The Down under chronicles

[Citroenjunkie]

So after I'd had a good look at all the cool links, thanks again, I had a bit of a think?
I visited our local hardware store and had a chat to the man and came home with the makings of a tool tube. My thought was for a little less money I could custom fit the tube for my bike. And so the fun began

I've just got to get another stirrup clamp and four worm drive hoseclips. I don't want to drill the frame if I don't have to, it will also be a lot more adjustable.

I tried the pannier on and it all fits.

I plan to paint it black once it all fits properly.

It's not quite as pretty as the agri ones but I'm chuffed with it anyway.
I've put the lid on the downhill end to make it easier to get things out. I know I'll need to make sure the contents don't instantly end up in the mud, but I think the logic is sound?

[Citroenjunkie]

Well four weeks in and 1400km later. I'm really starting to enjoy Zongie. I love the way the engine gets it's growl on from 6000 all the way to 9000! The gearbox is great the brakes are getting better and the handling is rock solid.

Apart from the high first gear it's perfect!

I found some more fun roads and great scenery.

[jbfla]

Excellent!, CJ.......

Where are the sheep?

jb

[Ron B]

this makes a huge diffrence....dont know what shipping would be https://www.cscmotorcycles.com/Count...p/csc-1099.htm

[fjmartin]

I like the tube you're u made. Nice work. I did the 13T also and went from the 44 rear to 45T. Works great for torque! Also that combo keeps the chain length the same as stock so you don't have to replace the chain and can stay at 110 links with plenty of adjustment room.

[Citroenjunkie]

Originally Posted by jbfla

Excellent!, CJ.......

Where are the sheep?

jb

They've all emigrated to Australia, they'd rather be shagged than eaten!

[Citroenjunkie]

Once in a blue moon all the variables click into place and there dawns a perfect day. The air was still, not a single cloud, crisp autumn morning after a great night's sleep and nothing other than a ride on the bike scheduled.
I'd planned a 120km loop mostly on back roads winding through the country, lots of unsealed, undiscovered interesting roads. I couldn't wait.

I got the sheep picture and after investigating a tiny village which boasted a one room school and a tiny church, the Tarmac ended....

The surface was hard packed earth, but with a thick loose layer of pea sized gravel. I slowed as quickly as I could as the bike started to twitch and pull and fight, trying, in my mind, to throw me on the ground in a bleeding heap. I gritted my teeth let battle commence! I had to do this! I must!

As I edged along the road slowly, feeling really useless, I pictured desert racers roaring across the soft sand in the Paris Dakar, not crashing but floating over the treacherous surface. Then it hit me, they all rode standing!

I stood and immediately everything came right, the bike was no longer trying to throw me off, it was asking for more. In seconds we'd found our happy place powering through corners, using all my weight to balance steer, and go where I wanted it to. I found I can change up and down perfectly while standing and the bars and pegs are exactly where I need them. The feeling was almost euphoric. The confidence and skill I had as an 18 year old was all still there
Needless to say the ride was far too short, I almost did a second lap!

What a fantastic day, bike, road, ride, life! I'm definitely one lucky man

[jbfla]

Excellent ride, CJ.

Nothing better than being "euphoric"....

.....and a cloudless blue sky!

jb

[BlackBike]

Sandy roads still give me the willies and I tend to slow down. Your right , confidence is 99% 0f the deal.

[fjmartin]

Sounds like a great time. When I was waiting for my RX3 I binge watched a bunch of YouTube videos on offroad adventure riding. They really helped me get started. Here are some:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFv...KgGBmnkNwahV2Q
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKO...lw2PnNi_2So8CQ

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCu...lHxih0c9Nh5etA

[Citroenjunkie]

Another cracker of a day this morning so I decided to go to the seaside, about 90 km away.
The photos are pretty convincing and what amazing roads!

[Citroenjunkie]

On the way home yesterday we sailed over a large bump in the road and the right hand mirror fell off.

Thankfully a country road so I could easily turn round and go back to get it.

Only a tiny chip in the bottom corner so no 7 years of bad luck

The mirror is held on by a large sticky pad which clearly, on my bike, isn't

I'm going to glue it back on with gorilla glue and just wondered if anyone else has had mirror detachment?

[AdventureDad]

Yes and no. Had it (mirror falling off) happen in my old Volvo 960 sedan. Fixed it with double sided sticky tape. No biggie.

[Citroenjunkie]

I had a Merc A160 with a repeated mirror detachment. Luckily the wire to the heating element never let go so I'd just clip it back into place each time.

I've bought some super sticky glue so all I need now is a warm, dry day...fat luck in the middle of a New Zealand winter

[NzBrakelathes]

Originally Posted by fjmartin

I like the tube you're u made. Nice work. I did the 13T also and went from the 44 rear to 45T. Works great for torque! Also that combo keeps the chain length the same as stock so you don't have to replace the chain and can stay at 110 links with plenty of adjustment room.

Stock 14 tooth sprocket is lovely with the 300 kit, no need for revs and it gained a hand full of torque