LONG TERMERS

TASTY IMPROVEMENTS AND TWO NEWBIES

YAMAHA MT-07 MAKE IT ADJUSTABLE – GILLES TOOLING REAR SETS. PRICE – $698.54

Since we are setting up the MT-07 for my wife, Alana and myself, the best thing possible is to have a bike that is adjustable for our differing heights. This called for the genuine accessory Gilles Tooling rear sets to be fitted.

Once the box arrived I couldn’t wait to check out these billet rear sets – then fit them! Full, detailed instructions are supplied, which makes the fitment a simple and logical process. I had them fitted up in about 45 minutes and boy, what a difference they have made to not only comfort, but precision of the gear changing and rear braking. Alana and I love that they are adjustable.

I left them on the standard position, which is marked on the rear sets and Alana has it one position up. If you are a spirited rider, I suggest up and back is the way to go, for more ground clearance and a sportier riding position. However if you want a bit more room and a relaxed riding position, you can move the pegs down and forward, backward or leave them in the middle. In total, nine positions are available, allowing anyone to get comfortable on this bike. Yeah, they look damn cool, but functionality is the name of the game when you want to set a bike up for two riders.

Available through your local Yamaha dealer, the Gilles Tooling range is precise, smart and super cool. You can also visit http://yshop.yamaha-motor.com.au/bolt-on-products/motorcycle/ road for the entire range for all Yamaha road motorcycles.

YAMAHA BOLT OUTFIT MUSTANG CYCLONE SOLO SPRING SEAT

I imagine you saw the story about the touring seat I fitted to our outfit recently. It is quite wonderful, and cossets my bottom in ways with which it has been familiar all too seldom. But if form follows function with the big seat, we need to give the opposite equal time. The Solo Spring Seat, also from Mustang, looks at first like a definite case of form following fashion, and therefore limited comfort. It is not so.

In fact, the solo seat may be small but it is exceptionally comfortable – far more so than any other small, sporty chopper seat I’ve tried. The Japanese custom seat that I have fitted to my Sachs MadAss is concentrated torture in comparison. I can only assume that Mustang’s technical ability is every bit as good as it is claimed to be – and that their multi-density foam works better than I could really expect. Whatever, the seat pampers me and still manages to look properly minimal and streamlined.

One difficulty I have had is fitting the springs so that they precisely meet the rests on their bottom bracket – I’m still working on that, and although I know that this time it is not a matter of my not reading the instructions (they are in photos, easy to follow), there is still something I’ve missed. They work, they’re just not centred. They will be.

I do like the small but reasonably commodious pouch that you can buy to fit under the solo seat. It’s big enough to take a basic tool set and possibly a basic tyre repair kit as well. The eyes of one of my aging hippie mates lit up when he saw it; “a stash pouch!” he breathed.

More Mustang information can be found at www.mustangseats.com/, and their international delivery works smoothly and quickly.

As for the goodies you need for this installation: Seat part number: 76985, price US$203; hardware kit part number: 78160, price US$30; solo pouch part number: 78154, price US$36 PT

DUCATI SCRAMBLER EGGZACKLY RIGHT

Welcome, Scrambler! There is a little bit of confusion on Ducati’s website regarding the source of the bike’s name. The Italians think that it comes from mixing things up, as in scrambled eggs. I mean, sure, they designed and build the Scrambler, so they should be able to call it anything they like – but “Scrambler” comes from the original British word for trials/trail riding – scrambling.

Not to worry. It’s kind of sweet either way. Now, you probably read my review of the Icon Scrambler after I attended the launch in Palm Springs; I guess my enthusiasm shone through because when I asked for a bike from Ducati Australia, they actually gave me the second one – a red Icon, as you can see – on the road in this country. It joins the long term fleet as of this issue, and we’re already thinking of things to do with it.

Nice ones… PT

APRILIA SCARABEO 200IE THE BEETLE FLIES IN

The other newbie on the fleet is this Scarabeo. I’ve long been a fan of this range from Aprilia, primarily because of the big wheels but also because they have a slightly traditional look about them. I am not entirely sure why they were named after an Egyptian beetle: possibly because they were colourful and neat.

We originally asked Aprilia’s Australian importer for the 200ie because we want to run a bike/car cost comparison (keep an eye out for it in these pages), but they suggested that we might like to hang onto it a little longer and do another story or two. No worries, I said – who would not be keen on that? So my shopping expeditions have definitely become easier… PT

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