Some time has passed and many riders have "upgraded" - so if you see your old steed here you can add your new machine (or remove the old) - just email your request or details here.
Please Note: Postings have been made alphabetically by first name of the rider.
- 2006 Kawasaki ZX-10
After 20 years off a bike the "GREAT POWER THAT BE" said unto me "The kids are grown up now, your super is looking great, go on get another bike" After a 2 week stint on a Yamaha XT250, I progressed to Kawasaki GPX. This lasted 4 weeks, due to the fact that the good lady decided that she would like to join me on my mysterious rides. Being a 250 the poor thing couldn't hack it any longer. Truth be said I wanted a bigger bike………so maybe the throttle wasn't twisted as much as it could have been. On the morning of the photo I asked Suzie should I get a bigger bike so that we would be more comfortable and have a "little bit more power out on the road, she said OK go see what you can find. Knowing that it is a woman's prerogative to change her mind I sent her off to work finished my coffee, jumped onto the GPX and down to the Kawasaki dealer I went. 1 hour later I was the proud owner of the ZX. If you think I look happy in the photo imagine the look on Suzie's face when she came home and saw me the bike and the fact I had already put 400 Klm's on her. Now Suzie is sick of riding pillion and is looking for her 1st bike
- 2004 KLR650
cheers Chris
- My new love Karin, my BMW K1200S.
During numerous Ulysses rides I also developed a fondness for Beemers and I was mightily impressed by their road-holding and suspension performance (sometimes rider input is a contributor here too I should add !).
Anyway, after a lot of thought to the matter, the cost of my recent Ducati ST3's (she is Désirée) service and the lack of its balls-out performance compared with Sarah (my Triumph Sprint 1050), I decided to join the Beemer crowd.
Only thing is I did not go the GS or RT route, oh no! I wanted PERFORMANCE, so I closed a fantastic deal on a new K1200S.
I am still very excited about owning a prestige Bayerische Motoren Werke 2-wheel product and not "ein verdamt traktor" either. I really look forward to her expected cheap running costs, but I'm a bit concerned about my ability to master such a delicate feisty lass.
- 2004 GoldWing 1800
- Bubbles
(During this very traumatic period my husband has been very understanding and supportive)
Finally, a day came when I had to find another companion. I spent weeks prowling through those places that I knew such as she was to be found; I tried the sporty types and the cruisey types – I even tried those much-maligned American types, but none met my, admittedly high, expectations. Beginning to despair of ever again finding a special girl with whom I could share part of my life, I finally found ‘Bubbles”; I knew at once that she was what I had been searching for: she was quite young, had a saucy look to her and had the most fabulous skin colouring – a golden, almost suntanned glow when seen in the afternoon sun, it reminded me of a glass of fine champagne seen with the sun behind it, hence her name: “Bubbles”.
She is, of course, a Honda NT700, Deauville, and what a girl she is! I had previously owned the NTV 650, her “older sister”, and loved every minute of it. With my dicky back, the Deauville allows me to sit with a neutral spine, putting no pressure on my back. I find that I can ride for two hours without experiencing discomfort. The fuel capacity means that I don’t have to be looking for fuel every hour and a half; I have the option of riding for another hour at least. The bike cruises comfortably at slightly-above-legal speeds on the highways and is no slouch in the twisties either. The seat is comfortable, although the standard seat is quite high and may not suit those who are vertically challenged. I have a specially modified seat that drops the height by about 25mm. The (manually) height-adjustable screen gives good wind protection and the minimal fairing does a good job of keeping the worst of the weather off. Panniers are standard and have about 57 litres of storage; a novel feature is a ‘hole” from one pannier to the other through the bike, allowing the rider to store long-ish items like collapsible tent poles Most importantly, the bike is quite competitively priced, selling today for about the same price as it did 5 years ago.
I love Bubbles; here’s her photo:
- Bandit 600
- BMW R100S 1977
- Honda DN01
This is the bike Butch said I should have – and sorry to say “He was right” (Ssshhh, don’t tell him). However for those of you who know me, you will know that I am a bit vertically challenged and have on occasion (too many to remember) added a touch of humour to our rides by stopping and dropping my Suzuki GSX750. So having inspected the Dino at the Penrith AGM at almost $20,000.00 - the call from Al Munday saying “CMC have them for $10,990.00 ride away, get out there quick” was taken up without hesitation.
