This pathetic looking thing is some cager's idea of a "perfect trike" for a biker. It's powered by a 2.3 Litre Ford motor plant with a 155 HP motor, comes equipped with a five speed automatic, 9.5 Gallon Fuel Tank, gets 40 MPG, has a heater and an AC, AM/FM Stereo system and even has CUP HOLDERS! WOW! Don't you want to spend your hard earned bucks on this "cool" looking trike? I've seen it not once, but twice at the Panama City's Thunder Beach biker rally. If you are truly interested in riding in something that looks like it could be designed by George Jetson, you can learn more at www.rtrikes.com
Day 5: Road Trip - Canberra to Janolan Caves
Woke up on our last morning in Canberra and rode down to the Canberra Motorcycle Centre in Mitchell. The regulator hadn't arrived yet and we were a bit nervous, but they assured us it should arrive this morning. We left the bikes there and went next door for a coffee (good coffee joint if you're a coffee junkie like me). Dim decided since we were waiting around to get a haircut. Finished the haircut and got the call that the bike was ready at the
same time (see it was meant to be!). The guys were brilliant, replaced the part under parts warranty from Yamaha and didn't even charge us for labour.
Late morning we headed out of Canberra on the Federal Highway and cruised. Thoroughly enjoying just being out riding again and on the adventure. Pulled in to a rest stop along the
highway, and had views of a wind farm in the distance... see Adam shows us how it's done:
Then we cruised on till we got to the Big Merino in Goulburn. Fuelled up the bikes and ourselves before heading on. The freeways had numbed our brains so much that Adam said "The twisty long straights" were his favourite roads (?!?!)
We rode on to Taralga where the roads were very rough. Nice and windy but very rough. Once we got past Taralga the roads got really good. We pulled in for a photo op:
Adam had a wee on the fence (he said it wasn't electric, but I dunno, he's been acting strange ever since!)
From this point the roads became awesome. Beyond awesome actually!! (Dim's favourite road here). Big sweeping curves and bends and up and down hills with great views. One very very steep twisty decline, followed by a very steep and twisty incline, then the road stretched out nice and windy again until Black Springs. Wanted to go back and re-do the Taralga to Black Springs road over & over. Do it if you get the chance.
Next stop was Oberon for fuel, then we headed down to the Janolan Caves. Noticed a few signs as we got closer to the caves, which said that Trucks and Caravans were not allowed to go down that road. I knew something good was coming up... Dim's literal diary entry after doing the ride down to the Janolan Caves goes like this: "OMG crap that was a scary ride. Down down down the very steep mountain side with all those 15km p/hr bends and all that camber on the road! Barely one lane wide with vans and 4wd's refusing to move over to the edge while they were heading up the mountain and we were coming down."
Booked into the hotel and were given a free upgrade due to a school coming in and taking the motel rooms. So we got a beautiful "Traditional Stay" room with antiques and fantastic mountain views (but no TV). Checked in and explored the grounds for the evening.
Day 6: Road Trip - Janolan Caves to Sydney
It was hard to fall asleep last night with thoughts of having to go back up that mountain and dreams of "The Shining", which Adam had told me about because the traditional hotel had reminded him of the hallways in the movie. After breakfast we headed down to pick one of the cave tours. We picked the Orient Cave tour which was great. Lots and lots of stairs and tight passages but well worth doing. Spectacular views of the cave
with stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. Nature is incredible, makes you wonder what else of such beauty lies in dark caves undiscovered!
We decided not to take the mountain road up and out, and instead to take the only other way out of Janolan Caves, which is a less steep but longer windy ride out of the mountains. This road happens to be closed between 11.45am and 1.15pm daily, as it's one lane only for part of the road, so they close it to allow only bus tours to come in. So after the cave tour we had a bite to eat while we waited for the road to open.
