Well we are only a few weeks out form our annual Aussie FJ Rally.
I have noticed that the Queensland contingent are getting their bikes serviced, checked out and buttoned up for the trip south. There is a bit of chatter form the New South Wales guys along the same lines as QLD. But the Victoria crew have been very quiet.
I have got my room booking done for Dartmouth Motor Inn and will be bunking in with Arnie, but I am still unsure of the route I will be taking down south. The only certainty is that I will be staying in Albury on the Thursday night with my daughter.
I am really looking forward to the trip and catching up with this brilliant bunch of people again.
Safe tavels everyone.
Mark
I Just need an oil and filter change, Mark.
I've been watching the chatter on FB up until a couple of days ago and then I was shut out, think FB changed something.
But I might not make it due to bathroom renos happening :sorry:
I do need to catch up with you about routes north of Grafton for Toowoomba weekend.
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 09, 2020, 11:49:27 PM
But I might not make it due to bathroom renos happening :sorry:
Come on Al, you don't want to be remembered as this guy do you?.....
(https://iruntheinternet.com/lulzdump/images/biker-motorcycle-leaning-helmet-toilet-14169405600.jpg)
Noel
Quote from: Urban_Legend on February 09, 2020, 05:12:08 PM
Well we are only a few weeks out form our annual Aussie FJ Rally.
I have noticed that the Queensland contingent are getting their bikes serviced, checked out and buttoned up for the trip south. There is a bit of chatter form the New South Wales guys along the same lines as QLD. But the Victoria crew have been very quiet.
Mark
Mark, that's because the Victorian contingent is
always ride-ready, poised to spring into action at a moments notice. No fair weather fairies down here. The hard core blokes have fireman poles into their FJ caves and can be out the door less than 30 secs after
being given permission by their wives deciding to go. Their favourite app is BOM Radar. :biggrin:
Noel
I'm set and ready to ride.
Leaving on the Wednesday for Bermi, then riding with (trying to follow) Pete and Alf via Tumbarumba then on to Dartmouth Friday.
Barth room reno Alan!
Come on, get real. I don't want to ride alone.
Troy, what are you intentions?
Gavin
Quote from: ribbert on February 10, 2020, 07:10:38 AM
Mark, that's because the Victorian contingent is
Noel
Noel, what does "Victorian contingent" mean? This is a term that I'm not familiar with. Victorians are like hen's teeth when it comes to
attending FJ Rallies (or anything FJ related when it comes to that matter.) Yourself and Arnie excepted of coarse.
Looking forward to riding with you again Gav. Al, forget the shitter and fix it after the Rally. It will still be there when you get back.
Diesel Dave will also be riding along with us Gav, not sure about Troy yet.
Regards, Pete. :good2:
I am sort of half expecting more northerners than Victorians at this one again.
My ride prep is making sure everything is tight on the bike. check the oil, fill her up and go.
Every time I adjust stuff, and and give it a "tune" before heading off on a ride, something goes wrong.
Lets keep the fingers crossed for this time.
Mark
You haven't done any wiring mods lately, Mark? :dance:
Check them!
Last year I was putting my wheels back on the night before :biggrin:
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 11, 2020, 03:29:32 AM
You haven't done any wiring mods lately, Mark? :dance:
Check them!
Last year I was putting my wheels back on the night before :biggrin:
A few years back I was fitting adjustable cam sprockets (amongst other things) on the night prior to departure, I finished at about 1.30 am, too late to fire it up. So, having faith in my work, I loaded it up, had a few hours sleep and headed off on my interstate rally trip at 6.00am. Ran like a charm for the 5000km ride and has done ever since.
Despite this experience, I would not recommend last minute work prior to a trip.
Noel
Quote from: oldktmdude on February 10, 2020, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: ribbert on February 10, 2020, 07:10:38 AM
Mark, that's because the Victorian contingent is
Noel
Noel, what does "Victorian contingent" mean? This is a term that I'm not familiar with. Victorians are like hen's teeth when it comes to
attending FJ Rallies (or anything FJ related when it comes to that matter.)
Pete, I hope my tongue planted firmly in my cheek with those observations was obvious.
As I have noted before, I ride 500-700km on average every other Sunday through the Winter, doing so on the most popular bike roads (in good weather) in the state and I don't see a single other bike all day. Not even at the bikie favoured food stops and destinations. I love this, having the roads to myself for an entire day is spectacular.
The last FJ event down here was a few months back in good weather and in suburbia. One bloke, John Curnow turned up. The irony was, he had never been to an FJ event and knew no other owners despite owning his lovely near mint '84 from new.
It's not just FJer's, Victorian motorcyclists just don't seem to ride anywhere. As someone who is out and about all year round I can assure you this is the case. I don't understand it, best roads and weather in the country.
Noel
Yes, still things to do. Waiting on some shims to turn up next week, (4 valves were out of spec, 2 were extra tight ), and then a new front tyre, bleed front/back brakes etc and bolt her back together. Need to do some test rides before March to make sure everything is going to be ok though.
Well the bathroom Renos aren't going as planned, a few hiccups have been encountered :dash2:
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 20, 2020, 05:03:56 AM
a few hiccups have been encountered :dash2:
I have heard that breathing in and out of a paper bag is good for hiccups.
Personally, I think a dose of fresh mountain air at an FJ Rally is a better cure.
Will I have to ride alone?
Quote from: oldktmdude on February 10, 2020, 05:46:32 PM
Quote from: ribbert on February 10, 2020, 07:10:38 AM
Mark, that's because the Victorian contingent is
Noel
Noel, what does "Victorian contingent" mean? This is a term that I'm not familiar with. Victorians are like hen's teeth when it comes to
attending FJ Rallies (or anything FJ related when it comes to that matter.) Yourself and Arnie excepted of coarse.
Looking forward to riding with you again Gav. Al, forget the shitter and fix it after the Rally. It will still be there when you get back.
Diesel Dave will also be riding along with us Gav, not sure about Troy yet.
Regards, Pete. :good2:
Hey Pete, what about me?
I'll be there.
G'day you lot.
I've been keeping a low profile up until now.
I have been kept busy with work and looking after Lesley so hopefully she can come along to Dartmouth with me.