Now that I have travelled over 8,000 kms, (after Butch just HAD to put the first 2,000 kms on it in my worktime - I can say – what a bike – fantastic. It is a great bike for me (size and weight distribution wise) and it doesn't make me push boundaries I shouldn't. So, despite my suspicion that Butch recommended it so he could "ride Jan's bike", he was right when he said “you will be very happy with that bike”.
AND the trip to Albany proved it to be a “bloke” magnet – even got a marriage proposal – I saw the real intent there (hmmm, want to ride my motorbike). There was a moment however, at the fuel stop at Balladonia, when this guy pulled up and looked across at me exclaiming “that’s a girly bike, isn’t it”. AND THE POINT IS!!! As I puffed my chest out – REALLY, YOU NOB!! Butch got shittier with him than me, which just proves he loves the Dino too.
It is automatic and manual – I love choices. It is comfortable, has grunt! All the weight is down low. It is – smooth, sexy and soooo hot (‘cause it’s red). I recommend it for anyone who wants a great ride on a fabulous bike. Only minus is the standard windscreen, dumb idea. I have a Givi after market windscreen, mucho better.
- Yamaha XVS650
You can see from the picture that she’s beautiful and black with lovely chrome to shine, and I’ve added some extra chrome bits as well – I do get lured by lovely shiny bits!! She’s my second bike, my first was a little TU250 Suzuki which was a great first bike. I really enjoy doing long rides (tent etc on the back) on my bike, I don’t ride around town much – not because I don’t want to, it’s more the type of job I have that better suits a car. I am looking forward to Townsville as I’m taking four or five days to get there, and about four or five days coming back – bliss!
JW
- BMW F800GS
In the morning I walked out of my tent with a hot coffee in my hand and saw one of the other blokes on the course crouched down behind a tripod. I apologized for getting in his picture and prepared to go back in the tent to finish breakfast. He said no just stand where you are and face the camera. I gave him my email address and asked if he would send me a copy.
The attached photograph is the result. Credit for the picture goes to Kieron Hayter Photos hence the khp in the bottom right hand corner.
John
Feb2015
- Honda ST1300
I have again fitted an Autocom comms system for connecting my Ipod, phone, TomTom Rider GPS and a Icom 5W CB. What else can I say the veery bright red Honda is fantastic.
- Hyosung 650 Comet
Judy P - My introduction to motorcycle riding was as a pillion, on fast Harleys, on wet sand in Darwin, in a bikini as a nubile wench, with crazed ex Vietnam US chopper pilots … and probably over the limit. I quickly came to the conclusion that it was not such a good idea.
Then about 2 ½ years ago I went on another pillion ride and within the first 1 km realized that I LOVE THIS and set about getting a bike and L’s in July 2006. I joined every motorcycle group for which I was eligible and gained all the support and encouragement I needed to achieve this.
I started with a Honda @125 and soon progressed to a Vespa 250 to do day runs mid week and Sundays and weekends away. Last year I progressed to an XV535 and enjoyed 32,000 km on it till last week when I bought a new Hyosung GT650 Comet. Just love it, but have no real brand loyalty and will probably change bikes again soon … I have a lot of bikes to catch up on being a late starter.
I have had the best fun and comradeship in the biking community that I could ever have wished for.
Then about 2 ½ years ago I went on another pillion ride and within the first 1 km realized that I LOVE THIS and set about getting a bike and L’s in July 2006. I joined every motorcycle group for which I was eligible and gained all the support and encouragement I needed to achieve this.
I started with a Honda @125 and soon progressed to a Vespa 250 to do day runs mid week and Sundays and weekends away. Last year I progressed to an XV535 and enjoyed 32,000 km on it till last week when I bought a new Hyosung GT650 Comet. Just love it, but have no real brand loyalty and will probably change bikes again soon … I have a lot of bikes to catch up on being a late starter.
I have had the best fun and comradeship in the biking community that I could ever have wished for.
- Honda Cruiser 750
Larry D - I have just received my membership from Ulysses, and feel privileged to be a member. I like the fact I was branded ‘Junior’’ member. Although I thought I was having a mid life crisis at my age of 48, to be called junior, made me feel young. Perhaps I can retain this feeling till next year, and then be titled senior.
