HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: brent@currawong.bhs.mq.edu.au (Brent Curtis)
Subject: Re: Trousers
Organization: School of Behavioural Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1992 01:22:36 GMT

skea@vast.unsw.edu.au (Alan Skea) writes:
>
>To protect my legs from the wind and rain I wear a full-fairing.  

I'd love to put a fairing on my bike. The only trouble is that it keeps
getting knocked over. In 1992 alone my bike has been knocked over on
three separate occasions. Each time it was parked on a road where car
spaces are in short supply. My guess is that people try to squeeze
in to car spots that are too small. In future I'm going to be more 
judicious where I park! Luckily my bike is so tatty that new scratches
don't show up that much. :-)

I once saw someone knock over an 851 Ducati superbike. Now that would
be expensive.

                     Brent.

--------------------------------------------------------
"How do you know I'm Mad?"           |    Brent Curtis
                    asked Alice.     |    Psychology
"You must be," said the Cat,         |    Macquarie Uni
"or you wouldn't have come here."    |    New South Wales
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: smathewrg03@cc.curtin.edu.au
Subject: CBR 900 RR
Organization: Curtin University of Technology
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 04:21:52 GMT

   I was wondering if anyone out there in netland has had a ride on the 
new CBR900RR? I am thinking (dreaming? ;) of buying one, and I was wondering
if anyone had a personal opinion on what they are like. Points of interest
include riding position, torque, speed, and comfort in bad weather. 

  Just as an aside, anyone think that bike reviews are a good idea? I'll
volunteer for a 1989 RZ250 review if anyone is interested. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roger Mathew			| And the Lord said unto the masses, 
3rd Year IP Student		| "Buyeth thou a motorised conveyance,
Curtin University		|  and thou shalt suffer the wrath of 
Perth  WA			|  Volvo drivers everywhere!"
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: smathewrg03@cc.curtin.edu.au
Subject: Re: Best bike for a newbie?
Organization: Curtin University of Technology
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 02:34:40 GMT

In article <1992Aug19.151457.21953@monu6.cc.monash.edu.au>, rda582y@monu6.cc.monash.edu.au (Charles Ray) writes:
> As I got little response last time ... i'll ask again ....
> 
> What would be the best 250 to get?
> I have been riding bikes foa long time, but mainly trail bikes, so I have 
> no idea about road bikes.

[...]

> Also I know something about 'powerband' on 2-strokes .... should I be looking
> for a 2 or 4 stroke.

 Depends. Do you want to go very fast and blow everything this side of a 750
 into the weeds? Or do you just want to get away from the lights quick and be
 in front for the first ten metres before powerband cuts in?
 
 Personally I'd go for the 2-stroke. As you have been riding for a while you
 should be able to handle the power. I have an RZ250 which I got after 13
 years of trailbike riding, and IMHO it is one of the best strokers around. 
 Handles well, comfortable to ride, VERY easy to throw around, and enough
 power to blow away anything below a 750, and quite a few of them too ;-)
 Fuel consumption may or may not be a deciding factor. If you are chronically
 poor (join the club :) then you may want to go for the lower fuel consumption
 of the four stroke, but I don't really think there is that much difference.
 Never worked out what I get to the litre on the RZ, but $10 will get me about
 260 k's (I ride hard ;). 

 Top speed seems to be around 200kmh, but my bike is sans fairing at the 
 moment.  Admittedly slower than the KR1 or RGV, but I don't think you'd 
 get either of them for the price. 
 
 Remember to consider things like how long the tyres will last, how often
 it has to be serviced and how much it costs each time, the rego costs and
 so on. 

> By the way ..... I'm looking at spending around 12-1500 dollars.
> 
  Perfect for that second hand RZ250. :-)
  
  Oh yeah, anyone else notice that there are a heck of a lot of ZZR250's
  around for sale, with about 3-4000 k's on the clock? Looks like people
  buy it for the looks then find out how gutless they are. :-)

> Thanks for the help ...
> 
> -- 
>  . .                                       "You say times are tough,      
>   U     Charles Ray                         we've got the best of both    
>  (-)    rda582y@monu6.cc.monash.edu.au      worlds here."     -- Midnight Oil

 No problem! Hope you get what you want. Ride safely!
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roger Mathew                 | "Reality is an illusion caused by lack of drugs"
3rd Year IP Student          |            
Curtin University            |                
Perth  WA                    |             1989 RZ250. Wanna race?
From: zebee@ucs.adelaide.edu.au (Zebee Johnstone)
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
Subject: Re: Cager Alert!
Date: 19 Aug 92 06:14:48 GMT
Organization: Information Technology Division, The University of Adelaide, AUSTRALIA

Gary.Woodman@anu.edu.au (Gary Woodman) writes:

>>that they have been an active, riding motorcyclist for at least
>>some period (a year? two?).

