Had to go into the city this morning so called in at a bike shop...
10am ......
(https://i.ibb.co/Sw8z4j2b/IMG-3614.jpg) (https://ibb.co/s9GZdfhn)
Went back at 2pm......
(https://i.ibb.co/Kx1TL6G7/IMG-3612.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Dfq084bk)
Home by 3pm......
(https://i.ibb.co/JRPy1GC4/IMG-3613.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDn8JvLy)
So far it has a grand total of 3.6K's on the clock.
It's tall ! Being used to just road bikes for the last 30 years it was always going to feel tall, but I can only just get both side toes down, or one foot by sliding over. Not hard to fix but I'll see how it go's.
It's loud! Stock as a rock it's got a bit of a bark to it, in a nice deep solid way.
Funny being on a new bike with a fuel tap and a choke lever!
It may be what I was after, a brand new Suzuki under warranty but low tech and basic.
Got what you wanted Tony, now just dont get it dirty 😎😂
Quote from: grog on Friday, 10 October 2025, 04:25 PMGot what you wanted Tony, now just dont get it dirty 😎😂
Thanks.
Still working out what I've got! Trip counters count both up and down and I think they do time and distance.
Found a grease nipple on the swingarm.
Bead lock bolts opposite the tyre valves.
Tyre PSI is half what I'm used too.
Haven't had anything like this in ages. More learning to do.
Looking forward to trying out the local trails.
Very nice Tony. That should give you hours of fun. Well done :onya:
Good choice. There are some nice easy gravel road rides close to you when you're ready. Blackbutt via either Mt Binga or Waterhole Gully Rd are a couple of my favourites for a casual run. I always take a break and admire the view near the Nukinenda homestead along Waterhole Gully Rd
There's quite a large aftermarket for these, most of which is available from one place - Adventure Bike Australia (https://adventurebikeaustralia.com.au/product-category/suzuki-drz400/?product-page=1)
They're definitely loud off the showroom floor. There's really no need for an aftermarket exhaust, other than aesthetics. The stock one flows quite well but the flow and slightly irritating tone can be much improved with a bolt on muffler tip from B&B or quitened down with one from a business called Kustom Works by Adam.
It'll be revving its tits off as you approach highway speeds. It's common to switch to 15/44 gearing as a good all rounder.
There should be a plastic duck bill looking thing wedged in the fuel filler. If you rip that out you'll get a couple more litres in it, handy with only 7L capacity currently.
If you feel like you need to uncork it there's a series of tried and proven low cost mods to wake it up a little. The "3x3 mod"and some jetting is all it really needs.
Stock headlight is as much use as a candle with an alfoil reflector. A Stedi H4 LED (LEDCONV-H4-M) is a worthwhile upgrade or there are numerous full headlight replacement options that are better again.
And lastly - a radiator fan kit is good insurance if you're putting around.
IMG_0536.jpeg
Actually there's one more thing. The swingarm pivot, linkage and steering bearings are best described as having a slightly greasy appearance from factory. For poorly maintained bikes it's somewhat common for the main linkage pivot bolt through the frame to become one with the bearings as a result. Do yourself a favour by disassembling your brand new bike and greasing them for years of trouble free riding. The grease nipples you spotted do help but they aren't the ultimate answer and they aren't present in all the areas mentioned.
DR650's are/were the same (but no grease nipples). Both come with wheel bearings that only have seals on one side as well so water crossings can create issues.
lurch, youve got that stuff covered, so good. Me, i know nothing on dirt bikes but enjoy reading your knowledge 👍👍
Quote from: lurch on Friday, 10 October 2025, 06:25 PMActually there's one more thing. The swingarm pivot, linkage and steering bearings are best described as having a slightly greasy appearance from factory. For poorly maintained bikes it's somewhat common for the main linkage pivot bolt through the frame to become one with the bearings as a result. Do yourself a favour by disassembling your brand new bike and greasing them for years of trouble free riding. The grease nipples you spotted do help but they aren't the ultimate answer and they aren't present in all the areas mentioned.
DR650's are/were the same (but no grease nipples). Both come with wheel bearings that only have seals on one side as well so water crossings can create issues.
Huge thanks !! That's a lot of great info.
I have a lot to learn.
I suspect it'll get a pretty easy life. I normally get my latest bike regularly dealer serviced whilst it's under warranty, and my bikes aren't doing big mileage now, one of the ones I'm currently using has done 12,000K's in 3 years !
