I've been shit.......really shit in getting Blog pieces organised.
Getting married, moving, changing jobs etc.....Bah! No excuse eh!
There is an overnighter coming shortly.
Plus new Tyres (segue to long, long, long term Pilot Road 3 review)
Plus 15T
Plus further "formal" training.
In short......not forgotten - just getting more and more busy......life huh?
Back soon.
\BitSar
Friday, 21 November 2014
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Black Dog RIde - 2014
It's on again - the Annual Black Dog ride to raise money and awareness for Mental Health and Depression........and what better way to help out..........with a motorcycle rally - of course!
On the back of the Chocolate Mill run, some two weeks earlier, the day had come to put that fundraiser moola to good use - and what a cracker ride it was. Approximately 5,000 riders nation wide participated in the Black Dog one-dayer.....with approximately 400 riders on the Victoria leg.....a leg I rode and corner marked for.
Corner marking is a great way to get involved in a large ride such as this - essentially you are in a fast bunch of riders ahead of the main pack - in this case ride leader plus ~10 corner markers ahead of ~390 participants + TEC.
As the route plays out, large group rides tend to get spaced out quite significantly due to the different skill levels, riding styles, type of bikes involved - this is where corner markers become critically important.
The ride leader will "drop" a corner marker at an intersection or key turn-off of the ride.....your job is to do a funky chicken dance and direct the main bunch through the corner......fair enough........the FUN part is when you are swept up by TEC (tail-end-Charlie).......as a corner marker this means.......GTFO - hammer time back to the group!
The first leg of the ride started in Pakenham - some 60 kms from home......another boring slab was in order.
A riding mate of mine arrived at my place at 8am - we hit the black stuff immediately, engaging "cracking on mode"...........
done and done.
This leg took us out through East Gippsland - it was getting very cold - but the scenery was amazing.......that said, I was happy to be dropped on a corner just before the Inverloch turn-off.....I was frozen, my hands were like blocks of wood - time for a corner marking chicken dance........
The second leg tracked along the coast near Cape Patterson, thankfully the temperature started to rise.
In defrost mode - and having been dropped on a corner I applied liberal use of throttle to catch the main bunch.....fun times..
All said and done - another great run this year. A great turn out for a fantastic cause.
We pulled into Warragul and the ride is over - now I've just got another 120kms to get through before I'm home......
I wrangle up a crew of 3 other experienced riders who are of the same mind, fuel, helmet, GO! We convoy home, making good time.
By 5pm I've got my head out of the lid, I'm on the couch with a beer and some ~400kms complete......and all for charity.......not a bad way to give something back I should think.
On the back of the Chocolate Mill run, some two weeks earlier, the day had come to put that fundraiser moola to good use - and what a cracker ride it was. Approximately 5,000 riders nation wide participated in the Black Dog one-dayer.....with approximately 400 riders on the Victoria leg.....a leg I rode and corner marked for.
Corner marking is a great way to get involved in a large ride such as this - essentially you are in a fast bunch of riders ahead of the main pack - in this case ride leader plus ~10 corner markers ahead of ~390 participants + TEC.
As the route plays out, large group rides tend to get spaced out quite significantly due to the different skill levels, riding styles, type of bikes involved - this is where corner markers become critically important.
The ride leader will "drop" a corner marker at an intersection or key turn-off of the ride.....your job is to do a funky chicken dance and direct the main bunch through the corner......fair enough........the FUN part is when you are swept up by TEC (tail-end-Charlie).......as a corner marker this means.......GTFO - hammer time back to the group!
The first leg of the ride started in Pakenham - some 60 kms from home......another boring slab was in order.
A riding mate of mine arrived at my place at 8am - we hit the black stuff immediately, engaging "cracking on mode"...........
done and done.
This leg took us out through East Gippsland - it was getting very cold - but the scenery was amazing.......that said, I was happy to be dropped on a corner just before the Inverloch turn-off.....I was frozen, my hands were like blocks of wood - time for a corner marking chicken dance........
The second leg tracked along the coast near Cape Patterson, thankfully the temperature started to rise.
In defrost mode - and having been dropped on a corner I applied liberal use of throttle to catch the main bunch.....fun times..
All said and done - another great run this year. A great turn out for a fantastic cause.
We pulled into Warragul and the ride is over - now I've just got another 120kms to get through before I'm home......
I wrangle up a crew of 3 other experienced riders who are of the same mind, fuel, helmet, GO! We convoy home, making good time.