>Apparently the Poms have been doing this for years (correct me, or my wife, 
>if you please) - it's not possible to obtain a licence to drive a _car_ 
>over there without having held a licence for a _bike_ for a nominated time...

I don't think that is right.  I've seen no mention of it in Brit magazines,
or in local ones when discussing rider training/learners, and
it would seem to be a thing they would be on about.

In Italy, you can get a moped license at 14, a bike license at 16, but have
to wait until 18 for a car.  But has it made them better drivers?  OR
just killed all the timid ones?
-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
     Zebee Johnstone  DoD #605   | You don't own an Italian motorcycle 
     Adelaide City Council       |  - you merely have the privilege 
    zebee@itd.adelaide.edu.au    |    of paying its bills.... 
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: john@physiol.su.OZ.AU (John Mackin)
Subject: Re: Cager Alert!
Organization: Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, Australia
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 00:53:03 GMT

In article <1992Aug12.123830.17084@csu.edu.au>,
	echoppin@csu.edu.au (Errol Chopping -TE) writes:

> Somehow we've got to make every car driver into a bike enthusiast so they
> *see* bikes when they look!

I have long had a proposal for this.  Of course it isn't _practical_
but who cares about that? (1/2 :)  I held and used a car license for,
let's see, four years before I became a motorcyclist; I went back
to a tintop for two years after I stopped riding.  (Now I don't
do either.)  I know from that experience that I was a MUCH, MUCH,
M U C H  better driver after I'd spent my seven years on motorcycles --
there's just no comparison as to how much better a driver I became.

So my Modest Proposal is simple and obvious.  No one, under any
circumstances, should be permitted to operate any vehicle on a
public road other than a motorcycle, unless they can show proof
that they have been an active, riding motorcyclist for at least
some period (a year? two?).

End Of Problem.

-- 
John Mackin <john@physiol.su.oz.au>
`Bent-me doesn't care how straight-me has to suffer.'  -AB-D
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: mat@vulcan.anu.edu.au (Michael A. Thomson)
Subject: Digitized Motorcycle Pictures
Organization: Computer Services Centre, Australian National University
Date: 17 Aug 92 09:31:37 GMT

I am looking for a nice couple of motorcycle pictures to use as desktops
does anyone know if there are any sites where I might find some good
colour pictures?  (Racing style pictures preferably.)

Michael
mat@vulcan.anu.edu.au
From: cchd@lucifer.latrobe.edu.au (Huw Davies)
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
Subject: Re: Trousers
Date: 18 Aug 92 04:12:06 GMT
Organization: La Trobe University

In article <ck.714011041@iconix.oz.au> ck@iconix.oz.au (Chris Karadaglis) writes:
>PS Where's a good place to buy leathers from in Melbourne? Typical prices anyone?

I've had very good service from Mars Leathers in Elizabeth St (where else :-).
They have a wide range of stuff 'off the shelf' and made to measure too
(really good for us non-standard size motorcyclists).

-- 
  Huw Davies           | cchd@lucifer.latrobe.edu.au
  Computing Services   | Phone: +61 3 479 1500   Fax: +61 3 479 1999
  La Trobe University  | I own an Alfa to keep me poor in a monetary
  Melbourne Australia  | sense, but rich in so many other ways
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: john@physiol.su.OZ.AU (John Mackin)
Subject: Re: Best bike for a newbie?
Organization: Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, Australia
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 06:49:34 GMT

In article <1992Aug19.151457.21953@monu6.cc.monash.edu.au>,
	rda582y@monu6.cc.monash.edu.au (Charles Ray) writes:

> Also I know something about 'powerband' on 2-strokes .... should I be looking
> for a 2 or 4 stroke.

Depends on what you want out of riding.

If you want a staid, boring, easy motorcycle, a 250 four-stroke is
hard to pass up.

