28th February 2010 -Things are Looking up for the Gibb River Road

I took my VFR800 to the Phillip Island Superbike World Championship race today. Bikes are allowed into the circuit and I rode around the perimeter track to change vantage points. The perimeter track is rough gravelled road with a lot of loose stones. I was amazed at how good the Scorpion Sync tyres were on the gravel; much better than my usual road tyres.

This is giving me a lot more confidence to tackle the Gibb River Road with the standard VFR. I have arranged for a brand new set to be fitted in Broome and the Syncs should make the dirt road much easier to handle.

24th February 2010 - Gibb River Road Looks Doubtful

The fitter who was going to fabricate the lowered footrests for my VFR had cold feet about it all. He was worried that if I had a crash he might cop the blame. Seems like everyone is scared of doing any mods to bikes these day. I'll just have to do it myself next time.

Anyway I'll try the GRR on the bog standard VFR and see how I go. I'm not phased by dirt roads, but 700 kms might get a bit much for my back! The Pentecost River is also a bit of a concern for a road bike. At least my air intake is right up behind the steering head if I drop it in the river. Alan can always help me pick it up and chase away the crocs.

21st February 2010 - Colin's preparation

I am posting my first message. This weekend I spent a lot of time on the VFR800. I replaced the chain, spark plugs, airfilter and put the fairing back on. It was over 30 degrees both days so I'm buggered. I took the bike out for a check run and it was very weird because of the new Scorpion Sync tyres. Maybe its just the wax coming off the new tyres.
Tomorrow I'm taking the bike to a workshop to have some lowered footrests fitted. This is my way of adapting the Vfeer for the Gibb River Road. There's a dirt road near my work that is pretty rough so I'm going to try it out there.
I have made up maps of our trip for Sheila and Margaret showing where we'll be each night.