Light misty drizzle and fog started as we headed out of the mountains. Much nicer roads, still twisty but nowhere near as steep. Just before Lithgow, pulled off the road to check the maps, and an older local guy pulled up in a ute to see if we needed help.
Headed into Lithgow looking for the Bells Line of Road. Great start to it with a cop car having pulled someone over to the side of the road right before the beginning of Bells Line. Mostly 60 - 80km/hr speed limits and we have to say, a very disappointing road. Sorry to all you Sydney folk who think it's brilliant. A small section in the middle at 100km/hr was okay. Maybe it had been over-hyped because we've heard about this road so much, or maybe because we'd just come off such great riding the day before (e.g. Taralga to Black Springs), but it's not a road we'd recommend to people or that we'd make an effort to do again.
Came in to Sydney and for the first time ever had to pull over to a pay toll booth on the bikes (I'm sure that novelty will wear off quickly). Went through a few other electronic tolls as we got closer (must remember to set up a toll account) and we rode in over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Unfortunately there was a lot of traffic so we had to keep eyes on the road for braking traffic, so didn't get much chance to enjoy the experience or check out the scenery. Once we were in the city we started looking for the street our hotel was on. When we finally got to it we were in the right lane but the hotel was a left hand turn. So we had to keep going and I thought we could just go round the block... but this is Sydney hey? So noooooo... once we turned right, we found we couldn't do another right at the next block, and so we were on a wild goose chase to get back to Point A. Finally got there & checked into our hotel. Set up the toll account & time to unwind. We got a call from this strange bloke, they call him Al... made plans to meet Al & his wife Coz the next day.
Stay tuned for the next episode... Will Als try and push Dim & Adam off The Gap? hmmmmmmmm LOL
Dim & Adam
Sunday 1 November 2009
Day 1: Road Trip - Werribee to Albury
Our bags pre-packed from the night before, we strapped them onto the bikes in the morning and headed off to fuel up on day one of our riding adventure. 
We're ready!!
We headed off towards Hurstbridge on a typical Melbourne spring morning - lovely drizzling misty rain which started just as we got on the bikes! Stuck on the freeway until we got out of Hursbridge, where the road started to improve. But as we headed up to Kinglake, we rode into a massive fog bank so thick that it engulfed us and you couldn't see the bike in front of you. We crawled up the hill averaging 15-20km the whole way. It was very spooky with blackened trees looming through the fog like burned match sticks standing on either side of the road.
Scariest ride I've ever had (at this stage of the trip), with hairpin bends and steep cliffs dropping away on one
side of the road, the road was barely two lanes wide and because of the fires there earlier this year, there were no armco or marker posts showing the edge of the road.
Stopped at Kinglake for breakfast (or really to change underpants), and met some other riders out front and had a chat.
As we headed out of Kinglake, through Kinglake West and towards Flowerdale, the fog got thicker and thicker. As we passed through Flowerdale, the weather changed. All of a sudden we were looking into massive sunshine and incredibly hot weather! The ride through to Yea was beautiful fast flowing roads and let us make up some time from our slow trip up the hill earlier.
Stopped in Yea for lunch and caught up with Adam's (aka "Rent-A-Hubby's") parents (pic right), then headed up the Maroondah Highway through Merton & Eildon. Crossed over Lake Eildon, but it's almost nonexistent (no water to be seen), then on to Mansfield. Found a brilliant road from Mansfield through Tolmie to Whitfield. That put a smile on the dial. Up and down the mountain, very twisty & enjoyable riding. Dozens of "high risk area for motorcycles" signs to put the fear into you. But we did good.
Continued on through King Valley to Wangaratta (pic of King Valley on left). Stopped for drink and to check out a local street festival, and within 5 minutes of being there, the heavens opened, a massive heavy thunderstorm downpour hit us and drenched everything. Talk about 4 seasons in one day! After this weather, not much could surprise us now.
Found another brilliant riding road, hilly and twisty, through Beechworth and then on to Albury where we stayed for the night (actually two nights).