I have just replaced the front brake lines with S/S braided lines and to tell you the truth, I'm not overly impressed.
I was expecting to be flung over the handlebars but found there was not much difference to the OEM fitted lines I took off.
No doubt they will wear in over time.
Also just about to fit a set of Bridgestone Battlax BT something or others before heading off next Friday.
Ray Wise, you'll be very disappointed with the condition of my bike. I'm hoping there will be a "Dirtiest FJ" award on Saturday night.
I've only got about 4 hours riding time to get to the rally.
Be good till then.
Macca.
Quote from: Tony Mac on February 25, 2020, 10:07:12 PM
Hey Pete, what about me?
I'll be there.
Tony, I didn't forget about you, your attendance is a bit of a rarity these days as well. Looking forward to having a beer and and a chat with you.
And you better have a good excuse for not attending our Bermagui shed weekends!
Regards, Pete. :good2: :drinks:
Might be in for a wet day of riding on arrival day, so be prepared.
Mmmmm, think I will be bringing the other FJ, not the freshly painted and detailed one ☹️
Quote from: X-Ray on February 27, 2020, 05:11:34 PM
Mmmmm, think I will be bringing the other FJ, not the freshly painted and detailed one ☹️
Quite a dilemma you have Ray, which bike to choose :scratch_one-s_head:
I think I'll take the red and white one, undetailed :good:
It's looking like most of the weekend of rain now, Mmmmm :sorry:
It's been a few years since I've had to ride in a good all day soaking, should be nice :wacko2:
Cheers
Alan
Mmmm, its showing a 50-60% chance of some rain while we are there, and in the days leading up to it. They are good odds, up here 50-60% forecast means zero rain lol, :good2:
Quote from: X-Ray on February 27, 2020, 05:11:34 PM
Mmmmm, think I will be bringing the other FJ, not the freshly painted and detailed one ☹️
My non attendance and consequent removal of any serious competition means you can now afford to lower the bar. :biggrin:
Are yours like mine Ray, by an amazing stroke of luck and coincidence, the two bikes have they same registration number?
Noel
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 27, 2020, 04:18:14 AM
Might be in for a wet day of riding on arrival day, so be prepared.
I can't believe rain is forecast, it hasn't rained here for 6 mths and late Summer into Autumn is usually the best weather.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on February 27, 2020, 09:05:26 PM
Are yours like mine Ray, by an amazing stroke of luck and coincidence, the two bikes have they same registration number?
Noel
I think Ray's got the Freshly painted one on the cheap rego scheme :biggrin:
Hope you heal well Noel you'll be missed..
btw Noel, should I soak my clutch plates for 12 or 24 hrs and at what temperature? :bye2:
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 27, 2020, 09:14:48 PM
btw Noel, should I soak my clutch plates for 12 or 24 hrs and at what temperature? :bye2:
Alan, there are some things one simply doesn't joke about, fortunately that's not one of them. :biggrin:
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on February 28, 2020, 01:37:50 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 27, 2020, 09:14:48 PM
btw Noel, should I soak my clutch plates for 12 or 24 hrs and at what temperature? :bye2:
Alan, there are some things one simply doesn't joke about, fortunately that's not one of them. :biggrin:
Noel
Sorry Noel, I thought I'd try and brighten your day :biggrin:
You will be missed at the Rally :drinks:
Cheers
Alan
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 28, 2020, 02:07:51 AM
Quote from: ribbert on February 28, 2020, 01:37:50 AM
Quote from: Sparky84 on February 27, 2020, 09:14:48 PM
btw Noel, should I soak my clutch plates for 12 or 24 hrs and at what temperature? :bye2:
Alan, there are some things one simply doesn't joke about, fortunately that's not one of them. :biggrin:
Noel
Sorry Noel, I thought I'd try and brighten your day :biggrin:
Cheers
Alan
Alan,
Direct from Mike, the owner of Barnett Clutches, who knows more about motorcycle clutches than Noel and the rest of the forum combined, insists on soaking the clutch frictions overnight in the oil they will be operating in.
I just wanted to let you know what one of the largest aftermarket clutch manufactures recommends for motorcycle clutches.
BTW way, Noel speaking "stroke"...
Quote from: ribbert on February 27, 2020, 09:05:26 PM
...by an amazing stroke...
Noel
This reminds me, we are still awaiting your answer to the question since you put it out there...
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=19130.msg194363#msg194363 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=19130.msg194363#msg194363)
Randy - RPM
Any of these road on our route ?
The following key roads in Kosciuszko National Park remain closed:
Alpine Way area:
Olsens Lookout Road
Geehi Dam Road
Geehi Walls trail
Major Clews trail
Grassy Flats trail
Murray Gates trail
Bicentennial trail
Cabramurra area:
Link Road from Snowy Mountains Highway to Goat Ridge Road
Tooma Road - KNP5 (Khancoban to Cabramurra Road) - expected reopening December 2020
Goats Ridge Road
Elliot Way - expected reopening May 2021
Kings Cross Road
Snowy Mountains Highway area:
Tantangara Road
Long Plain Road
Yarrangobilly Caves Road
Goobragandra Power Line Road
These roads and trails will remain closed until hazardous trees are treated, debris is removed and repair work is completed.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list?fbclid=IwAR1M-XOnkUAmvaRUw81HUXEsgG2eFKxVg98T3iHpNTQZ1I7eq7LFqfefvd0 (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list?fbclid=IwAR1M-XOnkUAmvaRUw81HUXEsgG2eFKxVg98T3iHpNTQZ1I7eq7LFqfefvd0)
Quote from: racerrad8 on February 28, 2020, 10:32:56 AM
.....Direct from Mike, the owner of Barnett Clutches, who knows more about motorcycle clutches than Noel.....
Randy - RPM
Jeez Randy, don't you get tired of this nit-picking or have better things to do with you time? You have taken a cheap shot before over a question I hadn't even answered. So, is this the future, somebody asks a question, you imagine what that someone else's answer will be and comment on it even before it's been given. Hmmm, interesting.