By 5pm I've got my head out of the lid, I'm on the couch with a beer and some ~400kms complete......and all for charity.......not a bad way to give something back I should think.
The main bunch at the regroup point between leg1 and leg2
Well done to all riders who participated.....see you again next year.....I'll be the one doing the chicken dance on the corners.....
\BitSar
----brakkkkarrrk
Chocolate Run - 2014
Sooooooooo!
It's been ages since I've posted - this is not due to a lack of riding, this is due to a lack of anything resembling free time......bah!
But alas, it's Saturday morning and I have a small window of time to smash out some blog pieces - so here goes.
Sunday 9th of March 2014 was the annual Chocolate Run to the Mt. Franklin Chocolate Mill. This ride is traditionally a fundraiser ride for someone/something within the community.
In the past we've raised money to send an Athlete to the Para Commonwealth Games, donated to families who've had rider down, rider out situations and needed all the help they can get, to this year's run - raising money for the Black Dog Ride for mental health......... a worthy cause indeed and a great excuse to hit the hills with some old riding friends........woot woot.....
We had a good turn-out this year with approximately 40 riders - no larger than last year, in fact maybe slightly smaller......no matter - just ensures the tempo is kept a little higher and ample throttle is the name of the game.
We met off the freeway out west of Melbourne and pointed the bikes north.......get that first boring slab out of the way.
The first regroup at Woodend - take on some fuel, get some lunch, empty the bladder.....continue.....pretty standard issue.
Heading out of Woodend on the way into Daylesford, Hepburn Springs I am near the front of the bunch - Suddenly a frantic sequence of tail-lights flicker from the riders ahead......something's up.....they're all on the anchors......I immediately back off.
As I hit the crest I see the culprit - one very scared, very skittish, juvenile skippy (eastern grey Kangaroo for the international readers).......as EVERY Aussie rider knows, skippys are a dangerous prospect, not only are they a heavy and powerful animal, they also have ZERO road sense or spatial awareness, making them extremely unpredictable.....
This little fella crossed the road through the bunch no less than 3 times before finally somersaulting itself over a wire fence and back off into the bush. Poor little skippy - no Riders or Roos were harmed.
NB** This is not my footage or my bike - this footage belongs to a rider who participated in the Chocolate Run - original link here: youtube
This was the first pass the Roo made through the group, you can see it on the left as this rider avoids it. It was closer than it looks - trust me on that one.
Continuing out to the Chocolate Mill the ride played out as expected on our familiar route......we arrive, park the bikes and take a load off.....
It's been ages since I've posted - this is not due to a lack of riding, this is due to a lack of anything resembling free time......bah!
But alas, it's Saturday morning and I have a small window of time to smash out some blog pieces - so here goes.
Sunday 9th of March 2014 was the annual Chocolate Run to the Mt. Franklin Chocolate Mill. This ride is traditionally a fundraiser ride for someone/something within the community.
In the past we've raised money to send an Athlete to the Para Commonwealth Games, donated to families who've had rider down, rider out situations and needed all the help they can get, to this year's run - raising money for the Black Dog Ride for mental health......... a worthy cause indeed and a great excuse to hit the hills with some old riding friends........woot woot.....
We had a good turn-out this year with approximately 40 riders - no larger than last year, in fact maybe slightly smaller......no matter - just ensures the tempo is kept a little higher and ample throttle is the name of the game.
We met off the freeway out west of Melbourne and pointed the bikes north.......get that first boring slab out of the way.
The first regroup at Woodend - take on some fuel, get some lunch, empty the bladder.....continue.....pretty standard issue.
Heading out of Woodend on the way into Daylesford, Hepburn Springs I am near the front of the bunch - Suddenly a frantic sequence of tail-lights flicker from the riders ahead......something's up.....they're all on the anchors......I immediately back off.
As I hit the crest I see the culprit - one very scared, very skittish, juvenile skippy (eastern grey Kangaroo for the international readers).......as EVERY Aussie rider knows, skippys are a dangerous prospect, not only are they a heavy and powerful animal, they also have ZERO road sense or spatial awareness, making them extremely unpredictable.....
This little fella crossed the road through the bunch no less than 3 times before finally somersaulting itself over a wire fence and back off into the bush. Poor little skippy - no Riders or Roos were harmed.
NB** This is not my footage or my bike - this footage belongs to a rider who participated in the Chocolate Run - original link here: youtube
This was the first pass the Roo made through the group, you can see it on the left as this rider avoids it. It was closer than it looks - trust me on that one.