After breakfast we cruised out to the Ettamogah Pub (Table Top, NSW). It was a nice, warm 32c day. Didn't realise we were there so early, and nothing was open yet, so we got to look around outside the place with no distractions. The Ettamogah Pub is based on an Aussie cartoon strip, by Aussie artist Ken Maynard. It's basically the comic come to life, with lots of Aussie outback humour.
After enjoying a drink at the pub (when it finally opened), we headed back to Albury and found a nice park on the banks of the Murray River and relaxed on the grass in the shade of a Coolabah tree. (singing...)Then down came a Jumbuck to drink at the Billabong... (oh wait, that's another story)
Well Adam relaxed, because I was being stalked by a pack of vicious killer ducks. One of which was faking a limp to try and get close to me with sympathy. It didn't work! (My fear of ducks is a LOONNNGGG story!!!)
Had a late lunch in Albury at The Burger Bar (on Dean Street) and the burgers were great, highly recommended (and the best crunchy beer battered chips we've had anywhere). Took a walk around Albury after lunch and explored the Albury Art Gallery (quite interesting & it was free).
Stay tuned for the next episode in our travels... Will Dimitra make it down the mountain to the Janolan Caves? Only one way to find out... LOL
Dim & Adam
Gas stop on our trip inspired by Onetopp ... Country fuel stop between Bega & Merimbula NSW
2004 Honda Indian Scout 745 ......; The Indian Scout Motorcycle was born in 1920 and was the brainchild of Charles B. Franklin. In 1927 the Indian Scout Motorcycle, initially with a 596 cc (37ci) engine was bored out to 745 cc (45ci), and was Indian's most important model. The 1928 Scout 101 was and is regarded as Indian's best handling if not best-ever motorcycle. The Scout 101 won many races and it and the later Sport Scout which came out in 1934 and Standard Scout in 1936, were often hopped up for racing and street-fighting. Models of 1934 featured Indian's famous head-dress logo on the gas tank. Indian's huge Springfield, Mass. factory was known as the Wigwam, and native American imagery was much used in advertising. The Indian Scout went out of production after 1945. Ironically, Soichiro Honda rode a 101 Scout for a number of years and it inspired him to build motorcycles. The theme for this Honda Motorcycle is (Honda Indian Scout 745) it has a 745cc (45ci) 52 degree V-twin motor with, 3-valves and 2-plugs per jug, a single pin crank, single 1.34in. carb, two into one headers. The part's put on this Honda motorcycle follow the Scout theme, and are as follows / Indian head-dress, Scout and 745 logo decals / 5-coats of clear paint / Mustang studded seat / River Road T-bag / Custom made 6in. air intake with Spectre air filter and chrome top / Accel 8.8mm plug wires / muffler punched and drilled 7/8in. / Nelson Muffler Corp. plate on muffler / air injection on exhaust removed / custom tag bracket with LED light / custom chrome left engine cover / custom copy of a 1949 Indian speedometer / red neoprene vacuum hose / 5in. Retro mirrors / chrome Vintage horn cover / custom stubby passenger pegs / Indian points cover / chrome master cylinder cover / 45-70 Govt cartridge on chrome fuel shut off switch / Oversize Dunlop tires / Dark Candy Red is Honda's name for the bike's color, but it is very close to the Vermilion that would later be known as Indian Red. The Bikes nickname is Indian Joe !!!!!!!
