Hello

Just an introduction but also seeking opinions about
my future plan.

In the process of separating and when the house
settlement arrives I'll have the cash to buy something
I've always admired, though I'll be after a 2nd hand
one I think. A Royal Star.

It's been close to 17 years since I had a bike and
was forced to decide between her and it at the time
but the desire to ride has never gone, despite a few
spills (one with a gravel build up on a corner at night,
and the other when some dick didn't indicate..
whatever).

So, what's the reputation of this range? My goal
is to ride around Oz (with a trailer attached) in
the next few years. Given I'm 6'6 and 130k's, I
feel this bike is suited for someone of my build.

Any good links people can provide for cruiser sites
in Oz would be appreciated as well. I'm in NSW.

cheers

ßlaine

 

Royal Star? The V-four? I considered one, but they're a bit heavy.

You'll notice a difference in power (and cost!).

The issues I have with cruisers (including my own) is the stupid little
tanks they have. I have successfully traversed the Nullarbor (with
trailer) and didn't really need a reserve (Mind you I put 15.5l in the
16l tank at one point!) but some other areas would be a problem abd
definitely need the reserve jerry can.

http://lamp.infosys.deakin.edu.au/acis03/

http://www.dropbears.com/bikelinks/
http://www.justfuckinggoogleit.com/ (Is it still harsh week?)

Cheers
Goaty

 

In aus.motorcycles on Thu, 05 Aug 2004 16:42:25 +1000

I think the current model Californias only have 20l tanks, but plenty of
older ones about with 24l tanks.

The size might be a problem, although I am told Calis are better for
long legged types these days.

Zebee

 

If that's what you fancy, I wish you much joy of it.

In the last 17 years there have been pretty noticeable changes in
traffic, and motorcycles.

Wanna explain that?

The wanting to ride round Oz....fine.

But the want to do it "in brackets" with a trailer attached "close
brackets"?

Like I can see the requirement for a trailer if you have a passenger and
a shit load of gear, or a _very_ large thirst, but one person on a big
bike shurely wouldsn't need a trailer?

<shrug> I'm confused. Heaps of tichy wee folk would love to do such a
trip on one of the mega-chookies....the BM adventure, for example, but
can't. Here you are, built like the proverbial brick dunny, and you want
to do it on a cruiser towing a trailer......

It's a funny old world.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

Wheres the problem ??
The guy wants to do it in style, all the accessories (Tent, booze, food,
fuel in order of importance) ride in the trailer. Large bloke, large bike =
nice trip.

 

manson wrote:

You ride a hotted up monkey bike, and you're confused about why a
substantial fellow might like to use a trailer behind a big-bore cruiser
while doing a lap.

Not everyone wants to do it like BTH.[1]

I wouldn't take a trailer, but I can see the attraction.

I wouldn't take a cruiser, but I can see the attraction.

Moike

[1] Cue stream of appropriate quips.

 

No comment.

Well, to be honest, I can't. I can see that one might be forced to have
a trailer for a variety of reasons, but I can't see any attraction in it.

Maybe I have just led a sheltered life.

Personally, I would take a cruiser, since I couldn't afford to hire
someone to follow me around with a step ladder which I'd need if I took
the likes of an Adventure thingy.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

In aus.motorcycles on Fri, 06 Aug 2004 07:43:18 +1000

I can see if it you have old bones and want to camp. Especially if you
want to do a very long trip and the hassle of lotsa luggage to clamber
over or be poked and cramped by annoys you.

A trailer means most of the shit is in there. Get a lockable one, leave
it at your base, and ride around the local area unencumbered. SOunds
good to me.

IT wouldn't be all that needful if it was only a week or two trip, or if
I was motelling it mostly, but if I was going to take a year around Oz
and planned to do a fair bit of camping, then a trailer becomes very
attractive.

Living out of a pair of panniers is certainly doable, people do it all
the time. It's not optimum though...

Nah, you just need a really really big riding mate. They can either
lift you onto the bike, or compress the suspension enough to let you
limb on.

I'd probably just take the T. Low enough that I'm flat footed on it,
big enough to take lots of kit, and tough enough to do most "adventure
touring". As long as I don't take it over too many sump bashing rocks.

Zebee

 

Is that the 1300 V4 or the 1700 ? The 1300 gets better reviews as a
tourer and can be bought in "full dress" format
(http://www.motorcycle.com had a review the other month). The 1300 has
better ground clearance than the 1700 as well apparently.

Well I doubt any bike on the road other than the mega chookies (BMW- GS
et al) are intended for your size, but I'm sure the cruiser would be
reasonably comfortable. Maybe get custom footpeg & controls shifted
forward- wouldn't be a hard mod (new set of brackets and modify the
linkage or the pedal/ gear levers)

Are you thinking of one of the bike trailers that are almost a caravan ?

JL
--
http://www.johnhowardlies.com/
The lie:
"We won't just automatically click our heels and follow the Americans."
John Howard, September 2002
The facts:
But one year earlier John Howard offered George Bush a blank cheque just
two days after September 11, 2001 when he said: "I've indicated
Australia will provide all support that might be requested of us by the
United States in relation to any action that might be taken."

 

Thanks to all that replied.

The trailer I'm considering is similar to this

http://www.dropbears.com/r/ricandrews/trailers.htm

I'm too settled in my creature comforts to try and
stuff all I'd need (or think I'd need) into paniers. The
planned trip isn't a sprint, but a walkabout and camp
where I feel knackered or it looks appealing.

