Ask the Bear 

Submit a question to the Bear for answers on anything to do with a motorcycle, motorcyclists, the weather or whatever. Questions about the meaning of life may take more time for a response.

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Hot Airbags?

Hello, do you know of any reviews on the "Hit-air" air bag motorcyle  jacket range ?

Are they any safer than a "non-air bag" jacket?

Robert Moss

Hi, Robert.
You've asked a very interesting question, and one that has been debated at length by many people without leading to a conclusion. I have not had an opportunity to try out an airbag jacket, although I have worn one for a while.

Let me try to answer you in a general sense, not just in relation to Hit Air (which I think is a quality product, by the way).

The idea of an air bag is attractive. How well it works depends partly on the time it takes to deploy, and partly on exactly what kind of crash you're involved in. The bottom line for me is whether the jacket offers adequate protection even if the air bag does not deploy, or deploys too slowly.

So I regard the air bag capability as an add-on, not as a  replacement for other safety features. I think as long as you're happy with the jacket's general safety features, buying one with air bag capability is a good idea. Keep in mind that you will need to remember the lanyard every time you get on and off the bike.

Hope that helps!
Regards,
The Bear

Winning at Two-Up

Hi,

I own a Suzuki SV1000 naked. [What do you own when clothed?- Ed]. 

I've been wondering what is best when I'm pillioning. The manual says to just put up the rear tyre pressure from 36 to 42psi and not to make any adjustments to the rear suspension. Fellow riders I ask all say that the suspension should be adjusted for a better safer ride! Any thoughts on this?

Cheers, Kirsten.

Dear Kirsten,

Finally an answer! Sorry it took so long, Kirsten, but we managed to worry a few technical people with this question. Mainly, it seems, because they don't want to contradict their manuals, which all seem to agree with the one you have!

The fact of the matter is, of course, that preload adjustment exists primarily to cope with different loads on the bike, so it seems to me that changing preload when you carry a pillion is a no-brainer.

But everyone's scared of advising you about precisely what to do, at a distance; they're worried that their comments might be misinterpreted, I think.

So I'll pass on the most common response, and endorse it: see your local dealer, and get advice about this on the spot. Once you know what to do it will be easy for you to do it each time you take a pillion along.

Regards,

The Bear

Archives

Breakdown Assistance
Carnets for Overseas
Etags
Heated Grips
Hit Air Jackets
Insurance Overseas
Tough Motorcycle Maps
Mid-size bikes
Riding with a Pillion
Going Racing
Riding with Kids
Sheepskin Seat Covers
Touring Bikes
Tolls
Winter Wear

He tags, you tag, they tag

Bear

Mine is not a question but simply to say that I recently got an e-tag to use on my bike (sick of change and all that mucking around) and I keep it in the top pocket of my shirt under my jacket and it works fine, no need to mount it etc

Cheers

Mick Moylan

Thank you for that, Mick. Unfortunately a few people have said that the same thing does not work for them - that they have to 'present' the units to get reliable readings.

What sort of jacket do you wear?

Regards,

The Bear

Pick up line

Hi Bear,

I own a 95 GTR1000 and have joined MA with hopefully their assistance if I breakdown. The question is, should I also keep my premium NRMA service for the bike as well,would they be able to help to get the bike going or are they just as likely to put it on their truck the same as MA. What are the options??

Thanks Michael (Based in Wollongong NSW but will be doing interstate rides)

Michael

The main difference between the NRMA service and MA’s is that the NRMA is basically selling you an insurance policy for when you break down.

What you get is effectively a central number to call anytime, day or night to arrange for a motorcycle mechanic to come to your rescue. When they come, they offer a minimum of a 10% discount for the service they offer to you as an MA member.

This means:
a) You’ll probably get your bike fixed, as opposed to “Sorry mate, I know nothing about bikes, but I can arrange for it to be transported somewhere else”

b) If you’re unlucky enough to have an off, you won’t get the local towing contractor turning up with a tow-truck, doing twice the amount of damage to your bike as the crash.

c) You pay for the service when you need it, instead of an annual premium for something you may never use.

d) You’re a member of Australia’s peak motorcycling organisation.