As for "Mike", it is, as you are fond of saying, "but one man's opinion" and since when does owning a company make you an expert in what it does. One needs look no further than Trump to see the folly in that. Trump managed to bankrupt business's that in anyone else's hands were a licence to print money, and he did so repeatedly.
Also, the knowledge you attribute to "Mike" is overstating the complexity of a clutch. A motorcycle clutch is an incredibly simple thing in it's operation, the only thing that's remotely complex is the friction material, which in all likelihood, is not even developed or produced in house.
Randy, given your favourable comments about Barnett and your apparent familiarity with "Mike", you would do well to spend an hour or so randomly reading reviews of Barnett clutches from both users and work shops. This will further expand your knowledge and enable you to better serve you customers, and, you might find it interesting.
As for the piston speed and valve post I would love to answer it, it is one of my favourite topics but we seem to be stuck on overfilling sealed bearings, repeatedly taking mechanic jargon literally and your fascination with the word "churning" :biggrin:
Your quote:
Direct from Mike, the owner of Barnett Clutches, who knows more about motorcycle clutches than Noel and the rest of the forum combined, insists on soaking the clutch frictions overnight in the oil they will be operating in.....but his website says this:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49599465158_309abf5b75_c.jpg)
Maybe Mike had better have a chat to his tech dept and find out whats going on!
The most recent advice
I gave elsewhere on the matter said this:
"If I remembered, I would dip them in oil prior to installation but if I forgot, I wouldn't be pulling them out just to do it" (This is based on my rule of thumb that anything that operates in oil should be fitted wet)There's not much difference between a dip and 5 min soak on material that dense. In fact I wouldn't even call 5 mins a "soak"
So it seems Mike's website and myself are the most closely aligned. The only one that seems out of kilter is Mike himself. Maybe Mike doesn't know more than me after all. :biggrin:
You were correct on the float, that was indeed written with brass floats in mind.
You know, that comment of Alan's (Sparky) was just a bit of humour, a throw away line, it didn't even require an answer, until your comments! :dash2:
Noel :boredom:
Hmmmm. Oiling clutch plates. Who'd have thought it?
I'll let my mate in on that little secret, he owns a Ducati.
You know Noel, I was just responding to the fact you have no issue posting you underhanded, snide comments and cheap shots on this forum for many years now.
Hello Captain Obvious...
No shit Alan was joking. I guess since you don't want to joke about it, then I will let it rest.
I can't wait to hear about your personal experience on piston speed being the limiting factor of the FJ engine. I made a new topic for you: Piston Speed is the limiting factor? (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=19162.msg194601#msg194601)
Back to the regular scheduled topic, I hope everyone has a great time this coming weekend.
Randy - RPM
Quote from: krusty on February 29, 2020, 11:32:47 PM
Hmmmm. Oiling clutch plates. Who'd have thought it?
I'll let my mate in on that little secret, he owns a Ducati.
Also make sure you tell all the ute owners too. :wacko3:
Randy - RPM
Keep politics out of it
Quote from: racerrad8 on March 01, 2020, 12:41:40 PM
Quote from: krusty on February 29, 2020, 11:32:47 PM
Hmmmm. Oiling clutch plates. Who'd have thought it?
I'll let my mate in on that little secret, he owns a Ducati.
Also make sure you tell all the ute owners too. :wacko3:
Randy - RPM
The one's with the HDs in the back? :blum1:
BTW. Have a great weekend everyone. Sorry I can't make it this year, a few medical appointments (had one last night that involved a lot of lemon(?) cordial and not eating for two days) as well as a close friends significant birthday
Ready! Set, .....
OK, Ill o tomorrow....
:)
On the waaaaay! :good:
And........that's a wrap, back home now....
Alf, Greg and I arrived home yesterday at around 4 o'clock. Had an absolute ball riding some of the best roads in Australia.
We covered 2,647 kms, seems that we took the long way round as Bermagui is only 496 kms from Dartmouth. I'll have to look into getting my GPS fixed!
Thanks to all who made the considerable effort to attend, it was a fantastic weekend. Those who didn't attend, make a bigger effort next year, you won't be disappointed!
How many sleeps until the next one?
Regards, Pete. :good2:
I arrived back home safe and, well, not so sound, at 23:30hrs Monday evening.
The rally started for Alan (Sparky84) and I Wednesday morning, with a departure from our usual meeting place in Casula. From there it was via Razorback and Picton, then via West Pde through Hill Top and Colo Vale. We then proceeded to Bundanoon where we topped up before proceeding via the back road through Windellama and the Kings Hwy to Braidwood and on to Batemans Bay, then the coast road to Bermi.
Conditions on the first day can be summed up in one word, wet. Non stop light to moderate rain all day. Still, unlike some other brands of motorcycles, an FJ will not melt in the rain, and nor will their riders.
Alf and his wife Gail were once again gracious in offering Alan and myself a lovely dinner of spaghetti bolognese and a bed for the night.
Thursday saw Pete, Alf, Steve, Greg, Alan and I (6, that's right) set off for Tumbarumba via Bombala, Jindabyne and Khancoban. Wet weather was once again the order of the day which, combined with debris all over the road from the recent fires, required a slight lowering of our terminal cornering velocity.
We arrived at Tumbarumba wet, but no dampened (our spirits, that is.) I dread to think what the electricity bill was like for the hotel that evening with all of us running fan heaters trying to remove the bulk of water ingress in our riding gear.
After dinner and few (too many) ales, we headed to bed to recharge ready for the next mornings assault.
Friday morning the weather was looking on the brighter side and a very important decision hade to be made, the short 45min route to Jingellic or the long route. I shall leave the answer to that question to ones imagination.
Travelling back towards Khancoban, we turned right when we hit the Alpine Way and headed for Corryong. From Corryong we proceeded west and turned right into Cudgewa Rd to explore the back road.
Arriving at Shelly, we turned right towards Jingellic, a road Alf and Pete informed us they had never travelled. It turns out that the Shelly end of this road had recently been resurfaced and was billiard table smooth making for some fantastic sweeping corners along with a few "bump free" 30km and 45km corners.
The township of Jingellic was idyllic, with a fantastic camping ground. From Jingellic, it was on to Tallangatta for some lunch.