Continuing out to the Chocolate Mill the ride played out as expected on our familiar route......we arrive, park the bikes and take a load off.....
A lovely KTM SuperDuke 1290R came along this year.........damn.....I need a towel
The Ape made an appearance
The bikes parked in the shade at the Chocolate Mill
Another good run this year - we raised enough money for the soon to follow Black Dog Ride - but who needs and excuse eh?
\BitSar
--easy now skippy
Saturday, 8 March 2014
Mini me......
Couldn't help myself.....
Came across this:
Nice little scale replica to sit on my desk.......
I've been quiet for a while - busy times.....alas - I have some posts almost ready to go...
New boots are being broken it, I have a fund raiser ride tomorrow and the subsequent charity ride in 2 weeks time.....
\Bitsar
**Slack (again) but for good reason.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Yamaha MT-09.........or is it Oh My?
Curiosity got the better of me.........it came in the form of the intriguing, all new, Yamaha MT-09...time to test ride - game on....
On paper the MT-09 is quite a tantalizing proposition: 115 HP, 62 Nm torque all in a lightweight ~190kg package.....I had to give it a crack.
It is clear it has been built to a price - the switchgear and handlebar controls are sub-standard, small and fiddly.
On paper the MT-09 is quite a tantalizing proposition: 115 HP, 62 Nm torque all in a lightweight ~190kg package.....I had to give it a crack.
Motor/Throttle/Clutch + Gearbox
The all new 850 Triple is sublime. This motor is very exciting indeed - lovely linear torque curve which remains fat and punchy all the way to the top. The engine reacts rapidly to throttle input and is eager to spool up making usable power instantly and on mass.
The gearbox is standard Japanese - well indexed with a short throw between gears - neutral is no trouble to find and I did not encounter any false neutrals while banging up or down the gears (with and without the clutch). The clutch itself is very light albeit a little higher than I would've expected - however this is maybe a result of a non-adjustable lever and the clutch cable needing some attention.
Now the throttle - the infamous fly-by-wire throttle.......Let's get this straight - it's pretty damn poor. I know other reviews are stating it to be horrendous, while others still are touting it to be "not that bad"........I'm calling it poor. I didn't bother with B mode, however in both A mode and STD the throttle is dimwitted in response.
On small throttle openings when exiting a corner the motor will stutter and hesitate, a further minute increase in throttle brings a torrent of torque which upsets the handling. It is quite ON/OFF and you need to adjust your riding to suit - forget about smooth roll-on, look for an exit and increase throttle as you decrease rate of turn.....this is point and GO, GO, GO......this is more like a dirt bike - stand her up and flog her out of the corner.
The gearbox is standard Japanese - well indexed with a short throw between gears - neutral is no trouble to find and I did not encounter any false neutrals while banging up or down the gears (with and without the clutch). The clutch itself is very light albeit a little higher than I would've expected - however this is maybe a result of a non-adjustable lever and the clutch cable needing some attention.
Now the throttle - the infamous fly-by-wire throttle.......Let's get this straight - it's pretty damn poor. I know other reviews are stating it to be horrendous, while others still are touting it to be "not that bad"........I'm calling it poor. I didn't bother with B mode, however in both A mode and STD the throttle is dimwitted in response.
On small throttle openings when exiting a corner the motor will stutter and hesitate, a further minute increase in throttle brings a torrent of torque which upsets the handling. It is quite ON/OFF and you need to adjust your riding to suit - forget about smooth roll-on, look for an exit and increase throttle as you decrease rate of turn.....this is point and GO, GO, GO......this is more like a dirt bike - stand her up and flog her out of the corner.
Handling/Brakes/Suspension
First of all - the chassis is great - compact wheel base, narrow tank and I personally love the Ergo's - very much a sit-in bike, not a sit-on bike.....I like that.
Unfortunately the rest of the handling package leaves a lot to be desired. I'm not a heavy guy 68-70Kgs and even for me this was "plush".......no - not plush.......bloody spongy.
The front-end needs a lot of work, it wallows when cornering, dives badly under hard braking and chatters under hard acceleration. It is flighty and numb at the same time....... and that's when it's still on the ground! It does like to pick-up often, off the clutch even a 3 year old could wheelie the MT-09, off the throttle exiting corners as the suspension unloads and you grab a handful the front will play ball. The rear shock might be worse - far too much play - even on the stiffest setting - making the rear loose and mushy. Not good.
The brakes are good - nice and predictable with good bite and feedback....the rear brake is very strong indeed, it caught me out once or twice. So no problem with the anchors.
