Friday 21 December 2012

Jinxed............

A couple of weeks ago I headed down to the old stomping ground and a bit of practice.......

I love these guys and gals........the best people.......

As it happens I got talking to a good friend about bikes, as you do, and for some reason we go onto indicators.........

He rides a lovely black on black 2012 Triumph Street Triple R......a magnificent looking thing......turns out (pun intended) that the indicators are identical to those on the Ape....and the Ducs.....and the Ape APRC RSV's....etc...etc.....

They have been known to fail on the expansion section between the mount and the indicator housing.......

On the day myself and my mate were discussing the "known issue" - my reply......."Nah mate....no problem with mine.......thanks for the heads up though"

JINXED



Got off the bike the following Monday at work and realised I had a broken indicator stalk...........indicator itself still works......

All under warranty and the dealer is being very good about it so no love lost.......

And hey.........mate (you know who you are)......I've got a spare globe now!

Good times indeed..

\BitSar 

Friday 14 December 2012

Rain Mode

I was watching the radar closely last night while sitting at the office...............bloody hell.............a nice fat band of rain on the way.....

I thought I'd pick a gap and try to get home...............I didn't have my wet gear today......this morning was hot and sunny......but you know Melbourne.......very unstable weather.

Turns out I left at precisely the WRONG moment......my gap had become a large sweeping front of rain, wind and lightning which obediently followed me all the way home.....


I don't actually mind riding in the rain.......the only thing I don't like about it is it makes the bike bloody filthy. 

In the past I used to avoid riding in the rain like the plague.....these days I just select "Rain Mode".........both on bike and in mind.........relax and get on with it. 

After riding in bad conditions over the years you learn to adjust your style accordingly.......cornering with less lean angle......using more engine braking and less active braking.........increasing your buffer from all four corners.....being SMOOTH.......all techniques which will help to keep the rubber road side down......

Riding in the rain isn't all the bad.......just select Rain Mode ---> Both on Bike and in Mind.

\BitSar
--Dried out now.......last night I swear I thought I was a Duck.......

Monday 10 December 2012

Toy Run - 2012

Each year the MRA in association with the Salvos organise a Toy Run charity ride..................
Each year I ride and bring a Toy donation for needy kids and their families..........a good excuse for a ride eh?

***

The guys met at my place for a Man's breakfast whilst we got the bikes ready and strapped on the tail-bags full with our gifts.....................almost like Ye'old St.Nick with his sleigh and sack...........although, I think our rides have just a little more horsepower...........

We headed to the official meet point in Port Melbourne where hundreds of bikes were congregating......all manner of decorations and costumes........riders really do have big hearts.....



As the Port meet point is an official start location it attracts a large amount of riders making travelling in convoy quite difficult...............VicPol get involved and help to get the bikes out to Calder park safely.................they even let us through against Red lights....shepherd us onto the Tulla Freeway without having to wait........and.......turn a blind eye to some of our Mods...........thanks boys!



We arrived at Calder park Raceway.........

Once at Calder park we give our Toys......talk to vendors and see the displays.......
Each year there are Stunt and Trials riders who amaze the crowd...........but that's not the reason why we do it......this ride is for the kids........but hey.....a little rider-entertainment can't hurt eh?

Thanks for the ride fellas......

\BitSar

Friday 7 December 2012

Caramel

Work has been pretty dismal of late.......

I'm not complaining per'se........I still have a job.......but morale is at an all time low..........

It has officially been Summer for 7 days now.......that's an entire week! Shhhhh don't tell the weather Man......it's been bloody cold..................well - until today

SO! What would an avid Motorcyclist do after a week full of Corporate and Unionised bullshit on a warm Summer night?

Put the hammer down...............of course.......

The sky was Caramel........





Remember........no matter how things first seem........there is always Motorcycling.......

\BitSar

Friday 30 November 2012

Anti-SMIDSY campaign

Unfortunately I had a great SMIDSY this morning...............I can't believe how some people react when they've committed the SMIDSY sin......

I was waiting to turn right through a busy CBD intersection, I had a large queue of cars behind me also wanting to turn right.......

The on-coming traffic was very heavy, so much so that the intersection was barely clear........

The lights turn from green to amber......I creep forward, stand the bike up and balance her through rear brake, throttle and clutch manipulation......rocking, rocking, rocking.....

