……. born in SA in March 2015, a fine strapping babe he was too. Previously owned by a retired gentleman who in 6 months had his first service done and had put 2054 kms on the clock and decided he wanted something different and put him up for adoption.
Searching the internet I spotted the ad for his adoption and pondered the thought – no photos available, what’s wrong with him? Bit the bullet, range the dealer (didn’t want to miss out on what I wanted), enquired and started the dealing. SOLD!! in record time, now to go pick him up…..YIPPEE!!!!
I picked up my new man Friday morning from Adelaide. We are currently on our first date and getting to know each other. NO I haven’t traded Karl. Anyway meet Dudley!
Dudley!! My new man.
Travelling under a special permit, Mr RTA said I had to take the optimal direct route to get home…bugger that rules out detouring to see my FarRider friends in Aireys Inlet. Leaving Adelaide we headed south for Hahndorf along the freeway. It’s already getting warm and as much as I’d like to stop here, we really just need to push on.
Hahndorf
Adjusted the brake & clutch reach and lifted the clutch lever slightly. There’s a heap of play in the throttle but that will have to wait for now. Down the B12 heading towards Pinnaroo and it’s getting quite hot now. Lunch on the way home is at the BP servo in Pinnaroo. Day 1. It’s bloody hot 37 degrees ? but the ride has been pretty good so far. Dudley and I are getting along just fine. Took refuge from the heat in the diner while I had a bite to eat and downed a Powerade. Fatigue hits me quickly in the heat and I make a few stops along the way purely to have a drink.
Somewhere before Underbool SA the heavens opened up and I can tell you this was a very pleasant relief. All vents open and while the temp was still sitting in the low 30’s the rain was enough to cool the body temperature down somewhat…thank goodness. The storm followed me all the way to Tooleybuc before drying up. I’d ridden through road works, gravel road, slippery surface and Dudley handled it all well.
We arrived into Balranald at 6pm (still 37 degrees) and while there was still daylight, it wasn’t worth pushing through to Hay. I had the insight at lunchtime to ring ahead and see if I could get a bed in Balranald (just in case) and luckily enough snagged the last bed available in town which was at the Shamrock Hotel Motel…phew! Thank goodness cos by the time I got there, I really didn’t want to go any further – the heat had got to me. Poor Dudley is covered in bugs….Oooo.
Balranald
My flash accommodation at the Shamrock…… Showered, fed, and hit the bed. Dudley also got a bath (oops shower, boys don;t have baths) as a the storm front hit Balranald while I was having dinner.
first class accommodation…lol
Saturday morning up to a nice day (no rain), pack and we get on the road ready to cross the Hay Plain. What a beautiful morning, the sun is already high (missed sunrise) and we have a clear run. I’m a little more settled / comfortable on Dudley this morning and enjoying the ride and the scenery.
Hay Plain
Hay Plain
A photo that has eluded me until now has been in front of “Hells Gate”. Thanks to OX-34 & Eliot for the co-ordinates and location so I could get this one off the bucket list.
Hells Gate
Into Hay for a pit stop (no fuel), check in with Karl and get on our way to Narrandera. Now I’d figured that I should get 300km minimum to the tank if I sit on $1.15/$1.20 but for some reason the first fuel bar dropped at 180 kays. the next bar dropped after another 36 kays and now I was calculating whether I would make Narrandera or not (my calc had me short by about 3 km….yikes!). I backed off a bit and when the last bar was left started the count down again. Oh no, the empty light is now flashing and I’m sitting on $0.90/$1.00 and something funky happened to the dash trip meter. This “Trip F” thing started a count down and I watched it and said a little prayer hoping to make the servo. We made it!! Phew!! with 7.6km on the “Trip F” and I have no idea how much we had to go. Anyway, 306.1 km to that tank and now reflecting back I don’t think I actually got an absolute full tank in Balranald (which would maybe explain things).
On the way to Wagga Wagga and came across this lovely view.
Canola Fields
Into Wagga Wagga for lunch at the forever nutritious McDonalds….LOL!! It’s not as hot as yesterday thank goodness. Missing my Sweety but Dudley is making me smile.
On the Hume Highway and there is nothing much very exciting happening along here. Dudley is just cruising along, happy as and my butt is as sore as. A quick little detour for a pic at The Dog on the Tucker Box….have to treat Dudley to all the sites 🙂
Dog on the Tucker Box
Dudley’s cruising nicely on $1.20/$1.25 just purring along. My only real complaint is the buffeting I get from the screen….it’s not quite high enough and makes for a noisy helmet. Into Yass for fuel and a short stop. Have a chat to a couple of young fellas also riding and then get on my way again.
Almost there, my butt is now really sore and I have to stop at Pheasants Nest for relief and a splash of fuel. Now in long distance riding there’s this unwritten thing about having a Cherry Ripe at the finish of a ride. Well, we weren’t exactly finished (almost) but this was the only chance Dudley was going to get to experience his very first Cherry Ripe on his very first long distance ride.
Pheasants Nest – Cherry Ripe
Last leg home and I think we were both a little excited. Dudley was feeling very spirited and we had become one! we maneuvered through the traffic….cars moving as they hear his triple engine roaring with that burst of power that pulses through his veins and puts a huge smile on my dial. GO DUDLEY!!
Home at about 7pm. We are both covered in bugs and in need of a good shower 🙂
Sunday morning and Dudley is due for his shower.
Clean Dudley.
Big THANKS to Karl for installing his first modification, the lowering link on him and adjusting the preload and damping for me.
Now that’s he all clean, time to wheel him in the shed for his second modification…..a radiator cover.
Ready for surgery
The finished product, genuine article straight from Mr Yamaha (cheaper than aftermarket) and looks pretty good.
Genuine Yamaha rad cover.
I hope he has enjoyed his first long distance trip cos it was the first of many more to come!
So, was Dudley all as promised? Pros and Cons…
ALL and MORE!! It’s easier to list the cons cos there aren’t many…………1). The standard seat is too hard for my liking and my butt is still recovering (I forgot to take my airhawk)……2). Needs a slightly taller screen. The std is very noisy and I had a bit of buffeting. THAT’s IT.
Very happy with Mr Yamaha’s entry into mid size tourers *thumbs up*
I can hear you asking “how did he get the name Dudley?” Well, it didn’t come straight away but his shiny red uniform and smart good looks reminded me of Dudley Do-Right of the Mounted Police and so “Dudley” it was!! And will he DO-Right by me…..well, he already has!
I’m looking forward to taking into something that has a few bends in it, but from the 1400 odd kays we just covered in 2 days….I don’t think I’ll be disappointed.