2004 Honda Indian Scout 745 ......; The Indian Scout Motorcycle was born in 1920 and was the brainchild of Charles B. Franklin. In 1927 the Indian Scout Motorcycle, initially with a 596 cc (37ci) engine was bored out to 745 cc (45ci), and was Indian's most important model. The 1928 Scout 101 was and is regarded as Indian's best handling if not best-ever motorcycle. The Scout 101 won many races and it and the later Sport Scout which came out in 1934 and Standard Scout in 1936, were often hopped up for racing and street-fighting. Models of 1934 featured Indian's famous head-dress logo on the gas tank. Indian's huge Springfield, Mass. factory was known as the Wigwam, and native American imagery was much used in advertising. The Indian Scout went out of production after 1945. Ironically, Soichiro Honda rode a 101 Scout for a number of years and it inspired him to build motorcycles. The theme for this Honda Motorcycle is (Honda Indian Scout 745) it has a 745cc (45ci) 52 degree V-twin motor with, 3-valves and 2-plugs per jug, a single pin crank, single 1.34in. carb, two into one headers. The part's put on this Honda motorcycle follow the Scout theme, and are as follows / Indian head-dress, Scout and 745 logo decals / 5-coats of clear paint / Mustang studded seat / River Road T-bag / Custom made 6in. air intake with Spectre air filter and chrome top / Accel 8.8mm plug wires / muffler punched and drilled 7/8in. / Nelson Muffler Corp. plate on muffler / air injection on exhaust removed / custom tag bracket with LED light / custom chrome left engine cover / custom copy of a 1949 Indian speedometer / red neoprene vacuum hose / 5in. Retro mirrors / chrome Vintage horn cover / custom stubby passenger pegs / Indian points cover / chrome master cylinder cover / 45-70 Govt cartridge on chrome fuel shut off switch / Oversize Dunlop tires / Dark Candy Red is Honda's name for the bike's color, but it is very close to the Vermilion that would later be known as Indian Red. The Bikes nickname is Indian Joe !!!!!!!
Texas Fuel Company, founded in 1901 in Beaumont, Texas, by Joseph S. Cullinan, Thomas J. Donoghue, Walter Benona Sharp, and Arnold Schlaet upon discovery of oil at Spindletop. For many years, Texaco was the only company selling gasoline in all 50 states, but this is no longer true. Its logo features a white star in a red circle (a reference to the lone star of Texas), leading to the long-running advertising jingles ;You can trust your car to the man who wears the star and Star of the American Road. Thanks davisglane !
2004 Honda Indian Scout 745 ......; The Indian Scout Motorcycle was born in 1920 and was the brainchild of Charles B. Franklin. In 1927 the Indian Scout Motorcycle, initially with a 596 cc (37ci) engine was bored out to 745 cc (45ci), and was Indian's most important model. The 1928 Scout 101 was and is regarded as Indian's best handling if not best-ever motorcycle. The Scout 101 won many races and it and the later Sport Scout which came out in 1934 and Standard Scout in 1936, were often hopped up for racing and street-fighting. Models of 1934 featured Indian's famous head-dress logo on the gas tank. Indian's huge Springfield, Mass. factory was known as the Wigwam, and native American imagery was much used in advertising. The Indian Scout went out of production after 1945. Ironically, Soichiro Honda rode a 101 Scout for a number of years and it inspired him to build motorcycles. The theme for this Honda Motorcycle is (Honda Indian Scout 745) it has a 745cc (45ci) 52 degree V-twin motor with, 3-valves and 2-plugs per jug, a single pin crank, single 1.34in. carb, two into one headers. The part's put on this Honda motorcycle follow the Scout theme, and are as follows / Indian head-dress, Scout and 745 logo decals / 5-coats of clear paint / Mustang studded seat / River Road T-bag / Custom made 6in. air intake with Spectre air filter and chrome top / Accel 8.8mm plug wires / muffler punched and drilled 7/8in. / Nelson Muffler Corp. plate on muffler / air injection on exhaust removed / custom tag bracket with LED light / custom chrome left engine cover / custom copy of a 1949 Indian speedometer / red neoprene vacuum hose / 5in. Retro mirrors / chrome Vintage horn cover / custom stubby passenger pegs / Indian points cover / chrome master cylinder cover / 45-70 Govt cartridge on chrome fuel shut off switch / Oversize Dunlop tires / Dark Candy Red is Honda's name for the bike's color, but it is very close to the Vermilion that would later be known as Indian Red.