After lunch, the final leg of the days journey was completed which took in the towns of Sandy Creek and Eskdale, then onwards to Dartmouth.
Saturday was rally day. The day started with the obligatory Lineup Photograph. This year saw 24 FJ's (I think) line up.
After the photo shoot, it was a short ride for some to Mitta Mitta for a fuel top up, then it was all go.
The route was a large loop which took in the towns of Sandy Creek, Kiewa, Mount Beauty, Falls Creek, The Blue Duck Inn, then via Mitta Mitta Road to Mitta Mitta then onto the Dartmouth dam wall for a look see, then back to the motel. A depiction of the route was posted above by Troyskie.
I have herd from lots of my fellow motorcyclists that the Mitta Mitta Road is an absolute must to do and it certainly lived up to all expectations.
Sunday saw the majority of the group depart for home, but seeing as though I had the Monday off, I could not possibly refuse a couple of day riding on undoubtably some of the best motorcycling roads in the country.
At dinner the previous night, Pete and Alf suggested that Mansfield would be a good destination for Sundays ride. However, upon enquiries at their usual Mansfield accommodation location, they were informed that, due to the Victorian Public Holiday, no accommodation was available. Panic.
With the assistance of Arnie's local knowledge, a few motels around the area were contacted and a motel in Yea was fount to be able to provide accommodation. So Yea it was.
A soon to be discovered, not so good decision was made not to take a short diversion to Mitta Mitta to refuel and we set off north along the Mitta Mitta road with the intentions of refuelling at Eskdale. As (rotten) luck would have it, no fuel was available at Eskdale. After some quick calculations, it was decided to continue to Yackandandah where we were assured that fuel would be available.
All would have been fine except for the fact that we turned left at Kiewa (the long way to Yackandandah) instead of right. As a consequence, Pete was the first to run out of fuel. Luckily, Alf and Greg had near full tanks so, with the aid of Pete's syphoning hose and a one litre oil bottle, we syphoned about three litres of fuel from Alf's bike to Pete's and I took one litre.
Approaching Yackandandah, just when we thought all was good, Arnie's bike also ran out of fuel. I told Arnie to wait here and I will return with some fuel. What could be simpler. Just use ones Sat Nav to locate the service station. What a joke. The Sat Nav said the servo was right in the middle of the main street, right. Wrong. After about three circuits, I decided it was time to ask a local. Turn right here, ride to the end of the street, turn left and ride to the top of the hill. Thanks mate.
Having found the servo, I refuelled, filled a five litre fuel container and returned to Arnie. Once the dust had settled, we set off to ride to Yea.
The following morning, after filling up to the brim this time, we set off for Eildon. Upon arrival at Eildon, Pete checked his phone and advised us that he had received a message from Noel informing us to consider riding the Eildon to Jamieson road, which he said was a beauty. As (good) luck would have it this time, a local overheard us talking about this road and he informed us that it was indeed a beauty, having been completely sealed in about the past two years. Armed with this information, it was a no-brainer, so off we rode. This road turned out to be about sixty six clicks of shear riding pleasure. Fantastic.
We had lunch at Jamieson, then checked out the local camping ground. Well, what can I say. This is one thing that the Victorians do very well indeed, caravan and camping areas. We here in NSW could certainly learn something from our Victorian counterparts in this regard.
Pete and Alf asked if I would like to ride to Mount Buller, as I did have a long ride home. I informed the that with the aid of the M31 and my electronic cruise control that the trip home would be no problem so, Mount Buller hear we come.
We set off towards Mansfield, then just after Mansfield Airport chucked a right turn and headed for Mount Buller. The first thirty clicks or so were a little boring but the final section, anything but.
After a short stay at Mount Buller, it was time to head to Mansfield again. Upon arrival, we fuelled and had us a well earned coffee.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and seeing as though I had to return to work the following afternoon, it was time for me to depart for home. I set my Zumo for fastest route, pressed to go home button, waited for the calculations to finished, observed the statistics, 695 clicks, arrival 22:50hrs. Onward straight for home.
The trip home was, well. Thank goodness for cruise control and handle bar risers.
This has indeed been another fantastic FJ Rally. They just keep getting better. And to think all this came about for me by stumbling across the FJ Owners web site while looking for the answer to a simple problem. Long live the FJ, FJ Owners and most importantly, FJ Rallies and friendship.
I have captures the entire trip on my helmet cam and will endeavour to edit and post some footage in the (not too distant) future.
Below is the entire route traveled.
Gavin
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/6034_16_03_20_8_18_18.jpeg)
Nice write up Gav, which reminds me I haven't put mine up here yet. Will do so today. Running out of fuel was a bit of an issue on this rally. When we left Dartmouth Sunday morning we thought we could fill up at Eskdale, nope, closed. Pressed on trying to reach Tallengatta, and Curzon spluttered to a stop 5kms out of town. Luckily Dave Moore was in his van so went into town to get a 5ltr container of fuel for him. It does take the fun out of a nice ride in the country while you are nervously watching your fuel gauge, the joys of outback towns and unpredictable fuel stops, :good2:
AAAAaaaaannnndddd, thats a wrap, 2020 Dartmouth Rally has been run. We did 3398kms all up and stayed in some nice locations on the way down/back. Narrabri/Cowra/Holbrook/Dartmouth, and on the way back Cowra/Narrabri again. Great weekend for catching up, lots of happy faces, excellent food, great scenery, it had it all.
Very chuffed about winning the Ashes Trophy this year. My support vehicle driver (Alena Wise) did a great job on the way down and back, and on the ride on Saturday, although it is hard to point out and talk about scenery etc when you are in 2 different vehicles, will have to rethink that for the next long rally,
Had a good ride on the way back with Janet Moore David Moore Glenn Sully Curzon Dodd and Allan until Cowra, where we disbanded and stayed for the night. Got away early and went via Wellington to Narrabri, phew they had some rain there since we visited on the way down. Not putting up the swags in that rain so it was a cabin for the night, nibblies with some TV dinners and beer went down a treat.
