LETTERS
AUSTRALIAN ROAD RIDER | 129ACTIONS
“Destination USA” in ARR #110 is a great
article which I’d endorse to plan a trip of
a lifetime in the USA.
Numerous articles in ARR over many
years and discussions with a few riders
had kindled my desire to ride the U.S.of
A. So in September 2013 I hired a BMW
F800GS from Dubbelju Rentals in San
Francisco (an ARR advertiser — very
satisfi ed with the bike/service) and
rode eight states bound by California,
Washington, Montana and Utah. The
route was cobbled together from articles,
suggestions by Dubbelju, iconic rides like
“Road to the Sun” in blue sky country
Montana, US50 “Loneliest Road in
America” in Nevada, roads that follow
rivers (for the bends), mountain roads
closed in winter (great views and twisties)
and suggestions by locals. Stepping
outside your comfort zone is a buzz that
adds to a fantastic experience.
ARR is right about travel insurance;
read the fi ne print and check that you are
covered for all eventualities. Fortunately
I didn’t need to use my insurance but it
was certainly reassuring to have it.
The photo in Gregor’s “What has
happened to the wave?” in the same ARR
issue shows how it’s done in the USA. US
bikers have developed the wave into a
super-cool art. The le hand slides off the
bar, where it’s caught by the wind, thenunder its own weight swings down and
back in a lazy arc while a couple of gloved
fi ngers are extended — so cool dude!
I found just about everyone waved in
the USA, even Harleys waving to the GS
— that’s unheard of! But unless you have
cruise control or a thro le lock, it’s hard
to emulate that same coolness with the
right hand.
Ross Hayward
Broulee, NSWBAD COVER SHOTS!
I’m always keen to fi nd your latest mag
in the shop, the usual high standard
of stories, tests and odds ’n’ ends. I also
always seem to fi nd something I missed
each time I re-read it — great stuff.
However, ARR #109’s cover is way
down on your standard: that Harley
is dog ugly and the rider in that getup
should be poncing about Melbourne on a
scooter — mirror sunnies, WTF!
As for the snapper, the only excuse
must have been a Canon shooter — a
terrible washed-out shot with junk in
the le background. I haven’t been on
that road for a long time but I remember
far be er places for some images. There
were also a number of great images
throughout the mag to use for the cover.
Perhaps somebody swapped the brand of
coff ee in the offi ce?
Now that that’s off my chest, your
article on hearing protection is great.Looking a er our ears should be up there
with the rest of the gear we buy to save
our heads, hands, heads and feet. I have
used ear plugs for many years and a er
any long trip or day ride I may be a bit
weary, but it’s nice to jump off the bike
and not have my ears ringing and hissing
for an hour or so. I have tried moulded
plugs a couple of times — expensive and
easy to lose. I went through the sound
tests and had the plugs made to the
level I requested, however both types
hurt my ears and I couldn’t use them for
more than 50 or so kilometres. They also
weren’t as quiet or as good quality as the
foam-type plugs. Cheap ones are a dog to
roll up on hot days.
I liked Rick’s email regarding the Lion
Road, where he says it’s the worst road
he’s been on in 12 months. I tried to work
out how bad he thinks it is but it did my
head in! We use it a fair bit as it is sort of
in our backyard; it is very scenic but slow
and has a great history.
Paul Cadman
EmailA LAUGH IN ADVERTS
As soon as I opened my latest ARR
magazine #110, I noticed in the full-
page KTM Style Racer (Ready to Race)
advertisement the rider is in full
motorcycle protective gear and cranking
the bike over nicely, but his colour co-STRETCHED OUT
I received the Jan/Feb 2015 issue today and as
usual eagerly scanned through to see what is new.
My a ention was grabbed by the lovely young
thing seated on the Brammo, so I read the article.
I have to draw to your a ention that a
motorcycle with a wheelbase of 14763mm is really
stretching the imagination of the sportsbike
category. I’ve been a long-time follower of drag
racing and even a Top Fuel Dragster doesn’t have
a wheelbase that long, and they only want to
go straight! So good luck trying to toss this one
through the twisties. I really look forward to the
road test report!
Ian Wise
Canberra, ACTThe extra-long wheelbase reduces the distance the
Brammo must travel between re-charging stations,
so as you can see it’s a practical design feature. Er,
or maybe not. In fact, we’re assured there’s another
version available with a shorter wheelbase of
1473mm, and it is much more popular. And it does
not have any stray 6s in it. — MathoARR112_128-130_Letters.indd 129ARR112_128-130_Letters.indd 129 2/3/2015 9:53:34 AM2/3/2015 9:53:34 AM