AusMotorcyclist Issue#29
BEAR FACED “AND THEN I HAD TO LAY IT DOWN…” We’ve all heard that from at least one of our riding mates. The question is, of course, how true is it?How many people have really laid their bike down, and how many have just crashed? Let me address that question from personal experience.
Each day I ride past them. Each day I am in awe of their empty eyed stupidity. Their simple-minded persistence in their folly is like a ruthless autism. Even cattle being herded onto the killing floor of an abattoir evince a greater awareness and concern. I am at a loss to understand why they do it. Day after endless day, they repeat the same action. I do not imagine they hope for a different outcome, for that would be madness, so I can only conclude that they have surrendered all hope, submitted to the inevitable ennui of the daily grind – and their miserable lives have become even more miserable with this bizarre capitulation.
New motorcycle prices go up, they go down. It can be hard to keep track of all the changes. Australian Motorcyclist Magazine supplies you with all the latest up to date prices from all the manufacturers currently in the country. Things like special deals, cash backs, factory discounts and bonuses are what you’ll find. Bear in mind all prices (unless indicated) exclude dealer and on road costs and some prices may have changed at the last minute as we went to the printer.
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU, the letters are among the most keenly read parts of the magazine. Please try and keep letters down to no more than 300 words. Then you can read many, not just a couple. We do reserve the right to cut them and, unless you identify yourself and at least your town or suburb and state, we will print your email address instead. Please address letters to thebear@ausmotorcyclist.com.au or Australian Motorcyclist Magazine, PO Box 2066, Boronia Park NSW 2111. All opinions published here are those of the writers and we do not vouch for their accuracy or even their sanity!
BATHURST BASICS WORDS LESTER MORRIS After a day of official practice and several which were not quite so ‘official’, the air was rent by the sounds of megaphone-enhanced, open motorcycle exhausts as the 250cc ‘Lightweight’ field shot away from the makeshift starting line and howled up the side of a small mountain called Mount Panorama just outside the town of Bathurst in New South Wales. It was Easter Saturday, 1938, and one of the world’s newest – and also one of the greatest – racing circuits was about to enjoy its baptism of fire.
MOTORCYCLES ON THE EDGE ONE SMALL SHOP, A WEALTH OF IDEASWORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR The shopfront styling fits in perfectly in Melrose Avenue. Once it was Disneyland or Universal Studios, Santa Monic Pier or the La Brea Tar Pits. Now (for anyone even marginally interested in motorcycles),it’s 7414 Melrose Avenue that forms the tourism centre of Los Angeles. There might be nothing more than a small shop at that address, but For The Love Of Motorcycles embodies everything that’s so wonderful about southern California’s motorcycle culture.
VICTORIA’S SOUTH COASTTHE GREAT OCEAN ROAD –A DIFFERENT VIEW Many of us have travelled the Great Ocean Road and only ever seen the amazing sights from the bitumen. Well,what about taking a look at a whole different aspect of the Great Ocean Road following some not so well-known back roads and dirt? This particular route is not especially long, but is a great “extra” to a visit to the Great Ocean Road as we know it, especially if you have an adventure style bike. Enjoy the trip! Base yourself in Apollo Bay for this trip; there are many different routes to get you there.
STAYING DRYTouratech WaterproofOuter Gloves. Price – $48 Touratech’s outer waterproof gloves, with abrasion resistant material on the palm, are designed to be worn over motorcycle gloves. Waterproof over gloves are a great alternative to packing a second pair of heavy waterproof gloves on a long ride, while also keeping your hands warm and dry when fitted over your riding gloves. Available in a variety of sizes for gloves with and without armour, grab a pair from www.touratech.com.au
TOP OF THE CLASS IS THIS THE BEST? SHOEI HORNET ADV HELMETPrice – $999.90. Tinted visor – $109.95