- BMW R1200GS
LeoF - My bike is a 2005 model BMW R1200GS and is just great for long riding. Here we are in Darwin last year with camping gear loaded and '000s of k's in front of us. I'd love to have the time to explore every little town I pass through and all the great State and National Parks. Townsville this year by as many alternate routes I can find and maybe the Nullabor (if employment is kind to me).
- 2003 Kawasaki ZZR 600
In 2000, after a couple of changes in career I was able to get back into bikes which I thoroughly enjoy. I ride from Calwell to Belconnen everyday for work, irrespective of the weather conditions. Work sucks but at least I enjoy getting there and coming home.
Having a young family, I can occasionally go on weekend rides with the Ulysses club and friends so I take every chance I get.
- 2001 BMW R1150 Roadster
I struggled to find an appropriate replacement for the riding I do and the mechanical simplicity I like, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab a low kilometre and low priced GSA when it came up for sale in the local area. It was only a few months newer than my Roadster, but way over 100,000 kilometres newer as far as usage goes.
The bike showed serious signs of having led a very easy early life. It had very stifled running and massive oil consumption thanks to carbon on the piston tops, ‘gunk’ in the oil system and sticky oil rings on the pistons. Lovely.
The handful of months since ownership have seen another 16,000 kilometres added to the beast, and all have been a great deal of fun. Hard-running and frequent oil changes have dropped the oil consumption from half a litre every 1,000 kilometres to nil. Zip. Zero. Goliath ejected the last of its previous life’s undigested crap after 8,000 kilometres of long-distance riding at high rpm and has never looked back. It’s a risk with the R1150 engines, but a risk worth taking sometimes.
Speaking of which, I risk a nose-bleed every time I climb on the thing, but it is so much fun to ride that the climb up to the seat makes it well-worth the effort. The bonus is that I didn’t have to ditch my BMW jacket and I still have room for Kipper the Border Collie, so all is good in the world. See you on the road sometime. Mick B.
- 2007 Triumph Sprint ST
After 22 years and a number of motorcycle news magazines lying around I heard the words I thought I would never hear again. After finding a Triumph Sprint St and I asked my wife and she said YES. I started riding again wearing my leather jacket which was made back in 1975 it was like putting on an old glove. After a few weeks on the Sprint the years had disappeared.
I started thinking about surviving on the road in 2011. That’s when I decided to join a motor cycle club, and as I am getting older the only choice was The Ulysses Club. Canberra was the closest and after attending the meetings and rides I have to say thank you for your friendship and allowing me to join. Attending the rusty riders and the Masters course with Stay Upright have helped me gain the correct perspective on surviving on the road today. Again thank you - I had forgotten how peaceful the open road can be and how enjoyable a section of corners are.
Keep safe and let the straight kilometres of road melt into corners.
- 2017 Harley Davidson Soft Tail Slim S
The 2017 Soft Tail S is a throw-back to Harley’s WW11 military heritage (as an ex-serviceman I couldn’t resist!), runs a 110 ci (1800 cc) Screaming Eagle Air-cooled Twin Cam and chugs along very comfortably on our highways and country roads. The new 17 litre tank provides around 300 km reach, so refuelling is not an issue. At over 320 kgs wet and limited ground clearance …. not too flash on tight twisting corners or dirt. However, these days, I leave that to the younger folks!
- 2007 BMW R1200GS
Fortunately the GS isn’t about good looks, as it is quite spectacularly ugly. It is, however, great fun, and with the Saxon-Motodd front suspension (called “telelever” by BMW) it is spectacularly well behaved. It can also be used to plough fields, with the optional attachment, BMW Part No: 0075A879900X, available only for left hand mounting
I bought this one new in December 07, rode it to Townsville for the AGM, and back, without needing a butt transplant. In the interest of maintaining my anonymity and to avoid frightening small children or family pets, I’ve strategically placed a BMW neck warmer (Part No:085Z887B00C-3) for the photo.
My previous bike was a 1995 BMW R1100GS, which I bought around 2001. In an earlier life I had, at different times, a Honda VF750FE, a Yamaha XS650 and a Honda 750 K something or other with 4 cylinders.
- Suzuki DR 650
After 3 or 4 months and a couple of grand, it is back on the road as a TT650 Manx. The changes are all cosmetic apart from some suspension work to stiffen things up for a life on the tar. Most of the bits and pieces are from old Suzukis (tank, clipons, front guard, muffler) except for the rear mudguard (Kawasaki GT750) and the taillight (Honda AG200). It runs like a big single (of course) and has a real 'vintage' feel. It's even quite comfortable despite the clipons.