I bought a 4WD Toyota so I've been exploring a few gravel roads, around the Pine Forests, out behind Perserverance Dam Hall, down to Toogoolawah, the pine forest detour to Blackbutt etc. All pretty tame but probably suitable for an old bloke decades out of practice.
Thanks for the tips and info. Huge help.
It's a sickness grog. Many hours spent in the shed prepping mine and a few of my riding buddies bikes to take on Australia's most remote areas. It also pays to have some know how when help can be days away
I picked it for a few reasons, the price played a part, as well as I wasn't after the latest high tech bells and whistles, I wanted something with a local dealership, something with a proven history.
Doing more reading up on them, looking at where folk have been, seeing them used as hire bike up at the Cape etc, by the Army etc. I think I underestimated them a bit. They are a bit more than another LAM's bike.
Not the most exciting ride but they're solid, reliable and versatile.
One of the Cape York tour operators saved my trip actually. They have a thin cast alloy throttle slide (vacuum release plate officially) that's prone to metal fatigue as the km creep up. The corners break off and in they go. Some, like mine, eject the pieces through the exhaust while others aren't quite so lucky.
Mine developed this issue roughly 200km from Musgrave Roadhouse. It coughed and spluttered as the pieces passed their way through the valves and left me with a 5000rpm idle. I finished the day out thinking that was the end of the trip but in the morning the NQ Dirt Bike Tours truck with a dozen DRZ's on board was parked near our camp. I explained my situation to the owner and was handed an entire spare carb to rob whatever I needed from and return to him when I made it back to Cairns, along with whatever replacement parts. He didn't want a name, phone number or a single $.
It's something that should be checked/replaced at around 15k along with a foam isolating ring it sits on. Mine was at 30k and I was only vaguely aware of the issue at the time.
IMG_2514.jpeg
Great reading, I love learning new details about bikes. Is there an aftermarket option, say a proper plated steel version for this slide plate?
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Saturday, 11 October 2025, 08:48 AMGreat reading, I love learning new details about bikes. Is there an aftermarket option, say a proper plated steel version for this slide plate?
There are billet versions available but the tradeoff is that they wear the carb body. Far from ideal. It's a Keihin FCR39 carb. Used on lots of bikes and there are 2 or 3 different versions of the plate, so it's important to make sure you order the same one again.
I think it's more common to hear of the issue on DRZ's because they're capable of much higher mileage than the higher performance enduro bikes the same carb was used on. They also sit at sustained higher revs over longer distances in comparison to an enduro bikes short blasts, so more vibration exposure.
None of my comments are aimed at labelling the DRZ as a bad bike, far from it. These are just some of the realities of dirtbike riding. Prior to the soon-to-be-released updated model they were largely unchanged since 2000 so there's a massive knowledge base and I've been hands on with quite a few.
I've been toying with the idea of a DR650 for a while, I'd be very interested in whatever you have to say about them Lurch, if you feel inclined.
Quote from: KiwiCol on Saturday, 11 October 2025, 09:46 AMI've been toying with the idea of a DR650 for a while, I'd be very interested in whatever you have to say about them Lurch, if you feel inclined.
Careful what you wish for! We've had one in the fleet since 2019 and I love the thing. At the risk of hijacking Tony's post I'll put something together later on.
Quote from: KiwiCol on Saturday, 11 October 2025, 09:46 AMI've been toying with the idea of a DR650 for a while, I'd be very interested in whatever you have to say about them Lurch, if you feel inclined.
I wanted a new bike this time, but I do keep an eye on 650 sales. I won't rule out adding one if I found the right bike. They have a lot of fans here so good bones aren't cheap.
Quote from: lurch on Saturday, 11 October 2025, 10:35 AMQuote from: KiwiCol on Saturday, 11 October 2025, 09:46 AMI've been toying with the idea of a DR650 for a while, I'd be very interested in whatever you have to say about them Lurch, if you feel inclined.
Careful what you wish for! We've had one in the fleet since 2019 and I love the thing. At the risk of hijacking Tony's post I'll put something together later on.
Mate feel free to hijack away.
It's all DR / Suzuki and I'd love any info you can share.
It's good to have someone knowledgeable about them on here.
The DR is a great choice for slightly more on road biased riding. If basic maintenance is kept on top of they're capable of 100,000km or more quite comfortably. They'll handle anything the rider can throw at them but are a bit more pleasant for that thanks to the cush drive hub and less revvy nature. Still only 5 gears but regular highway speeds are no problem.