Maps everywhere, but all of Tasmania

Hi,

I'm wondering if you know whether there are any maps available for Sydney and Australia like the ones that "Tuffmap" make for Europe and the UK. They're rip-proof and waterproof, very useful on a motorbike!

Cheers, K

Quite a few different manufacturers make maps like this. In fact, the Australian Government Publishing Service prints an entire and incidentally very useful book, called 'Stay Alive', on polypropylene.

You can also buy celloglazed maps. Assuming you're in Sydney, take a look at the Map Shop in Pitt Street between Park and Bathurst streets. Anywhere else, just find a good map shop. I'm sure they'll be able to help you.

Regards,

The Bear

Getting your kid started

Hi Bear

As a Deaf father of a 13yrs son living in the Big Smoke (aka Sydney) near West Ryde, can you advise me on where I can hire dirt bikes and access to a dirt bike track to pass on riding skills to my son? I used to live in the country and had my own dirt bike and could get to outskirts of town easily on my own. But in Sydney, now that's a diff story with strict road laws, etc. Am a proud owner of a 900 roadie but think best to start with the basics and nice, soft dirt.

David

Hi, David, and congratulations on the thoughtful way you've decided to introduce your son to the wonderful world of motorcycling!

Unfortunately the answer to your question is not a simple one. The best thing for you to do is probably to take a look at the MA website www.ma.org.au  to find out about clubs in your area. A club is going to be the simplest and most convivial way of doing what you want.

You'll get lots of good advice from other members, including information about possible rentals.

If you want to have a go by yourself, try Pacific Park Ski Gardens at South Maroota (02 4579 1019), Appin Motocross Complex (www.mdmcs.com.au) or the Louee Motocross and Off-Road complex near Mudgee (www.louee.net.au).

Renting is not easy. Your best bet is probably Sydney's Motorcycle Rentals, http://www.motorbikehire.com.au/trail.htm. Clubman M/C Rentals offers enduro bikes; see http://www.clubman-motorcycle-rentals.com/ .

You'd probably find it more cost effective to buy a cheap second-hand trailie.

Anyway, whatever you do - have a great time!

Regards,

Bums across the Nullarbor

Hi Bear

My husband and I are planning a trek across the Nullabor from Perth WA.

My question is, will my butt handle it?  I ride an Kawaski VN800 classic and hubby is on the Nomad.  Do you recommend any type of extra padding on the seat.  I have been reading a bit about the gel seats, but I am torn between these and a common old sheepskin.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Kind Regards

Robyn

The answer to your question, Robyn, is one word: 'AirHawk'.

Buy one of these (they're advertised in Australian Road Rider magazine) and you will thank me all your days.

Alternatively, sheepskins are okay.

The Bear

It tolls for thee

G'Day,

I am interested in your experience regarding "Electronic Toll Passes"  used on motorcycles.

I have recently purchased a Tourer and intend on travelling which does involve some use of toll roads.

I have toll passes for our cars but I am having difficulty in finding a suitable toll pass for the bike.

Can you help?

Craig & Wendy

Dear Craig,

I have some good news and some bad news. Leave them for a while and the good news will probably become bad news, while the bad news will become slightly better news. On balance, though, it's all bad news...

The good news is that you won't need an E-tag in Victoria, because the toll roads are free for motorcycles. However, plans are under way to change that and to charge bikes just as cars are charged. I don't know when this will be introduced, but I'd say it's pretty certain that it will happen eventually.

The bad news is that in NSW, you will need an E-tag just the same as the one you use in your car. The good - sort of - news is that there is some work being done on a bike-specific tag. As far as I know the situation in Queensland is the same.

So, for the time being you can forget about tolls in Victoria, and use your car E-tag in NSW and Queensland.

Don't fall off. Those tags are hard, and have sharp corners.

The Bear

Wanna Race?

Hello Bear,

I'm very interested in starting motorcycle road racing but I've got no idea on how to start up, as in I know about getting my license first but what about the bike, the gear etc? Say if i have a Yamaha TZ250R, would I be able to compete with it? How much do the expenses for racing cost roughly?

