Southern Classic weekend

On Saturday four of us headed off in perfect riding conditions to take in the Annual Southern Classic historic motorcycle racing event at the state motorcycle complex in Broadford Vic. In fitting with the event two Steve and Andy were riding early 1970's Norton Commandos.


I can relate to and enjoy the post classic & forgotten era bikes best, rather than the genuine classics. As a former Kawasaki Z1R owner I was pleased to see this one mono-wheeling onto the main straight & then winning a close fought race.


The racing is the icing on the cake really, the aim of these weekend is to ride some unfamiliar roads, wine and dine and have a few laughs - the perfect antidote for our working lives.


Lancefield Guesthouse - we were made very welcome. We barely had the bikes parked on the back veranda and the owner handed each a cold Heineken!

You can probably pick that this was formerly a hospital.




We had an excellent meal & a couple of bottles of Heathcote region red wines at the Lancefield pub - all very reasonably priced. Guinness pie with salad was my choice - I highly recommend it.

Later that night there was much laughter and banter amongst the guys.

We had a really successful weekend that nicely combined great roads, an event to attend, good food and digs and great camaraderie. Good times - these are great guys and my very best mates.

Loch Ard Gorge Shipwreck Coast

In perfect Spring riding conditions I took a solo run through the Otway Ranges to the Loch Ard Gorge, named after a famous ship the Loch Ard that was wrecked here in 1878. Fifty -two drowned, with just two survivors who were washed up in the gorge. It is just a few kilometers past the 12 Apostles on what is known as the Shipwreck Coast.

The weather was magic, about 20C and not a puff of wind. I hope its as good as this for the Phillip Island MotoGP next weekend.



Unfortunately I had to buy fuel at the Laver's Hill store - I don't recommend it !

Honda VFR1200 V4

Honda's much anticipated new V4 touring motorcycle has finally been released.

Could this be my next motorcycle? Certainly not the first model - but after that I'd be very interested. Shaft drive, two up touring ability and optional hard luggage would certainly meet my needs.

Here are some publicity shots from Honda's European website at HONDA





Shaft drive

There is no official pricing available yet & can't wait to see one in the flesh.

Honda have a dual clutch option available to offer a full or semi-automatic option, though I believe that's not included on the base model. It has the ability to run on 2, 3 or 4 cylinders to save fuel, however, for a tourer the fuel tank is a bit small at 18.5 litres.

Going by the specs sheet it's a bit of a porker though at around 260kg - I guess it will depend on how low that weight is distributed.

Update 28/10/09 Motorcycle USA track test of VFR1200

Turton's track loop

It's the first day of Daylight Savings today. I didn't start too early, but did a nice Geelong, Colac. Beech Forrest, Dean's Marsh Geelong loop.

Bendigo Motorcycle Expo

Took a cruise up to Bendigo in central Vic for their first motorcycle expo. I caught up with my fellow VFR riding mate and we checked it out. Lots of vendors with stands and I bought a Kriega tool wrap that I've been after. Didn't take any pics of any of the displays for some reason - just pics of older bikes which were incidental and not actually the main theme of the event.

I love the Piaggio Vespa.

Nice Suzuki Stinger

Norton ES2 - a 500cc single. I've ridden one of these that Steve used to own in years past.

The famous Square Four.