Hard rubbish day, junk day, too big for the bin day, call it what you will, but it's the ultimate in reccycling.
All weekend I've been slowly carting old junk out the front. It really has been old junk - a broken bicycle frame - repair cost more than the frame. old hose that I've had sitting around unused, for years, cupboards and drawers, also unused, a broken motorcycle pannier that was cheap when new, and didn't include the frame. Various bits of metal, a suitcase, a heater, a cheap print in a cheap frame that I scored when it was being thrown out from the office way back in the 80s - or was it the 70s? I liked it, but it was falling apart, and hadn't been hung on wall for over 5 years.
I reckon I'll chuck out some more before the collection occurs, but the pile will be quite small when they do the pickup. How so?
Well, all weekend the roads have been busy, cars, utes, trailers, trucks, driving around and, well, we used to call it scabbing, but call it what you will, they're picking stuff up. Some of these people are locals, some are clearly professionals - few locals would pick up a trailer load of CRT TVs, unless they were in the business of repairing, restoring and selling.
At first I was a bit miffed. I put this stuff out to be collected, and these thieving b&^#$^$s are stealing it! Hah. Not really - most of what I put out, I hope will be re-used by someone who has the time or inclination to make something useful out of my junk. And if a professional junk collector picks it up, then melts it down, or sells it for a profit, I couldn't care less. Good luck to them.
To me it was rubbish taking up much needed space, to the collectors, it may bring some cheer around the house, or put some more dollars in their pocket. Either way, it has been recycled, someone will get some benefit from it, and it's much better than becoming landfill.
Wins all round, I reckon.
Monday, 24 August 2009
Monday, 6 April 2009
Living with the 848
Still not run in, but by crikey I'm enjoying it so far! I'm in the second phase of run in now - phase 1 is keep it under 6000 rpm for 10000 km, and phase 2 is keeping it under 7000 until I've done 2500 km. Trust me when I say there's plenty of performance available even with that restriction.
I had the rear ride height adjuster fitted at the initial service, and it's improved comfort even more - I'd now say the riding position is very similar to my old Falco. No tourer, that's for sure, but not unbearable.
Unfortunately, there was a problem. I'd also asked Fraser's to back off the pre-load at the rear - it was feeling a bit rigid, and I was getting bugger all sag when I hopped on. Well, they did that OK, but came to report to me that the shock was shocked. When they wound of rebound damping - OK, when they wound off compression damping, the little adjuster just turned and turned. Nothing else happens, the adjuster just turns. It's borked, and that means a new shock, which will be fitted under warranty when it arrives in a couple of weeks.
Rather ironic that the first problem I've had on my Italian motorcycle has been with a Japanese component (Showa shock). ;^)
BUT... despite the problem, the shock feels far better - although I can't help but think a lighter spring might be worth it. It's still quite harsh, but I'll reserve judgement until the shock is replaced and compression can be adjusted.
This bike is serious fun to ride quickly, yet commutes reasonably happily. With run in restrictions, I'm getting 19-20 km per litre - vs a best of 16 km/l for the Aprilia - that's an amazing 25% improvement! A smaller front sprocket will reduce the gearing so that I can use 6th gear when I'm not on the freeway, and will improve acceleration elsewhere./ Might reduce fuel economy as well, but we'll see. I'll get that fitted when the shock is sorted out.
 |
| From Ducati 848 |
I had the rear ride height adjuster fitted at the initial service, and it's improved comfort even more - I'd now say the riding position is very similar to my old Falco. No tourer, that's for sure, but not unbearable.
Unfortunately, there was a problem. I'd also asked Fraser's to back off the pre-load at the rear - it was feeling a bit rigid, and I was getting bugger all sag when I hopped on. Well, they did that OK, but came to report to me that the shock was shocked. When they wound of rebound damping - OK, when they wound off compression damping, the little adjuster just turned and turned. Nothing else happens, the adjuster just turns. It's borked, and that means a new shock, which will be fitted under warranty when it arrives in a couple of weeks.