They're a torquey, low revving beast. No point flogging them to max revs as the party's over well before that. Performance is restricted by lean jetting, small valves and a muffler that I'm amazed exhaust gases can find a way out of.
The model was released in 1996 and had little to no change right through until Suzuki stopped selling them in Aus in 2021 (they're still being sold in some countries). There are a couple of potential issues, the first being screws working their way out of the neutral sending unit (NSU) inside the motor - easily fixed with some loctite or lock wire but it does involve removing the clutch basket. Part of a circlip ear breaking off from within the gearbox pops up occasionally also, some shrug if off while others start shedding hard facing from gears it may damage on the way through. The sprocket carrier bearing should be closely monitored also, they create a bit of a mess if they fail and I'd suggest buying an aftermarket improved version or modifying the OEM item to add a second bearing.
They're roughly 20kg heavier than a DRZ and have basic, non-adjustable damper rod forks with progressive rate springs. They're very soft and don't offer much damping. There's a few options available for drop-in fork valves which, with a set of straight rate fork springs, is enough for most people. There are a few front end swap options, DRZ & RMZ being the easiest, but all do away with the steering security lock. The shock is also quite basic with only compression adjustment. They can be made to perform quite nicely or there are plenty of bolt-in options.
Just like the DRZ there are a series of tried and proven mods to wake them up a little. You can modify the stock CV carb and grind the needle or just buy a readymade jet kit. Or throw a pumper carb at it and enjoy much improved response and rideability.
Both the DR and DRZ have seats which border on being torture devices for most people, and both suffer from the lack of bearing grease issue I mentioned previously.
Mine is what many would consider fairly heavily modified. I'm happy to share what's been done and I could probably go on discussing the model in general, but I think I should stop :rofl2:
Thx Lurch, appreciated.
First ride. No real surprises, just very different to what I'm used to. Choke and fuel tap, no rev counter, 5 speed box, skinny knobblies moving about under me etc.
As expected and predicted... it's too tall, I'm toes only on 1 foot, I will live with it and consider the options, low seat, suspension links, bar raisers to let the forks move through the yokes. I doubt it'll feel as drastic as doing the same mods on a Hayabusa.
Gearing is too low. 80 feels busy, 100 feels borderline cruel. I'm not off to cross rivers or climb mountains. Even on today's gravel roads I was mostly in 5th (top) gear. Higher gearing won't harm the piss easy off bitumen I will do.
Street bike clothing is do-able but you really see why folk buy more appropriate stuff. A full face Shoei, leather jacket, jeans and smooth soled sports bike boots really are not ideal !!
It has the power to pull higher gearing happily on the street, and it's got enough go that it's easily up to the very tame off road stuff I'll be doing.
(https://i.ibb.co/JWf7z64L/IMG-3637.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gb5TDqp1)
(https://i.ibb.co/v4bsG79R/IMG-3638.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9HJwLFPS)
As always, I judge a bike by "If it's crashed or stolen today, what do I get tomorrow" After actually putting a few K's on one, I'd buy another the same.
Check the oil.
(Looks for little window near the clutch cover)
Nothing there.
Owners hand book.
Start and run bike.
Turn off bike and let it rest.
Remove dipstick / cap near steering head.
Hold upright and check with dipstick.
Every days a school day !
Yep, dry sump with oil in frame. There's actually a strainer hidden in the bottom of the oil tank section of the frame (behind the front wheel) that should be cleaned regularly.
Be careful riding in that area after rain. The red clay through the forestry is like ice!
Quote from: lurch on Sunday, 12 October 2025, 01:52 PMYep, dry sump with oil in frame. There's actually a strainer hidden in the bottom of the oil tank section of the frame (behind the front wheel) that should be cleaned regularly.
Be careful riding in that area after rain. The red clay through the forestry is like ice!
Noted! :onya:
I had a look in the tank, there's a harder white insert that drops into the larger black rubber insert.
I'm not sure why it's there, fuel slopping around shouldn't be a drama with a tiny tank?
Are there any downsides to pulling it out?
Tyre info says 18 psi, sound low but I have no idea what's best on this bike, 50/50 bitumen and easy dirt roads.
Books says 95 fuel, rarely see any where I go, it's 91 or 98 so I'll go 98 for now.
I felt like a newbie today.
It's a different world to me!
No downsides to pulling those parts out of the tank. That's what I was referring to that'll give you a couple of extra litres capacity.
Tyre pressure is about right for your mixed used. If you're struggling with the skatey feeling you could go a bit lower while you're getting used to it and just be extra cautious on the bitumen.
