Left with a fresh service and new Pirelli Diablo Stradas. Couldn't get my much loved Avons in time. Tyres were fine and front still has some life. The replacement rear is good for a few more thousand as well, and was the same as what came off. Used no oil in 15,600 km of riding, but added 150 ml just to be sure on the long Nullabor run. The bike speedo said we did 16,000, but the GPS told a different story.
Trip was 22 days long, with only one full day off in Perth. We rode the highways around the perimeter of this great big country, mostly on Highway One or its alternates. My mate (GSX1400) hit a kite (large bird of prey) and bent a mirror stem, but that was about it for drama. We both inadverantly dropped our heavily loaded bikes once each. No real damage to mine, but a few scratches on the GSX.
We had 64 fuel stops. For me, that was 880 litres of fuel at a cost of $1,300. Highest price paid was $1.80 a litre up North. That's a lot of fuel in three weeks!
Time on bike (actual ride time) was 160 hours over the 21 days of riding. Most days it was dawn to dusk with a few breaks over the day. We did lots of full tank runs with no stops at all. Iron butt stuff!
These bikes are just brilliant as long distance tourers, so get out there guys and do it. Stock seat was fine, but I use a thick sheep skin for these long runs.
We mixed up our overnight stops with about a third each of camping, caravan park cabins and cheap motels. Total cost for accommodation was $540.
We blew $1,000 on food and drinks. This included water and scotch and beer!!! Generally only ate two 'meals' a day. Highest price for one can of beer each was $5.95 a can! We stayed sober that night!
Weather was mostly good, but damn cold across the southern end for the run home in the last week. Left here in -2 degree temps, rode the North in +38 degree temps, and came home in mostly sub 10 degree temps.
A few tips - The hydration pack on the back was a life saver. Allows you to keep hydrated and alert on the run, minimising stop times. Buy a 'Camelback' or something similar if you are touring - You won't regret it.
We rode from sun-up to late afternoon or into the dark for an hour or so a few times to make the next stop. Too much large animal life like horses, cattle, roos and camels for night riding.
Anyway - Here are some pics.
These are difficult to pass on a one lane road! We just got out of the way!
One of our camping places. I used a swag, my mate had a tent. Both have their pros and cons.
This was a small three trailer road train. They run up to five!
One of many, many, many straight bits of road!
Nullarbor cliffs - Just a scenic shot.
On the Nullarbor and the fog in front ended up being two degrees and went for 200 kms or so! So damn cold!
Yep - We have a few road hazards here.
No wonder the tyres were wearing funny in the middle!
This grass was right at the road verge and too high to see over. Hard to spot cattle and trucks!
Just a few nice cliffs and a nice place to stop for a stretch.
That's it. I'll post some more pics if I get the time. Happy to answer any questions on what we took and how it was all packed if anyone is interested. Cheers all. Mick.
....I can't wait to see the rest of them....and thanks for posting them for us.