Rather ironic that the first problem I've had on my Italian motorcycle has been with a Japanese component (Showa shock). ;^)
BUT... despite the problem, the shock feels far better - although I can't help but think a lighter spring might be worth it. It's still quite harsh, but I'll reserve judgement until the shock is replaced and compression can be adjusted.
This bike is serious fun to ride quickly, yet commutes reasonably happily. With run in restrictions, I'm getting 19-20 km per litre - vs a best of 16 km/l for the Aprilia - that's an amazing 25% improvement! A smaller front sprocket will reduce the gearing so that I can use 6th gear when I'm not on the freeway, and will improve acceleration elsewhere./ Might reduce fuel economy as well, but we'll see. I'll get that fitted when the shock is sorted out.
 |
| From Ducati 848 |
Saturday, 14 March 2009
it's been a long time
since I last posted anything. No matter, I haven't had anything to say.
But now I have.
I made up my mind and bought a new bike. Then I was sleeepless, worrying about my choice, but it was too late - deposits paid, and delivery arranged. I've been nervous all week. Then it was Saturday. Today. And off we went to Frasers Wollongong.
There it was, sitting just outside the service bay, waiting. Waiting for me. Oh yeah. In we go to speak to Dean, the salesman, and also my chaperone on numerous test rides up and down the Wollongong escarpments. He's ready and waiting and leads us into the office, where we finalise payments and paperwork. Before long, we're gathered around the beast and going through the controls, run in process, start procedure, etc.
My nerves have gone, and I feel excited. seeing the bike again makes me sure I've made the right choice, even though I've flip flopped completely on what I said I wanted. This is one sexy motorbike.
We wander back into the shop to book in for my first service, and start looking at some of the knick knacks for sale. I look again at the leather jacket on special, which I had earlier decried for being too flashy, too lairy. But now I've bought the lairy bike, it seems much more suitable. Jann likes it, and tells me to buy. I do.
Back at the bike, I transfer stuff I brought down and been given by Frasers into my old pack from my new Fraser's pack. It's a clear day, and I won't need the wet weathers, or jacket liner, they can go back in the car.
I fire the bike up, smiling as the digital dash tells me what model it is. Yep, a Ducati 848. I just couldn't get into the new Monster, and the 1098, while brilliant, was much more than I can use, leaving me worried that it would bite when I let my guard down. To quote Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry - "A man's got to know his limitations". The 848, on the other hand, just screams "use me, USE ME!" It's sweet, and a surprisingly comfy ride - much to my surprise, moreso than the Monster 1100. Run in is going to be hard, it just wants to go. ;^)
A nice ride home through Picton, Camden, The Oaks, Silverdale, Wallacia and Penrith, until the heavens open 5 minutes from home. I arrive home soaking wet, but happy.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/thefathippy/Ducati848#
Tony F
But now I have.
I made up my mind and bought a new bike. Then I was sleeepless, worrying about my choice, but it was too late - deposits paid, and delivery arranged. I've been nervous all week. Then it was Saturday. Today. And off we went to Frasers Wollongong.
There it was, sitting just outside the service bay, waiting. Waiting for me. Oh yeah. In we go to speak to Dean, the salesman, and also my chaperone on numerous test rides up and down the Wollongong escarpments. He's ready and waiting and leads us into the office, where we finalise payments and paperwork. Before long, we're gathered around the beast and going through the controls, run in process, start procedure, etc.
My nerves have gone, and I feel excited. seeing the bike again makes me sure I've made the right choice, even though I've flip flopped completely on what I said I wanted. This is one sexy motorbike.
We wander back into the shop to book in for my first service, and start looking at some of the knick knacks for sale. I look again at the leather jacket on special, which I had earlier decried for being too flashy, too lairy. But now I've bought the lairy bike, it seems much more suitable. Jann likes it, and tells me to buy. I do.
