Riding Down Under - Tropical Cairns Australia

[MacDoc]

The gods are tempting me.
Have a solid bite on the CB300 at 3200.
This is around at 4k negotiable.

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Because you need an open license to ride that here there it is less marketable and this is an off pavement area - road bikes not in such high demand.
Owner jumped the price to $5000 as I was watching....oh well.

 

[MacDoc]

Sold the 300 ...have cash in hand. Now what do I get ...- can use the eBike for the moment but....

2016 Yamaha 250 virago

very low klms, engine crash bar fitted, saddlebags, tacho, upsized front and rear sprockets plus new chain fitted.

never had a cruiser and it's RED!!!!

Tempting

2009 Triumph Street Triple R 675cc. Great bike never skipped a beat, bought for commuting to work but no longer needed. Past a road worthy at 29,000 but will renew for buyer.

Very tempting...but..more than I have ( or need )

Triumph Street Triple R

Motorcycle Specifications Overviews and Road Tests

www.motorcyclespecs.co.za

 

[MacDoc]

Life in the tropics.
Settled in to watch a 1958 Western The Big Country and dog makes a dash for the back door ( our living area is entired crim screened so can see and hear everything going on in the back yard. ).
Had the backyard light on and noticed something largish making a commotion in the trees - had to be fair size as branches were moving about...could not see anything, dogs eyes were pinned on it. Now this and not a breath of wind.
So settled back to the movie and even through earphones I hear this yowling like someone killing a cat but above the house. Went on for a few minutes too.
Best I can figure is a house cat tangled with a python and got et.

Partner had a good size python trying to come in the window in the bedroom after the resident white lipped frog which come and go from the house which has openings near the roof ( shoo the birdwings out ).
There's picture somewhere with she and daughter holding a 3m snakeskin found in the backyard. When a python is about the feral cats don't last long

Now back to finding a motorcycle.

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[GreyGhost]

Sold the 300 ...have cash in hand. Now what do I get ...- can use the eBike for the moment but....

2016 Yamaha 250 virago
View attachment 69974

never had a cruiser and it's RED!!!!

Tempting

View attachment 69975
Very tempting...but..more than I have ( or need )

Triumph Street Triple R

Motorcycle Specifications Overviews and Road Tests

www.motorcyclespecs.co.za

When I did a motorcycle course they had either a virago or marauder 250. I said it sounded like an angry grasshopper. One lady took great offence as apparently she had one at home. a 250 cruiser would be almost at the bottom of my list of bikes. Everything I don't like and almost nothing I like.

Street triple looks like fun. Is your brain and body up for it? I am decades younger and notice how much my skills and reactions have degraded already.

 

[MacDoc]

Oh yeah ...I'd love to have the triple for fun but I've been steadily downsizing in power will be sensible.


This plain jane might work for me.

https://www.rideapart.com/reviews/248094/review-2014-yamaha-sr400/

A bit more power, long lived model ( 37 years !!! )
It's similar to my KLR but lower.
Not sure about kickstart only tho. Like thumpers.
Slightly better fuel use, bit more speed no abs is a downer. Worth a look. Really want a 250 vstrom.

The hunt goes on.

 

[MacDoc]

Now this has some protential.


2013 KTM Duke 390 that’s done just under 12000km for $3,799 ride away with 6 month rego.

and that is from my regular dealer. Same weight fueled as the CB300F

43 HP vs 30 on the Honda....that's a decent jump. Going to take it for a ride on Monday,
SLightly smaller tank ....11L vs 13 on the Honda and 10% higher fuel consumption but the extra power is a real draw.
There is a Shad topcase solution for it available tho I don't like the look.( didn't like it on the Honda either ) Might be able to get by with my 20/23 Ltr tank bag tho need something for the laptop..not a deal breaker,.

Long-term test: 2013 KTM Duke 390 review

The urban fox

www.visordown.com

 

[MacDoc]

Known quantity for 4k with roadworthy ( safety ) 2013 CB500F

20k km and it's RED!!!

 

[sburns]

Why you selling your bike, or you just want something new?

 

[GreyGhost]

Why you selling your bike, or you just want something new?

Post #1622. It's gone.

 

[MacDoc]

I asked myself that question but a combination of factors.

It had 65k km on it and someone gave me full asking.

In order of preference
More power for at least a little thrill at the throttle. would take 40ish HP vs 24.4 on the Honda.