I see a woman in a Silver Astra hatchback entering the intersection.......no intention of stopping......I'm still balancing and edging forward VERY slowly as I rock the bike......I catch her eye to eye.......she SMILES!? and waves......the lights turn from amber to red......the bonnet lifts......she's on the gas...........slams on through intersection.....running the red.......

Shaking my head and thinking what hope do we have I continue my LEGAL turn through the intersection......live to fight, and ride, another day.......

What really gets me about this is the driver attitude........She clearly saw me and had time to smile and wave.....as if to say "I know, I'm sorry I'm performing a potentially deadly manoeuvre..........I'm sorry you might not get home tonight to see the Missus.......but I've REALLY got to make this light.....you understand, right?"

Wrong.......

The silver lining to my rant?..........................Over the last couple of years a prominent Law firm, Maurice Blackburn, have been campaigning against the SMIDSY killer........

Each year I buy a couple of T-Shirts for myself and fellow riding buddies.....all proceeds go to supporting riders and their families with Pro-Bono legal fees etc.......

Maurice Blackburn are also doing a fantastic job with some very simple, effective and meaningful ad instalments in response the recent almost fraudulent TAC campaign.......



C'mon guys........stop the SMIDSY





\BitSar

Thursday 29 November 2012

Image issues

Sorry guys - I'm having trouble with my images at the moment - trying to find an alternate solution.

Things should be back on track soon.

[UPDATE - 30.11.2012]
I've managed to restore the images - hopefully everything is back as it once was.........let me know if you guys are having trouble seeing them...........

\BitSar

Sunday 25 November 2012

Practice, practice, practice..........

About 2 years ago I came across a forum thread offering new riders a chance to practice basic bike skills in a controlled environment...........at the time I'd been road riding for about 12 months so I thought a bit of a refresher might not be such a bad idea......

Since that day - way back when - I've been attending these Saturday Practice sessions frequently and infrequently as life dictates.......

I hadn't been for quite a while so yesterday morning......having no ride plans for the day.....I decided to head back down to the old stomping ground to catch up with some mates and to see the new guys and gals ride the course......


These sessions really are a community service........they are so important to many new riders.........there are two Guru riders who organise and run the sessions......every Saturday.....they do this for the love of riding and to teach new riders how to be safe.......they give their time, experience and wise words every weekend and ask nothing in return........very special indeed.


There is much more to motorcycling than just the ride.......of course......riding is the fun part, it is why we all do it.......but the most important part of being a rider is the people..........I have worked in numerous industries and met many people over the years and I can honestly say that riders are some of the best people I have ever met........

I'll continue to attend these practice sessions well into the future..........I'll still run the course from time to time to keep up low speed skills, although being a commuter I get lots of practice with slow speed technical riding........as any rider knows......it is much HARDER to ride well SLOWLY then it is to go fast......

But mostly......I'll keep going to see my mates........meet the new guys and gals entering into the Moto community and to see all the smiling faces........

You guys are great.

\BitSar

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Hero Shot

I needed to blow of some steam last night..............a little Motorcycle therapy was in order........

It was just after 7pm - the traffic was thinning out and the Sun was still bright..........throw a leg over and have a blat for an hour eh.......

One of the things I enjoy most about solo riding is being able to stop wherever you choose to take time out..........or......to take some Hero Shots........

The Ape is a seriously fun bike to ride.....she is nimble, torquey and has attitude and presence.......I really love this bike more and more with time spent......

What a beautiful night..............a beautiful backdrop..........and a beautiful bike........

There's something about this nostalgic/poster type effect which gives the Ape an old classic look......a real couple of Hero Shots.....




\BitSar

Monday 19 November 2012

Mambo Italiano

This Sunday was the annual FOIM event which is held in Melbournes' "Little Italy" on Lygon Street Carlton.

The sketchy morning weather finally cleared...........the Sun had a chance to shine on through...........shine on through to many, many pretty Motorcycles.....

There was an even mix of older classics, restored vintage and custom chopped out streetfighters and rat riders.......some of the restoration jobs were simply magnificent.....



This 848 Ducati Streetfighter had the most intense bling kit I have ever seen........so many go fast shiny bits and pieces.................not sure if it's my cup of tea.......but hell......

The next sub category of bikes which I've always found interesting for the ingenuity, personality and sometimes crazy ideas is the chopped streetfighters and rat riders..........As opposed to the factory Duc above, these machines once started as something completely different all together. 

