MacDoc's new ride 2015 CB300 to 2018 MT03 to 2017 GS310 now sold!

[MacDoc]

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Got tired of chasing a rear carrier solution for now and pulled the trigger on the larger Nelson Rigg tank bag that will fit my laptop and give me more space for camera etc.


My straps are already in place and have until Jan 31st to return.


Really like their gear and lifetime warranty. Well made and thought out.
12L expandable to16. Also can have room fot hydration pack.

 

[MacDoc]

The bike is on the money for my goals ....fingers crossed on sorting the brakes. I was just starting to get a bit more aggressive with the bike. The brakes are fine under hard braking...it's the last meter that sucks.
Big cup holder arrives today too.....tank bag a ways out yet.

Hoping to hear today on picking up the bike sans brake fix for the weekend .....with the lowering and the kickstand sorted,
Have a ride invite for tomorrow.
Then will wait for the rotor to come.
Pulled the trigger on a touring screen


Can use my existing deflector on it if needed. With the Wet coming rather have a bit more weather protection and for $53 shipped....little downside. Can be returned. I had some concern with the larger tank bag getting soaked with the stock screen in light showers ( it's not water proof ) and this will reduce that.
The Nelson Rigg rain covers are excellent but rather not have to deploy in light conditions.
My sense now is this may be my long term ride. I suspect the additional lowering will make all the difference to ease of use and maybe let me get onto the forest trails again.

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This is Mt Lewis track behind the Julatten Hotel and one I enjoy.

 

[MacDoc]

The rotor came in early so bike will be ready this arvo EXCEPT the damn kickstand.
At least there is a welder at the Airport only a 10 min ride away that will do it for me.
But not today
Sturm und drang comes

Hopefully he is called in for work tomorrow around 10 and I can get it done then.

 

[MacDoc]

Well if all the stars aligned ....mine sold for full pop and this gal caved on price a bit.

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Looks in really good nick, already lowered and with panniers.
Bennets likes it

BMW G650GS (2011 – 2017) | Buying guide

Our advice on buying the single-cylinder lightweight trail bike that was born in the wrong era | BikeSocial

www.bennetts.co.uk

Older tech tho ....I think the baby GS will suit me fine.
Cup holder arrived and looks good....with it getting to 30 by 10 am hydration really needed.

 

[MacDoc]

Bike back, quieter, easier to get on and brakes work properly.

Good job by the welder on the side stand. I went over budget only by the cost of the side stand. $100
Not entirely happy with the clutch. I will fiddle tomorrow. Seems a bit grabby.
Have to tweak the handlebars now they have been loosened off.
Sound is quite anemic as others have mentioned on the GS forum but cannot hear it on the highway so allows the audio books to be heard properly and is quite civilized in the gated driveway. Happy partner.
Given my headaches with FB this might mean the end of flipping bikes.
Pretty content now.

The larger tank bag did not work out but not an issue. Will return it and strap the laptop to the rear rack now its easy to get my leg over. Use what I've got.

 

[oioioi]

Now, get out there and enjoy it.

Happy that you are happy with it.

 

[MacDoc]

Thanks - yep - only 7 days left til operation that will stop me riding for two weeks
Such a relief on the brakes.

 

[Sunday Rider]

Hope you bond with this one for a while. I guess you will be putting on some miles for next few days.

 

[MacDoc]

Pretty in love with the seat now. Handlebar tweak tomorrow bring the bars a tad closer.

 

[MacDoc]

Off to an Adventure - will switch to the regular Down Under blog now.

 

[MacDoc]

Still idly browsing rides...if I ever wanted a Euro bike - would consider this.

Gorgeous design and looks mint. luggage included...and of course it's red.

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awfully good nick for a 24 year old ride

 

[MacDoc]

finally got the BMW listed on FB again and a bite already.
If I got $5k for it ...I would be tempted by this. Vtwin made in Japan.

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Honda VTR 250 2007 Bike only 7450 km just like new! LAMS approved not modified! Lightweight, agile, and powered by a smooth 250cc V-twin engine—perfect for zipping through city streets or cruising comfortably at 100-110 km/h. In perfect condition only just slight cosmetic wearing for its age! Pretty capable bike for only 250cc New Tyres, oil change 2500km ago New battery 11 month old! Comes with RWC and 1 year Rego, just got renewed till October 2025, a whole year for 2 seats! Can come with the following for extra $200:* Comes with Quadlock Mount pro with Vibration Dampener (Worth $90).* bike Disc brake lock (Worth $65) & Bike Cover (worth $40* I have 2.5 liters of fully Synthetic oil Motul 5100 & Oil Filter (for the next oil Change) Worth ($70)* Brake and chain cleaning kit (worth $30)Reason for sale: switched to a car due to family reasons!

Love the dash

More traditional than the 2015 CB300F ...same if not more HP, zilch mileage. I'll net a much needed $2500 out of the wheeling and dealing.
No lightweight but 30" seat and a Vtwin.