Hopefully a bit newer or slightly different ergos. I had a 2018 CB500F I took across Canada when I was 70 so a move to a CBr500r 2013 is a known factor. More power, more range and a different seat than the CB300f. I have one I can buy tomorrow for $4k - the very top of my budget - with rego to Feb (that's a $250 bonus ) and guy will get the roadworthy ( safety ) at my regular Honda dealer.
Leaves me no budget for farkles but I have a 20/23 tank bag that will do the trick for cameras and maybe laptop. Laptop fits but not with the sleeve which it needs...not really a deal breaker,
Have aw Nelson Rigg tailbag unused and that will give me a bit extra too.
The tank bag is the one I took across Canada on the CB500F so I know it works well and will cover me for grocery run.

This I think is the bargain bike in the group. $2950 for a 2017 MT3.

with some minor repair needed. That is way below market, mature school teacher owned.
42 HP vs 24 for my CB300. 14L tank vs 13 on the Honda and a little lower MPG but not by much.
Newer too. Lower KM 20k vs 65k km on the Honda and original owner.
That gives me $1000 for windscreen and maybe a top case but I can take my time.

Spoke to the owner and going to look at the bike today and I think make a deal for it.
I will need $420 for Rego and whatever the minor repair is...lever and a headlight bulb ( the bike was serviced at my dealer ) small world.

I'm going to pass on the KTM even tho I think it would be fun....still some of reliability questions.

MacDoc has a new ride. 2017 MT3 with 20k km on it, Same seat height as the Honda, a bit heavier...feels like a bigger bike. With a 12k redline ....I'll get the occasional throttle thrill.
Amazing the power Yamaha gets out of 30 more cc. 42 HP vs 24.4 on the Honda.

My riding buddy approves and at least I have some power to keep up.

 

[MacDoc]

Getting old sucks.. ..need bridges on both sides .....damn ...there goes $7k tho will get some back from health insurance. I do NOT want dentures.
There is always this. Stepdottor got extensive work done and it has been very solid

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•••
Looks like my new bike will be ready either this afternoon or tomorrow.

 

[MacDoc]

Ah I called it....Noraly on a Yamaha too !!! Figured a Teneré was best choice but didn't consider a 40 year old version.

Teneré 600 which is new for 2025 but she's going on the original Tenere 600 from the 80s....now that's a surprise...no gadgets for this girl. Wet weight 385 lb and 24L tank.
She's a kid in a candy store.

and she's going around the world on it .

Meanwhile Lavi and Ollie pushing the limits of the VanVan 125s

 

[MacDoc]

McGuivered my failing kidney belt ( failing velcro) with an old tactical belt that happened to be the correct length given my newly svelt belly
The velcro sort of works but with the belt in place does not pull away. Actually feels good wearing it around the house since I'm tasked with some cleaning....
Listening to an audio book while cleaning makes the time go by. Partner listens while she is cleaning or more often working in the garden. I have too many stacked up and not riding enough to get through them.

Yay Yamaha is ready to ride - pickup at 3 tomorrow and only $416 out pocket for the minor repairs and with a new front tire and that includes the road worthy. Even the weather is nice.

 

[MacDoc]

Weeks and weeks of fine riding weather coming

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Put on the farkles today and sorted a safe method of putting the laptop on the back of the bike. However I AM taking the secondary Macbook Pro tomorrow for a longish ride just to be safe...not from it coming off but just from the vibration on the tail. it normally sits in the top case which I can for sure say has its own vibration anyway.

Can slide the laptop in without removing the case or even moving the bungies. Like that case. Happy how that worked out. I moved the zippers around so the they opened at the back then strapped the case in securely. I'd prefer it to have two straps instead of a single long bungie. crisscrossed. Likely have something around.

Camera can go in my shirt pockets.....was bought with that in mind. Gx1 with the smaller lens in one pocket and the 45-175 ( 350 equivalent ) in the other

There are not many pockets in my Joe Rocket mesh jacket but enough between, the Rev'it riding pants and my size large pockets in the fishing shirt I wear riding.

Have some high powered magnets coming to see if I can adapt my current 6L tank bag to the plastic tank. I will wait on those arriving before I pull the trigger on the Givi tank bag

Now ready to put some km on the new ride.

 

[MacDoc]

Had a very good day on the new bike and terrific pork roast feed at Julatten

New bike is great
had a best ever ride to the Highlander. Normally take a break in Mareeba but no need today.
Home - Julatten Hotel
View attachment 70178
Last job to drop the CB300F to the new owner. Been a decent bike. No thrills but easier on me than the KLR and it was a good deal at the beginning and got me the dollars to move up.