This thing was VERY custom......not too sure what it started life as......the L-Twin is a clue.....it was a Duc.....now it's adorned with a custom hand made tank, saddle, rear seat cowl  front end, clip-ons etc, etc......you get the idea!


A lovely Guzzi ratter


I was talking to the owner of the bike pictured below.................this "thing" started life as a 2007 Aprilia RSV4 - not much Ape left in her.............. interesting.......if nothing else.......interesting.....


Of course......amongst the mix of restored, classic, ratters and fighters there were some pretty special stock and factory bikes on display.................ohhhhhh.....so much pretty.....

Bimota - Tesi 3D........look at the dual swing arms and push rod steering! INCREDIBLE

Another special stocker.......a Benelli TNT Cafe Racer 1130 - this thing is a widow maker........

So as you can see........the Sun was shining......the bikes were stunning and the crowd was full.........a great free event.........Ah motorbikes......they really are the key to happiness........




AND......we got freebies too!

\BitSar

Friday 9 November 2012

WTF - When Thought Fails........AKA - What The F^ck?

Sooo.........this is a mini rage post.................unfortunately this rage is directed at another rider......yes - it's sad but true.......ahhhhhhh - here goes......

At the office we are lucky enough to have dedicated bike parking which is undercover, out of harms way and secure...........we appreciate this.......well - most of us do.....

At a squeeze you'd get 6 VERY WELL PARKED bikes in here.........the only requirement is parking tail in.....and STRAIGHT........who would've thunk it eh?

Well then.....this morning I arrive and see this POS Honda-Davidson parked front in taking up at least 3 Moto spaces.......I mean dude.....WTF?


Adding insult to injury.....this is the first time I've seen this bike in here........a nice sunny day and a Solar-Powered inconsiderate rider......on a POS cruiser decides to grace us with their presence.........A little birdy tells me this bike will NOT be seen here again........well - at least not parked like this.........


\Lost a little more respect for humanity........
<cries_a_little>I didn't think it was even possible........</cries_a_little>

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Too much lube - not enough love

Well then..........

In an attempt to keep the running gear in good condition I usually lube the chain on the inside surface about every 2 weeks.........I do "clean" the chain............however, it would appear not well enough.....

I had just washed the bike over the weekend.........(it's bloody filthy again! Thanks Melbourne.............aarg) and while detailing with Plexus and lubing the chain with Motul Road, I noticed a large dark patch near the kick stand and gear lever.......


I stuck my finger in the area between the front sprocket and the gear shift linkage.......just above the "Aprillia eni" sticker in the shot............bloody hell...........there was A LOT of unused Motul build up in there.....

It took ten minutes to scoop out wads of oily molasses......along with stones and other debris...............aaaaahhhhh abrasives......that'll really help chain and sprocket longevity....D'oh 

Having managed to clean out the majority of the larger crap and scooping out as much of the latent chain lube I am satisfied.......at least for now, that the trouble makers have been removed.....


Moral of the story.............DON'T think that a cursory clean and a good lube often is the key long chain life......for what it's worth, it would appear the opposite is true........a GOOD CLEAN and a cursory lube would be more beneficial to the running gear in my opinion.......

\BitSar

Thursday 1 November 2012

You know you're a Motorcyclist when........

You're at work - dealing with poorly compiling code which was delivered by an external vendor and your only method of hiding and feeling better about you day is this...........



This is almost a rant post.........Ah Oracle..................

\Bangs head on wall


Monday 29 October 2012

Protest Rally

Melbourne CBD was briefly transformed into Motorcycle Central this afternoon when like minded riders congregated to express their displeasure with the finger pointing SMIDSY attitude rife amongst many motorists.

As all riders know........Sorry Mate I Didn't See You.........is a red rag to a bull.........for any cagers reading this.....don't do it......if you do......don't say SMIDSY.........just a heads up.......

The Victorian State Government along with TAC are eluding to legislation which will make it mandatory for all motorcyclists to be legally required to wear hi-viz clothing and display a forward facing number plate.....these two laws, according to the decision makers, will prevent SMIDSY's and keep riders safe........hhhmmmmm.,.........okay then?

There was a large turnout - everyone was very well behaved.......they stood quietly.....listened intently......and parked politely.......after everything was said and done a Protest Rally departed A'Beckett Street for laps of Melbourne CBD in attempt to be seen and heard by the public.......yes......riders are out there on the roads.......please look for us.....no more SMIDSY.......