Thanks Edward

This isn’t one for the Bear, so he’s passed it on to me.

Assuming that you are over 16, the basic process is simple-

• First, you’ve gotta join an MA affiliated club,
• Second, you get a licence,
• Third, you enter a competition, and
• You’re racing.

Of course, if it was quite that easy everyone would be doing it!

Step one- Choose a club which offers racing in the discipline and/or geographic area you live in. Ask lots of questions- most people are happy to help a fellow racer.  Many clubs have a qualified coach who can help you on your personal road to world championship

Step two- There are a number of different types of licences available- You’ll need to know the basic rules of racing first. You’ll also have to satisfy your State Body that you are capable of competing. Doing this can take various forms which your club can help with.

Step three, choose an event, get the Supplementary Regulations, send in your application with the fee, prepare your bike, and you’re off.

Motorcycling Australia has a booklet- Getting Started in Motorcycle Sport, which you can download from our website [click here to download], that has a lot more information.  The other document, also on the Motorcycling Australia website, you’ll need to consult, is the Manual of Motorcycle Sport, which is updated every year. You’ll get your own copy with your licence.

As for how much..... Usually as much as you have in your bank account- no-one ever got rich by racing motorcycles! 

Once you've worked out what calss and level you want to race- a fellow club members will be able to advise you on the cotsts involved.

Dan Rotman

Manager

Riders' Division

Carnets [Are there bikenays, too?]

Hi Beer,  [They must be watching- Ed]

My husband and I have been travelling now in Aussie on our R1200GS for 6 months. We have brought our bike across from NZ on a carnet which only Lasts 12mths. We decided to stop for a while in Victoria over the winter and will resume our travels again in Oct. Our problem is that we have not even come close to getting around the country and would like to either extend the Carnet for another 12 months or consider importing it into Aussie as we are unsure how long this adventure will take.

What is your advice on this?

Todd & Sharon

Well, your options are limited, Kiwi.

Carnets are valid for 12 months from the date of issue for a good reason: any longer than that and you're really expected to buy the bike in whatever country you're visiting or, if possible, import it. Carnets cannot be extended except by taking the bike overseas again and arranging a new one.

There are various conditions attached to the use of carnets in Australia, including a requirement that you obtain the carnet before you bring the bike into the country. The bike must then be exported from Australia prior to or on the expiry date of the carnet.

Be careful. It is also a condition of use of a carnet in Australia that you do not leave the vehicle that is covered by a carnet in Australia while you are not here yourself. Should you do so, this is a breach of the provisions of the Customs Act 1901 and Customs Regulations 1926 and the security amount equivalent to the duty and GST will be called up by Customs from the provider of your carnet.

You'll have to try to register the bike here, but I'm not entirely sure that this will be possible: the law has changed recently and has not, to the best of my knowledge, been tested. Since it will not comply with Australian Design Rules, it is quite possible that the bike will need to be exported before your carnet runs out.

Check this with VicRoads as soon as possible. Be nice to them - they may have some leeway. Sorry I can't be the 'bearer' of more positive news, but at least you've been warned and won't just suddenly, out of the blue, get a bill for the full value of your bike plus GST!

The Bear

Too much choice?

G'day Bear

I've had an old XJ750 for the last couple of years and rattled around on weekends with the missus to see if we can survive a trip around Oz.

For the last few months we've been looking around for a suitable bike for the trip... trouble is, the choice seems endless!!

Anyway, I've narrowed it down to either a Goldwing, Venture, ST1300 or FJR 1300.

We'll be in no big rush and will stick pretty much to the bitumen.

My criteria for a suitable bike is:

• Bulletproof reliability
• Premium comfort 2 up and good ergonomics (we're in our mid 50's)
• Sensible economy and range Decent handling and balance (certainly better than the XJ God love it).

Will probably keep it when the trip is over for general touring.

Can I have your thoughts please - all alternatives welcome

Cheers

Bangers

Interesting question, Bangers.