 

[MacDoc]

Good look at where I live

not available on line but here is episode one. Will give and idea of why I like it here

••••••••
The spare laptop seems to have been a victim of the first ride....screen was going and appears to be gone now Still useable as a desktop.

 

[MacDoc]

Well strange things happen. I was in contact with a guy on FB a while ago about getting the failing laptop fixed but never proceeded. So contacted him again today to get a quote...$380 for new screen. That's fine. Rode up with the lappie in the same spot as yesterday on the bike and the thing started working again.
However it was failing and needed a new battery so we agreed on a price for both.
Turns out he's my 40 year younger doppelganger.
Services Macs from home, emigrated from Germany to Aus on a spouse visa a few years ago and of course rides motorcycles.

Parts are ordered for the lappie and we're going for a ride to Cape Tribulation tomorrow.
He rides a 650 Ninja....all well and good BUT he wants to take the Bloomfield Track to Cooktown ....noooooo
He did put 70/30 tires on but that is a mostly unpaved, ocean side track designated 4W drive only and 137 km of no services.

The Bloomfield Track - Destination Daintree Visitors Guide

snip

Creek/River Crossings - Normally straightforward but in wet weather there could be two difficult crossings. Most 4WDs can only cross up to 600 mm (2 feet) without damage – check your owner's manual. Even if capable of deeper water strong currents can easily wash 4WDs away! Always walk into deep crossings first to determine depth and speed. If in doubt always wait for the water to go down.

Steep Climbs and Descents - There are two on the Track at Donovan's Range (20% - 1:5) and Cowie Range (up to 33% - 1:3). Select the correct gear and engage before the climb – it's not fun to change on a 1:3 slope! If slippery, engage 4WD – make sure you know how to do this! In some vehicles hubs must be locked beforehand – full-time 4WDs should have centre diff locked.

Descending is often more dangerous. Select low gear beforehand, keep speed down using engine braking where possible. Never rely on brakes alone. If you start to slide accelerate to straighten the vehicle – braking makes the slide worse.

so he is going to camp here first night

---

​

EMMAGEN CREEK AND BEACH (15 MINS NORTH OF CAPE TRIBULATION ON GRAVEL ROAD)​

• Picturesque creek and picnic area
• Beautiful beach
• START OF BLOOMFIELD TRACK - 4WD ONLY FROM THIS POINT NORTH
• Specialist Tour operators can take you up the track to Wujal Wujal falls or Cooktown if you want to explore it without your own 4WD

If he had a KLR650 I'd still be concerned going solo...
on this even with 70/30 tires


So I will leave him at Cape Trib for lunch and hope to hear from him when he gets to Cooktown as he does have my laptop captive

 

[MacDoc]

Never got to Cape Trib
I sailed by his exit and said I would wait at the Rex Lookout.
Broiled in the sun for 20 min and he still had not left.
Moved to Craiglie which is my fav sit and read at a picnic table under a proper shade.
Can pull the bike right under - even snooze. Come 11.30 buddy arrives....recall this was a 9 am meetup. I had my AudioBook so no great harm.
So we sat and yakked for a 1/2 hour maybe more and he even fed me a tasty little tuna /rice bowl he had packed. He cooked some tomato soup for himself - was amazed how fast it heated up.
He said it could take a cup of water to boil in 1 minute.
I should have got a pic of his Ninja 650 loaded with camping gear etc and drop bars.

So he headed north and I came home - glad I did....it was just too hot and my tooth was aching which has NOT settled down since.
Riding to the dentist in a couple hours - so humid today. AC at 25 to cool down.
Got my phone holder on to the bike and a spare small waterproof bag on the pillion I had bought for the eBike. Works and looks okay and will protect anything vulnerable if it rains.

 

[MacDoc]

Expensive schedule for tooth fixing sigh. Getting old sucks
I am enamoured of codeine just now
My upcoming bit of cyborg "enhancement"

Partner was reassuring as she had a similar one until she got implants.
$4k all in for that versus $20-30k for implants that may not work due to bone loss.
We'll get a big chunk of the 4k back from private insurance. I like the new dentist. He's originally from Toronto and happily Australian now.

 

[MacDoc]

This is arriving today but will likely return

This is still a week out and not 100% I can get my leg over.

Will see around noon if antibiotics are dealing with the infection causing the pain. Won't ride with codeine.