Tuesday 23 October 2012

No right (only wrong) turn

Part of this blog is unfortunately reserved for rages at cagers............this post falls into that category...

On the commute this morning - I was waiting at a 4-way intersection to turn right. I was the first vehicle in the queue.

A truck approaches in the oncoming lane and is indicating to turn right......fine, no problem......HOWEVER! I notice behind him a woman in a POS Suzuki 4X4 is up his ass and planning on pushing through the intersection......

Now, I have a dilemma......

The lights turn from green to amber, the truck advances, I creep forward...........knowing full well that I have a queue of cagers behind me and a dormant threat of a 4X4 ready to punch through the intersection......

Sure enough - the lights turn from amber to red (I've waited as long as I can) and said 4X4 hammers through the intersection ........luckily I have anticipated this and swung out left, then right - under her.......the cage behind me is not so lucky.......they come nose to nose (no impact) in the middle of a busy CBD intersection ........horns blasting in accusation...........

Bugger it......quick shift into 2nd.....GTFO.......have a good life guys............

\Bangs head on wall..........

Sunday 21 October 2012

Yea - it's Saturday

Saturday is the default ride day for many riders.........just because I commute doesn't mean I don't like a weekend blat too........

Originally the plan was to head down the Mornington Peninsula for a Arthur's Seat/Redhill/Costal run......luckily one of my mates recalled that today was the cycling event "Around the Bay in a Day".................now I am an avid cyclist......but the thought of contending with hundreds of weekend warrior, gumby pushbikes was enough to put us off and to change plans.......

Another mate suggested we hit the hills - Kinglake is always fun.......see where we end up eh? We took off in the general North-Eastern direction.......

WHAT A CRACKER RIDE.........one of my ride buddies has a particular knack for finding great "B" roads in rural Victoria, and today, he did not disappoint.

Having found some nice twisties and slightly technical road into Kinglake we stop for a coffee and decided the next destination should be Yea..................hell - let's go.......

Yea via Kinglake west was a fantastic ride - especially when coupled with ample use of throttle and open fast sweepers.......

The bikes all lined up in the shade in Yea..........



A creepy sculpture I found made from Diff gears, Saw blades and Barbed-Wire.........hmmmmm Yea?

We had another coffee and decided it was time to head for home.......one mate lives out West from where we were....another is back near Melbourne CBD, as am I......we part ways.........Cheers mate, quick toot of the horn and we hit the road.....

The ride back to Melbourne was definitely not a let down.............we found a nice "semi-direct" route from Yea to Melbourne via Toolangi and Healesvile - cracker roads in this stretch......


Thanks for a pearler of ride Gentleman.............where next? =D

\BitSar

Friday 19 October 2012

Carbon up the Cans

The Akra's have been on and going strong for the last ~500kms......they still need a bit more conditioning (via heat cycles through normal use) - however they are starting to "Carbon Up" nicely......

As the burnt carbon deposits build up in the expansion chamber of the can - as well as coating the surface-area of the internal baffle, the cans' sound becomes deeper and the flow rate tends to increase.....as does exit pressure...

This all leads to better sounding and performing Akra's.................game on...


Still some more work to do - eh? Getting there though....bit dirty too.....bloody rain this morning on the commute

You can see the coating is not that thick yet......after about 500kms I can hear and feel the difference....I anticipate the true sound and performance won't be available for another 1,000kms.


Straight down the throat....flash on......you can see the internal baffle surface is getting carbon powder deposits.....


\BitSar



Monday 15 October 2012

Pink Ribbon Ride -2012

The annual Pink Ribbon Ride for Breast Cancer was held in Melbourne this Sunday........of course me and the Ape had to attend......

For the first time in a long time the air was warm and dry.......A great day for a LARGE group ride - and all for a good cause too!

The main ride from Melbourne Docklands - just before departure.

The procession arrives at Werribee

Bikes, bikes, bikes, bikes....................

More bikes.....and more bikes.....and - you get the idea

The Ape was in there too of course!

Being an Aprilia fan - I had to get a photo of this gen2 Tuono 1000 - lovely!

All in all it was great day out - got to catch up with some friends from NetRider who I haven't seen for a while.......and hey......taking the freeway hostage with a couple hundred motorcycles sounds like a pretty good day spent :D

\All for a good cause - do your bit for tit!