The Good News

[Nigel]

Update .... back home, mostly pain free (that's probably under control due to the meds), only hurts, pretty severely at times when I stretch out (to be avoided), sneeze, hiccup or cough, or laugh (but Kev's jokes are not a threat).  Main concern is keeping the lungs clear, so plenty of deep breathing and walks.  Just back from a 1 or 2 km walk to, around and from local ovals.  Feeling good but might be time for a nap.

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes and support.

An interesting observation about the contrast of the level of service and care afforded to our colleague Kev at Portland, and what I received at Wangaratta hospital.  At Wang, I had two doctors and four nurses fussing over me for 24 hours (late Thursday to late Friday), in a pretty new, well equipped (and staffed) emergency ward, and ambulance service transporting me (both Ambulance Victoria and Royal Flying Doctors, patient transport).

It seems that a few large piles of $$ of been thrown at Wang, could it be anything to do with Dan-the-Man having roots in Wang?

Geez louise, missed all of this. I must have been napping. Yes, broken ribs are a major pain. See you soon as.
Take care

[Shiney]

Sorry to hear about the "off" Mate
But it's awesome to hear the recovery is going well

[Williamson]

Reached a satisfactory agreement with Swann for the Mighty ST1300 today.  Will be adequate for a suitable replacement. Looking at one tomorrow (with the assistance of RuSTynutz).  By the time I've added a tow hitch, heated grips, RAM mounts, power outlets, hardwire in the GPS, I'll probably break even.

[Dragonstaff]

If you can get the wreck back, the farkles will be there.

But good that you will be able to get another set up on their dollar. As it should be, but often isn't.

[Williamson]

If you can get the wreck back, the farkles will be there.

But good that you will be able to get another set up on their dollar. As it should be, but often isn't.

Will have to bid at auction.   It's supposedly going to Manheim, will keep an eye on their website.  If I can get it at the right price, whatever that might be, I'd be keen to get a few things off it.  The Migsel dash mount with triple RAM fittings, the Delkevic pipes, tow hitch and some custom CNC machine pillion foot rests, new PR5s.  Yeah, there's quite a few nice farkles.  That's the good.

The bad is the holding yard has lost the ignition key, and the panniers, top box and the front & rear saddle have been pilfered.  It been in the yard for six weeks.  When a mate took me to get the trailer and my personal items, people were coming and going at will, stuff now missing is not surprising.

So I'm thinking it'll be cheap as far as auctions go.  Others on here who have bought at auctions or repairable write-offs will have a better idea.

[Williamson]

Yes, it gets better.

Checked out an ST1300 this AM.  As I'm not allowed to ride as yet, Russell kindly met us and took the ST for a spin.  Perhaps he can provide the ride report.

Bottom line is, bike checks out okay and despite it being a little untidy, it'll clean-up okay, didn't bother to haggle with price, left a deposit, will need a new front PR5GT for RWC, will pick-up when RWC is issued.

Basic specs are:

• 2011 build - same as my old ST
• ~54,000km - approx. 20k less
• Black - same

Will need a good tidy-up, heated grips, tow hitch (another thread on this) and a few other items which may come from the other ST.

 

[Dragonstaff]

Pity you didn't have time to 'pilfer' the bits you want at the yard. 

So much for security.

[ruSTynutz]

Russell kindly met us and took the ST for a spin.  Perhaps he can provide the ride report.

Just a quick spin, probably only did 17-18km...
Not a lot to report other than to say everything worked as it should...
Clutch felt really good, gear changes were smooth, suspension felt good, no brake shudder under hard braking.
Bike was stable at speed with no handlebar oscillation when I let go of the handle bars...
All in all I give it my of approval!

[Biggles]

Bike was stable at speed with no handlebar oscillation when I let go of the handle bars...

But did it drift to the right as all of mine have done with hands off?

[ruSTynutz]

Never noticed any drift whatsoever, Biggles...but then again I only took my hands of the bars for a few seconds!

Are you sure you're just not riding on the wrong side of the road? 

[Biggles]

Are you sure you're just not riding on the wrong side of the road? 

That may not be as silly as it sounds.  As I said, after 4 ST13s, I reckon there's a "drift right" bias in the steering.  In the USA, if a rider were to lose attention or drift off, the bike would go to the edge of the road rather than into the head-on traffic.
Then again, I imagine lots of things!   