Back at the bike, I transfer stuff I brought down and been given by Frasers into my old pack from my new Fraser's pack. It's a clear day, and I won't need the wet weathers, or jacket liner, they can go back in the car.
I fire the bike up, smiling as the digital dash tells me what model it is. Yep, a Ducati 848. I just couldn't get into the new Monster, and the 1098, while brilliant, was much more than I can use, leaving me worried that it would bite when I let my guard down. To quote Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry - "A man's got to know his limitations". The 848, on the other hand, just screams "use me, USE ME!" It's sweet, and a surprisingly comfy ride - much to my surprise, moreso than the Monster 1100. Run in is going to be hard, it just wants to go. ;^)
A nice ride home through Picton, Camden, The Oaks, Silverdale, Wallacia and Penrith, until the heavens open 5 minutes from home. I arrive home soaking wet, but happy.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/thefathippy/Ducati848#
Tony F
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Still no new bike
Well, here we are some months later (and nearly 18 months since I started test rides), and I'm still undecided about a new moto. I still like the Monster S2R1000, but it's about to be superseded by the Monster 1100 and 1100S. Much more modern looking, and by all accounts a better bike, but I dunno. Are they me?
And Ducati's releasing some more new models - a Streetfighter, some 1198s, and then there's the new BMW F800GS/F650GS and the upcoming F800R - and what about....
I'll never decide!
Oh well, the annual bike show is this weekend, maybe I'll get closer to a decision after that.
ha!
Tony F
And Ducati's releasing some more new models - a Streetfighter, some 1198s, and then there's the new BMW F800GS/F650GS and the upcoming F800R - and what about....
I'll never decide!
Oh well, the annual bike show is this weekend, maybe I'll get closer to a decision after that.
ha!
Tony F
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Bugger
I'll have to do this one later, it's nearly bed time, and I've realised I didn't blog about the other bikes I rode recently - a Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 8V, and Ducati Monster S4R, and Ducati Monster S2R1000.
In brief, the Guzzi was a bit disappointing, and surged a lot at low throttle. I preferred the 4V 1100 version, I think. The S4R was a revelation - went like a bat out of hell with the Testatretta (sp?) engine, and stopped very, very well. But it surged at low throtle as well (not as badly as the Guzzi), and it was so hard to resist being a hoon - just like the Tuono. Plus, I reckon the radiator and plumbing all looks, well, a bit naff. The S2R1000 was nice. Better clutch than the 800S2R demo, plenty of get up and go, could hoon, but didn't feel so much like I had to hoon... Braked well. I really liked it, and am considering it seriously. The small fuel tank (14l!!!) is a worry.
In brief, the Guzzi was a bit disappointing, and surged a lot at low throttle. I preferred the 4V 1100 version, I think. The S4R was a revelation - went like a bat out of hell with the Testatretta (sp?) engine, and stopped very, very well. But it surged at low throtle as well (not as badly as the Guzzi), and it was so hard to resist being a hoon - just like the Tuono. Plus, I reckon the radiator and plumbing all looks, well, a bit naff. The S2R1000 was nice. Better clutch than the 800S2R demo, plenty of get up and go, could hoon, but didn't feel so much like I had to hoon... Braked well. I really liked it, and am considering it seriously. The small fuel tank (14l!!!) is a worry.
More bikes
Today's turn was the Triumph Thruxton.
I'd been a little worried about the weight, power and torque compared to the other bikes on my shopping list - the Thruxton was lowest on all counts of the bikes I've been considering. I was also worried about teh single disc front end - it didn't seem like enough.
I booked into Hornsby's Procycles for a 10:30 ride, and left home around 8:00 to be sure I made it. I was going to try a new route today, one I'd never been before - ending up eading through Galston Gorge. Although I printed out a map and directions, they weren't much help sitting in my pocket, and I did manage to get slightly misplaced. But only ever briefly, and I only came up to one no through road.
