owners, rode an FJR to Perth via Darwin and then back accross the Nullabor, and I've spent a few hours discussing tyres, tank bags, suspension etc with him and the staff - so they also know the product and are not learning at my expense.

And no, I don't have any financial interest - but I am a firm believer in recognising good (and bad). Their investment in good service and good staff is their best advertisement. I hope I never have to test a major warranty repair item, but from past experience I would go to Metro (my dealer of choice) first, and Caboolture (the selling dealer) next. 

By Fjr01 on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 01:00 am:

Jwm,

No action, so no probs (the fall had given mine a headache). 

By Jwm on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 08:18 am:

Was that, 'the fall had given him a headache', or, 'the fall had given her a headache'.
OK, the truth of th ematter is that your bike is a he and the harley was a she. Furhter to that being a Harley, she didn't recognise a good thing when she saw it. Secondly, even if she had seen it, she would have been too sloooooooowwwwww to react. 

By David1300 on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 01:27 pm:

The difference between Men and Women, or FJR's and Harleys - see Pillion Parlour - time to move this discussion where all the world can see 

By David1300 on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 01:30 pm:

Deleted - I developed a stutter 

By Taipan on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 01:33 pm:

Dennis----we in South Aus. thinking about you mate--hope you both are able to enjoy your bike again with all speed---nothing worse than having your pride and joy damaged.
I guess we all have accidents in the back of our minds and only hope the bad luck does not come our way.
Our regards--Ross and Jen 

By Fjr01 on Saturday, November 30, 2002 - 12:30 am:

Taipan,

Our thanks to you and Jen. We are getting over it....a little bit less discomfort each morning as we crawl out of bed.

I have almost come to accept the accident now, in that I spend less time going over it in my mind, wondering what I did wrong, how could I have approached that bend differently, etc.

It's too early to have any idea how long the bike will be off the road, but we aren't going to be nice to be around, if we are still without a ride come early January! 

By Jwm on Sunday, December 01, 2002 - 12:30 am:

FJR01....

Gee, I think your pretty optomistic to hope that the bike will be back by early January. I hope for your sake that all the panels and parts are in stock in Australia and that the fix is very quick and easy.
I know from my experience with the VFR, about 2 1/2 years ago, that the repairs took about 7 weeks, that was with the parts being readily available. A mate of mine has just had a similiar experince with his Hyabusa and that repair was mainly just a repaint of his bike as it fell over as he was getting off it. Coming up to ••••••••• like it is, I suspect not. But never the less, I wish you luck.
As for the accident, there really isn't much you can do once the bike hits gravel at any sort of speed, you either get through it or you don't. One of the 1st rides I went on with Ulysses (nepean) I hit a gravel patch on an intersection out the back of Dungog, bike start to go and then gripped again, just damn lucky, nothing you can do about it. Unfortunately it is just one of the hazards we face out here in Australia, especially as we tend to ride through a lot of back roads to out of the way places. On these roads you tend to find anything and everything on the road, one bloke on the recent Snowy Ride had a big off as a result of hitting 'horse shit' on a bend at the crest of the hill at Dead Horse Gap. If its not horse shit, it's dead Kangaroo's, wombats, oil from trucks or gravel. Even like our American and European friends, going up the putty road I have even seen deer race out from the bush in front of vehicles.
Riding bikes really is a large percentage of luck, together with a degree of skill and caution. Perhaps it is that element of risk that attracts us. 

By Fjr01 on Sunday, December 01, 2002 - 07:26 am:

Jwm,

Yes, wishful thinking I know. Oh well, back in time for the Mudgee AGM do you reckon? Should be a safe bet eh!

As you say, there are a lot of objects/ conditions out there, just waiting to bring us down. It's a matter of being alert, looking well ahead, scanning and the rest is just luck, really. 

By Jwm on Sunday, December 01, 2002 - 09:25 am:

FJR01.........
What month is the AGM? 

By Fjr01 on Sunday, December 01, 2002 - 09:56 am:

Jwm,

First week in April.

I take it you're not going then? 

By Jwm on Sunday, December 01, 2002 - 10:22 pm:

FJR01......

I actually haven't ridden with Ulysses for about 3 1/2 years. Still a member though.
Sometimes I ride with 5 or 6 guys from around the Silverdale area, other times it's with a group of mates who are also ex coppers.
As I'm finding it difficult to get away from home on weekends of late, I'm finding more and more that I ride by myself during the week more often than not these days. 