It's like a classic but with electric start and disc brakes... and no oil leaks. Excuse me while I race down to the cafe.
I replaced the left footpeg and gear selector mechanism. The original green bodywork was all cracked and broken so I discarded it and replaced it with a headlight unit from a Buell XB12R, a carbon fiber front mudguard, Renthal tapered motocross handlebars, a belly-pan cut down from the original fairing, mini-indicators, new mirrors, and some bits and pieces.
I resprayed it in black with a red belly and christened it "Red-bellied Black". Mechanically it was AOK once I got a bit of gravel out of the chassis. It's got sports bike performance without the severe riding position.
t was on the road in May 2007 in time for my first mid-week ride. 10,000 kilometres later it was running fine including trips to Mt Hotham and the Tallangatta Rally. See you on the road.
Peter Brooker
I have only owned 6 bikes in 28 years (mostly BMW’s) but have travelled extensively on the East Coast from the Great Ocean Road to Cape York. Have spent many holidays travelling to various destinations with mates from Sydney and continue to search out new destinations. I have only recently returned from the 2nd Far Cairn Rally at Tottenham in central New South Wales – a quick 2 day trip covering some 1200k’s with ease and in great comfort. Don’t think I will get rid of this one for some time.
Who hath smelt woodsmoke at twilight?
Well, marriage and kids.. The bike went to pay bills, and the years rolled by. Roughly 15 actually. I got a new job that paid really well, and with extra cash, I decided to buy a bike and ride once more. The little VN250 I bought was a reintroduction into riding. Something easy to re-build my confidence. A year later, I went looking for a more comfortable bike.. I did look at a mean streak, and even looked at the harleys, but when I came across the M109R I stopped looking. I loved the modern sleek styling, then I read the specs.. While the fact is had more power than my wife Holden Astra was very attractive, the whole package sold me. So I bought one.
Of course I had to name her.... and I did. Thumper. Long story but a good name. So here is My bike thumper and I.
I had always ridden bikes since I joined the Army in 1972 but my ambition had always been to own and ride a Goldwing and dreams do come true. I love my bike for two reasons the first I have already explained and that is Peta and the second is that the Ulysses Club and my bike are a wonderful outlet for me, the freedom of being able to go off and ride with a wonderful group of people or just by myself is exhilarating and relaxing. I don’t have a care in the world when I am on my bike.
If I have one ambition and that is that Peta will come for a ride with me one day. I love my wife and my bike.
RobMc
Then as usually happens met my first wife and started a family, so the bike had to be sold, fast forward 21 years and the new love of my life says that the kids are grown, most have moved out and it’s about time I bought a new bike.
Two weeks later enter my 1984 BMW K100RT, a good starting point to get me back on two wheels, at the same time I joined the UC. Now after three years enter my current steed a beautiful ST 1300, pictured here with my 14 year old son and riding companion. All we need to do now is convince his mum to learn.
My name is Steve Salkeld (24075) (retired) and I commenced with the Canberra Branch some years ago when Gary was our President. At that stage I was the proud owner of a Kawasaki GTR1000 and our first AGM was at Mount Gambier. It was also the longest ride my that my wife - Kathy (24706) enjoyed.
We are now the proud owner of a Honda ST1300 (its comingup to its 3rd birthday) and we have circumnavigated Tasmania and Victoria, travelled along the Pacific, New England and the Newell Highways to destinations within NSW and Qld. We are regular attendees to the Old Priory meeting. I will be taking the long way to the Townsville AGM (via Bourke and Mount Isa and will come back thru Rockhampton, Emerald, Roma and then home).
We love our machine and the rides it takes us on.
I bought my Blackbird in February 07 after looking at a range of types, makes and models. I had a list of things I wanted from the bike and the Blackbird satisfied all of those, including that Jennie is comfortable on the back. The bike is a timeless classic sports tourer, it is easy to ride around town but can send the adrenalin level of scale out of town, even with just a nudge of the throttle.
My enthusiasm for motorbikes and pushbikes is as strong now as my teens and I can hardly wait for the weekend to throw my leg over the Blackbird and head out of town and into the some of the best motorcycle country in Australia.
It's like a classic but with electric start and disc brakes... and no oil leaks. Excuse me while I race down to the cafe.
