In the mid 1970s we got a batch of new 250cc Yamaha bikes at the police driving School in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).  One morning I sent out an instructor with about 6 trainee riders.  They had reached the end of their two week training course and had earned a road ride for their efforts. It was supposed to be a ride of about 50 or 60 kms but for one unfortunate it turned out to be a little longer.

This young man was not the brightest of recruits … (more…)

Sounds simple doesn’t it? Funny how the majority of us don’t do it, yes i am one of those people most of the time. A correctly lubricated chain helps use less fuel reduces wear of driveline components so everything is definitely to your advantage to get it done.

Chains are like most things, best served up warm!

Before you put that bike away oil the chain, the warmth helps draw the lubricant into the chain and when it cools down and sets you have a better chance of it actually staying where it supposed to be that is on your chain. If you suffer like me from “the i was going to do it” syndrome put a sign on the end of the garage, OIL YOUR CHAIN. Sounds easy but it is actually harder than it sounds to remember.

I only ever owned one bike.  It was a BSA Golden Flash 650 which I bought second hand from a police sale.  I think I liked its throaty twin exhaust snarl more than anything else.  Besides there weren’t too many choices in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in 1965.  The Matchless 500 single was one that comes to mind but its kick start lever had a a habit of retaliation which many a painful ankle can attest to.

I had been in the country for a couple of years, so at the age of 20 thought it would be a good idea to …. (more…)

Congratulations to the MATES group for keeping the profile of motorcycling up at Canungra on Sunday 26-4. The quality of the displays was great and free food to boot. It just shows you what a few keen people can do and get involvement from Transport, Main Roads, Police, The Fire Brigade and having a simulator and quality gear on display as well.

Keep the profile going.

My next door neighbour, Steve, has three bikes.  I think he has forgotten how many he has owned all together but at the moment he has three.  All of them are in “as new” condition.  He knows how to look after them but when not cleaning them he absolutely loves to ride them - the further the better.

I’ll be riding around Australia on the TDM

I happened to catch him returning from a short trip to Cunnamulla over the Easter break.  He always looks for the back roads and was very happy that this time he found quite a bit of dirt.  “I’m not worried about dirt roads anymore” he assured me.  I couldn’t help but notice that his bike was still bright and shiny, though, so I thought he must have stopped on the return journey to give … (more…)

The tank is full, the weather is just right for a ride. You check your map and pick a great ride with lots of corners and some straight bits…. you are ready to go!

If you have taken the time to plan a ride to enjoy then make sure you get the best out of it and check your tyres!!!!

(more…)

Motorcycle safety ad produced by the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria

There was a series of really smart safety ads and video clips produced in the UK.

So you’re trundling down the road on your trusty Aprilia and everything suddenly goes wrong. You find your beautiful scooter is going one way and you’re about to get up close and personal with the bitumen. But you weren’t going fast and you have a helmet on so you’ll be ok - right? Well, maybe not! (more…)

Have you ever wondered why around 70% of crashes on the open road occur on right hand bends? Well, if you’re like me you probably hadn’t even thought about that statistic. But if you do, the answer becomes a little obvious. (more…)