We took a different route from Narrabri then and went via the back road (Killarney Gap Road) to Bingara, then Warialda, Yetman, Texas, Warwick, Aratula and home. The mountain range on the way to Bingara was amazing, all fantastic blues and greens as far as you could see, some gnarly washouts across the road, a couple of flooded causeways, it had it all. I won't be travelling the boring ol highway back that way ever again like we did on the way down to Narrabri, this backroad route was incredible, highly recommended.
I did have a minor oil leak on the way back, looks like valve cover gasket and possibly the RH crank bearing seal that is under the small cover, but easily fixed. Stopped at the Shell in Narrabri to top up the oil, all they had was Shell SX motorcycle oil, didn't realise till I arrived home that it was actually 2T oil, ooops. Due for an oil change so that will be dumped and refilled with the good oil. Wish we took lots more photos, but then thats a good reason to take more holidays and revisit these wonderful places at a more leisurley pace. (Sorry we could not make it to Melbourne and visit our mate Jeff Wahs, had to cut the trip short to be in Sydney on Thursday for work, grrrrrrrr).
PS, And again, a massive thank you to Doug McCarthy and Angela Brown for organising this years event, it doesn't happen overnight and it couldn't have been planned better. I hope everyone who ordered the rally shirts likes them as much as I do, they came out alright I reckon.
PPS, my back tyre is now looking like Janet Moore s tyre before it got changed, I just don't have steel bits showing
PS Found out why I had trouble posting earlier, when using smilies from another post on FB, anything you write after that smilie is deleted when posted here, don't know why. Have removed smilies and the whole post shows now.
A few more pics
few more, that big long piece of bark on the ground besides Alena and Janet in the last photo is what I dragged along for about 5kms apparantley :rofl2:
Dartmouth Dam and Awards Night
The trip home was fantastic. The way the country has greened up after all the rains is incredible. As mentioned, for a totally different view on the countryside, skip the boring highway between Narrabri and Toowoomba if heading north or south, and go via Narrabri/Bingera/Warialda/Yetman/Texas/Warick etc. Killarney Gap Road just outside Narrabri is the road to take to enjoy this scenic route. Highly Recommended!
These photos show Narrabri to home, a LOT of rain has been through there.
Extra large burgers at the Royal Hotel, Warialda. What a trip, can't wait to revisit the Warialda area again.
Awesome pictures!
Looks like a fantastic time was had.
I am thoroughly jealous.
Really missing my crew of riding buddies right now.....................
You've been playing in my backyard. Great write up Gavin. It is indeed a wonderful part of the world for riding, not only are the roads fantastic, they're always empty, sometimes eerily so.
Many of those roads have only been sealed in relatively recent times, the back road to Falls Creek, the Mitta Mitta Valley, Eildon – Jamieson Rd and to ride them beforehand was quite an adventure as the lack of traffic and the fact they were slated for sealing meant they saw very little maintenance.
Riding from Harrietville to Omeo (over Mt Hotham), over Falls Creek, the Mitta Mitta Valley, up Mt Buffalo, Eildon – Jamieson Rd etc without seeing a single other vehicle is common. Most countries / states have their great riding roads but not many have an entire area like the High Country and Snowies that is practically devoid of vehicles and with 1000's of km's of "made in motorcycle heaven" roads.
When folks ask how to find the good bike roads, the answer is simple, you can't miss them.
This goes some way to explaining how I put nearly a quarter of a million km's on the FJ over the last 11 years.
Another of my favourites are the routes to Bermagui and Nowra manshed weekends, over Kosciuszko.
The fast flowing roads through The Snowies even get an old fart like me whoopeeing and yahooing out loud inside my helmet, even after 50 years of doing it.
Glad you had the extra time to enjoy a bit more of it, guides and riding companions don't get any better than Pete and Alf.
Roll on Manshed season!
Here's a bit of what Klavdy had to say and a few of his photos of the area, and as you know, he's pretty well travelled.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MoeHVfn_Fjk/VQq_hcBbQWI/AAAAAAAAfOw/9U1B0A9Z8Qc/w724-h543-no/IMGP1032.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D_jBktnwh_Y/VQrBkw4s1WI/AAAAAAAAfYg/0SStwlWLk_M/w724-h543-no/IMGP1105.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/bjGnvzTV0ujMcKlYM14Hh3xYubL3KYK7BMoqSOEAdm1_=w724-h543-no)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TPnGTzz1r7E/VQrAGjJVHVI/AAAAAAAAfRg/3ps3S4kDQ7o/w1044-h469-no/IMGP1053%2B%282%29.JPG)
"....The Snowies is a fantastic destination for a ride, the scenery is beautiful.....
....and the roads are fantastic,how they rate such an investment is beyond my reckoning but its a bloody good thing.....
....it's always remarkable when you get to a region in our south east known as "The Snowies".....to find these manicured ribbons of hot mix blend winding their way through the region...."
Noel
Awesome pics from Klav Noel. Well found.
That looks like part of the run on the way up from Harriteville to Hotham, but if not, doesn't matter.
This is my favorite part of Australia to ride.
So many cool roads, and as you say mate, almost no traffic.
Even with my new super racy leathers, that have knee and elbow scraper pad thingys, I took it slow. Way slower than the Harrietville rally.
The funny thing is, at Harrietville my personal best left me with 3-4mm chicken strip.
Dartmouth, no chicken strip :pardon:
Yet I was waaaaaaay behind Pete, Alf, Johno, Dave, Greg, Steve, Lenny, Glenn (he he he), and others, but I still took my tyres further than I have before
On the ride home, near home, I fell victim to 'get home faster' itis, plus I was on familiar roads that I love to fang down.
After the fires most of the roos are dead. After the rain, the roos that are left are away from the roads, finally.
WOT :dance2:.
I checked in at a small town before home and confirmed I had a window of unenforced opportunity :biggrin:..... WOT.
:Facepalm: :Facepalm: Hang on, just checked Harrietville pics. No chicken strip there... :good2:. Purple brakes!
Here are three videos of the first day of our 2020 FJ Rally.
The first video is riding along Wilson Drive from Thirlmere to Colo Vale.
These videos are by no means the most exciting videos but they do show some of the devastation caused by the recent bush fires in NSW during the summer of 2019 / 2020.