When the company that was to be known as Gulf was born in 1901 with an oil discovery in Spindletop, Texas, the primary commercial fuel was coal. By 1903, the age of mechanization had arrived and it was now up to the petroleum industry to keep pace, for the age could not proceed without it. Gasoline development, into which Gulf invested millions of dollars, responded to advances in automotive technology to make the modern motorcar possible. Within a dozen years of Spindletop, Gulf scored notable firsts with the worlds first drive-in service station, complimentary Gulf road maps and over water drilling at Ferry Lake. Life.... one mile at a time !!!!!!
2004 Honda Indian Scout 745 ......; The Indian Scout Motorcycle was born in 1920 and was the brainchild of Charles B. Franklin. In 1927 the Indian Scout Motorcycle, initially with a 596 cc (37ci) engine was bored out to 745 cc (45ci), and was Indian's most important model. The 1928 Scout 101 was and is regarded as Indian's best handling if not best-ever motorcycle. The Scout 101 won many races and it and the later Sport Scout which came out in 1934 and Standard Scout in 1936, were often hopped up for racing and street-fighting. Models of 1934 featured Indian's famous head-dress logo on the gas tank. Indian's huge Springfield, Mass. factory was known as the Wigwam, and native American imagery was much used in advertising. The Indian Scout went out of production after 1945. Ironically, Soichiro Honda rode a 101 Scout for a number of years and it inspired him to build motorcycles. The theme for this Honda Motorcycle is (Honda Indian Scout 745) it has a 745cc (45ci) 52 degree V-twin motor with, 3-valves and 2-plugs per jug, a single pin crank, single 1.34in. carb, two into one headers. The part's put on this Honda motorcycle follow the Scout theme, and are as follows / Indian head-dress, Scout and 745 logo decals / 5-coats of clear paint / Mustang studded seat / River Road T-bag / Custom made 6in. air intake with Spectre air filter and chrome top / Accel 8.8mm plug wires / muffler punched and drilled 7/8in. / Nelson Muffler Corp. plate on muffler / air injection on exhaust removed / custom tag bracket with LED light / custom chrome left engine cover / custom copy of a 1949 Indian speedometer / red neoprene vacuum hose / 5in. Retro mirrors / chrome Vintage horn cover / custom stubby passenger pegs / Indian points cover / chrome master cylinder cover / 45-70 Govt cartridge on chrome fuel shut off switch / Oversize Dunlop tires / Dark Candy Red is Honda's name for the bike's color, but it is very close to the Vermilion that would later be known as Indian Red.
How to Lift a Fallen Motorcycle
CAUTION
Picking up a motorcycle can be dangerous and cause serious injury if done incorrectly or under poor footing. A simple back injury could wreck your life! Always, always, always try to get help first—and remember, you don't want anybody else to get hurt, either. You need to think clearly, use common sense, and be in good physical condition. Keep your body and back straight, and lift only with your legs. Maintain control of the motorcycle and never twist your body while lifting. Check the motorcycle for damage prior to riding it again.
The majority of picking up a motorcycle is mental: Work smarter, not harder. Motorcycles are heavy machines. Think about how you want to do it first—if you were going to lift a 300-pound refrigerator, would you just run up and grab it and start muscling it around, or would you plan your attack? What would you do if you were going to lift an 800-pound refrigerator?
The ideal situation for lifting a motorcycle would be:
1. Have the lifting technique demonstrated by a qualified professional.
2. Practice with a qualified professional.
3. Have the qualified professional evaluate and coach your lifting technique.
Step 1: Assess Yourself
Take a few minutes to calm down. Seeing your bike lying on its side can be a traumatic experience, but it happens to everyone at one time or another. Your bike's not going anywhere without you. Spend a few minutes asking yourself questions and talking yourself through it: are you hurt? Are you able to pick up your motorcycle in a normal situation? Do you want to pick up your motorcycle? Is it safe to pick up your motorcycle? Etc., etc. You have the rest of your life to pick up your bike; take a few minutes to relax and assess the situation. It's best if you get help. And remember: if someone helps you, don't forget to warn them not to touch the hot exhaust pipe, not to lift by the turn signals, etc. Also make sure they lift correctly. You don't want someone else getting hurt.