It may be overkill that I can live without but arriving at a
decision will only come after talking with owners (thanks
for the links too). My logic is better to buy all I might
need or want up front whilst I have the cash, as opposed
to later when maybe I don't. I can always store it in the
garage.

It's the 1300 I've got the jollies for. And yeah, I know
that traffic conditions have changed dramitically in 17
years, however so have my road skills and road maturity
hence I feel more confidence in my ability now (despite
the layoff) then what I probably displayed back then.

cheers

ßlaine

 

Sounds great and hope you have a fantastic time on your trip, can I
strongly (emphatically even !) suggest you do some rider training before
you go ? There is a god awfully high incidence of over 40's crashing
cruisers, particularly on corners. There seems to be a high correlation
to people coming back to bikes after a long layoff and crashes on the
open road with no other vehicles involved. I strongly recommend you do
level 1 of the superbike school and/or the equivalent at Stay Upright or
HART or similar.

http://www.superbikeschool.com.au
(no you don't have to be a racer to do superbike school)

http://www.stayupright.com.au/
http://www.hartridertraining.com.au/

Please don't be offended, but skills get rusty with disuse and it's a
couple of hundred well spent if it keeps you rubber side down.

JL
--
http://www.johnhowardlies.com/
The lie:
"We won't just automatically click our heels and follow the Americans."
John Howard, September 2002
The facts:
But one year earlier John Howard offered George Bush a blank cheque just
two days after September 11, 2001 when he said: "I've indicated
Australia will provide all support that might be requested of us by the
United States in relation to any action that might be taken."

 

Thanks John, no offence taken.

I've already printed off about 12 pages of tips
from StayUpright and Honda and the course
is a very good idea.

cheers

ßlaine

 

WA trip put you off eh?

quip stream? bit stream? mill stream?

Cheers
Goaty

 

When I was youngin (yes many years ago now) I had a Malvern Star.

Steve Smirk

 

I'd probably just take the T. Low enough that I'm flat footed on it,

i'd take me glodwing...indestructible it are...dropped him on off camber
hill going over a ditch 't other day...few scratches...5'6" fella can
pick it up
but i'd sure have a trailer...i love the idea of opening the lid,
chucking stuff in and off you go

 

As you can imagine as the plan is still in formulation
(but will happen in Dec/Jan) the goalposts have
shifted a bit and I'm off the RS and the sights are
now on an XVS1100.

I have a few questions I seek advice about.

I'll probably buy new and then add on carry bags etc,
but I'm uncertain about a shield. At first it was "for
sure" but now dunno. What are peoples impressions
re a shield? Does it hinder, or help, esp. in turns of
buffer, and wet weather? I'm concerned (given my
height) that my line of sight may be at the top of the
shield (just haven't had a chance to test one out yet).

Secondly, jackets. Can anyone recommend a place
(in NSW) that sells large leather jackets for large people?
Research has shown me Mars Leathers in Melb. but
something closer to home is preferred. Even shops
that can do made to measure jackets in NSW.

tia

ßlaine

 

Made to measure:

http://www.waldenmiller.com.au/
Got a jacket from them, very happy with it

DBT leathers,Yagoona (Yennora ? I always forget) have had two pairs of
pants made there, wouldn't go out of my way to go back. Ordinary
service, had to get them redone, etc

Underdog leathers do custom made I think
http://www.underdog-leathers.com/generalfeatures.html
Never used 'em but plenty on this forum have - google for comments

Tiger Angel does made to measure
http://www.tigerangel.com.au/

Insex Leathers
Henty St Yagoona 2199 (02) 9743 7619
Never used 'em

Get the measurements done by your local alterations shop so they're
measured properly

Also google up aus.moto and see what you get that I missed

JL
--
http://www.johnhowardlies.com/
The lie:
"We won't just automatically click our heels and follow the Americans."
John Howard, September 2002
The facts:
But one year earlier John Howard offered George Bush a blank cheque just
two days after September 11, 2001 when he said: "I've indicated
Australia will provide all support that might be requested of us by the
United States in relation to any action that might be taken."

 

In aus.motorcycles on Sun, 08 Aug 2004 23:43:32 GMT

I still reckon you need a Guzzi...

depends really. They come in different sizes so you can get one to fit.

They are very good on bikes where you are upright rather than leaning
forward if you think you'll be doing a fair few miles at 100+. else
it's very tiring.

If you think you'll be where there's cold and wet, get one that has some
pretension to hand protection.

If you are going for a long trip, and you think there will be a fair
old variation in weather, consider a textile jacket. I'm extremely
impressed with my Tiger Angel Element jacket, although I don't think it
will be as good in hot humid weather as it is in cooler weather. But
few jackets can manage a really wide range.

If you do go for leather, then pack some kind of emergency rain kit. It
does rain in this wide brown land, and sopping leathers are
uncomfortable and put you at high risk of hypothermia.

Look at the places you are travelling, and plan to dress accordingly.
Both Dri Rider and RJays make mesh jackets for the hot weather, if you
are heading to the north of the country, seriously consider those. At
the very least, take a light coloured denim jacket. won't help much in
a crash, but will be better in the heat than leather, will stop you
getting dehydrated and sunburnt, and will protect you against rocks and
insects.

Zebee

 

Glodwing - related to the ride of the valkyries no doubt! Half-brother
of Eric the Rude, pornographer royal to the court of Grunland!

Cheers
Goaty