Honda VTR250 - bikesales.com.au

For learners and commuters alike, Honda's updated VTR250 has plenty to offer.

www.bikesales.com.au

Isn't that a recommendation
joe black perth
Simply the best
I have had gixxers, ducatis and currently a fireblade and the vtr250 never fails to put a giant grin on my face. It'll never leave you on the side of the road, it,ll always start first time even after months of neglect and it'll leave other big bikes in the dust in the twisties and at the lights. I have lit up many triumphs and harleys and big jap cruisers. As a honda this model is fully made and asembled in japan and not in thailand or brazil so the quality is really high. You can see it in the machining of the fork stanchions and other components. Its just the best road bike that instils so much confidence to push it through corners whether your experienced or a new rider. the brakes and handling are amazing and the engine so tractable. 135 kilos and 33 horsepower, its hands down the best 250 on the market bar none. I dinkied a mate 2up who was 90kg and me 85kg (175kg) and we were overtaking cars on the freeway at a 100 plus speeds, just drop it down a gear and off you go, this bulletproof engine does a true 12000rpm anytime without a fuss. It always reminds me of why I got into biking, because its fun, it'll teach you the fundamentals of biking and how to ride, and at the end of the day have you sitting staring at its beauty in the garage. If they made a bigger bore version I'd be the first to place an order. Its simply awesome.
and another

Brilliant, do it all bike. Urban area weapon-bumpy back road carver!​

Let's get it straight about this bike. In my garage I have a 2010 Yamaha R1, 1998 Ducati 748sp, Suzuki Sv650 and the little VTR250.
I ride the VTR more than any of the other bikes.

For riding around town, you will not find a better bike. Period!
I've got a carbon pipe and gone up 1 tooth on the rear and other than it's svelte size, no one would know you're not riding a bigger bike.

It's not just a one trick pony though, with light weight, respectable brakes-I fitted HH sintered pads just cause I ride it so hard at times- and nimble chassis you really can show up some of the bigger bikes.

My girlfriend left a number of riders (including myself on my R1) in her dust on a bumpy set of tight twistys on this bike, much to all our shame.
The suspension is preload adjustable for the shock only but you need to be getting a proper hustle on before it starts to show up. I would plump for some thicker fork oil and a reduced air gap if it was too bad but hey, in the 5 years I've owned it, even such a simple mod has not proved necessary.
It even rides two up. I have a great picture of two of my bigger mates stuck on the back and they rode 25 freeway kilometers without a complaint.
I would agree that it could use a 6th gear however even with the reduced gearing, it will still do 140km/hr and happily sit on 125km/hr. I did 700km in a day on it.
Fuel economy is spectacular. On a straight run I have seen over 40km/litre!!! Expect 28-30km/l around the stop and start of town with an unfriendly wrist operating the throttle.
The only other thing I could suggest is Don't Skimp On The Tyres!!!
It's a great handling little bike, treat it to the best rubber you can afford and then stretch some more. The extra $50 or so will reward you in smiles for miles, really enabling you to get 100% from the package.

Treat it to regular changes of high quality 10W-40 oil (hey it uses less than 2L!!!) and it will prove bullet proof.
If it can survive 40,000km of full rev, clutchless gear changes, trail brake to the apex, rain, hail or shine abuse I doubt you will be able to wreck one either.

As you can tell, I can go on and on about this bike. If you're in the market for a 250, do yourself a favour and test ride one of these last-before you decide on a cheaper alternative. Like me you wont want to part with it, even when you can.
Everything- Japanese Honda quality (check one against a Thai built 125) great sound, handling, economy, city commuter or back road carver.
Could use a 6th gear if you do excess freeway km, but not essential (see above)

 

[MacDoc]

This just came up as well $3800!! CB500F 61k km. That's a very sharp price. And it's RED!

 

[MacDoc]

Isn't this nice for an elderly gentleman to tool around on

2011 Royal Enfield 500 bullet classic​

AU$3,500 $4890 km.


Royal Endfield 500 Bullet Classic low / klm v/good condition RWC. - moving and no space for it reluctant sale - comes with new RXT openface helment
Bit of a hike to fetch it. Spelling not his strong point.

 

[MacDoc]

Getting bites on the BMW g-310-gs now but all lowballers.
One of the target bikes - a VRT 250 which I think I would really like has sold from the area so less inclined to sell the GS now. The well priced CB500F also sold.
I shall just wait and go riding in 48 hours since my post op issues are non-existent.
I have nearly an entire year to flip the GS without incurring any other costs for rego or insurance and doubt I will put on enough km to need tires.
Of course it is a gorgeous day out for riding today - tomorrow even better....sigh

 

[MacDoc]

Final iteration before the wet season is over in April. Took a short ride to Kuranda and Barron river crossing, a little sand a little bit of washboard. Can feel I need to put the rear shocks with more preload.
The tank knee protectors were useless....both came off...will not replace. Will use the smaller Nelson Rigg tank bag which is fully water proof. Spare water under the tail and the laptop bag works fine with a plastic bag inside for the lappie. Be nice to find a ziplock one that fits. ( found two ! ) Cupholder is useful and easy to use tho a larger bottle would be better.

