wordsmith

Here, the vehicle's State registration includes a CTP component - Compulsory Third Party - so there is that automatic insurance cover, therefore we don't have to hand-in the plates.

I now have a number of on-line quotes to re-insure the R9T when I’m ready, all from well-known and reputable insurers here in Oz. Some others require a phone call to obtain a quote, and I may do so with a few others after the Easter break. The SWANN offer seems almost irresistible, one benefit with them being that the bike owner can also include - at extra cost of course – Roadside Assist against on-the-road emergencies, chief of which in my mind would be a flat tyre (tire). In fact, with that extra benefit in my pocket I’m not sure that I’d want to proceed with the OUTEX option of converting the R9T’s spoked wheels to tubeless in place of the OE set-up of tubeless tyres fitted with an inner tube. The cost of Roadside Assist taken as a separate cover with – say – RACQ – ranges from $99 to $292, so including this service as part of the SWANN deal seems a no-brainer for an additional $140 for their included top Roadside Assist cover. In order then: · SWANN Insurance $413 to $441. With top RA included - $582 · QBE $532 · SUNCORP $755 · YMI $761 · AAMI $763 to $840 depending on excess · NRMA $780.

Bummer! We want to go up to the Sunshine Coast to inspect a retirement resort that we're interested in - cannot legally go!

I'm beginning to get together some on-line quotes, all being based upon identical (honest) information from me as to my claims history (zero), the bike, where garaged, etc. A VERY interesting exercise - thus far quotes range from low $400's to mid-$700's, and all from well-known insurers. Please continue to let me know any suggested companies you may have used - I'd like to get as many quotes as possible, within reason. I think my age may 'load-up' the premiums, the fact that I have answered all the on-line questions in Latin maybe being a giveaway!

Thanks, dazz. It seems $413 to $441 is the estimate. When time comes, I might add Roadside Assist - never had to useit myself, but have been with mates who did, once in the back-blocks of Tassie, and it seems worthwhile. FWIW - new BMWs automatically come with three years RA! I'll keep Swann in mind for when the time comes.

Looking forward to that happy day when we are all released from jail, would Aussies here care to suggest alternative insurance providers who you have used and found affordable and satisfactory. TIA...

Not a million miles away from this topic is the matter of our bikes being insured while basically off-the-road because of covid restrictions. Read on... My ex-insurance company QBE has told me that they cannot – which means will not – temporarily suspend or ‘freeze’ insurance cover for my motorcycle that I may not be able to use for several months, thanks to non-essential use being prohibited. Numerous other businesses - even the banks, believe it or not! - are bending over backwards to be helpful and flexible in understanding out-of-the-ordinary customer needs at this time, but QBE will not. It will rebound on them, reputationally if not in other ways. So I have cancelled my policy with them, and the $435 refund will now be better-off in my pocket than in theirs. I must admit, an hour or two after taking this action, to feeling a little ‘naked’ and unprotected, but the bike is kept in a solid brick garage under the same roof as the house, securely locked at all times, all protected by internal alarms. The bike itself is well-secured with BMW security features, plus a sonic disc-lock that would awaken the dead if set-off, and keys well-hidden. And in these very strange times, the house is occupied 24/ 7. And should the house and garage burn down and everything be destroyed, I shall have more important things to worry about than a lost motorcycle! It goes without saying that QBE will never see me as a customer again, despite my having been with them, claim-free, for very many years.

Shades of Geo Orwell's 'Nineteen Eightyfour', which was dismissed as fanciful nonsense! This farrago has been the greatest f--k-up since the Titanic. Just wait until I'm in charge...

My daughter is about to phone the pleece to seek clarification on the ABC (TV) news report that in Q'ld solo motorcycling, with all the caveats that dazzler notes above (him being a very law-abiding Bloke 'n' all that). I shall advise. I would myself go into the local pleece station to ask, but they might recognise me! If I do go out, I'll carry a copy of the article with me. Might have to return the OPTIMATe battery charger/ tender just ordered! LATER EDIT. Bloody 'ell. In addition to wearing ATGATT we've now got to become lawyers adept at speed-reading. Talk about confusion. I'm shattered... dazz - please let us know asap any response to your e-mail about the ABC article... it's such lovely weather!

Pillion?

No diss, betoney, but when did owning ANY mobike make financial sense? Juss' sayin'...

Harsh suspension? Yamaha perfected harsh suspension in the early years of the Tracer, but improved it somewhat in the later GT. See how many Tracer/ GT owners spent megabucks improving it (I was one!). But IMHO, that marvellous, exhilarating, intoxicating CP3 engine rather more than made up for it! I wouldn't buy a new BMW R or XR 900, for having owned the predecessor to these two - a BMW F800 GT - I have first-hand knowledge of how asthmatic some twin-cyl medium-capacity engines can be, despite the fact that the new engines are both bigger in capacity and markedly different internally to the earlier BMW GT's 800cc unit. Even as a dedicated BMW-er myself, I say again that the Yamaha Tracer 900/ GT cannot be beaten for outstanding all-round value for money and performance.