If you want a motorcycle that is more demanding -- but at the same
time, offers far more -- more enjoyment, more power, more excitement --
then you should certainly be looking at a two-stroke.

As long as your left ankle is in good working order :).

-- 
John Mackin <john@civil.su.oz.au>
Gandhi II.  He's back.  And this time, he's MAD.
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: ck@iconix.oz.au (Chris Karadaglis)
Subject: Re: Trousers
Organization: Iconix Pty Ltd (World Headquarters)
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1992 00:24:01 GMT

In <BsznJJ.7K7@quark.ansto.gov.au> jef@quark.ansto.gov.au (J. E. Fearon) writes:

>In article <brent.713431337@coffeeshop> brent@socs.uts.edu.au writes:
>>
>>So what trousers get worn by motorcyclists? I wear jeans but it can get
>>bloody cold in winter. Any opinions on leathers? What about those ski-pants
>>like things the police motorcyclists wear? Anyone wear Belstaffs?

>well persopnally jeans mostly .. in winter a pair of track suit pants under the
>jeans works wonders ;) .. as for leathers I have a Fuji racing 2 piece suit :)

Last night I acquired a pair of Dririder pants which fit AND match the bike.
(neat!). These have got to be the best thing I've worn to date. (never had leathers,
will get some come summer now). Dririder stuff is abrasion-proof (speaking from
personal experience), waterproofish and very windproof. If you're after something
safe, cheap and warm, get Dririder pants. before them, I had to spend a few minutes
kicking air just so that my knees would warm up enought to walk.

>Jason

PS Where's a good place to buy leathers from in Melbourne? Typical prices anyone?

>-- 
>Sidewindr 		'90 B3 ZX-10 Ninja       DoD #0435  
>e-mail: jef@ansto.gov.au
>Po Box 24 Engadine      A motorcyclist rides a motorcycle but a motorcycle
>N.S.W. Australia 2233   rider is not necessarily a motorcyclist. - jef.

Shckwish!
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: jef@quark.ansto.gov.au (J. E. Fearon)
Subject: Re: Lights in daytime
Keywords: lights
Organization: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 19:23:05 GMT

In article <1992Aug8.071704.19426@ucc.su.OZ.AU> dawes@physics.su.OZ.AU (David Dawes) writes:
>In article <brians.713199551@extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU> brians@extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU (Brian J Smith) writes:
>>
>>Take this from a non-bikie (yet)
>>
>> [original article deleted]
>
>don't agree with the result of the new regulations which has been that
>most bikes no longer have an off switch for the headlight (ie the headlight
>comes on when you turn the ignition switch on).  I'd hate to try to
>start such a bike if the battery was low.

Well tyhey don't come on as soon as you turn the key .. the ZZR1100 has a time
delayed switch .. it turns on the headlight 5 seconds (I think it is 5) after
the engine is running ..

>I've lost count of the number of people who "didn't see me" from head
>on when I've had my lights on.

there is a theory that all lights on or all lights off is of no advantage ..
as drivers get used to what ever one and then go back to blanking out bikers ..
the theory goes that 50% on and 50% off works the best as this breaks up the
familiarness (for want of a better word) of a morotcycle on the road to the
driver.  ie. they don't get used to either as half the bikes they see will have
the lights on and half off ..

>I'll ignore these generalisations about Harley riders.

why not :) _MOST_ harley riders ignore everyone else on a bike excepting other
Harley riders .. (note I said MOST) :)

Jason

-- 
Sidewindr 		'90 B3 ZX-10 Ninja       DoD #0435  
e-mail: jef@ansto.gov.au
Po Box 24 Engadine      A motorcyclist rides a motorcycle but a motorcycle
N.S.W. Australia 2233   rider is not necessarily a motorcyclist. - jef.
From: zebee@ucs.adelaide.edu.au (Zebee Johnstone)
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
Subject: Re: Lights in daytime
Keywords: lights
Date: 17 Aug 92 23:18:29 GMT
Organization: Information Technology Division, The University of Adelaide, AUSTRALIA

jef@quark.ansto.gov.au (J. E. Fearon) writes:

>In article <brians.713199551@extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU> brians@extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU (Brian J Smith) writes:
>>
>>Take this from a non-bikie (yet)
>>
>>I would recoommend that all motorcycles, all vehicles for that matter, have
>>their headlights wired to be turned ON at all times during the opreation of
>>the vehicle. It has been PROVEN safer in many overseas tests, especially at

>Hmmmm PROVEN, I am sorry to say that the debate on wether it is a PROVEN fact or
>not is still being debated world wide .. just take a look at the SDC and Vic
>Roads shamozzle in Victoria .. 

