1800km and 4 days later ... - Ducati.ms

reh · Nov 15th, 2011, 1:23 am

I recently completed my first big trip on a motorbike and thought I would share the experience.

I ride with a local group, and it was a mixed bunch of bikes ... a couple of Harleys, and big BMW off-roader, a few modern Jap bikes, and my Sport 1000S.

My bike ran well through out the trip, with the only trouble I had was false neutrals between the top gears after long sections in the twisties playing in the lower gears. I think this problem is made worse with the rearset levers I have installed and require more movement to change gears - something I need to look into.

Unfortunately I did find the riding position hard for 4 days riding with my hips and neck getting sore, but something that definitely did help was wearing a back protector with a wire elastic strap to go around the stomach acting as a kidney protector.

Our trip took us from the Southern Highlands (about 2 hours south of Sydney) down to Bermagui for the first night. While at the pub Rob (shivertown1) came up to us and asked who owns the Duke ... it was great to unexpctedly meet up with someone from the forum, and he ended up riding with us the next day.

More to come ...

reh · Nov 15th, 2011, 1:37 am

The next morning we headed off down through Tathra to Merimbula for breakfast.

And then it was inland to join up with the Snowy Ride, an annual event that sees hundreds of bikes cruising the Snowy Moutains. The first stop was Bombala.

And where I found my next bike:

And then on to the sleepy little town of Dalgety, where the local school puts on a great feed.

Before heading into the Snowy Mountains proper and 65km of continuous windy roads.

reh · Nov 15th, 2011, 1:37 am

And then through Khancoban:

Before stopping at Corryong for the night.

To be continued ...

poolagent · Nov 15th, 2011, 1:56 am

Nice trip…

BTW… for long distance riding i prefer a rucksack from Kriega… they evenly distribute load away from the shoulders and help to stay relaxed
+ it fits like a glove and gives some protection

rapete · Nov 15th, 2011, 2:49 am

nice trip! been to oz 20years ago and stayed for 2 years - your country seems to be made for cruising around...fantastic place!
for travelling on long trips i prefer the biggest tangbag available off bagster and whack it onto the wonder bra which suits perfectly...that way i can rest my upper body onto the bag, relaxing the shoulders and neck...at least for me it works...
gotta love the staintunes!

ducman123 · Nov 15th, 2011, 5:59 pm

Great pictures. Thanks for sharing. Fondlly remembering my time on the Great Ocean Way more than 10 years ago.

reh · Nov 15th, 2011, 7:41 pm

Sunday morning we go away early knowing we had a long day ahead of us, riding for about an hour before stopping at another sleepy little town, Tallangatta, for a breakfast consisting of a meat pie and coffee ... the breakfast of champions

Next stop, with a small detour, was the town of Bright which was hosting it's annual hot rod gathering. After a short walk around town, we sat outside the pub (drinking lemon squash) watching the cars cruising by.

And then is was off to hit the twisty road up and over Mnt Hotham. Towards the top oh the mountain, there were these signs on poles, and it seemed like a good idea to obey them

And then a stop at the town (and ski resort) of Mnt Hotham.

reh · Nov 15th, 2011, 7:41 pm

Before riding on to Omeo for lunch.

This was the last of the photo's I took, with the ride home on Monday taking us back up the coast, recovering our tracks as we went.

It was a fantastic time, and even though the Sport 1000S is NOT designed for touring and I was stiff and sore by the end, I'll definitely be back next year !!!

Rob

reh · Nov 15th, 2011, 7:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by rapete

nice trip! been to oz 20years ago and stayed for 2 years - your country seems to be made for cruising around...fantastic place!
for travelling on long trips i prefer the biggest tangbag available off bagster and whack it onto the wonder bra which suits perfectly...that way i can rest my upper body onto the bag, relaxing the shoulders and neck...at least for me it works...
gotta love the staintunes!

Hi Rapete,

I do have a tank bag, which I used but strapped across the back of the seat. I did consider using it as a tank bag so that I could rest on it as you suggest, but my big worry was that it would restrict being able to move on the bike too much. I like being able to shift my weight as I go through corners.

I might try loading up the bike with the tank bag and just to a short ride to try it out.

Rob

barfer · Nov 15th, 2011, 10:02 pm

Fun stuff, Reh.