By Fjr01 on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 10:04 am:

Yes, your circumstances are different to mine. Our kids are grown up, although we still have two at home, aged 24 and 22. My wife and I are free to do what we wish on weekends, so of course we go riding! We have made so many new friends since joining, and getting very involved with, the Ulysses Club. So much fun, both on and off the bike. We don't always go on the organised rides. Quite often three or four couples will decide on a different destination, which is what happened on the Oct long weekend, when four bikes went to Eden instead of up north with the rest of the branch.

Yes, we are going to miss all that for a couple of months, or however long it takes to mend the FJR. We will still have a lot of contact with these people socially however. Next Sunday we have our branch Xmas Party on a property out at Cobbity. Then closer to Xmas, my wife and I plan to have a bunch of them at our place for a get together.

I am pretty lucky that my wife shares my passion. When I first got into riding, I didn't think she would be keen at all and it would just be something I was going to do occasionally on my own. I have been blessed. 

By Nocchi on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 10:06 pm:

Jwm.......the reason you have to ride alone is because you ARE an ex copper But its ok mate, I will at least talk to you  

By Jwm on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 04:46 am:

Nocchi......

I am so grateful that you are still talking to me. As for the ex copper bit, I'm going to a function tomorrow night and there are going to be 22 ex coppers and their partners there. Many of who ride.
I actually don't mind riding by myself for many reasons. Sometimes the groups are to slow, sometimes they are to fast. Sometimes groups I have ridden with want to stop every 3/4 hour for a break. Sometimes they want to go places that I don't want to go,other times they go by different routes to the ones I would take. Further to this, I find in groups that you have to have so much more awareness/concentration than riding by yourself, as there are often people who because of a lack of concentration or ability, do something which endangers everyone.
Don't get me wrong, I have only been riding for 7 1/2 years and I consider myself a novice by any standards.But at least if I am going at my own pace and travelling a distance with which I feel comfortable and not have to worry about other riders in the group, I feel that I am half a chance to get there safely. I think most of us are confidence riders, the more we ride the more confident we become. In my case, as it is sometimes several weeks between rides, I am often lacking confidence at the beginning of a ride and can be a little tentative. After I've had a 500 or 600 klm day on the bike, I am full of confidence. Oh yes, what was this about, thats right, riding alone.
 

By Jimdavo on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 05:57 am:

G/Day all.
I'm Jim Davidson.Live at Wilton.NSW.
I've just got a superseded silver 02 from On 2 Wheels in campbelltown.What a great bike ,traded a YZF1000 and my wrists dont hurt anymore.
Put some Oggy Knobs on this arvo and will have some Staintunes on the weekend,Ohlins next ,with a Virtual Screen from NZ landing soon too .
Is there a local group that go for any rides.?
Thanks. 

By David1300 on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 09:03 am:

Hi Jim - welcome aboard. Did they instruct you how to disconnect the TPS. I believe it's particularly troublesome on the silver models , particularly for a few 'mericans, but also Highlander in the UK had a troublesome one on his red bike. I also see this thread was originally started by Database, also looking for Sydney riders. Keep the rubber side down 

By Jimdavo on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 09:58 am:

Thanks Dave.
Don/t know what a TPS is,I just want more ground clearance and more horsepower,and probably more of both ,then . I could have an R1 and an 1150GS put them together and still wouldnt have the same bike.
I really do know what a trottle blah,blah is,but I just ride the the thing and its done 600k and I'
ve run out of back tire already. 

By David1300 on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 11:35 pm:

TPS - in the case of the 'mericans and some Brits it is a "Tarmac Proximity Switch" . It makes your bike fall over . Disconnection is a 'head thing' - as with any new bike, respect it always, but particularly while you are getting used to it's individual character.

I think you'll find the manual has the TPS listed as the Throttle Position Sensor, or some similar tecchie term  

By Jwm on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 07:50 am:

Welcome Jimdavo. Enjoy the site, the humour and the company. I live not far from you and there are a number of others in the Camden area (I have emailed you). Gee, 6000klm and your've run out of back tyre already. Man, you must be heavy on that throttle. If we ever ride together you better arrange to give me a good head start. 

By Database on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:07 am:

Welcome Jimdavo.
I'm always looking for fellow riders, although I have not had a weekend off in some time.
cheers 

By Wacko on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 10:49 pm:

Hello Everyone
Any of you guys or girls up for a ride this weekend????? 

By Jwm on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 06:32 am:

Certainly am. Doing the Tamworth ride with the Blue Liners. Met at Asquith, then Singleton, Dungog,Gloucester, Mowendoc and then Tamworth. Stay overnite and then home via the Putty Road on Sunday. 

By Jwm on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 06:35 am:

Oh sorry, forgot to mention. $30 registration for none Blue Liner members, $12 for lunch at Nowendoc and $20 for dinner at West Tamworth Leagues Club. All monies raised go to Careflight. That is for anyone who might be interested.