There are some tests, comparos, and reviews now coming out about BMW's supposed Tracer/ GT slaying 900s, their R and XR 900s. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool and rusted-on BMWer from 1997 to the present day, but have to say that from a brief scan of a couple of such reviews they were not exactly sparkling! IMHO, BMW and others would have to go very far to beat the Tracer/ GTs value-for-money and all-round package... XR 900 looks familiar, doesn't it!

Yes indeed - thank you!

I dips me lid to those crazy-brave souls who do this work themselves! Way back, probably around September 2019 BC (Before Corona) I posted some notes and a large number of pix discussing the installation in my GT of K-Tech suspension, front and back, with excellent results. Try as I might I cannot now locate these posts, but I'd like to access the pix in particular as there's discussion on ANOther Forum that I now (reluctantly) infest, and I'd like to add my two cents worth. TIA if someone can give me link. Best to all in these trying times...

What a good idea!

My preferred somewhat scenic and very pleasant and good-riding route to Vic from Bris, avoiding most larger towns is to Armidale: thence to Mudgee: thence to Canberra: thence to Lakes Entrance via Cooma and Cann River: thence to Melb. Or - shorter overall ride - Canb to Melb down the Hume Hwy to Melb. Just try to avoid the mind-numbingly boring Newell Hwy.

Simply go to the BAGSTER site, where you can configure the seat to suit your tastes and budget.

I hope your observation doesn't apply to air-traffic controllers, brain surgeons, or the operators of nuclear power-stations. Anyway, I've decided that another Tracer GT is not for me, so I'M OUTTA HERE! Good luck and safe riding to you all.

Here’s a summary of my attempts yesterday and today to hook-up with a new Tracer 900 GT. 1. Sent on-line website enquiry to the dealer I bought my previous GT from, asking if any GTs in stock. Reply – nil 2. Sent on-line website enquiry to dealer advertising a used GT for sale. Sales guy phoned back when I was out, left 2 x phone numbers (good). I called his mobile, engaged (fair enough). Immediately phoned on the business line: told sales guy was out, left a detailed enquiry/ message with the guy who answered my call, told the other sales guy would call me back asap (good). Result – nil. 3. Sent on-line website enquiry to Yamaha Australia HQ asking which SE Queensland dealers have a GT in stock. Response – nil. I guess it’s fair enough, as I only want to spend about $19,000. Business must be good.

Here in South East Queensland, Australia - where it is beautiful one day, burning the next - dealers within a reasonable distance from me have (again) no new GTs in stock, and less interest. No wonder that Tracers of any kind are so rarely seen on the roads here. I just don't understand it. When I bought my 2019 GT in the middle of last year I had exactly the same problem, and had to e-mail Yamaha's HQ here in Oz to ask where I could find a dealership with at least one in stock. The nearest was 70km away (which I ended up buying in a pretty good deal).

Dazz (only just found this post and pix) - what effect does the lowering kit/ dog-bones have on seat height please? And would my dog fancy them??

For ear-plugs, get thee unto an EAR-MOLD dealer (one on every street corner). I've used them for years and they suit me to a tee. May not suit everyone, but well worth considering. My last pair cost me about $70 IIRC - making and fitting takes no more than 20 - 30 minutes. They do reduce significantly your own engine noise and tranny 'whining', and especially helmet wind-noise, but allow you to hear the muted sound of surrounding vehicles coming alongside, etc. I clean mine after every ride with isopropyl alcohol - a small spray bottle of this costs only a couple of dollars from Bunnings. Spray on, rub it all all over - et violin, clean germ-free plugs. Takes 30 secs at the most. If stranded on a desert island - drink it. On screens - on my '15 I installed a cheap 'double bubble' screen, well-made and much thicker and vibration-resistant than OE, and quite good-looking too. Much the same shape and profile, but did seem to smooth the air out somewhat. But in truth, I never had much reason to complain about the stock screen, being a perfect 5'10" (177cm). On jeans, if you can find them (some BMW dealers stock them) SAINT brand are excellent, nicely-made, not too heavy, and supposedly bullet-proof yet without that rough interior Kevlar lining. Not cheap either... PS - now why not start an oil Thread: it's been a while...!

Michelin Road 5s cannot be beaten.

If you are going anywhere near any BMW be prepared to spend up big! After all, BMW = Bring More Wallet! AND - no cruise-control, no hard panniers. I'm betting at least AUD$21,000 here, depending on spec. Additionally, and importantly, I believe, one of the great virtues of the Tracer family has been the vast array of affordable after-market add-ons that are so readily available. BMW bikes simply don't have this access...