[West Aussie Glen]

Bill to find some interesting info on bikes pulling to one side may like to go to the link below, scroll down and view the second video.
https://traxxion.com/product/traxx-rite-counterweight-kit-18-22-gold-wing/

[Biggles]

Bill to find some interesting info on bikes pulling to one side may like to go to the link below, scroll down and view the second video.
https://traxxion.com/product/traxx-rite-counterweight-kit-18-22-gold-wing/

Thanks for that. Very interesting!  He might be onto something, because I do carry stuff in the RH pannier.  I'll have to leave it at home and see if it changes things.

[Williamson]

Bill to find some interesting info on bikes pulling to one side may like to go to the link below, scroll down and view the second video.
https://traxxion.com/product/traxx-rite-counterweight-kit-18-22-gold-wing/

Thanks for that. Very interesting!  He might be onto something, because I do carry stuff in the RH pannier.  I'll have to leave it at home and see if it changes things.

I leave a bit more and heavier stuff in the RH pannier, tools, compressor, first aid kit.  Lighter stuff in the LH pannier.  I figure it's easier to get the heavy ST1300 off the side stand, suppose it is marginally.

[Dragonstaff]

It has always been my habit to load heavy stuff on the right, whether in panniers or the car trailer or trucks, to keep the weight on the high side of the road, according to the camber built into it (the road).

This reduces the risks of things (trailers, trucks etc.) falling over, especially on corners.

[Biggles]

I leave a bit more and heavier stuff in the RH pannier, tools, compressor, first aid kit.  Lighter stuff in the LH pannier.  I figure it's easier to get the heavy ST1300 off the side stand, suppose it is marginally.

To highjack the thread in another direction, I recently parked the bike on a slope that I regretted as soon as the sidestand touched the ground.  I had to recruit a passer-by to push Rubina back to the vertical because my ancient left leg wasn't up to the challenge.

[Williamson]

I leave a bit more and heavier stuff in the RH pannier, tools, compressor, first aid kit.  Lighter stuff in the LH pannier.  I figure it's easier to get the heavy ST1300 off the side stand, suppose it is marginally.

To highjack the thread in another direction, I recently parked the bike on a slope that I regretted as soon as the sidestand touched the ground.  I had to recruit a passer-by to push Rubina back to the vertical because my ancient left leg wasn't up to the challenge.

Hence a little more weight on the RHS, can't hurt in these situations.

Notwithstanding, I've also been in this predicament, and I've looked around for a small rock or piece of wood, manoeuvred the bike a little off the side stand, slide object under side stand, rest bike in more of an upright position.  If you see some random objects on the side of a heavily cambered road, I might've been there. 

[Dragonstaff]

looked around for a small rock or piece of wood

I carry a bit of 12mm pine plank in the left hand pie-warmer for just this purpose. Helps on soft ground, too.

[ppopeye]

I only carry spare boots or clothing in the panniers and haven’t ever had an issue.

[Williamson]

I only carry spare boots or clothing in the panniers and haven’t ever had an issue.

More good news, a letter from Swann advising that I can cancel the registration, send a copy of the letter to VicRoads and I should be eligible for refund from date of fall, ie. 9 March 2023.  Around $240 in my favour.

Whoo Hoo!!!

[ruSTynutz]

Good news, Michael! 

[West Aussie Glen]

I only carry spare boots or clothing in the panniers and haven’t ever had an issue.

More good news, a letter from Swann advising that I can cancel the registration, send a copy of the letter to VicRoads and I should be eligible for refund from date of fall, ie. 9 March 2023.  Around $240 in my favour.

Whoo Hoo!!!

How much is 12 months rego in Victoria?

[ruSTynutz]

Here you go, Glen! 

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/registration-fees/motorcycle-fees

[Williamson]

Well, this was quick (advice from VicRoads):

Registration number: 1K8ED
Application number: RCI0000137794

Thank you for your application to cancel your vehicle registration 1K8ED. Your vehicle registration was cancelled on 10 March 2023

A refund of $242.16 has been processed and we have sent your refund request for payment. You will shortly receive a Remittance Advice email from the Department of Transport indicating payment has been initiated (be prepared to check your 'junk mail' folder). You should receive your refund in your nominated bank account within the next 10 working days.

[Shiney]

Awesome news