The intensity of the fire will be noticed around the 2 min mark in the first video.
Also, around the 6 min mark, notice the houses still standing amongst the burnt trees.
The effort put in by the fire fighters is to be commended.
Take note of the green paddocks on the right. Imagine what they would have looked like before the rain.
https://youtu.be/orX4nbFLZBE 2020 FJ Rally Wilson Drive.
The second video is riding from Wingello to Braidwood.
Look to the left around 1:04. You will just catch the remains of two completely destroyed cottages.
This is a good example of how hard it is to film a video on a helmet cam while riding a motorcycle.
I clearly remember these two cottages but, when reviewing the video, as you can see, I only just captured them.
It is now obvious to me that when you turn your head, you also turn you eyes and thus do not turn the camera as far as you thought.
https://youtu.be/xTgjETknCZs 2020 FJ Rally Wingello to Braidwood.
The final video is from Batemans Bay through Mogo.
During the first 90 sec of this video, you could not have imagined there was a bush fire but, look how quickly that changes.
Look right then left around the 4:17 mark.
This is the township of Mogo.
It is amazing how many buildings are still standing and how these two building were completely engulfed.
Again, notice the land scape just out of town.
This can only be, once again, to a monumental effort on behalf of the fire fighters.
https://youtu.be/6VPuu3AvZHI 2020 FJ Rally Batemans Bay through Mogo.
In the upcoming videos, I shall try to add some fade in / fade out and some comments.
Any other suggestions welcome, eg, are they too long.
Gavin
Thanks for the video's Gav, helped fill in some forced boredom time. It's a shame that the rain spoiled some of the clarity of the footage.
I spent the first 20 years of my life at Wingello and still have a few friends that live there, the fire did a lot of damage in that area, hopefully they are
getting through the clean up and rebuild ok. Haven't been through there for a couple of years but plan to after this virus lock down is finished.
Looking forward to seeing more of your footage Gav. Stay well mate!
Regards, Pete. :good2:
Just when I thought I'd forgotten the rainy bits, Gavin :good2:
Bought back some wet dreams watching those (popcorn)
Cheers
Alan
Here are a few videos of Day Two of the 2020 Australian FJ Rally.
These videos range in length from about 10min to just under 17min.
If you are short on time, videos one and six are probably the two to watch first.
Once again, my movie making skills are not the best and remember, it is raining.
Video 1
https://youtu.be/pjDOZ_Hp0_I
Video 2
https://youtu.be/x8AMjFauQBM
Video 3
https://youtu.be/QKk6Z7Fa9qI
Video 4
https://youtu.be/OnCx8u50614
Video 5
https://youtu.be/sRp6BNQfOn8
Video 6
https://youtu.be/0U5sJkhv0rQ
Video 7
https://youtu.be/tgk5FO6KWxg
Video 8
https://youtu.be/hJD9Gq5Jhgo
Days 3, 4, 5 and 6 to come.
Gavin.
More great vids Gav. Although the weather wasn't fantastic, the riding and the company was. Still cant believe just how much country was burnt,
everywhere we went, seeing it again revives my memory of it.
Looking forward to the next instalments mate.
Regards, Pete. :good2:
A couple of videos of day 3 of the rally.
Firstly, I must apologize for the cross wind correction (ie, the slight angle of the video), at least, that's what Alan told me to use as an excuse for a misaligned camera. Good one Al.
The first video is virtually straight from the helmet cam with very little editing. The scenery shows why.
https://youtu.be/ZiiNDfpFIro Day 3, 1
The second video is virtually two 15min helmet cams edited to one video.
https://youtu.be/5WQbkj3ajBY Day 3, 2
More day three videos to come.
Gavin
Nice one Gav.
The fires were fierce there.
I'd forgotten about the cows. That was funny.
Quote from: fj-f3a on May 03, 2020, 02:49:45 AM
A couple of videos of day 3 of the rally.
Good stuff Gavin, looks like your wet weather endorsement is well and truly up to date. I believe the rally ride up the Mitta Mitta Valley enjoyed both good weather and empty roads. A shame I missed it all, can't wait to get back up to that country but I think the window is just about shut until Spring with the lock-down running straight into Winter.
This was Mt Hotham a couple of days ago.....
(https://www.mthotham.com.au/Portals/0/Hotham/Images/Discover/Connect-With-Us/Latest-News/Autumn-snow-2020/April-snow-gallery-sm-2.jpg?ver=2020-04-30-153718-197?w=600)
...and this was Thredbo yesterday....
(https://www.abc.net.au/cm/rimage/12209728-4x3-xlarge.jpg?v=2)
Hard to imagine it is such a short time ago that you were all there.
Noel
I Thought that given that Gavin had put some video up, then I should sort mine out.
Here is what I got, minus the rainy bit. Sorry for the lack of any sound quality. You might just have to hum a song in your head.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4sNPQgPuWM&t=62s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4sNPQgPuWM&t=62s)
Power Ranger Troyski
Quote from: Urban_Legend on May 08, 2020, 03:01:17 AM
I Thought that given that Gavin had put some video up, then I should sort mine out.
Here is what I got, minus the rainy bit. Sorry for the lack of any sound quality. You might just have to hum a song in your head.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4sNPQgPuWM&t=62s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4sNPQgPuWM&t=62s)
Thanks Mark, I enjoyed that. I'm coming up to 8 mths since I could ride the FJ and I'll take anything. :biggrin:
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on May 08, 2020, 10:04:49 AM
Quote from: Urban_Legend on May 08, 2020, 03:01:17 AM
I Thought that given that Gavin had put some video up, then I should sort mine out.
Here is what I got, minus the rainy bit. Sorry for the lack of any sound quality. You might just have to hum a song in your head.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4sNPQgPuWM&t=62s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4sNPQgPuWM&t=62s)
Thanks Mark, I enjoyed that. I'm coming up to 8 mths since I could ride the FJ and I'll take anything. :biggrin:
Noel
Well, if you are prepared to take anything that comes Noel, here's another couple with, wait for it, four more from day 3 (Friday) to come.
https://youtu.be/6JOQwXJdwaM (https://youtu.be/6JOQwXJdwaM)
https://youtu.be/7810rkAB5yI (https://youtu.be/7810rkAB5yI)
Gavin
So good to see sunny days, that was excellent country down there.
