AMTRA.com.au

Hi all,
I thought i'd place this post, for all the riders out there, that might be looking for an easy bike to ride that is still quick... I've found it! After alot of research & a set criteria, XDIRTX & I test rode a Sherco 09 250i & 450i yesterday with Paul & Rod from Powerhouse Motorcycles Pakenham. We went to Neerim South and did a cruisy dirt ride, went down a few easy tracks and he tackled the harder stuff. What can I say..both are easy, beaut bikes to ride, feel light,fuel injection really smooth with no agressive take off as compared to the Gas Gas 450, 900mm seat height so feet firmly on the ground, 102kg unfuelled...perfect for me..XDIRTX seriously considering selling his 09 Gassa to buy the 450 (didn't tire him out on the really tech stuff); that's how good they ride. Put a deposit down and pick her up next week. Sad to let the DRZ400 go, but just not suitable for me  :(
Got a great deal with accessories & the service they gave us & knowledge they have on these bikes is fantastic (they race them). Would recommend them to anyone. One thing I have learnt out of this, is to never buy a bike without test riding one first.
Cheers...Marls  ;D 

Well done on the new bike its amazing how much easier the right machine can be and totally agree on ride it before you but.
Thats it then Marls no more hand me downs from the XDIRTX your now calling the shots when it comes to bikes. BTW I rode a DRZ400 Sunday week for the first time liked the power but boy was it heavy compared to the WR250. Still a nice bike!

Hi Brad,
Yeh, really happy with the way it rode (couldn't get over how light and nimble it was but with heaps of power), but chee the DRZ was good training ground for me, as they too are a beautiful, easy bike to ride, especially on the open, flowing trails. Reckon my skills can only get better from here. Looking forward to taking her out on her cruisy maiden voyage soon.
Cheers,
Marls :)

Congrats on the new bike. Think it will suit you well and look forward to seeing you tackle Cobaw on it.

Gidday Mat R,
Yeh, I hope so and most definately would like to tackle The Erzberg (oops) I mean Cobaw again if you'll have me??
It would have to be with only you and Charley &
Fred again & i'll provide the entertainment LOL...only kidding..reckon I'll be the master by then  ::). Bring the towrope just in case & the first aid kit :'(.  I do have better boots now too; hope they'll help!
Cheers,
Marls ;D

Hi again,
Thought I'd better write up a bit of a follow up report...
I got to ride my new Sherco for the first time, out on some sandy stuff near Stradbroke over the weekend and what a lovely bike she is: easy to handle, heaps of power when needed and was able to ride faster, efi throttle control very smooth & responsive, didn't drop it in places where I had no hope with the DRZ, due to weight down low & easy to manouvre around obstacles...very, very happy...Roosting was easy and nearly lifted the front (still learning how to do that). Very confidence enspiring bike..oh & did I mention she is just so light (the bike that is)!
Cheers,
Marls (The Gumby Rider)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/MARLSFRED/IMG_0770.jpg)

 

Hi SCHEVY,  Do you live near Stradbroke?  I hail from the Sale area when I lived in Aus.

Stewart

Hi Stewart,
No, we're out Phillip Island way, so everywhere we ride is a bit of a hike & a few hours drive...we don't mind travelling though, to get to some magic, not much used places, with all sorts of different terrain types...all part of the learning ::)
Cheers,
Marls

Congrats on the new toy, Marls.

Can't wait to see it!


Where abouts?  We've just come back from there 'cos we have a holiday shack at San Remo.

Hi Serge,
Are you still going on Pete's Eildon easy/training ride at the end of the month? I'll even let you give her a blast!
We're at a place called The Gurdies (about 20 minutes drive short of San Remo) which has a great, sandy bluegum forest but you can't ride dirtbikes in it cause it's protected :'(... great mountain biking in there though; some nice little hills & then you can hit the wineries afterwards..plenty of chardy! :D Does anyone at AMTRA like mountain biking?
Cheers,
Marls

I'm a Mountain Man and I don't like Mountain Bikes , but i like Mountain Woman !!

LOL... and with a broken leg & all?...Cheers Marls

Yep, I'll be there.  Someone has to help the poor, old bugger get on (and off) his bike!

I'll take you up on that hoot on the Sherco.  Sounds like a wicked ride.

I know where you are now!  I was wondering if there was any riding to be done around there.  Sounds like it's a no go.

Look forward to meeting you then.

Hey Serge, shall i book you a bed at the Eildon taj mahal for Friday night.

Could i have a ride on your new weapon, cos i'm happy for you too ride my oldy

I reckon that sounds like a maaarvelous idea!

 ;D

Hi Pete,
I'll let you ride mine too...what old thing do you have! Does it take 2 strokes or 4 strokes?... or maybe 1 stroke if it's an old one.... Here's some more pics of my new one and yep, Freddo & I have booked into the Taj Mahal on Friday night too!
Cheers,
Marls ::)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/MARLSFRED/IMG_0892.jpg)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/MARLSFRED/IMG_0887.jpg)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/MARLSFRED/IMG_0911.jpg)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/MARLSFRED/IMG_0874.jpg)
(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/MARLSFRED/IMG_0906.jpg)

I ride (when i can) an old 09 Husaberg FE570 .
pics: http://www.vinamtra.com.au/forum/general-chat/009-husaberg-570-ride-report/msg8782/#msg8782
Were staying at the Blue Gums Taj Mahal fri & Sat nights.
Feasting at the Golden Trout Hotel Fri 7.00pm Sat 7.00pm
Which Taj Mahal are you booked into??

Great looking bike Pete; 570... wow ...From your report, it sounds like an awesome bike. The Gassa 450 is scarey enough to ride; I wouldn't dare ask to have a ride of it (I'd hate to scratch it) but maybe Fred will?
We've booked into the Thornton Taj Mahal for Friday & Saturday night. Is it ok there? Have only ever stayed at Jamieson C.P...great little spot & not far from JB's (nice rasberry beer! & tucker).
Sad, at work today :( & he's out riding somewhere around Walhalla being a mountain goat...not fair...
Cheers,
Marls

We are staying at Blue Gums Caravan Park just out of Eildon, if you haven't put a deposit at the Thornton Pub, you should look at booking a Cabin where we are staying, it's a nice park .
Here's a link to the Park: http://www.bluegums.com.au/contact.htm
1st pic: Cabin for hire.
2nd pic: My Eildon Taj Mahal.
3rd Pic: Husaberg 2011 fe315 2 Stroke my next ride.

Gidday Pete,
I just rang Bluegums and all their cabins are booked out ???. The guy commented that there must be something happening that weekend?? Never mind; we'll know for next time. Nice looking cabins... 2 stroke 315... for an old fella with a gummy leg, you do like things fast ::)!
Cheers,
Marls