- Kawasaki ZX6R 1998 Peter’s previous bike (now sold):
I replaced the left footpeg and gear selector mechanism. The original green bodywork was all cracked and broken so I discarded it and replaced it with a headlight unit from a Buell XB12R, a carbon fiber front mudguard, Renthal tapered motocross handlebars, a belly-pan cut down from the original fairing, mini-indicators, new mirrors, and some bits and pieces.
I resprayed it in black with a red belly and christened it "Red-bellied Black". Mechanically it was AOK once I got a bit of gravel out of the chassis. It's got sports bike performance without the severe riding position.
t was on the road in May 2007 in time for my first mid-week ride. 10,000 kilometres later it was running fine including trips to Mt Hotham and the Tallangatta Rally. See you on the road.
Peter Brooker
- 2007 BMW R1200 GSA
I have only owned 6 bikes in 28 years (mostly BMW’s) but have travelled extensively on the East Coast from the Great Ocean Road to Cape York. Have spent many holidays travelling to various destinations with mates from Sydney and continue to search out new destinations. I have only recently returned from the 2nd Far Cairn Rally at Tottenham in central New South Wales – a quick 2 day trip covering some 1200k’s with ease and in great comfort. Don’t think I will get rid of this one for some time.
- 2005 Honda Deauville
Who hath smelt woodsmoke at twilight?
- 2008 Suzuki VZR1800 M109R
Well, marriage and kids.. The bike went to pay bills, and the years rolled by. Roughly 15 actually. I got a new job that paid really well, and with extra cash, I decided to buy a bike and ride once more. The little VN250 I bought was a reintroduction into riding. Something easy to re-build my confidence. A year later, I went looking for a more comfortable bike.. I did look at a mean streak, and even looked at the harleys, but when I came across the M109R I stopped looking. I loved the modern sleek styling, then I read the specs.. While the fact is had more power than my wife Holden Astra was very attractive, the whole package sold me. So I bought one.
Of course I had to name her.... and I did. Thumper. Long story but a good name. So here is My bike thumper and I.
- 1995 Goldwing 1500 Aspencade
I had always ridden bikes since I joined the Army in 1972 but my ambition had always been to own and ride a Goldwing and dreams do come true. I love my bike for two reasons the first I have already explained and that is Peta and the second is that the Ulysses Club and my bike are a wonderful outlet for me, the freedom of being able to go off and ride with a wonderful group of people or just by myself is exhilarating and relaxing. I don’t have a care in the world when I am on my bike.
If I have one ambition and that is that Peta will come for a ride with me one day. I love my wife and my bike.
- Honda VFR1200F
RobMc
- 2003 Honda ST 1300
Then as usually happens met my first wife and started a family, so the bike had to be sold, fast forward 21 years and the new love of my life says that the kids are grown, most have moved out and it’s about time I bought a new bike.
Two weeks later enter my 1984 BMW K100RT, a good starting point to get me back on two wheels, at the same time I joined the UC. Now after three years enter my current steed a beautiful ST 1300, pictured here with my 14 year old son and riding companion. All we need to do now is convince his mum to learn.
- Honda ST1300
My name is Steve Salkeld (24075) (retired) and I commenced with the Canberra Branch some years ago when Gary was our President. At that stage I was the proud owner of a Kawasaki GTR1000 and our first AGM was at Mount Gambier. It was also the longest ride my that my wife - Kathy (24706) enjoyed.
We are now the proud owner of a Honda ST1300 (its comingup to its 3rd birthday) and we have circumnavigated Tasmania and Victoria, travelled along the Pacific, New England and the Newell Highways to destinations within NSW and Qld. We are regular attendees to the Old Priory meeting. I will be taking the long way to the Townsville AGM (via Bourke and Mount Isa and will come back thru Rockhampton, Emerald, Roma and then home).
We love our machine and the rides it takes us on.
- Honda Blackbird
I bought my Blackbird in February 07 after looking at a range of types, makes and models. I had a list of things I wanted from the bike and the Blackbird satisfied all of those, including that Jennie is comfortable on the back. The bike is a timeless classic sports tourer, it is easy to ride around town but can send the adrenalin level of scale out of town, even with just a nudge of the throttle.
My enthusiasm for motorbikes and pushbikes is as strong now as my teens and I can hardly wait for the weekend to throw my leg over the Blackbird and head out of town and into the some of the best motorcycle country in Australia.