Anyway, it was an interesting trip, but it was hard to see where the road was going in the early morning sun in my eyes. The Gorge itself was disappointing, lots of cars, poor surface and 5 kmh hairpins! I've never seen a recommended corner speed of 5 kmh before!
I made it with about 30 mins to spare, so I poked around the shop, and had an interesting chat with the BMW salesman. I'm afraid I still like the looks of that F800S, and the new F650GS looked better in the flesh than in the pics I've seen. Felt alright on an in-store sit, as well.
But the Thruxton, get to the Thruxton!
Oh yes, where was I?
First stop was registration, then we were warned about poor road conditions, as we struggled into our fluoro orange safety vests. The conditions included that slippery goop they use to fill cracks in the road - OK in the dry, but deadly in the wet, and debris that had washed down as a result of recent rain. In fact, the goop was everywhere, but no debris was to be seen - certainly no worse than anywhere else.
Firing up the Thruxton meant I had to find the ignition. Not in the "dash" like most bikes, not down by the seat, cruiser style. I was about to call for help when I noticed the other Thruxton had something dangling from the side of the light. AHA! It immediately started and settled into a nice slow idle, with a very British thump.
Off we went, and I was impressed, bags of go down low, but then we were only dawdling along the highway, so it wasn't being asked to perform. On thr freeway, and a bit more throttle, and speeds built steadily, but there was no rush, no frenetic change of speed. Hmmm.... On the other hand, once I was in top, I didn't need to change nearly as much as I would on the Falco. It seemed to go from 60 to freeway speeds with little change of effort, just a steady climb in speed. At around the 100 kmh mark it was just surging along, and overtaking was a relaxed breeze. It didn't seem to make a difference whether I went down a gear or not.
I only gave the brakes one test, and they seemed OK, with more power from the single disc than I expected - but nothing like the S4R Monster with its Monobloc radial setup.
Back on the Old Road as a fleet of Ferraris went the other way - a lot of money tied up there. In fact, it was an expensively populated road - Ferraris, Rollers, hundreds of bikes of all descriptions, and various vintage vehicles. Beautiful countryside with water surrounded by sandstone cliffs and bush, so no wonder. Here I found the lack of power to be an issue - while I could motor along, I couldn't get past the faster bikes that were slowing me in the corners, and I wasn't confident enough on the bike to push my past through the corners.
Which brings me to the handling. The front fork was disappointing, and the shocks seemed only adequate. I didn't get into any bother, or have any moments, but I just didn't feel confident. It also felt a bit top heavy, I think, but maybe that was the skinny tyres giving a completely different feel to what I was used to.
The ergos weren't too bad, but my old war injury suffered, and I found myself resting my wrist on the bars quite a bit. Of course, the effort of muscling the big Aprilia through the Gorge and surounding back roads probably contributed.
Would I buy one? I don't think so. It did stir the soul, but not at all like the Ducatis I've ridden, or even the Guzzis. No doubt it would hot up quite well, but I couldn't be bothered with all that malarkey.
Back on the Falco for the return trip, and immediately the difference in power and acceleration was obvious. I even managed to accidentally get the front off the ground as I downshifted and roared past slow traffic - I doubt that would be a problem on the Thruxton.
And speaking of the return trip, good thing that copper went past as I was slowing for some hairpins, and not a few moments before. I might have been walking home, otherwise... =8^O
I'd been a little worried about the weight, power and torque compared to the other bikes on my shopping list - the Thruxton was lowest on all counts of the bikes I've been considering. I was also worried about teh single disc front end - it didn't seem like enough.
I booked into Hornsby's Procycles for a 10:30 ride, and left home around 8:00 to be sure I made it. I was going to try a new route today, one I'd never been before - ending up eading through Galston Gorge. Although I printed out a map and directions, they weren't much help sitting in my pocket, and I did manage to get slightly misplaced. But only ever briefly, and I only came up to one no through road.