Unfortunately the rest of the handling package leaves a lot to be desired. I'm not a heavy guy 68-70Kgs and even for me this was "plush".......no - not plush.......bloody spongy.
The front-end needs a lot of work, it wallows when cornering, dives badly under hard braking and chatters under hard acceleration. It is flighty and numb at the same time....... and that's when it's still on the ground! It does like to pick-up often, off the clutch even a 3 year old could wheelie the MT-09, off the throttle exiting corners as the suspension unloads and you grab a handful the front will play ball. The rear shock might be worse - far too much play - even on the stiffest setting - making the rear loose and mushy. Not good.
The brakes are good - nice and predictable with good bite and feedback....the rear brake is very strong indeed, it caught me out once or twice. So no problem with the anchors.
Seat/Comfort
The seating position is very upright - as expected. The seat itself is narrow yet comfortable, this bike fit me perfectly - almost as though it was made to scale.
You do sit very forward on the bike - well over the tank, making you feel much forward of the centre of mass - very much over the front......and given the MT-09's eagerness to wheelie - this is probably a good thing.
You do sit very forward on the bike - well over the tank, making you feel much forward of the centre of mass - very much over the front......and given the MT-09's eagerness to wheelie - this is probably a good thing.
In Conclusion
The MT-09 has a lovely motor and a great chassis - but it's not finished. It feels rushed, unrefined and simply not ready for sale - It actually feels like a prototype. A pre-production final step. Not a polished product.It is clear it has been built to a price - the switchgear and handlebar controls are sub-standard, small and fiddly.
I actually don't mind the dash - it is minimal, yet clear and I had no trouble reading it in full daylight.
In reality - this bike was fun, yet foolish - it could not be an only bike for me - could not be my daily workhorse as well as my weekend fun toy.........and - it will definitely NOT be replacing the Ape.
\BitSar
MT........Oh My!
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Toy Run -2013
Every year me and my riding buddies participate in the annual MRA toy run for charity. This year was no different......
Giving toys to needy kids is the name of the game and the turn-out this year was very strong indeed, upward of 4,000 riders and pillions combined!
As always, everyone met at my place on Sunday morning before heading to the meet point - we were running late this year so had to start way at the back of the pack.......no matter, this ride is pretty sedate and boring - out of Melbourne, up the freeway to Calder park raceway - done and done.
We arrived middle bunch - many other feeder rides were heading in from all over the state.......a good turnout I should think - shame about the bloody weather! Bah! Melbourne eh?
The Ape's in there - it's like a Where's Wally?
The amount of effort some riders put in to decorate both themselves and their bikes is quite astounding.....these guys took it pretty far - Reindeer and all!
Completely by chance I walked up to a Boulevard to grab a pick......got a tap on the shoulder....turned out to be the bike of an old Netrider mate who I haven't seen for ages - small world........
Giving toys to needy kids is the name of the game and the turn-out this year was very strong indeed, upward of 4,000 riders and pillions combined!
As always, everyone met at my place on Sunday morning before heading to the meet point - we were running late this year so had to start way at the back of the pack.......no matter, this ride is pretty sedate and boring - out of Melbourne, up the freeway to Calder park raceway - done and done.
We arrived middle bunch - many other feeder rides were heading in from all over the state.......a good turnout I should think - shame about the bloody weather! Bah! Melbourne eh?
(click to enlarge)
The Ape's in there - it's like a Where's Wally?
The amount of effort some riders put in to decorate both themselves and their bikes is quite astounding.....these guys took it pretty far - Reindeer and all!
Completely by chance I walked up to a Boulevard to grab a pick......got a tap on the shoulder....turned out to be the bike of an old Netrider mate who I haven't seen for ages - small world........
And of course, as is tradition, I got my 2013 commemorative pin to add to the collection - Happy Santa this year.
All in all - another successful run, another chance to donate some toys and give some needy kids some smiles........
\BitSar
--Ho, Ho, Ho!
Friday, 1 November 2013
Pink Ribbon Ride - 2013
Last Sunday was the annual Pink Ribbon Ride to raise money for Breast Cancer research.
I ride this ride every year to show support, raise some money and do "my bit for tit"
This year was no different - other than a somewhat smaller group of riders.......C'mon guys get behind it!
\BitSar
I ride this ride every year to show support, raise some money and do "my bit for tit"
This year was no different - other than a somewhat smaller group of riders.......C'mon guys get behind it!
\BitSar
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