Step 2: Assess the Environment
If you are in danger from other traffic, get away from your motorcycle and seek a place of safety. Let law enforcement respond and take control of the scene before picking up your motorcycle. Take a look at the ground: do you have a solid surface to lift from? Is there gravel? Is the pavement wet? Are you right next to a ditch? You don't want to slip and get pinned under your bike.
Step 3: Assess the Motorcycle
Turn it off using the engine cut-off switch or the ignition switch. Turn off the fuel using the fuel supply valve. Spilled fuel is common, so use caution (though usually you need sparks, flame, or an ignition source to have a fire or explosion.) If the motorcycle is lying on its right side, put the sidestand down and put the motorcycle in gear. If the motorcycle is on its left side, you can't put the side stand down and can't put the motorcycle in gear. Make a mental note of these facts. You don't want to pick up your motorcycle and then immediately drop it onto its other side! Techniques to Lift the Motorcycle—Preferred and Regular Methods
Technique I: Facing Away from the Motorcycle - For Large Motorcycles Preferred Method for any Size
1. Turn the handlebars to full-lock position with front of tire pointed downward.
2. Find the "balance point" of the two tires and the engine, engine guard, or footpeg. The motorcycle will be fairly easy to lift until it reaches this point because it's resting on its side. Once you start lifting from there, you are responsible for the most of the weight of the bike.
3. "Sit" down with your butt/lower back against the motorcycle seat. Be very careful to keep your back straight and your head up. Put your feet solidly on the ground about 12 inches apart, with your knees bent slightly.
4. With one hand, grasp the handgrip (underhand, preferably), keeping your wrist straight.
5. With your other hand, grip the motorcycle framework (or any solid part of the motorcycle), being careful to avoid the hot exhaust pipe, turn signals, etc.
6. Lift with your legs by taking small steps backwards, pressing against the seat with your butt and keeping your back straight. On slippery or gravelly surfaces this technique probably won't work. On inclined surfaces this can be very dangerous.
7. Be careful not to lift the motorcycle up and then flip it onto its other side! If possible, put the sidestand down and the bike in gear.
8. Set the motorcycle on its sidestand and park it safely.
Technique II: Facing the Motorcycle - For Small and Medium-Sized Motorcycles Regular Method
1. Turn the handlebars to the full-lock position with the front of the tire pointed skyward.
2. Find the balance point of the two tires and the engine, engine guard, or footpeg. The motorcycle will be fairly easy to lift until it reaches this point because it's resting on its side. Once you start lifting from there, you are responsible for the most of the weight of the bike.
3. Stand very close to the handlebars. Plant your feet about shoulder-width apart with the lower handgrip in between them. Use both hands to lift. Keeping your back straight and your head up, lift carefully, keeping the handgrip close to your body. Use your leg muscles for power, and not your back muscles.
4. Be careful you don't lift the motorcycle up and then flip it onto its other side.
5. Set the motorcycle on its sidestand and park it safely.
The information given by the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, its instructors, and volunteers is offered as a benefit for those with an interest in riding motorcycles. Our intention is to further discussion and enhance individual safety and skills. Although the MMSC will continue to research, field test, and publish viewpoints on the subject of motorcycle safety, it disclaims any liability for the views expressed. Every motorcyclist is responsible for his or her own safety and that of their passengers. We do not accept any duty or responsibility toward any individuals. We urge all those using the information and views presented on this site to use their own critical judgment. When you may have any doubt about a safety or skill issue, we urge you to seek clarification and information from sources you trust, and to proceed with caution to ensure your safety.