Let me start by giving you my usual recommendation when asked about what bike to buy: check out the dealers in your area, find one you'll be happy to deal with, then choose from what he or she can sell you. The dealer is actually more important than the actual model of bike. Truly.

Now to the choice, assuming you have good Honda and Yamaha dealers around.

Oh, by the way, have you considered the BMW K1200LT? It fits your requirements too. So does the R 1150 RT, but we need to keep the number under control.

Let's be objective about this when we apply your criteria:

Reliability? All five bikes should be fine.

Comfort? The GoldWing and BMW are in front, neck and neck, the Venture is next and the ST and FJR are neck and neck again, with the ST slightly ahead.

Economy and range? All of these bikes have big tanks, with the Venture the smallest by a couple of litres and the ST the biggest by four litres or so.

All will give you good touring range, provided you ride sensibly. Remember that fuel injected bikes get very thirsty when they're thrashed.

Handling and balance? The very fact that you ask about handling suggests that you intend to get up the bike every now and then. Now they are all capable of boogying (even the 'Wing, which can be very high-speed transport if you want it to be) but the FJR and ST, in that order, are well in front followed by the BMW. The Venture is a cruiser; 'nuff said.

What else would I say about these bikes? The cruise control on the Venture is a cracker. The heated seats on the K are great, and it has a CD player.

The pillion comfort on the GoldWing is outstanding and it has a CD player as well. The ST is a supreme mile muncher. The FJR is the sportiest of this group.

Which one would I take for this trip, assuming that I'd have my wife along?

Ah, there's the rub. I'd take the GoldWing, for one outstanding reason: I love that engine. Except for that I'd take the BMW.

Happy riding!

Regards,

The Bear

Warm hands, Cold heart?

G'day guys,

I've read some of your comments about heated grips, any advice on the best ones to get (without breaking the bank of course), and where to get them. They're on ebay from the UK, but I've had trouble getting them here in SA.

Jonny

It's a bit unfair mentioning brands, Jonny, but I'll make an exception for once: I've used Oxford heated grips under really appalling conditions, and they have worked very well. They're also affordable. Your bike shop should have them (especially at this time of year). If they don't, get them to call Ficeda Imports [a division of Yamaha Motors] in Sydney.

Regards,

The Bear

Safe passage

Hi

I recently joined MA and am planning a trip to South America at the end of the year. I will be taking my new BMW GS and would like to know if there was any insurers who cover bikes in countries like Chile, Peru, Brazil etc?

I probably don't have a hope in hell but I thought I would ask.

Doug 72

Hi, Doug.

You've started with one of the hardest questions you possibly could.

Overseas insurance is an absolute bugger, and it's worse in places like South America. There are, however, two options for you.

The first is to register your bike locally when you get over there, and take out insurance with a local company. This is not going to be easy, and you will need to make sure that the registration does not trigger redemption of your carnet de passage (I presume you're clear on the need for that), but it could be easier than the alternative.

That alternative is to get in touch with the only real international insurance agency I know, namely Michael Mandell (thank you, Dave Milligan of Get Routed motorcycle shippers for that contact). Reach them at www.motorcycleexpress.com or by e-mail at info@motorcycleservices.com 

Officially they only serve US and Canadian clients, but they have been known to make an exception. There is also a limited number of countries that they will cover - check that yours are among them (here's a hint - nobody, but nobody covers Colombia at the moment as far as I know).

Good luck, and let me know how you get on!

Regards,
The Bear

Stuck in the Middle

Dear Bear

I am getting back into bikes after the kids have left home (finally). My last bike was a CBX550- I'd like something like it, but all the 600s I've looked at seem to be hyper sports bikes, and I don't think my back would stand it. What's a mid-sized bike out there that's right for an old codger like me?

Grant
Surry Hills, NSW

Baby, it's cold outside

Mr Thoeming

Global warming seems to work every but here in Western Victoria. God it's cold! The only trouble is that when I wear enough clothes to stay
warm, I feel like an overstuffed sausage. How do I stay warm, and still fit into my leather jacket?

'Freezing'
Hamilton, Vic