I started this blog a while back with the intention of sharing some of the fantastic roads we have here in South-East Queensland. Since that time it has grown to also include reviews of roads further afield, some bike reviews, videos and other motorcycle related issues.
So, a bit about me...I have not had my bike license all that long - back when I was younger I used to get around on the back of a mates old CB250 - I owned a car but found it more fun on the back of his bike. We had some great times getting around on it. That was until I saw the results of a friend coming to grief whilst riding his RD250 - I swore to myself that I would never ride a motorcycle after seeing the extent of his injuries.
That was many years ago when I was still young and nieve - after many years of driving, a move to north to a more bike friendly location (weather wise) and splitting from my ex, I thought about looking around to replace my POS car that I had. Now at the time I was not in a great position cash wise, and for the money I did have I was not going to get what I was looking for - it was then that I thought about a motorcycle.
I started looking at what was around, and realised that I could get myself a decent bike for the same cash. I enrolled in a Q-Ride course back in late 2004 and completed it over a couple of days - I was now eligable to ride! My first bike was a trusty old Honda VT750. I rode that bike just about every day that I owned it. I initially spent a lot of time riding with an uncle of Kat's, Lawrie, who was an experienced rider and was able to pick up quite a lot of riding tips from him.
After about eight months of riding the VT and learning a lot, I realised that it just was not powerful enough for me. In another four months I would be able to pillion and whilst it was a good bike, it really lacked the get up and go that I would need. I started to look for a replacement. I eventually settled on another Honda, although this time is was a VTX1300. I traded the VT in on it and never looked back - I spent many hours tinkering with and customising the VTX. I loved it - it had the power to move both Kat and I and although not fast on take off, could keep up a fair pace on the open road with little effort.
I think I learnt the most on this bike - I continued to modify it and eventually got it right for me, whilst enjoying spending time playing around. I came off it a number of times, mostly due to me not paying attention to road conditions, but luckily nothing too serious. Then on Australia Day 2007, both Kat and myself came off the VTX. This was the first time that I had dropped a bike with someone else on the back and it really scared me. Luckily we were only going slow on a wet and diesel covered road, so she was not hurt too bad, but the bike was no longer rideable.
After this, I was left without a bike for a few weeks whilst the insurance claim was processed. I eventually received my payout and decided that it was time for a change. I had seen the Suzuki GSX1400 a number of times and had really started to fall for it. Not only was it a performance machine, but it was also pillion friendly. I took one for a ride and then took Kat back to ride with me - we decided then that this was my next bike. I put a deposit down and picked it up a week later. Since I picked it up, I have spent a lot of time tinkering with it, ridden many miles on it and will say that it is the best bike I have owned so far.
I love riding - I am fortunate in that I do it everyday simply due to the fact that I choose not to own a car - I have shared many great experiences with good friends that I have met through riding - I look forward to every weekend, when I can get out on the road and explore this great part of the world without being trapped and away from the fresh air.
If you ride, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do - if you don't ride then I suggest you get out there and try it. You will enjoy!
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