Also the amount of burnt out bush with the green coming back after the rain.
Waiting for next instalments Gavin.
Quote from: Sparky84 on May 16, 2020, 12:20:02 AM
So good to see sunny days, that was excellent country down there.
Also the amount of burnt out bush with the green coming back after the rain.
Waiting for next instalments Gavin.
The wait is over.
Here are the remaining four videos from day 3, Friday
The first three are about 15 min long with some descriptions.
The final video is 30 min long with no descriptions (they do take some work) and shows the run from Tallangatta (Ta lan gat ta, not Tallan gatta) to Dartmouth.
https://youtu.be/zNGP0g7VgAo
https://youtu.be/rpXq91ZgWaQ
https://youtu.be/yyLkeQ8M-y0
https://youtu.be/4Aya9P4Hi70
Now working on the rally itself.
Gavin
More Sun :dance2:
(popcorn)
(popcorn) (popcorn) (popcorn) (popcorn)
Great stuff mate
Here are some more videos of the rally itself.
Once again, there is no music or descriptions.
The 1st, 2nd & 4th are approximately 15min, the 3rd 30min.
More to come.
https://youtu.be/aJYpcCRt3eo
https://youtu.be/UznEZ9Ek49I
https://youtu.be/MhNEf63w7mM
https://youtu.be/Ta59eYG3rAQ
Gavin
Great stuff Gav, I recognise so much of that country.
Noel
Thanks for posting those Gavin, love visiting Victoria.
Here are some more videos.
https://youtu.be/Jk5ChRh8Ai0
https://youtu.be/zhMpDZtqmyE
https://youtu.be/2kQdkpyCDzs
https://youtu.be/hT5YXww7ZGI
Gavin
More great footage Gavin, I have ridden that Falls Creek to Anglers Rest (The Blue Duck) more times when it was gravel than I have since it's been sealed, what fabulous country.
I'm deeply disappointed in you squandering the opportunity to eliminate a few cockroaches, they've invaded the High Country like some sort of infestation, even the traders hate them.
This shot was taken on one of the walking trails at Falls Creek, near the summit. (It is an actual photo, I was there, but I can't find the unmolested original) Great country and I was sad you all got to ride it without me.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7239/26787701622_a509578e04_b.jpg)
Noel
Great vids Gav! :good2: :good2: :good2:
Those cyclists were many and everywhere!
A couple more
https://youtu.be/aK4aWCGpNn8
https://youtu.be/P9ObvtJHzgM
with a few more to come.
Sorry for the lack of music and descriptions.
Hopefully, the road says it all.
It certainly lived up to everything I was told about it.
Can't wait to ride it again.
Gavin
Good stuff Gav.
I noticed now all the smoke from my bike that people mentioned.
Hopefully it is just from the valve guide seals, not rings.
I'm a fraction rich, like just a smidge, so that could be it as well, but more likely seals or rings.
I can't wait to see that last stretch just before Mitta beside the river. That was an awesome bit.
Those roads are the best in Australia, hands down. Loads of leaves & bark and rocks in sections, but generally really nice.
Troyskie
Quote from: Troyskie on July 23, 2020, 05:18:52 PM
Good stuff Gav.
I noticed now all the smoke from my bike that people mentioned.
Hopefully it is just from the valve guide seals, not rings.
I'm a fraction rich, like just a smidge, so that could be it as well, but more likely seals or rings.
I can't wait to see that last stretch just before Mitta beside the river. That was an awesome bit.
Those roads are the best in Australia, hands down. Loads of leaves & bark and rocks in sections, but generally really nice.
Troyskie
Well Troyskie, the wait is over.
Here are the final four videos of the Rally Day.
https://youtu.be/LKlgm6eHZqo
https://youtu.be/0drrG7nppXA
https://youtu.be/1mD06mto9lw
https://youtu.be/4CrYD8LFmtQ
Gavin
Awesome Gav.
Anyone who watches the vids will be amazed at how slow I'm going considering how superb the road is. Hundreds of corners, almost no straights, almost no traffic. No fun checkers.
We need to get a vid of how Pete or Alf take these corners on.
Thanks very much for putting the videos up Gav :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2:.
See you in Sept (fingers crossed :scratch_one-s_head:)
You are more than welcome Troy.
Don't knock yourself for being slow. After all, speed is really not everything.
Having fun is what it is all about.
Besides, we ain't really all that much slower.
Any FJ rider can easily scrape their foot pegs while riding on a proper race track like Eastern Creek, but on an unfamiliar public road, ?
Remember, Pete and Alf have an unfair advantage in living so close to such magnificent roads upon which to practice.
I am working on day 5 videos at the moment. Some may be about 30min in length, but there will not be so many as they will be edited and commented.
I do need a better camera. Something along the lines of a Bullet Camera with remote (blue tooth) mic. I think Sony does something like what I want.
Gavin
Thanks Gav, aaah, what country, what roads! The Mitta Mitta valley remains one of my favourites, we are totally spoiled for riding in South Eastern Australia (that's from roughly Brisbane down) and the further South you go, the better it gets. One of the things that always sets the Vic High Country roads apart is a lack of traffic. I know NSW has great roads but they are busier.
Thanks for "trip" during lock-down, always great medicine and I can't wait to get back there in the flesh.
Noel
Thanks for the great vids Gav but you have to stop teasing me. Every time I watch one, I feel like putting my riding gear on and heading down there!
This years annual November ride is down in the Victorian high country but the way the dreaded Calicivirus is going, we will have to head elsewhere.
Regards, Pete. :good2:
Quote from: oldktmdude on July 26, 2020, 05:32:29 PM
Thanks for the great vids Gav but you have to stop teasing me. Every time I watch one, I feel like putting my riding gear on and heading down there!
This years annual November ride is down in the Victorian high country but the way the dreaded Calicivirus is going, we will have to head elsewhere.
Regards, Pete. :good2:
Well Pete, for your viewing torture, here are the Day 5 Videos.
Some of these videos are about 30 min long however, I was able to edit 29 vids down to 9.