I happen to have a copy of said report.

Findings include:

Overseas evidence not reliable indicator of effect in Australia, due to
different survey methods, lack of legitimate controls, differences in 
external factors, particularly ambient light levels.

They also note that Australia (or at least Victoria) has different *types*
of accidents.

Also, a headlight is only useful when it is within 30 degrees of the drivers
sightline, ie only of use when coming straight at the driver, not
when they are sitting at an intersection waiting to pull out.

Also, the average headlight is not bright enough, but high beam is too
bright ans will cause the driver to look away.  NOt only that, but the
headlight has a masking effect, the driver will fixate on the light and
not see other vehicles near to the lit one.

IF you are worried about being seen, lights are not necessarliy the answer.

The SDC report indicates that A large white fairing is the go (Words
like "Police" are presumable optional :-) ).

IF anyone thinks it worth while for me to post the findings of this report
I'll do so.

-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
     Zebee Johnstone  DoD #605   | You don't own an Italian motorcycle 
     Adelaide City Council       |  - you merely have the privilege 
    zebee@itd.adelaide.edu.au    |    of paying its bills.... 
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: echoppin@csu.edu.au (Errol Chopping -TE)
Subject: Re: CBR 900 RR
Organization: Charles Sturt University-Mitchell
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 23:54:32 GMT

I have had a 5 minute ride on the beast - literally. A mate
of mine (who owns a Duck 851) borrowed it from our local
dealer for about 35 minutes while he left the duck there.

Apparently this was unusual since the Honda was a dealer
demo machine - not a customer demo machine.

Anyway, I found it pretty amazing but of course had little time
to really evaluate it. Chris (the duck owner) said that its the first
bike he's ridden which actually caused a little doubt about his
851 choice!

Errol
 ______________________________________
|  Errol Chopping                      | 
|  School of Information Technology    |
|  Charles Sturt University - Mitchell |
|  Bathurst NSW                        |
|  BMW K100RS, Yamaha MX100            |
|______________________________________|
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: skea@vast.unsw.edu.au (Alan Skea)
Subject: Re: Trousers
Organization: University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 13:46:08 GMT

In article <brent.713586094@coffeeshop> brent@socs.uts.edu.au writes:
> I still get knees that are extremely cold to the touch even when I wear
> thermals. I guess the fabric gets scrunched around the knee area. It
> takes a long time for my knees to get back to normal.

To protect my legs from the wind and rain I wear a full-fairing.  Even
in the heaviest rain the only part of my body that gets wet is the tops
of my thighs and the back of my bum from the water running down from the
back of the seat.  Those bits can get very wet though!

Alan.
From: fractal@kili.cm.deakin.OZ.AU (Charles Clelland)
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
Subject: Yamaha srx-6
Date: 21 Aug 92 11:21:29 GMT
Organization: Department of Comp/Maths - Deakin University

A few years ago Yamaha came out with this model, from memory it was a
600 single with 4 valves. Only ever saw one, anyone owned or ridden one
of these things ? If so, comments please. 

Having ridden Norton and AJS singles I wonder what the modern equivalent
is (or was) like.

(Not quite old enough to join the geriatric bikies but I'm working on it)
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: dawes@physics.su.OZ.AU (David Dawes)
Subject: Re: aus.motorcycles.nostalgia
Organization: School of Physics, University of Sydney, Australia
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 1992 07:32:13 GMT

In article <Gary.Woodman.613.713774649@anu.edu.au> Gary.Woodman@anu.edu.au (Gary Woodman) writes:
>In article <1992Aug4.062001.474@ucc.su.OZ.AU> dawes@physics.su.OZ.AU (David Dawes) writes:
>
>>I'm managing to support 2 bikes at the moment -- an RGV250 and a DR650.
>>The RGV is the bigger drain on the wallet (in tyres alone).
>
>?? What would cause a 250 to use more tyres than a 650? You? ;-)

On the RGV, I get about 4000km from a $200 rear tyre, on the DR a $100
tyre lasts a little bit longer than that.  The bottom line is that these
bikes use very different tyres!  The DR has more torque than the RGV,
but the RGV has more power.  The DR's tyres would probably last even longer
if I wasn't so addicted to it's torque -- it was a real eye opener after
having only ridden various 250 two-strokes.