It'll run happily on 91 but I tend to favour higher octane. In some remote areas you can only get Opal fuel (low-aromatic to deter sniffing) which is 91 but horrible shit, they run fine on that too.
That looks a lot of fun. I'd love to try the offroad lark, but around here you'd be lucky to get a new dirtbike home before it was stolen.
Quote from: Hooli on Sunday, 12 October 2025, 08:19 PMThat looks a lot of fun. I'd love to try the offroad lark, but around here you'd be lucky to get a new dirtbike home before it was stolen.
It isn't too bad where I am, but rural theft is certainly a thing. I'd guess that out of my stuff the DRZ although small and cheap is the most desirable one to a thief. The ferals out here would love an off road bike or quad, a lot most than a big heavy road bike.
Quote from: lurch on Sunday, 12 October 2025, 04:07 PMNo downsides to pulling those parts out of the tank. That's what I was referring to that'll give you a couple of extra litres capacity.
Done, and topped up with the 91 fuel I had in a can at hand.
(https://i.ibb.co/7LzbwQN/IMG-3656.jpg) (https://ibb.co/szPt0CJ)
Quite a contraption. I don't think they've always had that, can't think what benefit it would provide though. Maybe a safety feature to help the nozzle shut off, or just to prevent expansion causing issues :whatever:
Quote from: lurch on Monday, 13 October 2025, 07:19 PMQuite a contraption. I don't think they've always had that, can't think what benefit it would provide though. Maybe a safety feature to help the nozzle shut off, or just to prevent expansion causing issues :whatever:
I've found two different story's that the bike would have failed more recent compliance. Changes like the now 7 not 10 ltr fuel tank, no tool kit etc uses a "road legal enduro" class to get AU approval. It's sounds odd and questionable but I haven't found anything else or found it done elsewhere.
Been busy - just saw this thread/ Tony did you consider a second hand already decked out DR650 at all? What made you choose the DRZ over a DR?
I've been following this on Bakebook. Doing my 350 up and putting it on club plates.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CUZDW1T7z/
Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, 03:11 PMBeen busy - just saw this thread/ Tony did you consider a second hand already decked out DR650 at all? What made you choose the DRZ over a DR?
A priority was a brand new bike. I'm forever working on stuff, replacing stuff, having stuff that's worn out. The Busa is now 3 years old and I do try and have 1 bike that's dealer serviced and under warranty. I just like new bikes.
I have dirt roads at the end of my driveway, I did 60k's to get a coffee and the same back this morning hardly touching the bitumen. Much as I love bigger bikes there's really no advantage for what I'm doing. If I was doing more bitumen / road miles on it then I wouldn't have picked the 400E.
The 400E is used by the cops, army, tour hire groups, farmers etc, they've sold 21,000 of them over 25 years and they are available new.
I'd certainly like a DR650, good bikes, but no advantages where I'm riding, in fact the opposite, the 650 is more road biased, the taller, liquid cooled 400 more dirt oriented.
Edit to add....
Quote: "The DR650 is a heavier, simpler, air-cooled bike with more low-end torque, making it better for long-distance touring and highway riding. The DRZ400E is a lighter, more modern, liquid-cooled bike with better stock suspension, making it superior for aggressive off-road and technical trail riding. The choice depends on your priority: the DR650 for road-biased adventures and the DRZ400E for dirt-focused adventures."
Cool. Also I have just seen the pictures in this thread for the first time. It's VERY yellow...
(https://i.ibb.co/JRPy1GC4/IMG-3613.jpg)
Shall we call it Tweety?
(https://media.tenor.com/-7ahFYV-sHQAAAAj/tweety-bird-cute.gif)
Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, 07:43 PMCool. Also I have just seen the pictures in this thread for the first time. It's VERY yellow...
(https://i.ibb.co/JRPy1GC4/IMG-3613.jpg)
Shall we call it Tweety?
(https://media.tenor.com/-7ahFYV-sHQAAAAj/tweety-bird-cute.gif)
More so now, I just bought a Hi-Viz yellow crash helmet.
Quote from: lurch on Friday, 10 October 2025, 06:09 PMIt'll be revving its tits off as you approach highway speeds. It's common to switch to 15/44 gearing as a good all rounder. _[/attach]
(https://i.ibb.co/fVX6Cw5g/IMG-4425.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Kc549vkP)
Having spent most of this mornings 122K's in 5th gear I'm keen to do this.
A few folk have said you can't fit a 15 under the stock cover / case saver ?