Anyway, it was an interesting trip, but it was hard to see where the road was going in the early morning sun in my eyes. The Gorge itself was disappointing, lots of cars, poor surface and 5 kmh hairpins! I've never seen a recommended corner speed of 5 kmh before!
I made it with about 30 mins to spare, so I poked around the shop, and had an interesting chat with the BMW salesman. I'm afraid I still like the looks of that F800S, and the new F650GS looked better in the flesh than in the pics I've seen. Felt alright on an in-store sit, as well.
But the Thruxton, get to the Thruxton!
Oh yes, where was I?
First stop was registration, then we were warned about poor road conditions, as we struggled into our fluoro orange safety vests. The conditions included that slippery goop they use to fill cracks in the road - OK in the dry, but deadly in the wet, and debris that had washed down as a result of recent rain. In fact, the goop was everywhere, but no debris was to be seen - certainly no worse than anywhere else.
Firing up the Thruxton meant I had to find the ignition. Not in the "dash" like most bikes, not down by the seat, cruiser style. I was about to call for help when I noticed the other Thruxton had something dangling from the side of the light. AHA! It immediately started and settled into a nice slow idle, with a very British thump.
Off we went, and I was impressed, bags of go down low, but then we were only dawdling along the highway, so it wasn't being asked to perform. On thr freeway, and a bit more throttle, and speeds built steadily, but there was no rush, no frenetic change of speed. Hmmm.... On the other hand, once I was in top, I didn't need to change nearly as much as I would on the Falco. It seemed to go from 60 to freeway speeds with little change of effort, just a steady climb in speed. At around the 100 kmh mark it was just surging along, and overtaking was a relaxed breeze. It didn't seem to make a difference whether I went down a gear or not.
I only gave the brakes one test, and they seemed OK, with more power from the single disc than I expected - but nothing like the S4R Monster with its Monobloc radial setup.
Back on the Old Road as a fleet of Ferraris went the other way - a lot of money tied up there. In fact, it was an expensively populated road - Ferraris, Rollers, hundreds of bikes of all descriptions, and various vintage vehicles. Beautiful countryside with water surrounded by sandstone cliffs and bush, so no wonder. Here I found the lack of power to be an issue - while I could motor along, I couldn't get past the faster bikes that were slowing me in the corners, and I wasn't confident enough on the bike to push my past through the corners.
Which brings me to the handling. The front fork was disappointing, and the shocks seemed only adequate. I didn't get into any bother, or have any moments, but I just didn't feel confident. It also felt a bit top heavy, I think, but maybe that was the skinny tyres giving a completely different feel to what I was used to.
The ergos weren't too bad, but my old war injury suffered, and I found myself resting my wrist on the bars quite a bit. Of course, the effort of muscling the big Aprilia through the Gorge and surounding back roads probably contributed.
Would I buy one? I don't think so. It did stir the soul, but not at all like the Ducatis I've ridden, or even the Guzzis. No doubt it would hot up quite well, but I couldn't be bothered with all that malarkey.
Back on the Falco for the return trip, and immediately the difference in power and acceleration was obvious. I even managed to accidentally get the front off the ground as I downshifted and roared past slow traffic - I doubt that would be a problem on the Thruxton.
And speaking of the return trip, good thing that copper went past as I was slowing for some hairpins, and not a few moments before. I might have been walking home, otherwise... =8^O
Friday, 7 March 2008
China
aaah, China. What can I say?
China is a land of ancient history, a land with an enormous population and labour market, a land of rapid growth, and rapidly increasing pollution.
We loved it, and look forward to the day that we can return.
We arrived during the coldest winter in 50 years, just in time for Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). Some areas had enormous problems from snow storms, with one city losing power for two weeks. Luckily for us, the worst snow was more to the south than we were travelling, and no snow fell while we were there. By crikey it was cold though - I was colder in Beijing than I've ever been in my life. Clothes that kept me warm during a Tasmanian snowfall just weren't enough!
Maybe the photos say it better.
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