David
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 David Dawes (dawes@physics.su.oz.au)    DoD#210      | Phone: +61 2 692 2639
 School of Physics, University of Sydney, Australia   | Fax:   +61 2 660 2903
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: dfoott@fcit-c1.fcit.monash.edu.au (David Foott)
Subject: Old Z
Keywords: Kasawaki
Organization: FCIT, Monash University 
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 06:14:33 GMT

Well here I am married and responsibile an all that stuff
And I've got a Z1A-B-900 I'm trying to get back on the road.
I think the coils are stuffed - there doesn't seem to be enough spark
to make with the emission of decibels and flame even though the capacitors
for the points are pretty ok
And I'd like to get the brake calipers right
and so it goes on.
Anyone got a good source of parts for a reasonable price.
Once upon a year the beast went real fast - geared for about 280kph and
I saw 270 on the clock once - only took 3 lanes of Burwood Highway to 
slow it down. Yeah, the frame has hinges.
Anyone else out there playing with such vintage stuff?
Dont ride safe - just second guess the tin tops.
Dave
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* David Foott                                                     *
* Department of Computer Technology                               *
* Monash University  Caulfield Campus                             *
* PO Box 197                             ph: [03] 573 2077        *
* CAULFIELD EAST  3145                  FAX: [03] 573 2745        *
* VIC                                 email: dfoott@monash.edu.au *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you were chasing a thousand pound colt, in country where any 
slip was death, would you want a hand from someone who `learnt 
to ride while droving on the plains'; and who would've hired Clancy 
[`He was shearing when I knew him'] of the Overflow for a droving 
job in the first place?
From: zebee@ucs.adelaide.edu.au (Zebee Johnstone)
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
Subject: Re: Lights in daytime
Keywords: lights
Date: 19 Aug 92 06:18:49 GMT
Organization: Information Technology Division, The University of Adelaide, AUSTRALIA

ck@iconix.oz.au (Chris Karadaglis) writes:

>In <Bszn6I.7IC@quark.ansto.gov.au> jef@quark.ansto.gov.au (J. E. Fearon) writes:

>I ride with my highbeams on during your average day and flash my highbeams during 
>the night. On foggy days I have my parkers on and flash everybody. At night
>I just use normal headlights. (had a 55/60W globe, put in 80/100W - much better
>on country roads at night.

>I don't think the glare from one motorcycle headlight is that annoying to
>other drivers.

According to studies it is.  And what is more, it will cause them to 
look away from your bike.  They may know you are there somwhere, 
but not exactly where.  Not safe in my opinion.

Best way to be seen is to have a large light coloured fairing.  Colour
of helmet doesn't seem to make mush difference, although light clothing
(white, yellow or dayglo) may.  
-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
     Zebee Johnstone  DoD #605   | You don't own an Italian motorcycle 
     Adelaide City Council       |  - you merely have the privilege 
    zebee@itd.adelaide.edu.au    |    of paying its bills.... 
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
From: mmcg@cs.monash.edu.au (Mike  Mc Gaughey)
Subject: Re: Best bike for a newbie?
Organization: Computer Science, Monash University, Australia
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 19:56:59 GMT

rda582y@monu6.cc.monash.edu.au (Charles Ray) writes:

>What would be the best 250 to get?
>I have been riding bikes foa long time, but mainly trail bikes, so I have 
>no idea about road bikes.

>I am currently looking at GSX250's which I like ...... could somebody tell
>me if they ARE a good bike or not?

Yep - excellent bikes (especially the later, katana-style
model - silver or silver/red, '83 onwards).

The CB250 is indeed sluggish by comparison; the GPZ250 seems to be
somewhere between the two.

Of course, it's been 5 years since I last sat on a 250 :)

Cheers,

    Mike.
--
Mike McGaughey			AARNET:	mmcg@bruce.cs.monash.edu.au

"Head stompin', ass kickin', finger licking nastiness"
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles