The weather isn't cooperating with this exercise, so I'm biting the icicle and going to Melbourne Tuesday morning and going by train to Traralgon to pick up the bike.
It will be wet, but I want the bike for the IBA Parkes ride. The little V-Strom did the Moree FarRide very capably, but I want the ST for this bigger ride.
Thanks again to Denis for assessing the bike and the other offers of help.
The forecast indicates the weather will improve the further north I travel from Traralgon, especially getting up onto the Newell Highway. I'll be packing the thermals, heated vest, gloves etc (after they dry from today's deluge).