I have reintroduced comments into most, but nothing too fancy.
I am starting to realise that the best way to create trip videos like these would be a combination of video and still photos of the townships / scenery.
Another criteria would be some more riding practice so eventually I can keep up with Alf and you. Makes for more interesting viewing.
https://youtu.be/CabVZlMAHHQ 0
https://youtu.be/iaOh2C-LN90 1
https://youtu.be/D4h8aCKNQQo 2
https://youtu.be/6S1RtofeyWU 3
https://youtu.be/TFCFHdwMRJA 4
https://youtu.be/2OMuABAothc 5
https://youtu.be/MMaPrRCfl7M 6
https://youtu.be/yTKKRH6OA2Q 7
https://youtu.be/z4OiMe3qk0s 8
https://youtu.be/S2jT1g72zwA 9
Enjoy
Gavin
Thanks for the videos Gavin. I can prove I watched them all - your first fuel stop was Eskdale, not Exdale!
Your grand tour of beautiful Yackandandah looking for the servo was excruciating :biggrin:, I was yelling at the computer, turn now, turn now, turn right...right....right
Beechworth....King Valley..... The "Whitty" café.....Whitfield to Mansfield (another favourite).....
....and this is my son, I rode to Mansfield with him then he continued on to Griffith. He told me he'd passed a bunch of FJ's just after the sky opened up.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50162600897_f01ffb4b39_b.jpg)
This coming Sunday it will be 16 deg (C), windless, mostly sunny, dry and the roads will be empty – riding conditions don't get any better! If we weren't in lockdown, I would most likely be doing my normal Sunday thing and putting in a 600-700km day on those roads or on many of the equally fantastic roads all over the state. The one thing of which I could be certain is, that I would not see another bike all day (and very few cars), anywhere, not even a broken down Harley or a GS with the rider assuming that broom handle riding position they favour. Victorians mentally park up their bikes for the Winter and don't even think about them until Spring (and even then, not in the wet).
I don't get it, and I never have, but I don't actually mind. Having the roads to yourself is something special.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on July 28, 2020, 07:05:12 AM
Thanks for the videos Gavin. I can prove I watched them all - your first fuel stop was Eskdale, not Exdale!
Your grand tour of beautiful Yackandandah looking for the servo was excruciating :biggrin:, I was yelling at the computer, turn now, turn now, turn right...right....right
Beechworth....King Valley..... The "Whitty" café.....Whitfield to Mansfield (another favourite).....
....and this is my son, I rode to Mansfield with him then he continued on to Griffith. He told me he'd passed a bunch of FJ's just after the sky opened up.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50162600897_f01ffb4b39_b.jpg)
This coming Sunday it will be 16 deg (C), windless, mostly sunny, dry and the roads will be empty – riding conditions don't get any better! If we weren't in lockdown, I would most likely be doing my normal Sunday thing and putting in a 600-700km day on those roads or on many of the equally fantastic roads all over the state. The one thing of which I could be certain is, that I would not see another bike all day (and very few cars), anywhere, not even a broken down Harley or a GS with the rider assuming that broom handle riding position they favour. Victorians mentally park up their bikes for the Winter and don't even think about them until Spring (and even then, not in the wet).
I don't get it, and I never have, but I don't actually mind. Having the roads to yourself is something special.
Noel
I'm guessing the usual highway patrol constabulary are off somewhere else chasing down quarantine violators?
The final installment of videos from the 2020 Aussie FJ Rally, Day 6, Yea to home via Eildon, Jamieson, Mount Buller and Mansfield.
https://youtu.be/gy_lvDX0AsY 0
https://youtu.be/TeKnUCXPnXw 1
Videos 2, 3, 4 and 5 are unedited videos of the Eildon to Jamieson road, a road which, IMHO, is one of the best roads I have ridden. Possibly better than the Mitta Mitta road and that's saying something.
https://youtu.be/_g15SAkYgdY 2
https://youtu.be/oPIxyX991XE 3
https://youtu.be/BeyvUGKKJXU 4
https://youtu.be/3qwxHKIdhCc 5
Videos 6, 7, and 8 are Jamieson to Mount Buller.
https://youtu.be/olBuf0cQkLs 6
https://youtu.be/5fsiD7ECdUc 7
https://youtu.be/P4r382H12p0 8
Videos 9 and 10 are from Mount Buller to Mansfild, the reverse of videos 7 and 8 but edited. You do get a different perspective on the twisties traveling down dale, not up hill.
https://youtu.be/vDeGl4i4I3g 9
https://youtu.be/Bbez1HKu6TM 10
The final video is the trip home for a little humor. One minute of video per hour with one minute either side of fuel/food stops.
https://youtu.be/y-qkkv1byrk 11
Happy viewing.
Gavin
Quote from: fj-f3a on July 29, 2020, 08:55:14 PM
The final installment of videos from the 2020 Aussie FJ Rally, Day 6, Yea to home via Eildon, Jamieson, Mount Buller and Mansfield.
.... the Eildon to Jamieson road, a road which, IMHO, is one of the best roads I have ridden. Possibly better than the Mitta Mitta road and that's saying something.
Gavin
Thanks for the vids Gavin. Yes, that Eildon-Jamieson road is a cracker. It was only sealed about 8 years ago and took about a year for the fine blue-metal to disappear. As you probably noticed, no one uses it and as such maintenance was never a priority. Before sealing it was truly an adventure riding it with terrible surface, no armco, narrow, clay, tooth rattling corrugations, exposed rock foundation and bike swallowing erosion. It's a lot more fun these days.
Not that either of us knew it at the time, but I was on that road just an hour or two before you and went back through Yea, which is where I believe you camped for the night.
Gav, you have barely scratched the surface of Vic's great bike roads.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5327/8841442059_62cec0cd69_b.jpg)
Eildon-Jamieson RdThat road in it's unsealed state was the first road I ever thought was seriously going to break the FJ. The bike has seen far worse since and over much greater distances and remains unbroken, what a bike!
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on July 30, 2020, 08:30:10 AM
Gav, you have barely scratched the surface of Vic's great bike roads.
Noel
Not for much longer I hope.
Gavin