New windscreen I think adds to the look of the bike. Easy on and off now...I might try for Chillagoe IF I get a decent day for the trek

Still iffy to get to neutral first go. Sort of sorted the clutch. Brakes are fine.

 

[MacDoc]

Well that's a wrap for 2024 tweaks
\
Should have moved the silver cover. Easy on and off for me now. Storage solved for $100..half price.
The guy selling the Shad 34L top case was very nice 70 year rider with a good looking Yamaha 560 TMax that he puts lots of touring miles on. 47 hp @ 7,500 rpm and 41 lb-ft of torque at @ 5,250 rpm
Out of my price league $21k out the door and no power windscreen .
Think the big Burgman was better. The Tmax is 480 lb, a bit less than the the Burgman but the big Burgman also had 54 HP taking it out of the Learner category....as it should be.
My 2009 was 17k cdn out the door for the guy I bought from. Had 4 good years and 50k km from it and remains the most comfortable bike I've owned with that Daylong seat, power screen and terrific weather protection. I rode in weather I'd not take any of my other bikes into.

He needed a bigger top case for his sleeping bag. My gain.
He even installed the top case for me and rode the GS up his ridiculous driveway. Earned the sale.
I did not get enough sleep and was sweating like crazy so was happy to sit in his garage under his fan while he installed it. Clever man, does not ride this time of year until it cools down in March.

 

[MacDoc]

Well might have to unwrap a bit. Two interested in the BMW and one braving the weather to come down from the Tableland...sounds quite interested.
That begs the question ...what next?
There is that 2005 high miler VTR250 for cheap and roadworthy for $1800 asking. Bit concerned about carbs tho had them for many years.
Then this surfaced 2015 Kawasaki z250SL at $3500 asking. 30k km 250 single.
Slightly more HP than the CB300F, slightly less weight, no thoughts of off pavement... no issue with seat height at 31" and narrow, ABS and a slipper clutch which intrigues me given my annoyance with the GS clutch.
Same fuel mileage as the Honda but smaller tank - non-issue.
It's a single 300 again I like thumpers and it's red.

silly bugger has a loud exhaust - maybe he has original. Windscreen seems not available in worthwhile form. Plastic fuel tank.
That 32 HP 2005 VTR250 VTwin still appeals. Cheap thrills and much needed cash injection. Metal tank and existing top case...might have to chase a windscreen or do without. 161 KG wet is okay. Prefer a single piece seat.

Secondhand - HONDA VTR250 1999-2009

The rush to focus on the larger-capacity middleweights that were suddenly allowed under LAMS led many novice motorcyclists to ignore some excellent lightweight machines. But not for long. Soon the real charm and practical benefits offered by the best of the traditional learner bikes was again...

amcn.com.au

Likely needs risers which I already have.
Looks like a metal tank which is a positive. Damn ...2005 tho blows one corner of the preferred features.

 

[MacDoc]

Perfect fit for the Tableland guy - I cooked my self chatting outside with him. Will let me know tomorrow. So if he buys at $4800 - my bottom price ...what do I get next.
Thought about taking a few months off but partner thinks not a good idea.
Not going with the high miler VTR. Not going with the Kawi. Leaning to the CB500.

41,000 km - will come with Roadworthy and guy is flexible on price. Has the top case, existing windscreen is fine on that model.



There is a 2019 XMAX about the same HP as the CB300 but will be quicker.

Extremely well maintained, stylish scooter. Always serviced at Yamaha Cairns.15 K klms stage service just done. New oil filter, oil, spark plug. Brand new drive belt ( $500 ) New Pirelli Diablo tyres. New battery. Key fob. Traction control / ABS Logbook and owner manual. Yoshimura full exhaust system. Sport wind shield. Handle bar mirrors. Upgraded rear suspension. Huge storage under seat ( room for two helmets, your groceries, or a big backpack)Very safe, stable bike. Very manueverable around town and cruise on the highway no problem. Very low centre of gravity, the bike leans well in corner and stick to the ground even in bad weather.
The bike is registered until May 25 and comes with a fresh RWC.

I think she wants too much for it and won't likely budge to $4800 but it just had a belt change and full servicing. Don't like the idea of a belt change every 15k km but like the step through and storage. Newer too. Also the automatic. Like traction control.

I know I would enjoy it IF the seat is okay. It must be wide as 6' riders complaining over seat height of only 795cm ( 31.2" ) not being able to flat foot. There are alternative seats but gets expensive then.
Heavy beastie too 179kg. Likely not going to fly

Just not a lot of choice just now.

This came up.

2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 SE​

47 k km...bit high. Storage okay. Seat is iffy for comfort.
At $3k maybe...$4k too high - he is throwing lot of stuff I don't need or want.

 

[MacDoc]

Guy on the XMax will be back in a week. He might have original muffler and is flexible on price.
I'm half wishing the buyer for mine backs out

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