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 02:58 PMHaving spent most of this mornings 122K's in 5th gear I'm keen to do this.
A few folk have said you can't fit a 15 under the stock cover / case saver ?
It'll fit. There's some variation in sprocket tooth height between brands so you may have to choose one of the three options below however.
1. Grind some of chain guide plate away to increase clearance. It hides behind the front sprocket cover.
2. Buy a chain guide plate to suit the motard version (factory fitted with 15T).
3. Buy an aftermarket stronger sprocket cover / case saver. I know the Aussie made B&B item works with a 15T, can't comment on others.
Quote from: lurch on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 03:55 PMQuote from: Tony Nitrous on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 02:58 PMHaving spent most of this mornings 122K's in 5th gear I'm keen to do this.
A few folk have said you can't fit a 15 under the stock cover / case saver ?
It'll fit. There's some variation in sprocket tooth height between brands so you may have to choose one of the three options below however.
1. Grind some of chain guide plate away to increase clearance. It hides behind the front sprocket cover.
2. Buy a chain guide plate to suit the motard version (factory fitted with 15T).
3. Buy an aftermarket stronger sprocket cover / case saver. I know the Aussie made B&B item works with a 15T, can't comment on others.
Thanks. I'll get the first service done at Elite, so I'll ask them if they've done any. I did see the B&B one. I'll look up the SM one.
Quote from: lurch on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 03:55 PMBuy an aftermarket stronger sprocket cover / case saver. I know the Aussie made B&B item works with a 15T,
(https://i.ibb.co/dwgZtRsX/IMG-4623.jpg) (https://ibb.co/39zKvn5V)
(https://i.ibb.co/v68dDMz7/IMG-4625.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ksFDMPcR)
(https://i.ibb.co/CKfJn85B/IMG-4627.jpg) (https://ibb.co/60kv4wRY)
(https://i.ibb.co/5h1vVMxY/IMG-4646.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nMwfSg83)
Need to adjust the bars, levers and bark busters, I'll do it out on a ride. Never going to get in perfect in the shed. Close enough for now.
(https://i.ibb.co/dJ4362BD/IMG-4647.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TqMnR8ct)
Be careful you don't scratch it. :stir:
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 03:51 PM(https://i.ibb.co/5h1vVMxY/IMG-4646.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nMwfSg83)
Need to adjust the bars, levers and bark busters, I'll do it out on a ride. Never going to get in perfect in the shed. Close enough for now.
(https://i.ibb.co/dJ4362BD/IMG-4647.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TqMnR8ct)
Bark busters?
Do you have a lot, of trouble with dogs barking at you. :confused1: :happy1: :rofl2:
Would love to have me a DRZ (or something like it) BUT no legal place to ride it here and no interest to spend more travel time than fun time.
Quote from: Mr Gee on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 09:12 PMBark busters?
Do you have a lot, of trouble with dogs barking at you. :confused1: :happy1: :rofl2:
Not much. He's too busy biting holes in my ute tyres, trying to remove the house front door frame and killing hares at the moment.
(https://i.ibb.co/R4CkT0TT/IMG-4666.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YTtFBkBB)
Quote from: Andre on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 11:11 PMWould love to have me a DRZ (or something like it) BUT no legal place to ride it here and no interest to spend more travel time than fun time.
Yeah, I get that. I wouldn't have bought a DRZ if I still lived in the city or suburbia, at best I'd have bought something more road based like an Adventure Bike. I don't enjoy the DRZ on the bitumen, it's something I do when I have too.
I now have dirt roads, pine forest haul roads, and many many miles of unsurfaced roads almost at my front gate. I can do a 100K loop with only a few hundred metres or so of bitumen.
I have looked at bigger more road based Dual Sport / Adventure Bikes, I wouldn't mind one, but that'd be as a different role, not a replacement for the DRZ.
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 08:27 PMBe careful you don't scratch it. :stir:
That happen the day I got it home.
Yesterday I had a hacksaw cutting the end off the throttle tube.
Not as many scars as my Gen-3 Busa yet though.
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 08:40 AMQuote from: Mr Gee on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 09:12 PMBark busters?
Do you have a lot, of trouble with dogs barking at you. :confused1: :happy1: :rofl2:
Not much. He's too busy biting holes in my ute tyres, trying to remove the house front door frame and killing hares at the moment.
(https://i.ibb.co/R4CkT0TT/IMG-4666.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YTtFBkBB)
Looks like a beaut. :onya: :smitten:
Tony, you wouldn't believe how envious I am at you.
Not just the environment but your doggy as well. Would even rent a crane to place a ute in my backyard. Obviously have a pile of tires stashed. I guess just tires won't do but maybe another car is ok for him!?
Met a nice K9. He had a complete set of titanium teeth. Lost his own teeth doing his favorite off-time activity - ripping off car bumpers (not sure if that the correct word). Why did the PD get him titanium teeth? Usually a dog without teeth would get an early retirement. BUT this dog was very unique: He filled all roles the various K9 dogs do. An all-in-one package! The cost of the titanium teeth were very low in comparison what they would have to pay for a number of K9 to replace him.
Many years ago I tested a KTM 950 Adventure. Shite on the road due to the off-road tires. Riding her (illegaly) on a dirt road was something. Autobahn speeds on a bumpy dirt road and not feeling any of that - pretty darn close to riding a magic carpet.
Red Dog movie, shows what Aussie cattle dogs are like. Reds,Bluies and Kelpies all similar. I lived in Dampier when Red dog was around, came on busses with us. Amazing dogs.I tried to link movie but not clever enough
here ya go, ya technocripple
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0803061/
I'm officially on the fence re Barkbusters. I've always run them but when I crashed last year the right side of my 701 hit the same tree I did. Sheared the steering stop off the bottom triple clamp which allowed the forks to rotate too far and damage the frame. The left side of the bike was undamaged but my left wrist was a bit of a mess.
I'm pretty sure the damage was caused by impact with the solid alloy part of the Barkbuster. During the freshening up the 990 I've decided to run with plastic wrap around handguards.
Quote from: lurch on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 09:05 PMI'm officially on the fence re Barkbusters. I've always run them but when I crashed last year the right side of my 701 hit the same tree I did. Sheared the steering stop off the bottom triple clamp which allowed the forks to rotate too far and damage the frame. The left side of the bike was undamaged but my left wrist was a bit of a mess.
I'm pretty sure the damage was caused by impact with the solid alloy part of the Barkbuster. During the freshening up the 990 I've decided to run with plastic wrap around handguards.
I used them a bit in the UK but that was many years ago. Although the weather isn't anywhere near as bad, as you know, early mornings in winter up here can't be a bit testing. As my arthritis gets worse it's nice to keep the wind off my hands without wearing gloves that feel like boxing gloves!
I guess I could have done this with just plastic guards and not the inner alloy bar, but it is what it is. I'm pretty good at making mistakes... :happy1:
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 02:56 PMI used them a bit in the UK but that was many years ago. Although the weather isn't anywhere near as bad, as you know, early mornings in winter up here can't be a bit testing. As my arthritis gets worse it's nice to keep the wind off my hands without wearing gloves that feel like boxing gloves!
I guess I could have done this with just plastic guards and not the inner alloy bar, but it is what it is. I'm pretty good at making mistakes... :happy1:
Your off-road pace is perhaps a little more "gentlemanly" than mine is / was. I'm sure you'll be fine. What could possibly go wrong?
Quote from: lurch on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 03:24 PMYour off-road pace is perhaps a little more "slow" than me.
You know me well ! :happy1:
(https://i.ibb.co/ccsvB0J8/IMG-4694.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JRSd1Vnp)
Great to have a pic of you Tony. No wonder your wife chose you: Such a cute face.
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 05:06 AMQuote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, 07:43 PMShall we call it Tweety?
More so now, I just bought a Hi-Viz yellow crash helmet.
Well that'll make a fetching photo. Please post a pic of you in your gear on the bike :)
Quote from: grog on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 07:01 PMRed Dog movie, shows what Aussie cattle dogs are like. Reds,Bluies and Kelpies all similar. I lived in Dampier when Red dog was around, came on busses with us. Amazing dogs.I tried to link movie but not clever enough
Thank you Grog. Fantastic movie.
Quote from: Andre on Monday, 26 January 2026, 06:56 AMQuote from: grog on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 07:01 PMRed Dog movie, shows what Aussie cattle dogs are like. Reds,Bluies and Kelpies all similar. I lived in Dampier when Red dog was around, came on busses with us. Amazing dogs.I tried to link movie but not clever enough
Thank you Grog. Fantastic movie.
And that you were a part of his life is ... well: cool
Quote from: VladTepes on Sunday, 25 January 2026, 11:24 PMPlease post a pic of you in your gear on the bike :)
That's a bit of a weird fetish, but I guess whatever floats your boat.
:rofl2:
He's a LR owner, the mud will make him moist :lol:
:coffeescreen: